[{"UniqueID":280080,"EventID":"S4W-12051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:43.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-02T12:01:42.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many counsellors are employed by GP practices.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for individual GP contractors as employers. The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:43.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280081,"EventID":"S4W-12052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:44.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-02T12:01:42.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of GP practices employs a counsellor and how this compares with (a) England, (b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12051 on 22 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/39875.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:44.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280082,"EventID":"S4W-12053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:44.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-02T12:01:42.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) counsellors, (b) psychotherapists and (c) cognitive behavioural therapists the NHS employs.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of (a) counsellors, (b) psychotherapists and (c) cognitive behavioural therapists the NHS employs is as follows:\r\n(a) The number of counsellors employed under the psychology budget in NHS Scotland can be found in the publication “Workforce Planning for Psychology Services in NHSScotland - Characteristics of the Workforce within Psychology Services 2012”: Table 1 or 1b. at the following link.\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2012-11-27/2012-11-27-Psychology-Workforce-Tables.xls.\r\n (b) Information on the number of psychotherapists employed in NHS Scotland is not centrally available. However, information on the number of psychotherapists who work within the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service can be found at the following link in Table 1.\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health%2DTopics/Workforce/Publications/2012-11-27/CAMHS_September2012.xls.\r\n (c) The number of Cognitive Behavioural Therapists employed in NHS Scotland can be found in the publication “Workforce Planning for Psychology Services in NHSScotland - Characteristics of the Workforce within Psychology Services 2012”: Table 1 or 1b. at the following link.\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2012-11-27/2012-11-27-Psychology-Workforce-Tables.xls.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:44.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280083,"EventID":"S4W-12054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:44.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-02T12:01:42.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the findings of the Welsh Government report, Evaluation of the Welsh School-based Counselling Strategy: Final Report.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials met with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the authors of the Welsh Government report, in August 2012 to discuss the report’s findings and their relevance for Scotland. Education Scotland are now in discussion with BACP to identify how best to disseminate the findings to Scottish local authorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:44.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280084,"EventID":"S4W-12055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:45.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-02T12:01:42.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Welsh Government’s decision to introduce a statutory duty for local authorities to provide school-based counselling in all post-primary schools and whether it will consider similar measures for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007 places a duty on all education authorities and managers of grant-aided schools to endeavour to ensure that public schools and grant-aided schools are health promoting. The Act defines a health promoting school as one which provides activities and an environment and facilities which promote the physical, social, mental and emotional health and wellbeing of pupils in attendance at the school.\r\nIn addition, under Curriculum for Excellence, everyone within each learning community, whatever their contact with children and young people may be, shares  a responsibility for creating a positive ethos and climate of trust, one in which everyone can make a positive contribution to the wellbeing of each individual within the school and wider community.\r\nIt is for each local authority and school to decide how best to meet their duties under the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007 and to develop their own approaches to implement Curriculum for Excellence, based on local needs and circumstances. A number of authorities provide access to school based counselling in their schools. In other areas, schools utilise the skills of their pastoral care staff and liaise with health services for specialist support when required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:45.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280085,"EventID":"S4W-12056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:45.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-02T12:01:42.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many superfast computers are in operation in Scotland and at what operating speeds, expressed in petaflops; how many graphics processing units are involved in parallel computing and what percentage of the maximum computing power they achieve; which universities are engaged in their operation, and what non-Scottish universities are involved in any superfast computing collaboration.\r\n","AnswerText":"Most higher education institutions in Scotland own resources for research computing. The trend until recently has largely been to purchase such resources at the departmental level, with specific research goals in mind, funded by research grants. These resources tend to be “compute clusters”, and are often designed for high-throughput computing, rather than for the massively parallel simulations which traditional supercomputers are designed for. They tend to lack the high-speed network interconnect between compute nodes which defines a supercomputer.\r\nThe overall speed of such a system is usually not measured due to the irrelevance of this number to the system – the system is not designed to work on a single problem at once. Also, the departmental nature of such systems means that they tend to be rather limited in size, and therefore theoretical peak performance.\r\nMany companies, for instance in the oil and gas sector, are likely to own large systems for engineering simulations, however commercial interests mean that information on such systems is not publically available.\r\nThe use of graphics processing units (GPUs) to speed up calculations is still a limited area, and although their use is increasing, no major systems in Scotland make heavy use of GPUs. The performance numbers of any GPUs are therefore not considered in the answer given.\r\nIn the list provided we have concentrated on large systems for which information is publically available, and those which have been designed, either wholly or partly, for running parallel workloads.\r\nTable 1 lists the major systems hosted in Scotland, hosted at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Strathclyde. As mentioned above various smaller compute clusters are hosted by other Scottish universities, notably the University of Aberdeen, the University of Dundee, the University of Glasgow, Heriot Watt University, and the University of St Andrews. These are all smaller than the systems listed.\r\nSystem Name\r\nHosting Institution\r\nCollaborating Partners\r\nFunders\r\nTheoretical Peak Performance (PFlop/s)\r\nSystem Details\r\nGPU Component\r\nReference\r\nDiRAC\r\nUniversity of Edinburgh\r\nSee note below\r\nSTFC\r\n1.258\r\nIBM BlueGene/Q 65000 cores, 5D Torus Interconnect, High Performance IO and Interconnect\r\nNo\r\n[1]\r\n\r\nHECToR\r\nEPCC, University of Edinburgh\r\nUoE HPCX Ltd, EPCC, NAG Ltd, Cray Inc, STFC Daresbury Laboratory, EPSRC. See note below1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nUK Research Councils\r\n0.829\r\nCray XE6 90,112 cores (AMD 2.3 GHz 16-core processors) High speed Cray Gemini interconnect\r\nNot in main system. Testbed available containing 14 GPUs\r\n[2]\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nARCHIE-WeSt\r\nUniversity of Strathclyde\r\nUniversity of Glasgow, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Strathclyde, University of Stirling and University of the West of Scotland.\r\nUniversity of Strathclyde and EPSRC\r\n0.038\r\n3408 cores (Mainly Dual Intel Xeon X5650 @ 2.66 GHz) 4xQDR Infiniband Interconnect @ 40 GB/s\r\n8 GPUs available\r\n[3]\r\n\r\nECDF\r\nUniversity of Edinburgh\r\nUniversity of Edinburgh\r\nUniversity of Edinburgh\r\n0.027\r\nIBM iDataPlex. 2912 cores (Mix of Intel Westmere E5620 quad core and E5645 six core). Gigabit Ethernet connection and some QDR Infiniband\r\n12 GPUs available\r\n[4]\r\n\r\n\r\nThese systems are provided for the benefit of UK users, and therefore have users from many different academic institutions around the UK and beyond.\r\nSources:\r\nhttps://safe.epcc.ed.ac.uk/diracwiki/index.php/Edinburgh_6144_node_BlueGene/Q\r\nhttp://www.hector.ac.uk/\r\nhttp://www.archie-west.ac.uk/\r\nhttp://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/information-services/services/research-support/research-computing/ecdf/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:45.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280094,"EventID":"S4W-12067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:49.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-03T10:04:30.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many sailings of (a) passenger and (b) freight ferry services were scheduled between the mainland and the Northern Isles in the off-peak season in each year since 2005-06 and how many have been scheduled for 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the previous (2006-2012) Northern Isles ferry services contract, details of all passenger and freight service sailings were set out in Part 4 (page 65) of the contract between Scottish Ministers and NorthLink Ferries Ltd. A copy of this contract has been lodged with the Scottish Parliaments Information Centre (SPICe) under Bib No. 54651.\r\nDetails of all passenger and freight sailings under the current Northern Isles ferry services contract is available on the NorthLink Ferries website which can be accessed through the following link: http://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/timetables.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:49.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280095,"EventID":"S4W-12068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:49.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-03T10:04:30.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions ministers and officials have had with (a) Serco NorthLink, (b) trade unions and (c) community groups regarding Serco NorthLink's plans to reduce the number of (i) staff, (ii)  sailings and (iii) dry dock maintenance visits by vessels on ferry routes between the mainland and the Northern Isles.\r\n","AnswerText":"The detail of Serco’s proposals for the configuration of the Northern Isles ferry services was fully discussed with Transport Scotland’s tender evaluation team during the procurement exercise. Serco NorthLink has undertaken extensive consultation with trade unions and local communities on the changes.\r\nTransport Scotland officials regularly meet with Serco NorthLink representatives to discuss contract management issues, and also attend meetings of the External Transport Forum which represents ferry user groups.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:49.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280096,"EventID":"S4W-12069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:50.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-03T10:04:30.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Serco NorthLink consulted Transport Scotland before announcing plans to reduce the number of (a) staff and (b) sailings on ferry services between the mainland and the Northern Isles; how many such meetings there have been, and whether it will publish the minutes from any such meetings.\r\n","AnswerText":"Serco NorthLink’s proposals with regard to crewing and timetabling were included in their bid for the Northern Isles ferry services contract and were fully discussed with Transport Scotland’s tender evaluation team during the procurement exercise.\r\nTransport Scotland officials meet regularly with Serco NorthLink representatives to discuss contract management issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:50.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280097,"EventID":"S4W-12070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:50.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-03T10:04:30.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment has been made of the economic impacts on Northern Isles communities of Serco NorthLink’s planned (a) job cuts, (b) passenger fare increases and (c) reduction in the number of sailings on ferry services to the islands.\r\n","AnswerText":"The introduction by Serco NorthLink of variable passenger muster modes will have an immediate positive impact on the Northern Isles economies as the operator will now be recruiting both a seasonal and temporary labour pool in Orkney and Shetland which will be used to provide core crew succession planning opportunities going forward.\r\nThe 2013-2014 fares increase of 2.8% is based on the CPI figure for May (published in June) 2012. This increase, which is in line with our other ferry service contracts, will help protect these lifeline ferry services for another year.\r\nIt is anticipated that the changes to the sailing timetable will have no detrimental impact on the Northern Isles communities. These planned changes were introduced on the basis of a detailed analysis of demand and following consultation with both passengers and the business community whose transport needs will continue to be met.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:50.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280098,"EventID":"S4W-12071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:50.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-03T10:04:30.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the increases in passenger fares that will result from Serco NorthLink’s decision to abolish the mid-season period for ferry services to the Northern Isles.\r\n","AnswerText":"The tender for the Northern Isles ferry services contract invited bidders to propose their own fares and freight tariff methodology within certain parameters set down in the tender documentation. This included the requirement to set fares within different seasons and other designated peak periods. Serco’s bid satisfied these requirements and they continue to retain a low, mid and peak fare system on their ferry services in the Northern Isles.\r\nIn their bid for the Northern Isles contract, Serco met the requirement that, over the tariff year, tariffs must average to the relevant previously published tariff for each category. This ensures that ferry customers will not experience inappropriate fares increases.\r\nFurthermore, it was also a requirement of the tender that fare discounts for certain categories of passengers be retained. Therefore, under the contract with Serco, all of these mandatory discounts continue, including discounts for islanders, national entitlement card holders and visually impaired passengers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:50.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280099,"EventID":"S4W-12072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:51.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-03T10:04:30.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment has been made of the (a) level and (b) impact on passengers of Serco NorthLink’s increases in the price of (i) food and (ii) beverages sold on Northern Isles ferry services.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Serco NorthLink. Since taking over the operation of the Northern Isles ferry services, Serco NorthLink has worked to improve the onboard experience for passengers including the catering on offer. This work is ongoing and is aimed at making the food and drink that is available on the vessels match the needs and expectations of passengers including those on limited budgets. It is therefore anticipated that the food and drink offered on board the Northern Isles vessels will compare favourably which what was previously available to passengers.\r\nIn addition, Serco aim to extend their ‘Buy Local Produce’ policy and have pledged that even more local food and beverages will feature on its on-board menus in future. The ‘Buy Local Produce’ policy includes not only Orkney and Shetland. The company’s policy encompasses all of the areas – mainland and islands – from which these lifeline services operate and produce from the Caithness and Grampian areas also feature prominently on the menus.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:51.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280100,"EventID":"S4W-12073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:51.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-03T10:04:30.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment has been made of the savings that Serco NorthLink expects to make from the plan to reduce the number of staff working on Northern Isles ferry services.\r\n","AnswerText":"Serco’s bid for the Northern Isles ferry services tender included detail of their proposals for crewing levels following the introduction of variable passenger muster models. The company’s bid was fully examined by the tender evaluation panel and their proposals were reflected in their price.\r\nTransport Scotland monitors the operation of the Northern Isles ferry services contract, including the financial aspects, on an ongoing basis to ensure that Serco is fulfilling its obligations under the terms of the contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:51.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280101,"EventID":"S4W-12074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:51.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-03T10:04:30.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment has been made of the impact on freight passengers of Serco NorthLink’s decision to reduce the freight ferry service to the Northern Isles to one vessel between January and June 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the tender for the Northern Isles ferry services contract, bidders were invited to examine the level of freight demand on the Aberdeen-Kirkwall-Lerwick service and set out their proposals to meet that demand. Freight traffic varies at different times of the year so bidders were invited to examine the market and demonstrate that their freight proposals would meet demand.\r\nIn their bid, Serco proposed using two freighters during a peak freight season of mid June to 1 December and a single freighter on alternate nights during the low season. Serco reached this position by thoroughly investigating and analysing the freight demands and traffic movements across the year. They were involved in extensive dialogue with the livestock sector, seafood sector and other key shippers of freight and they continue to maintain close links with this sector to ensure that their needs are met. Freight is, of course, also carried on the two ropax vessels all year round. In addition, during the low season, Serco maintain the second freighter ready to be brought into service if ever demand makes this necessary. Bidders’ freight proposals were all fully examined by the tender evaluation panel and an independent expert and they were content with the robustness of Serco’s freight proposals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:51.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280102,"EventID":"S4W-12075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:52.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-03T10:04:30.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to ensure that the machinery of negotiation between Serco NorthLink and the maritime trade unions is honoured in respect of (a) proposed redundancies and (b) the terms and conditions of employment of staff remaining in position but working in areas of the business affected by job losses.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is correctly a matter for Serco NorthLink and the relevant trade unions to establish procedural arrangements by which they can negotiate over matters of mutual interest.\r\nI am aware that Serco was involved in close negotiation with the RMT and Nautilus over recent changes to crewing levels on the Northern Isles vessels and that this resulted in the achievement of staff reductions without any compulsory redundancies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:52.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280103,"EventID":"S4W-12076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:52.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-03T10:04:30.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to ensure that the existing terms and conditions of employees working on Serco NorthLink ferry services to the Northern Isles are respected by the employer.\r\n","AnswerText":"Bidders for the Northern Isles ferry services contract were advised of our expectation that, in the event of a change of operator, the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations rules would apply. Therefore, when Serco took over the contract, the NorthLink crew had the right to transfer over to the new operator with their terms and conditions protected.\r\nGoing forward, it should be noted that employees’ terms and conditions are set down in their employment contracts and therefore employees would have a direct right of action in relation to any breach by their employer of those terms.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:52.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280104,"EventID":"S4W-12077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:52.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-03T10:04:30.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what sanctions are available to Transport Scotland in circumstances where a contractor providing lifeline ferry services does not honour employees’ contractual terms and conditions.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12076 on 21 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:52.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280105,"EventID":"S4W-12079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:53.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-03T10:09:07.513","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to encourage a negotiated settlement of the industrial dispute between Serco NorthLink and the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT).\r\n","AnswerText":"As I explained in my Parliamentary Statement of 13 December 2012, the dispute on the Northern Isles ferries is rightly a matter to be resolved between the ferry operator, Serco NorthLink, and the RMT union. However, I have on several occasions spoken to both parties and urged them to work constructively together to address their issues and avoid disruption to these vital ferry services. I have also discussed the matter with the STUC. Transport Scotland officials remain in regular contact with Serco to ensure that I remain up-to-date with developments.\r\nI am pleased that the RMT chose not to go through with their full 6-day programme of strike action over the festive period. I remain hopeful that discussion between the ferry operator and the union over the coming days will lead to a final resolution of the dispute, particularly given that Serco have ensured that there are no compulsory redundancies and that they have also given an assurance that they do not intend to make any further changes to staff terms and conditions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:53.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280106,"EventID":"S4W-12080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:53.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-03T10:09:07.513","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will review its decisions on redacting sections of Transport Scotland’s 2012-18 contract with Serco NorthLink for ferry services to the Northern Isles on grounds of commercial sensitivity.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government takes a proactive approach to the publication of our contracts for subsidised ferry services. In October 2012, the Northern Isles contract was published on the Transport Scotland website. At the time of publication, however, officials agreed to redact certain sections of the contract which contains commercially sensitive information. However, further discussions with Serco are scheduled to take place in due course with a view to the possible release of some of the redacted material.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:53.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280107,"EventID":"S4W-12081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:53.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-03T10:09:07.513","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what definition of commercial sensitivity it used in redacting sections of Transport Scotland’s 2012-18 contract with Serco NorthLink for ferry services to the Northern Isles.\r\n","AnswerText":"As a general rule, reference has been made to the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and the exemption under section 33. Guidance on this section describes information as being commercially sensitive when its release might cause “real and actual harm to a relevant commercial, financial or economic interest.\r\nHowever, Transport Scotland officials are due to have further discussions with Serco with a view to the possible release of some of the redacted material.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:53.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280108,"EventID":"S4W-12082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:54.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-03T10:09:07.513","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will take steps to cap the profits that can be earned by Serco NorthLink in providing lifeline ferry services to the Northern Isles and on what grounds such a cap was not included in the 2012-18 contract for Northern Isles ferry services.\r\n","AnswerText":"The cost of operating the ferry services to the Northern Isles far exceeds revenues so no operator will ever run the services at a profit. This is why these services require to be subsidised by the Scottish Government. \r\nThe Northern Isles contract (Volume 1, Section C) includes a tightly defined payments mechanism which guards against any overpayment being made to the operator, Serco. Each year, the operator will only be paid the sum set down in the contract’s financial base case. Payment beyond the agreed base case level will only be made where the operator has recorded savings against predicted costs in certain areas of spend and - even in these instances – any cost savings will be shared with the Scottish Government. The previous 2006-12 contract had been drafted on a different basis with a less complex payments mechanism.\r\nThe Northern Isles contract not only provides the necessary incentive to the operator to maximise efficiency but also prevents overpayment to the operator thereby ensuring best value for money for the public purse.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:54.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280109,"EventID":"S4W-12083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:54.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-03T10:09:07.513","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its policy is on the use of agency staff on lifeline ferry services.","AnswerText":"Decisions around the employment of agency workers are operational matters to be made by the companies running our subsidised ferry services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:54.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280110,"EventID":"S4W-12084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:54.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-03T10:09:07.513","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussion it has had with the UK Government regarding any safety implications of Serco NorthLink’s plans to reduce staffing levels on ferry services to the Northern Isles.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had no such discussions with the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:54.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280111,"EventID":"S4W-12085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:55.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-03T10:09:07.513","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussion it has had with the UK Government regarding any safety implications of Serco NorthLink’s plans to reduce the number of dry dock maintenance visits by ferries working on routes to the Northern Isles.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had no such discussions with the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:55.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280112,"EventID":"S4W-12086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:55.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-03T10:09:07.513","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason there was a delay in announcing the preferred bidder for the 2012-18 contract for Northern Isles ferry services.","AnswerText":"Following a thorough procurement exercise, the closing date for final tenders for the Northern Isles ferry services contract was set for 5 March 2012 and four final bids were received. Over the following weeks these bids were then required to be properly evaluated by a panel of officials and external specialist advisers.\r\nOn 4 May 2012, I announced that Serco had emerged as the preferred bidder and the new service came into operation on 5 July 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:55.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280116,"EventID":"S4W-12089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-04T13:19:39.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-04T12:25:49.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average number of patients per GP has been in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested will be available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) (Bib. Number 54628).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-18T13:19:39.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280117,"EventID":"S4T-00188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T13:12:11.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T11:20:13.203","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it is providing to the victims of recent flooding in Stonehaven and other areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T13:12:11.687","MeetingDate":"2013-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280118,"EventID":"S4T-00192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T13:24:49.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T11:52:25.057","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that NHS accident and emergency units are able to cope with increased demand on their services during the winter.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T13:24:49.85","MeetingDate":"2013-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280119,"EventID":"S4F-01089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T13:11:24.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T09:15:51.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T13:11:24.813","MeetingDate":"2013-01-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280120,"EventID":"S4F-01090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T13:11:25.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T09:10:03.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T13:11:25.407","MeetingDate":"2013-01-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280121,"EventID":"S4F-01102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T13:11:29.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T11:32:07.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the recent report by Pinsent Masons, Scotland's place in the Renewable Energy World, aids Scotland's sustainable growth.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T13:11:29.683","MeetingDate":"2013-01-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280122,"EventID":"S4F-01103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T13:11:29.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T11:33:29.05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the impact of changes to child benefit will be on families in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T13:11:29.993","MeetingDate":"2013-01-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280123,"EventID":"S4F-01104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T13:11:30.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T11:35:43.797","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the recent CNN poll that places Scotland as the number one tourist destination for 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T13:11:30.337","MeetingDate":"2013-01-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280124,"EventID":"S4F-01106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T13:11:30.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T11:40:34.89","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is on the assertion by the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland that a change in legislation is required to properly define the roles and responsibilities of the service's HR and finance functions.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T13:11:30.977","MeetingDate":"2013-01-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280131,"EventID":"S4W-12090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:46.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-04T16:09:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that Scottish production companies can benefit from the high-end TV tax credit.\r\n","AnswerText":"Implementation of the recommendations of the Scottish Broadcasting Commission has seen benefits for the broadcasting sector, which creates the environment within which Scottish broadcasting companies can benefit from the high-end television tax credit. These include measures such as:\r\nbetter funding for television production;\r\ngreater working together by government agencies to support the sector; and \r\nincreased profile of the sector within the Scottish Parliament.\r\nThis has resulted in Creative Scotland and Scottish Enterprise announcing last year the Television Production Fund, with an allocation of £1 million for the 2012-13 financial year. Creative Scotland has formed partnerships with leading broadcasters STV, DRG, Creative Media and Nine/8 Entertainment. There has also been a rise in the proportion of productions that are made in Scotland and shown across the UK which has rise from 2.6% in 2006 to 4.9% in 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:46.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280132,"EventID":"S4W-12091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:46.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-04T16:09:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that TV production companies wishing to benefit from the high-end TV tax credit choose to film in Scotland.","AnswerText":"There have been successes in attracting television production to Scotland for example, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International worked with Shed Productions to relocate the BBC drama Waterloo Road to Scotland. This venture is expected to generate almost £25 million in direct investment and 230 job opportunities across all levels of production.\r\n\r\nScotland’s remarkable landscapes and heritage are sought after by producers. For example, the Christmas special for Downton Abbey was shot at Inveraray Castle in Argyll and Bute. Creative Scotland Locations offers a free and confidential service to television producers seeking suitable locations. The tax credit for high end television drama will provide a further incentive to locate television production in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:46.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280133,"EventID":"S4W-12092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:46.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-04T16:09:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the facilities are available to encourage TV production companies wishing to benefit from the high-end TV tax credit to base their productions in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Current success in attracting television production demonstrates that Scotland has facilities and skilled staff for such productions, including high-end television drama.\r\nThe Scottish Government would welcome the establishment of a sustainable production facility to complement Scotland’s current offering in relation to landscapes, historic homes and good film crews. Creative Scotland have committed £75,000 to undertake a feasibility study for development of screen industry facilities, with a provisional future investment of £1 million earmarked to develop such a proposal in more detail.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:46.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280134,"EventID":"S4W-12093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:47.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T10:26:29.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Scottish Public Finance Manual was first issued.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Public Finance Manual was first published on the Scottish Government website at the beginning of 2002. Post-devolution financial guidance issued by the Scottish Ministers had previously been published in the form of individual Finance Guidance Notes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:47.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280135,"EventID":"S4W-12094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:47.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T10:26:29.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the contents of the Scottish Public Finance Manual.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has never had any formal discussions with the UK Government on the contents of the Scottish Public Finance Manual. Guidance issued by the UK Government has no application with regards devolved matters, unless expressly adopted by the Scottish Ministers. However, in the preparation of guidance published in the manual due consideration is given to relevant guidance issued by the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:47.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280136,"EventID":"S4W-12095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:47.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T10:26:29.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the Scottish Public Finance Manual defines best value.","AnswerText":"Best Value is defined in the Scottish Public Finance Manual as continuous improvement in performance whilst maintaining an appropriate balance between quality and cost, having regard to economy, efficiency, effectiveness, equal opportunities and sustainable development.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:47.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280137,"EventID":"S4W-12096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:48.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T10:26:29.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what occasions the Scottish Public Finance Manual has been applied to potential community land buyouts.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details of individual community land buyouts are not held centrally. However, the Scottish Public Finance Manual is applicable to all bodies subject to audit by the Auditor General and any other body sponsored by the Scottish Government and they would be obliged to comply with relevant requirements in respect of potential community land buyouts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:48.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280138,"EventID":"S4W-12097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:48.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T10:26:29.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review the Scottish Public Finance Manual and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Public Finance Manual is reviewed and updated as necessary on a regular basis. Substantive amendments are announced in Finance Guidance Notes published on the Scottish Government website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:48.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280139,"EventID":"S4W-12099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:49.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T13:46:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made on obtaining legal advice on an independent Scotland’s membership of the EU and when it expects to receive the final advice on the matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The government has commissioned specific legal advice on the issue of an independent Scotland’s membership of the European Union. The government will receive the advice when it has been finalised.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:49.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280140,"EventID":"S4W-12100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:49.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T15:01:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider making the offer of three courses of IVF treatment standard across all NHS boards.","AnswerText":"The National Infertility Group was set up in April 2010 to address the inequity of access to IVF treatment across Scotland. The Group will submit its report, which will include a recommendation on the number of IVF treatment cycles, to Ministers by the end of January 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:49.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280141,"EventID":"S4W-12101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:49.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T15:05:37.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people it has invited to join the Expert Working Group on Welfare and what proportion (a) was women and (b) has an income in the lower five deciles of Scottish incomes.","AnswerText":"Five people with expertise in public sector delivery, social policy, accountancy and economics have been appointed to the Expert Working Group on Welfare. One woman has been appointed to the Group. Information on income was not sought.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:49.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280142,"EventID":"S4W-12102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:50.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T15:05:37.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it gave to appointing (a) women and (b) people with incomes in the lower five deciles of Scottish incomes to the Expert Working Group on Welfare.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12101 on 17 January 2013 All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:50.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280143,"EventID":"S4W-12103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:50.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T15:05:37.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has provided a definition of Scottish values to the Expert Working Group on Welfare.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have set out their vision on welfare in an independent Scotland in Your Scotland, Your Voice and in Working for Scotland: The Government’s Programme for Scotland 2012-13. Opportunities for debate on the principles and values that should underpin welfare in an independent Scotland will be created through a programme of wider stakeholder engagement.\r\nWe established the Expert Working Group on Welfare to review and provide assurance on work being undertaken by the Scottish Government on the cost of benefit payments in an independent Scotland and the delivery of those payments in an independent Scotland. The group will seek to acquire further information from the UK Government as appropriate.\r\nThe group will also offer views on what aspects of the UK Government’s current reforms to working-age benefits should be an immediate priority for change in an independent Scotland.\r\nThe full remit of the group and other information on appointments, meetings, expenses and members can be accessed at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/welfarereform/EXPERTWORKINGGROUPONWELFARE. The conclusions of the group will be submitted to Scottish Ministers in May 2013 and will be published shortly thereafter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:50.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280144,"EventID":"S4W-12104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:50.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T15:05:37.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Expert Working Group on Welfare will define Scottish values in its final report.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:51.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280145,"EventID":"S4W-12105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:51.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T15:05:37.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it arrived at the definition of Scottish values to be used by the Expert Working Group on Welfare.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:51.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280146,"EventID":"S4W-12106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:51.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T15:05:37.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what statistical evidence it used to construct the definition of Scottish values to be used by the Expert Working Group on Welfare.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:51.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280147,"EventID":"S4W-12107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:51.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T15:05:37.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in considering the definition of Scottish values to be used by the Expert Working Group on Welfare, what values held by people in other countries it (a) assessed and (b) considered inferior to those proposed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:51.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280148,"EventID":"S4W-12108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:52.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T15:05:37.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the terms of reference of the Expert Working Group on Welfare.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:52.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280149,"EventID":"S4W-12109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:52.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T15:05:37.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the letters of appointment issued to the members of the Expert Working Group on Welfare.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:52.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280150,"EventID":"S4W-12110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:52.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T15:05:37.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Expert Working Group on Welfare has been asked to use the welfare system in place prior to May 2010 as a baseline.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:52.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280151,"EventID":"S4W-12111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:53.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T15:05:37.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Expert Working Group on Welfare has been asked to consider which elements of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 should be reversed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:53.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280152,"EventID":"S4W-12112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:53.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T15:05:37.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Expert Working Group on Welfare has been asked to recommend which elements of the £2.5 billion in reductions referred to in its news release of 6 January 2012, A welfare system for Scotland, should be reversed.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:53.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280153,"EventID":"S4W-12113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:53.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T15:05:37.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Expert Working Group on Welfare will consider the tax credits system.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:53.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280154,"EventID":"S4W-12114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:54.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T15:06:08.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11554 by Richard Lochhead on 11 December 2012, what its position is on the decline in dairy (a) cow and (b) herd numbers in each area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The decline in cow and herd numbers in these parishes is in line with the national trend over the same period, demonstrating a move toward more specialised dairy enterprises which allows farmers to achieve production efficiencies and economies of scale.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:54.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280155,"EventID":"S4W-12115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:54.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T15:12:04.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports dairy farmers (a) with and (b) wanting to establish small herds. \r\n","AnswerText":"A number of measures to provide support for dairy farmers can be accessed through the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). This includes support to dairy farmers through Less Favoured Area Support Scheme payments to those in the ring fenced dairy area which are likely to have smaller herds.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:54.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280156,"EventID":"S4W-12116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-07T16:58:55.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T15:06:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will report on the findings of its review of the fall in the number of pregnancies arising from IVF treatment at the Glasgow Assisted Conception Unit between September and November 2012 and when this will be made public.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to respond to.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T16:58:55.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280157,"EventID":"S4W-12121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T09:36:02.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T09:12:00.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will receive HM Chief Inspector of Fire and Rescue Authorities’ report on the Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have now received the report, and thank Mr Torrie and his team for their work. Copies have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54552) and it is being published on the Scottish Government website.\r\nMinisters instructed this Inquiry under Section 44 of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 to establish the extent of progress made by the Highlands and Islands Fire Board since the Accounts Commission Best Value Report, as well as to identify what remains for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to address when it commences on 1 April 2013. We will carefully consider Mr Torrie’s report, but look to the Highlands and Islands Fire Board, as well as the new Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, to take forward its recommendations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T09:36:02.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280166,"EventID":"S4W-12118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:11.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T16:08:21.92","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Serco NorthLink's contract allows it to change the length of the (a) peak and (b) low season.\r\n","AnswerText":"The peak and low season periods established under the current Northern Isles ferry services contract were included in Serco’s original tender bid proposals. Therefore, the current contract has not been subjected to any variation in this regard.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:12.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280167,"EventID":"S4W-12119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:12.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T16:08:21.92","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Serco NorthLink’s decision to increase the length of the peak season by two weeks and decrease the low season by one constitutes an additional increase in fares above the expected annual increase.\r\n","AnswerText":"In developing their peak and off-peak timetables for their Northern Isles ferry services tender, all bidders, including Serco, were required to analyse current and projected future demand and to design a timetable structure to meet and manage this demand. Under the new contract, timetables periods now differ from what was previously in place with the aim of meeting the demand increases that result from tourism and holidays.\r\nIn their bid for the Northern Isles contract, Serco met the requirement that, over the tariff year, tariffs must average to the relevant previously published tariff for each category.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:12.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280168,"EventID":"S4W-12120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:12.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T16:08:21.92","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what communications it has had with Serco NorthLink regarding its plans to (a) extend the peak season and (b) reduce low fare periods in 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"In developing proposed peak and off-peak timetables for their Northern Isles ferry services tenders, all bidders were required by the Scottish Government to analyse current and projected future demand and to design a timetable structure to meet and manage this demand. The proposals put forward by Serco and all other bidders were discussed with Transport Scotland’s tender evaluation team during the procurement exercise.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:12.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280169,"EventID":"S4W-12122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:13.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T09:14:11.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is undertaking an investigation into allegations of bullying and harassment in the Scottish Ambulance Service and, if so, what form the investigation is taking and when the results will be published.","AnswerText":"As I have previously stated, I want a zero tolerance approach to bullying and harassment in NHSScotland. I expect all allegations of bullying and harassment to be fully investigated in line with the Preventing and Dealing with Bullying and Harassment PIN Policy published in December 2011. I am aware that the allegations are being investigated, but cannot provide any further details at this stage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:13.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280170,"EventID":"S4W-12125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:13.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T11:37:03.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the recommendations of the Expert Working Group on Welfare will be fully costed.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:13.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280171,"EventID":"S4W-12126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:13.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T11:37:03.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the remit of the Expert Working Group on Welfare includes currently devolved benefits.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:13.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280172,"EventID":"S4W-12127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:14.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T11:37:03.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the remit of the Expert Working Group on Welfare includes the abolition or reform of current welfare benefits.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:14.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280173,"EventID":"S4W-12128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:14.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T11:37:03.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Expert Working Group on Welfare has been asked to recommend new benefits.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:14.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280174,"EventID":"S4W-12129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:14.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T11:37:03.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the report of the Expert Working Group on Welfare will be made public.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:14.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280175,"EventID":"S4W-12130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:15.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T11:37:03.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it had with (a) the Scottish Campaign on Welfare Reform, (b) SCVO and (c) COSLA prior to the establishment of the Expert Working Group on Welfare.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Expert Working Group on Welfare has been established to provide advice to Scottish Ministers. It has not been discussed with partners in local government or the third sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:15.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280176,"EventID":"S4W-12131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:15.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T11:37:03.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Expert Working Group on Welfare will issue a public call for evidence and hold evidence sessions in public.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:15.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280177,"EventID":"S4W-12132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:15.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T11:37:03.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many civil servants would be required to administer a welfare system in an independent Scotland and what information it has on how this compares with the number of civil servants in Scotland currently administering the welfare system.","AnswerText":"The numbers of civil servants required to administer a welfare system in an independent Scotland will be dependent on a number of variables, such as: the ongoing impact of the UK government welfare reform programme; the public sector landscape that is inherited at the point of independence; and, the decisions taken by Scottish Ministers on delivery, transitioning and design of a Scottish system of welfare.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:15.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280178,"EventID":"S4W-12133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:16.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T11:37:03.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many and (b) which of its staff are involved in supporting the work of the Expert Working Group on Welfare.\r\n","AnswerText":"Five Scottish Government officials working on policy and analysis related to welfare will have part-time roles in supporting aspects of the work of the Expert Working Group on Welfare.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:16.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280179,"EventID":"S4W-12134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:16.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T11:37:03.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to tell recipients of UK welfare benefits whether criteria and payments will be maintained at the same levels in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013 All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:16.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280180,"EventID":"S4W-12135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:16.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T11:37:03.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Expert Working Group on Welfare will consider pensions.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:16.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280181,"EventID":"S4W-12136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:17.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T11:37:03.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether, in light of the impact on its anti-poverty strategy, it considers that the welfare system is in need of reform and, if so, what principles would underpin its approach in an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:17.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280182,"EventID":"S4W-12137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:17.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T11:37:03.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) when and (b) where the Expert Working Group on Welfare will first meet and how often it will meet thereafter.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:17.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280183,"EventID":"S4W-12138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:17.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T11:37:03.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been budgeted for the work of the Expert Working Group on Welfare.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:17.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280184,"EventID":"S4W-12139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:18.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T11:37:03.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people were on the shortlist for the Expert Working Group on Welfare and how many were (a) women, (b) registered disabled and (c) benefit claimants.\r\n","AnswerText":"Four members were selected from an initial shortlist, compiled by officials, of seven candidates with expertise in public sector delivery, social policy, accountancy and economics. All originally shortlisted candidates were male and information on disability and income was not sought. Following the addition of one further member, the group now has five members, one of whom is a woman.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:18.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280185,"EventID":"S4W-12140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:18.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T11:37:03.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which members of the Expert Working Group on Welfare have experience of designing or administering a welfare system.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:18.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280186,"EventID":"S4W-12141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:18.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T12:04:59.59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fixed penalty notices for littering have been issued by each local authority in each year since 2008.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information on non-court disposals for littering offences is given in the following table. The information held centrally is only available from the financial year 2008-09.\r\nInformation on fixed penalties issued by local authorities is not held centrally.\r\nPeople given non-court disposals for littering offences1, by approximate local authority area2, 2008-09 to 2011-12\r\nLocal Authority/penalty\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nAberdeen City\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n2\r\n1\r\n33\r\n165\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nAngus\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\n1\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n5\r\n9\r\n2\r\n1\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n25\r\n22\r\n9\r\n11\r\nDundee City\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n1\r\n7\r\n33\r\n69\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n16\r\n25\r\n14\r\n3\r\nEast Dunbartonshire \r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEast Lothian\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nEast Renfrewshire \r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n37\r\n88\r\n266\r\n263\r\nEilean Siar\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFalkirk\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n69\r\n48\r\n186\r\n174\r\nOld-style FF/FP Code\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFife\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n9\r\n1\r\n24\r\n18\r\nGlasgow City\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n275\r\n1,071\r\n1,051\r\n501\r\nOld-style FF/FP Code\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nHighland\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n6\r\n3\r\n5\r\n4\r\nInverclyde\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n45\r\n45\r\n31\r\n72\r\nMidlothian \r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nMoray\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n3\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n40\r\n37\r\n53\r\n33\r\nFiscal Fixed Penalty (pre-SJR codes)3\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nOrkney Islands \r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n28\r\n21\r\n6\r\n0\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n13\r\n25\r\n174\r\n101\r\nScottish Borders\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n3\r\n2\r\n0\r\n1\r\nShetland Islands\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n22\r\n22\r\n14\r\n3\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n69\r\n46\r\n4\r\n0\r\nStirling\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n6\r\n2\r\n13\r\n14\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n29\r\n28\r\n20\r\n7\r\nWest Lothian\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n39\r\n54\r\n86\r\n64\r\nNot Known\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n7\r\n11\r\n8\r\n1\r\nFiscal Fixed Penalty Notice\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFiscal Fixed Penalty (pre-SJR codes)3\r\n14\r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\nPolice Formal Adult Warning\r\n39\r\n76\r\n84\r\n84\r\nPolice Restorative Justice\r\n3\r\n3\r\n3\r\n2\r\nPolice Warnings4\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n4\r\nVerbal Warning\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nWarning Letter (Police/Children's Reporter)\r\n9\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\nScotland\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nPolice Formal Adult Warning\r\n39\r\n76\r\n84\r\n84\r\nPolice Restorative Justice\r\n3\r\n3\r\n3\r\n2\r\nOther Police Warnings4\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n4\r\nVerbal Warning\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nWarning Letter (Police/Children's Reporter)\r\n9\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\nFiscal Fine\r\n749\r\n1,571\r\n2,033\r\n1,509\r\nFiscal Fixed Penalty Notice\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFiscal Fixed Penalty (pre-SJR codes)3\r\n16\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\nSource: Scottish Government Criminal Proceedings Database.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Where main offence.\r\n2. Incorporates an approximate mapping of sheriff courts into local authority areas. Some sheriff courts will deal with cases from more than one local authority area.  Some local authority areas, including East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Midlothian and North Ayrshire, do not contain a sheriff court. As there is no court recorded for police fixed penalties these cannot be broken down to local authorities.\r\n3.  Number of pre-Summary Justice Reform procurator fixed penalty codes. It is known that this category contains both fiscal fines and fixed penalties, however it is not possible to separate the numbers of each. \r\n4.  Mainly verbal warnings, but also includes prostitute and community warnings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:18.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280187,"EventID":"S4W-12142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:18.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T12:04:59.59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prosecutions for littering have been made by each local authority in each year since 2008.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table.\r\nPeople proceeded against in Scottish courts for litter offences1 by approximate local authority area2, 2008-09 to 2011-12.\r\nLocal Authority\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nAberdeen City\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nAngus\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n3\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\nDundee City\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEast Lothian\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n1\r\n4\r\n3\r\n0\r\nEilean Siar\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFalkirk\r\n7\r\n4\r\n4\r\n11\r\nFife\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nGlasgow City\r\n18\r\n7\r\n9\r\n1\r\nHighland\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nInverclyde\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\nMidlothian\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nMoray\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n11\r\n3\r\n5\r\n1\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nScottish Borders\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nShetland Islands\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\n0\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nStirling\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nWest Lothian\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nScotland\r\n47\r\n25\r\n27\r\n21\r\nSource: Scottish Government Criminal Proceedings Database\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Where main offence.\r\n2. Incorporates an approximate mapping of sheriff courts into local authority areas. Some sheriff courts will deal with cases from more than one local authority area.  Some local authority areas, including East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Midlothian and North Ayrshire, do not contain a sheriff court.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:18.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280188,"EventID":"S4W-12143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:19.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T12:13:00.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to implement the recommendation of Equally Well: Report of the Ministerial Taskforce on Health Inequalities that \"The Government should create and fund new evidence-based anticipatory care programmes for other groups at high risk of health problems\".","AnswerText":"The recommendations set out in the 2008 report of the Ministerial Task Force on Health Inequalities Equally Well remain pertinent in The Scottish Government’s commitment to addressing the inequalities in health that persist in Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government has now mainstreamed the Keep Well programme.\r\nUnder the Keep Well programme, 40-64 year olds with no previous diagnosis of CVD, living in deprived communities, are invited to attend a health check, typically within their local GP Practice.\r\nAs part of the mainstreaming programme, Keep Well has been extended to specific populations, such as carers, homeless people, offenders, gypsy travellers and certain ethnic groups, who evidence suggests are at increased risk of CVD and other health inequalities.\r\nOver 180,000 Keep Well health checks have been delivered across Scotland (between March 2009 and end June 2012).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:19.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280189,"EventID":"S4W-12144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:19.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T12:13:00.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to implement the recommendation of Equally Well: Report of the Ministerial Taskforce on Health Inequalities that \"The Government should continue to reform the funding of primary care services, to meet the needs of groups and communities most at risk of health inequalities\".\r\n","AnswerText":"The recommendations set out in the 2008 report of the Ministerial Task Force on Health Inequalities Equally Well remain pertinent in the Scottish Governments commitment to addressing inequalities that persist in Scotland.\r\nScottish Enhanced Services Programme funding of £13 million has been allocated to Health Boards for 2012-13. Changes have been introduced to enhance local autonomy, whilst providing greater discretion for NHS boards to consider how spend assists primary care in delivering the aims of the quality strategy taking account of the 2020 vision for sustainable health care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:19.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280190,"EventID":"S4W-12145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T13:47:19.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T11:37:03.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the remit of the Expert Working Group on Welfare will consider establishing a minimum income level for (a) unemployed, (b) disabled and (c) low-paid people.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12103 on 17 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T13:47:19.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280191,"EventID":"S4W-12146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T16:52:09.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T12:56:29.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to reduce the increasing number of fire incidents reported in the home.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest Fire Statistics Scotland 2011-12 publication presents the number of dwelling fires over the last 10 years. They have in fact been declining since 2008-09. Details are as follows:\r\nFires by location, 2002-03 to 2011-12p - Scotland1\r\nNumber of Primary Fires\r\nYear\r\nDwellings\r\n2002-032\r\n7,875\r\n2003-04\r\n8,131\r\n2004-05\r\n7,048\r\n2005-06\r\n7,061\r\n2006-07\r\n6,963\r\n2007-08\r\n6,666\r\n2008-09\r\n6,705\r\n2009-10r\r\n6,573\r\n2010-11r\r\n6,300\r\n2011-12p\r\n6,149\r\nNotes:\r\np – provisional.\r\nr – revised.\r\n1 – figures before 2009-10 for primary fires are based on sample data weighted to Fire and Rescue Service totals.\r\n2 – does not include incidents that occurred during national industrial action in November 2002, January 2003 and February 2003.\r\nFire prevention and protection activity over recent years has been key to reducing the number of fires, casualties and losses in Scotland. These activities remain strategic priorities. The Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland 2013, which is currently under consultation, proposes that the new Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will have a duty to promote fire safety at national and local levels. This includes the continued promotion of Home Fire Safety Visits aimed at helping vulnerable people protect their homes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T16:52:09.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280192,"EventID":"S4W-12147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T16:52:10.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T13:58:52.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its assessment is of the health risks of the radioactive material on the foreshore at Dalgety Bay.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T16:52:10.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280193,"EventID":"S4W-12148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T16:52:10.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T14:35:17.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it addresses rises in the cost of imported animal feeds.\r\n","AnswerText":"Animal feedstuffs are a globally traded commodity product. The price of animal feed is commercially driven and determined by the supply and demand balance on world markets. It is up to livestock farmers and their business advisors to factor in input cost volatility and risk when preparing their forward business plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T16:52:10.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280194,"EventID":"S4W-12149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T16:52:10.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T14:35:17.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports the uptake of domestically grown animal feeds.\r\n","AnswerText":"Direct support for protein crop production was available under the previous common agricultural policy regime but was discontinued in 2005 as part of the move away from coupled support payments. Any historical entitlements were converted and now from part of the Single Farm Payment regime.\r\nIt is therefore now a commercial matter for the primary producer, and where appropriate, his business adviser to determine whether to grow animal feed crops, taking into account such factors as input and equipment costs, labour availability and the projected market return. We do however recognise the potential challenges that such decisions entail when there is such a high degree of volatility in animal feed prices on the global marketplace.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T16:52:10.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280195,"EventID":"S4W-12150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T16:52:11.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T14:35:17.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the recent study by SAC Consulting on the availability of distillery by-products.","AnswerText":"The report has been discussed with stakeholders during a meeting in November, and is available via:\r\nhttp://www.sruc.ac.uk/info/20005/sac_consulting/812/distillery_feed_by-products_briefing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T16:52:11.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280196,"EventID":"S4W-12151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-08T16:52:11.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T14:50:58.733","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-03616 by Keith Brown on 7 November 2011, what its position is on the findings regarding the Glasgow to Edinburgh via Shotts railway line that were set out in Network Rail’s recently-published strategic business plan and whether the Office of the Rail Regulation is still expected to publish its determination on the route in October 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"We note Network Rail’s publication of their strategic business plan for Scotland, which contains its proposals for a range of improvements, including the electrification of the Edinburgh to Glasgow via Shotts railway line. The publication represents an important industry milestone and the inclusion of the electrification of the Shotts route is consistent with the requirements as set out in our high level output specification, published in June 2012.\r\nAs this is just one step in the regulatory process, we look forward to the Office of Rail Regulation’s review and challenge of these overall plans. In the meantime, we will continue to work with our industry partners to ensure that effective delivery plans are in place and that the cost for these plans are robust and affordable.\r\nThe Office of Rail Regulation will publish its final determination of the outputs, funding and wider regulatory framework for control period 5 in October 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T16:52:11.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280203,"EventID":"S4O-01699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:44:37.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-09T11:03:09.19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason reported death rates at the Royal Alexandra Hospital are higher at the weekend than on weekdays.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:44:37.497","MeetingDate":"2013-01-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280204,"EventID":"S4O-01700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:44:37.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T12:18:18.307","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its assessment is of the health risks of the radioactive material at the foreshore at Dalgety Bay.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:44:37.993","MeetingDate":"2013-01-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280205,"EventID":"S4O-01701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:44:38.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T12:18:18.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how policing in Dumfries and Galloway will be accountable to local people once the single police force becomes operational.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:44:38.307","MeetingDate":"2013-01-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280206,"EventID":"S4O-01702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:44:38.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T12:18:20.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the inappropriate use of social unavailability codes by NHS boards to meet waiting times targets.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:44:38.713","MeetingDate":"2013-01-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280207,"EventID":"S4O-01703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:44:39.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T16:24:16.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been prosecuted in the last year for smoking in enclosed premises or permitting smoking to take place in enclosed premises.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:44:39.227","MeetingDate":"2013-01-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280208,"EventID":"S4O-01704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:44:39.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T12:18:23.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent support it has given to developing walking and cycling infrastructure in Mid Scotland and Fife.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:44:39.57","MeetingDate":"2013-01-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280209,"EventID":"S4O-01705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:44:39.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T12:18:27.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made on expediting the proposed new subsea power cables to the Western Isles and Orkney.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:44:39.96","MeetingDate":"2013-01-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280210,"EventID":"S4O-01706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:44:40.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T12:18:29.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Both ministers and government officials regularly meet with all NHS boards, including NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, to discuss a range of matters of local interest.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:44:40.24","MeetingDate":"2013-01-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280211,"EventID":"S4O-01707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:44:40.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T12:18:32.13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its policy is on Gypsy/Traveller halting sites.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:44:40.553","MeetingDate":"2013-01-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280212,"EventID":"S4O-01708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:44:40.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T12:18:32.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its Race Equality Statement will be updated.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s 2008-11 Race Equality Statement set out our approach to race equality. We are currently considering our approach to race equality over the next three years. Our current thinking will be published in April and we will work with stakeholders and publish a Race Equality Statement at the end of the summer. This will provide more detail on our plans and will coincide with the autumn budget considerations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:44:40.927","MeetingDate":"2013-01-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280213,"EventID":"S4O-01679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:45:59.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T12:17:53.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact that proposed budget reductions will have on colleges in North East Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:46:00.103","MeetingDate":"2013-01-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280214,"EventID":"S4O-01680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:46:00.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T12:17:54.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made on the plans for college regionalisation.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:46:00.65","MeetingDate":"2013-01-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280215,"EventID":"S4O-01681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:46:00.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T12:17:54.297","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve the educational attainment of pupils from the poorest backgrounds.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:46:00.963","MeetingDate":"2013-01-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280216,"EventID":"S4O-01682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:46:01.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T12:17:54.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the impact on educational attainment of exposure to lead in childhood.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:46:01.29","MeetingDate":"2013-01-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280217,"EventID":"S4O-01683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:46:01.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T11:30:15.537","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the audit of waiting lists for colleges will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:46:01.667","MeetingDate":"2013-01-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280218,"EventID":"S4O-01684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:46:01.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T12:17:54.89","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to ensure that universities meet their obligations as proposed in the Post-16 Education (Scotland) Bill to widen access to higher education for children from deprived backgrounds.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:46:01.96","MeetingDate":"2013-01-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280219,"EventID":"S4O-01685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:46:02.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T12:17:55.093","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to ensure that student debt in Scotland remains the lowest in the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:46:02.29","MeetingDate":"2013-01-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280220,"EventID":"S4O-01686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:46:02.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T12:17:55.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent advice the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has given to local authorities regarding charging for instrumental music tuition.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:46:02.633","MeetingDate":"2013-01-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280221,"EventID":"S4O-01687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:46:02.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T12:17:55.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the University of London regarding the future of the University Marine Biological Station Millport.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:46:02.977","MeetingDate":"2013-01-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280222,"EventID":"S4O-01688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:46:03.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T12:17:55.857","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it encourages young people from poorer backgrounds to participate in further and higher education.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:46:03.413","MeetingDate":"2013-01-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280223,"EventID":"S4O-01689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:46:03.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T12:17:56.077","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the transition between primary and secondary school can contribute to problems for S1 and S2 pupils in English and maths.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:46:03.77","MeetingDate":"2013-01-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280224,"EventID":"S4O-01690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:46:04.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T16:09:22.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who is involved in helping widen access to colleges for disabled people.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:46:04.083","MeetingDate":"2013-01-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280225,"EventID":"S4O-01691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:46:04.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-09T09:38:54.503","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports young carers in balancing the demands of schoolwork and caring responsibilities.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:46:04.38","MeetingDate":"2013-01-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280226,"EventID":"S4O-01692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:46:04.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-09T09:30:41.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what training is given to teachers to help pupils with additional support needs.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:46:04.677","MeetingDate":"2013-01-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280227,"EventID":"S4O-01693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:46:04.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T12:17:56.84","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent progress has been made in introducing the EU 1+2 model of language teaching.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:46:04.973","MeetingDate":"2013-01-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280228,"EventID":"S4O-01695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:46:05.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T12:17:57.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to prevent reductions in the availability of college courses for students with additional needs.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:46:05.317","MeetingDate":"2013-01-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280229,"EventID":"S4O-01696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:46:05.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T12:34:25.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what changes it has made to the teaching of history in secondary schools since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Curriculum for Excellence is giving educators the flexibility to teach history in creative and engaging ways. Children and young people are able to learn in a wide range of contexts; Scottish, British, European and worldwide and this breadth is reflected in all national qualifications in history.\r\nTo ensure there is a proper focus on the changes that have shaped Scotland, a required unit on Scottish history has been part of the Higher History qualification since 2010-11. This approach is being extended to the new National 4 and 5 qualifications from 2013-14.\r\nThe teaching and learning of history is thriving, and we have seen a 20% increase in uptake of Higher History since 2007.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:46:05.627","MeetingDate":"2013-01-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280230,"EventID":"S4O-01697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:46:05.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T10:14:21.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many modern apprenticeship starts there were in Edinburgh in the most recent year for which information is available and how this compares with 2006-07.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2011-12 there were 1,618 modern apprenticeship starts in the City of Edinburgh Council area and in 2006-07 there were 1,031 starts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:46:05.97","MeetingDate":"2013-01-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280231,"EventID":"S4O-01698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T12:46:06.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-07T12:17:57.84","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the waiting list figures for Cumbernauld College will be published.","AnswerText":"As I explained to Drew Smith on 16 January 2013 (Official Report c.), an update has been placed in SPICE today (Bib. number 54653). The audit looked a sample of seven colleges including Cumbernauld College.\r\nEven at this interim stage it is clear that, in a very large number of cases, those who appear on so-called “waiting lists” are not in fact waiting to enter the course at all, either because they have taken up another course, failed to gain the entrance qualification, moved into employment or chosen some other option.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T12:46:06.25","MeetingDate":"2013-01-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280241,"EventID":"S4W-12123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T13:54:59.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T09:16:12.84","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the reduction in the further education budget for 2013-14 will have on student places at Motherwell College.\r\n","AnswerText":"The funding of individual colleges is a matter for the Scottish Funding Council, and I have asked its chief executive to write to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:54:59.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280242,"EventID":"S4W-12124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T13:55:00.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T09:16:12.84","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact there has been on staff numbers at Motherwell College as a result of reductions to the further education budget in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13.","AnswerText":"Colleges are independent employers of staff and are responsible for their own staffing matters. Ministers have made clear that, where colleges are seeking to reduce the size of their workforce, they should do so in a way which avoids compulsory redundancies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:55:00.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280243,"EventID":"S4W-12152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T13:55:00.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T16:20:03.263","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people in Fife who have been charged with (a) murder and (b) a knife crime have been (i) remanded in custody, (ii) granted bail and (iii) granted bail despite opposition from the Crown Office prosecutors in each of the last five years. \r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:55:00.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280244,"EventID":"S4W-12153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T13:55:01.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T17:56:37.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much each local authority has received for sales of common good land or assets in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:55:01.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280245,"EventID":"S4W-12154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T13:55:01.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T17:56:37.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has issued guidance to local authorities in relation to the sale of common good land or assets and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2005, the then Scottish Executive published an advisory note to local authorities “Local Government in Scotland Act 2003: Asset Management under Best Value”. This note provides advice on how local authorities manage all assets in their care, including common good land and assets. It includes advice on the redeployment or disposal of assets.\r\nThis advisory note should be read alongside statutory duties which apply to local authorities over the sale of common good land or assets. This includes a general requirement when selling an asset to consider whether the transaction achieves the best consideration that can reasonably be obtained, in terms of section 74 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 and regulations made under that section, restrictions in the circumstances in which a local authority can dispose of a common good asset (section 75 of the 1973 Act refers) and a broader statutory duty upon local authorities to secure Best Value in terms of Part 1 of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:55:01.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280246,"EventID":"S4W-12155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T13:55:01.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-08T17:56:37.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how sales of common good land or assets by local authorities are monitored to ensure that best value is achieved.\r\n","AnswerText":"Responsibility for securing Best Value lies first and foremost with local authorities themselves. They are under a statutory duty to secure Best Value through Part 1 of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003. They also are subject to a duty, when disposing of an asset, to consider whether the transaction achieves the best consideration that can reasonably be obtained, in terms of section 74 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 and regulations made under that section.\r\nLocal authorities are subject to audit for how they secure best value. As part of this, they need to be able to demonstrate if asked by an auditor that they have fulfilled their duties in disposing of any common good assets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:55:02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280247,"EventID":"S4W-12156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T13:55:02.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-09T09:38:47.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Steel Engineering has created at least 120 jobs as stated on page 85 of the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13.","AnswerText":"In April 2011 Steel Engineering announced it would create 120 jobs when it opens a new plant and builds a \"mini-port\" in Renfrew to transfer large structures on to ships in the Clyde. This project will be supported by a £1.8 million Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) from Scottish Enterprise. To date £80,000 has been paid.\r\nAll job numbers associated with RSA grants are the company’s forecast figures, and are subject to change depending on future economic conditions and other factors affecting the businesses concerned. Payment of RSA is made in instalments, typically over several years during the lifetime of a project and only when job and capital expenditure targets are met.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:55:02.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280248,"EventID":"S4W-12157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T13:55:02.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-09T09:38:47.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Doosan Power Systems has set up an R&D centre near Glasgow creating 200 jobs, as stated on page 84 of the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"Doosan Power Systems plans for investing in Scotland’s offshore wind market changed in mid-December 2011. With that, the company decided not to press forward with its plans for a research and development centre near Glasgow which had the potential to create 200 jobs. The company cited the overall economic conditions and liquidity issues in Europe as the reason for its decision. However, Doosan Power Systems remains a major employer in Scotland with over 1,200 staff and the company continues to be committed to its Scottish operations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:55:02.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280249,"EventID":"S4W-12158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T13:55:03.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-09T09:38:47.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Doosan Power Systems has created up to 1,700 jobs through its offshore wind plans, as referred to on page 84 of the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"Doosan Power Systems plans for investing in Scotland’s offshore wind market changed in mid-December 2011. With that, the company decided not to press forward with its 10 year plan to invest £170 million in Scottish wind power, which had the potential to create 1,700 jobs. The company cited the overall economic conditions and liquidity issues in Europe as the reason for its decision. However, Doosan Power Systems remains a major employer in Scotland with over 1,200 staff and the company continues to be committed to its Scottish operations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:55:03.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280250,"EventID":"S4W-12159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T13:55:03.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-09T09:38:47.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Gamesa has created the 300 jobs referred to on page 84 of the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13.","AnswerText":"Gamesa confirmed in March 2012 that it has selected Leith as a location for its new offshore wind turbine manufacturing facility. This project is yet to proceed. The company is in close regular contact with Scottish Enterprise around the implementation of this project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:55:03.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280251,"EventID":"S4W-12160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T13:55:04.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-09T09:38:47.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of the 180 jobs referred to on page 84 of the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13 Gamesa has created at its offshore wind technology centre at Strathclyde Business Park.","AnswerText":"In June 2011, Gamesa announced it would create up to 180 jobs as part of a new offshore wind technology centre. This project was supported by a £1.5 million regional selective assistance (RSA) grant from Scottish Enterprise.\r\nAll job numbers associated with RSA grants are the company’s forecast figures and are subject to change depending on future economic conditions and other factors affecting the businesses concerned. Payment of RSA is made in instalments, typically over several years during the lifetime of a project and only when job and capital expenditure targets are met.\r\nAs this is an on-going project, we cannot release details of job numbers associated it as it could impact on the company's commercial operations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:55:04.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280252,"EventID":"S4W-12161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T13:55:04.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-09T09:38:47.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of the planned 200 jobs referred to on page 84 of the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13 Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe Ltd has created.","AnswerText":"Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe has indicated that it is still within the five year period of creating these jobs (as stated in its original announcement of 3 December 2010) and as such the figures for the planned jobs are currently unavailable. However, it is anticipated that job numbers created will be available later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:55:04.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280253,"EventID":"S4W-12162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T13:55:05.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-09T09:38:47.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Amazon has created (a) 750 permanent new jobs and (b) a further 1,500 temporary jobs during the peak Christmas period at its fulfilment centre at Dunfermline as announced in the Scottish Government news release of 15 November 2011, Amazon opens in Fife.","AnswerText":"This project was supported by a £1.4 million regional selective assistance (RSA) grant from Scottish Enterprise.\r\nAll job numbers associated with RSA grants are the company's forecast figures, and are subject to change depending on future economic conditions and other factors affecting the businesses concerned. Payment of RSA is made in instalments, typically over several years during the lifetime of a project and only when job and capital expenditure targets are met.\r\nAs this is an ongoing project, we cannot release details of associated job numbers, as this could impact on the company's commercial operations.\r\nFigures covering temporary jobs during the Christmas period are currently being collated by Amazon and an announcement on these jobs numbers will be made in the next couple of weeks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:55:05.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280254,"EventID":"S4W-12164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T13:55:05.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-09T09:38:47.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Amazon has created an additional 200 posts at its fulfilment facility in Gourock as announced in the Scottish Government news release of 15 November 2011, Amazon opens in Fife.\r\n","AnswerText":"This project was supported by a £750,000 regional selective assistance grant from Scottish Enterprise.\r\nAll job numbers associated with RSA grants are the company's forecast figures, and are subject to change depending on future economic conditions and other factors affecting the businesses concerned. Payment of RSA is made in instalments, typically over several years during the lifetime of a project and only when job and capital expenditure targets are met.\r\nAs this is an on-going project, we cannot release details of associated job numbers, as this could impact on the company's commercial operations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:55:05.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280255,"EventID":"S4W-12168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T13:55:06.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-09T11:19:47.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what initiatives it is introducing in NHS (a) Greater Glasgow and Clyde and (b) Ayrshire and Arran to reduce the incidence of drug maladministration.","AnswerText":"NHS boards are responsible for the administration of drugs, including responsibility for reducing the incidence of adverse events concerning drug administration, in their board area.\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are undertaking specific initiatives to improve their systems and processes to increase the number of checks and ensure clarity of prescribing and charting. Incident reporting and auditing are used to identify errors and to identify lessons for dissemination, or improvements to guidance. Greater Glasgow and Clyde have also identified a number of education initiatives aimed at Medical, Nursing and Pharmacy staff.\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran are undertaking specific initiatives to improve their systems and processes, they have highlighted that they are the first Scottish site to have implemented the Hospital Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration (HEPMA) which is recognised to significantly enhance medicines safety. NHS Ayrshire and Arran are using incident reports and Significant Adverse Event Reviews to support learning for staff and continuous improvements. Medicines events are reviewed by a Medicines Risk Protection Group which has a remit to review and recommend improvements to policies and procedures.\r\nNational initiatives to support NHS boards to reduce drug administration errors include work on medicines reconciliation undertaken as part of the Scottish Patient Safety Programme, and support for the development of electronic prescribing as part of the E-Health strategy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:55:06.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280256,"EventID":"S4W-12170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T13:55:06.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-09T11:38:36.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average waiting time has been in each NHS board for patients seeking treatment for haemorrhoids in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:55:06.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280257,"EventID":"S4W-12171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T13:55:07.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-09T11:38:36.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients have been treated for haemorrhoids by each NHS board in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Treatment for haemorrhoids can occur at GP surgeries, outpatient clinics and in hospital as an inpatient or day case.\r\nThere are no centrally collected figures which count the number of people consulting a GP practice or receiving treatment from the practice for haemorrhoids. However, estimates of consultations are available from a sample of general practices in Scotland taking part in the Practice Team Information (PTI) scheme in the financial years 2003-04 to 2011-12 (Table 1). Patients exclusively treated outwith primary care is not included in these figures. PTI records do not specify if treatment was offered or only advice given.\r\nCentrally collected outpatient clinic information does not capture details of diagnoses made therefore it is not possible to show statistics on patients attending for treatment of haemorrhoids.\r\nThe numbers of patients admitted to a hospital as a day case or inpatient for treatment of haemorrhoids are shown in Table 2.\r\nIt should be noted that a patient may appear in both the GP consultation figures and the hospital admission figures. The total number of patients does not, therefore, equal the sum of the figures given in the tables. Also, people with haemorrhoids who self-medicated using over-the-counter products without consulting a GP or being admitted to hospital during the year are not included.\r\n\r\nTable 1 – Estimated numbers of patients in Scotland consulting a GP or practice nurse1 for haemorrhoids2, with corresponding 95% confidence intervals3; for financial years 2003-04 to 2011-124\r\nFinancial year \r\n(ending 31 March)\r\nEstimated number of patients consulting in Scotland\r\n95% Confidence Interval\r\n2003-04\r\n41,070\r\n(37,650-44,500)\r\n2004-05\r\n41,830\r\n(37,900-45,760)\r\n2005-06\r\n41,990\r\n(38,170-45,800)\r\n2006-07\r\n39,100\r\n(36,060-42,140)\r\n2007-08\r\n39,150\r\n(35,780-42,510)\r\n2008-09\r\n44,300\r\n(41,310-47,300)\r\n2009-10\r\n45,600\r\n(42,190-49,010)\r\n2010-11\r\n46,130\r\n(42,660-49,600)\r\n2011-12\r\n48,130\r\n(44,290-51,970)\r\nSource: Practice Team Information (PTI), ISD Scotland\r\n1. Estimates of patients consulting are based on the number of people with a face-to-face contact with either a GP or a practice-employed nurse in practices participating in Practice Team Information (PTI). This sample of Scottish general practices covers the full range of age, sex, deprivation and urban/rural classes existing in Scotland.\r\n2. To be included in PTI figures patients had at least one contact where a haemorrhoid was indicated as (one of) the reason(s) for that contact in that year. Haemorrhoids are defined by the following Read codes:\r\nG84.     Haemorrhoids (including all child codes)\r\nGyu83 [X] Internal haemorrhoids with other complications\r\nGyu84 [X] External haemorrhoids with other complications\r\nGyu85 [X] Unspecified haemorrhoids with other complications \r\nL416. Haemorrhoids in pregnancy and the puerperium (including all child codes)\r\n3. As the PTI estimates are based on data from a sample of practices, 95% confidence intervals are included to indicate the accuracy of these estimates. \r\n4. The sample included 59, 53, 51, 49, 48, 58, 60, 59 and 59 PTI practices that submitted complete GP and practice nurse data for the years ending 31 March 2003 to 2012 respectively.\r\n\r\n\r\nTable 2 - Number of patients admitted to Scottish hospitals for treatment of haemorrhoids - Financial years ending 31 March 2000 to 2012\r\n\r\nNHS Health Board of Treatment\r\n2000\r\n2001\r\n2002\r\n2003\r\n2004\r\n2005\r\n2006\r\n\r\nNHS AYRSHIRE & ARRAN\r\n722\r\n696\r\n725\r\n740\r\n629\r\n841\r\n912\r\n\r\nNHS BORDERS\r\n62\r\n52\r\n40\r\n39\r\n51\r\n46\r\n41\r\n\r\nNHS DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY\r\n145\r\n148\r\n104\r\n58\r\n89\r\n90\r\n137\r\n\r\nNHS FIFE\r\n294\r\n324\r\n192\r\n217\r\n226\r\n268\r\n301\r\n\r\nNHS FORTH VALLEY\r\n190\r\n189\r\n235\r\n199\r\n113\r\n110\r\n110\r\n\r\nNHS GRAMPIAN\r\n399\r\n465\r\n606\r\n728\r\n674\r\n655\r\n637\r\n\r\nNHS GREATER GLASGOW & CLYDE\r\n1418\r\n1393\r\n1460\r\n1518\r\n1635\r\n1825\r\n1931\r\n\r\nNHS HIGHLAND\r\n289\r\n229\r\n162\r\n186\r\n176\r\n199\r\n282\r\n\r\nNHS LANARKSHIRE\r\n511\r\n477\r\n460\r\n464\r\n473\r\n525\r\n617\r\n\r\nNHS LOTHIAN\r\n565\r\n595\r\n474\r\n321\r\n365\r\n359\r\n405\r\n\r\nNHS ORKNEY\r","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:55:07.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280258,"EventID":"S4W-12172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-09T13:55:08.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-09T11:38:36.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients in each NHS board area have had an appointment for treatment for haemorrhoids cancelled in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The specific information requested is not collected centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:55:08.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280267,"EventID":"S4W-12173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-10T13:53:47.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-10T10:21:27.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will meet each of its obligations under the EU Drugs Strategy (2013-20).\r\n","AnswerText":"In December 2012, the European Union (EU) Drugs Strategy for 2013-20 was endorsed by the Council of the European Union. The Strategy aims to contribute to a reduction in the demand for, and supply of drugs within the EU, as well as a reduction in the health and social risks and harms caused by drugs.\r\nThe EU Drugs Strategy describes the overarching political framework and priorities for EU drugs policies that have been identified by Member States and EU Institutions for 2013-20 and provides a framework for co-ordinated and joint action between Member States. The Strategy is based on “a strategic approach that supports and complements national policies” (Official Journal of the European Union, 29.12.2012).\r\nThe framework, aims and objectives of the EU Drugs Strategy will serve as the basis of two consecutive four-year EU Drug Action Plans, which are currently being drafted. The Scottish Government continues to liaise with the UK Government, as the Member State, to ensure that Scottish interests are fully represented in the action plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T13:53:48.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280268,"EventID":"S4W-12174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-10T13:53:48.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-10T10:42:02.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many dermatology inpatient beds there have been in each NHS board area in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The average available staffed beds for dermatology in-patients by NHS Board for financial years ending 31 March 1999 to 31 March 2012 are provided in the following table(s).\r\nNHS Board\r\n1998-99\r\n1999-2000\r\n2000-01\r\n2001-02\r\n2002-03\r\n2003-04\r\n2004-05\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n15\r\n15\r\n15\r\n15\r\n15\r\n15\r\n15\r\nBorders\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\nFife\r\n7\r\n6\r\n6\r\n5\r\n5\r\n3\r\n3\r\nForth Valley\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nGolden Jubilee National Hospital\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nGrampian\r\n19\r\n16\r\n14\r\n13\r\n10\r\n9\r\n9\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n51\r\n48\r\n46\r\n43\r\n40\r\n40\r\n34\r\nHighland\r\n8\r\n9\r\n8\r\n8\r\n8\r\n9\r\n7\r\nLanarkshire\r\n26\r\n26\r\n15\r\n15\r\n15\r\n14\r\n15\r\nLothian\r\n15\r\n13\r\n7\r\n8\r\n8\r\n9\r\n8\r\nOrkney\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nShetland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nTayside\r\n18\r\n18\r\n14\r\n13\r\n13\r\n13\r\n13\r\nWestern Isles\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nScotland\r\n160\r\n152\r\n126\r\n121\r\n115\r\n114\r\n105\r\n\r\nNHS Board\r\n2005-06\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2001-11\r\n2011-12\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n13\r\n11\r\n11\r\n10\r\n9\r\n8\r\n7\r\nBorders\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\nFife\r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nForth Valley\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nGolden Jubilee National Hospital\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nGrampian\r\n8\r\n8\r\n9\r\n9\r\n8\r\n7\r\n7\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n31\r\n31\r\n31\r\n24\r\n21\r\n20\r\n17\r\nHighland\r\n5\r\n5\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2\r\n1\r\nLanarkshire\r\n14\r\n12\r\n13\r\n12\r\n13\r\n11\r\n10\r\nLothian\r\n8\r\n8\r\n9\r\n8\r\n8\r\n9\r\n7\r\nOrkney\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nShetland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nTayside\r\n12\r\n11\r\n12\r\n12\r\n12\r\n13\r\n12\r\nWestern Isles\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nScotland\r\n94\r\n88\r\n89\r\n78\r\n74\r\n71\r\n62\r\nSource: ISD Scotland, ISD(S)1.\r\nInformation on quarterly and annual available staffed beds split by specialty and NHS board of treatment is published by Information Services Division and is available at the link:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Hospital-Care/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T13:53:48.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280269,"EventID":"S4W-12175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-10T13:53:48.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-10T11:03:10.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many assaults on hospital staff have been reported in each year since 1999, broken down by (a) hospital and (b) NHS board.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. This is a matter for NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T13:53:49.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280270,"EventID":"S4W-12176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-10T13:53:49.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-10T11:31:20.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09951 by Keith Brown on 24 October 2012, whether it has received a report and recommendation regarding the proposed Rosyth international container terminal from the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals and, if not, when it expects to.\r\n","AnswerText":"A report was received from the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals on 31 December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T13:53:49.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280276,"EventID":"S4W-12177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-10T16:46:55.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-10T11:35:32.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has made a decision regarding the funding of the Choose Life suicide prevention programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has set up a working group to consider future policy and action on prevention of suicide and self harm, in the context that the Choose Life strategy and action plan is approaching the end of its 10 year lifetime. The aim is to produce a new national strategy on suicide and self harm, to be published by the Scottish Government in late summer or autumn 2013.\r\nWork is now well underway towards the development of a public engagement paper, which we will publish in late February 2013. The engagement paper will not be a draft strategy. It is being prepared in order to prompt discussion around key issues. This discussion will then inform development of a new strategy on prevention of suicide and self harm. Four public engagement events are being run in late February and early March 2013, once the engagement paper has been published, to allow stakeholders an opportunity to feed in views on future policy and action.\r\nIn 2013-14 we will, subject to discussion of detail with NHS Health Scotland, continue to provide national mental health improvement funding to NHS Health Scotland, including funding to support the Choose Life national programme. Funding for local suicide prevention action is in general allocations to local authorities under the Single Outcome Agreement. Decisions on how this is used locally are for local authorities in conjunction with their community planning partners.\r\nBetween 2000-02 and 2009-11, there has been an overall downward trend in suicide rates, with an overall decrease of 17%.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T16:46:55.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280277,"EventID":"S4W-12178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-10T16:46:56.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-10T11:35:32.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to issue updated guidance to local authorities and housing associations on housing revenue accounts as a result of the introduction of the recent welfare reforms.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working with Local Government and other stakeholders to support the Scottish housing community as it deals with the UK Government's welfare reforms. Scottish Government investment is supporting awareness raising, training and guidance for local authorities and housing associations on the welfare reforms. Our action plan is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/16342/hbreform/sg.\r\nThe housing revenue account is an internal account particular to the finances of local authorities. This account records income and expenditure in relation to a local authority’s own direct provision of housing. The introduction of the welfare reforms does not alter the rationale for local authorities to maintain these accounts. There are therefore no plans to incorporate welfare reform issues into the guidance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T16:46:56.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280278,"EventID":"S4W-12179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-10T16:46:56.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-10T11:35:32.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government by what mechanisms registered tenant organisations can communicate with it on policy development.","AnswerText":"Individual registered tenant organisations (RTOs) can communicate with the Scottish Government on policy development by responding to public consultations and by corresponding with ministers and officials. They can communicate collectively with the government through the nine Regional Networks of RTOs. Representatives of the networks have bi-annual meetings with the Minister for Housing and Welfare; are members of the Housing Policy Advisory Group and of other Government working groups on housing, welfare and related matters; and are in regular contact with officials.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T16:46:56.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280279,"EventID":"S4W-12180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-10T16:46:57.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-10T11:35:32.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who is responsible for updating the Regional Networks website. \r\n","AnswerText":"The website is shared by the nine Regional Networks. Each network’s committee of volunteers is responsible for updating its part of the website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T16:46:57.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280294,"EventID":"S4W-12181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-11T14:31:03.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-10T16:30:47.673","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the £2.9 million funding for Scotland’s national parks announced on 10 January 2013 is additional to the £2.9 million announced on 19 December 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s National Parks were allocated a total of £2.9 million of additional capital funding from the total of £394 million secured by the Scottish Government as part of the UK Chancellors Autumn Statement.\r\nThis additional funding was announced to the Scottish Parliament on 19 December 2012. Further details about the £2.9 million funding package to the National Parks were provided in a Scottish Government news release on 10 January 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T14:31:03.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280295,"EventID":"S4W-12182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-11T14:31:03.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-10T16:31:06.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to update Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guideline 86 in order to ensure that people with dementia receive the testing, diagnosis and interventions needed to assist with their condition.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) is responsible for developing, reviewing and updating evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland. Guidelines are generally considered for review by SIGN every three years.\r\nThe Scottish Government continues to take national action to support early, accurate diagnosis and help services in taking a holistic approach to managing people with dementia, and enabling self-management, including through the development of a HEAT target from 2013 guaranteeing at least a year’s worth of post-diagnostic support, coordinated an an appropriately trained link worker.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T14:31:03.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280296,"EventID":"S4W-12183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-11T14:31:04.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-10T16:43:25.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to update Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guideline 74 that was published in September 2003.\r\n","AnswerText":"Responsibility for updating SIGN guideline 74 lies with Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN).\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T14:31:04.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280297,"EventID":"S4W-12184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-11T14:31:05.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T08:46:14.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many acres of land are occupied by, or earmarked for, wind farm developments, broken down by the Macaulay Land Capability for Agriculture (LCA) classification.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold the information requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T14:31:05.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280298,"EventID":"S4W-12185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-11T14:31:05.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T11:33:55.683","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the development of the National Cycle Network route 78 between Oban and Inverness will contribute to its target of having 10% of all journeys made by bicycle by 2020.","AnswerText":"Use of the National Cycle Network has increased by 50% in the past four years and it now carries 35 million trips a year in Scotland. It is over 2,000 miles long and the route through the Great Glen is the largest missing link in the Network.\r\nIn addition, both Highland and Argyll & Bute council areas have among the highest returns for children cycling to school, as monitored by the Hands Up Scotland Survey carried out by Sustrans. Indeed, Highland is double the national average at over 8%. Both local authorities already more than match the funding made available by Transport Scotland and are, therefore, well placed to market and promote use of this new infrastructure.\r\nWe are confident that communities along this route, and in the larger urban areas of Oban, Fort William and the city of Inverness, who have been consulted from the beginning of this project, will be encouraged to choose cycling for every-day short trips that they might otherwise make by car and will contribute to the 10% vision for cycling by 2020.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T14:31:05.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280299,"EventID":"S4W-12186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-11T14:31:06.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T11:33:55.683","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the expected reduction in vehicle journeys is as a result of the development of the National Cycle Network route 78.\r\n","AnswerText":"We would expect a reduction in car trips by making shorter journeys more attractive for cycling and walking as a result of the new route. In Sustrans’ figures for the National Cycle Network usage in Scotland in 2011, 27% of pedestrians and 33% of cyclists said that they could have used a car to make their trip instead of walking or cycling.\r\nMonitoring of usage will be an ongoing exercise and Sustrans, Highland and Argyll and Bute Councils will report their findings following completion of the route and in line with local authority and National Cycle Network monitoring schedules.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T14:31:06.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280300,"EventID":"S4W-12187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-11T14:31:06.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T11:33:55.683","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is encouraging retailers to stock smaller portions of snack foods.","AnswerText":"Portion size of all foods is a key focus of our effort to help people maintain a healthy weight. Our stated aims on portion sizes are set out in the Preventing Overweight and Obesity Route Map:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/02/17140721/8\r\nThese are for the food industry to ensure that portion sizes better reflect consumers energy needs.\r\nIn addition the Scottish Government and Food Standards Agency in Scotland are currently working together on a voluntary framework for the food industry, setting out new actions to improve diet and combat overweight and obesity in Scotland. The proposed voluntary framework is expected to be published early in 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T14:31:06.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280301,"EventID":"S4W-12188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-11T14:31:07.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T11:33:55.683","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when its Food Implementation Group last met and what actions it agreed.","AnswerText":"The Food Implementation Group (FIG) was established to take forward actions with representative food industry bodies, on energy intake within the Preventing Overweight and Obesity Route Map.\r\nThe FIG has met eight times from 2010 to 2012. The last meeting was held on 7 June 2012. Minutes of all these meetings can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/Healthy-Living/Food-Health/Food-Implemantation-Group.\r\nIn September 2012, FIG held a closed discussion which included a large number of food businesses, as well as representative food industry bodies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T14:31:07.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280302,"EventID":"S4W-12189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-11T14:31:07.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T11:33:55.683","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Scottish Grocery Retailers' Forum last met and whether the minutes of that meeting will be published.","AnswerText":"The last meeting of the Scottish Grocery Retailers’ Forum was on 2 May 2012. The agenda and minutes from this meeting can be accessed at http://scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Food-Industry/retailing/May12-minutes. We are also due to meet with them again next month.\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T14:31:07.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280303,"EventID":"S4W-12190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-11T14:31:07.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T11:33:55.683","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made toward achieving the four targets identified in the Scottish Government Travel Strategy 2011-2016.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has made the following progress against the targets set out in its 2011-2016 Travel Strategy:\r\nTarget 1 – to reduce business related travel emissions by 25% between 2005-06 and 2016-17.\r\nTarget 2 – to reduce business related travel emissions by 42% by 2019-20 against 2005-06 levels (aligning our target with the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009).\r\nReductions in travel-related emissions between 2005-06 and 2009/10 are reported in the 2009/10 Annual Environmental Performance Report:\r\n(http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/11/01111158/0).\r\nEquivalent reductions between 2009-10 and 2011-12 are reported in the Scottish Government’s Public Sector Sustainability Report: \r\n(http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/09/2732).\r\nThese reports show that the Scottish Government is making good progress towards achieving these targets. \r\nTarget 3 – to increase the share of more sustainable travel practices to 35% by 2014-15 from a baseline year of 2005-06. \r\nThe Scottish Government promotes sustainable travel options through the Travel Hierarchy set out in its 2011-2016 Travel Strategy:\r\n(http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Information/travel-strategy). \r\nThis hierarchy requires the promotion of video conferencing, public transport, walking and cycling and the appropriate use of air travel, taxis and private cars. Between 2009-10 and 2011-12, the Scottish Government reduced its emissions from business related air travel by 18.4%. Over the same period, the number of business related journeys made by taxi in Edinburgh reduced by 55.0%.\r\nThe Scottish Government also promotes a number of initiatives to encourage lower carbon options for staff travel to work including: Walk to Work Week and schemes promoting cycling and car sharing.\r\nThe above highlights some of the progress that is being made towards achieving the 35% target for the adoption of more sustainable travel practices. This progress will be quantified in the 2012-13 Public Sector Sustainability Report that will be published in the Autumn.\r\nTarget 4 – establish a baseline for the commute to work [probably 2010-11] with a view to establishing carbon targets for the commute to work to be achieved by \r\n2014-15 taking into consideration business need, location and staff work life balance.\r\nA full staff travel survey was carried out last July and 2012-13 will be used as the baseline year for future commute to work carbon reduction targets. The results of the survey, and associated commute to work targets, will be published later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T14:31:07.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280304,"EventID":"S4W-12200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-11T14:31:08.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T12:19:18.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the key responsibilities of the new divisional roads policing units will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"Operational matters are for the Chief Constable of Police Scotland to consider.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T14:31:08.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280305,"EventID":"S4W-12201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-11T14:31:09.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T12:19:18.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the total budget will be of the (a) divisional roads policing units and (b) Trunk Roads Patrol Unit.","AnswerText":"Operational and budgetary matters are for the Chief Constable of Police Scotland and the chair of the Scottish Police Authority to consider.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T14:31:09.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280306,"EventID":"S4W-12202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-11T14:31:09.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T12:19:18.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what changes there will be to the policing of local roads following the creation of the Trunk Roads Patrol Unit.","AnswerText":"These are matters for the Chief Constable of Police Scotland to consider.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T14:31:09.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280307,"EventID":"S4W-12203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-11T14:31:10.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T12:19:18.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who will have responsibility for influencing driver behaviour on the local road network, following the creation of the Trunk Roads Patrol Unit with responsibility for influencing driver behaviour on trunk roads.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 makes clear that it is the responsibility of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) to hold the chief constable to account for the policing of Scotland.\r\nThe SPA will therefore be responsible for collecting relevant evidence to enable it to review, in a timely and effective manner, the performance of the Police Service of Scotland against the strategic priorities and other relevant objectives and targets.\r\nThe Police Service of Scotland retains responsibility for policing of local roads, although local authorities also have responsibility for a range of decriminalised sanctions.\r\nAs one strand of Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020, Road Safety Scotland is also responsible for a range of initiatives designed to improve driver behaviour on all roads in Scotland, such as its national and social media campaigns. Details of these are available at: http://www.road-safety.org.uk/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T14:31:10.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280308,"EventID":"S4W-12204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-11T14:31:10.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T12:19:18.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been killed or seriously injured on the (a) trunk road and (b) local road network in each of the last three years, broken down by type of road user.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides the statistics requested. It should be noted that the figures do not take account of the higher overall length of the local authority roads or the larger volumes of traffic on trunk roads.\r\nCasualties by severity, road user and type of road, 2009 to 2011 (Extracted from STATS19 database in January 2013)\r\nKilled\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTrunk road\r\n\r\nLocal authority road\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nPedestrian\r\n11\r\n12\r\n6\r\n\r\n36\r\n35\r\n37\r\nPedal cycle\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n\r\n5\r\n6\r\n7\r\nMotor cycle\r\n11\r\n15\r\n7\r\n\r\n32\r\n20\r\n26\r\nCar\r\n44\r\n34\r\n38\r\n\r\n72\r\n71\r\n51\r\nTaxi\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nMinibus\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nBus/coach\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nLight goods vehicle\r\n4\r\n1\r\n2\r\n\r\n0\r\n2\r\n4\r\nHeavy goods vehicle\r\n0\r\n3\r\n3\r\n\r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\nOther\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n\r\n0\r\n3\r\n1\r\nTotal\r\n70\r\n67\r\n57\r\n\r\n146\r\n141\r\n128\r\n\r\n\r\nSerious\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nTrunk road\r\n\r\nLocal authority road\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nPedestrian\r\n24\r\n27\r\n29\r\n\r\n485\r\n430\r\n485\r\nPedal cycle\r\n5\r\n4\r\n10\r\n\r\n147\r\n134\r\n146\r\nMotor cycle\r\n77\r\n63\r\n65\r\n\r\n255\r\n256\r\n228\r\nCar\r\n306\r\n282\r\n194\r\n\r\n830\r\n621\r\n562\r\nTaxi\r\n4\r\n2\r\n2\r\n\r\n6\r\n8\r\n21\r\nMinibus\r\n4\r\n0\r\n0\r\n\r\n11\r\n2\r\n2\r\nBus/coach\r\n2\r\n5\r\n2\r\n\r\n34\r\n47\r\n49\r\nLight goods vehicle\r\n22\r\n18\r\n14\r\n\r\n29\r\n21\r\n21\r\nHeavy goods vehicle\r\n11\r\n13\r\n15\r\n\r\n11\r\n8\r\n13\r\nOther\r\n6\r\n4\r\n0\r\n\r\n19\r\n24\r\n19\r\nTotal\r\n461\r\n418\r\n331\r\n\r\n1,827\r\n1,551\r\n1,546\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T14:31:10.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280309,"EventID":"S4W-12205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-11T14:31:11.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T12:19:18.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will monitor the impact of the new divisional roads policing units on driver behaviour.","AnswerText":"The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 makes clear that it is the responsibility of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) to hold the chief constable to account for the policing of Scotland.\r\nThe SPA will therefore be responsible for collecting relevant evidence to enable it to review in a timely and effective manner, the performance of the Police Service of Scotland against the strategic priorities and other relevant objectives and targets.\r\nScotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020, published on 15 June 2009, includes distinct and challenging partnership targets for reductions in road casualties in Scotland up to 2020. This is the wider context in which the partners hold each other accountable for our collective efforts in improving road safety.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T14:31:11.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280310,"EventID":"S4W-12206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-11T14:31:12.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T12:19:18.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the Police Service of Scotland makes available statistics that allow the impact of the Trunk Roads Patrol Unit and divisional roads policing units to be effectively assessed.","AnswerText":"The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 makes clear that it is the responsibility of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) to hold the Chief Constable to account for the policing of Scotland.\r\nThe SPA will therefore be responsible for collecting relevant evidence to enable it to review, in a timely and effective manner, the performance of the Police Service of Scotland against the strategic priorities and other relevant objectives and targets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T14:31:12.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280311,"EventID":"S4W-12207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-11T14:31:12.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T12:19:18.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it used to formulate the statement in its news release of 4 December 2012, Police numbers up, that “This is in direct contrast to UK Government plans which will see the loss of an estimated 16,000 policing posts in England and Wales”.\r\n","AnswerText":"Page 13 of the 2011 HMIC “Adapting to Austerity report” states that based on estimated police workforce reductions in England and Wales from “March 2010 until the end of the Comprehensive Spending Review period there will be 11% (16,200) fewer officers”.\r\nThe adapting to austerity report can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.hmic.gov.uk/media/adapting-to-austerity-20110721.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T14:31:12.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280319,"EventID":"S4W-12208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T14:31:59.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T08:43:21.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what programmes are available to support looked-after children into employment.","AnswerText":"In December 2011 the Scottish Government announced that £1.5 million was to be invested over three financial years in an Employer Recruitment Incentive for 1000 targeted young people. 80 targeted young people will be supported in 2012-13; 460 in 2013-14; and 460 in 2014-15.\r\nThis incentive, of £1500 per individual, is offered through Skills Development Scotland and has been specifically designed to:\r\nEncourage employers to assist the transition of young people who have a background as a care leaver, ex-young offender or young carer into sustainable employment; and support these targeted young people with the transition into sustainable employment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T14:32:00.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280320,"EventID":"S4W-12209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T14:32:00.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T08:43:21.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many looked-after children are taking part in programmes aimed at getting them into employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"As at the end of December 2012, 67 individuals had been supported through the Employer Recruitment Incentive for targeted young people and includes care leavers. The aim of this incentive is to support 1000 targeted young people over the three financial years: 80 in 2012-13; 460 2013-14; and 460 in 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T14:32:00.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280321,"EventID":"S4W-12210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T14:32:00.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T08:43:21.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will reassess its anti-poverty policies in light of the UK Government’s welfare reform policies.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s approach is to tackle the long term drivers of poverty through early intervention and prevention. Our Solidarity target reflects the importance we attach to reducing income inequality, something which the UK Government's policies risk exacerbating. We have serious concerns that welfare reform will impact on the most vulnerable in society and our plans for mitigation, such as the Scottish Welfare Fund, look to help those in poverty who might suffer the most.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T14:32:00.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280322,"EventID":"S4W-12211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T14:32:01.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T08:43:21.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prisons use father and child visit contracts.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“No prison should be describing the process for bonding visits as a contract.\r\nAs I advised when I wrote to Mary Fee MSP on 25 September 2012, I have instructed a review of the current arrangement which is on-going and revised guidance will be issued to all prisons shortly. Central to this revised guidance will be that the rights of the child are paramount and recognising a prisoners right under European Convention on Human Right to a family life.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T14:32:01.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280323,"EventID":"S4W-12212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T14:32:01.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T08:43:21.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it tackles mental health problems in rural areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government sets national direction of policy and provides funding to agencies to support implementation of policy. The management of local actions in implementing this policy is the responsibility of these relevant local agencies, based on local need, including geography and rurality.\r\nIn the Mental Health Stategy: 2012-15 we set out a number of approaches which will assist in tackling mental health problems in rural areas. There is a strong focus throughout the strategy on actions that people can take for themselves, and in their own communities, to maintain and improve their own health.\r\nLocally, NHS boards continue to develop and deliver self-help services according to need, with many of these services and resources being available through primary care. Nationally, existing services and resources include the NHS Living Life service, delivered through NHS 24, and the Steps for Stress resources, managed by NHS Health Scotland.\r\nWe have committed to work with partners, including the Royal College of General Practitioners and Long Term Conditions Alliance Scotland, to increase local knowledge of social prescribing opportunities, including through new technologies.\r\nWe have committed to the effective use of modern technology to provide information and deliver evidence-based services. We have begun, and will continue through the period of the strategy, to develop, with NHS 24, a Scotland-wide approach to improving mental health through new technology.\r\nAn example of recent innovative use of new technology is the use of video conferencing for patients with mental health problems at Abbeyfield Care Home in Ballachulish. Patients and care home staff now have access to services, support and advice from specialist teams in Inverness, with no need for travel.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T14:32:01.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280324,"EventID":"S4W-12214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T14:32:01.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T13:39:07.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government further to the answer to question S4W-11764 by Kenny MacAskill on 20 December 2012, whether it consulted organisations or individuals other than executive agencies, Scottish Government directorates or holders of judicial or public offices appointed by ministers before deciding to amend section 16 of the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Act 1993 and, if so, what organisations or individuals.\r\n","AnswerText":"As announced in November 2012, the Scottish Government is intending to legislate to clarify the powers of the court to impose a consecutive sentence for people who are released early from prison and go on to commit another offence before their original sentence has ended. We are intending a technical change to the law to help make it clearer and easier to understand.\r\nWe have not formally consulted on our proposed technical changes, but once the legislation is introduced into Parliament we will consider carefully views offered from the Justice Committee, other MSPs and stakeholders on the provision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T14:32:01.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280325,"EventID":"S4W-12215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T14:32:01.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T13:39:07.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people convicted of homicide have received as their main penalty a (a) Sheriff Court fine, (b) Justice of the Peace Court fine, (c) fiscal fine, (d) fiscal compensation order, (e) fiscal combined offer and (f) police antisocial behaviour penalty in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Decisions on sentencing in individual cases for people convicted of offences are taken entirely independently by the court. Also, decisions in individual cases on the use of alternatives to prosecution such as fiscal fines for offences are taken entirely independently by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.\r\nThe available information is given in the following tables. As police ASB FPNs cannot be issued for these crimes, they are not included in the table as none were issued.\r\nPeople convicted in Scottish Courts receiving a fine, 2006-07 to 2011-12\r\nCrime/offence1 and Court2\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nHomicide:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nMurder:\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nHigh Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSheriff Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nJustice of the Peace Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDistrict Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStipendiary Magistrate Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nCausing death by careless driving:\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nHigh Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSheriff Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n5\r\n5\r\n5\r\nJustice of the Peace Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDistrict Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStipendiary Magistrate Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nCausing death by dangerous driving:\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nHigh Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nSheriff Court\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nJustice of the Peace Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDistrict Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStipendiary Magistrate Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDeath by careless driving when under  \r\ninfluence of drink/drugs:\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nHigh Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSheriff Court\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nJustice of the Peace Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDistrict Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStipendiary Magistrate Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nCulpable homicide (common law):\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nHigh Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSheriff Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nJustice of the Peace Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDistrict Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStipendiary Magistrate Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nIllegal driver, disqualified/unlicensed\r\netc involved in fatal accident:\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nHigh Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSheriff Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nJustice of the Peace Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDistrict Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStipendiary Magistrate Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nAttempted murder:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nHigh Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSheriff Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nJustice of the Peace Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDistrict Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStipendiary Magistrate Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSerious assault:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nHigh Court\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSheriff Court\r\n138\r\n187\r\n176\r\n100\r\n93\r\n69\r\nJustice of the Peace Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDistrict Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStipendiary Magistrate Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nRobbery:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nHigh Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSheriff Court\r\n20\r\n23\r\n18\r\n20\r\n10\r\n18\r\nJustice of the Peace Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDistrict Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStipendiary Magistrate Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nRape and attempted rape:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nHigh Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSheriff Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nJustice of the Peace Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDistrict Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStipendiary Magistrate Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSexual assault:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nHigh Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSheriff Court\r\n10\r\n6\r\n2\r\n2\r\n4\r\n7\r\nJustice of the Peace Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDistrict Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStipendiary Magistrate Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nHousebreaking:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nHigh Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSheriff Court\r\n248\r\n237\r\n232\r\n148\r\n134\r\n96\r\nJustice of the Peace Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n4\r\n4\r\n0\r\n2\r\nDistrict Court\r\n3\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStipendiary Magistrate Court\r\n5\r\n4\r\n7\r\n11\r\n16\r\n15\r\nHandling an offensive weapon:\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nHigh Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSheriff Court\r\n938\r\n897\r\n839\r\n618\r\n455\r\n369\r\nJustice of the Peace Court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\n2\r\n9\r\nDistrict Court\r\n9\r\n2\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStipendiary Magistrate Court\r\n73\r\n29\r\n10\r\n35\r\n41\r\n30\r\nDrugs:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nHigh Court\r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nSheriff Court\r\n3,213\r\n3,167\r\n2,734\r\n2,945\r\n2,583\r\n2,341\r\nJustice of the Peace Court\r\n0\r\n4\r\n271\r\n622\r\n819\r\n657\r\nDistrict Cou","AnswerDate":"2013-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T14:32:01.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280326,"EventID":"S4W-12216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T14:32:02.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T13:39:07.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people convicted of attempted murder have received as their main penalty a (a) Sheriff Court fine, (b) Justice of the Peace Court fine, (c) fiscal fine, (d) fiscal compensation order, (e) fiscal combined offer and (f) police antisocial behaviour penalty in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12215 on 8 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found:\r\nat: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T14:32:02.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280327,"EventID":"S4W-12217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T14:32:02.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T13:39:07.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people convicted of serious assault have received as their main penalty a (a) Sheriff Court fine, (b) Justice of the Peace Court fine, (c) fiscal fine, (d) fiscal compensation order, (e) fiscal combined offer and (f) police antisocial behaviour penalty in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12215 on 8 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found: at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T14:32:02.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280328,"EventID":"S4W-12218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T14:32:02.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T13:39:07.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people convicted of (a) rape and (b) attempted rape have received as their main penalty a (i) Sheriff Court fine, (ii) Justice of the Peace Court fine, (iii) fiscal fine, (iv) fiscal compensation order, (v) fiscal combined offer and (vi) police antisocial behaviour penalty in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12215 on 8 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found:\r\nat: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T14:32:03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280329,"EventID":"S4W-12219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T14:32:03.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T13:39:07.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people convicted of handling an offensive weapon have received as their main penalty a (a) Sheriff Court fine, (b) Justice of the Peace Court fine, (c) fiscal fine, (d) fiscal compensation order, (e) fiscal combined offer and (f) police antisocial behaviour penalty in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12215 on 8 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found: at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T14:32:03.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280330,"EventID":"S4W-12220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T14:32:03.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T13:39:07.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people convicted of robbery have received as their main penalty a (a) Sheriff Court fine, (b) Justice of the Peace Court fine, (c) fiscal fine, (d) fiscal compensation order, (e) fiscal combined offer and (f) police antisocial behaviour penalty in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12215 on 8 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found:\r\nat: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T14:32:03.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280331,"EventID":"S4W-12221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T14:32:03.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T13:39:07.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people convicted of common assault have received as their main penalty a (a) Sheriff Court fine, (b) Justice of the Peace Court fine, (c) fiscal fine, (d) fiscal compensation order, (e) fiscal combined offer and (f) police antisocial behaviour penalty in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12215 on 8 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found:\r\nat: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T14:32:03.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280332,"EventID":"S4W-12222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T14:32:04.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T13:39:07.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people convicted of sexual assault have received as their main penalty a (a) Sheriff Court fine, (b) Justice of the Peace Court fine, (c) fiscal fine, (d) fiscal compensation order, (e) fiscal combined offer and (f) police antisocial behaviour penalty in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12215 on 8 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found:\r\nat: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T14:32:04.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280333,"EventID":"S4W-12223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T14:32:04.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T13:39:07.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people convicted of housebreaking have received as their main penalty a (a) Sheriff Court fine, (b) Justice of the Peace Court fine, (c) fiscal fine, (d) fiscal compensation order, (e) fiscal combined offer and (f) police antisocial behaviour penalty in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12215 on 8 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T14:32:04.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280334,"EventID":"S4W-12224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T14:32:04.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T13:39:07.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people convicted of drug offences have received as their main penalty a (a) Sheriff Court fine, (b) Justice of the Peace Court fine, (c) fiscal fine, (d) fiscal compensation order, (e) fiscal combined offer and (f) police antisocial behaviour penalty in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12215 on 8 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found:\r\nat:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T14:32:04.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280335,"EventID":"S4T-00197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T12:49:27.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T09:53:12.727","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how value-based pricing will impact on the availability of orphan and ultra-orphan medicines such as Kalydeco.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T12:49:27.413","MeetingDate":"2013-01-15T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280336,"EventID":"S4T-00198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T12:49:27.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T10:27:13.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to support the workforce of Montgomery Litho Ltd following its liquidation.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T12:49:27.68","MeetingDate":"2013-01-15T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280337,"EventID":"S4F-01109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T12:48:42.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-10T14:04:33.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T12:48:43.027","MeetingDate":"2013-01-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280338,"EventID":"S4F-01111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T12:48:43.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T09:16:44.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what recent discussions the Scottish Government has had with NHS boards about appointment procedures for senior health managers.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T12:48:43.653","MeetingDate":"2013-01-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280339,"EventID":"S4F-01112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T12:48:43.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T09:24:38.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T12:48:43.933","MeetingDate":"2013-01-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280340,"EventID":"S4F-01118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T12:48:45.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T11:00:05.893","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T12:48:45.79","MeetingDate":"2013-01-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280341,"EventID":"S4F-01119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T12:48:46.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T11:12:43.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government allows convicted criminals to post online material purporting to cast doubt on their conviction.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T12:48:46.053","MeetingDate":"2013-01-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280342,"EventID":"S4F-01120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T12:48:46.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T11:13:08.727","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Government has made of the impact of UK pension reforms in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T12:48:46.337","MeetingDate":"2013-01-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280351,"EventID":"S4W-12191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:23.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T12:00:05.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) 16 to 19 and (b) 20 to 24-year-olds have a work coach.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. I will ask the Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland to write to you on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:23.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280352,"EventID":"S4W-12192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:24.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T12:00:05.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Skills Development Scotland will introduce an action plan to deliver its evaluation strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The production of an action plan to support the delivery of Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) Evaluation Strategy is the responsibility of SDS. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the Member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:24.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280353,"EventID":"S4W-12193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:24.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T12:00:05.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it helps local authorities provide 3-year funding streams to third sector agencies.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government aims to provide local authorities with three year funding allocations (year one final and years two and three provisional) in order to give them certainty in longer term financial planning, which in turn should help them to provide three year funding streams to third sector agencies.\r\nThe Joint Statement on the Relationship at Local Level between Government and the Third Sector states that: “As a general rule funders will aim to take a three year approach to both grant and contract funding” and would encourage authorities to operate in this way. The joint statement is clear that where three year funding is declined, local authorities will be clear on the reasons for taking such a decision.\r\nFull and early involvement of the third sector in the co-production of service design and planning is likely to lead to funding packages that are satisfactory for all parties. \r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government supports the third sector by supporting the network of local third sector interfaces and through Ready for Business and Just Enterprise. One potential benefit of this support is likely to be the development of sustainable funding arrangements to the benefit of all parties.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:24.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280354,"EventID":"S4W-12194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:25.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T12:00:05.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many training programme opportunities have been (a) available and (b) taken up by 20 to 24-year-olds in each year since 2008.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. I will ask the Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland to write to you with the information you have requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:25.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280355,"EventID":"S4W-12195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:25.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T12:00:05.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it offers to 20 to 24-year-olds seeking training courses.\r\n","AnswerText":"Skills Development Scotland (SDS) offers a range of ways for individuals of all ages to access training. Learners can contact SDS via more than one hundred locations throughout Scotland. SDS have space on their website detailing the services they deliver for individuals as well as their dedicated My World of Work online service to help people plan, build and direct their career throughout their lives.\r\nSDS also offers advice by telephone to individuals looking for assistance on their helpline: 0800 917 8000.\r\nSDS can advise individuals about both appropriate training available to them, and any associated funding for which they may be eligible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:25.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280356,"EventID":"S4W-12196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:26.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T12:00:05.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many young people who are unemployed have been so for at least two years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Annual Population Survey (APS) provides the preferred measure of youth unemployment. The latest data covers October 2011 to September 2012.\r\nOf the 85,100 young people who are unemployed approximately 11% (10,000) have been unemployed for at least two years. As the APS is a sample survey there is an amount of variability in this estimate.\r\nSource: Annual Population Survey, Office for National Statistics.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Levels are rounded, proportions calculated using unrounded figures and based on economically active population.\r\n2. Duration breakdown excludes those where duration was unknown (for this period the duration of unemployment was unknown for approximately 1,700 young people).\r\n3. The subgroup of interest here is relatively small and therefore this estimate is not as reliable as that for the overall population aged 16 to 24 years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:26.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280357,"EventID":"S4W-12197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:26.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T12:00:05.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many young people who are unemployed and have been so for at least two years have attended a (a) training and (b) employability programme in each of the last three years, broken down by programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. I will ask the Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland to write to you on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:26.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280358,"EventID":"S4W-12198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:26.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T12:00:05.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will commission an independent evaluation of the success of its employability programmes.\r\n","AnswerText":"Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is currently finalising details of an action plan to support the SDS evaluation strategy 2012-15. This will include a three to four year rolling plan to ensure that all future evaluation is adequately planned and resourced. Scottish Government will be better placed to assess whether any additional independent evaluation of its employability programmes is required following publication of the SDS action plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:26.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280359,"EventID":"S4W-12199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:27.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-11T12:00:05.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to increase the number of modern apprenticeships offered by small and medium-sized enterprises and, if so, how.\r\n","AnswerText":"Skills Development Scotland (SDS) uses a range of mechanisms to develop a clear picture of employer and industry skills needs, including their recently launched Our Skills Force. In a bid to provide greater, more direct support to help Scotlands small and medium sized enterprises compete in the current economic climate, SDS has now introduced a new employer services team to provide direct skills support for employers and their representative bodies.\r\nThe employer services team will work on a regional basis with local partners, such as business Gateways, chambers of commerce and local authorities. Included within this service will be the opportunity to investigate the appropriateness of Modern Apprenticeships to their business or recruitment needs.\r\nThe Scottish Government is developing policy around a shared apprenticeship model. The aim is to make it easier for small and micro sized businesses, in the construction industry in the first instance, to engage with the modern apprenticeship programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:27.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280360,"EventID":"S4W-12225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:27.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T14:14:43.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding each community justice authority receives under section 27 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968.","AnswerText":"Funding allocated to each Community Justice Authority (CJA) under section 27 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, for the current financial year (2012-13), is provided in the following table:\r\nCJA Area\r\nAmount\r\nFife and Forth Valley\r\n£12,148,540\r\nGlasgow\r\n£18,187,279\r\nLanarkshire\r\n£11,781,996\r\nLothian and Borders\r\n£14,586,776\r\nNorthern\r\n£12,336,156\r\nNorth Strathclyde\r\n£10,532,199\r\nSouth West Scotland\r\n£9,368,326\r\nTayside\r\n£7,891,419\r\nTotal \r\n£96,832,691\r\nIn addition, each Community Justice Authority has been able to submit applications under Section 27 for additional funding from the Payback Sports Facilities Fund, up to a maximum of £375k per CJA over the two years 2011-12 - 2012-13. The aim of the fund is to promote the rehabilitation of offenders and help reduce reoffending by maintaining and improving sports amenities available to communities throughout Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:27.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280361,"EventID":"S4W-12226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:28.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T14:14:43.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of prisoners are attending education programmes.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe number of prisoners attending education in the Scottish Prison Service varies from day to day. A snapshot of prisoners attending education for November 2012 shows that 34.6% of the population attend education.\r\nIn addition to this other prisoners will be undertaking addiction work, visits, work and other activities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:28.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280362,"EventID":"S4W-12227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:28.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T14:14:43.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many community payback orders have been issued.","AnswerText":"The information requested can be found in Criminal proceedings in Scotland 2011-12 (Table 7). This publication is available on-line on the Scottish Government website at  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/11/5336.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:28.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280363,"EventID":"S4W-12228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:29.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T14:14:43.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of offenders who carry out a community payback order has gone on to reoffend.\r\n","AnswerText":"Re-offending rates cannot be measured directly, as not all offences result in prosecution and conviction. Instead, reconviction rates are used as a proxy measure of the rate of re-offending. Information about the percentage of offenders who received these orders in 2010-11, and have gone on to be reconvicted, will be published in the statistical bulletin Reconviction Rates in Scotland: 2010-11 Cohort in summer 2013.\r\nThe dates of all Scottish Government Official and National Statistics publications are pre-announced, and the up to date list of future publications can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Search/Forthcoming.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:29.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280364,"EventID":"S4W-12229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:29.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T14:14:43.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown by nationality of the prison population.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“On 16 January 2013 the number of offenders in custody including those on remand was 7750 if which 7459 were British. The following table shows the nationality of the remaining 291.”\r\nPrisoner Nationality\r\nTotals\r\nAfghanistan\r\n4\r\nAlbanian\r\n12\r\nAlgerian\r\n3\r\nAngolan\r\n1\r\nAustralian\r\n1\r\nBangladeshi\r\n1\r\nBulgarian\r\n2\r\nChinese\r\n15\r\nCzech\r\n2\r\nDutch\r\n4\r\nEcuadorian\r\n1\r\nEgyptian\r\n1\r\nEstonian\r\n1\r\nFrench\r\n2\r\nGambian\r\n7\r\nGerman\r\n2\r\nGhanaian\r\n1\r\nGuinean\r\n1\r\nHungarian\r\n3\r\nIndian\r\n9\r\nIranian\r\n2\r\nIraqi\r\n3\r\nIrish\r\n14\r\nItalian\r\n2\r\nJamaican\r\n7\r\nKenyan\r\n2\r\nKorean\r\n1\r\nKuwati\r\n1\r\nLatvian\r\n8\r\nLibyan\r\n1\r\nLithuanian\r\n25\r\nMalawian\r\n1\r\nMaltese\r\n1\r\nMexican\r\n1\r\nMorroccan\r\n2\r\nNew Zealander\r\n1\r\nNigerian\r\n9\r\nPakistani\r\n11\r\nPalestinian\r\n3\r\nPolish\r\n61\r\nPortuguese\r\n3\r\nRomanian\r\n6\r\nRussian\r\n6\r\nSlovakian\r\n4\r\nSomalian\r\n6\r\nSouthern African\r\n2\r\nSpanish\r\n3\r\nSudanese\r\n1\r\nTurkish\r\n4\r\nUgandan\r\n2\r\nUndetermined\r\n2\r\nVietnamese\r\n17\r\nZimbabwean\r\n6\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:29.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280365,"EventID":"S4W-12230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:29.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T14:14:43.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of prisoners is released without accommodation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012 there were 19,792 discharges from prison, of whom 846 people stated that they would be of no fixed abode on release. In the same period there were 1,735 applications to local authorities for homelessness assistance from homeless households where discharge from prison was the main reason for the applicant’s homelessness.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:29.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280366,"EventID":"S4W-12231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:30.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T14:14:43.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it evaluates rehabilitation programmes (a) in and (b) out of prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“The evaluation of rehabilitation programmes for individual prisoners is undertaken by analysing data gathered before, during and after the delivery of programmes. This includes reviewing psychological risk tools, psychometric tests, clinical observation and monitoring offenders’ behaviour.\r\nThe Scottish Prison Service has not individually evaluated the effectiveness of these programmes however there is a significant body of research from around the world that demonstrates the effectiveness of these in reducing reoffending.\r\nSPS is currently in the process of reviewing and updating its suite of rehabilitation programmes to create a robust framework of evaluation.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:30.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280367,"EventID":"S4W-12232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:30.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T14:14:43.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many repeat offenders have repeated rehabilitation programmes in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“Interventions will be delivered after an assessment of an individual’s risks and needs. This may result in an individual having to repeat interventions to ensure that their risks and needs are as far as possible, addressed prior to release.\r\nThe SPS does not record whether repeat offenders are participating on rehabilitation programmes for a second (or third) time.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:30.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280368,"EventID":"S4W-12233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:31.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T14:14:43.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether families can accumulate prison visits if they live a long distance from the prison.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“A life prisoner or those serving a sentence of more than 14 months who has served at least six months may apply to the Governor to start accumulating visits. If the Governor gives permission for this then the prisoner will be moved to another prison closer to visitors to participate in such visits for a maximum period of two months.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:31.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280369,"EventID":"S4W-12234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:31.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T14:14:43.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether offenders' families are involved in reviews of (a) sentencing, (b) care in custody and (c) other aspects of offenders' care.","AnswerText":"In relation to reviews of sentencing, following a person's conviction, the court will decide on an appropriate sentence within the overall legal framework provided by Parliament. The court has wide discretion to consider what an appropriate sentence should be for specific cases and will take into account a range of relevant factors such as the circumstances of the offender including their family circumstances. Any offender can seek to appeal against their sentence and it will for the Appeal Court to consider the merits of the appeal. There is also an exceptional process by which an offender can seek to have the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (SCCRC) refer their case back to court for a further appeal. An offenders' family can of course assist in helping appeals and applications to the SCCRC, but they do not have a formal role in these processes.\r\nIn relation to the review of the care of offenders in custody the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) actively encourages offenders and their families to contribute to the prisons Integrated Case Management process for those subject to post release supervision and to attend their annual case conference. The SPS also invites families, with the offenders’ approval, to the Act2Care case conference as part of its Suicide Risk Management Strategy where the offender is at risk of suicide or self harm.\r\nIn addition, community-based social workers regularly meet with families in their home to consider the supports and services required and to take account of their views on a possible return to the family home when offenders are being considered for any form of release.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:31.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280370,"EventID":"S4W-12235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:32.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T14:27:00.54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Protected Geographical Indicator status for Stornoway black pudding is expected to be granted.\r\n","AnswerText":"Protected Geographical Indicator status (PGI) for Stornoway Black Pudding is expected to be granted around the end of January/mid February 2013. The EU wide consultation ended on 15 December following which the Commission will start making arrangements for the name to be added to the register of EU protected food names. Due to the administrative procedures including translation in the EU community languages this takes a further 6-8 weeks before publication of the registered name in the EU Official Journal.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:32.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280371,"EventID":"S4W-12236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:32.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T14:32:41.347","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has conducted of any potential water pollution as a result of unconventional gas exploration and extraction and whether it is considering commissioning further research.\r\n","AnswerText":"Following the investigation of two seismic tremors experienced near Preese Hall, Lancashire during fracking operations in 2011, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society conducted a wide ranging and authoritative review of the scientific and technical evidence on the risks associated with hydraulic fracturing for shale gas, and published a report in June 2012. Their overall conclusion is that the risks can be managed effectively in the UK as long as operational best practices are implemented and enforced through current regulation, a position shared by The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA).\r\nWhilst we and SEPA believe that the current regulatory tools provide a high level of protection, it should be noted that shale gas activity, including hydraulic fracturing, is only exploratory and there is no experience of production operations in the UK as yet. Therefore we will monitor any future activity to ensure that the current tools are effective in protecting the water environment and if not will look at further measures at that point.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:32.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280372,"EventID":"S4W-12238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:33.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T14:32:41.347","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the updated National Flood Risk Assessment will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"The first ever National Flood Risk Assessment (NFRA) for Scotland was published in December 2011 and is only the first step in a new risk-based approach to managing the impacts of floods, where the focus of plans and actions to manage flooding are targeted on where the need and benefits are greatest. The next step is for SEPA to publish new flood risk and flood hazard maps in December 2013. The NFRA will form a regular part of the new Flood Risk Management Planning Cycle, and will be updated by 22 December 2018, as required by the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:33.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280373,"EventID":"S4W-12239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:33.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T15:57:10.14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made regarding the introduction of the Scottish Welfare Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are working in partnership with colleagues in COSLA, and local authority representatives on the development of the Scottish Welfare Fund. We have set up a Design and Implementation Group (DIG), in partnership with COSLA, and involving local authority representatives, to oversee the development and introduction of the Scottish Welfare Fund. The DIG meets regularly to discuss all aspects of implementation and good progress is being made.\r\nNotes from DIG meetings, and details of ongoing developments of the Scottish Welfare Fund are available on our website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/welfarereform/socialfund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:33.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280374,"EventID":"S4W-12240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-14T17:15:33.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T15:57:10.14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what will qualify as emergency help under the proposed Scottish Welfare Fund.","AnswerText":"There are a range of payment methods that local authorities can use to provide emergency help under the Scottish Welfare Fund. As well as cash payments, local authorities may decide to use payments in-kind such as food vouchers, or loaded store cards, to best meet the needs of a claimant in an emergency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T17:15:33.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280380,"EventID":"S4W-12241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-15T14:03:14.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T09:19:20.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has met colleges to discuss waiting lists in the last six months.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have been involved in no such meetings in the last six months. I did however meet with the Chair of the Board of Scotland’s Colleges on 7 November 2012, at which we discussed Scotland’s Colleges’ approach to the issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T14:03:14.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280381,"EventID":"S4W-12242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-15T14:03:15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T09:19:20.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the findings of the audit of the processes by which colleges compile waiting lists.\r\n","AnswerText":"As I indicated to the Parliament on 16 January 2013, an update for MSPs on the audit has been placed in Scottish Parliaments Information Centre (SPICe). (Bib number 54653) The update makes clear that the report will be published in February.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T14:03:15.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280382,"EventID":"S4W-12244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-15T14:03:15.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T12:19:56.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it seeks the consent of the Queen or Prince Charles prior to introducing legislation and, if so, in respect of (a) how many and (b) which bills it has sought such consent since May 2007 and for which bills consent was refused.\r\n","AnswerText":"Rule 9.11 of the Scottish Parliament’s Standing Orders (which reflects the requirements of paragraph 7 of Schedule 3 to the Scotland Act 1998) states that:\r\n“Where a Bill contains provisions, or is amended so as to include provisions, which would, if the Bill were a Bill for an Act of the United Kingdom Parliament, require the consent of Her Majesty, the Prince and Steward of Scotland or the Duke of Cornwall, the Parliament shall not debate any question whether the Bill be passed or approved unless such consent to those provisions has been signified by a member of the Scottish Government during proceedings on the Bill at a meeting of the Parliament.”\r\nInformation on Crown consent where it has arisen in relation to individual Bills is not held centrally by the Scottish Government. However, the Scottish Government understands that Crown consent has been sought, and granted, for every Scottish Parliament Bill enacted since 1999 for which the parliamentary authorities have determined that consent is required by Rule 9.11. Where Crown consent has been signified, that fact has been confirmed during the debate on the relevant Bill at a meeting of the Parliament and has been recorded in the Parliament’s Official Report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T14:03:15.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Joe FitzPatrick","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280383,"EventID":"S4W-12250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-15T14:03:16.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T12:55:42.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many civil servants are involved in each of the workstreams set up in preparation for the 2014 referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of their normal duties, civil servants provide support on relevant aspects of the Scottish Government’s work. Staff contribute to constitutional policy development from within their own subject areas as and when required.\r\nThe amount of time staff spend contributing to the workstreams varies widely from week to week, and we do not routinely record this information, as we have no business need for it. The most recent published information on this subject is in the form of a response to a Freedom Of Information request available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/constitution/About/Workstreams.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T14:03:16.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280384,"EventID":"S4W-12251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-15T14:03:17.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T12:55:42.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many working hours have been committed to each of the workstreams set up in preparation for the 2014 referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"Detailed information on staff activity is not routinely held at the level of working hours.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T14:03:17.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280385,"EventID":"S4W-12252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-15T14:03:17.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T12:55:42.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what cost has been incurred by each of the workstreams set up in preparation for the 2014 referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"The dominant costs incurred are staff costs and I refer you to the answer to question S4W-12061 on 31 January 2013. Other costs are generally not accounted for separately. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T14:03:17.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280386,"EventID":"S4W-12243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-15T17:02:53.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T11:07:23.547","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 is compliant with the (a) European Convention on Human Rights and (b) Children (Scotland) Act 1995 and, if so, what evidence it has to support this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s view is that the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 complies with the European Convention on Human Rights. The statements from the Presiding Officer and the then Minister for Justice provide evidence of this. They are available on the Scottish Parliament’s website at page 26 of the Explanatory Notes for the then Bill: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/S2_Bills/Family%20Law%20(Scotland)%20Bill/b36s2-introd-en.pdf.\r\nThe Government does not believe there is any conflict between the 2006 Act and the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, but it is not appropriate to suggest that the 2006 Act requires to be ‘compliant’ with the 1995 Act. Both Acts are primary legislation about a devolved matter and both are relevant statutes in the area of family law. The 2006 Act amended the 1995 Act. A key principle underlying both Acts is that the welfare of the child is paramount.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T17:02:53.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280387,"EventID":"S4W-12248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-15T17:02:53.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T12:54:53.07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what evaluation it has made of the implementation of Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guideline 114, Non-pharmaceutical management of depression in adults.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has established the HEAT target to “Deliver faster access to mental health services by delivering 18 weeks referral to treatment for psychological therapies from December 2014”.\r\nWe have published “The Matrix: a Guide to Delivering Evidence-based Psychological Therapies in Scotland” on what treatments are effective for which conditions. This takes into account the content of SIGN guideline 114, along with other sources of evidence, in its recommendations on the treatment of depression. The Matrix also emphasises that services must provide adequate supervision for staff delivering psychological interventions, to ensure patient safety and the delivery of evidence-based care.\r\nThrough NHS Education Scotland, we are working to assess and develop workforce capacity to ensure that a range of staff are equipped to deliver therapies. We are also building processes into the work to gather information on clinical outcomes.\r\nIn the Mental Health Stategy:2012-15 we set out a number of approaches which are consistent with the recommendations of SIGN guideline 114. There is a strong focus throughout the Strategy on actions that people can take for themselves, and in their communities, to maintain and improve their own health.\r\nNHS boards continue to develop and deliver self-help services. Nationally, self-help services and resources include the NHS Living Life service, delivered through NHS 24, and the Steps for Stress resources, managed by NHS Health Scotland.\r\nWe have committed to work with partners to increase local knowledge of social prescribing opportunities, including through new technologies, and to develop, with NHS 24, a Scotland-wide approach to improving mental health through new technology.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T17:02:53.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280388,"EventID":"S4W-12249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-15T17:02:54.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T12:54:53.07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that patients are treated in accordance with Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines.","AnswerText":"The implementation of SIGN guidelines is the responsibility of NHS boards, who are responsible for the planning and provision of services to meet the needs of their population.\r\nNHS boards are responsible for auditing and monitoring implementation of SIGN Guidelines locally. An audit tool forms part of the SIGN Guidelines issued to NHS boards and it is their responsibility to decide how it is used to monitor and audit implementation of any guidance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T17:02:54.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280389,"EventID":"S4W-12253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-15T17:02:54.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T15:27:55.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will make a statement on the role of Professor Stephen Tierney as an independent expert adviser as announced in the news release of 5 July 2012, Scottish Government appoint referendum expert.\r\n","AnswerText":"Copies of correspondence between ministers, officials and Professor Stephen Tierney, regarding Professor Tierney’s appointment as an independent expert adviser on the Scottish independence referendum, have been lodged in SPICe, along with a copy of his paper, entitled “The Multi-option Referendum: international guidelines, international practice and practical issues”. (Bib numbers. 54712 and 54713).\r\nProfessor Tierney was appointed as the Government’s adviser in May 2012 to advise on issues arising from the consultation responses. He had a number of discussions with Scottish Government officials, and also met with the First Minister during the 2012 summer recess. The First Minister subsequently wrote to Professor Tierney to ask for his advice (based on international experience) on the practicalities of holding a two question referendum. However, following the signing of the Edinburgh Agreement on 15 October 2012, the issue of a two question referendum did not require further consideration.\r\nScottish Government officials met again with Professor Tierney in Autumn 2012, when he noted that the Government’s main proposals for running the referendum had received strong support from respondents (including key electoral stakeholders) and that there was, therefore, little on which he could offer additional advice. \r\nProfessor Tierney wrote to the First Minister on 21 January 2013 to tender his resignation as an independent expert adviser, as he was also being considered for an advisory role for the Referendum (Scotland) Bill Committee.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T17:02:54.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280390,"EventID":"S4W-12254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-15T17:02:55.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T15:27:55.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the advice of Professor Stephen Tierney in his role as independent expert adviser on the referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12253 on 7 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found:\r\nat: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T17:02:55.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280391,"EventID":"S4W-12255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-15T17:02:55.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T15:27:55.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish all correspondence between ministers, officials and Professor Stephen Tierney since his appointment as an independent expert adviser on the referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12253 on 7 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T17:02:55.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280392,"EventID":"S4W-12256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-15T17:02:56.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T15:27:55.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which of the recommendations from chapter (a) 2, (b) 3, (c) 4 and (d) 5 of Independent Budget Review: The Report of Scotland's Independent Budget Review Panel have been implemented.","AnswerText":"The Independent Budget Review (IBR) report sets out a menu of options for delivering public services within a significantly constrained public expenditure environment. Following the publication of the report, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth led a programme of consultation meetings across Scotland. Discussions also took place with key stakeholders including Community Planning Partnerships and business organisations and the views of the general public were sought at open meetings and through a web-based consultation.\r\nOn the back of this engagement, Ministers have driven forward a programme of reform incorporating many of the recommendations of the IBR and has delivered balanced Scottish Budgets in each of the three years since it was published, through a balanced approach of rigorous efficiency, pay restraint, reform of public services and an innovative approach to infrastructure investment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T17:02:56.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280393,"EventID":"S4W-12260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-15T17:02:56.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T15:27:55.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many meetings there have been between ministers or officials and members of the Independent Budget Review since the publication of Independent Budget Review: The Report of Scotland's Independent Budget Review Panel.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12256 on 28 January 2013, the Independent Budget Review (IBR) report sets out a menu of options for delivering public services within a significantly constrained public expenditure environment and the Government consulted widely on the IBR’s recommendations.\r\nAgainst that background, Scottish Ministers and officials discussed the Independent Budget Review report with members of the panel at the time of its publication in 2010. The Independent Budget Review panel then stood down.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T17:02:56.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280394,"EventID":"S4W-12261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-15T17:02:57.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T15:34:31.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on which legislation it has consulted (a) the Queen and (b) Prince Charles in each year since 1999 and what bills were then (i) altered, (ii) dropped and (iii) not given consent.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12244 on 24 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T17:02:57.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Joe FitzPatrick","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280395,"EventID":"S4W-12265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-15T17:02:57.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T15:47:54.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how and when it arrived at the figure of 70 minutes for the MV Coruisk's return crossing time between Gourock and the new linkspan in Dunoon.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data supplied by David MacBrayne Ltd for the MV Coruisk, for when she previously operated an hourly timetable on this service in 2003-04, shows that she arrived on time in just over 45% of her sailings. A 70 minute scheduled turnaround would avoid the knock on effect of repeated late arrivals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T17:02:57.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280396,"EventID":"S4W-12266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-15T17:02:57.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T15:47:54.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Transport Scotland specified a required crossing time for the Gourock-Dunoon ferry route when it was put out to tender.","AnswerText":"The invitation to tender for the Gourock-Dunoon ferry service issued on 18 February 2011 included the following minimum requirement for frequency of sailings and timetables:\r\nThe operator must deliver a timetabled service which connects passengers with other local transport services. This should, as a minimum, connect with the same railway services as the existing service.\r\nIn practice this required all bidders to propose a timetable that could meet hourly train departures from Gourock to Glasgow Central and hourly arrivals in the opposite direction, half-hourly at peak times, and to ensure that sufficient time was available to passengers to transfer from ferry to train and vice versa.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T17:02:57.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280397,"EventID":"S4W-12267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-15T17:02:58.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T15:47:54.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the Maritime and Coastguard Agency certification of a vessel does not imply that it can operate reliably irrespective of weather conditions and that this is a matter to be determined by the operator of the vessel.\r\n","AnswerText":"The certification of a vessel by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency ensures that it meets the regulatory requirements for the waters in which it will sail. The deployment of vessels is a matter for owners and operators.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T17:02:58.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280398,"EventID":"S4W-12268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-15T17:02:58.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T16:11:43.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the submission of planning applications in close proximity to the festive period and what effect this has on opportunities for public scrutiny and consultation.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no statutory restrictions on what time of year applications for planning permission can be submitted.\r\nThe Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 2008 set out minimum timescales of 14 and 21 days for responses to neighbour notification and other publicity on applications for planning permission.\r\nIt would be for the planning authority to consider any extension to those minimum time periods depending on the prevailing circumstances. In doing so, planning authorities need to bear in mind the need for efficient processing of applications for planning permission and the statutory timescales for dealing with such applications.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T17:02:58.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280399,"EventID":"S4W-12269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-15T17:02:58.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T16:13:41.44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many convictions there have been under section 74 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003, broken down by (a) financial year and (b) procurator fiscal area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The question asks for figures on the number of ‘convictions’ under Section 74 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act. However, the figure that is normally counted in the statistical bulletins on criminal proceedings is ‘offences with a charge proved’. This is because convictions may include a number of charges and the database on convictions records only the main charge (the charge that attracts the most severe penalty). If we were to provide the number of convictions, this is unlikely to provide a full measure of the use of the Act. For example, in 2011-12, while there were 369 convictions in Scotland where the main charge was religiously aggravated, the total charges proved with a religious aggravation was 518.\r\nThe following table therefore provides figures on the number of charges proved under Section 74 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 in each of the three procurator fiscal federations for the last eight financial years. (With effect from April 2012, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service aggregated their previous \r\n11 areas into three larger geographical areas known as federations, namely North, East and West.)\r\nCharges proved with a religious aggravator recorded, by Procurator Fiscal area, 2004-05 to 2011-12\r\nPF Area\r\n2004-05\r\n2005-06\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nNorth\r\n9\r\n10\r\n13\r\n12\r\n21\r\n20\r\n15\r\n27\r\nEast\r\n22\r\n26\r\n34\r\n35\r\n45\r\n48\r\n53\r\n77\r\nWest\r\n169\r\n297\r\n308\r\n295\r\n356\r\n291\r\n313\r\n414\r\nTotal\r\n200\r\n333\r\n355\r\n342\r\n422\r\n359\r\n381\r\n518\r\nSource: Scottish Government Criminal Proceedings Database.\r\n\r\nThe totals were published in November 2012 in the statistical bulletin Criminal Proceedings in Scotland, 2011-12 (in Table 2 of the additional datasets section). Further information on the recording of offence aggravators can therefore be found in that bulletin at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/Datasets/DatasetsCrimProc/OffAgg1112. \r\nFigures on the number of religiously aggravated offences that resulted in a conviction in 2011-12 were also published in “Religiously Aggravated Offending in Scotland 2011-12” (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/11/7685/0). It should be noted that the cases examined in this publication are not directly comparable to those provided in the above table. While the above table counts the number of charges proved in 2011-12 for religiously aggravated offending, the report is based on the number of religiously aggravated charges that occurred in 2011-12. Charges that occur in one year may not be proved in court until the following year. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T17:02:58.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280414,"EventID":"S4W-12270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T13:55:57.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T12:39:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) mean and (b) median wage is for police (i) officers and (ii) civilian support staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. This is a matter for police forces.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:55:57.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280415,"EventID":"S4O-01709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:33.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T12:05:24.537","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on concerns regarding Glasgow City Council’s plans for the redevelopment of George Square.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:34.073","MeetingDate":"2013-01-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280416,"EventID":"S4O-01710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:34.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T12:05:24.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to protect and increase employment in rural areas.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:34.713","MeetingDate":"2013-01-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280417,"EventID":"S4O-01711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:35.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T14:01:33.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what preparations it has made for the Bannockburn celebrations during Homecoming 2014.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:35.133","MeetingDate":"2013-01-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280418,"EventID":"S4O-01712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:35.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T12:05:25.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle unemployment in the Glasgow Provan constituency.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:35.523","MeetingDate":"2013-01-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280419,"EventID":"S4O-01713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:35.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T12:05:25.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to tackle unemployment in Lothian.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:35.883","MeetingDate":"2013-01-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280420,"EventID":"S4O-01714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:36.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T12:05:25.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what reductions it expects in unemployment levels during 2013.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:36.35","MeetingDate":"2013-01-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280421,"EventID":"S4O-01715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:36.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T12:05:25.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how important North Sea oil and gas revenue is to the Scottish economy and how important it would be in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:36.663","MeetingDate":"2013-01-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280422,"EventID":"S4O-01716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:36.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T12:05:26.13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what financial assistance it will provide to Moray Council for the storm damage to Lossiemouth and Kingston.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:36.973","MeetingDate":"2013-01-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280423,"EventID":"S4O-01717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:37.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T12:05:26.52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the Department of Work and Pensions' Work Programme is having on unemployment in Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:37.66","MeetingDate":"2013-01-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280424,"EventID":"S4O-01718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:37.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T12:05:26.69","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth last met the chief executive of Scottish Enterprise and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:38.003","MeetingDate":"2013-01-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280425,"EventID":"S4O-01719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:38.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T12:05:26.893","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what capital allocation has been made to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority as part of the 2013-14 shovel-ready construction and maintenance projects.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:38.333","MeetingDate":"2013-01-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280426,"EventID":"S4O-01720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:38.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T09:50:42.353","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what employment initiatives it provides to tackle unemployment among people aged 24 and over.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:38.753","MeetingDate":"2013-01-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280427,"EventID":"S4O-01721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:39.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T12:42:47.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to the use of social impact bonds.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:39.033","MeetingDate":"2013-01-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280428,"EventID":"S4O-01722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:41.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T10:55:54.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to encourage new business start-ups.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:41.717","MeetingDate":"2013-01-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280429,"EventID":"S4O-01723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:42.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T12:05:27.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made toward implementing the shovel-ready projects announced in December 2012.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:42.187","MeetingDate":"2013-01-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280430,"EventID":"S4O-01724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:42.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T12:05:27.94","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the results of the Bank of Scotland’s December 2012 survey of purchasing managers.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:42.467","MeetingDate":"2013-01-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280431,"EventID":"S4O-01725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:42.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T10:13:52.62","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it has provided to support the cruise ship industry in the west of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Development International and VisitScotland helped set up the industry umbrella body, CruiseScotland, in 2008. In 2010 Scottish Enterprise funded a report for Cruise Scotland on the future of the cruise industry in Scotland.\r\nVisitScotland also actively supports Cruise Scotland by providing in-kind support, advice and funds marketing opportunities through the VisitScotland Growth Fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:42.763","MeetingDate":"2013-01-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280432,"EventID":"S4O-01727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:43.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T12:05:28.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussion it has had with Rolls-Royce and South Lanarkshire Council in response to the announcement of the planned closure of the Rolls-Royce East Kilbride plant.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s main economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise, has been in ongoing discussions with Rolls-Royce about the proposal to move its East Kilbride operation to Inchinnan and the potential areas of support for safeguarding the overall Rolls-Royce presence in Scotland.\r\nThere is also representation and support from Scottish Government agencies, Scottish Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland, on the taskforce led by South Lanarkshire Council, which was formed following the Rolls-Royce announcement. The taskforce discussion has concentrated on the development of an East Kilbride action plan which will align with South Lanarkshire Council’s town centre action plan. The plan will aim to encourage further business opportunities for East Kilbride and is due to be ready by the end of March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:43.06","MeetingDate":"2013-01-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280433,"EventID":"S4O-01728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:43.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T11:45:56.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact will be on the Scottish budget from 2012 to 2015 of any changes to the terms and conditions of police officers.","AnswerText":"There will be no impact on the Scottish budget of any changes to the terms and conditions of police officers. This will be for the Scottish Police Authority to manage within its budget through negotiations at the Scotland Standing Committee of the Police Negotiating Board.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:43.48","MeetingDate":"2013-01-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280434,"EventID":"S4O-01729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:43.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T10:10:58.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Edinburgh trams will be included in its concessionary fare scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:43.777","MeetingDate":"2013-01-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280435,"EventID":"S4O-01730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:44.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T12:05:49.14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:44.26","MeetingDate":"2013-01-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280436,"EventID":"S4O-01731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:44.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T12:05:49.733","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last communicated with NHS Borders and what issues were covered.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:44.65","MeetingDate":"2013-01-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280437,"EventID":"S4O-01732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:45.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T12:05:50.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what transport options are available for care home patients who are discharged from accident and emergency departments at night and what guidance is given to NHS boards regarding this.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:45.087","MeetingDate":"2013-01-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280438,"EventID":"S4O-01733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:45.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T12:05:51.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of the Scottish Court Service.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:45.383","MeetingDate":"2013-01-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280439,"EventID":"S4O-01734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:45.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T12:05:52.62","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the recent Scottish Household Survey suggesting that up to 30% of adults volunteer.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:45.65","MeetingDate":"2013-01-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280440,"EventID":"S4O-01735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:46.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-15T15:52:51.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the proposed so-called bedroom tax reductions to housing benefit will have on Scotland's housing associations and local authorities.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:46.04","MeetingDate":"2013-01-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280441,"EventID":"S4O-01736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:46.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T12:05:58.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to make public transport a more attractive option.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:46.32","MeetingDate":"2013-01-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280442,"EventID":"S4O-01737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:46.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T12:05:58.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had about widening access to culture for people in north Glasgow.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:46.6","MeetingDate":"2013-01-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280443,"EventID":"S4O-01738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T14:59:46.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-14T12:05:58.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the figures recently released by Barnardo's concerning the rest of the UK, whether it will carry out research into the scope of child trafficking in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T14:59:46.96","MeetingDate":"2013-01-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280451,"EventID":"S4W-12272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T16:56:09.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T14:21:50.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what benefits it expects to be gained from the Joint European Support for Sustainable Investment in City Areas (JESSICA) and Scottish Partnership for Regeneration in Urban Centres (SPRUCE) funding initiatives.","AnswerText":"SPRUCE, Scotland’s £50 million JESSICA Fund, provides loan support to revenue-generating regeneration projects within the 13 eligible areas targeted within Priority 3 of the Lowland and Uplands Scotland ERDF Programme 2007-2013. It is anticipated that the fund will be recycled up to three times within 10 years, providing a significant resource to support successful regeneration.\r\nSPRUCE is an innovative investment model, capable of attracting public and private sector finance and expertise, to assist the delivery of urban regeneration projects SPRUCE is supporting sustainable economic growth by investing in infrastructure projects at a time when the lack of available market lending can make it difficult to get projects started. It is helping to regenerate our city and urban areas, while providing support for the construction sector and creating and supporting jobs – and can support a range of development such as office and commercial space, key transport projects and investment in energy efficiency projects.\r\nSPRUCE has supported two projects to date, with investments totalling £11.4 million. The first at Dundyvan in Coatbridge will support up to 100 jobs and provide new commercial space for up to 16 small and medium enterprises, while generating 12 new jobs during the construction phase.\r\nThe second, in Glasgow provides much needed Grade A office space for the city centre, which should generate interest from high profile companies whilst helping to support up to 250 jobs in the construction sector and 30 apprenticeships. During construction the contractors have agreed through the inclusion of community benefits, to provide work placements opportunities, support new and completing apprentices, advertise jobs and contracts locally and provide training to contractors and subcontractors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T16:56:09.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280452,"EventID":"S4W-12281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T16:56:09.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T14:35:38.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for capital expenditure on HMP Cornton Vale.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe Scottish Prison Service is committing a significant investment to improve the quality of facilities at HMP and YOI Cornton Vale pending the full implementation of its long term plans for women offenders announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice on 29 October 2012.\r\nAs I have previously indicated up to an additional £3 million will be spent on Cornton Vale to bring the facility up to the basic standard required to be able to maintain reasonable operation until the planned opening of Inverclyde.\r\nThis will include refurbishment of house blocks, ablutions, the gym, medical dispensary and the building which will be used for the new family centre.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T16:56:09.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280453,"EventID":"S4W-12282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T16:56:10.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T14:35:38.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the visitor centre at HMP Cornton Vale will open.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe Family Centre at HMP and YOI Cornton Vale is currently still on schedule to open in spring 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T16:56:10.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280454,"EventID":"S4W-12283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T16:56:10.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T14:35:38.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to retaining HMP Cornton Vale for long-term prisoners only.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe Commission on Women Offenders recommended that Cornton Vale should be replaced with a smaller specialist unit for women offenders serving a statutory defined long-term sentence.\r\nOn 29 October 2012 the Justice Secretary wrote to the Justice Committee advising that he had agreed the Scottish Prison Service Chief Executive’s recommendation that the SPS should proceed to develop HMP Inverclyde as a “custom made” national prison for women offenders, with both the regime and the building fully meeting the aspirations and recommendations of the Commission on Women Offenders. It is intended that HMP Inverclyde will include a specialist unit for long term women offenders in custody.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T16:56:10.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280455,"EventID":"S4W-12284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T16:56:11.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T14:35:38.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to opening further 218 Time Out centres for women and a pilot centre for men.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has committed to pilot a Community Justice Centre for women as part of our response to the Angiolini Commission on women offenders. We expect that the pilot will run for 2 years. We will consider carefully the learning as it emerges from the pilot centre before considering wider implementation, including whether it would be appropriate to pilot such a centre for men.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T16:56:11.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280456,"EventID":"S4W-12285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T16:56:11.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T15:25:13.263","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, when the Gourock-Dunoon ferry route was put out to tender, whether bids that would have required the installation of pontoons would be rejected on the basis that they did not use the existing infrastructure.\r\n","AnswerText":"The tender specification for the Gourock-Dunoon ferry service stated that “tenderers must highlight the specific harbour facilities which they intend to use for the services.” A bid which included the installation and use of pontoons would not have been automatically rejected for that reason.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T16:56:11.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280457,"EventID":"S4W-12286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T16:56:11.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T15:25:13.263","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action will be taken to alleviate delays at the Kessock Bridge while resurfacing is taking place.\r\n","AnswerText":"During these essential resurfacing works (due to start on 11 February 2013) delays are inevitable however Transport Scotland has undertaken extensive planning, consultation and investment into ensuring traffic disruption is minimised. Measures include: \r\nPermanent junction signalisation of A82 Rose Street and Henderson Road in Inverness (Rose Street - allowing traffic better access onto the A82 and Henderson Road where vehicles will be able to turn right avoiding the need to use the Longman roundabout)\r\nPermanent signalisation of the A9 Longman roundabout\r\nPermanent southbound slip road from Stadium Road to the A9 southbound at Longman roundabout (currently being constructed)\r\nTemporary short bus lane on Stadium Road to allow only buses to exit via Stadium Road northbound\r\nTemporary dedicated bus and HGV lane on the A9 southbound running from South of Tore Roundabout and ending north of the Kessock Bridge\r\nPeak time train services to and from Inverness doubled in capacity during the works and Stagecoach has developed a timetable of additional bus services to and from the Black Isle\r\nProgressing with additional permanent car parking at Beauly (subject to final land agreements) and temporary car parking at Dingwall (use of Ross County Football ground car park).\r\nReopening of Conon Bridge railway station (currently due to open on 8 February 2013)\r\nInstallation of additional Variable Message Signing and CCTV cameras in order to provide better information to road users\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T16:56:11.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280458,"EventID":"S4W-12287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T16:56:12.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T15:25:13.263","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to develop a park and ride facility to alleviate traffic congestion at the Kessock Bridge.\r\n","AnswerText":"During these essential resurfacing works (due to start on 11 February 2013) delays are inevitable however Transport Scotland has undertaken extensive planning, consultation and investment into ensuring traffic disruption is minimised.\r\nMeasures to alleviate delays include the use of additional permanent car parking at Beauly station (which we are progressing subject to final land agreements) and temporary car parking at Dingwall (use of Ross County Football ground car park) allowing their use for park and ride.\r\nTransport Scotland does not currently have any plans to develop either a temporary or a permanent park and ride facility at Tore. Transport Scotland considered this in detail at an early stage with The Highland Council (using their extensive knowledge of the local network) as part of the permanent mitigation measures on the A82 and A9 which will have significant beneficial effects both during the Kessock Bridge works, and in the long term). There was insufficient evidence to support the long term viability of a park and ride at the Tore site north of the Kessock Bridge.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T16:56:12.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280459,"EventID":"S4W-12288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T16:56:12.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T15:25:13.263","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Highland Council regarding the provision of a park and ride facility at Tore.\r\n","AnswerText":"During these essential resurfacing works (due to start on 11 February 2013) delays are inevitable however Transport Scotland has undertaken extensive planning, consultation and investment into ensuring traffic disruption is minimised.\r\nTransport Scotland does not currently have any plans to develop either a temporary or a permanent park and ride facility at Tore. Transport Scotland considered this in detail at an early stage with The Highland Council (using their extensive knowledge of the local network) as part of the permanent mitigation measures on the A82 and A9 which will have significant beneficial effects both during the Kessock Bridge works, and in the long term). There was insufficient evidence to support the long term viability of a park and ride at the Tore site north of the Kessock Bridge.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T16:56:12.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280460,"EventID":"S4W-12289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T16:56:12.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T15:25:13.263","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what modelling has been carried out to predict traffic congestion at the approaches to the Kessock Bridge while it is being resurfaced.\r\n","AnswerText":"During these essential resurfacing works (due to start on 11 February 2013) delays are inevitable however Transport Scotland has undertaken extensive planning, consultation and investment into ensuring traffic disruption is minimised.\r\nAs part of this planning an extensive traffic model covering the road network in and around Inverness has been developed to investigate traffic flows, journey times, delays, congestion, and develop measures to alleviate and minimise delays.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T16:56:12.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280461,"EventID":"S4W-12290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T16:56:13.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T15:25:13.263","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contingency plans have been made to allow emergency vehicles access to cross the Kessock Bridge while it is being resurfaced.\r\n","AnswerText":"During these essential resurfacing works (due to start on 11 February 2013) delays are inevitable however Transport Scotland has undertaken extensive planning, consultation and investment into ensuring traffic disruption is minimised.\r\nEmergency vehicles will be able to use the temporary dedicated bus and HGV lane which will be put in place on the A9 southbound running from south of Tore roundabout and ending north of the Kessock Bridge. Going North over the Kessock Bridge emergency vehicles will be able to use the short bus lane on Stadium Road to exit via Stadium Road northbound or the A82 Longman Road and onto the Kessock Bridge.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T16:56:13.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280462,"EventID":"S4W-12291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T16:56:13.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T15:25:13.263","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) Highland Council, (b) the emergency services, (c) British Waterways and (d) businesses regarding the use of the Inverness - Beauly road while the Kessock Bridge is being resurfaced. \r\n","AnswerText":"During these essential resurfacing works (due to start on 11 February 2013) delays are inevitable however Transport Scotland has undertaken extensive planning consultation and investment into ensuring traffic disruption is minimised.\r\nTransport Scotland developed a detailed Communications Strategy and as part of this Transport Scotland has had ongoing discussions and liaison with The Highland Council, the emergency services, British Waterways (now Scottish Canals), stakeholders and businesses regarding the use of the Inverness-Beauly road (the A862) during the main phases of work on the Kessock Bridge. \r\nTransport Scotland is not promoting the A862 as a diversion route. The detailed traffic modeling did not predict a significant impact on the A862. It is likely that around 200 to 300 cars will divert via the A862 during a.m. and p.m. peak three hour periods. Discussions with Scottish Canals have taken place to alleviate possible queuing on A862 at Muirton Swing Bridge when the works commence and the canal re-opens following its annual closure for essential maintenance. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T16:56:13.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280463,"EventID":"S4W-12292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T16:56:13.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T15:25:13.263","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many road users it expects will switch to use rail services from Conon Bridge when the station reopens.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is estimated that 7% of the 40,000 predicted annual passenger journeys from/to Conon Bridge Station would result from passengers transferring from road to rail. This equates to 2,800 journeys switching from road to rail when Conon Bridge station reopens on 8 February 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T16:56:13.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280464,"EventID":"S4W-12293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T16:56:14.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T15:36:38.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on non-resident parents being able to avoid financial family obligations when they are subject to sequestration.\r\n","AnswerText":"Sequestration is available as a last resort for people who cannot pay their debts as they become due. This includes child maintenance arrears. It is important that sequestration should encourage financial rehabilitation, and this should include closure on outstanding debts. When assessing a contribution to be paid by an individual to their sequestrated estate, a trustee allows the individual to retain sufficient income to pay their ongoing liabilities which includes current child maintenance payments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T16:56:14.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280465,"EventID":"S4W-12294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T16:56:14.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T15:36:38.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to ensure that non-resident parents are unable to avoid financial family obligations when they are subject to sequestration.\r\n","AnswerText":"Currently in Scotland, arrears of child maintenance are included in a sequestration and any unpaid balance will be discharged at conclusion of sequestration.\r\nThe Scottish Government recently undertook a consultation on Bankruptcy Law Reform which outlined a number of proposals to modernise bankruptcy legislation in Scotland. The consultation asked for views on whether child maintenance arrears should continue to be claimable and to be discharged in bankruptcies and Protected Trust Deeds when the individual is discharged. The majority of respondents to the consultation responded that child maintenance arrears should continue to be discharged in both sequestration and Protected Trust Deeds. Given the view of the majority of stakeholders who responded to this consultation, the Scottish Government has no plans to change this at this time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T16:56:14.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280466,"EventID":"S4W-12306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T16:56:14.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:07:23.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many staff shortages NHS boards have reported in remote and rural communities in each year since 1999, broken down by (a) doctors, (b) nurses and (c) dentists.","AnswerText":"The information requested on how many staff shortages NHS boards have reported in remote and rural communities in each year since 1999, broken down by (a) doctors, (b) nurses and (c) dentists is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T16:56:15.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280467,"EventID":"S4W-12310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-16T16:56:15.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:09:51.607","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the delivery of health services in relation to projected population changes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government takes account of population change and projected population change in determining funding for the provision of health care services and the allocation of those funds between health boards. The delivery of health services is the responsibility of individual health boards in the context of their local circumstances.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T16:56:15.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280474,"EventID":"S4W-12295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:45.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:03:18.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many court cases have been cancelled in each year since 2007 and how many were cancelled due to lack of court time, also broken down by sherrifdom. \r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing within twenty days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:45.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280475,"EventID":"S4W-12297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:46.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:04:57.263","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to assist NHS Education for Scotland streamline sponsorship arrangements for trainee GPs requiring tier 2 visas.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is primarily a matter for NHS Education for Scotland and NHSScotland boards to consider and, at this stage, the Scottish Government is encouraging the development of proposals on a collaborative basis that will (a) satisfy the UK Borders Agency requirements for sponsors of trainees, (b) ensure our health services can continue to attract good quality doctors to come and train in Scotland and (c) seek to minimise any financial or bureaucratic burdens falling on such trainees, or NHSScotland boards.\r\nIn developing proposals, one option under consideration is how best to achieve a single sponsor system to host the oversight and co-ordination arrangements of all trainee doctors requiring tier 2 visas. There is recognition that such a solution would seem to offer operational advantages, and be less costly for trainees, but would also require agreement on where best to locate this host arrangement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:46.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280476,"EventID":"S4W-12299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:46.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:04:57.263","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the need for a single sponsor system for trainee GPs in Scotland requiring a tier 2 visa and what plans it has in this regard.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12297 on 30 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:46.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280477,"EventID":"S4W-12301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:46.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:03:18.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many High Court cases have been cancelled due to a lack of court time in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing within twenty days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:46.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280478,"EventID":"S4W-12303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:47.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:03:18.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost has been of summoning witnesses to take part in trials then sending them home due to lack of court time in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:47.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280479,"EventID":"S4W-12304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:47.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:03:18.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost has been of providing court support services for trials that did not take place in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing within twenty days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:47.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280480,"EventID":"S4W-12305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:47.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:03:18.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost has been of providing court support services for trials that did not take place due to lack of court time and had to be rescheduled in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing within twenty days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:47.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280481,"EventID":"S4W-12307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:48.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:03:18.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been spent on legal aid in preparation for trials that had to be rescheduled in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Legal Aid Board does not collect or hold such information centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:48.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280482,"EventID":"S4W-12308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:48.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:03:18.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many working days have been lost by (a) witnesses, (b) legal aid lawyers and (c) court staff attending court for trials that did not take place in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information in respect of part (a) is not held.\r\nMatters relating to legal aid fall under the responsibility of the Scottish Legal Aid Board. I have asked the chief executive of that organisation to write to the member.\r\nMatters relating to court staff fall under the responsibility of the Scottish Courts Service. I have asked the chief executive of that organisation to write to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:48.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280483,"EventID":"S4W-12309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:48.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:03:18.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many working days have been lost by (a) witnesses, (b) legal aid lawyers and (c) court staff attending court for trials that were cancelled due to lack of court time in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information in respect of part (a) is not held. \r\nMatters relating to legal aid fall under the responsibility of the Scottish Legal Aid Board. I have asked the chief executive of that organisation to write to the member.\r\nMatters relating to court staff fall under the responsibility of the Scottish Courts Service. I have asked the chief executive of that organisation to write to the member\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:48.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280484,"EventID":"S4W-12316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:48.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:14:58.497","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the European Food Safety Authority report, Conclusion on the peer review of the pesticide risk assessment for bees for the active substance clothianidin (EFSA Journal 2013;11(1):3066).","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government welcomes the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) conclusions on the risks associated with neonicotinoids and bees. We have asked the UK’s Advisory Committee on Pesticides (ACP) to look urgently at EFSA’s evidence. On receipt of the ACP’s advice, we will look at whether additional restrictions are necessary.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:48.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280485,"EventID":"S4W-12317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:49.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:14:58.497","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the findings in the European Food Safety Authority report, Conclusion on the peer review of the pesticide risk assessment for bees for the active substance clothianidin (EFSA Journal 2013;11(1):3066), whether it will (a) continue to allow the use of neonicotinoid insecticides, (b) consider a moratorium on the use of neonicotinoids on outdoor crops or (c) reconsider the availability of neonicotinoids in garden centres for use by the general public.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12316 on 25 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:49.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280486,"EventID":"S4W-12318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:49.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:14:58.497","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to meet the Scottish scientists who gave oral evidence to the Environmental Audit Committee on 21 and 28 November 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials have already had contact with scientists who gave evidence to the Environmental Audit Committee, on a number of issues.\r\nThe Scottish Government also has extensive contact with scientists on issues relating to bees and bee health through the insect pollinators initiative (IPI). The IPI aims to aid understanding and mitigation of the biological and environmental factors that adversely affect insect pollinators.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:49.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280487,"EventID":"S4W-12319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:50.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:14:58.497","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to start collecting pesticide usage data from farms and, if so, whether the data will be made available for scientific analysis.\r\n","AnswerText":"Pesticide usage data has been collected by SASA (Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture) from farm records as part of regular surveys since the mid-1970s. Survey results can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.sasa.gov.uk/pesticides-usage-survey-reports.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:50.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280488,"EventID":"S4W-12320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:50.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:14:58.497","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in relation to the availability of detailed information on the methodology of safety testing carried out by the insecticide industry.","AnswerText":"The methodology of safety testing, the studies and guidance required, for an insecticide to be evaluated are available from the Chemicals Regulation Directorate at:\r\nhttp://www.pesticides.gov.uk/guidance/industries/pesticides/topics/pesticide-approvals/pesticides-registration/data-requirements-handbook\r\nStudies have to meet OECD or equivalent guidelines for the testing of chemicals. OECD guidelines can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.oecd.org/env/chemicalssafetyand biosafety/testingofchemicals/oecdguidelinesforthetestingofchemicals.htm.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:50.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280489,"EventID":"S4W-12321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:50.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:17:20.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the Scottish Police Authority should have control of the Police Service of Scotland or hold it accountable for its actions.\r\n","AnswerText":"In terms of The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012, The Scottish Police Authority’s main functions are:\r\n(a) To maintain the Police Service,\r\n15 (aa) To promote the policing principles set out in section 32,\r\n(b) To promote and support continuous improvement in the policing of Scotland,\r\n(ba) To keep under review the policing of Scotland,\r\n(c) To hold the chief constable to account for the policing of Scotland (including, in\r\nparticular, the chief constable’s carrying out of the duties imposed by or\r\n20 mentioned in section 17).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:50.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280490,"EventID":"S4W-12322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:51.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:17:20.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what input local authorities will have into how the policing budget is spent in their areas once the Police Service of Scotland becomes operational.\r\n","AnswerText":"Each local authority area will have a designated Local Police Commander, who will work with locally elected councillors and Community Planning Partnerships to shape local services and prioritise local needs. This includes a statutory requirement to prepare a local police plan for each local authority area setting out the main priorities and objectives for policing in the local authority area.\r\nAll 32 local authorities in Scotland and eight regional police services are currently involved in developing and trialling new local engagement and scrutiny arrangements, which will be introduced on day one of the new service. In collaboration with COSLA and the Improvement Service, we have published national guidance on good practice in this area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:51.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280491,"EventID":"S4W-12323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:51.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:17:20.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the (a) Scottish Police Authority has and (b) Police Service of Scotland will have (i) human resources and (ii) finance functions.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 makes it clear that the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) has a duty “to maintain the Police Service” and that the Chief Constable “is responsible for the day to day administration of the Police Service.”\r\nDecisions on the detailed structures for the delivery of corporate functions within these organisations rest with the Scottish Police Authority and the Police Service of Scotland. The SPA Board confirmed on Friday 18 January 2013 that as they take forward this work to finalise the detailed arrangements for finance and HR, they will appoint some staff as police staff (under the direction and control of the Chief Constable) and other staff as SPA staff.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:51.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280492,"EventID":"S4W-12324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:51.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:17:20.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the budgets for fire and rescue services will continue to be made available, broken down by the current board areas after 1 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"No, the budget for the new Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) will not be broken down by current board area. It will be for SFRS to determine how it manages local budget allocation. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:51.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280493,"EventID":"S4W-12325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:52.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:17:20.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to change the (a) financial arrangements and (b) responsibilities of retained firefighters after 1 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"Retained fire fighters will transfer from their current service to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) on 1 April 2013 under their current terms and conditions. Any changes to the financial arrangements and responsibilities of retained fire fighters after 1 April 2013 are a matter for the SFRS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:52.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280494,"EventID":"S4W-12326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:52.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:14:58.497","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the availability is of oilseed rape that is not pretreated with neonicotinoid products; what the reason is for this, and whether it plans to take action on this matter.","AnswerText":"There are no statutory rules to say that oilseed rape seed must be treated with neonicotinoids.\r\nAccording to the Scottish Government’s Pesticide Usage Surveys, virtually all commercially available non-organic oilseed rape seed is pre-treated. Farmers can obtain untreated oilseed rape by using Home Saved seed grown from Conventional Certified seed grown on the farm. The Scottish Government’s data suggests relatively few farmers use Home Saved oilseed rape seed, and those that do mostly still choose to have a dressing applied.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:52.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280495,"EventID":"S4W-12327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:53.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:14:58.497","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many meetings it had to discuss independent scientific evidence and advice regarding the (a) use and (b) availability of neonicotinoids from 2007 to 16 January 2013.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has regular on-going discussions on pesticide issues with its own scientists in SASA (Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture), our Scottish assessor on the Advisory Committee on Pesticides, with Scotland’s Rural College and officials in the Health and Safety Executive’s Chemicals Regulation Directorate.\r\nTo gather the information for (a) and (b) could only be done so at a disproportionate cost.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:53.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280496,"EventID":"S4W-12328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:53.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:14:58.497","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what evidence on yields has been attributed to the use of neonicotinoids on oilseed rape in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Neonicotinoid seed treatments are aimed at two groups of pests on oilseed rape, flea beetles and aphids.\r\nIt is difficult to estimate the average yield loss from feeding damage caused by various flea beetle species as crop establishment depends on how favourable crop growth conditions are at the time of sowing.\r\nHowever, aphids which transmit turnip yellow virus when feeding are estimated to cause a yield loss of up to 30% at an individual crop level.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:53.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280497,"EventID":"S4W-12329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:54.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:14:58.497","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is planning to increase the number of insect pollinators.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has contributed £0.5 million of co-funding to the Insect Pollinators Initiative (IPI) which is a research initiative led by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. The aim of the IPI is to aid understanding and mitigation of the biological and environmental factors that adversely affect insect pollinators. More information is available at: www.bbsrc.ac.uk/pollinators/.\r\nThe Scottish Government is currently in the third year of its 10-year Honey Bee Health Strategy, the main aim of which is to achieve a sustainable and healthy population of honey bees for pollination and honey production in Scotland through strengthened partnership working between stakeholders with an interest in honey bees.\r\nAs honey bees are a flagship species the benefits accrued through the bee health strategy will bring consequential benefits to other insect pollinators. More information is available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/06/23102211/0.\r\nThe first Scotland-wide honey bee health survey is being completed, involving inspections taking place and samples being collected from most parts of the country. Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) are currently analysing the results and a composite report will be released later in the year. The report will provide a snapshot of the nation’s bee health and will be used to inform future decisions relating to bee health and treatment of diseases, pests and emerging threats\r\nScotland’s biodiversity strategy is currently under review. The associated consultation document, the 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/07/5241) recognised the vital role of pollinators to Scotland and the importance of protecting them.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:54.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280498,"EventID":"S4W-12330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:54.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-16T16:14:58.497","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it understands the effects of neonicotinoids on bees to be and on what evidence.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government scientists have reviewed both published and regulatory scientific data and also keep this issue under constant review.\r\nSome studies in certain conditions demonstrate sub-lethal effects of neonicotinoids, which includes impairment of foraging ability and return to the hive by individuals leading to reduced worker, brood and queen production.\r\nHowever, studies conducted under realistic field conditions have not identified any unacceptable risk at field population level.\r\nThis issue is kept under constant review. The Scottish Government has asked the Advisory Committee on Pesticides to look at the latest European Food Safety Authority’s findings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:54.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280499,"EventID":"S4W-12331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:54.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T11:33:43.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-01379 by Alasdair Allan on 24 October 2012 (Official Report, c.12514) whether the stakeholder group reviewing Guidance on Education of Children Absent from School through Ill-health met during the last three months of 2012 and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12332 on 29 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:54.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280500,"EventID":"S4W-12332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:55.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T11:33:43.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the stakeholder group reviewing Guidance on Education of Children Absent from School through Ill-health (a) last met and (b) will next meet.\r\n","AnswerText":"The children unable to attend school due to ill health review group last met on 28 March 2012 and will next meet on 1 February 2013.\r\nA meeting of the group was unable to be facilitated in December 2012 as intended due to other pressures. Meetings of the group have now been scheduled across 2013 to take this work forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:55.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280501,"EventID":"S4W-12334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:55.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T11:33:43.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the updated Guidance on Education of Children Absent from School through Ill-health will be published.","AnswerText":"The intention is that as part of their consideration of the issues which require further guidance the stakeholder group will also consider the format and timing of the preparation of the products which will result from the review. The review is not simply a rewrite of the current guidance document, instead it will consider what is required to remove barriers to the successful implementation of the duties to provide education to those who are unable to attend school.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:55.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280502,"EventID":"S4W-12335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T13:54:55.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T13:13:17.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimates it has made of the number of extra children in Scotland who will be deemed to be in poverty as a result of the provisions in the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Bill.","AnswerText":"The Department of Work and Pensions are estimating that the uprating measures in 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 will result in around an extra 200,000 children being in relative income poverty compared to uprating benefits by CPI. Based on Scotland’s current share of children in poverty, this will result in an estimated 15,000 children being pushed into poverty as a result of the 1% uprating of working-age benefits.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:54:55.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280510,"EventID":"S4W-12336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T16:37:36.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T13:58:25.14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what investigations are taking place to (a) identify alternative products to neonicotinoids for use as insecticides and (b) compare the toxicity of neonicotinoids with alternative products.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under its agency agreement with Scottish Ministers, the Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD) is carrying out work designed to help to better understand the likely consequences of possible regulatory options for neonicotinoids, including the implications of alternative pesticides or pest control measures being used.\r\nPesticides are tightly regulated and subject to a rigorous assessment before they can be sold or used in the UK. This process includes an assessment of the toxicity of pesticides to foraging bees and bee hives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T16:37:36.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280511,"EventID":"S4W-12338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T16:37:36.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T13:58:25.14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether comparative research into neonicotinoids and alternative products should be carried out anonymously by independent laboratories.","AnswerText":"Under the European regulatory process for approving pesticides, decisions on pesticide approvals are based on a dossier of evidence submitted by the company. The dossier can include published scientific evidence from independent sources, as well as evidence from studies funded by the company. In the latter case, such studies are required to have been carried out to internationally recognised guidelines and have verified Good Laboratory Practice and quality assurance certification, in order to ensure that the results are objective and impartial.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T16:37:36.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280512,"EventID":"S4W-12339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T16:37:37.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T14:43:38.273","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to improve the availability of live traffic cameras on the (a) A90, (b) A96 and (c) A98. \r\n","AnswerText":"There are 15 live traffic camera views available on the Traffic Scotland website covering the Grampian area including the A90 and the A96. Transport Scotland is currently reviewing its Intelligent Transport System strategy to look for opportunities to add further cameras and they recognise additional cameras on the A90 and A96 trunk roads would be beneficial. Live traffic cameras are available to view on the Traffic Scotland website and mobile devices. Transport Scotland is also taking steps to improve the resilience and availability of camera images as technical issues are known to affect the website for short periods of time.\r\nResponsibility for all aspects of traffic management on the A98, including improving the availability of live traffic cameras, rests with Aberdeenshire Council and Moray Council.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T16:37:37.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280513,"EventID":"S4W-12340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T16:37:37.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T15:39:02.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its broadband strategy will ensure that all rural areas have access to high-speed broadband.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s Digital Strategy commits us to delivering world-class digital infrastructure, capable of delivering high speed broadband, to all of Scotland by 2020. Those areas currently experiencing poor or no service will be a priority.\r\nAs an interim milestone, we are committed to providing access to next generation, high speed broadband to at least 85% of premises across Scotland by the end of 2015. We will also put in place measures to ensure a significant uplift in service for the remaining 10-15% for whom delivery of broadband at this speed will not be possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T16:37:37.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280514,"EventID":"S4W-12341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T16:37:37.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T15:39:02.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to use unused high-speed broadband lines in rural areas to ensure that rural communities have access to high-speed broadband.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is promoting infrastructure sharing as a means of extending the reach and reducing the costs of broadband roll-out across all of Scotland, and particularly in rural communities.\r\nBidders for the two projects that form the Scottish Government’s Step Change 2015 Programme are being encouraged through the respective procurements to re-use existing infrastructure where it reduces cost or increases coverage.\r\nTo assist, details of existing infrastructure has been captured and made available to bidders as part of the tender process. The extent to which it will ultimately be re-used is dependent on the intervention area for the projects; the benefits that using the infrastructure could deliver; and the commercial terms that can be agreed between the supplier and the infrastructure owners.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T16:37:37.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280515,"EventID":"S4W-12342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T16:37:37.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T15:42:55.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Creative Scotland on developing support for artistic and creative activities using the Scots language.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers and Scottish Government officials have met recently with Creative Scotland to discuss the role of Creative Scotland in supporting and promoting the Scots language. Discussions have been positive and Creative Scotland has provided a paper to Ministers setting out their vision for Scots. Following these discussions, Creative Scotland will develop the paper further and it will inform the development of their policy for the Scots language.\r\nThe Scottish Government is supporting and facilitating close working between Creative Scotland and Scots bodies where possible. At the request of the Scottish Government, Creative Scotland is taking forward the Scots Language Working Group recommendation that a Scots Scrievar be appointed. Ministers have requested that they consult closely with Scots language interests, including the Scots Language Centre and Scottish Language Dictionaries.\r\nThe Scottish Government assumed responsibility for direct funding of Scottish Language Dictionaries (SLD) and the Scots Language Centre (SLC) in 2009. Since then the Scottish Government has taken a number of steps to strengthen the roles of the SLC and SLD. In addition to the project with Creative Scotland, mentioned above, SLD and SLC have, at the request of the Scottish Government, been involved in close working with bodies such as Education Scotland, the General Register Office of Scotland (now National Records of Scotland) and the National Trust for Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government has also provided additional resources to both SLD and the SLC to enable them to make progress with specific initiatives such as the SLD book on Scots grammar, the SLC website to support the Scots Language question in Census 2011 and to make progress with Scots language working Group recommendations such as the Scots Touns project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T16:37:37.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280516,"EventID":"S4W-12343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T16:37:38.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T15:42:55.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it takes to support a joint working approach between Creative Scotland, the Scots Language Centre and Scottish Language Dictionaries in developing support for the Scots language.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12342 on 29 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T16:37:38.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280517,"EventID":"S4W-12344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-17T16:37:38.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T15:42:55.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to strengthen the role of (a) the Scots Language Centre and (b) Scottish Language Dictionaries as national agencies for developing Scots language (i) policy and (ii) projects in light of the recommendations in the Report of the Ministerial Working Group on the Scots Language.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12342 on 29 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T16:37:38.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280526,"EventID":"S4W-12345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:15.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T15:55:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it distributed in the first round of the Housebuilding Infrastructure Loan Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"A total of £3 million was awarded to successful projects from the first round of the Fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:15.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280528,"EventID":"S4W-12346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:15.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T15:55:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many and (b) what companies received support in the first round of the Housebuilding Infrastructure Loan Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"I can confirm that three companies received loan offers from the first round of the Fund. Details of these are as follows:\r\n\r\nApplicant\r\nProject\r\nLoan Amount\r\nEWP Investments Limited\r\nArmadale Station, West Lothian\r\n£500,000\r\nTrustees of Richard Tyser\r\nNess Castle, Inverness\r\n£1,900,000\r\nISIS Waterside Regeneration Limited \r\nMaryhill Locks, Glasgow\r\n£600,000\r\nTotal\r\n\r\n£3,000,000\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:16.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280529,"EventID":"S4W-12348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:16.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T15:55:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will offer companies support under the Housebuilding Infrastructure Loan Fund by the end of April 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our intention is that loan offers will have been issued to the successful applicants of round two by that date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:16.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280530,"EventID":"S4W-12349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:17.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T15:55:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether awards have been made under the second round of the Housebuilding Infrastructure Loan Fund and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have now considered all of the applications and can confirm that decisions have been made on five schemes, with four going forward to conditional loan offer. In addition I have asked my officials to progress discussions with two schemes to further explore our scope to support them.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:17.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280531,"EventID":"S4W-12350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:17.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T16:35:46.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding each NHS board has received from the Working Well Challenge Fund.","AnswerText":"The Working Well Challenge Fund was available for two years; 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. The following table shows the amount awarded for each board in each of these years.\r\nWorking Well Challenge Fund\r\nNHSScotland Board allocations\r\nNHS Board\r\nYear 2009-2010\r\nYear 2010-2011\r\nNHS Ayr and Arran\r\n17,000\r\n11,400\r\nNHS Borders\r\n110,875\r\n0\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n0\r\n12,100\r\nNHS Fife\r\n62,000\r\n32,000\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n18,250\r\n0\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n48,638\r\n0\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n109,919\r\n67,700\r\nNHS Highland\r\n49,495\r\n0\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n177,800\r\n0\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n139,114\r\n30,000\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n8,500\r\n0\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n25,840\r\n0\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n166,100\r\n12,950\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n8,050\r\n0\r\nAmbulance Service\r\n18,500\r\n17,597\r\nNHS Education\r\n30,000\r\n0\r\nNHS 24\r\n44,540\r\n0\r\nGolden Jubilee\r\n12,840\r\n0\r\nTotal per year\r\n1,047,461\r\n183,747\r\nGrand Total (over two years)                                 \r\n£1,231,208\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:17.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280532,"EventID":"S4W-12351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:17.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T16:35:46.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent progress has been made by the Working Well Challenge Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"Over the past four years the Working Well policy has supported a mix of various NHSScotland board projects, including, during the first two years, projects funded through the Working Well Challenge Fund, and a programme of national led projects.\r\nThe concept of Working Well remains strong across boards and we are currently reviewing the Working Well policy to ensure that it meets current priorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:17.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280533,"EventID":"S4W-12352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:18.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T16:35:46.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what reduction there has been in violence against NHS staff in each year since the Working Well Challenge Fund was established and how much of this can be attributed to the fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information regarding violence towards NHSScotland staff is not held centrally. Collection of information is a matter for individual NHSScotland boards.\r\nAny alteration to the levels of violence against NHS staff will be the result of a number of factors and it is not possible to attribute any variation to the Working Well Challenge Fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:18.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280534,"EventID":"S4W-12353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:18.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T16:44:02.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what investigations it has carried out into creating a subsidiary of Scottish Water to enter the utilities retail market.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government have no carried out no formal investigations into that matter. Scottish Water keep all issues of business growth under review whilst preferring to build on core strengths and existing areas of expertise and they keep Scottish Government appraised of their considerations. Were Scottish Water to create a subsidiary to enter the utilities retail market it would open up an entirely new business area requiring specific skills and expertise and would require them to take out a licence which brings considerable expense and obligation - they do not consider this to be a viable proposition at this time.\r\nScottish Water are working hard and successfully to increase the level of renewable energy generated from its estate and assets both as part of the core business and through its Horizons subsidiary. Scottish Water are also working diligently to reduce energy consumption across its operations. We believe that there is considerable opportunity for growth in energy production from the estate and assets both to reduce operating costs and for commercial gain by working with strategic partners through commercial arrangements for example landlord rental schemes for on-shore wind on Scottish Water catchments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:18.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280535,"EventID":"S4W-12354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:19.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T16:38:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding allocated to the Energy Assistance Package in 2012-13 (a) has been spent, (b) has been committed and (c) remains unspent.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Energy Assistance Package (EAP) budget for 2012-13 was £47.5 million, of this £44 million was allocated to EAP stage 4. The balance of £3.5 million was primarily for grant funding the Energy Saving Trust and Energy Action Scotland and funding any marketing campaigns.\r\n\r\nThe state of play as of 31 December 2012 was that:\r\n(a)\t£29.4 million had been spent – see notes (i), (iv);\r\n(b)\t£8.2 million was committed - see notes (ii), (iv); and\r\n(c)\t£9.9 million remained unspent -see notes (iii), (iv).\r\n\r\nNotes:\r\n(i) Figure includes both expenditure on stage 4, estimated from Scottish Gas management information data on the number of installations completed in the period April to December 2012, and the money spent or committed to the Energy Saving Trust and Energy Action Scotland or other purposes.\r\n(ii) Figure estimated from Scottish Gas management information data on the number of people referred to stage 4 and waiting for an installation as at end December 2012.\r\n(iii) Figure is the funding available less ((a) and (b)). This is a demand-led scheme and the unspent provision will fund a service for the customers referred in the period 1 January to 31 March 2013.\r\n(iv) All figures are subject to change once final invoices are completed and received.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:19.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280536,"EventID":"S4W-12355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:20.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T16:38:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average spend per household is under the Energy Assistance Package.\r\n","AnswerText":"Over the three financial years from 2009-10 to 2011-12, the total Scottish Government programme expenditure on the Energy Assistance Package (EAP) was £100.9 million and some 233,000 households were estimated to have been assisted at an average spend per household of approximately £430. This expenditure covered all four stages of EAP, including energy advice, tariff and benefits checking, referral to energy companies for CERT-funded insulation measures and the end to end process of installing physical measures (insulation and new or repaired central heating systems) under EAP stage 4. The vast majority of the expenditure (£92.7 million) was spent on EAP stage 4, providing physical measures to 27,969 households at an average cost of approximately £3,300 per household. The Energy Assistance Package is expected to save households at least £3.80 on energy costs for every £1 of Scottish Government expenditure.\r\nNote that the 2011-12 data is provisional and that the energy cost saving is based on estimates from June 2012. More information on the delivery of the Energy Assistance Package can be found in the Home Energy Programmes Detailed Report 2009-2012, available from the Energy Saving Trust website:\r\nwww.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Take-action/Home-Energy-Scotland/Energy-Assistance-Package/Programme-statistics\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:20.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280537,"EventID":"S4W-12356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:20.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T16:50:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Healthcare Improvement Scotland's draft Announced Inspection Report - care for older people in acute hospitals: Ninewells Hospital was completed.","AnswerText":"Healthcare Improvement Scotland published their inspection report on the care older people at Ninewells Hospital on 30 January 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:20.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280538,"EventID":"S4W-12357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:21.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T16:50:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how long it took Healthcare Improvement Scotland, from the date of the inspection, to publish its announced inspection reports on care for older people in acute hospitals, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information requested is provided in the following table:\r\n\r\nHealth Board\r\nHospital\r\nDate of Inspection\r\nDate of Publication of Report\r\nDuration\r\nNHS Borders\r\nBorders General Hospital\r\n17-19 July 2012\r\n27 August 2012\r\n6 weeks\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\nDumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary\r\n6-8 August 2012\r\n17 September 2012\r\n6 weeks\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\nWestern Infirmary\r\n21-23 Feb 2012\r\n4 April 2012\r\n6 weeks\r\nRoyal Alexandra Hospital\r\n14-16 March 2012\r\n25 April 2012\r\n6 weeks\r\nGlasgow Royal Infirmary\r\n2-4 May 2012\r\n13 June 2012\r\n6 weeks\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\nHairmyres Hospital\r\n6-8 March 2012\r\n16 April 2012\r\n6 weeks\r\nWishaw General Hospital\r\n28 -30 May 2012 (and 19 June 2012 unannounced follow-up)\r\n19 July 2012\r\nCombined report 7 weeks after initial inspection \r\n(4 weeks after follow-up inspection)\r\nMonklands Hospital\r\n25-27 June 2012\r\n6 August 2012\r\n6 weeks\r\nNHS Lothian\r\nWestern General Hospital\r\n11-13 April 2012\r\n21 May 2012\r\n6 weeks\r\nNHS Tayside\r\nNinewells Hospital\r\n24-26 September 2012 \r\n(and 21 January 2013 unannounced follow-up)\r\n 30 January 2013\r\nCombined report published 18 weeks after initial inspection \r\n(9 days after follow-up inspection)\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\nWestern Isles Hospital\r\n17-19 October 2012\r\n26 November 2012\r\n6 weeks\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:21.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280539,"EventID":"S4W-12358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:21.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T16:50:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what specific services are in place for older prisoners.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“In common with other jurisdictions, SPS recognises that we are dealing with an ageing prison population reflecting the ageing trend in society.\r\nCurrently SPS, along with partner agencies, is responding through the provision, for example, of aids and adaptations to accommodation, the provision of specialist beds, access to specialised occupational health equipment as well as the provision of age appropriate activities. However, given the trend towards an even older population, SPS will keep the matter under review.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:21.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280540,"EventID":"S4W-12359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:21.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T16:50:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of all police staff is female.\r\n","AnswerText":"As at 30 September 2012 the percentage of all police staff that were female was 62 per cent (based on headcount). This is based on all police staff employed by the eight Scottish police forces, the Scottish Police Services Authority and the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:21.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280541,"EventID":"S4W-12360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:22.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T16:50:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of the staff working in corporate services in each police force is female.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold the requested information. This is a matter for police forces.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:22.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280542,"EventID":"S4W-12361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:22.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T16:50:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many staff from each police force have been assigned to work in the single service reform team units.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold the requested information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:22.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280543,"EventID":"S4W-12362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:23.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T16:50:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an equalities impact assessment will be carried out before the creation of corporate services for the Police Service of Scotland.","AnswerText":"This will be a matter for the Scottish Police Authority and the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland to take forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:23.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280544,"EventID":"S4W-12363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:23.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T16:50:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether equalities impact assessments will be carried out before implementing the outcomes of the single service reform groups.","AnswerText":"Work on the implementation of the single service reform groups is being undertaken by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland National Police Reform Team and as such this is a matter for the Police Service of Scotland to take forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:23.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280545,"EventID":"S4W-12364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:23.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T16:50:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what key performance indicators will be used to measure the performance of the Police Service of Scotland and whether any of these indicators relate specifically to drug crime.","AnswerText":"The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 makes clear that it is the responsibility of the Scottish Police Authority to hold the Chief Constable to account for the policing of Scotland.\r\nA range of work is currently underway to develop performance management frameworks to assess the performance of the Police Service of Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority in the delivery of the strategic police priorities. These frameworks are expected to be in place to measure performance from 1 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:23.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280546,"EventID":"S4W-12365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:24.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T16:50:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many staff hours have been allocated by each police force to the single service reform team units.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold the requested information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:24.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280547,"EventID":"S4W-12366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:24.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T16:50:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the salary cost has been of the time allocated by each police force to the single service reform team units.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold the requested information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:24.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280548,"EventID":"S4W-12367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:24.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-17T17:47:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who determines the membership of the Scottish Chronic Pain Steering Group and whether appointments to the group are regulated or supervised by any organisation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Chronic Pain Steering Group was convened by Scottish Government with the secretariat and support for the Group being provided by Healthcare Improvement Scotland. Membership is multidisciplinary and includes voluntary sector and patient representation. Additional advice and expertise is co-opted as required.\r\nThe method of selection of representatives to serve on groups may vary depending on the nature, remit, role and term of the group. In many cases no specific qualifications or specialist knowledge is required, beyond an enthusiasm to get involved in making things better.\r\nRegular updates are provided on the work of the group are reported to Scottish Ministers. Updates on the work of the group are also publically available at:\r\nhttp://www.knowledge.scot.nhs.uk/pain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:24.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280549,"EventID":"S4W-12368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:25.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T09:57:16.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many snare users have attended the training required to qualify for an identification number for the purpose of setting snares.\r\n","AnswerText":"1,376 snare users have attended the snaring training courses, as set out in the Snares (Training) (Scotland) (No.2) Order 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:25.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280550,"EventID":"S4W-12369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:25.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T09:57:16.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many snare users it estimates still need to attend the training required to qualify for an identification number for the purpose of setting snares before 1 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"Representatives of the shooting industry estimate that there are approximately 5,000 snaring operators in Scotland. On the basis that 1,376 snare users have already attended the snaring course, this leaves approximately 3,624 that have still to attend the snaring training course. It is not compulsory for snaring operators to attend the course before the 1 April 2013 unless they are required to set a snare from this date.\r\nIt is the responsibility of an individual snaring operator to attend a snaring training course and produce a valid training certificate when requested to do so. Only when they have completed a training course can they obtain an identification number from the chief constable of their local police force. It will be an offence from 1 April 2013 to set a snare without displaying a tag on the snare which contains the snaring operator’s identification number.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:25.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280551,"EventID":"S4W-12370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:25.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T09:57:16.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that training is attended by everyone who needs to qualify for an identification number for the purpose of setting snares before 1 April 2013.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12369 on 30 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:25.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280552,"EventID":"S4W-12371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:26.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T09:57:16.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what auditing or monitoring it does of the training required to qualify for an identification number for the purpose of setting snares, as delivered by the approved bodies to ensure that the content is as specified.","AnswerText":"The approved bodies follow an agreed course format and are considered by the Scottish Government to have the necessary knowledge and expertise in a Scottish context to carry out training in the setting of snares.\r\nWhilst there is no requirement to audit or monitor the training courses delivered by the approved bodies, if a situation was brought to our attention that one of the approved bodies training was deficient we would then take steps to remedy the situation, including, if necessary, removing them from the list of approved bodies in the Schedule to The Snares (Training) (Scotland) (No.2) Order 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:26.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280553,"EventID":"S4W-12372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:26.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T09:57:16.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the value of game shooting is to the economy.","AnswerText":"A report by Public and Corporate Economic Consultants (PACEC) in 2006 titled “The Economic and Environmental Impact of Sporting Shooting” is the most recent study of the value of game shooting in Scotland. Their study estimated that, at that time, game shooting was worth £240 million annually to the economy of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:26.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280554,"EventID":"S4W-12373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:27.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T11:06:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the main grant letter breaking down details of the grants to colleges for (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13 will be published and what the reason is for any delay.\r\n","AnswerText":"Matters related to the provision of grant to individual colleges are the responsibility of the Scottish Funding Council. I have asked the chief executive of the council to write to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:27.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280555,"EventID":"S4W-12374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:27.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T11:06:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a rural college that merges with a city-based college will remain eligible for the institutional element of rural and remoteness funding.\r\n","AnswerText":"Matters related to the funding of individual colleges are the responsibility of the Scottish Funding Council. I have asked the chief executive of the council to write to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:27.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280556,"EventID":"S4W-12375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:28.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T11:49:47.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many criminal cases funded by legal aid have been transferred from solemn to summary in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have been advised by the Scottish Legal Aid Board that data on criminal cases received prior to April 2008 does not contain the summary information required to provide an answer to these questions. In April 2008, a new computer system, which retains more detailed information, was introduced. For that reason, the numbers provided below do not show figures for 2007 and the 2008 is figure for the year from April, only.\r\nThe number of cases transferred from solemn proceedings to summary from April 2008 are as follows:\r\nFrom April 2008: \t633\r\n2009\t\t\t1,122\r\n2010\t\t\t1,165\r\n2011\t\t\t1,244\r\n2012\t\t\t1,213\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:28.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280557,"EventID":"S4W-12376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:28.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T11:49:47.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many criminal cases funded by legal aid have been transferred from summary to solemn in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have been advised by the Scottish Legal Aid Board that data on criminal cases received prior to April 2008 does not contain the summary information required to provide an answer to these questions. In April 2008, a new computer system, which retains more detailed information, was introduced. For that reason, the numbers provided do not show figures for 2007 and the 2008 is figure for the year from April, only.\r\nThe number of cases transferred from summary proceedings to solemn from April 2008 are as follows:\r\nFrom April 2008:\t29\r\n2009\t\t\t34\r\n2010\t\t\t45\r\n2011\t\t\t45\r\n2012\t\t\t56\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:28.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280558,"EventID":"S4W-12377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T15:52:28.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T15:14:38.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether written guidance has been issued to NHS boards following the decision to make Kalydeco available on the NHS.","AnswerText":"A letter from the Scottish Government was issued to NHS boards on 23 January 2013 to clarify the interim arrangements for immediate requests for ivacaftor (Kalydeco®) for NHS patients suffering from cystic fibrosis who have not had a lung transplant and who have the G551D gene mutation.\r\nFurther guidance will be issued to NHSScotland on the operational arrangements for the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-01T15:52:28.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280566,"EventID":"S4W-12378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T14:30:36.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T16:09:30.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10860 by Keith Brown on 14 November 2012, for what reason redundancy payments were made by Argyll Ferries Ltd and not Cowal Ferries Ltd; for what reason redundancy payments amounted to £1,400,182; how much of this was incurred through charges for terminating contracts with agency staff, and whether it considers that Argyll Ferries Ltd met best accounting practice in its 2011-12 annual report by not showing redundancy payments and start-up costs as separate exceptional items.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) legislation, staff contracts transferred from Cowal Ferries Ltd to Argyll Ferries Ltd when the latter took over operations from the former. Redundancy payments amounting to £1,400,182 were, therefore, made by Argyll Ferries Ltd under terms agreed through negotiation with the relevant Trades Unions. No redundancy payments were made to agency staff.  The accounts of Argyll Ferries Ltd are prepared and independently audited under UK Accounting Standards and applicable UK law (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T14:30:36.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280567,"EventID":"S4W-12382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T14:30:36.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T15:30:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many community payback orders have been imposed in each community justice authority area in each month since February 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of community payback orders commenced by local authorities in 2011-12 is published at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/Datasets/SocialWork/CPOs (worksheet entitled “CPOs - ords and inds”).\r\nNumbers of community payback orders issued by Scottish courts have been obtained separately, from the Scottish Court Service (SCS), on a monthly basis, covering the period February 2011 to March 2012 at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/Datasets/CPOs. The SCS data is available at an individual court level but is not held at the level of community justice authority area.\r\nThe two sets of data are not directly comparable with one another, as they are not compiled on exactly the same basis (see paragraph 4.38 of published bulletin “Criminal Justice Social Work Statistics, 2011-12”- http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/12/1332/4.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T14:30:36.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280568,"EventID":"S4W-12383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T14:30:36.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T15:30:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hours of community payback orders have been imposed in each community justice authority area in each month since February 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information from local authorities on the number of hours which have been imposed as part of unpaid work or other activity requirements given with community payback orders in 2011-12 is published at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/Datasets/SocialWork/CPOs (worksheet entitled “CPOs - ave len UPW”).\r\nInformation is not held centrally on the number of hours imposed in February and March 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T14:30:36.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280569,"EventID":"S4W-12384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T14:30:37.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T15:30:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many custodial sentences of less than six months have been imposed in each sheriffdom in each month since May 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table.\r\nPeople given a custodial sentence of six months or less in Scottish Courts, 2007-08 to 2011-12\r\nSheriffdom1\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nGlasgow and Strathkelvin\r\n2,482\r\n2,245\r\n2,100\r\n2,087\r\n2,181\r\nGrampian, Highland and Islands\r\n1,513\r\n1,350\r\n1,146\r\n1,176\r\n1,189\r\nLothian and Borders\r\n1,647\r\n1,807\r\n1,422\r\n1,424\r\n1,263\r\nNorth Strathclyde\r\n1,933\r\n1,747\r\n1,741\r\n1,640\r\n1,685\r\nSouth Strathclyde Dumfries and Galloway\r\n2,206\r\n2,120\r\n1,959\r\n1,563\r\n1,726\r\nTayside, Central and Fife\r\n2,874\r\n2,858\r\n2,497\r\n2,663\r\n2,606\r\nScotland2\r\n12,664\r\n12,142\r\n10,874\r\n10,561\r\n10,665\r\nSource:  Scottish Government Criminal Proceedings Database.\r\nNotes:\r\n1.  Includes an approximate mapping of District courts to Sheriffdoms.\r\n2.  Includes a small number of cases relating to the High Court, or where court location is not known\r\n\r\nBy way of context, the table below shows information on the number of people with a charge proved in Scottish courts over the same period.\r\nPeople with a charge proved in Scottish Courts, 2007-08 to 2011-12\r\n \r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nScotland\r\n133,608\r\n125,889\r\n121,028\r\n115,564\r\n108,336\r\nSource:  Scottish Government Criminal Proceedings Database.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T14:30:37.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280570,"EventID":"S4W-12385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T14:30:37.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T15:30:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many community payback orders have (a) been completed in (i) full and (ii) part and (b) not been completed since February 2011, broken down by community justice authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information from local authorities on the number of terminations of community payback orders in 2011-12 is published at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/Datasets/SocialWork/CPOs\r\n(worksheet entitled “CPOs - terminations reason”).\r\nInformation is not held centrally on the number of terminations of community payback orders in February and March 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T14:30:37.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280571,"EventID":"S4W-12386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T14:30:37.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T15:30:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hours of community payback orders have (a) been completed in (i) full and (ii) part and (b) not been completed since February 2011, broken down by community justice authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information from local authorities on the number of hours completed as part of unpaid work or other activity requirements successfully completed in 2011-12 is published at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/Datasets/SocialWork/CPOs\r\n(worksheet entitled “CPOs - upw reqs succ comp”).\r\nInformation is not held centrally for February and March 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T14:30:37.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280572,"EventID":"S4W-12387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T14:30:38.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T15:30:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has given to councils regarding the type of work to be carried out by people sentenced to community payback orders.\r\n","AnswerText":"Practice guidance on the operation of the Community Payback Order (CPO), drawn up in consultation with a range of relevant organisations and agencies, was issued to local authorities on 24 December 2010, in advance of the legislation coming into force. This guidance contains a section on the “unpaid work or other activity” requirement which includes information on the objectives and guiding principles of the unpaid work element. It does not, however, specify the type of unpaid work to be carried out by offenders, which is for local authorities to determine.\r\nThe guidance is designed to be read in conjunction with the National Outcomes and Standards for Social Work Services in the Criminal Justice System, and specifically section 8 thereof which deals with reparation.\r\nBoth documents are available on the Scottish Government website at the following location: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/offender-management/offender/community/16910/Standards/Guidance \r\nLocal authorities now have a statutory duty to consult annually on the nature of unpaid work and other activities to be undertaken by those on CPOs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T14:30:38.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280573,"EventID":"S4W-12388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T14:30:38.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T16:26:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency's e-learning package on human trafficking was trialled; what feedback was received about the package, and whether it will be rolled out across the Police Service of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Training for police officers on human trafficking is an operational matter for the police. The Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency has advised that the e-learning package was trialled in November 2012, feedback was positive, and the package is being rolled out across all police forces this month.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T14:30:38.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280574,"EventID":"S4W-12389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T14:30:38.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T16:49:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any criminal liability will automatically pass from the existing boards to the new Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.\r\n","AnswerText":"Provision to this effect has been included in the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013, which was laid in draft in the UK Parliament on 22 January 2013 by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Scotland Office, in exercise of powers conferred by the Scotland Act 1998.\r\nParagraph 12 of Schedule 3 of the Order states that any criminal offence committed before the relevant day by a relevant authority within the meaning of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 is, on and after that day, to be regarded for all purposes as if it had been committed by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and criminal proceedings may be instituted or continued against the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service accordingly. Equivalent transitional provision is made for offences committed by any of the current police bodies or chief constables.\r\nThis transitional provision has been included in this draft Scotland Act Order to avoid any doubt that it applies to offences under reserved legislation, which includes in particular the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T14:30:38.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280575,"EventID":"S4W-12405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T14:30:39.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T09:37:00.283","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost has been of citing witnesses to take part in trials then sending them home due to lack of court time in each year since  2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T14:30:39.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280576,"EventID":"S4T-00214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T12:54:55.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T11:17:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update following the recent winter weather conditions.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T12:54:55.867","MeetingDate":"2013-01-22T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280577,"EventID":"S4T-00221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T12:54:57.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T11:50:50.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the outcome of the Scottish Police Authority meeting on 18 January.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T12:54:57.537","MeetingDate":"2013-01-22T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280578,"EventID":"S4F-01130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T13:35:23.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T10:55:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to improve awareness of the screening and symptoms of cervical cancer. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T13:35:23.743","MeetingDate":"2013-01-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280579,"EventID":"S4F-01132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T12:54:49.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T09:39:59.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he next plans to meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T12:54:49.347","MeetingDate":"2013-01-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280580,"EventID":"S4F-01134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T12:54:49.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T10:01:42.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T12:54:49.907","MeetingDate":"2013-01-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280581,"EventID":"S4F-01141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T12:54:52.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T11:00:00.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T12:54:52.277","MeetingDate":"2013-01-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280582,"EventID":"S4F-01144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T12:54:53.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T11:16:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is on the recent report in The Scotsman that Scotland is receiving less than its population share of defence spending.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T12:54:53.12","MeetingDate":"2013-01-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280583,"EventID":"S4F-01148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T12:54:54.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T11:54:12.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's report suggesting that a boy born in one of the most deprived 10% of areas in Scotland has a life expectancy 14 years below one born in the least deprived areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T12:54:54.26","MeetingDate":"2013-01-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280589,"EventID":"S4W-12390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T16:51:03.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T16:58:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) job and (b) employability opportunities will be created by its youth employment budget in 2012-13, broken down by programme.","AnswerText":"The number of jobs and employability opportunities that will be created by the Scottish Government’s additional funding to support youth employment in 2012-13 will be:\r\n1,400 subsidised jobs for 16-19 year olds in social enterprises and voluntary organisations through Community Jobs Scotland.\r\n1,754 opportunities for young people through jobs, work experience and training through the Social Enterprise & Third Sector Challenge Fund. \r\n3,371 young people supported towards and into employment across six local authority areas. \r\n100 young graduates supported into employment in the small business sector.\r\n110 paid graduate placements through Adopt an Intern Scheme.\r\n630 young people access to loans to either start up or grow their own businesses\r\nIn addition, the following opportunities will be created over the three year period from 2012-13 to 2014-15:\r\n1,000 of the most disadvantaged young people including care leavers supported to enter the labour market.\r\n2,500 young people supported into opportunities linked to major cultural and sporting events.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T16:51:03.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280590,"EventID":"S4W-12391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T16:51:03.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T16:58:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) job and (b) employability opportunities were created by its youth employment programmes in 2011-12, broken down by programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government youth employment programmes are all designed to improve the employability of young people, whether they are pre-employment programmes or in-work training programmes.\r\nThe following table details the outcomes for Scottish Government programmes related to youth employment:\r\nProgramme\r\nOutcomes delivered in 20011-12\r\nModern Apprenticeship\r\n26,427 MAs in employment\r\nAdopt an Apprentice\r\n375 redundant MAs supported\r\nCommunity Jobs Scotland\r\n1,843 individuals supported\r\nAdopt an Intern\r\n50 placements funded by SG\r\nGet Ready for Work\r\n4,033 positive outcomes, of which 2,491 were job outcomes\r\n \r\nIn addition, 6,985 claims were made for Skills Development Scotland’s Employer Recruitment Incentive in 2011-12 and 400 placements have been filled through Talent Scotland to date. Talent Scotland management information does not support an annual breakdown.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T16:51:03.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280591,"EventID":"S4W-12392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T16:51:04.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T16:58:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) job and (b) employability opportunities have been created by the £9 million that it gave to local authorities in 2012 to tackle youth unemployment.\r\n","AnswerText":"This programme of activity, being delivered by six local authorities, will reach its conclusion in September 2013 and will help support 1,369 job opportunities, through wage subsidies and 2,078 employability opportunities, in the form of training.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T16:51:04.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280592,"EventID":"S4W-12393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T16:51:05.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T16:58:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many young people have been supported by the £9 million that it gave to local authorities in 2012 to tackle youth unemployment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The £9 million additional Opportunities for All funding, given to six local authorities in 2012, will help support 3,447 young people.\r\nThe delivery of this support will be complete by September 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T16:51:05.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280593,"EventID":"S4W-12394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T16:51:05.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T16:58:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people between (a) 16 and 19 and (b) 20 and 24 undertook opportunities created by the youth employment budget in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"There was no specific “youth employment budget” in 2011-12. However, please see the following table which details the participants for programmes relating to youth employment broken down by age where possible:\r\nProgramme\r\n16-19\r\n20-24\r\ntotal\r\nModern Apprenticeships1\r\n13,216\r\n3,583\r\n16,799\r\nAdopt an apprentice2\r\n189\r\n159\r\n348\r\nCommunity Jobs Scotland3\r\n493\r\n1,121\r\n1,614\r\nAdopt an Intern4\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\n50\r\nGet Ready for Work\r\n10,315\r\n0\r\n10,315\r\nNotes:\r\n1. 9,628 Modern Apprentices were aged 25 and above – total for 2011-12: 26,427\r\n2. 27 apprentices supported through Adopt an Apprentice were 25 and above – total for 2011-12:  375\r\n3. Community Jobs Scotland supported 229 individuals aged 25 and above – total for 2011-12:  1843\r\n4. Management information does not detail an age breakdown for this programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T16:51:05.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280594,"EventID":"S4W-12396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T16:51:06.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T16:58:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) 16 to 19 and (b) 20 to 24-year-olds have undertaken more than one learning, training or work opportunity via programmes administered by Skills Development Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. I will ask the Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland to write to you with the information you have requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T16:51:06.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280595,"EventID":"S4W-12398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T16:51:07.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T16:58:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will spend the additional £80 million referred to by the Minister for Youth Employment on 10 January 2012 (Official Report, c. 15340), broken down by programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of our all-Government, All-Scotland response to assist young Scots towards and into employment, the £80 million we have identified will go towards:\r\n£33 million (including £3 million from Young Scot funding) for Opportunities for All;\r\n£15 million for the Employer Recruitment Incentive;\r\nUp to £25 million of remaining European Structural Funds to support youth employment;\r\n£5 million to support young people into opportunities linked to major cultural and sporting events hosted in Scotland;\r\n£1 million to enable the Prince’s Trust Scotland to offer loans to young entrepreneurs; and\r\n£700,000 to support graduate recruitment schemes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T16:51:07.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280596,"EventID":"S4W-12399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T16:51:07.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T16:58:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will announce the new conditions of the Employer Recruitment Incentive.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials are liaising with representatives from the Scottish local authorities economic development group, business organisations and others on the details of the employer recruitment incentive. Details will be circulated to MSPs as soon as they are available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T16:51:07.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280597,"EventID":"S4W-12400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T16:51:08.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T16:58:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what officials the Minister for Youth Employment met on her recent visit to Brussels and what was discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2008, the Scottish Government has adopted the practice of regularly publishing details of Ministers’ engagements on the Scottish Government website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/14944/Events-Engagements/MinisterialEngagements\r\nDetails of meetings held from 5 September 2012 to 30 November 2012 should be published in February 2013.\r\nAt the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council meeting, which I attended on behalf of the UK, I spoke about the importance of engaging young people in decisions that affect their lives. I highlighted the support provided by the Scottish and UK Governments to youth organisations to enable structured dialogue with young people to take place.\r\nIn meetings with representatives from the European Commission, discussions focused on the forthcoming youth employment package (subsequently announced on 5 December) which includes a recommendation that Member States introduce a Youth Guarantee for young people within four months of leaving education or becoming unemployed. \r\nIn meetings with representatives from the Austrian, Dutch, Finnish and German governments, I described the Scottish Government’s youth employment strategy, sought information on the measures they were taking to tackle youth unemployment, how their vocational education systems contributed to this and how Austria and Finland were implementing Youth Guarantees to unemployed young people. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T16:51:08.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280598,"EventID":"S4W-12401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T16:51:08.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-18T16:58:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the Minister for Youth Employment’s recent letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions regarding a youth guarantee across EU member states (Official Report, col. 15342).\r\n","AnswerText":"It is not normal practice to publish private letters between Ministers. However, in my letter to the Secretary of Work and Pensions, I suggested that it would be helpful to have a discussion about the UK Government’s views on the European Commission’s recommendation on a Youth Guarantee. Mr Mark Hoban MP, Minister for Employment, responded positively to this request and a discussion has been arranged.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T16:51:08.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280599,"EventID":"S4W-12407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T16:51:09.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T11:57:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has given to the Scottish Muscle Network in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not directly fund the Scottish Muscle Network.\r\nThe Scottish Muscle Network is one of 23 national managed clinical networks (NMCN). Each NMCN is individually commissioned and performance managed by National Services Division on behalf of the Scottish Government Health and Social Care directorates and NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T16:51:09.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280600,"EventID":"S4W-12408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T16:51:09.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T11:57:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will help the Scottish Muscle Network to achieve the goals set out in its Annual Report 2011-12.","AnswerText":"All National Managed Clinical Networks (NMCNs), including the Scottish Muscle Network, are provided with performance management support through NHS National Services Scotland, National Services Division. The formal mechanism for this is a service agreement and a closely monitored annual work plan of activities.\r\nThe Scottish Muscle Network has reported significant progress against its goals which are included within its latest annual report. the Network has most recently:\r\narranged a multidisciplinary educational conference on 6 September 2012;\r\ncompleted a myotonic dystrophy audit the  findings of which will be included within its 2012-13 annual report;\r\nhosted a forum on neuromuscular cases on 13 September 2012. A further forum is planned for May 2013; and\r\naudited the uptake and use of transitional care resources.\r\nThe network is currently developing seven information sheets on neuromuscular conditions for NHSScotland’s primary care services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T16:51:09.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280601,"EventID":"S4W-12409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T16:51:10.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T11:57:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what schemes it funds to help families affected by muscular dystrophy.","AnswerText":"We want to ensure that people living with neuromuscular conditions, including their families, get access to the best possible care and support.\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland published the Neurological Clinical Standards in October 2009. These standards will help ensure people with neuromuscular conditions get the earliest and most appropriate neurological treatment locally, but with access to specialist services when needed. That’s why we provided boards with £1.2 million, to develop improvement groups as the main vehicles to take them forward.\r\nWe have also funded:\r\nThree neuromuscular care advisor posts in the South East and Tayside, the North of Scotland, and the West of Scotland for two years. These regional care advisors will be able to signpost people living with neuromuscular conditions and their families to services and support in their local area;\r\nThe Wheelchair and Seating Services Quality Improvement Framework which supports the timely provision of wheelchairs in a way that responds to people’s needs at each stage in the progression of their condition;\r\nA £1.5 million investment in improving services for complex respiratory conditions, which has created a number of new posts (including consultants, dieticians, physiotherapists, nurses and pharmacists) enabling more people to be treated locally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T16:51:10.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280602,"EventID":"S4W-12410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T16:51:10.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T11:57:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it gives families to access the specialist myotonic dystrophy support group based in Nottingham.","AnswerText":"We fully recognise the valuable role that peer support can play in enabling and supporting people living with neuromuscular diseases.\r\nWe are not aware of any requests for support made to the Scottish Government from families wishing to attend the Nottingham-based myotonic dystrophy support group.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T16:51:10.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280603,"EventID":"S4W-12411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T16:51:11.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T11:57:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it has given to families travelling to the myotonic dystrophy support group conference in Bristol.","AnswerText":"We are not aware of any requests for support from families wishing to attend the Myotonic Dystrophy Support Conference in Bristol.\r\nThe Scottish Muscle Network is currently working to improve the support that individuals with neuromuscular conditions and their families receive. This has included:\r\nappropriate sign-posting to services and support groups provided by third sector organisations; and\r\nthe development and auditing of standards on the information and support provided within myotonic dystrophy clinics.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T16:51:11.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280604,"EventID":"S4W-12412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T16:51:11.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:16:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to increase access to specialist child and adolescent mental health services for deaf children and young people.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials have met with members of the National Deaf Children’s Society and the Scottish Council on Deafness to discuss their proposals.\r\nWe have asked them to engage with NHS boards as primary commissioners of such services and we will continue that dialogue through the Scottish Government child and adolescent mental health services network as we consider next steps. We will ensure that service developments are meeting the needs of children and young people with sensory impairments.\r\nWe have made a commitment to work with NHS boards and partners to improve monitoring information about who is accessing services and is consistently available to inform decisions about service redesign and to remove barriers to services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T16:51:11.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280605,"EventID":"S4W-12413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T16:51:12.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:16:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to develop a national specialist child and adolescent mental health service for deaf children and young people.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12412 on 31 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T16:51:12.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280606,"EventID":"S4W-12414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T16:51:13.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:16:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason deafness is not listed as a mental health indicator.","AnswerText":"The current NHS Health Scotland mental health indicator sets out to provide a profile of the mental health of the Scottish population and a means of monitoring the state of mental health to enable evidence-informed decision making for mental health improvement policy planning. However, these are limited by gaps and weaknesses in the evidence-base, availability of data and the feasibility of collecting data. Additionally, the indicators do provide a firm basis on which to build and develop a greater understanding of the causes and consequences of mental health and how these can be measured.\r\nAlthough data is available on disability, it is not possible to break it down into specific impairments due to the small sample sizes of key surveys. Specific impairments such as poor hearing/deafness are captured within the longstanding illness and limiting longstanding illness indicators. Unfortunately the sample size does not allow for poor hearing/deafness to be extracted from the data. However as the evidence base improves the indicators and their data sources will be reviewed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T16:51:13.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280607,"EventID":"S4W-12415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T16:51:14.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:16:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many children and young people are registered as deaf with NHS boards and how many of them have presented with mental health issues.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T16:51:14.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280608,"EventID":"S4W-12417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-21T16:51:15.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T14:12:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the accuracy of Audit Scotland’s evidence to the Public Audit Committee on 16 January 2013 (Official Report, c. 1114), that \"It is not a given that a national IRMP will draw resources from the Highlands and Islands down to the central belt.\" following the creation of the National Fire and Rescue Service.","AnswerText":"Decisions on the allocation of resources are currently a matter for the eight Scottish Fire and Rescue Services, and from 1 April 2013 will be the responsibility of the single Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). It will use the IRMP as a business planning tool to ensure the most effective and efficient use of its resources, and to demonstrate prudent use of public funding.\r\nThe SFRS is under a statutory duty to ensure adequate arrangements for fire and rescue services in all 32 of Scotland’s local authority areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-04T16:51:15.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280610,"EventID":"S4W-12402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:02.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-19T11:11:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the management of Scotland's airports regarding their preparedness to deal with severe snow conditions.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government meets the management of all of Scotland’s main airports on a regular basis. Discussions cover a wide range of issues including resilience and winter weather preparedness.\r\nDuring bad weather events, we work closely with the airports to ensure information is shared and disseminated so that the transport network continues to work to best effect and passengers are kept informed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:02.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280611,"EventID":"S4W-12418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:03.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T16:41:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to work with the Groceries Code Adjudicator to ensure a fair and consistent approach to the food supply chain throughout the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government fully supports the appointment of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA). Scottish Ministers have long pressed for the need for an independent GCA to police the Groceries Supply Code of Practice. I have therefore written to the newly appointed GCA requesting a meeting.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:03.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280612,"EventID":"S4W-12419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:03.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T16:41:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether ministers (a) have met (b) are to meet UK Government ministers to discuss  the Groceries Supply Code of Practice.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12418 on 6 February 2013. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:03.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280613,"EventID":"S4W-12420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:04.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T17:36:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the CashBack for Communities programme funding is fully committed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the inception of the highly successful CashBack for Communities Programme in 2007, over £50 million recovered from the proceeds of crime has been invested throughout Scotland, directly benefitting over 600,000 young people and generating over 11,000 young person volunteers who are now putting something back into their communities.\r\nThe Scottish Government allocates available funds to large national partner organisations, which are responsible for running projects across Scotland. Based on the Scottish Government’s commitment to continue to expand the successful CashBack for Communities Programme, all PoCA recoveries currently available to the Programme have been committed through to 2015-16.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:04.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280614,"EventID":"S4W-12421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:04.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T17:36:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when applications can next be made for funding from the CashBack for Communities programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the inception of the highly successful CashBack for Communities Programme in 2007, over £50 million recovered from the proceeds of crime has been invested throughout Scotland, directly benefitting over 600,000 young people and generating over 11,000 young person volunteers who are now putting something back into their communities.\r\nThe Scottish Government allocates available funds to large national partner organisations, which are responsible for running projects across Scotland. Based on the Scottish Government’s commitment to continue to expand the successful CashBack for Communities Programme, all PoCA recoveries currently available to the Programme have been committed through to 2015-16.\r\nAs part of that commitment, there will be tranches of smaller individual grants available to applications for youth work and cultural activities delivered by YouthLink Scotland and Youth Scotland and Creative Scotland respectively in the next financial year 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:05.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280615,"EventID":"S4W-12422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:05.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T17:36:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how applications can be made for funding from the CashBack for Communities programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the inception of the highly successful CashBack for Communities Programme in 2007, over £50 million recovered from the proceeds of crime has been invested throughout Scotland, directly benefitting over 600,000 young people and generating over 11,000 young person volunteers who are now putting something back into their communities.\r\nThe Scottish Government allocates available funds to large national partner organisations, which are responsible for running projects across Scotland. Based on the Scottish Government’s commitment to continue to expand the successful CashBack for Communities Programme, all PoCA recoveries currently available to the Programme have been committed through to 2015-16.\r\nAs part of that commitment, there will be tranches of smaller individual grants available to applications for youth work and cultural activities delivered by YouthLink Scotland:\r\nhttp://www.youthlinkscotland.org/Index.asp?mainID=11887\r\nand Youth Scotland:\r\nhttp://www.youthscotland.org.uk/projects/cashback-small-grants-scheme.htm\r\nand Creative Scotland:\r\nhttp://www.creativescotland.com/investment/cashbackforcreativity respectively in the next financial year 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:05.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280616,"EventID":"S4W-12423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:06.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T17:36:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government where guidance on applying for funding from the CashBack for Communities programme can be obtained.","AnswerText":"Since the inception of the highly successful CashBack for Communities Programme in 2007, over £50 million recovered from the proceeds of crime has been invested throughout Scotland, directly benefitting over 600,000 young people and generating over 11,000 young person volunteers who are now putting something back into their communities.\r\nThe Scottish Government allocates available funds to large national partner organisations, which are responsible for running projects across Scotland. Based on the Scottish Government’s commitment to continue to expand the successful CashBack for Communities Programme, all PoCA recoveries currently available to the Programme have been committed through to 2015-16.\r\nAs part of that commitment, there will be tranches of smaller individual grants available to applications for youth work and cultural activities delivered by YouthLink Scotland:\r\nhttp://www.youthlinkscotland.org/Index.asp?mainID=11887\r\nand Youth Scotland:\r\nhttp://www.youthscotland.org.uk/projects/cashback-small-grants-scheme.htm\r\nand Creative Scotland:\r\nhttp://www.creativescotland.com/investment/cashbackforcreativity respectively in the next financial year 2013-14. Guidance can be found at respective web pages.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:06.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280617,"EventID":"S4W-12424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:07.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T10:13:10.463","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how its forthcoming consultation on a new food body will address meat inspection issues.","AnswerText":"The forthcoming consultation on a new food body will focus on transferring existing Food Standards Agency (FSA) functions to a new body, and examine what options exist to expand its scope and responsibilities beyond the existing FSA functions. Meat inspection is already a FSA function.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:07.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280618,"EventID":"S4W-12425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:08.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T10:13:10.463","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its consultation on a new food body.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government website sets the timing for publication of the forthcoming consultation on a new food body as “winter 2012-2013”.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:08.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280619,"EventID":"S4W-12426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:09.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:08:19.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on creating a mechanism for determining appropriate staffing levels and skill mix in the care home sector.","AnswerText":"There is a statutory requirement on care service providers to ensure that at all times suitably qualified and competent persons are working in the care service, as are appropriate for the health and welfare of service users. The National Care Standards also require care home staff to have professional training and expertise which allows them to meet the needs of residents. Compliance with these requirements is part of the Care Inspectorate’s inspection process. The Care Inspectorate has a range of measures it can take to ensure that providers comply with requirements.\r\nAs a result of a Scottish Government-supported development project, conducted in partnership with NHS Information Services Division (ISD), COSLA, the Care Commission and with care home providers, a prototype model for informing care staff hours has been developed and tested in a number of care homes in Scotland. A report on the model was submitted to the COSLA-led Older People’s Services Development Group and practicable options for possible implementation are still under consideration by the group. On behalf of the group, the Joint Improvement Team is currently identifying what the options are for national implementation. The prototype model continues to be used in a small number of homes.\r\nStaffing levels remain a decision for care home management with the model providing insights which can help managers make informed decisions about the staffing hours which will meet residents’ needs.\r\nThe Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), as the regulator of the social services workforce in Scotland maintains registers of specific groups of workers. A criterion of registration is that a worker has, or is working towards, a qualification that reflects the skill, knowledge and competence required for practice in each job function. Required registration with the SSSC was introduced in 2009. Managers in care home services have been subject to required registration since November 2009. Supervisors in care home services have been subject to required registration since March 2012. This year, practitioners working in care home services will be subject to required registration from 29 March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:09.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280620,"EventID":"S4W-12427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:10.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:08:19.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the criteria are for eligibility for (a) free personal care and (b) nursing care.","AnswerText":"Eligibility criteria are defined in the National Standard Eligibility and Waiting times for the Personal and Nursing Care of Older People – Guidance. A complete copy of the guidance is available on the Scottish Government website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/1095/0087758.doc.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:10.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280621,"EventID":"S4W-12428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:11.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:08:19.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the timeline is for the review of National Care Standards.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has undertaken exploratory work to inform the review of the National Care Standards and will launch a consultation in the first half of 2013. The consultation will seek views on the proposed approach to the review, the actual review process and its timing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:11.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280622,"EventID":"S4W-12439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:12.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:11:22.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government by how much each NHS board has been (a) over- or (b) underfunded in each of the last six years, also expressed as a percentage.","AnswerText":"Each NHS board has received an appropriate amount of funding from the Scottish Government in each of the last six years and therefore no board has been either over or under funded in that time period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:12.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280623,"EventID":"S4W-12440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:14.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:11:22.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what additional in-year funding each NHS board has received in each year since April 2007 and for what reason.","AnswerText":"NHS boards have received the following in-year funding amounts over the last six years:\r\nNHS Board\r\nIn Year Allocations\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n£000s\r\n£000s\r\n£000s\r\n£000s\r\n£000s\r\n£000s\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran \r\n   76,701 \r\n   65,901 \r\n   72,329 \r\n    77,845 \r\n    74,017 \r\n    85,417 \r\nNHS Borders \r\n   22,553 \r\n   20,999 \r\n   20,711 \r\n    24,486 \r\n    22,062 \r\n    23,153 \r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway \r\n   40,042 \r\n   35,941 \r\n   33,870 \r\n    34,064 \r\n    30,970 \r\n    36,850 \r\nNHS Fife \r\n   62,707 \r\n   58,016 \r\n   63,346 \r\n    65,246 \r\n    58,646 \r\n   100,406 \r\nNHS Forth Valley \r\n   47,623 \r\n   45,098 \r\n   48,466 \r\n    55,009 \r\n    76,000 \r\n    99,942 \r\nNHS Grampian \r\n   98,671 \r\n  101,932 \r\n   110,042 \r\n   123,316 \r\n   107,810 \r\n   120,072 \r\nNHS Greater Glasgow \r\n  286,824 \r\n  279,440 \r\n   255,760 \r\n   275,317 \r\n   313,144 \r\n   342,383 \r\nNHS Highland \r\n   73,140 \r\n   76,288 \r\n   78,063 \r\n    73,804 \r\n    74,227 \r\n    82,983 \r\nNHS Lanarkshire \r\n   79,274 \r\n   86,959 \r\n   94,084 \r\n    67,494 \r\n   119,317 \r\n   114,261 \r\nNHS Lothian \r\n  164,276 \r\n  149,153 \r\n   155,306 \r\n   135,214 \r\n   172,997 \r\n   191,134 \r\nNHS Orkney \r\n    7,415 \r\n    9,295 \r\n   10,303 \r\n    12,053 \r\n    14,737 \r\n    13,614 \r\nNHS Shetland \r\n    7,749 \r\n    8,292 \r\n    9,996 \r\n     9,849 \r\n    15,451 \r\n    11,944 \r\nNHS Tayside \r\n   85,612 \r\n   85,480 \r\n   89,683 \r\n    97,258 \r\n    97,846 \r\n   116,831 \r\nNHS Western Isles \r\n    7,916 \r\n    6,740 \r\n   12,398 \r\n    13,196 \r\n    12,190 \r\n    13,569 \r\nUnified Boards\r\n1,060,503\r\n1,029,534\r\n1,054,357\r\n1,064,151\r\n1,189,414\r\n1,352,559\r\n\r\nNHS Board\r\nIn Year Allocations\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n£000s\r\n£000s\r\n£000s\r\n£000s\r\n£000s\r\n£000s\r\nNational Waiting Times Centre\r\n    6,886 \r\n   27,084 \r\n   23,311 \r\n    20,097 \r\n    17,360 \r\n    17,861 \r\nNHS 24\r\n    7,202 \r\n    3,909 \r\n    3,725 \r\n     7,511 \r\n    6,555 \r\n     3,050 \r\nNHS Education\r\n   31,145 \r\n   39,811 \r\n   44,629 \r\n    29,289 \r\n    29,186 \r\n    31,069 \r\nNHS Health Scotland\r\n    9,987 \r\n    6,335 \r\n    8,267 \r\n     8,853 \r\n    3,871 \r\n     2,369 \r\nNHS NSS\r\n   75,058 \r\n  145,830 \r\n   154,218 \r\n   134,649 \r\n   142,480 \r\n   105,116 \r\nNHS QIS\r\n-193 \r\n     257 \r\n    1,867 \r\n     2,361 \r\n    2,628 \r\n     3,122 \r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n    6,511 \r\n    1,872 \r\n    5,280 \r\n    12,259 \r\n    6,543 \r\n     5,949 \r\nState Hospital\r\n    3,276 \r\n    1,290 \r\n    1,357 \r\n      511 \r\n    5,825 \r\n    12,477 \r\nSpecial Boards\r\n139,872\r\n226,388\r\n242,654\r\n215,530\r\n214,448\r\n181,013\r\nTotal\r\n1,200,375\r\n1,255,922\r\n1,297,011\r\n1,279,681\r\n1,403,862\r\n1,533,572\r\n\r\nOver the course of a financial year, the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorate will typically make around 1,200 in-year allocations to NHS boards which cover a wide variety of reasons. These allocations can be made to one specific board, for example if there is a public health project being piloted in one board area, or to all boards such as funding to cover the costs of the general medical services contract or waiting times funding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:14.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280624,"EventID":"S4W-12441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:15.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:28:54.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what public sector information-sharing protocols exist to ensure that the Scottish Prison Service adheres to any restraints placed on prisoners' contact with victims of domestic violence.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nWhilst there is no specific information sharing protocol we work closely with our criminal justice partners to tackle the unacceptable behaviours demonstrated by perpetrators of domestic violence. In addition, the Prisons and Young Offenders Institutions (Scotland) Rules 2011 contain a power to allow Governors to take reasonable steps to prevent or restrict written communications and telephone calls from a prisoner to a person, where that person so requests.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:15.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280625,"EventID":"S4W-12442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:16.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:35:56.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on recent comments by CNN that Scotland's natural heritage is a reason for it being an internationally notable travel destination.\r\n","AnswerText":"CNN’s accolade supports the Scottish Government’s ambition to grow the tourism sector.2013 has been assigned the Year of Natural Scotland, which is an opportunity to spotlight, celebrate and promote Scotland’s outstanding natural beauty, landscapes and biodiversity to our people and our visitors, and to continue to build on the momentum created by the previous focus years as we progress towards Homecoming 2014 and beyond.\r\nIt is intended that the legacy of the Year of Natural Scotland will be economic benefit for Scotland through increased awareness of Scotland’s natural assets and participation by Scotland’s people and visitors in festivals, events and natural attractions; enhancement of Scotland’s reputation as a place of outstanding natural beauty to enjoy responsibly; better working relationships across the sector; and development of operational practice and initiatives that continue through to 2014 and beyond in supporting and enhancing sustainable nature-based tourism. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:16.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280626,"EventID":"S4W-12443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:17.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:35:56.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of recent comments by CNN, what plans it has to promote Cape Wrath as a desirable destination for walkers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Year of Natural Scotland 2013 is an excellent opportunity to promote Scotland’s stunning natural beauty and biodiversity. The whole country is being promoted as a destination for all visitors including walkers.\r\nThe Year of natural Scotland presents an opportunity for those promoting walking at Cape Wrath and the wider area to increase awareness of Cape Wrath as a destination for walkers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:17.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280627,"EventID":"S4W-12444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:18.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:35:56.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to protect the (a) wild land character of the Cape Wrath Trail and (b) Scottish National Trail between Fort Augustus and Cape Wrath.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Planning Policy states that planning authorities should safeguard the character of wild land areas in development plans. It will therefore be for Highland Council to protect the wild land character of the land around these trails.\r\nThe Year of Natural Scotland presents an opportunity for those promoting walking at Cape Wrath and the wider area to increase awareness of Cape Wrath as a destination for walkers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:18.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280628,"EventID":"S4W-12445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:19.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:46:39.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the clinical standards for breast screening (a) were last published and (b) will be revised.","AnswerText":"The clinical standards for breast screening were last published on 1 October 2002. Five core standards were updated in 2008: lung, breast, ovarian, core and bowel. A Cancer Quality Performance Indicators Programme was developed following the publication of the core standards.\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland is currently working with their partner organisations to review and update their work around national screening programmes, including screening for breast cancers. They are currently developing a governance mechanism for Cancer Quality Performance Indicators which will be piloted in March 2013. Findings from this pilot will further inform their national screening programme work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:19.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280629,"EventID":"S4W-12446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:20.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:46:39.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the clinical standards for cervical screening (a) were last published and (b) will be revised other than to amend the age for commencement of routine screening.\r\n","AnswerText":"The clinical standards for cervical screening were last published on 1 December 2001.\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland is currently working with their partner organisations to review and update their work around national screening programmes, including screening for cervical cancers. They are currently developing a governance mechanism for Cancer Quality Performance Indicators which will be piloted in March 2013. Findings from this pilot will further inform their national screening programme work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:20.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280630,"EventID":"S4W-12447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:20.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:53:49.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce will (a) first meet and (b) report its findings.\r\n","AnswerText":"The first meeting of the Commission will take place on Friday 8 February 2013. The Commission will produce its recommendations in the second quarter of 2014. These will be published in full.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:20.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280631,"EventID":"S4W-12449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:21.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:53:49.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce will publish its work programme and reports on progress until publishing its final report.","AnswerText":"The Commission does not at this stage plan to publish its work programme or to publish reports on progress. However it will engage closely with a wide range of stakeholders including the main political parties as its work progresses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:21.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280632,"EventID":"S4W-12450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:21.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:53:49.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the remit is of the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce.\r\n","AnswerText":"Building on the platforms of Curriculum for Excellence, careers services modernisation, Post-16 education reform and Scotland’s successful Modern Apprenticeship programme, the remit of the Commission is to develop proposals designed to enhance Scotland’s vocational and further education system as it relates to young people; enable young people to make the best transition from the broad general education under Curriculum for Excellence into the system; and encourage greater employer commitment to youth employment and the development and delivery of the vocational and further education system.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:21.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280633,"EventID":"S4W-12451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:22.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:53:49.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the work of the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce will feed into the Post-16 Education (Scotland) Bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"The work of the Commission is currently at an early planning stage with final recommendations due to be published in the second quarter of 2014. Subject to the approval of Parliament, the consideration of the Post-16 Education (Scotland) Bill is expected to be completed during the first half of 2013. The work of the Commission is therefore not expected to feed into the bill. However in terms of the vision the Commission will seek to develop, its work will build on this legislation which focusses on improved college governance and accountability as well as the coherence of provision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:22.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280634,"EventID":"S4W-12452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:23.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T12:17:16.44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will produce advice for local authorities and other public sector bodies on incorporating a living wage requirement into procurement contracts.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government issued a Scottish Procurement Policy Note in August 2012 which provided advice to Scottish local authorities and other public sector bodies on the potential to encourage contractors to pay their employees a living wage through procurement processes. This note is also available on the Scottish Government website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0039/00399217.pdf.\r\nAs part of our public consultation on the Procurement Reform Bill we sought views from stakeholders on the impact and implications of encouraging the living wage through procurement which are currently under consideration. We have published an analysis of the responses:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/01/1908.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:23.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280635,"EventID":"S4W-12453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:23.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T12:30:50.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has advised NHS Forth Valley to amend how it records periods of social unavailability and, if so, when and for what reason.","AnswerText":"No, the Scottish Government has not advised NHS Forth Valley to amend how it recorded periods of social unavailability.\r\nAll NHS boards were advised last year through new guidance that as of 1 October 2012 ‘social unavailability’ was being scrapped and replaced with “patient advised unavailability”, bringing the system into line with the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act. It is for boards to ensure they apply Scottish Government guidance accurately.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:23.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280636,"EventID":"S4W-12454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:25.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T12:30:50.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many instances of treatment outwith the 18-week target period NHS Forth Valley did not record as a breach of the waiting times guarantee.","AnswerText":"The internal audits on the management of waiting times at Forth Valley published on 20 December 2012 stated that it found no instances of inappropriate behaviour or pressure on staff to hide breached or manipulate data. Overall, patient records reviewed were accurate; however, improvements were identified surrounding some aspects of system operation and control, particularly in relation to the usage of different patient administrations systems for in-patients and out-patients.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:25.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280637,"EventID":"S4W-12455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:26.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T12:30:50.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what explanation NHS Forth Valley has provided for the level of social unavailability used in its management of waiting times.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12454 on 5 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:26.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280638,"EventID":"S4W-12456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:27.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T12:30:50.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what level of social unavailability each NHS board recorded in (a) June 2011, (b) June 2012 and (c) December 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information on the number of patients with a period of social unavailability on 30 June 2011 and 30 June 2012 (latest available published data) by NHS Board is provided in the following table. Official waiting times statistics for 31 December 2012 is due to be published by ISD Scotland on 26 February 2013.\r\nMonthly Social Unavailability as at Census date \r\nNHS Board\r\nJune 2011\r\nJune 2012\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n703\r\n775\r\nBorders\r\n308\r\n236\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n493\r\n321\r\nFife\r\n543\r\n402\r\nForth Valley\r\n1,915\r\n511\r\nGrampian\r\n7,128\r\n6,949\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n12,244\r\n5,492\r\nHighland\r\n814\r\n761\r\nLanarkshire\r\n2,148\r\n1,466\r\nLothian\r\n12,585\r\n1,790\r\nOrkney\r\n82\r\n52\r\nShetland\r\n275\r\n109\r\nTayside\r\n2,175\r\n1,652\r\nWestern Isles\r\n74\r\n58\r\nGJNH\r\n148\r\n81\r\nScotland\r\n42,149\r\n20,883\r\nSource: ISD Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:27.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280639,"EventID":"S4W-12457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:28.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T12:30:50.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11979 by Alex Neil on 9 January 2013, whether the £14.2 million allocated for people affected by thalidomide is index-linked.","AnswerText":"The £14.2 million funding for Thalidomiders in Scotland will be index linked over the 10-year period, beginning April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:28.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280640,"EventID":"S4W-12458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:29.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T12:30:50.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost was of the NHS board elections in (a) Dumfries and Galloway and (b) Fife.","AnswerText":"The Independent Evaluation of the Health Board Elections carried out by the London School of Economics reported that the pilot elections and associated publicity cost £299,406 in Dumfries and Galloway and £473,850 in Fife.\r\nThe Scottish Government will take this information in to account as it considers the independent evaluation on health board elections and alternative pilots.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:29.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280641,"EventID":"S4W-12459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:30.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T12:30:50.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the turnout was for the NHS board elections in (a) Dumfries and Galloway and (b) Fife.","AnswerText":"The Independent Evaluation of the Health Board Elections carried out by the London School of Economics reported that turnout of eligible electors was 22.6% (26,516) in Dumfries and Galloway and 13.9% (39,761) in Fife.\r\nThe Scottish Government will take this information in to account as it considers the independent evaluation on health board elections and alternative pilots.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:30.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280642,"EventID":"S4W-12460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:31.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T12:30:50.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost will be of rolling out elections to every NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Independent Evaluation of the Health Board Elections carried out by the London School of Economics reported that the costs associated with introducing elections to all Scottish health boards would be in the region of £12 million, dependent upon the model used.\r\nThe Scottish Government will take this information in to account as it considers the independent evaluation on health board elections and alternative pilots.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:31.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280643,"EventID":"S4W-12461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T14:50:32.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T12:30:50.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will respond to Health Board Elections and Alternative Pilots: Final Report of the Statutory Evaluation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has received the independent evaluation on health board elections and alternative pilots and will be considering the implications of the information contained in the report early in 2013.\r\nA copy of the final report was placed with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre on 20 December 2012 (Bib. number 54605).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T14:50:32.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280667,"EventID":"S4W-12462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T16:58:30.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T14:03:00.18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment's letter to Tavish Scott  MSP of 17 January 2013, for what reason 10% of businesses did not receive their single farm payment before the end of 2012 and when they will be paid.\r\n","AnswerText":"By the end of December 94% of all farmers had been paid. By 25 January, almost 98% of farmers had been paid - 18,420 from an estimated population of 18,855. The expenditure at 25 January stood at £436,857,618.76.\r\nThe EC has legislated for a payment window of 1 December to 30 June in which to settle claims. There are three main reasons why a payment might be made later:-\r\nThe need to confirm that the claim is eligible: this could involve checking the eligibility of land declarations or undertaking inspections;\r\nFarmers undertaking changes to business structures: such as cases of inheritance, mergers of businesses, or businesses splitting to become two or more legal entities: and the need to recover outstanding debts and deal with breaches of scheme or cross-compliance conditions.\r\nResolving these issues inevitably takes longer than for other more straightforward payments and, in some instances, we are dependant upon the farmer providing information. It is not possible, therefore, to provide a date when all outstanding claims will be paid, but we expect payments will be completed well before the closure of the payment window, which has been the pattern for several years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T16:58:30.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280668,"EventID":"S4W-12463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T16:58:31.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T14:46:24.507","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) fuel and (b) carbon emissions savings have been made as a result of the Scottish Green Bus Fund.","AnswerText":"Data submitted in periodic returns from bus operating companies to-date identify savings of 126,000 litres of fuel and 414 tCO2 of carbon emissions. Returns submitted do not, however, reflect total savings, since returns are not yet due for vehicles recently coming in to service or those yet to enter service.\r\nTotal projected savings from vehicles purchased from the three rounds of the Scottish Green Bus Fund (including Bids yet to be approved under Round 3) are expected to  realise 36,000 Tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) and a reduction of up to 60% in fuel consumption over the estimated 15 year lifespan of the vehicles.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T16:58:31.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280669,"EventID":"S4W-12464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T16:58:31.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T14:46:24.507","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it uses to monitor the impact of the Scottish Green Bus Fund on fuel savings and carbon emissions.","AnswerText":"As a condition of grant, operators receiving funding are required to submit periodic data detailing the operation and performance of each vehicle for which funding was provided. The data required includes details of CO2 savings and fuel efficiency.\r\nTotal projected savings from vehicles purchased from the three rounds of the Scottish Green Bus Fund (including Bids yet to be approved under Round 3) are expected to  realise 36,000 Tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) and a reduction of up to 60% in fuel consumption over the estimated 15 year lifespan of the vehicles.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T16:58:31.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280670,"EventID":"S4W-12465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T16:58:32.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T15:02:26.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the outcome of discussions it has had with bus operators in relation to reimbursement levels for concessionary travel.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 31 January 2013 the Scottish Government announced that we had reached agreement with the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) on the reimbursement and funding arrangements for the National Concessionary Travel scheme over the next two years.\r\nThe agreement is based on independent research developed in full consultation with CPT. It is fair, robust and financially sustainable.\r\nThe reimbursement rate will now reduce from 67% of the adult single fare to 60% in 2013-14 and 58.1% in 2014-15.\r\nBy way of transition, Scottish Government has agreed to phase in the reduction and to provide an additional £10 million this financial year to operators participating in the scheme during March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T16:58:32.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280671,"EventID":"S4W-12466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-22T16:58:32.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T15:06:07.93","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11920 by Keith Brown on 22 January 2013, what actions it is taking in cooperation with the Office of Rail Regulation and Network Rail specifically to reduce air pollution levels at Scotland’s main railway stations before the publication of the final determinations for 2014 to 2019 and what regulatory processes and frameworks it can use to tackle this issue.\r\n","AnswerText":"A number of engagements with the Office of Rail Regulation and Network Rail are planned prior to a final determination being made in October 2013. These engagements provide an opportunity to both review and challenge all relevant aspects of Network Rail's plans in Scotland over the five-year period to 2019 and ensure consistency with the requirements set out in the Scottish Ministers' High Level Output Specification and Statement of Funds Available .\r\nIn addition a schedule of further meetings with Network Rail and ScotRail is already established to discuss current environmental issues related to the railways in Scotland including issues such as air quality. The latest monitoring at Edinburgh Waverley Station demonstrates the louvers and new glazing systems are contributing to air quality improvements.\r\nEdinburgh Waverley railway station is deemed to fall within the remit of The Air Quality (Scotland) Regulations 2000. It is the responsibility of local authorities to assess air quality in their areas under these provisions. In addition there is a requirement placed on employers under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations to ensure employee exposure limits are not breached.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-05T16:58:32.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280673,"EventID":"S4O-01759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:20:34.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T08:55:22.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with HM Revenue and Customs regarding the tax paid by companies in receipt of Scottish Government grants.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:20:34.79","MeetingDate":"2013-01-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280674,"EventID":"S4O-01760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:20:35.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:07:50.203","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will complete the service model assessment for ferry services in Orkney.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:20:35.18","MeetingDate":"2013-01-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280675,"EventID":"S4O-01761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:20:35.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:07:50.89","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle the issue of blacklisting.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:20:35.633","MeetingDate":"2013-01-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280676,"EventID":"S4O-01762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:20:36.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:07:51.187","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will decide on how much support it will provide for the concessionary travel scheme.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:20:36.07","MeetingDate":"2013-01-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280677,"EventID":"S4O-01763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:20:36.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T11:22:29.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action the Minister for Public Health is taking following his meeting with SANDS Lothian regarding Mortonhall Crematorium.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:20:36.397","MeetingDate":"2013-01-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280678,"EventID":"S4O-01764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:20:36.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:07:51.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether local planning decisions should be made by local councillors.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:20:36.74","MeetingDate":"2013-01-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280679,"EventID":"S4O-01765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:20:37.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:07:51.763","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the Renewable Energy Investment Fund will operate.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:20:37.053","MeetingDate":"2013-01-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280680,"EventID":"S4O-01766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:20:37.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T17:29:07.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Transport Scotland regarding the price of off-peak train travel.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:20:37.41","MeetingDate":"2013-01-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280681,"EventID":"S4O-01767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:20:37.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:07:52.373","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidelines Education Scotland provides for local authorities regarding informal consultations on school closures.","AnswerText":"Education Scotland does not provide guidelines or advice to local authorities regarding informal consultations on school closures.\r\nInformal consultation on school closure proposals is not required by law and is undertaken by local authorities at their own discretion to inform the decision making process. Its outcome has no formal bearing on the process required by legislation\r\nFor formal consultations under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 the Scottish Government provides statutory guidance to local authorities on its website.\r\nA local authority must provide an Educational Benefits Statement when formally proposing a school closure and the 2010 Act places a statutory requirement for Education Scotland to provide an independent report on the educational aspects of any closure proposal.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:20:37.74","MeetingDate":"2013-01-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280682,"EventID":"S4O-01768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:20:38.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:07:52.653","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider extending the requirements of the Scottish Housing Quality Standard to the private rented sector.","AnswerText":"There is an existing statutory repairing standard for private sector landlords. The consultation last autumn on Homes That Don’t Cost The Earth sought views on whether a single common standard should apply to all properties irrespective of tenure and we will publish a long term Sustainable Housing Strategy in the first half of this year. The consultation highlighted broad support for setting up a working group to develop draft regulations on the energy efficiency of private housing and this group will be formed shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:20:38.44","MeetingDate":"2013-01-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280683,"EventID":"S4O-01739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:19:38.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:06:44.463","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment is taking to tackle rural poverty.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:19:38.203","MeetingDate":"2013-01-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280684,"EventID":"S4O-01740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:19:38.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:06:45.133","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on direct payments being made to farmers.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:19:38.627","MeetingDate":"2013-01-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280685,"EventID":"S4O-01741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:19:38.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T14:25:59.6","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to encourage supermarkets to stock quality Scotch Lamb.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:19:38.923","MeetingDate":"2013-01-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280686,"EventID":"S4O-01742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:19:39.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:06:46.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the environmental benefits are of using LED lighting in commercial applications.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:19:39.267","MeetingDate":"2013-01-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280687,"EventID":"S4O-01743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:19:39.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:06:47.257","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with farmers' representatives regarding the impact of high costs of fuel and animal feed on the farming sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:19:39.67","MeetingDate":"2013-01-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280688,"EventID":"S4O-01744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:19:40.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:06:47.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to prevent the spread of squirrel pox in Dumfriesshire and the south of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:19:40.093","MeetingDate":"2013-01-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280689,"EventID":"S4O-01745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:19:40.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:06:48.44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review the impact of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:19:40.577","MeetingDate":"2013-01-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280690,"EventID":"S4O-01746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:19:41.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:06:48.94","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on making the Scots Pine Scotland's national tree.\r\n","AnswerText":"If Scotland is to have a national tree then the Scots pine as an easily identifiable and iconic species may be a good option. However I am keen to hear the views of the public on this and look forward to seeing of the Public Petitions Committee report on the issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:19:41.077","MeetingDate":"2013-01-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280691,"EventID":"S4O-01747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:19:41.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T10:38:37.053","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met the retail sector to discuss the loss of the Marine Stewardship Council certificate for mackerel.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government have been in close contact with the main retailers, and the fishing industry, since the Marine Stewardship Council announced the suspension of the MSC certification. It has been agreed with the industry that this issue will be discussed at the next Scottish Grocery Retailers’ Forum on 27 Feb 2013, that I will chair.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:19:41.543","MeetingDate":"2013-01-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280692,"EventID":"S4O-01748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:19:41.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T09:32:43.333","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to involve communities in the decision-making process in relation to new special protection areas required under EU directives.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies use the UK Special Protection Area selection guidelines to identify the most suitable territories for the bird species that are covered by the provisions of the EU Wild Birds Directive. Once suitable locations have been identified Ministers will ensure that communities and authorities are engaged in discussions on the future management implications before a formal public consultation and classification process is undertaken.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:19:41.933","MeetingDate":"2013-01-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280693,"EventID":"S4O-01749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:19:42.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:07:11.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to tackle metal theft.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:19:42.933","MeetingDate":"2013-01-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280694,"EventID":"S4O-01750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:19:43.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:38:32.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the Lord Advocate’s position is on the legal validity of the agreement between the UK and Scottish governments on an independence referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:19:43.807","MeetingDate":"2013-01-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280695,"EventID":"S4O-01751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:19:44.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:07:14.307","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration has been given to the impact that potential court closures may have on island communities in relation to travel.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:19:44.087","MeetingDate":"2013-01-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280696,"EventID":"S4O-01752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:19:44.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:07:15.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the adequacy of the number of police officers carrying out duties in communities.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:19:44.4","MeetingDate":"2013-01-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280697,"EventID":"S4O-01753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:19:45.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T14:07:16.69","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made by the Police Service of Scotland to configure its backroom functions.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:19:45.18","MeetingDate":"2013-01-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280698,"EventID":"S4O-01755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:19:45.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:07:19.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had or will have with the new local police commanders for Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:19:45.913","MeetingDate":"2013-01-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280699,"EventID":"S4O-01756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:19:46.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:07:19.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to ensure that combating wildlife crime is a priority for the Police Service of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:19:46.207","MeetingDate":"2013-01-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280700,"EventID":"S4O-01757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:19:46.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T10:58:19.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it issues to the police regarding their use of social media when investigating criminal activity.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is for chief constables to determine the best way to investigate criminal activity. The Scottish Government does not provide guidance on how they should do this.\r\nThe Police Service of Scotland is already working on guidance for the use of social media by the police from 1 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:19:46.583","MeetingDate":"2013-01-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280701,"EventID":"S4O-01758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:19:46.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:07:22.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the Lord Advocate has had with the Advocate General concerning the agreement between the UK and Scottish governments on an independence referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have regular discussions with the Advocate General on a range of issues. The content of those discussions is confidential.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:19:46.91","MeetingDate":"2013-01-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280702,"EventID":"S4O-01754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T14:19:45.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-21T12:07:17.677","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its priorities are for sentencing policy.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T14:19:45.553","MeetingDate":"2013-01-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280703,"EventID":"S4W-12467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T13:56:24.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T16:53:44.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of the Homelessness (Abolition of Priority Need Test) (Scotland) Order 2012 on reoffending rates.","AnswerText":"The Homelessness (Abolition of Priority Need Test) (Scotland) Order 2012 came into effect on 31 December 2012 and gives all households assessed by local authorities as being unintentionally homeless the right to settled accommodation, regardless of priority. There has been no assessment of the impact of the order on reoffending rates.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T13:56:24.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280704,"EventID":"S4W-12472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T13:56:24.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T09:16:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government by which date self-directed support will be fully implemented in each local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The commencement date for the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013 has yet to be decided by Scottish Ministers. In setting a date ministers will take into consideration the view of the SDS Programme board, who will make a recommendation after their next meeting on 18 February 2013.\r\nAfter the powers and duties of the Act come into force, local authorities will continue to implement the National Strategy on Self-directed Support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T13:56:24.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280705,"EventID":"S4W-12473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T13:56:25.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T09:16:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is an implementation plan for self-directed support.","AnswerText":"There is a national programme of work with local implementation plans in each local authority area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T13:56:25.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280706,"EventID":"S4W-12474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T13:56:25.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T09:16:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the implementation of self-directed support by local authorities is being monitored.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working with stakeholders, including the Care Inspectorate, to develop an outcomes-based framework for the monitoring and evaluation of self-directed support implementation.\r\nCurrently only data on the numbers of people taking direct payments is collected centrally. However from April 2013 the Scottish Government's new Social Care Survey will begin collecting data on the number of people choosing different self-directed support options.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T13:56:25.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280707,"EventID":"S4W-12475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T13:56:26.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T09:16:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding has been given to each local authority to assist with the implementation of self-directed support, and what proportion of this is transitional funding for services.\r\n","AnswerText":"Each local authority has been given an allocation of funding as part of a three year programme to support transformation in adult social care and children’s services for self-directed support. The following table details the amounts allocated to each local authority for transformation funding 2012 to 2015.\r\nThe Scottish Government has not been prescriptive in setting the proportion of transformation funding that should be spent on transitional or “bridging” costs and this will vary between local authorities.\r\nLocal Authority\r\n2012-13 *\r\n2013-14\r\n2014-15\r\nAberdeen City\r\n£251,440\r\n £426,000 \r\n £225,560 \r\nAberdeenshire\r\n£259,360\r\n £445,740 \r\n £236,560 \r\nAngus\r\n£176,640\r\n £268,080 \r\n £152,520 \r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n£161,680\r\n £235,180 \r\n £136,680 \r\nClackmannanshire\r\n£113,280\r\n £131,780 \r\n £88,720 \r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n£219,760\r\n £359,260 \r\n £195,640 \r\nDundee City\r\n£212,720\r\n £343,280 \r\n £186,840 \r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n£177,960\r\n £269,960 \r\n £152,520 \r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n£155,520\r\n £222,020 \r\n £130,960 \r\nEast Lothian\r\n£155,080\r\n £222,020 \r\n £130,960 \r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n£146,720\r\n £204,160 \r\n £122,160 \r\nEdinburgh, City of \r\n£477,160\r\n £909,160 \r\n £452,160 \r\nEilean Siar\r\n£100,960\r\n £104,520 \r\n £75,520 \r\nFalkirk\r\n£195,560\r\n £307,560 \r\n £170,560 \r\nFife\r\n£383,880\r\n £710,820 \r\n £360,200 \r\nGlasgow City\r\n£604,760\r\n £1,168,600 \r\n £567,440 \r\nHighland\r\n£258,920\r\n £446,680 \r\n £237,000 \r\nInverclyde\r\n£151,120\r\n £211,680 \r\n £125,240 \r\nMidlothian\r\n£140,120\r\n £190,060 \r\n £115,560 \r\nMoray\r\n£148,480\r\n £207,920 \r\n £123,920 \r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n£194,680\r\n £305,680 \r\n £169,240 \r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n£324,480\r\n £583,920 \r\n £299,920 \r\nOrkney Islands\r\n£91,280\r\n £84,780 \r\n £66,280 \r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n£211,840\r\n £344,220 \r\n £188,600 \r\nRenfrewshire\r\n£214,480\r\n £347,980 \r\n £189,480 \r\nScottish Borders\r\n£175,760\r\n £265,260 \r\n £150,760 \r\nShetland Islands\r\n£92,600\r\n £87,600 \r\n £68,040 \r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n£185,880\r\n £286,880 \r\n £160,880 \r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n£329,760\r\n £596,140 \r\n £306,520 \r\nStirling\r\n£146,720\r\n £204,160 \r\n £122,160 \r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n£154,200\r\n £217,320 \r\n £127,440 \r\nWest Lothian\r\n£186,320\r\n £290,640 \r\n £163,960 \r\n*This includes £25,000 awarded to each local authority, specifically to enable children’s services teams to engage in SDS implementation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T13:56:26.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280708,"EventID":"S4W-12476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T13:56:26.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T09:16:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether each local authority will use a single common assessment for self-directed support.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities will assess people for self-directed support under Section 12A of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968. In discharging their duties local authorities are expected to have regard to statutory guidance. Further guidance on self-directed support will be issued under section 5 of the 1968 Act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T13:56:26.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280709,"EventID":"S4W-12477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T13:56:27.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T09:16:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will consult on the regulations regarding the removal of charges for carers for support services.\r\n","AnswerText":"We will consult on the regulations by the end of April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T13:56:27.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280710,"EventID":"S4W-12478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T13:56:27.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T10:47:14.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) fatal road collisions and (b) fatalities caused by road collisions there have been on the A9 between Inverness and Perth in the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland collates information on reported personal injury accidents on trunk roads in Scotland and this database is updated periodically, as data provided by the police is checked and verified. The following table shows the number of fatal accidents and number of fatalities on the A9 between Perth and Inverness by year, since 2003.\r\n\r\nA9 Perth to Inverness by Year\r\n\r\nFatal Accidents\r\nNumber of Fatalities\r\n2003\r\n5\r\n6\r\n2004\r\n5\r\n5\r\n2005\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2006\r\n8\r\n10\r\n2007\r\n7\r\n9\r\n2008\r\n5\r\n10\r\n2009\r\n3\r\n4\r\n2010\r\n9\r\n13\r\n2011\r\n7\r\n9\r\n2012\r\n5\r\n8\r\n2013*\r\n1\r\n1\r\n*up to present date, which is 24th January 2013\r\nThe figures quoted may differ slightly from those published elsewhere due to being extracted on a different date and the database may have changed between the two dates, e.g. due to late returns or corrections.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T13:56:27.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280711,"EventID":"S4W-12480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T13:56:28.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T10:47:14.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government in how many incidents on the A9 between Inverness and Perth in the last 10 years road design was considered a contributing factor.\r\n","AnswerText":"The police record details of all personal injury accidents, including on the A9 trunk road, however road design is not recorded as a contributory factor.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T13:56:28.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280712,"EventID":"S4W-12481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T13:56:28.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T10:59:26.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date the Procurement Reform Bill will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has signalled its intention to introduce a Procurement Reform Bill before summer recess.\r\nA public consultation on a range of issues relating to the procurement process ran from 10 August to 2 November 2012. A total of 251 consultation responses were received.\r\nIndependent analysis of the consultation responses and a summary report were published on the 25 January 2013 on the Scottish Government website.\r\nThe analysis of the consultation, along with other views and research, will help inform the development of the Bill as it makes its way through the Scottish Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T13:56:28.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280713,"EventID":"S4W-12482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T13:56:28.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T12:12:15.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to protect the narrow-headed ant.\r\n","AnswerText":"The narrow-headed ant (Formica exsecta) is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species and is included on both the Scottish Biodiversity List and the UK Red Data Book.\r\nAll mound-building red wood ant species are threatened by degradation of forest habitat and fragmentation as a result from increased forest cover caused by low levels of grazing, deer culling and encroachment by scrub and bracken.\r\nThe most important management practice for the narrow-headed ant is to maintain open areas within the forest. This management requirement has been taken into consideration in two important areas for the species, one as a site of special scientific interest and RSPB reserve, and the other a Forestry Commission Scotland forest where foresters are proactively helping to protect and enhance populations of the ant.\r\nScottish Natural Heritage (SNH) published a report in 2006, A Review of wood ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Scotland which contains information on the ecology of the species. SNH has also been a member and a strong supporter of the National Wood Ant Steering Group, which includes the James Hutton Institute, Scottish Wildlife Trust, RSPB, among other organisations and individuals. The group has promoted surveys and collated information on wood ants. SNH recently contracted the James Hutton Institute to gather information to inform the Biodiversity Surveillance Strategy in relation to wood ants and a report has been produced which is currently being reviewed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T13:56:28.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280714,"EventID":"S4W-12483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T13:56:29.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T12:12:15.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the number of narrow-headed ants in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Around 90% of the UK population is found in Scotland, mainly within the Abernethy-Glenmore-Rothiemurchus region where there are around 380 nests. Outlying populations exist at Rannoch (7 nests), Mar (17 nests) and Carrbridge. Most Scottish historic records are from the Caledonian forests of mid-Strathspey. Almost all nests are found at altitudes between 200 and 400 metres.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T13:56:29.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280725,"EventID":"S4W-12468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T16:52:11.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T09:03:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Parliament was informed, and by what means, of the establishment of a residential pain service, as reported in the Daily Express on 21 January 2013.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that people living with chronic pain can access high quality, safe and effective treatment as close to home as possible. The National Chronic Pain Steering Group is overseeing a range of work to assist boards in improving access to chronic pain services.\r\nFor a small proportion of people more specialised treatment may be required. National Services Scotland is currently assessing options for the most appropriate service model for Scotland. They expect to complete this work by the end of summer 2013, following which we will then be in a position to formally update Parliament and relevant stakeholders of the outcome.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T16:52:12.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280726,"EventID":"S4W-12469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T16:52:12.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T09:03:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the residential pain service referred to by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing in a report in the Daily Express on 21 January 2013 will commence.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that people living with chronic pain can access high quality, safe and effective treatment as close to home as possible. The National Chronic Pain Steering Group is overseeing a range of work to assist boards in improving access to chronic pain services.\r\nFor a small proportion of people more specialised treatment may be required. NHS National Services Scotland is currently assessing options for the most appropriate service model for Scotland. This work is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T16:52:12.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280727,"EventID":"S4W-12470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T16:52:13.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T09:03:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost will be of the residential pain service referred to by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing in a report in the Daily Express on 21 January 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) is currently assessing options for the most appropriate service model for Scotland. As part of its assessment NSS will consider the cost and clinical effectiveness of all the options. This work is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T16:52:13.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280728,"EventID":"S4W-12471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T16:52:13.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T09:03:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government where the residential pain service referred to by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing in a report in the Daily Express on 21 January 2013 will be located.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS National Services Scotland is currently assessing options for the most appropriate service model for Scotland. This work is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T16:52:13.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280729,"EventID":"S4W-12484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T16:52:15.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T13:20:43.6","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the Barnett consequentials arising from the 2012 Autumn Statement has been allocated to flood risk management.\r\n","AnswerText":"The total funding allocated to local government by way of capital consequentials arising from the 2012 Autumn Statement is £46.2 million. Local authorities have the lead for flood risk management in their respective areas and the capital consequentials will be distributed between all local authorities according to an agreed formula share. The funding will be spread over two years with £1.3 million allocated for 2012-13 and £44.9 million allocated for 2013-14.\r\nThe additional funding will support those capital projects that are ready to be delivered and additional to current local government investment plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T16:52:15.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280730,"EventID":"S4W-12485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T16:52:15.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T13:20:43.6","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4T-00181 by Paul Wheelhouse on 18 December 2012 (Official Report, c. 14831), which local authorities have made requests for assistance under the Bellwin scheme; at what stage are these representations, and how much each authority has (a) asked for and (b) been granted.\r\n","AnswerText":"Following the severe weather in December, potential claims for assistance under the Bellwin Scheme were notified to the Scottish Government by Aberdeenshire, Moray, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, Highland and Angus councils.\r\nFrom the date of the emergency incident, local authorities have four months to submit formal interim claims for assistance and eight months to submit final audited claims. On receipt of the interim claim, the Scottish Government will make payment of 90% of eligible expenditure above the Bellwin threshold (0.2% of the council’s total net revenue budget) with the remaining 10% paid on receipt of the final audited claim. At this stage we have not received any interim claims and so do not have any details of the amounts local authorities may claim.\r\nIn addition to the December 2012 incidents the Bellwin Scheme was triggered earlier this financial year for various flooding incidents across Scotland. As a result we were notified of potential claims from East Ayrshire, Argyll and Bute, Scottish Borders and Perth and Kinross councils but to date no eligible claims have been received.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T16:52:16.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280731,"EventID":"S4W-12486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T16:52:16.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T13:20:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government further to the answer to question S4W-07746 by Nicola Sturgeon on 19 June 2012, how the £7.5 million is allocated, broken down by year.","AnswerText":"The £7.5 million referred to in question S4W-07746 is comprised of £2.5 million in each of the financial years 2012-13, 2013/14 and 2014-15. In 2012-13 this is broken down as follows:\r\nInitiatives\r\nCommunity Food and Health Scotland\r\n£723,000 *\r\nHealthyliving Award\r\n£592,000 *\r\nScottish Cooking Bus\r\n£382,000 *\r\nHealthyliving Programme\r\n£268,000 *\r\nNutrition and Diet resource\r\n£77,000\r\nResearch\r\n£65,000\r\nNew Food Body Team\r\n£120,000 *\r\nReformulation co-ordinator\r\n£85,000 *\r\nPolicy Development\r\n£95,000\r\nCancer prevention work\r\n£25,000\r\nSocial Marketing\r\n£30,000\r\nTotal for 2012-13\r\n£2,462,000\r\nThese initiatives marked with an asterisk (*) are funded at the indicated level for three years to 2014-15.\r\nThe remainder of the budget for 2013-14 and 2014-15 is yet to be allocated.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T16:52:16.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280732,"EventID":"S4W-12487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-23T16:52:17.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T15:51:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the hourly wage is for working prisoners at each prison.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“The SPS does not pay prisoners on an hourly basis, therefore it is not possible to provide an hourly wage rate for working prisoners in each prison.\r\nWages are paid to prisoners dependent on the type of work and the level of training and skills required carrying out the task. There are no set hours that are required to work to receive this weekly wage.\r\nWages paid to prisoners are the same across the SPS for the same task in all public sector establishments. Wage payments range from £5 per week for unemployed to £18 per week (plus £3 for prisoners in open conditions).”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-06T16:52:18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280741,"EventID":"S4W-12488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:19.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-23T16:21:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support (a) it and (b) Historic Scotland provides to (i) local authorities and (ii) communities wishing to (A) safeguard and preserve and (B) develop historic or listed buildings.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) & (b) Scottish Government support in such matters is delivered through Historic Scotland, as the Executive Agency tasked with safeguarding the historic environment.\r\n(i) & (ii) Historic Scotland (HS) works closely with local authorities and communities to safeguard, preserve and secure the future of Scotland’s listed buildings. It has long been recognised that the most effective way of keeping a healthy listed building stock is through their everyday use in the community.\r\n(A) It is when historic or listed buildings fall out of use that they are at risk and HS continues to develop strategies around identifying development and funding strategies in partnership with local authorities, community partnerships and other key stakeholders. At a national and local level, the agency also helps identify and deal with buildings at the estate management stage, before they have become redundant, advising on new uses and potential for conversion. \r\nRecent examples where under-used or redundant buildings have been brought back to life through concerted action by community groups, private developers or charitable building trusts assisted financially and technically by HS, include, Knockando Woollen Mill, Maryhill Burgh Halls and Anchor Mills, Paisley converted to a business centre and residential accommodation. Historic Scotland will continue to prioritise important buildings seeking new uses and supporting local authorities in managing their own heritage property portfolios. \r\nThe protection of listed buildings is largely the responsibility of local authorities and is carried out through the listed building consent procedure under the terms of the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 as amended by the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 and the Historic Environment (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2011. Historic Scotland works closely with all local authorities advising on technical issues and larger scale strategic projects. \r\n(B) Historic Scotland makes financial support available to local authorities, individuals and community groups who wish to repair and redevelop historic buildings, through a range of grant funding streams that are targeted to provide the most appropriate intervention. One of the key drivers for the provision of such grant support is; delivering benefits for communities by helping to regenerate and promote the active use and ongoing care and maintenance of the historic environment, broadening access to it, promoting sustainable economic and rural development and reinforcing local identity and sense of place.\r\nThe principal grant streams are (amounts per annum):\r\nHistoric Building Repair Grant Scheme (HBRG) (£4.6 million); financial help is available to owners to meet the cost of high-quality repairs using traditional materials and specialist craftsman to conserve original features in buildings of special architectural or historic interest. In redevelopment projects, stage one Historic Scotland grant is very often the first confirmed scheme support and is recognised as a catalyst in attracting other funders to the project.\r\nRepair Grants for Places of Worship (£1.5 million); Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund jointly provide grant assistance for repairs to Places of Worship considered to be of outstanding architectural or historic interest.\r\nConservation Area Regeneration Scheme: Historic Scotland’s Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) grant programme is intended to drive the integrated regeneration of historic urban centres primarily by repairing and revitalising the built heritage so as to bring new uses, new economic activity and new confidence together with the engagement of local communities through a range of awareness raising, training and educational initiatives. The scheme encourages local authorities to establish Conservation Area Regeneration Schemes and can also support Townscape Heritage Initiatives funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. To date, Historic Scot","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:19.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280742,"EventID":"S4W-12494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:20.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T09:27:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason ministers did not appear to refer to the six-point list of demands on fuel poverty during the debate on 23 January 2013 (Official Report, c.14759), which were contained in its subsequent news release.\r\n","AnswerText":"The opening and closing speeches for the fuel poverty debate referred to the Government motion and issues raised by members in the debate. The Minister for Housing and Welfare updated members on the Deputy First Minister’s meetings with the major energy companies and how we wished to see Scotland receive its fair share of Energy Company Obligation (ECO) funding. The six-point list of demands for the Summit included these concerns, and also concerns raised in the debate such as improved regulation of energy companies and ensuring ECO is delivered throughout Scotland and supported by robust and relevant reporting.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:20.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280743,"EventID":"S4W-12495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:20.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T09:27:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the briefing notes prepared for ministers for the fuel poverty debate on 23 January 2013 (Official Report, c.14759) referred to the six-point list of demands on fuel poverty, which were contained in its subsequent news release and, if not, whether it will publish these notes.\r\n","AnswerText":"Briefing notes for the fuel poverty debate covered all issues pertinent to the opening and closing speeches, items likely to be raised in the debate, the motion and proposed amendments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:20.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280744,"EventID":"S4W-12496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:21.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T09:27:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it had with the UK Government regarding the agenda for the joint energy summit that was held on 24 January 2013 and when it advised the UK Government that it had prepared the news release, which was published on 23 January 2013, containing its six-point list of demands on fuel poverty.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12497 on 6 February 2013. Scottish Government officials liaised with the UK Government officials regularly in the build-up to the summit. The Scottish Government issued the news release following a debate on fuel poverty in the Scottish Parliament. It reflected the content of the debate and set out the key points of action the Scottish Government believes need to be taken to further tackle fuel poverty.\r\nAll answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:21.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280745,"EventID":"S4W-12497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:21.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T09:27:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it first informed the UK Government that it wanted to table its six-point list of demands on fuel poverty at the joint energy summit held on 24 January 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government had a number of meetings and communications with Scotland Office officials, dating from August 2012, to organise a joint energy summit and to ensure that the event achieved positive outcomes for Scottish households suffering from high energy prices. Difficulty in securing earlier UK Ministerial attendance resulted in the summit date of 24 January 2013.\r\nIn the interim, the Deputy First Minister asked to meet with each of the major energy companies, regarding assistance for vulnerable consumers.\r\nA meeting was held between Scottish Government and Scotland Office officials on 15 January 2013 to discuss the agenda for the summit. Scottish Government officials made the Scotland Office aware of the Deputy First Minister’s meetings with the major energy companies (confirmed in an email of 18 January 2013), who would be attending and also raised matters of concern to stakeholders regarding the Energy Companies Obligation. Scottish Government officials also requested a nominated Department for Energy and Climate Change official to discuss what matters they were planning to raise at the summit. A teleconference between Scottish Government officials and a Department for Energy and Climate Change official on 21 January 2013 covered the respective issues for the summit.\r\nOn 22 January 2013 Scottish Government officials emailed Scotland Office officials to confirm that the Minister for Housing and Welfare would address support for vulnerable customers in Scotland and the asks of energy suppliers and UK Government in her agenda item. Scotland Office officials confirmed by email that they were content with these points. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:21.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280746,"EventID":"S4W-12498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:21.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T09:27:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its news release on fuel poverty of 23 January 2012, which called for information on the operation of the energy company obligation to be put in the public domain, whether it was aware that the UK Government had already done so in summer 2012. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s ask is “That the UK Government ensures the Scottish Government receives robust and relevant information on how its new ECO schemes is being delivered in Scotland” and did not refer to more general information about the operation of the Energy Company Obligation. The relevant UK legislation states “The Administrator (OFGEM) must submit to the Secretary of State a report each month setting out the progress which suppliers have made towards meeting their obligations under this Order”.\r\nConcerns about the reporting of what was being delivered in Scotland under the previous Carbon Emissions Reduction Target, have been raised at the Economy, Energy and Tourism committee in the recent past. Scottish Government officials have been working for a number of years with Department for Energy and Climate Change, energy suppliers, Energy Saving Trust and OFGEM and what is now Energy UK to improve the data on CERT. Data for the first year of four years of CERT (up to March 2012) for professionally installed loft and cavity wall insulation was published as official statistics by the Energy Saving Trust in August 2012. The Committee expressed a desire that Energy Company Obligation (ECO) reporting would provide robust and relevant information demonstrating that Scotland is benefitting from an obligation paid for by all consumers.\r\nWe will continue to press UK Government and OFGEM to ensure that ECO reporting contains detailed and timely information on its delivery in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:21.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280747,"EventID":"S4W-12499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:22.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T09:27:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it had with the UK Government on the operation of the energy company obligation prior to the joint energy summit held on 24 January 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has been liaising with the Department of Energy and Climate Change on a regular basis to discuss the policy relating to the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) since its inception and throughout its development. As ECO moves to implementation we continue to liaise with them and Ofgem as part of our efforts to secure maximum uptake and benefit to the people of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:22.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280748,"EventID":"S4W-12500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:22.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T09:27:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it decided to issue the news release published on 23 January 2013 containing its six-point list of demands on fuel poverty.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is normal practice to issue a news release to accompany significant events such as key government debates and summits.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:22.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280749,"EventID":"S4W-12501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:22.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T09:27:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has of how many calls were made to the telephone hotline number on fuel poverty published on 23 January 2013 online and  in a news release and for what reason the hotline number appears to have been incorrect. \r\n","AnswerText":"It is not possible to estimate how many calls were made to the telephone number initially uploaded in the online news release as this is not a number maintained by the Energy Saving Trust. There was no significant difference in the overall number of calls received to the Home Energy Scotland hotline on 23, 24 and 25 January 2013. A technical problem was the reason why an incorrect telephone number was uploaded onto the Scottish Government website, despite the original version of the document being correct, and this has since been corrected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:22.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280750,"EventID":"S4W-12502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:22.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T09:27:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much time (a) officials and (b) special advisers spent on (i) developing the six-point list of demands on fuel poverty and (ii) checking the accuracy of the telephone hotline number contained in its news release on fuel poverty published on 23 January 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"A key responsibility of officials and special advisers is to advise and brief Ministers on an ongoing basis, in particular for debates and events. The Minister for Housing and Welfare required and received briefing for the fuel poverty debate on 23 January 2013 and the joint summit on energy prices the following day.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:22.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280751,"EventID":"S4W-12505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:23.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T10:31:11.92","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how Shetland will benefit from the (a) £120 million announced in June 2012 for Highlands and Islands digital connectivity and (b) £5 million fund announced in August 2012 to help bring next generation broadband to some of Scotland's most remote communities.\r\n","AnswerText":"The £120 million announced in June 2012 for the Highlands and Islands and Next Generation Broadband project will deliver significant next generation broadband coverage throughout Shetland. Procurement of this project, which is being managed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, is expected to conclude shortly, after which, rollout details will be known.\r\nCommunity broadband projects in Shetland, and across Scotland, can register interest in the Scottish Government’s £5 million Community Broadband Scotland (CBS) Seed Fund via the CBS website:\r\nhttp://www.communitybroadbandscotland.org/index.php/funding, ahead of the first open application round in April 2013. CBS launched with a pioneer phase which is supporting community broadband projects in Applecross, Colonsay, Ewes Valley, Elvanfoot, Tomintoul and Glenlivet and Corgarff and Glenbuchat.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:23.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280752,"EventID":"S4W-12506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:23.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T10:31:11.92","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has relating to maximum broadband speeds and not-spots across Shetland and how often this information is updated.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of the project to procure next generation broadband across the Highlands and Islands, Highlands and Islands Enterprise obtained data from suppliers that indicated where there is no current or planned (within the next three years) commercial deployment of next generation broadband in Shetland. This data has been revised during the procurement process to ensure the most up-to-date definition of the intervention area is known prior to conclusion of the procurement.\r\nOfcom publishes broadband speeds data annually on the following website: http://maps.ofcom.org.uk/broadband/. 2012 data indicates that average broadband speeds in Shetland are 5.2 Mbps.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:23.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280753,"EventID":"S4W-12507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:23.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T11:04:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its plan to deliver world-class digital connectivity.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will outline the options for delivering world-class digital connectivity shortly. Our intention is to stimulate debate and test our ideas through widespread discussion and engagement throughout the early part of this year. This engagement is vital in order to refine our vision of a world class, digitally connected country and ensure that the benefits of this connectivity can be shared across the country. The planned dialogue will involve leading academic, business and public sector stakeholders and make full use of digital technology in capturing ideas and shaping our long term thinking.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:23.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280754,"EventID":"S4W-12508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:24.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T11:04:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it can provide greater detail of its plan to deliver next generation broadband to the Midlothian area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government published the Step Change 2015 procurement plan in May 2012 setting out our plans for delivering the infrastructure required to deliver a step change in broadband connectivity for the rest of Scotland area. Midlothian falls within the scope of this procurement.\r\nWe have subsequently conducted an open market review and public consultation to identify the commercial roll out plans to define our intervention area. The Public Consultation report provides maps of the areas covered by commercial roll out and those intended to be covered within the scope of the project. Detailed roll out plans for individual local authorities will not be known until after the contract for the infrastructure provider is awarded.\r\nThe formal tender process for the Rest of Scotland procurement commenced in September 2012 and the project remains committed to contract award by June 2013. The Scottish Government continues to work closely with local authority partners to achieve Step Change 2015 targets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:24.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280755,"EventID":"S4W-12509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:25.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T11:04:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its plans are to deliver next generation broadband to households in areas where telecoms companies will not upgrade the relevant infrastructure for commercial reasons.","AnswerText":"The focus of the Scottish Government’s Step Change 2015 Programme is to address the digital divide by extending the infrastructure needed to deliver next generation broadband to those areas where the market will currently not go. The area covered by the Step Change projects has been determined by a review of where there is no current or planned (within the next three years) commercial deployments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:25.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280756,"EventID":"S4W-12510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:25.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T11:04:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in formulating its next generation broadband plans for (a) Scotland and (b) Midlothian, how it has taken into account the need for internet connectivity for claiming benefits following the introduction of universal credit.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s Digital Strategy seeks to address the digital divide in all sectors of society by extending the infrastructure needed to deliver next generation broadband to those areas where the market will currently not go in Midlothian and throughout Scotland. In addition to significant deployment of next generation broadband, our Step Change 2015 programme also seeks to ensure at least basic broadband for all which will support the delivery of online public services such as claiming benefits.\r\nWe recognise that the move to digital by default for delivery of Universal Credit offers opportunities, particularly in helping to get people online and realise the wider benefits of digital. However, these reforms are being led by the UK Government and they must ensure that people are supported in the transition and that safeguards are in place for those who need them.\r\nThese cuts and changes to the welfare system are not of our making but we are committed to doing all that we can to ensure that we mitigate the worst impacts and help people and organisations in Scotland make the transition. As part of our efforts, we are providing £230,000 over the next two years to fund three local authority-led Universal Credit pilots. This funding will help councils prepare people to make their claims online by guiding them through online processes for current council benefits, and building their skills and confidence as a result.\r\nWe have also established a working group to consider arrangements for inclusion, support and exceptions in relation to Universal Credit implementation in Scotland, including digital.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:25.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280757,"EventID":"S4W-12511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:25.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T11:21:46.467","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that consenting authorities take into account the provisions of article 6(2) of the habitats directive when considering proposals affecting European wildlife sites that have deteriorated or are at risk of deterioration.\r\n","AnswerText":"A broad range of measures exists to anticipate and regulate interventions to deliver the requirements of Article 6(2) of the Habitats Directive. These include the lists of Operations Requiring Consent associated with Sites of Special Scientific Interest (which “underpin” the majority of terrestrial European sites), access legislation and fishery conservation measures. It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly damage any natural feature by reason of which land is a European site (subject to certain conditions). Scottish Natural Heritage keeps abreast of the status of features on European sites through its programme of Site Condition Monitoring.\r\nFor any proposal which falls into the category of being a “plan or project” (as provided by Article 6(3) of the Directive), Scottish competent authorities must execute the procedural requirements of Part IV (or Part IVA for Land Use Plans) of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:25.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280758,"EventID":"S4W-12512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:26.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T12:01:46.967","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that open cast coal developments deliver community benefit at a level comparable to renewable energy developments.","AnswerText":"As for renewable energy developments, community benefit arrangements are provided on a voluntary basis by opencast coal operators. Scottish Planning Policy provides guidance that operators should work closely with communities from an early stage of developing a proposal. Community benefits may be proposed by a developer and we would encourage communities to seek early engagement with them to maximise all opportunities consistent with guidance on planning obligations and good neighbour agreements set out in Circular 3/2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:26.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280759,"EventID":"S4W-12513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:26.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T12:02:57.857","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what community benefit it expects open cast coal developments to provide.","AnswerText":"Scottish Planning Policy on opencast coal states that there should normally be a presumption against new opencast coal developments unless they are environmentally acceptable or provide local community benefits which outweigh the impacts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:26.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280760,"EventID":"S4W-12514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:26.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T12:56:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to increase the production of venison.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are working closely with representatives of the Scottish venison sector to identify opportunities to substantially increase both the production and processing of venison in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:26.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280761,"EventID":"S4W-12515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:27.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T12:56:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the economic benefits of increasing the production of venison.\r\n","AnswerText":"An initial assessment of the economic benefits of increasing the production of venison has been completed and suggests that there is clear potential for growth within the venison sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:27.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280762,"EventID":"S4W-12516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T14:31:27.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T12:56:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) dermatology and (b) melanoma referrals there have been in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"\r\nThe information gathered for Dermatology referrals records the number of patients who were referred and attended their appointment.\r\nThe following tables are split into three due the changes in the past 13 years in how waiting times are measured and collected. \r\nNHS Board of Treatment\r\nYear Ending\r\nDec-99\r\nDec-00\r\nDec-01\r\nDec-02\r\nDec-03\r\nDec-04\r\nDec-05\r\nDec-06\r\nDec-07\r\nNHS Scotland2\r\n80 609\r\n80 981\r\n79 247\r\n83 761\r\n80 564\r\n81 020\r\n81 448\r\n76 878\r\n86 419\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n4 727\r\n4 989\r\n4 831\r\n4 974\r\n4 741\r\n4 775\r\n4 909\r\n3 615\r\n4 781\r\nNHS Borders\r\n1 132\r\n1 169\r\n1 192\r\n1 248\r\n1 306\r\n1 355\r\n1 357\r\n1 405\r\n1 505\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n2 027\r\n1 868\r\n1 925\r\n1 996\r\n2 004\r\n2 017\r\n1 957\r\n2 769\r\n2 777\r\nNHS Fife\r\n4 303\r\n4 985\r\n5 025\r\n5 372\r\n4 697\r\n5 106\r\n5 682\r\n5 910\r\n6 096\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n3 124\r\n2 941\r\n3 054\r\n2 986\r\n2 458\r\n3 710\r\n3 184\r\n3 888\r\n4 398\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n3 911\r\n4 342\r\n4 331\r\n3 834\r\n3 600\r\n3 156\r\n4 186\r\n3 574\r\n4 912\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n29 673\r\n27 817\r\n28 219\r\n30 465\r\n29 089\r\n27 789\r\n27 148\r\n27 564\r\n30 607\r\nNHS Highland\r\n4 232\r\n4 545\r\n4 156\r\n3 870\r\n4 498\r\n4 398\r\n3 780\r\n3 831\r\n3 577\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n8 947\r\n10 203\r\n8 808\r\n11 283\r\n10 376\r\n8 986\r\n8 618\r\n7 747\r\n8 342\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n11 850\r\n11 791\r\n11 686\r\n11 446\r\n12 002\r\n13 302\r\n14 134\r\n10 503\r\n11 869\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n 103\r\n 138\r\n 90\r\n 94\r\n 107\r\n 114\r\n 116\r\n 134\r\n 107\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n 205\r\n 174\r\n 136\r\n 155\r\n 103\r\n 270\r\n 158\r\n 192\r\n 201\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n6 040\r\n5 732\r\n5 516\r\n5 712\r\n5 276\r\n5 755\r\n5 943\r\n5 416\r\n6 963\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n 289\r\n 287\r\n 278\r\n 326\r\n 307\r\n 287\r\n 264\r\n 330\r\n 283\r\nSource: ISD Scotland SMR00.\r\nRef: IRS2013-00167.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Data is derived from a subset of records comprising Scottish residents who received a new outpatient appointment at a consultant-led outpatient clinic in an acute specialty following referral from a GP or dentist. It excludes patients with ASCs - Availability Status Codes.\r\n2. Other providers of NHS treatment are included in the NHS Scotland total but not explicitly shown.\r\n\r\nTable 2: Number of New Outpatient Dermatology appointments following referral from a GP/GDP by NHS Board of Treatment, quarter ending March 2008 – March 2010 1,3,4\r\nNHS Board of Treatment\r\nQuarter Ending\r\nMar-08\r\nJun-08\r\nSep-08\r\nDec-08\r\nMar-09\r\nJun-09\r\nSep-09\r\nDec-09\r\nMar-10\r\nNHS Scotland 2\r\n21 389\r\n23 226\r\n27 408\r\n29 130\r\n26 414\r\n24 718\r\n27 183\r\n27 153\r\n25 344\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n1 261\r\n1 298\r\n1 610\r\n1 618\r\n1 649\r\n1 364\r\n1 644\r\n1 843\r\n1 508\r\nNHS Borders\r\n 495\r\n 429\r\n 513\r\n 520\r\n 549\r\n 474\r\n 565\r\n 567\r\n 520\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n 702\r\n 789\r\n 745\r\n 609\r\n 623\r\n 640\r\n 592\r\n 515\r\n 629\r\nNHS Fife\r\n1 215\r\n1 459\r\n1 528\r\n1 764\r\n1 709\r\n1 450\r\n1 623\r\n1 516\r\n1 799\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n1 107\r\n1 249\r\n1 314\r\n1 303\r\n1 514\r\n1 455\r\n1 331\r\n1 246\r\n 845\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n1 069\r\n1 587\r\n1 897\r\n1 631\r\n1 301\r\n1 561\r\n1 530\r\n1 282\r\n1 442\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n7 567\r\n7 873\r\n9 846\r\n9 431\r\n8 273\r\n7 881\r\n9 260\r\n9 277\r\n8 584\r\nNHS Highland\r\n 787\r\n 922\r\n 899\r\n 955\r\n 753\r\n 819\r\n 838\r\n 802\r\n 684\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n2 106\r\n2 285\r\n2 952\r\n3 631\r\n3 399\r\n2 812\r\n2 937\r\n3 211\r\n3 202\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n3 089\r\n3 272\r\n4 062\r\n5 187\r\n4 434\r\n4 033\r\n4 682\r\n4 771\r\n3 906\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n 29\r\n 53\r\n 25\r\n 3\r\n 57\r\n 0\r\n 31\r\n 14\r\n 26\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n 20\r\n 55\r\n 32\r\n 84\r\n 22\r\n 43\r\n 95\r\n 49\r\n 67\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n1 861\r\n1 898\r\n1 923\r\n2 312\r\n2 081\r\n2 116\r\n1 961\r\n2 001\r\n2 046\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n 81\r\n 57\r\n 62\r\n 82\r\n 50\r\n 70\r\n 94\r\n 59\r\n 86\r\nSource: ISD Scotland Waiting Times Warehouse.\r\nRef: IRS2013-00167.\r\n1. Scottish residents seen at a new NHS appointment at a consultant/dentist-led outpatient clinic following referral from their GP or dentist (GDP).\r\n2. Other providers of NHS treatment are included in the NHS Scotland total but not explicitly shown.\r\n3. Data is based on the Waiting Times Data Warehouse position as at 26th October 2012 (i.e. the data used for publication that was released on 26th November 2012). \r\n4. It should be noted that the numbers of attendances at an outpatient clinic increase by approxim","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T14:31:27.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280775,"EventID":"S4W-12429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T16:48:51.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:10:36.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many social unavailability codes for (a) outpatients and (b) inpatients have been issued by each NHS board in each month since the New Ways waiting time system was introduced, also expressed as a percentage.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials have provided a report on the quarterly statistics published by ISD on waiting times. These reports include information on the number of patients who are socially unavailable at the census date that the publication relates to and compares it with the position in the previous quarter.\r\nThe specific information requested is published by ISD Scotland and can be found on their website at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Waiting-Times/Publications/data-tables.asp.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T16:48:51.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280776,"EventID":"S4W-12430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T16:48:52.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:10:36.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many additional letters it expects will be issued monthly by NHS boards because of the new rules for applying social unavailability codes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T16:48:52.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280777,"EventID":"S4W-12433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T16:48:52.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:10:36.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what options are available to patients where the 12-week referral to treatment time guarantee has not been met.\r\n","AnswerText":"The operation of the treatment time guarantee is contained in the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011, in the treatment time guarantee regulations and directions as well as the guidance issued by the Scottish Government in August 2012. Links to the Regulations and Directions are:\r\nwww.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_17.pdf.\r\nThe guidance on the treatment time guarantee can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_32.pdf.\r\nThe Scottish Government expects NHS boards to ensure they comply with the law for each individual patient.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T16:48:52.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280778,"EventID":"S4W-12435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T16:48:53.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:10:36.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it considers an unacceptable breach of the waiting time guarantee for cancer treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has set two standards for patients diagnosed with cancer.\r\nThe first, is that patients who have been urgently referred with a suspicion of cancer or are referred from one of the national cancer screening programmes, should begin treatment within 62 days.\r\nThe second standard, is that patients diagnosed with cancer and irrespective of the route of referral, should begin treatment within 31 days from the date that the decision to treat was agreed with the patient.\r\nPatient breaches out with these waiting times standards are considered unacceptable unless for compelling clinical reasons.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T16:48:53.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280779,"EventID":"S4W-12436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T16:48:54.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:10:36.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports NHS boards that report problems in achieving the waiting time guarantee for colorectal cancer treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"When there is evidence that an NHS board is persistently failing to meet cancer waiting times standards, the NHS board is offered a programme of performance support. This programme is tailored and may involve one or more of the following:\r\nweekly monitoring of performance against standards;\r\nevidence that breach analyses are being carried out and that resulting action is being taken;\r\ndiagnostic on-site visits by a support team to identify improvement opportunities and facilitate pathway redesign where necessary;\r\nsign posting to other NHS boards where there are examples of good practice that have resulted in sustained above standard performance.\r\nThis support is usually continued until the NHS board has consistently achieved the cancer waiting times standards.\r\nPerformance support programmes consider the whole healthcare system, to ensure that a focus on the area of concern does not adversely affect other parts of the healthcare system.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T16:48:54.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280780,"EventID":"S4W-12437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T16:48:54.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:10:36.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether GP referrals for diagnostic tests are (a) given lower priority than and (b) subject to the same waiting time as guarantees and exemptions referrals by consultants for the same tests.\r\n","AnswerText":"Those patients covered by Scottish Government guarantees are set out in guidance issued by the Scottish Government in August 2012. These documents are available at the following links:\r\nwww.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_32.pdf \r\nwww.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_33.pdf \r\nUrgency of all referrals is judged by the referrer. Referrals for diagnostic tests are prioritised according to clinical need and irrespective of the source of referral.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T16:48:55.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280781,"EventID":"S4W-12438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T16:48:55.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-22T11:10:36.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it regards as a reasonable time for patients referred by GPs for diagnostic tests to be seen.\r\n","AnswerText":"Current diagnostic waiting time standards provide an indication of the maximum time that patients referred for investigations can expect to wait. Urgency of referrals is judged by the referrer. Referrals for diagnostic tests are prioritised according to clinical need and irrespective of the source of referral.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T16:48:55.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280782,"EventID":"S4W-12518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T16:48:56.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T13:52:45.24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) support and (b) financial assistance it provides for large goods vehicle (LGV) and passenger carrying vehicle (PCV) drivers to obtain a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence.\r\n","AnswerText":"Driver Certificate of Professional Competence is reserved, derived from an EU Directive introduced in 2009 (2003/59). Drivers must undertake periodic training and operators have a responsibility to ensure their drivers are on track to complete their training.\r\nThe provision of such training is a commercial matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T16:48:56.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280783,"EventID":"S4W-12520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T16:48:57.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T13:52:45.24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the United Road Transport Union regarding reported difficulties in complying with the Vehicle Drivers (Certificates of Professional Competence) Regulations 2007.","AnswerText":"My officials met with the United Road Transport Union on 18 August 2011 to discuss a range of issues, including Driver Certificates of Professional Competence (CPC). At this meeting, the union agreed to join the Scottish Freight and Logistics Advisory Group (ScotFLAG), which is facilitated by Transport Scotland.\r\nOn 13 October 2011 ScotFLAG produced a report into Driver CPC. The report concluded the uptake of training by industry at that time was suitable and sufficient.  As a group member, the union had an opportunity to feed into this process.\r\nThe United Road Transport Union has not raised Driver CPC at subsequent ScotFLAG meetings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T16:48:57.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280784,"EventID":"S4W-12521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T16:48:57.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T13:52:45.24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide training to ensure that large goods vehicle (LGV) and passenger carrying vehicle (PCV) drivers in employment who are required to obtain a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence before the September 2014 deadline can do so, given that employers have no obligation to provide the required training.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is a reserved and commercial matter. Operators and owners have an obligation to ensure their drivers complete the 35 hours training.\r\nCommercial training is available; and all such training and individual courses must be approved. In the UK, the approving body is the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T16:48:57.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280785,"EventID":"S4W-12522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T16:48:58.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T13:52:45.24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether individual learning accounts can be used to cover the cost of obtaining a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence.","AnswerText":"Individual Learning Account (ILA) funding cannot be used to support training, which is a statutory requirement for the individual’s particular employment. Existing drivers will not therefore be able to draw down ILA funding in relation to Certificate of Professional Competence statutory training.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T16:48:58.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280786,"EventID":"S4W-12523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T16:48:59.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T15:35:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have used individual learning accounts to undertake beginners IT courses since 2007, broken down by (a) gender, (b) age, (c) level of educational attainment and (d) amount of financial support.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. I will ask the chief executive of Skills Development Scotland to write to you on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T16:48:59.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280787,"EventID":"S4W-12524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T16:48:59.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T15:51:18.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many insulin pumps (a) the NHS bought to meet the expected demand and (b) have been distributed to NHS boards since publication of Chief Executive Letter (CEL) 4 (2012) on Insulin Pump Therapy for People with Type 1 Diabetes.","AnswerText":"This level of information is not held centrally.\r\nHowever, in 2012 the Scottish Government provided funding of £2.5 million for the purchase of 558 insulin pumps and associated consumables for people with type 1 diabetes in 2012-2013. This number was based on information provided by NHS boards. This figure does not include insulin pumps that were purchased separately by NHS boards to meet the needs specific to their local population.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T16:48:59.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280788,"EventID":"S4W-12525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T16:49:00.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T15:51:18.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what make and model of insulin pumps the NHS bought to meet the expected demand following publication of Chief Executive Letter (CEL) 4 (2012) on Insulin Pump Therapy for People with Type 1 Diabetes.","AnswerText":"This level of information is not held centrally.\r\nHowever in 2012 the Scottish Government provided funding of £2.5 million for the purchase of 558 insulin pumps and associated consumables for people with type 1 diabetes in 2012-2013. This number was based on information provided by NHS boards. This figure does not include insulin pumps that were purchased separately by NHS boards to meet the needs specific to their local population.\r\nWhile information on the number of people on insulin pumps is published annually in the Scottish Diabetes Survey, information on the make and model of these pumps is not routinely collected.\r\nNHS boards are routinely responsible for purchasing insulin pumps and the associated consumables through the procurement framework for insulin pumps provided by NHS Scotland’s National Procurement. This allows NHS boards to choose from a variety of insulin pumps to meet the needs of their local population.\r\nWe expect clinicians to decide which model of insulin pump is most appropriate based on individual clinical circumstances and in close consultation with the patient.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T16:49:00.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280789,"EventID":"S4W-12526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-24T16:49:00.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T15:51:18.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what quantity of each model of insulin pump the NHS bought to meet expected demand following the publication of Chief Executive Letter (CEL) 4 (2012) on Insulin Pump Therapy for People with Type 1 Diabetes.\r\n","AnswerText":"This level of information is not held centrally.\r\nHowever in 2012 the Scottish Government provided funding of £2.5 million for the purchase of 558 insulin pumps and associated consumables for people with type 1 diabetes in 2012-2013. This number was based on information provided by NHS boards. This figure does not include insulin pumps that were purchased separately by NHS boards to meet the needs specific to their local population.\r\nNHS boards are routinely responsible for purchasing insulin pumps and the associated consumables through the procurement framework for insulin pumps provided by NHS Scotland’s National Procurement. This allows NHS boards to choose from a variety of insulin pumps to meet the needs of their local population.\r\nWe expect clinicians to decide which model of insulin pump is most appropriate based on individual clinical circumstances and in close consultation with the patient.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-07T16:49:00.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280795,"EventID":"S4W-12527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-25T14:09:31.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T16:27:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will reconvene the expert panel that it set up in 2007 to recommend measures to improve the energy performance of houses and buildings and what its (a) remit and (b) timetable will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"The intention is to reconvene the Expert Panel around the middle of 2013 and officials are currently discussing the remit of the Panel with Lynne Sullivan. It is anticipated that the Panel will report back in autumn 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-08T14:09:31.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280796,"EventID":"S4W-12529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-25T14:09:33.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T17:32:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to holocaust education programmes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Holocaust education and Holocaust Memorial Day have a vital role in ensuring that atrocities of the past are never repeated and that racism, bigotry and prejudice are not tolerated.\r\nThe Scottish Government has provided sustained support to the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET) to deliver the Lessons from Auschwitz project, which has had participants from more than 60% of Scotland’s schools and colleges. The four part project includes survivor testimony, a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in Poland and wider dissemination of the lessons learned within schools and communities. Survivor testimonies are also captured and promoted through initiatives such as the Gathering the Voices project.\r\nWe work with HET, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, Interfaith Scotland, local authorities and others including the Anne Frank Trust to raise awareness in schools and to deliver the annual national commemoration of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. The Holocaust Memorial Day 2013 Advisory Board developed a schools programme which included a number of school visits, schools intranet events, exhibitions and a Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration programme for schools at Glasgow City Chambers which was attended by about 400 pupils.\r\nEducation Scotland promote education resources, professional development opportunities and curricular projects which build capacity and expertise in holocaust education. Holocaust education practice is also included in sessions run for undergraduate teacher trainees offered to Scottish universities, as part of global citizenship awareness for students.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-08T14:09:33.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280797,"EventID":"S4W-12530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-25T14:09:34.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T17:32:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to raise awareness in schools of holocaust memorial day.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12529 on 6 February 2013. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-08T14:09:34.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280798,"EventID":"S4W-12531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-25T14:09:34.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T17:32:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to provide schools with reliable information about the holocaust.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12529 on 6 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-08T14:09:34.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280799,"EventID":"S4W-12532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-25T14:09:35.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T17:32:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to help provide schools with first-hand accounts of the holocaust through survivor stories.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12529 on 6 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-08T14:09:35.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280800,"EventID":"S4W-12533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-25T14:09:36.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T17:32:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to provide school pupils with the opportunity to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12529 on 6 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-08T14:09:36.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280801,"EventID":"S4W-12573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-25T14:09:37.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T12:30:24.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many students applied for, but did not obtain, college places in 2012-13, broken down by institution.\r\n","AnswerText":"Colleges are responsible for their own recruitment and application processes and this information is not held centrally. It is a matter for each college to determine which characteristics of the applicant are recorded, including whether he or she is an existing student.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-08T14:09:37.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280802,"EventID":"S4W-12574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-25T14:09:37.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T12:33:04.163","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) fatal and (b) serious road accidents heavy goods vehicles have been involved in in the North East Scotland parliamentary region, in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of injury road accidents reported to the police involving heavy goods vehicles in the North East Scotland parliamentary region by severity.\r\nYear\r\nFatal\r\nSerious\r\n2007\r\n5\r\n16\r\n2008\r\n5\r\n24\r\n2009\r\n4\r\n14\r\n2010\r\n6\r\n25\r\n2011\r\n1\r\n21\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-08T14:09:37.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280803,"EventID":"S4W-12575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-25T14:09:38.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T12:33:04.163","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many road traffic collisions there have been in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of injury road accidents reported to the police in the areas requested.\r\nYear\r\nAberdeen\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n2007\r\n392\r\n631\r\n2008\r\n512\r\n692\r\n2009\r\n445\r\n687\r\n2010\r\n350\r\n598\r\n2011\r\n362\r\n518\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-08T14:09:38.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280804,"EventID":"S4W-12576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-25T14:09:38.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T12:33:04.163","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many dentists were practising in Grampian in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested can be found in the Medical and Dental Staff in post table on the NHS Information Services Division website:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health%2DTopics/Workforce/Publications/2012-11-27/Dentists_S2012.xls\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-08T14:09:38.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280805,"EventID":"S4W-12577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-25T14:09:38.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T12:33:04.163","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many nurses there have been in NHS Grampian in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested can be found in the Nursing and Midwifery staff in post table on the NHS Information Services Division website:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2012-11-27/Nursing_and_Midwifery_SIP_S2012.xls?53296406\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-08T14:09:38.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280806,"EventID":"S4W-12578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-25T14:09:39.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T12:33:04.163","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many new business start-ups there were in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"New business start-ups are measured using new business VAT/PAYE registration figures.\r\nTable 1 shows the number of new business VAT/PAYE registrations in the Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire local authority areas from 2007 until 2011. The data is taken from the Office for National Statistics Business Demography 2011 publication, which contains the most up to date data available.\r\n\r\nTable 1: New business VAT/PAYE registrations in the Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire local authority areas, 2007-2011\r\n\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nAberdeen City\r\n1,220\r\n935\r\n790\r\n1,035\r\n1,215\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n1,385\r\n1,045\r\n820\r\n880\r\n1,175\r\nSource: Business Demography 2011, Office for National Statistics\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-08T14:09:39.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280807,"EventID":"S4W-12579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-25T14:09:39.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T12:33:04.163","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many construction workers were employed in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Table 1 shows the number of employment jobs in the construction sector for the Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire local authority areas from 2008 until 2011. The data is taken from the Office for National Statistics Business Register and Employment Survey, results from which are only available from 2008 to 2011.\r\n\r\n\tTable 1: Construction1 sector employment jobs2 in the Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire local authority areas, 2008-2011\r\n\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nAberdeen City\r\n7,400\r\n7,300\r\n6,800\r\n6,600\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n8,800\r\n8,100\r\n7,700\r\n8,600\r\nSources: Business Register and Employment Survey, Office for National Statistics\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Construction - Section F according to Standard Industrial Classification (UK SIC 2007).\r\n2. Employment jobs include all employee jobs within VAT/PAYE registered enterprises, and also working owners of VAT/PAYE registered enterprises. The employment jobs estimate does not include those that are self-employed in enterprises that are not registered for VAT/PAYE i.e. the smallest sole proprietors or partnerships.\r\n3. Data is rounded to the nearest hundred. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-08T14:09:39.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280808,"EventID":"S4W-12580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-25T14:09:39.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T12:33:04.163","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many construction companies were registered in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Table 1 below shows the number of construction enterprises registered in the Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire local authority areas from 2008 until 2012. The data is taken from the Inter-Departmental Business Register and is rounded to the nearest 5.\r\nTable 1: The number of VAT/PAYE registered1 construction2 enterprises, registered in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire local authority areas, March 2008- March 2012\r\n\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nAberdeen City\r\n635\r\n640\r\n625\r\n620\r\n625\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n1,400\r\n1,430\r\n1,440\r\n1,445\r\n1,420\r\nSource: Inter-Departmental Business Register, Office for National Statistics\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Data refers to VAT/PAYE registered enterprises only. Unregistered enterprises, sole traders and partnerships who are not registered for PAYE or VAT, are not included.\r\n2. Construction - Section F according to Standard Industrial Classification (UK SIC 2007).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-08T14:09:39.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280809,"EventID":"S4W-12581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-25T14:09:40.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T12:33:04.163","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it has allocated to alcohol support services in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Responsibility is devolved to Alcohol and Drug Partnerships to commission (informed by robust needs assessment) evidence based, person centred and recovery-focused treatment services to meet the needs of their resident populations. Decisions on spend for alcohol and drug services are made locally by the ADPs.\r\nThe Scottish Government allocates funding to Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) via NHS Boards. In those areas where there is more than one ADP, the NHS Board should agree with ADPs how this funding should be distributed between them.\r\nInformation on funding allocations to each of the three Alcohol and Drugs Partnerships (Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray) in NHS Grampian is not held centrally.\r\nThe following table details alcohol prevention, treatment and support funding allocations to NHS Grampian for the last five years.\r\n\r\nNHS Board\r\nAllocation 2008-09\r\nAllocation 2009-10\r\nAllocation 2010-11\r\nAllocation 2011-12\r\nAllocation 2012-13\r\nGrampian\r\n£2,014,386\r\n£2,804,595\r\n£2,804,595\r\n£2,880,681\r\n£3,010,872\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-08T14:09:40.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280810,"EventID":"S4W-12582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-25T14:09:40.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T12:33:04.163","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it has allocated to mental health services in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government sets national direction of policy on mental health and provides funding to agencies - including NHS Boards and Local Authorities - to support implementation of policy.\r\nThe management of local actions in implementing national policy, and decisions on local spending priorities are the responsibility of relevant local agencies. It is therefore the responsibility of NHS Boards and local authorities to work with their partners and regularly review spending decisions to deliver fit for purpose services which respond to local needs.\r\nFunding on mental health promotion, early intervention and appropriate treatment for people with mental health problems will continue to be drawn from the overall funds allocated to NHS Scotland and Local Authorities by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-08T14:09:40.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280811,"EventID":"S4W-12583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-25T14:09:40.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T12:33:04.163","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there have been changes to the original timescale for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.","AnswerText":"The protracted legal challenges have resulted in delays to the original timescale and the completion date is now spring 2018. We ensured as much preparatory work as possible was progressed during the legal challenges to ensure that the delay was kept to a minimum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-08T14:09:40.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280812,"EventID":"S4W-12584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-25T14:09:41.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T12:33:04.163","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will announce whether it has secured the funding for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route under the non-profit distributing funding mechanism.","AnswerText":"The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) is jointly funded by the Scottish Government, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Council. The Scottish Government is fully committed to delivering the AWPR and has committed that funding will be provided through the Non Profit Distribution programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-08T14:09:41.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280824,"EventID":"S4T-00229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T13:22:06.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T11:10:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any economic benefits will accrue to Scotland from High Speed 2.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T13:22:06.413","MeetingDate":"2013-01-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280825,"EventID":"S4T-00231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T13:22:06.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T11:47:02.327","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will accept in full the recommendations of the Electoral Commission regarding the conduct of a referendum on Scotland separating from the rest of the United Kingdom.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T13:22:06.79","MeetingDate":"2013-01-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280826,"EventID":"S4F-01150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T13:21:28.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-24T14:16:27.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T13:21:28.39","MeetingDate":"2013-01-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280827,"EventID":"S4F-01153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T13:21:29.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T09:47:19.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T13:21:29.95","MeetingDate":"2013-01-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280828,"EventID":"S4F-01158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T13:21:31.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T10:44:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister for what purpose the Scottish Government has recently contacted the foreign ministries of EU member states.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T13:21:31.713","MeetingDate":"2013-01-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280829,"EventID":"S4F-01160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T13:21:32.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T11:19:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Government is taking to protect the number of nursing and midwifery staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T13:21:32.54","MeetingDate":"2013-01-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280830,"EventID":"S4F-01163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T13:21:33.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T11:47:12.67","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what projects, and at what value, have been delivered through the non-profit distributing model pipeline in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T13:21:33.463","MeetingDate":"2013-01-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280831,"EventID":"S4F-01165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T13:21:34.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T11:57:10.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government has approved plans for staff redundancies suggested by the Scottish Police Authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T13:21:34.023","MeetingDate":"2013-01-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280847,"EventID":"S4W-12585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T15:23:44.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T08:41:52.93","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish information on public sector bodies' performance against planning targets.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will be publishing a Scotland-wide report that will provide a summary of information collated from the annual performance reports by each planning authority and key agency. It is expected that each organisation will make their own annual report available on the web.\r\nThe Scottish Government publishes statistics on a quarterly basis that sets out the performance of planning authorities on different types of planning applications. This information guides authorities who benchmark against other comparable authorities and helps to focus attempts to improve efficiency. These statistics are not formally recognised as planning targets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T15:23:44.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280848,"EventID":"S4W-12586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T15:23:45.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T10:08:08.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11719 by Kenny MacAskill on 20 December 2012, how Victim Support Scotland publicises the fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The administration of the fund is a matter for Victim Support Scotland (VSS). All VSS local services are aware of the Victim’s Fund. When staff and volunteers who are dealing directly with victims of crime know that they have a case which fits the criteria, they submit an application to the VSS victim’s fund. Partner agencies are also aware of the fund and VSS receive applications through them also.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T15:23:45.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280849,"EventID":"S4W-12587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T15:23:45.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T10:08:08.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11719 by Kenny MacAskill on 20 December 2012, how much has been given to maintain the fund in 2012-13 and how much was provided in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"An initial support grant of £30,000 was made by the Scottish Government when the fund was launched in 2010. Another grant of £15,000 was made in September 2012, and a further £15,000 is due in September 2013. The Victim Support Scotland Campaign Board have also raised more than £50,000 in additional funding since the victims’ fund was established.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T15:23:45.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280850,"EventID":"S4W-12588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T15:23:45.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T10:08:08.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11719 by Kenny MacAskill on 20 December 2012, how many people have received support from the fund in 2012-13 and how many received support in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The fund was established in 2010 and so figures for the period of 2010-11 are not available. In 2011-12, 116 victims received support totalling £52,244. Since 1 April 2012 to 31 December 2012, Victim Support Scotland received 45 requests, totalling £19,050.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T15:23:45.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280851,"EventID":"S4W-12593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T15:23:45.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T10:55:00.063","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11719 by Kenny MacAskill on 20 December 2012, what criteria are used in assessing applications for support to the fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The administration of the fund is a matter for Victim Support Scotland (VSS). VSS’s criteria is to provide support and principally pay for services where no other funding is available for victims who have been referred to, or have self-referred, to them.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T15:23:45.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280852,"EventID":"S4W-12594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T15:23:46.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T10:55:00.063","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11719 by Kenny MacAskill on 20 December 2012, what the average payment from the fund has been in 2012-13 and was in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The average payment from the fund over the period 1 April 2012 to 31 December 2012 is £423.33. The average for the last two years since March 2011 has been £425.35. There is no average payment from fund over period 2010-2011 as this was the year the fund was established.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T15:23:46.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280853,"EventID":"S4W-12595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T15:23:46.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T10:55:00.063","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11719 by Kenny MacAskill on 20 December 2012, when it will publish the Victims and Witnesses Bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government published the Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Bill on 6 February 2013. The Bill and accompanying documents can be viewed online at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/576.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T15:23:46.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280854,"EventID":"S4W-12596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T15:23:46.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T11:17:34.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-01687 by Michael Russell on 16 January 2013 (Official Report, c.15514), whether it plans to hold further discussions with the University of London regarding the University Marine Biological Station Millport and what it considers the economic impact of the station closing would be.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning met with the University of London and other stakeholders on 17 January 2013. Discussions were constructive and a second meeting was scheduled for February 2013.\r\nAs the economic development agency for the area, Highland and Islands Enterprise commissioned Sneddon Economics Ltd to carry out an independent economic impact study to outline the socio-economic importance of the Station to the island of Cumbrae. According to that study, completed on 7 January 2013, the total direct and indirect economic impact of the Station was 37 full time equivalent jobs. It also recognised that the socio-economic impact of the station extended beyond employment to the social fabric of Cumbrae.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T15:23:46.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280855,"EventID":"S4W-12599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T15:23:47.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T11:46:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what countries are in receipt of support through its International Development Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government International Development Fund currently supports projects in Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. More details can be found on the Scottish Government website http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/International/int-dev.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T15:23:47.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280856,"EventID":"S4W-12600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T15:23:47.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T11:46:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been allocated by its International Development Fund in each year since 2004-05.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government International Development Fund began in the 2005-6 financial year. Spend for each complete financial year since then is outlined in the following table.\r\nYear\r\nAmount\r\n2005-6\r\n£1,845,385\r\n2006-7\r\n£2,749,041\r\n2007-8\r\n£4,481,211\r\n2008-9\r\n£5,999,999\r\n2009-10\r\n£5,298,376\r\n2010-11\r\n£9,000,000\r\n2011-12\r\n£9,000,000\r\n\r\nIt should be noted that in 2007-08 the baseline International Development Fund budget was £3,000,000. This was supplemented by an additional £1,481,211 which was not baselined at that stage into the International Development Fund budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T15:23:47.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280857,"EventID":"S4W-12601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T15:23:47.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T11:46:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria are used when determining the countries that will receive support through its International Development Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s International Development Fund has been designed to reflect our historic relationship with countries such as Malawi as well as our contemporary links with South Asia through our diasporan communities. The Scottish Government also takes a country’s ranking on the Human Development Index (HDI) into account when considering which areas to support. The HDI is a comparative measure of life expectancy, literacy, education, standards of living, and quality of life for countries worldwide. To support those in greatest need and the most vulnerable Scottish Government funding is awarded to countries with a low HDI rating. More details are available on our website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/International/int-dev.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T15:23:47.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280858,"EventID":"S4W-12602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T15:23:47.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T11:46:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how often (a) the Minister for External Affairs and International Development and (b) its officials liaises with UK Government (i) ministers and (ii) officials to discuss international development.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials regularly liaise with their UK counterparts to discuss a range of issues including International Development. Both the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs and the Minister for External Affairs and International Development have written to Justine Greening, the UK Secretary of State for International Development to request a meeting following her appointment in September. A mutually convenient date for this meeting is still to be arranged.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T15:23:47.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280859,"EventID":"S4W-12605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T15:23:48.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T11:46:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which non-governmental organisations (NGOs) it is working in partnership with regard to its International Development Fund and what criteria are used to determine these.\r\n","AnswerText":"The full list of organisations that have received funding through the Scottish Government International Development Programme is set out in the following table.\r\nThe International Development Fund also provides core funding to the Network of International Development Organisations Scotland (NIDOS), the Scotland Malawi Partnership (SMP) and the Scottish Fair Trade Forum.\r\nAll of our funding is awarded following an independent assessment process. Applications are assessed against the criteria set out in the call for funding which are published online alongside the application papers for each funding round, details of which are set out on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/International/int-dev \r\nActive Learning Centre\r\nInternational Network of Street Papers\r\nSanday School\r\nAdam Smith College\r\nInverclyde Council\r\nSave the Children\r\nAdvanced Life Support in Obstetrics\r\nIslamic Centre Glasgow\r\nSCIAF\r\nBalfron High School\r\nIslamic Relief Worldwide\r\nSCOTDEC\r\nBell College\r\nITCHES World Care\r\nScotland Malawi Business Group\r\nBooks Abroad\r\nIRPS\r\nScotland's Buddhist Vihara\r\nCONGOMA - SCVO\r\nJames Hutton Institute (Macaulay Land Use Research Institute)\r\nScotland-Malawi Mental Health Education Project\r\nChallenges Worldwide\r\nJubilee Scotland\r\nScotland Malawi Partnership (SMP)\r\nChild First\r\nLeonard Cheshire Disability Scotland\r\nScottish Agricultural College\r\nChild Support Project\r\nLeprosy Mission Scotland\r\nScottish Churches World Exchange\r\nChristian Aid\r\nLink Community Development Scotland\r\nScottish Crop Research Institute\r\nChristian Blind Mission\r\nLothian Zambia Partnership\r\nScottish International Relief\r\nChristian Engineers in Development\r\nMaime Martin Fund\r\nSense Scotland\r\nChurch of Scotland\r\nMaking Wonders\r\nSKIP\r\nCivic Computing\r\nMalawi at St Magnus\r\nScottish Police College\r\nCommonwealth Local Government Forum\r\nMalawi Institute of Tourism\r\nStenhouse Primary School\r\nConcern Worldwide\r\nMalawi Tomorrow\r\nTearfund\r\nDeaf Action\r\nMalawi Trade School\r\nUcare Foundation\r\nDevelopment Education Centres\r\nMary's Meals (Scottish International Relief)\r\nUNICEF\r\nDundee School of Medicine\r\nMedical Aid for Palestinians\r\nUniversity of Edinburgh\r\nEdinburgh Direct Aid\r\nMercy Corps Scotland\r\nUniversity of Glasgow\r\nEMMS International\r\nMission Aviation Fellowship\r\nGlasgow Caledonian University\r\nEnterprising Global Citizen Consortium\r\nMoffat Centre\r\nThe Open University\r\nEqualexchange\r\nNational Library of Scotland\r\nUniversity of St Andrews\r\nEurotalk Interactive\r\nNHS Tayside\r\nUniversity of Stirling\r\nThe Fair Trading Partnership\r\nNIDOS\r\nUniversity of Strathclyde\r\nFriends of African Nursing\r\nNorth Lanarkshire Council\r\nUniversity of the West of Scotland\r\nGlasgow City Council and The Raven Trust\r\nOpportunity International\r\nVenture Trust Malawi\r\nGlasgow the Caring City\r\nOxfam\r\nVSO\r\nGlobal Concerns Trust\r\nQueen Margaret University\r\nWaverly Care\r\nHealing Wounds\r\nRed Cross Society\r\nWestgate Medical Centre\r\nIDEAS\r\nRosewell High School\r\nWWF\r\nImani Development\r\nRoyal College of Paediatrics and Child Health\r\n \r\nInteract Worldwide\r\nRoyal Commonwealth Society for the Blind (Sightsavers)\r\n \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T15:23:48.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280860,"EventID":"S4W-12612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T15:23:48.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T12:40:09.92","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it can take to ensure that Waverley railway station does not breach safe air pollution limits.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of local authorities to assess air quality in their areas under the provisions of the Air Quality (Scotland) Regulations 2000. Waverley Station as a partially covered building falls within scope of the relevant local authority.\r\nIt is the responsibility of Network Rail as the station operator to provide a safe environment for passengers and staff on its premises. In addition there is a requirement placed on employers under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) to ensure employee exposure limits are not breached.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T15:23:48.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280861,"EventID":"S4W-12613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T15:23:48.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T12:40:09.92","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it can promote healthy food choices on the high street.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government funds the Scottish Grocers Federation Healthyliving Programme which aims to improve the supply and provision of fresh produce and healthier food choices in local convenience stores with a focus on low-income areas. The support includes training for staff and providing shops with chillers and shelving for the display and promotion of healthier produce.\r\nIn December last year the total number of stores in the programme was 1,237 covering all 32 local authorities.\r\nWe are also working with the catering sector through the Healthyliving Award which recognises caterers who reduce fat, salt and sugar and make healthy options more easily available. While most of the 690 sites are not on the High Street, we encourage any caterers to work towards achieving the award as it is free and sites are fully supported throughout the process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T15:23:48.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280862,"EventID":"S4W-12614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T15:23:49.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T12:42:49.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will update Transport Scotland Corporate Plan 2012-2015 to include implementation of the forthcoming national walking strategy.","AnswerText":"The national walking strategy is at an early stage of formulation. It is anticipated that the strategy will be delivered towards the end of 2013.\r\nUntil the strategy has been delivered, and we know its contents, it is not possible to say whether the Transport Scotland Corporate Plan 2012-2015 will require to be updated for work around implementation.\r\nIn the meantime we continue to promote walking through our on-going work around active travel.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T15:23:49.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280863,"EventID":"S4W-12615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T15:23:49.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T12:42:49.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Transport Scotland: Annual Business Plan 2013-14 will include work implementing the national walking strategy.","AnswerText":"The national walking strategy is in the early stages of formulation. It is anticipated that the strategy will be delivered towards the end of 2013.\r\nUntil the strategy has been developed, it is not possible to say whether the Transport Scotland: Annual Business Plan 2013-14 will require to be updated for work around implementation.\r\nIn the meantime we continue to promote walking through our on-going work around active travel.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T15:23:49.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280864,"EventID":"S4W-12616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T15:23:49.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T12:45:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11998 by Kenny MacAskill on 24 January 2013, what resource is being made available in the police central government budget to deliver the savings.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of the Police Central Government budget, budget - of the order of £60 million in 2013-14 and £70 million in 2014-15 - is available to support police reform, including the delivery of savings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T15:23:49.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280865,"EventID":"S4W-12619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T15:23:49.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T13:07:15.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what data it uses to measure university performance on widening participation to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.","AnswerText":"Statistical data on students attending higher education courses in Scottish universities, including those students from disadvantaged backgrounds, is provided by the Higher Education Statistics Agency and the data is reported on annually by the Scottish Funding Council.\r\nThe Scottish Funding Council’s analysis of entrants from disadvantaged backgrounds is based on the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T15:23:49.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280866,"EventID":"S4W-12631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T15:23:50.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T13:25:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients who have been refered by a consultant for a scan since January 2012 have not been seen within the 18-week target time, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The specific information requested is not collected centrally. Information is published for the total of numbers waiting and patients waiting more than the six weeks standards for the eight key diagnostic tests. This includes CT, MRI and ultrasound scans as well as Barium studies. \r\nThe six week waiting time standard covers referrals from all sources not just from consultants but also from primary care. In the month ending 30 September 2012, 31,571 patients were waiting for one of the four scans mentioned above and with 472 patients waiting more than six weeks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T15:23:50.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280867,"EventID":"S4W-12632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T15:23:50.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T13:25:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients referred for a scan without referral by a consultant since January 2012 have not been seen within the 18-week target time, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12631 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T15:23:50.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280874,"EventID":"S4W-12607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:28.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T11:59:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of new households created in each of the last five years was single-person households in the (a) social and (b) private rented sector.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally as it is not possible to identify newly forming households from our data sources.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:29.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280875,"EventID":"S4W-12608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:29.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T11:59:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many homelessness applications from single people in each of the last five years resulted in an offer of a (a) one-bedroom property or room in a shared property, (b) two-bedroom property or  (c) three or more bedroom property in the social rented sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the total number of homeless applications from single people which were (a) assessed as unintentionally homeless and in priority need, and (b) for whom a social rented sector tenancy was offered.\r\n\r\nFinancial year accommodation was offered\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nNumber of cases from single homeless people where social rented sector accommodation was offered\r\n7,371\r\n8,490\r\n9,911\r\n10,053\r\n9,969\r\n\r\nInformation on the size of the property offered is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:29.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280876,"EventID":"S4W-12609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:29.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T11:59:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures are in place to ensure that the size of new housing built for affordable rent reflects demand and takes into account the requirements of the social housing underoccupancy penalty.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of local authorities to determine these matters based on their housing need and demand assessments, local housing strategies and other planning policies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:29.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280877,"EventID":"S4W-12610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:29.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T11:59:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of social housing stock is made up of one-bedroom properties.","AnswerText":"The Scottish House Condition Survey estimates that, in 2011, around 26% of social housing stock was made up of 1 bedroom dwellings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:29.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280878,"EventID":"S4W-12611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:30.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T11:59:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many one-bedroom properties have been built in the social rented sector in each of the last five years, also expressed as a percentage of social housing built.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\nDetails of the total numbers of properties built by registered social landlords and local authorities are available on the Scottish Government website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-Regeneration/HSfS/NewBuild.\r\nHowever a split by number of bedrooms is not available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:30.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280879,"EventID":"S4W-12617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:30.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T13:02:49.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, prior to issuing its news release on 23 January 2013 on fuel poverty, what discussions it had with Ofgem regarding the investigation into claims of wholesale energy price fixing and whether the regulator indicated to it that the investigation had concluded. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not had any discussions with Ofgem regarding its investigation into claims of wholesale energy price fixing.\r\nThe Scottish Government has repeatedly called on Ofgem and the UK Government to take firmer action to deliver an energy market that is transparent, fair, competitive and effective to ensure that consumers are protected. The allegations of price fixing in the wholesale gas market which emerged on 13 November 2012 were of great concern to the Scottish Government and it called for swift and effective action to fully assess the allegations. As such, the Scottish Government urges Ofgem and the Financial Services Authority to press ahead with their investigations into these allegations; including publishing outcomes and taking any required action, as soon as possible, to ensure that any wrongdoing, where founded, is punished and that the consumers are protected.\r\nThe Scottish Government will continue to work with stakeholders across the energy sector, including energy suppliers, Ofgem and the UK Government, to ensure that Scottish consumers get the best deal on their energy bills.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:30.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280880,"EventID":"S4W-12620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:31.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T13:10:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many alleged offenders have appeared in court to face charges in relation to their original offence following a failure to pay or complete a fiscal direct penalty, in each year since 2009.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:31.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280881,"EventID":"S4W-12621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:31.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T13:10:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fiscal direct penalties for (a) motor and (b) other offences have been withdrawn for mandatory reasons in each year since 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:31.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280882,"EventID":"S4W-12622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:31.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T13:10:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fiscal direct penalties have been withdrawn at the Procurator Fiscal’s discretion for (a) a failure to pay or complete a fiscal direct penalty and (b) other reasons in each year since 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:31.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280883,"EventID":"S4W-12623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:31.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T13:10:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have appeared in court to face charges in relation to their original offence after their fiscal direct penalty has been (a) refused and (b) recalled in each year since 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:32.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280884,"EventID":"S4W-12624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:32.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T13:10:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11856 by Kenny MacAskill on 23 January 2013, what percentage of all fiscal fines, including those discharged, has been paid or is on track to be paid.\r\n","AnswerText":"The percentages in the following table have been taken from Scottish Court Service’s Quarterly Fines Report 14.\r\nYear\r\nFiscal fines paid/on track to be paid expressed as a percentage of the value imposed (including discharges)\r\nFiscal fines paid/on track to be paid expressed as a percentage of the value to be paid (excluding discharges)\r\n2009-10\r\n66%\r\n78%\r\n2010-11\r\n60%\r\n69%\r\n2011-12\r\n52%\r\n57%\r\n\r\nAs Scottish Court Service makes clear in their report, fines and penalties are levied throughout each year and arranged instalment payments can mean that some may take two or more financial years to be paid.\r\nThe percentages provided in the second column are not representative of the total value due as some fiscal fines can be discharged. The percentages in the third column are a more accurate representation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:32.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280885,"EventID":"S4W-12625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:32.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T13:10:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the definition is of purposeful activity in prisons.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“Rule 84(2) of The Prison and Young Offenders Institutions (Scotland) Rules 2011 defines purposeful activities as \r\nWork\r\nEducation of any kind, including physical education;\r\nCounselling and other rehabilitative programmes;\r\nVocational training and;\r\nWork placements outside the prison.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:32.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280886,"EventID":"S4W-12626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:32.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T13:10:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) programmes and (b) activities constitute purposeful activity in prisons.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“Purposeful activity as defined in the Prison and Young Offenders Institutions (Scotland) Rules 2011 includes work, education, learning and employability, (including physical education) and programmes to address offending behaviour.\r\nActivities and programmes include:\r\nCounselling and Other Rehabilitative Programmes\r\nLife skills programme.\r\nSubstance-related offending behaviour programme.\r\nAlcohol awareness.\r\nFirst steps.\r\nDrug action for change.\r\nParenting programme.\r\nPositive parenting.\r\nSMART - substance abuse programme.\r\nConstructs.\r\nFemale offender programme.\r\nAnger management.\r\nControlling anger, regulating emotions.\r\nViolence prevention programme.\r\nGood lives for sex offenders.\r\nYouth justice programme.\r\nWork:\r\nRepair Work: bicycles, recycling machinery, prison waste, clothing etc.\r\nProduction and Assembly Work: manufacturing garden sheds, benches, Post Office trolleys, skips, textiles.\r\nCommercial Partner Work: new initiative (still in planning).\r\nPackaging Work: tea and coffee work parties.\r\nEstablishment Services: passmen, kitchen, laundry, gardens, horticulture.\r\nEducation, including Physical Education, Vocational Training and Learning Skills and Employability Interventions:\r\nPhysical education.\r\nLiteracy assessment.\r\nLiteracy classes.\r\nNumeracy classes.\r\nEnglish for speakers of other languages.\r\nArt classes.\r\nPeer support.\r\nMusic classes.\r\nDrama classes.\r\nVocational and employability classes - painting and decorating, hairdressing and bricklaying.\r\nWork Placements Outside Prison;\r\nCommunity Placements - wood recycling, groundwork at football clubs, working with Phoenix Future Trusts.\r\nThe Justice Committee is currently conducting an inquiry into purposeful activity.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:32.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280887,"EventID":"S4W-12627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:33.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T13:10:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what average number of hours per week convicted prisoners are engaged in purposeful activity (a) across the prison estate and (b) in each penal establishment.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“The average number of hours per week which convicted prisoners are engaged in purposeful activity across a) the prison estate and b) in each prison establishment is shown in the attached table.”\r\nTotals 2012-2013 (until end November 2012)\r\nAverage per convicted prisoner\r\nAberdeen\r\n26\r\nBarlinnie\r\n19\r\nCornton Vale\r\n22\r\nDumfries\r\n19\r\nEdinburgh\r\n15\r\nGlenochil\r\n18\r\nGreenock\r\n21\r\nInverness\r\n22\r\nLow Moss\r\n27\r\nOpen Estate\r\n23\r\nPerth\r\n16\r\nPeterhead\r\n23\r\nPolmont\r\n16\r\nShotts\r\n16\r\nAddiewell\r\n25\r\nKilmarnock\r\n29\r\nEstate Average\r\n21\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:33.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280888,"EventID":"S4W-12628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:33.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T13:10:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what targets the Scottish Prison Service has for the number of hours per week that convicted (a) short-term and (b) long-term prisoners should be engaged in purposeful activity.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“The delivery of purposeful activity in the Scottish Prison Service is currently monitored through a Key Performance Indicator (KPI). KPIs are performance measures set by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice in the SPS Delivery Plan. Targets are not set for these measures and performance is evaluated by comparing performance against the previous years, it is therefore a mechanism of continuous improvement rather than specific targets.\r\nPurposeful activity increased by 18% in public sector prisons from 4.3 million hours in 2009-10 to 5.1 million hours in 2011-12. Private sector hours were 1.6 million in 2010-11 and 2011-12. SPS does not collect information related to short term and long term prisoners who are engaged in purposeful activity.\r\nI have instigated an organisational review to ensure that SPS is more clearly aligned with the Scottish Government's National Performance Framework, Reducing Re-offending Agenda and Justice Strategy. The review will refresh the vision, mission, strategic priorities and overall operating philosophy of SPS and provide a better foundation upon which to design and develop purposeful activity.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:33.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280889,"EventID":"S4W-12629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:33.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T13:10:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what average number of hours per week convicted prisoners spend out of their cells (a) across the prison estate and (b) in each penal establishment.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“The Scottish Prison Service does not collect information in this way regarding the time offenders in custody spend out of their cell.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:33.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280890,"EventID":"S4W-12630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:34.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T13:10:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what options for the organisation of the independent custody visiting schemes after 1 April 2013 have been proposed by (a) the Scottish Government, (b) the Scottish Police Authority and (c) independent custody visiting scheme administrators and what stage of consideration each proposal has reached.\r\n","AnswerText":"Justice officials have been working closely with the current scheme administrators throughout 2012 to develop proposals for the new statutory custody visiting scheme. Draft proposals were shared with the Scottish Police Authority in December 2012. A meeting of all three parties took place on 24 January 2013 when a number of issues including transitional arrangements and future scheme administration were discussed. Further meetings are taking place to consider these matters further. This will enable the Authority to take decisions on the future scheme in time for 1 April.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:34.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280891,"EventID":"S4W-12633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:34.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T14:05:23.107","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it will provide to the North East of Scotland Transport Partnership in commissioning a study of the cost and feasibility of reopening the Formartine and Buchan railway line. \r\n","AnswerText":"While we have received no formal proposal for the reopening of the Formartine and Buchan railway line, the Scottish Government is keen to improve access to the rail network across Scotland.\r\nIn considering proposals to reopen former railway lines and stations, it is necessary for the Scottish Government to take a strategic view and fully consider the impact on the whole network. Determining the potential benefits to new passengers against the negative impact on existing passengers, while robustly assessing the value for money and affordability are essential. The long-term demand, the operational and engineering feasibilities, subsidy implications to the Scottish Government and initial capital costs must be considered in detail.\r\nI understand that promoters of the Formartine and Buchan line are currently discussing their proposals with the North East of Scotland Transport Partnership (Nestrans). Transport Scotland would be happy to offer advice, if Nestrans decide that the proposal merits further consideration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:34.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280892,"EventID":"S4W-12634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:34.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T16:00:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has commissioned of (a) changes in the number of planning staff employed by local authorities and (b) what skills shortages exist.","AnswerText":"The new Planning Performance Frameworks have been designed to give local authorities the opportunity to provide information on their organisational structure and the level of staff within that structure. As these were the first ever Planning Performance Frameworks, the level of information provided by each authority varies greatly. However, we will work with Heads of Planning Scotland (HoPS) to refine the requirements for the next round of frameworks to enable more accurate analysis.\r\nSimilarly, the frameworks allow authorities the opportunity to identify the skill sets available to them within their organisation and what measures have been introduced to encourage a culture of continuous improvement. It is useful to have a record of this information and the Scottish Government has committed a further £20,000 this year to HoPS to help further develop skills. Since 2006, the Scottish Government has invested over £2.7 million in local authority skills development through the Planning Development Programme. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of each authority to ensure that they possess the skills necessary to carry out their planning duties effectively and efficiently.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:34.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280893,"EventID":"S4W-12635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:34.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T16:00:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will evaluate whether planning authorities have met its expectations in dealing with planning applications.","AnswerText":"The issue of performance is a key strand of planning reform and the Scottish Government is fully committed to ensuring that planning realises its potential in aiding economic recovery. The Scottish Government in partnership with COSLA are establishing a high level group to monitor and review the performance of planning authorities and to consider proposals to link performance with wider reform of planning fees.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:34.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280894,"EventID":"S4W-12636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:35.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T16:00:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown by (a) local authority and (b) purpose of the allocation of £673,000 to planning departments for 2013-14 and whether the impact will be monitored.\r\n","AnswerText":"A breakdown of the bids by local authority is available from the planning - renewable energy page of the Scottish Government’s website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/National-Planning-Policy/themes/renewables/windresources. Individual bids, which have also been made available on the website, set out the local purpose of the allocation. We will return to planning authorities later this year to understand what impact the funds have made.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:35.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280895,"EventID":"S4W-12637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:35.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T16:00:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what monitoring is being carried out of the implementation of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 with regard to planning decisions.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has reported to the Scottish Parliament annually since 2011 on the operation of Section 72 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, as required by and within the terms of Section 73 of the Act. This year’s report will be laid before the Scottish Parliament by 1 April. Previous year’s reports have the following laying numbers: SG/2011/21 and SG2012/38.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not monitor implementation of sections 70 and 71 of the Act as the Orders that conferred permitted development rights on domestic air source heat pumps, domestic wind turbines and non-domestic microgeneration installations removed those classes of development from the planning application process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:35.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280896,"EventID":"S4W-12638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:35.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T16:00:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact on carbon emissions of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 requirement for new developments to comply with (a) increased CO2 emission reductions and (b) the provision of on-site renewables, broken down by (i) local authority and (ii) type of development.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have reported to the Scottish Parliament annually since 2011 on the operation of Section 72 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, as required by and within the terms of Section 73 of the Act. This year’s report will be laid before the Scottish Parliament by 1 April. Previous year’s reports have the following laying numbers: SG/2011/21 and SG/2012/38.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:35.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280897,"EventID":"S4W-12639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:36.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T16:00:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what issues Scottish Natural Heritage will monitor in relation to hill tracks.\r\n","AnswerText":"Monitoring of all tracks to ensure compliance with planning control is, as is the case for all development, primarily the responsibility of the relevant planning authority.\r\nScottish Natural Heritage’s good practice guidance in respect of upland tracks is currently being updated and will be published shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:36.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280898,"EventID":"S4W-12640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-28T17:06:36.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T16:00:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what issues will be considered in the review of strategic development plans.\r\n","AnswerText":"The review of strategic development plans will consider whether the current procedural arrangements and approaches to the preparation of these plans are fit for purpose. The review will commence in Summer 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-25T17:06:36.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280911,"EventID":"S4W-12641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T13:58:40.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T07:29:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the number of jobs that are directly connected to wind farm developments, broken down by the parliamentary constituency of the employee’s residence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s position on energy employment is set out in the Energy in Scotland statistical compendium published on 25 January 2013 and available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Business/Energy/Compendium2013.\r\nScottish Renewables estimates that of the 11,136 full time equivalent posts directly supported by the renewables industry and its supply chain in 2011-12, 2235 were connected directly to onshore wind. The figures are not broken down by parliamentary constituency.\r\nThe success of the onshore wind industry has contributed towards the wider success of the renewable energy sector and in particular provided a rationale for the major grid upgrade projects.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T13:58:40.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280912,"EventID":"S4W-12642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T13:58:40.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T07:29:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many non-UK nationals are employed in the development of wind farms. \r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T13:58:40.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280913,"EventID":"S4W-12643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T13:58:40.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T07:29:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many apprenticeships have been created by wind farm developers, broken down by the parliamentary constituency of the apprentice.\r\n","AnswerText":"There were 3,128 modern apprenticeship (MA) starts in engineering and related frameworks in 2011-12, of which 20 could be attributed to wind turbine operations. However, as this is the only apprenticeship framework which relates specifically to the renewable energy sector, it is not possible to identify how many more of the engineering-related MA starts were linked to the renewables sector. The figures provided are not broken down by parliamentary constituency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T13:58:41.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280914,"EventID":"S4W-12644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T13:58:41.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T18:39:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Scottish Energy Advisory Board (a) last met and (b) will next meet.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Energy Advisory Board last met on 14 November 2012. The meeting discussions included Energy Skills, Heat and the role of District Heating, and updates on key issues affecting the Energy Sectors. The next meeting of the Board will be on 6 March 2013. Minutes of all Scottish Energy Advisory Board meetings can be found on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/resources/working-groups/energy-advisory-board/Minutes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T13:58:41.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280915,"EventID":"S4W-12645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T13:58:41.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T18:39:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent advice it has received from the Government Actuary’s Department in respect of pensions for Scottish police officers and on what dates it received such advice in (a) 2007, (b) 2008, (c) 2009, (d) 2010, (e) 2011 and (f) 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Due to key changes in public sector pensions policy the advice and guidance issued by GAD over the requested periods have been numerous and relate to a wide number of subjects. The cost of identifying each and every item of GAD advice during the requested period would be disproportionate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T13:58:41.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280916,"EventID":"S4W-12646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T13:58:41.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T18:39:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what responsibilities the Government Actuary’s Department has to the Scottish Government in respect of pensions for Scottish police officers.","AnswerText":"GAD are commissioned by the Scottish Government to undertake full valuations of all public sector schemes, using appropriate financial and demographic assumptions; and to recommend the contribution rate to be paid by the employers who participate in the scheme. They also provide actuarial advice to other public sector pension schemes where Scottish Ministers have responsibilities, as and when required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T13:58:41.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280917,"EventID":"S4W-12647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T13:58:42.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T18:39:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it routinely receives advice from the Government Actuary’s Department in respect of pensions for Scottish police officers.","AnswerText":"GAD provides actuarial advice to the Scottish Government in respect of all public sector pension schemes, including the police schemes, as and when commissioned to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T13:58:42.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280918,"EventID":"S4W-12648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T13:58:42.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T18:05:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will allocate any Barnett consequentials arising from the StartUp Loans scheme announced in the 2012 Autumn Statement.\r\n","AnswerText":"I am able to confirm that the Scottish Government received consequentials from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills in relation to the “StartUp Loans” scheme as part of the funding that flowed to the Scottish Government as part of the Autumn Statement.\r\nYou will be aware that consequentials accrue to the Scottish Government as a whole and Scottish Ministers decide how they are deployed to the benefit of the nation.\r\nThe Scottish Government initiatives were launched prior to the announcement of the UK scheme and was co-developed with and supported by our partners in the public, private and third sectors\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T13:58:42.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280919,"EventID":"S4W-12649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T13:58:42.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T18:39:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what communication it has received from the Government Actuary’s Department since May 2007 in relation to the review of commutation tables for Scottish police officers' pensions and on what dates.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government regrets that the information requested can only be obtained at disproportionate cost.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T13:58:42.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280920,"EventID":"S4W-12650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T13:58:43.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T18:39:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what correspondence it  has had with the Home Office since May 2007 regarding the review of commutation tables in respect of Scottish police officers' pensions and on what dates. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government regrets that the information requested can only be obtained at disproportionate cost.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T13:58:43.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280921,"EventID":"S4W-12651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T13:58:43.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T18:39:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the actuarial advice from the Government Actuary's Department regarding Scottish police officers' pensions is based on statistical information relevant to Scotland only or as part of a UK-wide assessment.","AnswerText":"There are various regulations relating to the Police Pension Schemes in Scotland under which the Government Actuary (either directly or via his appointment as the Scheme Actuary) has responsibility for setting or providing actuarial advice on factors. When considering appropriate factors, the Government Actuary may take into account various sources of relevant information. In particular, mortality assumptions are set following consideration of some or all of national statistics (including the UK as a whole and for the constituent countries/regions of the UK), standard mortality tables issued by the UK Actuarial Profession and scheme specific analysis (where available).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T13:58:43.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280922,"EventID":"S4W-12652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T13:58:43.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T18:39:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the Government Actuary's Department's (GAD) position has been in relation to the Scottish administration and whether GAD has recommended that the Scottish police pension commutation tables should be reviewed, since 1998.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Government Actuary's Department's (GAD) has been actuarial adviser to the Scottish Government in respect of the Police Pension Schemes since their introduction. GAD issued advice to the Scottish Government (via the Scottish Public Pensions Agency) on revised commutation tables for the Police Pension Scheme 1987 on 29 May 2007. No recommendations relating to revisions of the 1988 commutation factors were made to the Scottish Government prior to that date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T13:58:43.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280923,"EventID":"S4W-12653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T13:58:43.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T18:39:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether adjudications by the Pensions Ombudsman in relation to police pension commutation will apply equally in Scotland and the rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"The Pensions Ombudsman has powers that apply throughout the UK. These are covered in section 151 of the Pensions Schemes Act 1993.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T13:58:43.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280924,"EventID":"S4W-12654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T13:58:44.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T10:03:59.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it can improve the commuter links between Stonehaven and Aberdeen to promote commuting by public transport instead of driving.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government envisages an accessible Scotland with safe, integrated and reliable transport that supports sustainable economic growth. We promote integration between different services and modes of transport and we encourage operators to engage with each other over timetables.\r\nThe commuter links by rail between Stonehaven and Aberdeen have benefitted from the introduction of additional calls at Portlethen Station from December 2012 timetable. These changes are designed to attract more passengers using the services for commuting to and from Aberdeen as well as leisure travel.\r\nAdditionally the Aberdeen to Central Belt Rail Enhancement Scheme is one of the projects identified as part of the Scottish Government's Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR) published in 2008. It aims to deliver reduced passenger journey times of around 20 minutes, improved service frequency and connectivity between Aberdeen and Edinburgh/Glasgow and more efficient freight operations. The scheme will be delivered in phases from 2020.\r\nWith regards to bus travel The Scottish Government provides an annual subsidy, the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG), of £50 million to the bus industry, the aim of which is to keep fares at affordable levels and enable bus operators to run services that might not otherwise be commercially viable. This substantial subsidy also creates a limited re-distribution of funding towards longer and more rural services, which provide a degree of protection for our more vulnerable rural communities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T13:58:44.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280925,"EventID":"S4W-12655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T13:58:44.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T10:03:59.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it can improve connectivity and reduce waiting times between railway stations on the Inverness to Aberdeen line and the rest of the country.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland is working closely with Network Rail and ScotRail to introduce service enhancements on the Aberdeen to Inverness route this year. Further service and infrastructure enhancements are planned during the next control period which runs from 2014 to 2019. These enhancements will improve connectivity and waiting times.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T13:58:44.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280926,"EventID":"S4W-12656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T13:58:44.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T10:42:20.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the responses to the Deputy First Minister’s letter on EU membership on her blog unedited as soon as they are received.\r\n","AnswerText":"The decision to make any response publicly available would be for the member state who provided it.\r\nThe Scottish Government will respect the wishes of fellow Member States in deciding whether or not to publish a response.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T13:58:44.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280927,"EventID":"S4W-12657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T13:58:45.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T10:42:20.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the addressees to which the Deputy First Minister sent her letter on EU membership.\r\n","AnswerText":"The letter was sent to the foreign ministries of each EU Member State via their Embassy or High Commission in the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T13:58:45.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280934,"EventID":"S4W-12658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T16:47:30.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T12:22:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what potential benefits will accrue to remote and rural areas in the north and west following the announcement of a pilot scheme in Ardnamurchan to devise new ways of delivering healthcare in such areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T16:47:30.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280935,"EventID":"S4W-12659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T16:47:31.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T13:42:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many full-time equivalent staff there are in Skills Development Scotland’s employer services team.","AnswerText":"The Employer Services Team is an operational matter for Skills Development Scotland. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T16:47:31.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280936,"EventID":"S4W-12660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T16:47:31.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T13:42:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the remit of Skills Development Scotland’s employer services team is and whether it operates via a hotline or visits businesses.","AnswerText":"The employer services team is an operational matter for Skills Development Scotland. I have asked the chief executive to write to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T16:47:31.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280937,"EventID":"S4W-12661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T16:47:31.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T13:42:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Skills Development Scotland’s employer services team was (a) set up and (b) available to engage with businesses.","AnswerText":"The employer services team is an operational matter for Skills Development Scotland. I have asked the chief executive to write to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T16:47:31.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280938,"EventID":"S4W-12662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T16:47:32.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T13:42:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the six local authorities that received £9 million in 2012 to tackle youth unemployment will each produce a report on the success of its programmes when completed in September 2013.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has agreed with each local authority that a report on progress against target will be provided on a bi monthly basis. This will capture both qualitative and quantitative monitoring information to help assess the impact of this additional funding for young people.\r\n\r\nThe Scottish Government is monitoring progress against each local authority’s agreed outcomes and will produce a summary report detailing the impact across all six areas after the programme completion in September 2013.\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T16:47:32.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280939,"EventID":"S4W-12663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T16:47:32.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T13:42:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what dialogue it has had with each of the six local authorities that received £9 million in 2012 to tackle youth unemployment regarding the success of their programmes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has agreed with each local authority that they will report on progress against target on a bi monthly basis. Scottish Government officials liaise with the local authorities in question on a regular basis providing support and maintaining dialogue, ensuring prompt and accurate monitoring.\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T16:47:32.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280940,"EventID":"S4W-12665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T16:47:32.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T14:04:41.277","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the criteria for access to the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund and whether the fund will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis or allocated across NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerText":"The operational arrangements for managing the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund are still in development. Advice for NHS boards will be provided in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T16:47:32.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280941,"EventID":"S4W-12666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T16:47:33.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T14:14:00.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the heat produced at the Steven's Croft Biomass Power Station in Lockerbie is used and how much is vented.\r\n","AnswerText":"E.ON, the operator of the Steven’s Croft station, reports that last year it exported approximately 21 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of heat from Steven’s Croft to neighbouring customers. The remaining heat is used within the steam turbine to generate electricity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T16:47:33.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280942,"EventID":"S4W-12667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T16:47:33.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T14:59:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many businesses have benefitted from the small business bonus scheme in (a) East Lothian, (b) Midlothian and (c) Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Official Statistics published on 24 October 2012 show that 89,087 business properties across Scotland are benefitting from the Small Business Bonus Scheme (SBBS) in 2012-13. This is an increase of almost 4,000 from the previous year.\r\nIn East Lothian 1,556 and in Midlothian 1,127 business properties are benefiting from the SBBS.\r\nIn 2012-13 it is estimated that the SBBS has saved small businesses in East Lothian and Midlothian £4.5 million. \r\nThe Scottish Government has committed to maintain the SBBS for the lifetime of this Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T16:47:33.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280943,"EventID":"S4W-12668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T16:47:33.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T14:59:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-114714 by Fergus Ewing on 6 December 2012, what progress has been made with the plans for the stakeholder event in Spring 2013. \r\n","AnswerText":"Following my very useful meeting with stakeholders on 9 November 2012, I have arranged a further stakeholder event for 30 April 2013.\r\nSince the meeting in November I have written to payday loan companies in the UK and I am pleased that representatives from some of the payday loan companies, including the Consumer Finance Association have expressed an interest in discussing the pressing issues we have debated in Parliament in the last couple of weeks.\r\nI will continue to work with stakeholders to fully consider the issues and to find further solutions to the problems faced by indebted people in Scotland who have found themselves in difficulties because of payday borrowing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T16:47:33.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280944,"EventID":"S4W-12673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T16:47:34.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T15:30:55.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether additional funding has been set aside for local authorities to become more involved in the Year of Natural Scotland 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"No additional funding has been set aside by the Scottish Government specifically for local authorities to become more involved in the Year of Natural Scotland however partners across the country are being actively encouraged to join the celebration of the Year and to harness its significant potential to boost tourism and the wider economy.\r\nI have had meetings with a number of local authorities to discuss Year of Natural Scotland and I am encouraged by their supportive approach.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T16:47:34.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280945,"EventID":"S4W-12674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T16:47:34.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T15:30:55.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that its procurement contracts safeguard jobs in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government uses community benefit clauses in public procurement contracts to achieve our national outcome of more and better employment opportunities for people in Scotland.\r\nSince the Scottish Government published guidance on Community Benefits in Procurement in 2008, commitments by the Scottish public sector to employ over 3,500 new workers via targeted recruitment and training opportunities has been achieved.\r\nWe intend to use the forthcoming Procurement Reform Bill to introduce a statutory requirement that public sector bodies include community benefit clauses in all new major public contracts and that those in receipt of major public contracts publish their commitments and target updates on training, apprenticeships and performance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T16:47:34.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280946,"EventID":"S4W-12675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T16:47:34.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T15:30:55.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it is providing to those affected by the recent flooding in Musselburgh.\r\n","AnswerText":"Flood protection schemes are primarily a matter for local authorities, however the Scottish Government is committed to supporting work that helps protect the people of Scotland from the effects of flooding.\r\nMost recently, I helped The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency launch a new coastal flood warning system for the east coast of Scotland on 28 January, covering the coast from Arbroath to Eyemouth and including a total of 28 specific potentially vulnerable areas. I welcome these new coastal flood warnings schemes in the Forth and Tay coastal areas, which will enable residents to take action and prepare for flooding in advance and I would encourage residents in these areas to register to receive free messages direct to their landline or mobile alerting them whenever a flood warning has been issued for their area.\r\nI would recommend anyone affected by flooding to contact the Scottish Flood Forum. The Forum, which receives funding from the Scottish Government, provides an invaluable source of advice and support. I also encourage residents affected by flooding to apply for crisis loans through the Department for Work and Pensions.\r\nI am also in discussions with the Association of British Insurers about industry proposals for continuation of flood insurance for the most vulnerable properties once the statement of principles ceases this summer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T16:47:34.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280947,"EventID":"S4W-12676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-29T16:47:34.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T15:30:55.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the potential benefits of wind farms outweigh those of established activities such as tourism.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is not a question of whether the benefits of one outweigh the benefits of the other. We are committed to ensuring that the renewable energy sector and the tourism industry continue to flourish side by side. Therefore, we have already committed to examining the need for further research into the impact of wind farms on tourism.\r\nIn its report on the achievability of the Scottish Government’s renewable energy targets of 23 November 2012, the Energy, Enterprise and Tourism Committee stated that it “has seen no empirical evidence which demonstrates that the tourism industry in Scotland will be adversely affected by the wider deployment of renewable energy projects, particularly onshore and offshore wind.“ and that “no witness has provided the Committee with robust, empirical evidence, as opposed to anecdotal comment and opinion, that tourism is being negatively affected by the development of renewable projects.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-26T16:47:34.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280950,"EventID":"S4O-01789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:30:55.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T14:36:40.497","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to improve access to the railway network for disabled people.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:30:56.77","MeetingDate":"2013-02-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280951,"EventID":"S4O-01790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:30:58.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T10:17:00.27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to support credit unions in light of the reported rapid expansion of high interest short-term lending.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:30:58.067","MeetingDate":"2013-02-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280952,"EventID":"S4O-01791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:30:58.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T10:59:46.877","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on the provision of Gaelic-medium schools.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:30:58.41","MeetingDate":"2013-02-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280953,"EventID":"S4O-01792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:30:58.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T09:08:07.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government about devolving consumer-related powers in light of the UK Government’s plans to abolish Consumer Focus.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:30:58.753","MeetingDate":"2013-02-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280954,"EventID":"S4O-01793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:30:59.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T12:10:17.433","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Scottish Local Authorities Remuneration Committee regarding its forward work programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:30:59.05","MeetingDate":"2013-02-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280955,"EventID":"S4O-01794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:30:59.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T12:10:17.683","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the transition from the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target to Green Deal.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:30:59.393","MeetingDate":"2013-02-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280956,"EventID":"S4O-01795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:31:00.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T12:10:17.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making to integrate the transport system.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:31:00.623","MeetingDate":"2013-02-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280957,"EventID":"S4O-01796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:31:00.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T12:10:18.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what events it will hold to promote the Year of Natural Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:31:00.92","MeetingDate":"2013-02-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280958,"EventID":"S4O-01797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:31:01.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T09:53:22.653","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent steps it has taken to improve internet connectivity in rural areas and in Aberdeenshire West.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has committed over £240 million of public funding to the Step Change 2015 programme, which will deliver a step change in next generation broadband connectivity throughout Scotland by 2015. This investment will largely focus on rural areas.\r\nAberdeenshire West is included within a tender that was issued at the end of January 2013. We hope that the tender process will be concluded by June 2013 and welcome the additional £16 million that has been provided by Aberdeenshire Council as part of that programme to address specific local priorities within their region.\r\nIn addition, the communities of Corgaff and Glenbuchat in Aberdeenshire West are among the first communities to benefit from our Community Broadband Scotland initiative, which is supporting rural communities in delivering their own broadband solutions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:31:01.217","MeetingDate":"2013-02-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280959,"EventID":"S4O-01798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:31:01.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T11:05:03.22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency regarding flooding caused by surface water.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has regular discussions with Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and other responsible authorities about surface water flooding.\r\nIndeed, I am pleased to be able to inform the Parliament that we published the Surface Water Management Guidance on Tuesday. This guidance is an important step towards the collaborative approach to the management of surface water flooding in Scotland set out in the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009. The guidance has been developed jointly by the Scottish Government, local authorities, Scottish Water and SEPA through the Scottish Advisory and Implementation Forum for Flooding.\r\nThe guidance sets out a shared vision for how surface water flooding will be addressed through the flood risk management planning process, and how the different organisations can work together to identify the most sustainable solutions to manage the risk of surface water flooding across the whole of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:31:01.513","MeetingDate":"2013-02-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280960,"EventID":"S4O-01769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:32:45.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T12:10:01.41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with NHS Lanarkshire regarding the board's future plans.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:32:45.84","MeetingDate":"2013-02-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280961,"EventID":"S4O-01770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:32:46.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T10:39:32.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the fairness and transparency of the individual patient treatment request system.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:32:46.183","MeetingDate":"2013-02-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280962,"EventID":"S4O-01771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:32:46.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T12:10:01.91","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how NHS boards ensure that GPs reduce the unnecessary waste of prescribed drugs.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:32:46.467","MeetingDate":"2013-02-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280963,"EventID":"S4O-01772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:32:46.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T10:27:06.003","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:32:46.747","MeetingDate":"2013-02-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280964,"EventID":"S4O-01773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:32:47.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T11:36:00.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it expects NHS Lothian to achieve NHS Scotland Resource Allocation parity.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:32:47.073","MeetingDate":"2013-02-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280965,"EventID":"S4O-01774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:32:47.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T11:03:26.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how best practice in prescribing is shared between NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:32:47.37","MeetingDate":"2013-02-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280966,"EventID":"S4O-01775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:32:47.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T12:10:02.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made with the Cumbrae Public Reference Group on reviewing and improving health services on the island.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:32:47.667","MeetingDate":"2013-02-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280967,"EventID":"S4O-01776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:32:47.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T12:10:02.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to encourage healthy eating in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:32:48.01","MeetingDate":"2013-02-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280968,"EventID":"S4O-01777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:32:48.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T12:10:03.173","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing last spoke to the chief executive of NHS Lanarkshire.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:32:48.307","MeetingDate":"2013-02-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280969,"EventID":"S4O-01778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:32:48.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T12:10:03.347","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent progress Healthcare Improvement Scotland has made in inspections of care for older people.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:32:48.62","MeetingDate":"2013-02-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280970,"EventID":"S4O-01779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:32:48.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T09:23:46.347","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures are being taken to improve access to GP services.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:32:48.96","MeetingDate":"2013-02-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280971,"EventID":"S4O-01780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:32:49.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T11:18:04.433","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what air ambulance provision there is across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:32:49.257","MeetingDate":"2013-02-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280972,"EventID":"S4O-01781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:32:49.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T12:10:03.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what lessons have been learned from Glasgow's Equally Well testing programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:32:49.54","MeetingDate":"2013-02-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280973,"EventID":"S4O-01782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:32:49.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T12:10:04.203","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing last met the chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and what was discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:32:49.82","MeetingDate":"2013-02-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280974,"EventID":"S4O-01783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:32:50.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T09:35:01.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that patients requiring radiotherapy after surgery receive it as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:32:50.117","MeetingDate":"2013-02-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280975,"EventID":"S4O-01784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:32:50.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T12:10:04.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support will be available for people who want to volunteer at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.","AnswerText":"The games offer a fantastic opportunity for people from all over Scotland to volunteer.\r\nTo encourage a wide range of people to apply for this opportunity, we have taken a number of practical steps to provide support for people who wish to volunteer.\r\nThe organising committee has created a drop-in centre where potential volunteers can gain advice and assistance. A contact centre is also available to provide advice by both telephone and email to those who are based further afield.\r\nWe also recognise that some people may need additional assistance to overcome practical and financial barriers to volunteering. To help tackle this, the Scottish Government has teamed up with the BIG Lottery Fund and the organising committee to develop the Legacy 2014 Volunteer Support Programme. This £500,000 programme was announced in January and is expected to open in autumn 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:32:50.427","MeetingDate":"2013-02-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280976,"EventID":"S4O-01785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:32:51.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T11:05:20.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what input its Health and Social Care Directorate made to the draft second report on proposals and policies.\r\n","AnswerText":"As noted in the Draft Second Report on Proposals and Policies, tackling climate change is the responsibility of every part of the Scottish Government, its agencies and local government.\r\nWe propose to ramp up emissions reduction from across the entire public sector, including the Health estate, by accelerating implementation of actions identified within existing carbon management plans and later move to more ambitious activity.\r\nOur household energy efficiency measures and some of our transport proposals may also bring wider health benefits in addition to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:32:51.597","MeetingDate":"2013-02-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280977,"EventID":"S4O-01786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:32:51.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T12:10:05.013","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that NHS boards meet the waiting times targets.\r\n","AnswerText":"We provide the necessary guidance and additional support when required to all NHS boards across Scotland in order to ensure that they continue to meet our current waiting times targets.\r\nThe Scottish Government also engage with NHS boards on a very regular basis in relation to waiting times and other key issues. There is also a formal annual review and mid-year review with each board.\r\nThe Scottish Government utilises the comprehensive set of statistics published on a quarterly basis by NHS Information Services Division, which includes performance against the waiting time target and standards etc.\r\nWe continue to work closely with health boards to address any issues and to maintain compliance in meeting our current waiting times targets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:32:51.91","MeetingDate":"2013-02-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280978,"EventID":"S4O-01787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:32:52.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T12:10:05.187","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what potential benefits will accrue to remote and rural areas in the north and west following the announcement of a pilot scheme in Ardnamurchan to devise new ways of delivering healthcare in such areas.","AnswerText":"I am expecting NHS Highland to develop and test alternative models of healthcare delivery in remote and rural areas so as to ensure people living there have access to safe and sustainable services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:32:52.223","MeetingDate":"2013-02-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280979,"EventID":"S4O-01788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:32:52.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-28T12:10:05.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will amend the Quality and Outcomes Framework so that it can focus more on the early years.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of the move to a more Scottish focused GP contract, we will seek to implement changes which help to directly address the challenges facing Scotland, including inequalities.\r\nA focus on prevention and early intervention particularly in the early years of life will be crucial in meeting these challenges. The quality and outcomes framework is part of our approach to help achieve this.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:32:52.567","MeetingDate":"2013-02-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280980,"EventID":"S4W-12534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:36:54.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing last met the UK Government's health ministers to discuss value-based pricing of medicines.\r\n","AnswerText":"Arrangements are currently in hand to meet with Earl Howe, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibility for Medicines and Pharmacy policy, at the next available opportunity. I have also exchanged correspondence with Earl Howe concerning Value Based Pricing and have received continuing assurances that the UK Government and Devolved Administrations will work closely together in developing a value based pricing approach. I can also confirm that officials are in regular contact with the Department of Health concerning value based pricing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:36:54.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280981,"EventID":"S4W-12535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:36:55.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making with the development of value-based pricing of medicine and when this is likely to be implemented.\r\n","AnswerText":"Pricing of branded medicines is currently a reserved matter and proposals for Value Based Pricing are being taken forward by the UK Government’s Department of Health. The Scottish Government is supportive of the principle of value based pricing and is continuing to work with the Department of Health on its Development.\r\nUK wide negotiations on value based pricing are on-going at present and all parties concerned are working towards agreeing and implementing the new arrangements early in 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:36:55.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280982,"EventID":"S4W-12536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:36:56.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Orphan Drugs Fund is consistent with value-based pricing of medicine.\r\n","AnswerText":"Pricing of branded medicines is currently a reserved matter. The proposals for Value Based Pricing for medicines licensed from 1 January 2014 are being taken forward by the UK Government’s Department of Health. The Scottish Government is supportive of the principle of Value Based Pricing and the Scottish Government continues to work with the Department of Health on its development and on successor arrangements to the current Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS) in relation to medicines licensed prior to 1 January 2014.\r\nThe operational arrangements for managing the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund to cover the cost of successful Individual Patient Treatment Requests (IPTRs) for high cost, low volume orphan medicines within the NHS in Scotland are still in development.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:36:56.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280983,"EventID":"S4W-12537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:36:56.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much housing benefit was paid to (a) local authorities, (b) housing associations and (c) private landlords in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Department for Work and Pensions reports the following amounts of housing benefit were paid to Scottish landlords during 2011-12:\r\nLocal Authorities: £674 million\r\nHousing Associations: £608 million\r\nPrivate Landlords: £446 million\r\nThe source for this information can be found at the following website address:\r\nhttp://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/h_tables_budget_2012_300812.xls.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:36:56.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280984,"EventID":"S4W-12538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:36:57.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when its ministers last met UK Government ministers to discuss housing benefit and what was discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Minister for Housing and Welfare last met UK Government Ministers in London on 16 December 2012. Discussions centred around the direct payment of Housing Benefit to tenants and whether the discretion afforded to the Northern Ireland assembly – to continue to pay housing benefit to landlords – could be extended to Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:36:57.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280985,"EventID":"S4W-12539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:36:57.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will help to mitigate housing benefit changes.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government action to help mitigate housing benefit changes is set out at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/16342/hbreform/sg\r\nThis includes: work with COSLA and wider stakeholders to seek influence DWP’s policies; extensive analysis to promote understanding of the reforms and their implications; and £160,000 funding for support, training and guidance to help local authorities and social landlords prepare for the changes.\r\nWe have also invested more widely to protect households affected by welfare reforms in 2013-14. We are providing an additional £9.2 million funding for the Scottish Welfare Fund (the devolved Social Fund). We and our partners in local government will commit a total of £40 million to ensure that vulnerable people in Scotland currently receiving Council Tax Benefit are protected from the 10% cut in funding imposed by the UK Government for Council Tax successor arrangements. We are also providing a £5.4 million funding package for advice and support services which will go to directly towards helping people and families in Scotland better understand and cope with these changes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:36:57.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280986,"EventID":"S4W-12540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:36:58.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people in Scotland will be affected by the proposed changes to housing benefit and what assessment it has made of the impact.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the estimated numbers of households in Scotland affected by housing benefit changes which have been implemented by the United Kingdom Government to date and those which are scheduled to be implemented from April 2013.\r\nAssessments of the possible impacts of these changes are published on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nImpact of Housing Benefit Changes in Scotland\r\nHousing Benefit Change\r\nImplementation \r\ndate\r\nEstimated number of households affected1\r\nChanges to local housing allowance rates for tenants in private rented sector.  \r\n       - Removing £15 excess.\r\n       - Restriction to 4 bedroom rate.\r\n       - Capping LHA rates by bedroom size.\r\n       - Basing LHA rates on 30th percentile rent. \r\nPhased in from 1 April 2011\r\n          55,000\r\nLocal housing allowance rate for single people without dependants aged 25 – 34 restricted to the rate for a room with shared facilities.\r\nPhased in from 1 April 2011\r\n           4,400\r\nUnder occupation penalty for working age households in local authority or housing association housing.\r\n- penalty of 14% of rent for those assessed as under occupying by 1 room.\r\n- penalty of 25% of rent for those assessed as under occupying by 2 or more rooms.\r\nFrom 1 April 2013\r\n        105,000\r\nOverall cap on benefits, which will initially be implemented through a reduction in housing benefit.\r\nTo be phased in from 1 April 2013\r\n           4,600\r\nUprating local housing allowance rates by the lower of consumer price index or actual increase in the 30th percentile rate.\r\nApril 2011\r\nRestricting the uprating of local housing allowance rates to a maximum of 1% per year for two years from 2014-15.\r\nApril 2014\r\n\r\n   \r\n         79,0002\r\nUprating non-dependant deductions to reflect increases in rent since 2001-02.\r\nApril 2011\r\nNo estimate available.\r\nChanges to non-dependant deduction rates under Universal Credit.\r\nPhased in from autumn 2013.\r\nNo estimate available.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Since some households may have been affected by more than one of the changes it is not possible to provide an estimate of the total number of households affected.\r\n2. Figure shows the total number of households receiving local housing allowance at the latest available date. The effect on households will depend on whether private landlords continue to rent to households on housing benefit at LHA rates restricted in this way.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:36:58.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280987,"EventID":"S4W-12541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:36:59.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will take action to prevent local authority or housing association tenants being evicted due to rent arrears that arise because of the proposed housing benefit reforms.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has been consistent in our opposition to the way in which welfare reforms are being implemented by the Westminster Government and is discussing with key stakeholders how to help tenants cope with them.\r\nWe are very sympathetic to the difficulties that some tenants will find themselves in as a result of these reforms but in the interests of tenants themselves, we cannot advocate placing tenants in situations where they cannot afford to pay off debts to their landlords. We are also concerned that if tenants do not pay their rent in full, landlords will lose a significant proportion of the income they rely on to provide services to all of their tenants.\r\nThe Scottish Government has already strengthened the protection for tenants in Scotland against eviction for rent arrears. From 1 August 2012 we brought pre-action requirements for rent arrears into force to ensure that eviction is a last resort.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:36:59.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280988,"EventID":"S4W-12542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:36:59.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has asked the UK Government for exemptions from aspects of the proposed housing benefit reforms and, if so, which aspects; when it asked, and what the outcome was.\r\n","AnswerText":"Over the period from 2010 to the present date, the Scottish Government has sought concessions to the UK Government’s housing benefit reforms on numerous occasions since DWP first announced its welfare reforms. These are that:\r\nResponsibility for housing benefit be devolved to the Scottish Parliament \r\nThe proposal to reduce housing benefit for benefit recipients unemployed for twelve months or more be withdrawn \r\nThe regulations on under-occupation deductions be withdrawn \r\nUnder-occupation deductions should not apply where there is no alternative accommodation available \r\nUnder-occupation deductions apply only to benefit recipients with two or more spare bedrooms \r\nVulnerable tenants be safeguarded against direct payments \r\nWorking families, disabled people, foster carers and parents who shared responsibility for children be safeguarded from under occupation penalties \r\nThe flexibility afforded to the Northern Ireland Assembly on direct payments be extended to the Scottish Parliament\r\nPeople living in supported exempt accommodation be exempt from the benefits cap\r\nThe UK Government increases its discretionary housing payments allocation to local authorities.\r\nOver the same period, DWP withdrew the proposal to reduce housing benefit for benefit recipients unemployed for twelve months or more; and decided to maintain current arrangements for covering the housing costs of benefit recipients in supported exempt accommodation for the next one to two years.\r\nIn respect of direct payments, DWP has committed to provide budgeting support and make payment exceptions to a proportion of tenants. It has funded six direct payment demonstration projects to inform practice on direct payments. We are closely monitoring progress in this area.\r\nAlthough DWP has increased the discretionary housing payment (DHPs) budget, this constitutes less than 4% of the overall cuts to housing benefit. In respect of under-occupation, DWP intends that local authorities prioritise DHPs to people living in substantially adapted accommodation and foster/kinship carers. \r\nThe Scottish Government and Scottish housing stakeholders continue to engage with DWP to seek to influence the UK Government’s welfare reforms.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:36:59.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280989,"EventID":"S4W-12543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:00.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS Ayrshire and Arran last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"Individual NHS boards may have conducted their own, smaller-scale, staff survey since the last NHSScotland Staff Survey in 2010 but we do not hold this information. The 2010 NHSScotland Staff Survey provides information on the level of reported incidences of bullying and harassment broken down by individual NHS board. This information can be found at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.staffgovernance.scot.nhs.uk/monitoring-employee-experience/staff-survey/.\r\nIt is for individual NHS boards to decide what, if any, action to take in response to the findings from the staff survey. We would expect any such actions to be recorded in boards’ staff governance action plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:00.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280990,"EventID":"S4W-12544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:00.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS Borders last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12543 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:00.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280991,"EventID":"S4W-12545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:01.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS Dumfries and Galloway last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12543 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:01.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280992,"EventID":"S4W-12546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:01.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS Fife last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12543 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:01.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280993,"EventID":"S4W-12547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:02.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS Forth Valley last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12543 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:02.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280994,"EventID":"S4W-12548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:03.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS Grampian last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12543 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:03.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280995,"EventID":"S4W-12549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:04.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12543 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:04.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280996,"EventID":"S4W-12550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:04.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS Highland last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12543 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:04.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280997,"EventID":"S4W-12551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:05.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS Lanarkshire last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12543 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:05.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280998,"EventID":"S4W-12552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:05.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS Lothian last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12543 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:05.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280999,"EventID":"S4W-12553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:06.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS Orkney last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12543 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:06.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281000,"EventID":"S4W-12554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:06.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS Shetland last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12543 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:06.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281001,"EventID":"S4W-12555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:07.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS Tayside last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12543 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:07.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281002,"EventID":"S4W-12556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:07.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS Western Isles last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12543 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:07.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281003,"EventID":"S4W-12557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:08.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS Health Scotland last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12543 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:08.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281004,"EventID":"S4W-12558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:08.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS National Waiting Times Centre last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12543 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:08.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281005,"EventID":"S4W-12559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:09.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS24 last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12543 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:09.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281006,"EventID":"S4W-12560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:09.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Scottish Ambulance Service last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12543 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:09.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281007,"EventID":"S4W-12561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:10.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the State Hospitals Board for Scotland last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12543 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:10.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281008,"EventID":"S4W-12562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:11.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS National Health Services Scotland last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12543 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:11.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281009,"EventID":"S4W-12563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:11.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Healthcare Improvement Scotland last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12543 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:11.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281010,"EventID":"S4W-12564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:12.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the NHS whistleblowers' hotline will be established.\r\n","AnswerText":"The service provision is expected to commence on 2 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:12.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281011,"EventID":"S4W-12565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:12.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether incidents of bullying and harassment have been raised with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing at any recent NHS board annual reviews and, if so, which boards and what action was subsequently taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"Some references were made at the NHS Ayrshire and Arran Annual Review on 17 December 2012. Whilst it was clearly not appropriate for particular incidents/individual cases to be discussed in a public forum, I was assured that NHS Ayrshire and Arran take such allegations extremely seriously and are actively investigating. As in any such case, should the board’s review identify any necessary actions, I would expect these to be implemented as a matter of priority.\r\nNHS Health Scotland invited a stakeholder panel who picked up (from the annual report) on the work Health Scotland were doing in this area and the panel was very supportive of the approach being adopted.\r\nNo other incidents of bullying and harassment were raised at any of the recent annual review meetings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:12.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281012,"EventID":"S4W-12566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:13.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to (a) raise awareness and (b) challenge bullying in the NHS.\r\n","AnswerText":"I wrote to NHSScotland Chairs and Chief Executives on 22 February 2013, reminding them that boards should frequently review their behaviours and practices to ensure they have a culture which actively encourages and supports members of staff to raise concerns. The culture should also ensure that staff are not penalised or persecuted in any way for raising concerns in good faith.\r\n\r\nThe Partnership Information Network (PIN) Policy, Preventing and Dealing with Bullying and Harassment in NHSScotland, provides guidance to NHS Boards on the development of a clearly defined policy and procedure for dealing with bullying and harassment complaints. The PIN Policy also highlights the importance of promoting the policy to staff, training for managers and of senior managers monitoring the application of the policy.\r\nThe Dignity at Work toolkit, Give Respect Get Respect, provides guidance to NHS Boards on promoting Dignity in the Workplace. The toolkit includes a description of bullying and its effect.\r\nCulture, values and behaviours will be a fundamental cornerstone of the 2020 Workforce Vision which we aim to launch at the NHS event in June 2013. This will present a further opportunity to restate our commitment to providing a working environment in the NHS in Scotland which is free from bullying and harassment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:13.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281013,"EventID":"S4W-12567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:13.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to ensure that NHS boards discontinue the use of confidentiality clauses in compromise agreements.\r\n","AnswerText":"The use of confidentiality clauses in compromise agreements is entirely an issue between individual NHS boards and their employees. Certain conditions have to be met in order for a compromise agreement to be legally binding, including a requirement for the employee to have received advice from a relevant independent adviser as to the terms and effect of the agreement. Any clause which sought to prevent an individual from raising a protected whistleblowing disclosure would be illegal under the Employment Rights Act and would therefore be unenforceable.\r\nI wrote to NHSScotland chairs and chief executives on 22 February 2013, reminding them that boards should frequently review their behaviours and practices to ensure they have a culture which actively encourages and supports members of staff to raise concerns. I also told them that I expect Boards to ensure that confidentiality clauses and non-derogatory statement clauses are not being used to suppress the reporting of concerns about practice in NHSScotland, and to ensure that these clauses are used appropriately.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:13.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281014,"EventID":"S4W-12568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:14.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings have taken place between the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing and the (a) chairs and (b) chief executives of NHS boards to discuss the impact of the proposed welfare reforms.\r\n","AnswerText":"No meetings have taken place between the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing and Chairs or the Chief Executives of NHS boards, for the specific purpose of discussing the impact of the proposed welfare reforms.\r\nDirectors of Public Health from Scottish Health boards have identified that reform of the welfare benefits system may have an effect on health outcomes and they have commissioned the Scottish Public Health Network (ScotPHN) to review the evidence of impact on health and identify mitigating actions. ScotPHN has published interim guidance which can be accessed through their website (www.scotphn.net).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:14.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281015,"EventID":"S4W-12569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:14.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what preparations have been made by NHS boards to deal with the impact of the proposed welfare reforms.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware that a number of NHS boards has prepared briefing for staff on welfare benefit changes. The Scottish Directors of Public Health Group has commissioned the Scottish Public Health Network to undertake work to identify possible mitigation measures and interim guidance has been published. Scottish Government officials have established a group of stakeholders to look at the potential impact of welfare benefit reform on population health and on demand for healthcare services. This group will report into the Scottish Government’s Welfare Reform Governance structure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:14.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281016,"EventID":"S4W-12570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:15.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether (a) GPs and (b) consultants will charge patients requiring medical reports in order to access benefits.\r\n","AnswerText":"The majority of GP practices in Scotland operate as independent contractors under the terms of a UK General Medical Services contract and there is a contractual obligation on GPs to provide information to prove incapacity to work to Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), or their agents that is not chargeable to patients. It is only when GPs agree to provide services out with their NHS contractual terms and conditions, that they are entitled to charge a professional fee as remuneration for doing so.\r\nNHS boards are required to provide medical reports to the DWP, on behalf of patients, to support claims for benefits. The following link gives guidance on the provision of reports and fees by hospitals and NHS consultants:\r\nhttp://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/pip-assessment-guide.pdf\r\nMatters relating to welfare, employment and tax benefits, including the implementation of current reforms are the responsibility of the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:15.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281017,"EventID":"S4W-12571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:15.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings have taken place between the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing and COSLA to discuss the impact of the proposed welfare reforms.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing and COSLA meet to discuss a range of issues from time to time.\r\nOn 21 November 2012, the Scottish Government signed an agreement with COSLA, to adopt a collaborative approach to supporting councils in their response to welfare reform. As part of this agreement, we hold regular joint political meetings to review progress on our collective efforts. A meeting is scheduled to take place on 28 February 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:15.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281018,"EventID":"S4W-12572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:16.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-25T10:03:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings have taken place between the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing and the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities to discuss the impact of the proposed welfare reforms.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers discuss the impact of the proposed welfare reforms on people and organisations in Scotland on a regular basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:16.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281019,"EventID":"S4W-12677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:17.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T16:42:03.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what safeguards have been built into the procurement process for a new operator for the Cairngorm funicular railway and associated facilities to ensure that the adjacent Cairngorms Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation will not be adversely affected.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Highlands and Islands Enterprise. I will ask its chief executive to write to you in this regard.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:17.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281020,"EventID":"S4W-12678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:17.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T16:42:03.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) Highlands and Islands Enterprise, (b) the Cairngorms National Park Authority and (c) The Highland Council to ensure that the Cairngorm funicular railway operates in a manner that does not adversely affect the integrity of the Cairngorms Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ministers and officials meet representatives of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Cairngorms National Park Authority and The Highland Council on a frequent basis to discuss a wide range of issues. I am not aware that the operation of the Cairngorm funicular railway in relation to the Cairngorms Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation has formed a specific part of those discussions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:17.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281021,"EventID":"S4W-12679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:17.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T16:42:03.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what liability a future operator of the Cairngorm funicular railway and its associated facilities will have for any adverse impact on a qualifying interest of the Cairngorms Special Protection Area or Special Area of Conservation resulting from its management.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Highlands and Islands Enterprise. I will ask its chief executive to write to you in this regard.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:17.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281022,"EventID":"S4W-12680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:18.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T17:30:41.18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hybrid buses are in operation; what percentage of the bus fleet this represents, and what measures it has planned to achieve the 50% market penetration suggested as achievable by 2027 in Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting our Emissions Reduction Targets 2013-2027: The Draft Second Report on Proposals and Policies.","AnswerText":"Funding under Rounds 1 and 2 of the Scottish Green Bus Fund will see 71 low carbon vehicles (LCVs) operating in the Scottish bus fleet. These LCVs represent around 1.3% of the total Scottish fleet. Additional funding under Round 3 of the Fund could see around 45 more LCVs entering service increasing the percentage of these vehicles to approximately 1.8% of the fleet.\r\nThe Scottish Green Bus Fund is helping bridge the current price gap between conventional and low carbon buses and providing support and confidence to both manufacturers and the bus companies. We expect the market for LCV buses to continue maturing until it reaches the point where LCV buses become commercially viable in their own right. In the meantime, we will continue to provide grant funding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:18.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281023,"EventID":"S4W-12681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:18.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T17:49:00.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS Education Scotland last conducted a staff survey regarding bullying and harassment; what levels of bullying were reported, and what action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12543 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:18.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281024,"EventID":"S4W-12682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:18.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T17:53:33.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost has been of the eCare programme.","AnswerText":"The cost of the eCare Programme has been £50,300,000 from its inception in 2001 until the end of March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:18.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281025,"EventID":"S4W-12683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:19.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T17:53:33.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) when and (b) for what reason the information on its website regarding the eCare programme was removed.","AnswerText":"The information regarding the eCare programme was removed from the website on 22 January 2013. The information about eCare was out of date and with the decision to change the course of IT development in support of the Health and Social Care integration, the information is no longer relevant. A short statement on the current status of eCare and its transition can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/Quality-Improvement-Performance/eHealth/eCare\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:19.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281026,"EventID":"S4W-12684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:19.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T17:53:33.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what lessons it has learned from the eCare programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The lessons learned from the eCare programme span the programme’s policy and strategy focus, the way it was organised and governed and the technical approach to delivering an information sharing service and integrating it with local ways of working. A detailed lessons learned report will be completed and made available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:19.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281027,"EventID":"S4W-12686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:19.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T17:53:33.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there have been benefits from funding the eCare programme.","AnswerText":"Funding local data sharing partnerships contributed towards the improvement of local information sharing protocols, procedures and guidance originally provided by the eCare programme. Adapting local IT systems, improved communications and increased willingness to share information to achieve a better outcome for clients.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:19.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281028,"EventID":"S4W-12687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:20.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T21:48:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11952 by Michael Matheson on 28 January 2013, to what use the £58,000 for chronic pain in the Healthcare Improvement Scotland budget noted in document NHSBA10 to the Health and Sport Committee will be put.","AnswerText":"The funding provided reimburses staff costs for expert clinical advice to support the improvement of chronic pain services in Scotland. Expert clinical advice includes representation on professional groups (such as Royal College of Anaesthetists and British Pain Association, development of the SIGN Guideline and learning sessions for clinicians). Reimbursement ensures there is no disruption to the provision of chronic pain services as a result of working on the national chronic pain service model.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:20.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281029,"EventID":"S4W-12688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:20.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T20:22:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12367 by Michael Matheson on 29 January 2013, who has appointed people to the Scottish Chronic Pain Steering Group in the last two years and who regulates or supervises the group.","AnswerText":"As noted in my response of 29 January 2013, the Scottish Chronic Pain Steering Group was convened by the Scottish Government to inform and develop policy and oversee the work programme to support NHS boards in developing chronic pain services. The group comprises a range of clinicians from across NHSScotland with appropriate patient and voluntary sector representation. The Scottish Government is represented on the membership. The group is supported by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:20.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281030,"EventID":"S4W-12689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:21.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T20:22:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12367 by Michael Matheson on 29 January 2013, whether it can confirm that the Scottish Chronic Pain Steering Group is not regulated by the Public Appointments Commissioner for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The National Chronic Pain Steering Group was formed as an expert advisory group to inform policy development. It is not a public body and therefore not required to be regulated by the Public Appointments Commissioner for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:21.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281031,"EventID":"S4W-12690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:21.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-29T20:22:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12367 by Michael Matheson on 29 January 2013, who selects and what the method of selection is for members of the Scottish Chronic Pain Steering Group.\r\n","AnswerText":"As advised in my response of 29 January 2013, the National Chronic Pain Steering Group is a multidisciplinary expert group convened by the Scottish Government. Membership for the group was invited from healthcare professionals and relevant stakeholders with an interest in informing policy to improve services for people living with chronic pain in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:21.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281032,"EventID":"S4W-12691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:22.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T10:46:03.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it offers to children living in households with an alcoholic parent.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has annually funded the Partnership Drugs Initiative (PDI) since 2001. The funding for 2012-13 was £850,000.\r\nA variety of approaches to support children and young people affected by substance misuse are undertaken by PDI funded projects. The PDI fund young carers groups which work in schools to raise awareness about young carers living with a parent with drug and alcohol issues, both for young people and also to the teachers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:22.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281033,"EventID":"S4W-12692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:22.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T10:46:03.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to charities that help children and family members of alcoholics.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has annually funded the Partnership Drugs Initiative (PDI) since 2001. The funding for 2012-13 was £850,000.\r\nThe PDI funds voluntary organisations that deliver different projects across all 30 Alcohol and Drug Partnership areas working with families, vulnerable children and young people affected by substance misuse.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:22.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281034,"EventID":"S4W-12693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:23.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T10:46:03.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to recognise Children of Alcoholics Week 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the importance of raising awareness of children affected by parental alcohol problems and will continue to work with organisations like Addaction who have also supported Children of Alcoholics Week. It is clear that we must all work together to support families and ensure the best start for every child through prevention, early intervention and building support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:23.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281035,"EventID":"S4W-12694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:23.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T10:46:03.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it promotes charities that help children of alcoholics to those affected.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the excellent work many charities do in this important area. I recently visited the Lighthouse Foundation in Kilmarnock which has benefited from Partnership Drugs Initiative funding and is clearly making a difference to the lives of local families affected by addiction.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:23.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281036,"EventID":"S4W-12695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:23.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T10:46:03.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to schools to help children who live with an alcoholic parent.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are currently updating our practice guidance (Getting our Priorities Right) for use by all practitioners working with children, young people and families affected by problematic alcohol or drug use. This is due for publication in the spring.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:23.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281037,"EventID":"S4W-12698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T13:37:24.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T11:23:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the reasons are for reported delays in projects due to proceed in 2012-13 through the non-profit distribution programme, broken down by project.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Non-Profit Distributing (NPD) programme was announced in November 2010, as part of the Spending Review 2010. It was a response to the reduction in traditional capital Departmental Expenditure Limits (DEL) originally set at 36% in real terms over the four years of the UK Spending Review. NPD provides an alternative way of financing projects through future revenue rather than current capital, and meant that projects could continue to be developed, rather than be delayed until future capital DEL became available.\r\nA high level estimate of the profile of capital investment through the NPD programme was provided to the Finance committee in January 2011, noting that individual procuring authorities would control actual project timescales and profiles. A similar profile was included in a graph within the Draft Budget 2012-13, based on an update of these early estimates undertaken by the Scottish Futures Trust. Since those estimates were prepared, significant work has been undertaken with the many procuring authorities involved to develop each project, and the updated profile of capital investment included in a graph within the Draft Budget 2013-14, reflects this more detailed level of scrutiny and planning.\r\nThe NPD programme includes around 50 large, complex projects which are being procured by more than 30 different procuring authorities. For many of the procuring authorities, this will be a new form of procurement.\r\nUpfront preparation will deliver better value for money. Infrastructure UK’s ‘Cost Review’ in 2010 identified that higher costs in UK infrastructure projects are mainly generated in the early project formulation and pre-construction phases and noted contributing factors included: stop-start investment programmes and the lack of a visible and continuous pipeline of forward work; and starting projects before the design is sufficiently complete. \r\nThe reasons for changes in timings which have occurred for 2012-13 are included in the following table.\r\nProject\r\n\r\nReason for change in timing for 2012-13\r\nBorders Rail\r\n\r\nA decision was taken to deliver the project through Network Rail’s Regulatory Asset Base (RAB) rather than Non-Profit Distributing (announced 29 September 2011, after Draft Budget was published).\r\n\r\nM8,M73,M74\r\n\r\nDecision to de-risk the project and deliver utilities first, financed through capital funding separately from the main NPD contract.\r\n\r\nColleges\r\n\r\nColleges awaited the outcome of Spending Review 2011, which provided clarity over the availability of enabling funds, prior to going to the market. \r\nStaggering the timing of procurement of the three colleges reflected detailed readiness and avoided them competing with each other in the market.\r\nThe colleges are all in procurement, and are expected to move into construction in 2013-14.\r\n\r\nSchools\r\n\r\nThe early estimate was based on a simple equal apportionment of the investment between financial years based on an assumption that progress on the ten projects announced initially could be accelerated given NPD funding availability. Project specific issues including decisions on scope, new-build versus refurbishment, site issues and public consultation by local authorities has meant that in general projects have not been able to accelerate to meet funding availability.\r\nThe 19 projects in Phase 3 of the programme were finalised in September 2012, and planning is now underway to establish detailed delivery timescales for these projects.\r\nThe overall Scotland’s Schools for the Future Programme has already delivered, with six schools already completed, nine currently under construction and a further 52 in the pipeline. This is 12 more schools than originally planned.\r\n\r\nHub – Community Health\r\n\r\nProjects procured through hub have been phased in line with the hub territory partner procurements with many individual projects having detailed scope and site issues remaining to be resolved by procurers. In addition, many of these community health projects are now b","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T13:37:24.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281038,"EventID":"S4W-12696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:13.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T11:19:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the Deputy First Minister's statement to the Foreign Affairs Committee in Edinburgh on 28 January 2013 that a Scotland separated from the rest of the UK would have independent domestic intelligence machinery, what the cost would be of (a) setting up and (b) running such machinery and what discussions it has had with the UK Government on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"An independent Scotland will have security arrangements that are proportionate, fit for purpose, and reflect a full strategic assessment of Scotland’s needs and the threats we may face.\r\nIn line with the recommendation of the Electoral Commission, the Scottish Government has proposed to the UK Government that the two governments should engage in preparatory discussions to exchange the factual information that will be required to underpin post-referendum negotiations, and to develop an understanding of the issues that will require to be agreed after a “yes” vote and the approaches that will be taken to concluding those agreements. We look forward to the UK Government’s response. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:14.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281039,"EventID":"S4W-12697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:14.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T11:19:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the Deputy First Minister's statement to the Foreign Affairs Committee in Edinburgh on 28 January 2013, that MI5, MI6 and GCHQ would share intelligence with a Scotland separated from the rest of the UK, what guarantee it has received from the UK Government on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12696 on 18 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:14.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281040,"EventID":"S4W-12699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:14.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T11:52:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to allow pedestrian or cycling access on the Forth Replacement Crossing and, if so, how it will compare with current provision.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Forth Replacement Crossing will be constructed to motorway standard and will not have pedestrian or cyclist facilities. The current Forth Road Bridge will be retained as a public transport corridor and will maintain the current provision for pedestrians and cyclists.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:14.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281041,"EventID":"S4W-12701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:15.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T12:09:45.483","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides for advocacy services for disabled children and young people.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Guide to Commissioners, published by the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance in 2010 to assist local authorities and NHS boards in the scoping of needs and procurement of advocacy services, is currently being reviewed. In addition following the national consultation exercise in 2012 which sought views on how to improve advocacy for children and young people more detailed guidance focussing on children’s advocacy is proposed. This will address some of the key issues which were highlighted through the consultation as being unique to children’s advocacy, including issues around consent, information sharing and the identification and management of conflicts of interest.\r\nGuidance on the Procurement of Care and Support Services by public bodies in Scotland was published jointly by the Scottish Government and COSLA in September 2010.\r\nIn each year since 2005-06, £13 million has been included in the overall funding for local authorities and £5 million has been included in NHSScotland funding to help in the implementation and delivery of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. This includes funding for the provision of advocacy services.\r\nFrom 2010-11 additional annual recurring funding of £500,000 has also been provided for advocacy services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:15.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281042,"EventID":"S4W-12702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:15.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T12:09:45.483","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what advocacy services are available in each NHS board area for disabled children and young people; who provides the services, and where they are located.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. NHS boards and local authorities are responsible for ensuring that advocacy is available to all who need it within their respective areas and that resources are matched to meet these needs.\r\nThe Scottish Independent Advocacy Service has produced a Map of Advocacy and this is available at: \r\nhttp://www.siaa.org.uk/images/stories/SIAA_AdvocacyMap_2011_2012.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:15.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281043,"EventID":"S4W-12704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:16.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T12:11:18.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether advocacy services for disabled children and young people are available in every local authority area and, if so, (a) who provides the service and (b) where it is located.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12702 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:16.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281044,"EventID":"S4W-12705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:16.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T12:11:18.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many disabled children and young people each local authority provides services for.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. While Scottish Government does not collect consolidated statistics for services provided to disabled children and young people by local authority, figures are available for disabled children and young people in a number of areas. These include:\r\nStatistics\r\nDescriptor\r\nLink\r\nRespite weeks\r\nCollected annually by Audit Scotland – local authority – number of respite weeks offered for day and overnight service\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/10/24145257/10\r\nScottish Household Survey\r\nHousehold members with a long-standing illness, health problem or disability (0-15 years)\r\nhttp://scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/08/17093111/22\r\nScottish Health Survey\r\nProportion of children (0-15 years) with limiting and non-limiting long standing conditions\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Health/scottish-health-survey/Publications#a1\r\nPre-school education statistics\r\nNumber of children registered with local authority or partnership pre-school providers assessed as having Additional Support Needs or with a Coordinated Support Plan\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Children/PubPreSchoolEdChildcare\r\nPupil Census (included in Summary Statistics for Schools)\r\nNumber of pupils attending either a mainstream or special school with ‘additional support needs’.\r\n\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/School-Education/PubPupilCensus\r\nLooked After Children statistics\r\nNumber of children looked after by local authorities by disability status\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/02/23091516\r\nAnnual Population Survey (Local Area Labour Markets in Scotland)\r\nEmployment/unemployment/inactivity rate for people with a disability aged 16-64\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/08/10094809\r\nThe Support Needs System\r\nNumber of children assessed on SNS, type of impairment, service availability.\r\nhttp://www.isdscotlandarchive.scot.nhs.uk/isd/3397.html\r\nThe Department of Work and Pensions\r\nNumber of children aged 5-17 entitled to Disability Living Allowance\r\nhttp://83.244.183.180/100pc/tabtool.html\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:16.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281045,"EventID":"S4W-12706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:17.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T12:11:18.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether local authorities have common (a) eligibility criteria and (b) assessment tools when determining assistance for disabled children and young people.","AnswerText":"The Children (Scotland) Act 1995, and accompanying Regulations and Guidance, set the eligibility criteria and assessment process in relation to disabled children and young people; including sharing of information, joint assessments and collaboration with both statutory and voluntary agencies. Each local authority will have their own defined standards for the delivery of these services, set within the context of local priorities to fulfil their statutory obligations.\r\nSections 23 and 24 of the Act relate specifically to the assessment of disabled children and their carers.\r\nSubsequent legislation including the Community Care (Direct Payments) Act (1996) and the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 placed further duties on local authorities when carrying out assessments.\r\nEducation authorities have duties under the Additional Support for Learning Act to provide identify, make and review provision for children and young people for additional support needs, including those children who have a disability. In addition, specific provisions are in place for children who are identified and are brought to the attention of the education authority as having a disability from 0- 3 years of age. In these circumstances education authorities have a duty to provide additional support. The Code of Practice for Additional Support for Learning provides guidance to education authorities and partners on this provision and the assessment of children’s and young people’s additional support needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:17.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281046,"EventID":"S4W-12707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:18.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T12:11:18.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how long disabled children and young people have to wait to access a social worker, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. Each local authority will collect information relating to their specific circumstances.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:18.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281047,"EventID":"S4W-12708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:18.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T12:11:18.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it encourages peer support for families of disabled children and young people.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is currently funding three projects to support capacity building a) in relation to parents and carers of disabled children and young people at both national and local levels and b) disabled children and young people themselves. Intrinsic to these projects is the development of peer support.\r\nDetails of the projects are as follows:\r\nOrganisation\r\nProject\r\nParent Network Scotland\r\nParental capacity building models and peer support for parents of disabled children\r\nFor Scotland’s Disabled Children and Children in Scotland\r\nEngagement of families with disabled children in policy influencing and participation work\r\nYoung Scot\r\nEngagement of disabled young people in identifying and addressing needs in their community\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:18.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281048,"EventID":"S4W-12709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:19.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T13:14:55.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider supporting cloning as a means of ensuring the future of the Scottish wildcat.","AnswerText":"Cloning of wildcats is not under active consideration at present as there are other more immediate options to conserve extant populations and if necessary, to captive breed and reintroduce wildcats.\r\nThe main threat to the Scottish wildcat is considered to be hybridisation with feral domestic cats. Hence many of the actions being considered are intended to reduce the threats to wildcats from domestic cats in the countryside, with this being undertaken through neutering and vaccination and the promotion of wildcat-friendly land management practices.\r\nOther actions are likely to include further survey work to improve our knowledge of current Scottish wildcat populations, research on both genetics and hybridisation issues and on practical habitat management. A captive breeding programme and other measures, such as storing frozen gametes, are also currently being considered. Underpinning the range of conservation actions, will be the aim of promoting responsible domestic cat ownership in order to reduce the risk of further hybridisation in areas identified as priority habitats for wildcats.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:19.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281049,"EventID":"S4W-12710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:20.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T13:14:55.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the findings of the Cairngorms Wildcat Project will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"The findings of the Cairngorms Wildcat Project were published in full on 31 August 2012 and the final report is available on the Cairngorms National Park Authority website: \r\nhttp://cairngorms.co.uk/look-after/conservation-projects/cairngorms-wildcat-project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:20.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281050,"EventID":"S4W-12711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:20.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T13:14:55.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider sponsoring a follow-on programme to the Cairngorms Wildcat Project that ran from 2007 to 2012.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Wildcat Conservation Action Group (SWCAG), which is co-ordinated by Scottish Natural Heritage, and consists of a range of organisations, is currently producing a National Conservation Action Plan for the Scottish wildcat. The Action Plan, which SWCAG hope to have agreed by Spring 2013 and published shortly thereafter, will build on the experience from the Cairngorms Wildcat Project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:20.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281051,"EventID":"S4W-12712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:20.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T14:02:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports (a) college and (b) university students wanting to study abroad for (i) short-term periods, (ii) an academic year and (iii) complete degree periods.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to supporting both college and university students wanting to study abroad for varying lengths of time. Funding is given to a number of programmes to support such outward mobility activity, including:\r\nThe 3 week long Study China and Study India programmes. \r\nThe Erasmus Programme through which students can study for between 3 months and an academic year in another European country.\r\nThe 8-12 week long technical work placements abroad available through the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) programme.\r\nThe Outward Mobility Fund through which 11 projects in 10 institutions received funding in 2012-13 for a range of mobility periods.\r\nIn 2014-15 the Scottish Government will launch a pilot project offering funding for up to 250 Scottish domiciled students undertaking their undergraduate degree in the European Union. Eligible students will be entitled to financial support towards their living costs and a student loan. This will be the first time Scottish-domiciled students studying in Europe will be entitled to the same living cost support as students attending university in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:20.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281052,"EventID":"S4W-12713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:21.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T14:02:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to encourage (a) students and (b) school pupils to take up offers of studying abroad that are provided by colleges and universities.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to supporting both inward and outward student mobility. In terms of outward mobility we provide funding to the EU Lifelong Learning Programme and opportunities for Scottish students to experience studying overseas through schemes including the Study China and Study India programmes, and through the Scottish Government’s Outward Mobility Fund.\r\nWe are also supporting the NUS Scotland led Developing Scotland’s Global Citizens project which aims to increase awareness amongst school pupils and students of the availability and benefits of studying overseas; and we are enabling Scottish students to undertake technical work placements abroad through the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:21.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281053,"EventID":"S4W-12715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:21.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T14:02:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what benefits it considers studying abroad brings to (a) students, (b) school pupils, (c) academic institutions and (d) the economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"Studying abroad can open up opportunities for any young person, whatever stage of life and education they are at, including the chance to learn another language, experience different cultures, traditions and develop broader perspectives. Study abroad experiences can therefore help students and school pupils become more tolerant, understanding and responsible global citizens - enhancing their skills and ultimately making them more employable.\r\nFurthermore, it supports the international collaboration work undertaken by academic institutions and helps the sector remains internationally competitive and truly excellent in world terms, creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:21.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281054,"EventID":"S4W-12716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:21.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T14:31:29.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what statutory requirement exists to ensure that GP practice telephone numbers are not premium rate lines.","AnswerText":"The vast majority of GP practices operate as independent contractors within the NHS and are contracted locally by territorial Health boards to provide general medical services. Practices are contracted under the terms of either The National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts) (Scotland) Regulations 2004, as amended, or The National Health Service (Primary Medical Services Section 17C Agreements) (Scotland) Regulations 2004, as amended.\r\nBoth sets of Regulations prohibit a service provider from using a practice telephone number which patients and others are required to call in relation to its NHS services that starts with the digits 087, 090 or 091; or is a number starting 070 and followed by a further eight digits.\r\nBoth sets of Regulations also require contractors to comply with all relevant legislation and to have regard to all relevant guidance issued by the Health board and the Scottish Ministers.\r\nOn 22 February 2011, the then Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing wrote to the Chief Executives of Scottish NHS boards setting out the Scottish Government’s policy that patients should not incur charges above the equivalent of a local call when contacting their GP practice.\r\nNHS boards were asked to draw this policy to the attention of all GP contractors working in their areas and to encourage them to ensure that telephone calls to their practice incur as low a charge as possible; to ensure that no new premium rate contracts are entered into; and for any existing premium rate numbers that Boards review these arrangements with each individual contractor and aim to reduce any premium rate charge to the equivalent of a local call.\r\nNote: the local call tariff patients pay will vary depending on the call provider chosen by the individual and the terms and conditions of the telephone contract which they as an individual have opted to enter into with the telephone provider of their choice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:21.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281055,"EventID":"S4W-12717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:22.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T14:31:29.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many GP practices have phone lines that are not (a) free to call or (b) charged at a local rate.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12716 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nTherefore, the information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:22.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281056,"EventID":"S4W-12718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:22.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:03:13.547","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in view of its policies on poverty and social inclusion, what its position is on the Office of Fair Trading's Review of the personal current account market.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government welcomes the Office of Fair Trading’s Review of the personal current account market, noting that the OFT has found that the sector has become more concentrated since its last review in 2008. The Scottish Government shares the OFT’s concerns regarding a lack of sufficient competition in the Scottish banking market, which is having a negative effect on consumers’ willingness and ability to switch accounts.\r\nBanks should also be aware of the particular needs of socially and financially excluded individuals as customers, especially in light of the UK Parliament’s welfare reforms.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:22.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281057,"EventID":"S4W-12719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:22.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:03:13.547","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of the retail banking sector and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details of all ministerial engagements are published in arrears on the Scottish Government website and can be accessed using the following link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/14944/Events-Engagements/MinisterialEngagements.\r\nThe database includes 36 references to ministerial engagements with representatives of retail and high street banks from 1 May 2011 until September 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:22.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281058,"EventID":"S4W-12720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:23.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:11:36.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in view of its policies on poverty and social inclusion, whether it plans to meet representatives of the Office of Fair Trading to discuss the content of the Review of the personal current account market.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government Officials maintain contact with the OFT on a regular basis and will continue to discuss matters of mutual interest.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:23.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281059,"EventID":"S4W-12721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:23.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:11:36.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in view of its policies on poverty and social inclusion, whether it monitors whether the retail banking sector meets the five objectives set out for it by the Office of Fair Trading on 13 July 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12720 on the 28 February 2013, the Scottish Government meets regularly with the OFT, which has responsibility for the five objectives for the retail banking sector.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:23.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281060,"EventID":"S4W-12722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:23.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:11:36.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in view of its policies on poverty and social inclusion, whether it considers that there is effective competition in the personal current account market. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12718 on 28 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:23.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281061,"EventID":"S4W-12723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:24.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:11:36.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in view of its policies on poverty and social inclusion, what discussions it has with (a)  Office of Fair Trading and (b) UK financial authorities regarding the personal current account market.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12720 on 28 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:24.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281062,"EventID":"S4W-12724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:24.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:11:36.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what financial support it will provide to credit unions in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"Credit unions are eligible to apply for Scottish Government third sector organisational support programmes and development funds and we encourage them to do so. We shall ensure that credit unions and their representative bodies are made aware of any new third sector development funding as soon as it is available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:24.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281063,"EventID":"S4W-12725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:24.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:11:36.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is regarding the number of housing repossessions.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has taken measures to assist households at risk of repossession.\r\nThe Home Owner and Debtor Protection (Scotland) Act 2010 provides legislative protection for home owners. The Act requires all repossession cases to call in court; requires all lenders to demonstrate that they have considered all reasonable alternatives to repossession and enables home owners to be represented in court by approved lay representatives.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s home owners’ support fund which is comprised of the mortgage to rent and mortgage to shared equity schemes supports the most vulnerable home owners and aims to help 600 households over two years from 2011-2013. In 2011-12, 325 households were helped to remain in their homes through the schemes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:24.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281064,"EventID":"S4W-12739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:24.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:07:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there are age restrictions for applying for support from the student loans company.","AnswerText":"Student loans are paid under The Education (Student Loans) (Scotland) Regulations 2007 as amended. These regulations state that a student who is 55 or over at the start of their course is not eligible for a living cost loan.\r\nStudents eligible for a student loan at the start of a course retain their eligibility and as a result can be in receipt of a student loan when aged 55 or over.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:24.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281065,"EventID":"S4W-12740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:25.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:07:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what limits there are on student support for people aged over 55 at the date on which a course commences.","AnswerText":"A student who is 55 or over at the start of their course is not eligible for a living cost loan.\r\nThere is however no age restriction with regards to tuition fees and bursaries, therefore eligible Scottish domiciled students studying full-time in Scotland are not required to pay tuition fees if studying for a first degree or an HN qualification.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:25.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281066,"EventID":"S4W-12741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:25.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:07:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there are age restrictions in relation to student support when applying to study for a postgraduate teaching qualification.\r\n","AnswerText":"Postgraduate teaching qualifications are funded at undergraduate level and are subject to the same restrictions as set out in response to the answers to questions S4W-12739 and S4W-12740 on 19 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:25.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281067,"EventID":"S4W-12742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:26.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:07:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding student support.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had no recent discussions with the UK Government regarding student support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:26.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281068,"EventID":"S4W-12743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:26.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:07:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) Skills Development Scotland (SDS), (b) the Scottish Funding Council and (c) colleges regarding SDS providing college places in the future.","AnswerText":"Officials liaise regularly with Skills Development Scotland, the Scottish Funding Council and college representatives about a range of issues, including SDS-funded college provision. We will continue to engage as the Employability Fund develops in future years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:26.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281069,"EventID":"S4W-12744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:26.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:07:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress Skills Development Scotland has made toward delivering the target of 5,800 new college places in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"This question relates to the operational responsibilities of Skills Development Scotland. I will ask its chief executive to respond.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:26.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281070,"EventID":"S4W-12745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:26.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:07:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many full-time equivalent places or how much learning activity will be delivered by the planned 5,800 new college places to be provided by Skills Development Scotland in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"The New College Learning Programme is an entirely new approach to the provision of effective and appropriate learning opportunities for young people which lead to a job or progression in learning. Each opportunity will deliver 192 hours of college learning and 192 hours of work experience. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:26.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281071,"EventID":"S4W-12746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:27.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:07:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £24 million to be transferred to Skills Development Scotland in 2013-14 as part of the Employability Fund has been allocated to colleges.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2013-14, £24 million of the £52 million Employability Fund will be ring-fenced for the college sector. Of this, £6 million will be administered by Skills Development Scotland. SDS started procurement for the Employability Fund through Public Contracts Scotland on 17 December 2012. Assessment of the bids is now underway.\r\nTo provide stability for the college sector, £18 million will be administered by the Scottish Funding Council in 2013-14 and allocated to colleges pro rata to their current funding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:27.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281072,"EventID":"S4W-12747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:27.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:07:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many bids have been received for the Employability Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"Skills Development Scotland (SDS) started the procurement process for the Employability Fund on 17 December 2012. The information you have requested is not held centrally. I will ask the Chief Executive of SDS to write to you on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:27.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281073,"EventID":"S4W-12748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:28.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:07:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the Employability Fund has been spent.","AnswerText":"The Employability Fund contracts will not commence until 1 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:28.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281074,"EventID":"S4W-12749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-30T17:09:28.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:07:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any part of the Employability Fund allocated to Skills Development Scotland has been taken back due to lack of bids for funding.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Employability Fund will be delivered by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) as of financial year 2013-14. As such, funding will be available to SDS as of 1 April 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-27T17:09:28.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281098,"EventID":"S4W-12726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:52:54.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:07:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money has been allocated to the Scottish Welfare Fund for (a) 2013-14, (b) 2014-15 and (c) 2015-16.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have allocated £33 million for the Scottish Welfare Fund for 2013-2014, comprising £23.795 million being transferred from the Department for Work and Pensions and £9.2 million from the Scottish Government’s Budget. We have not decided the funding for subsequent years. Decisions on funding levels for future years will be confirmed in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:52:54.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281099,"EventID":"S4W-12727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:52:54.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:07:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the Scottish Welfare Fund is being paid for by the (a) UK and (b) Scottish Government in (i) 2013-14, (ii) 2014-15 and (iii) 2015-16.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12726 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:52:54.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281100,"EventID":"S4W-12728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:52:55.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:07:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the criteria were to calculate the level of funding required to establish the Scottish Welfare Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The highest spend by the Department for Work and Pensions in Scotland, on Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans for living expenses in recent years was around £30 million in 2009-2010. The Scottish Government established the Scottish Welfare Fund at a higher amount of £33 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:52:55.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281101,"EventID":"S4W-12729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:52:55.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:07:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact will be of the current changes to the welfare system on the Scottish Welfare Fund and whether it expects additional claims to be made as a consequence.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Welfare Fund is being established to help mitigate the impact of the UK Government’s welfare reforms.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:52:55.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281102,"EventID":"S4W-12750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:52:55.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:39:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many GPs are using employers’ pension contributions that they receive as salary instead of NHS pension contributions.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12752 on 28 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/MAQASearch/QAndMSearch.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:52:55.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281103,"EventID":"S4W-12751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:52:56.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:39:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many GPs have formally opted out of paying employers’ pension contributions that they receive as NHS pension contributions.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12752 on 28 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/MAQASearch/QAndMSearch.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:52:56.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281104,"EventID":"S4W-12752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:52:56.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:39:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what rules there are regarding GPs using employers’ pension contributions that they receive as salary instead of NHS pension contributions.\r\n","AnswerText":"The vast majority of GPs operate as independent contractors within the NHS under the terms of the nationally negotiated General Medical Services (GMS) contract.\r\nPayments for the GMS contract are made to practices and not to individual GPs. These payments are set out in the GMS Statement of Financial Entitlements (SFE). The SFE for the current financial year is published on SHOW (Scotland’s Health on the Web) under cover of Scottish Government circular PCA (M) (2012) 13: \r\nhttp://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/pca/PCA2012(M)13letter.pdf.\r\nThe global sum is the payment to each practice towards its costs in delivering essential services, including its staff costs and expenses. When the new GMS contract was negotiated in 2004 the global sum was adjusted to include an amount reflecting employer pension contributions for GPs at that time.\r\nThe global sum and arrangements for contractors’ employer’s and employee’s superannuation contributions in respect of the NHS Superannuation Scheme (Scotland) for employees of their practice are covered in sections 2 and 22 of the SFE.\r\nGP contractors are not salaried: a practice partner’s income is their share of the practice’s residual profits after practice expenses have been met. Partners’ NHS Superannuation Scheme (Scotland) contributions are deducted in determining their taxable profits.\r\nThe NHS Superannuation Scheme (Scotland) is not a compulsory scheme and a contractor would be entitled to opt out of the scheme if they wished to do so. These arrangements and the management of practice income, including the element for GP employer pension contributions are all matters for practice partners to determine in line with their practice’s Partnership Agreement. Information on these matters is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:52:56.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281105,"EventID":"S4W-12753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:52:56.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:40:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients in the NHS Grampian area have been operated on in (a) private hospitals and (b) the Golden Jubilee National Hospital to meet waiting times targets in each of the last three years, broken down by hospital.","AnswerText":"The number of NHS Grampian patients operated in a private hospitals was 124 in 2009-10, 2 in 2010-11 and 9 in 2011-12. In relation to the Golden Jubilee National Hospital the number of Grampian patient treated at the hospital was 10 in 2009-10, 20 in 2010-11 and 148 in 2011-12. This information relates to acute surgical specialties and derived from ISD Scottish Morbidity Return for inpatient and day cases.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:52:56.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281106,"EventID":"S4W-12754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:52:57.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:39:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on GPs using employers’ pension contributions that they receive as salary instead of NHS pension contributions.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12752 on 28 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/MAQASearch/QAndMSearch.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:52:57.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281107,"EventID":"S4W-12755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:52:57.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:40:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the costs have been to (a) NHS Grampian and (b) the Scottish Government of treating patients from the NHS Grampian area in private hospitals to meet waiting times targets in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government receive management information from NHS boards on the cost of their use of the independent healthcare sector. The information from Grampian shows that the cost of treating patients from within the NHS Grampian area in the independent healthcare sector was £1.5 million in 2009-10; £1.6 million in 2010-11 and £2.5 million in 2011-12.\r\nIt should be borne in mind that some of this cost will relate to equipment such as a mobile MRI scanner or a mobile theatre, but the treatment of patients continue to be undertaken by NHS staff.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s policy is that NHS boards should use NHS funding to build sustainable capacity. The use of the independent healthcare sector should only be used in the margins to deal with short-term capacity issues. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:52:57.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281108,"EventID":"S4W-12756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:52:58.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:40:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment has been made of unused operating theatre capacity in NHS Grampian that could be used to meet waiting times targets.","AnswerText":"The utilisation of theatre capacity is a management issue for the board. We expect NHS boards, including Grampian, to ensure that theatres are used efficiently and effectively to deliver patient care including waiting time standards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:52:58.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281109,"EventID":"S4W-12757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:52:58.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:40:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment has been made of the cost of using unused operating theatre capacity in NHS Grampian to meet waiting times targets.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12756 on 28 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:52:58.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281110,"EventID":"S4W-12758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:53:00.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:59:31.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the number of claims to the Scottish Welfare Fund in its first year and whether this estimate takes into account claims that may arise from current changes to the welfare system.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12729 on 21 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:53:00.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281111,"EventID":"S4W-12760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:53:00.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:59:31.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the adequacy of funding of the Scottish Welfare Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the question S4W-12728, answered on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:53:00.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281112,"EventID":"S4W-12761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:53:00.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:59:31.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what level of funding each local authority will receive in order to deliver the Scottish Welfare Fund and how this is calculated.\r\n","AnswerText":"The funding allocations for each local authority are set out in the following table. The basis of the distribution is previous spend for Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans; previous applications for Admin funding; and the bid made to the Department for Work and Pensions for set up costs. The methodology for the distribution was agreed by the joint Scottish Government, and COSLA, Settlement Distribution Group.\r\n\r\nSet up costs\r\nCommunity Care Grants\r\nCrisis Grants\r\nAdministration Costs\r\nLocal Authority\r\n2012-2013\r\n2013-14\r\n2013-14\r\n2013-14\r\nAberdeen City\r\n          69,250 \r\n        540,786 \r\n        359,055 \r\n          161,140 \r\nAberdeenshire\r\n          39,536 \r\n        301,674 \r\n        163,061 \r\n            75,370 \r\nAngus\r\n          37,490 \r\n        273,205 \r\n        145,866 \r\n            71,640 \r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n          32,748 \r\n        263,907 \r\n        108,853 \r\n            55,550 \r\nClackmannanshire\r\n          34,305 \r\n        230,847 \r\n        129,545 \r\n            59,470 \r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n          45,375 \r\n        430,012 \r\n        193,225 \r\n            96,170 \r\nDundee City\r\n          70,126 \r\n        986,180 \r\n        350,457 \r\n          175,470 \r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n          59,088 \r\n        650,528 \r\n        274,974 \r\n          141,910 \r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n          28,722 \r\n        242,097 \r\n          94,718 \r\n            43,970 \r\nEast Lothian\r\n          32,906 \r\n        264,481 \r\n        125,757 \r\n            57,120 \r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n          26,016 \r\n        182,290 \r\n          75,629 \r\n            35,720 \r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n        132,609 \r\n      1,429,737 \r\n        757,891 \r\n          367,420 \r\nFalkirk\r\n          58,674 \r\n        634,342 \r\n        293,480 \r\n          137,390 \r\nFife\r\n        106,334 \r\n      1,219,553 \r\n        640,440 \r\n          292,050 \r\nGlasgow City\r\n        335,269 \r\n      5,756,371 \r\n      1,964,745 \r\n        1,006,680 \r\nHighland\r\n          54,164 \r\n        555,135 \r\n        245,538 \r\n          116,980 \r\nInverclyde\r\n          55,601 \r\n        453,774 \r\n        278,763 \r\n          130,910 \r\nMidlothian\r\n          35,270 \r\n        253,461 \r\n        131,877 \r\n            63,000 \r\nMoray\r\n          30,777 \r\n        285,259 \r\n        101,858 \r\n            49,460 \r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n          70,457 \r\n        705,972 \r\n        362,552 \r\n          174,880 \r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n        148,322 \r\n      2,125,263 \r\n        830,751 \r\n          423,360 \r\nOrkney Islands\r\n          18,721 \r\n          47,868 \r\n            8,452 \r\n              5,100 \r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n          40,242 \r\n        420,828 \r\n        172,096 \r\n            76,940 \r\nRenfrewshire\r\n          84,297 \r\n        693,919 \r\n        454,938 \r\n          215,700 \r\nScottish Borders\r\n          35,781 \r\n        283,996 \r\n        122,551 \r\n            65,360 \r\nShetland Islands\r\n          19,336 \r\n          42,588 \r\n          16,904 \r\n              8,050 \r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n          43,200 \r\n        533,669 \r\n        179,236 \r\n            90,290 \r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n        107,898 \r\n      1,539,479 \r\n        604,302 \r\n          297,550 \r\nStirling\r\n          35,169 \r\n        379,733 \r\n        136,831 \r\n            64,970 \r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n          58,712 \r\n        562,482 \r\n        267,105 \r\n          136,210 \r\nWest Lothian\r\n          72,508 \r\n        674,404 \r\n        391,987 \r\n          175,470 \r\nScotland Total (approx)\r\n2,037,952\r\n23,000,000\r\n9,995,000\r\n4,878,000\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:53:00.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281113,"EventID":"S4W-12762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:53:01.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:59:31.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the Scottish Welfare Fund has been earmarked for crisis (a) loans and (b) grants.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have earmarked around 30 per cent of the Scottish Welfare Fund for Crisis Grants and the remainder for Community Care Grants. The Scottish Welfare Fund will not provide loans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:53:01.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281114,"EventID":"S4W-12763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:53:01.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:59:31.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the proportion of the Scottish Welfare Fund that will be allocated to claimants as (a) goods and (b) money.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for each local authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:53:01.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281115,"EventID":"S4W-12764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:53:01.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:59:31.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether claimants who are allocated goods from the Scottish Welfare Fund will be provided with tokens or vouchers to purchase those goods.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12763 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:53:01.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281116,"EventID":"S4W-12765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:53:02.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T15:59:31.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the capacity of local authorities to allocate goods rather than money from the Scottish Welfare Fund to claimants.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12763 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:53:02.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281117,"EventID":"S4W-12766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:53:02.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T17:15:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its response to the evaluation of direct elections to NHS boards.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will publish its position on the independent evaluation on health board elections and alternative pilots once it has considered the information contained in the report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:53:02.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281118,"EventID":"S4W-12767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:53:02.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T17:15:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on direct elections to NHS boards.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will announce its position on the independent evaluation on health board elections and alternative pilots once it has considered the information contained in the report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:53:02.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281119,"EventID":"S4W-12768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:53:03.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T17:15:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the candidates elected to the boards of NHS Fife and NHS Dumfries and Galloway in 2010 will continue to serve on the boards after their terms of office have expired in the event of direct elections not being continued.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has received the independent evaluation on health board elections and alternative pilots and will take this issue in to account as it considers its position.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:53:03.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281120,"EventID":"S4W-12769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:53:03.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T17:15:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many accident and emergency departments there are; at what hospitals; in which NHS board areas, and what size of population they serve.","AnswerText":"Emergency Departments (EDs) were defined by the British Association of Emergency Medicine (now the College of Emergency Medicine) in The Way Forward (2005) as “those hospitals with new patient attendances of greater than 40,000 per annum.\r\nThe principles for EDs in this type of hospital are as follows: Departments must have immediate access to the key supporting specialties to allow an ED to function safely. The following should be available on site: intensive care, anaesthetics, acute medicine, general surgery, orthopaedic trauma. There should be rapid easy access to child health (preferably on-site), 24-hour access to imaging (including CT scanning) and laboratory services available on site. In these circumstances, such departments can provide high quality emergency care around the clock for any patient presenting to the department. For those patients requiring regional centre expertise, then safe stabilisation and transfer protocols must be in place.  These principles apply to such hospitals whether in metropolitan, urban or rural areas.”\r\nIn addition, ISD Scotland has historically classified Emergency Departments as either core or non-core sites. Core sites include all Emergency Departments within large hospitals. It is important to note that, according to this classification, some core sites are large minor injuries units, such as the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.\r\nHospital\r\nNHS Board\r\nAttendances in 2011-12\r\nCrosshouse\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n70,301\r\nAyr\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n44,779\r\nBorders General\r\nBorders\r\n23,669\r\nDumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n33,546\r\nGalloway Community\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n11,667\r\nVictoria \r\nFife\r\n39,204\r\nForth Valley Royal*\r\nForth Valley\r\n42,410\r\nAberdeen Royal Infirmary\r\nGrampian\r\n64,148\r\nDr Gray's\r\nGrampian\r\n24,218\r\nRoyal Aberdeen Children\r\nGrampian\r\n18,244\r\nGlasgow Royal Infirmary\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n86,571\r\nRoyal Alexandra\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n75,711\r\nRHSC, Glasgow\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n45,271\r\nSouthern General\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n48,825\r\nVictoria Infirmary\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n80,144\r\nWestern Infirmary / Gartnavel\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n60,435\r\nInverclyde Royal\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n33,270\r\nBelford\r\nHighland\r\n8,826\r\nCaithness General\r\nHighland\r\n6,269\r\nLorn and Islands District General\r\nHighland\r\n6,252\r\nRaigmore\r\nHighland\r\n31,560\r\nHairmyres\r\nLanarkshire\r\n57,783\r\nMonklands\r\nLanarkshire\r\n68,192\r\nWishaw\r\nLanarkshire\r\n65,819\r\nRHSC, Edinburgh\r\nLothian\r\n40,182\r\nRoyal Infirmary\r\nLothian\r\n113,201\r\nSt Johns\r\nLothian\r\n52,895\r\nWestern General\r\nLothian\r\n38,974\r\nGilbert Bain\r\nShetland\r\n8,245\r\nNinewells\r\nTayside\r\n49,538\r\nPerth Royal Infirmary\r\nTayside\r\n25,436\r\nWestern Isles\r\nWestern Isles\r\n6,955\r\nNotes: Forth Valley Royal Hospital opened during 2011-12 - attendances based on partial year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:53:03.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281121,"EventID":"S4W-12770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:53:03.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T17:15:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average salary is of a consultant working in (a) the NHS and (b) an NHS accident and emergency department.","AnswerText":"The average salary of a consultant working in NHS Scotland is £87,500. This is based on the latest figures available for the financial year April 2011 to March 2012.\r\nIt is not possible to provide the average salary of a consultant working in an NHS accident and emergency department as this information is not held centrally.\r\nFurther information on Workforce Statistics can be found on the website at: www.isdscotland.org/workforce.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:53:03.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281122,"EventID":"S4W-12771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:53:03.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T17:15:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the additional £1 million for the emergency care action plan will be allocated and how much each NHS board will receive.","AnswerText":"NHS boards will be invited to bid for additional funding with decisions on funding allocations to be taken in April 2013. These decisions will be informed by a new group involving senior NHS managers, representatives from the medical Royal Colleges and other experts.\r\nThe Scottish Government has supported NHS boards to increase the number of consultants working in Scotland’s A&E Departments, with the number of consultants increasing from 75.8 consultants (WTE) in September 2006 up to 144.4 consultants (WTE) in September 2012.\r\nOver and above this additional funding, NHS boards will continue to review their projections for their consultant workforce going forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:53:03.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281123,"EventID":"S4W-12772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:53:04.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T17:15:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the additional £1 million for the emergency care action plan is embedded into long-term NHS plans and will be carried forward into subsequent financial years.","AnswerText":"This is additional funding to the territorial NHS boards and will be met from efficiencies/reprioritisation within our central portfolio budgets and will fund around ten full time consultants. NHS boards will be allocated £1,000,000 in 2013-14, £500,000 in 2014-15 and £250,000 in 2015-16.\r\nThe Scottish Government has supported NHS boards to increase the number of consultants working in Scotland’s accident and emergency departments, with the number of consultants increasing from 75.8 consultants whole time equivalent (WTE) in September 2006 up to 144.4 consultants (WTE) in September 2012.\r\nOver and above this additional funding, NHS boards will continue to review their projections for their consultant workforce going forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:53:04.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281124,"EventID":"S4W-12774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:53:04.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T17:15:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS boards will first receive funding from the emergency care action plan and when the first consultants will arrive in accident and emergency departments.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards will receive their allocations in April 2013 and we expect NHS boards to commence recruitment of consultants in April 2013.\r\nThe Scottish Government has supported NHS boards to increase the number of consultants working in Scotland’s accident and emergency departments, with the number of consultants increasing from 75.8 consultants whole time equivalent (WTE) in September 2006 up to 144.4 consultants (WTE) in September 2012.\r\nOver and above this additional funding, NHS boards will continue to review their projections for their consultant workforce going forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:53:04.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281125,"EventID":"S4W-12775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:53:04.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T17:15:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will (a) monitor and (b) measure the success of the emergency care action plan.","AnswerText":"The unscheduled care action plan will be monitored using a small number of new and existing indicators. The unscheduled care expert group is currently considering the unscheduled care data development projects underway in Scotland. New indicators will be developed through this work and these will be used alongside existing indicators (for example on 4 hour access to emergency departments) to monitor the action plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:53:04.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281126,"EventID":"S4W-12776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T13:53:05.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-31T09:48:50.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12378 by Keith Brown on 29 January 2013, how many Argyll Ferries Ltd staff were made redundant and what their average severance payment was.\r\n","AnswerText":"The average severance package paid to the 35 employees who accepted voluntary redundancy in connection with the new contract to run a passenger ferry service on the Gourock-Dunoon route was £40,005.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T13:53:05.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281130,"EventID":"S4W-12773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T16:49:20.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-30T17:36:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the National Gaelic Language Plan 2012-17 is delivering improvement against the outcomes and priorities identified in the plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"I am pleased to say we are seeing good progress against the priorities identified in the National Gaelic Language Plan. This progress is in the main development areas listed in the plan such as Home and Early Years, School Education, Post-School Education, Communities, Workplace, Arts and Media and Heritage and Tourism.\r\nAny description of the progress that has been made does involve considerable detail in the areas mentioned above and this has been included in a report which I have made available at the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54809)\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T16:49:21.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281131,"EventID":"S4W-12777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T16:49:21.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-31T14:50:00.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Forth Replacement Crossing remains on target for completion by 2016.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes, the Forth Replacement Crossing remains on target for completion in 2016.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T16:49:21.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281132,"EventID":"S4W-12778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T16:49:22.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-31T14:50:00.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Contact and Education Centre for the Forth Replacement Crossing will be fully open to the public.","AnswerText":"The Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC) Contact and Education Centre provides a permanent location for those affected by the FRC works to speak to a member of the project team face to face. This facility opened to the public on 7 January 2013. Booking requests to visit the project exhibition can be made through the project website at : www.forthreplacementcrossing.info.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T16:49:22.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281133,"EventID":"S4W-12779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T16:49:22.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-31T14:50:00.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of annual visitor numbers at the Contact and Education Centre at the Forth Replacement Crossing once the centre is fully open to the public.\r\n","AnswerText":"The primary purpose of the Contact and Education Centre is to provide an information point for those affected by the works. No estimate has been made of annual visitor numbers and the booking system ensures that the numbers within the building can be managed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T16:49:22.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281134,"EventID":"S4W-12780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T16:49:23.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-31T15:03:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that it complies with the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats regarding the (a) use of non-selective traps to capture protected species and (b) the reporting requirements under article 9.2.\r\n","AnswerText":"The requirements of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats as regards the use of non-selective traps to capture protected species are implemented in Scotland through the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 Schedule 3 of these Regulations lists species which may not be taken by specified means including traps which are non-selective according to their principle or their conditions of use, or any method which is indiscriminate and capable of causing its local disappearance or serious disturbance to a population. However, the Regulations allow licences to be granted under certain circumstances to permit the taking of these protected species by these non-selective methods, for example preventing serious damage to growing timber is a commonly used reason.\r\nIn order to comply with Article 9.2 of the convention, UK licensing authorities report biennially to the European Commission on the granting of all such licences.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T16:49:23.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281135,"EventID":"S4W-12781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T16:49:23.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-31T15:03:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the legal basis is for the licensing regime operated by Scottish Natural Heritage regarding the use of snares to capture mountain hares.\r\n","AnswerText":"Mountain hares are listed on Schedule 3 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) considers that snares are non-selective traps and a licence is therefore required under Regulation 44 of the above Regulations. \r\nSNH is, however, aware of the recent case at Inverness Sheriff Court concerning the snaring of mountain hares. SNH will be reviewing its position in light of this case before the end of the close season on 31 July 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T16:49:23.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281136,"EventID":"S4W-12782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T16:49:23.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-31T15:03:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many applications for species licences to use snares to capture mountain hares have been made since 2006; how many have been granted, and for what reasons licences were not granted.\r\n","AnswerText":"Four applications for a licence to snare mountain hares were received between 2006 and June 2011 by the Scottish Government, as the appropriate licensing authority at that time. Two were granted and two were refused.\r\nThe applications that were refused did not offer sufficient detail or historical information on populations to allow the Scottish Government to satisfy itself that this proposal would not affect the favourable conservation status of mountain hares and two of the licences were therefore refused.\r\nFollowing the introduction of the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act 2011, the licensing function was transferred to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) in July 2011. SNH has received one application for the snaring of mountain hares, which was granted.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T16:49:23.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281137,"EventID":"S4W-12783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T16:49:24.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-31T14:59:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether people who are temporarily disabled can apply for a Blue Badge on a temporary basis.","AnswerText":"Yes. An individual who is temporarily disabled can apply for a Blue Badge on a temporary basis. A temporary badge will be issued where an individual is assessed by the local authority as being unable to walk or virtually unable to walk by reason of a temporary but substantial disability which is likely to last for a period of at least 12 months beginning with the date on which the badge is issued.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T16:49:24.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281138,"EventID":"S4W-12784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T16:49:24.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-31T15:04:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many court cases of repossession of residential properties there have been since the Home Owner and Debtor Protection (Scotland) Act 2010 came into force and how many found in favour of the homeowner.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Home Owner and Debtor Protection (Scotland) Act was introduced in September 2010. Details of the number of repossession cases initiated and disposed off in the sheriff courts by procedure are as follows: \r\nProcedure\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nInitiated\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nOrdinary cause\r\n8,256\r\n4,245\r\n79\r\nSummary application\r\n4\r\n975\r\n6,673\r\nTotal\r\n8,260\r\n5,220\r\n6,752\r\nDisposed\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nOrdinary cause\r\n6,476\r\n5,083\r\n253\r\nSummary application\r\n6\r\n489\r\n3,987\r\nTotal\r\n6,482\r\n5,572\r\n4,240\r\nNote: figures for initiations and disposals do not necessarily refer to the same cases.\r\nThe figure for the number of cases found in favour of the home owner is not available. In general, it can be assumed that when a case is recorded as having a disposal type of “dismissed” it has been disposed in favour of the defendant (home owner). \r\nDetails of the number of repossession cases disposed of as “dismissed” are as follows:\r\n \r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nOrdinary Procedure\r\n274\r\n1,061\r\n142\r\nSummary Application\r\n3\r\n458\r\n640\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T16:49:24.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281139,"EventID":"S4W-12785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T16:49:24.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-31T15:37:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of all road users is cyclists and how often they have been (a) involved or (b) injured in accidents over the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Household Survey Travel Diary shows that one per cent of journeys are made by bicycle. The Scottish Household Survey and the traffic estimates published in Scottish Transport Statistics also show small increases in cycling in recent years. Information on cyclists involved and injured in accidents is available in tables 12 (page 128) and A (page 11) of Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2011 which can be found in the Scottish Parliament’s Reference Centre (SPICe) (Bib number 54702).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T16:49:24.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281140,"EventID":"S4W-12786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T16:49:25.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-31T15:37:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it can provide to protect the Wemyss caves from erosion.\r\n","AnswerText":"Six of the Wemyss Caves are collectively designated as a single scheduled monument and are therefore of national importance. They are an important part of the historic environment for the local community, drawing in visitors and those in the academic community interested in early medieval Scotland. Nevertheless, protection of the caves against coastal erosion is a difficult and complex issue, with no practical and cost effective solution found to date. Although the protection and management of coastal areas rests with Fife Council, Historic Scotland is willing to provide technical advice and consider grant support to seek a long term viable solution for this monument.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T16:49:25.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281141,"EventID":"S4W-12787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T16:49:25.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-31T15:42:43.277","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what strategies are in place to deal with ash dieback.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Tree Health Advisory Group has been developing a draft Scottish action plan on Chalara (ash die-back); this will be presented at the Scottish Tree Health Summit on 6 March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T16:49:25.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281142,"EventID":"S4W-12788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T16:49:25.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-31T15:42:43.277","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had (a) nationally and (b) internationally regarding plans to deal with future environmental epidemics.","AnswerText":"British Irish Council Environment Ministers’ meetings offer a specific opportunity to co-ordinate a response to threats posed by, for example tree and plant pests and parasites. Most recently on 7 September 2012, at Vogrie Country Park, ministers’ heard evidence from Joint Nature Conservation Committee and discussed strengthening co-ordination of efforts to overcome threats posed to biodiversity by invasive non-native species and exotic tree and plant pests and diseases. We have regular discussions with counterparts in Defra and in other devolved administrations about plans to address environmental threats which may have adverse consequences for the natural environment; however, international discussions are currently led, on behalf of devolved administration interests, by the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T16:49:25.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281143,"EventID":"S4W-12789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-31T16:49:26.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-31T15:42:43.277","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many sites in Scotland are infected with ash dieback.","AnswerText":"As of 15 February 2013, as indicated in a letter of 19 February 2013 to the RACCE Committee, the number of sites in Scotland where ash-dieback had been confirmed was 42, out of 378 across the UK including two nurseries in Scotland, 32 recently planted sites and eight sites in the wider environment.\r\nAs survey work continues, infections may be found at more sites although at this time of year it should be stressed that these represent the discovery of sites already infected and not sites that have become infected since the initial rapid survey, as the disease is dormant during the winter months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-02-28T16:49:26.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281144,"EventID":"S4W-12792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-01T14:19:52.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-31T16:53:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) undergraduate and (b) postgraduate initial teacher education places have been available at each university in each year since 2005.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following hyperlinks to Scottish Funding Council (SFC) Circular letters show (a)undergraduate and (b) postgraduate initial teacher education (ITE) places that have been available at each university in each year since 2005:\r\n2005\r\nhttp://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20090411233457/http://www.sfc.ac.uk/information/info_circulars/shefc/2005/he0405/annex3.pdf\r\n2006\r\nhttp://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20080412030808/http://www.sfc.ac.uk/information/info_circulars/sfc/2006/sfc0606/sfc0606.html\r\n2007\r\nhttp://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20101011225710/http://www.sfc.ac.uk/news_events_circulars/Circulars/2007/SFC1307.aspx\r\nhttp://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20101011225626/http://www.sfc.ac.uk/news_events_circulars/Circulars/2007/SFC4407.aspx\r\n2008\r\nhttp://www.sfc.ac.uk/newsinformation/Circulars/2008/SFC0808.aspx\r\n2009\r\nhttp://www.sfc.ac.uk/news_events_circulars/Circulars/2009/SFC1809.aspx\r\nhttp://www.sfc.ac.uk/newsinformation/Circulars/2009/SFC0809.aspx\r\n2010\r\nhttp://www.sfc.ac.uk/newsinformation/Circulars/2010/SFC0510.aspx\r\n2011\r\nhttp://www.sfc.ac.uk/newsinformation/Circulars/2011/SFC0111.aspx\r\n2012\r\nhttp://www.sfc.ac.uk/newsinformation/Circulars/2012/SFC0312.aspx\r\n2013 target intakes for ITE will be announced by SFC shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T14:19:52.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281145,"EventID":"S4W-12793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-01T14:19:53.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-31T19:03:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people its agencies employ on zero-hours contracts, broken down by agency.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and its agencies do not employ people on zero hours contracts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T14:19:53.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281146,"EventID":"S4W-12794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-01T14:19:53.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-31T19:56:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10940 by Nicola Sturgeon on 7 December 2012, whether it will provide a breakdown of all public money paid to companies involved in the (a) marketing, (b) sale and (c) execution of work and repairs, maintenance and upgrades relating to the Energy Assistance Package.","AnswerText":"With regard to public money paid to companies involved with delivery of the Energy Assistance Package:\r\n(a) Marketing – expenditure in 2011-12 and provisional expenditure for 2012-13 by agencies used by the Scottish Government's Marketing Unit is as follows:\r\nCompany\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nAPS\r\n\r\n£124,145.66\r\nCarat \r\n£282,271.71\r\n£60,980.76\r\nGolley Slater\r\n£1,358.30\r\n£693.60\r\nThe Leith Agency\r\n£6,180.00\r\n£141,802.52\r\nStory\r\n£52,133.37\r\n£20,550.23\r\nWhitespace\r\n£14,983.80\r\n£18,774.60\r\nTotal\r\n£356,927.18\r\n£366,947.37\r\nThe Scottish Government publishes annual marketing spend figures, with a separate line for Home Energy Scotland, at:\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/Directorates/Communications/advertising-marketing/spend\r\nNote that APS provides print, rather than marketing, services and is included in the overall expenditure breakdown above for completeness. APS was not included in the list of private companies involved in the marketing of the Energy Assistance Package in the answer to S4W-10940, as it does not provide marketing services.\r\n(b) Sale – as explained in the answer to S4W-10940, the Energy Assistance Package does not involve direct sales.\r\n(c) Work and repairs, maintenance and upgrades – the Scottish Government does not hold information about the payments made by Scottish Gas to their subcontractors to carry out this work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T14:19:53.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281147,"EventID":"S4W-12795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-01T14:19:54.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T09:53:40.323","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12483 by Paul Wheelhouse on 30 January 2013, whether it will provide more information on the recent records from (a) Strathspey, (b) Loch Ard in Stirlingshire, (c) the Plockton area, (d) Ross and Cromarty and (e) Mudalach birch wood on Skye.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12483 on 30 January 2013 which has now been amended to remove Loch Ard in Stirlingshire, the Plockton area, Ross and Cromarty, and Mudalach birch wood on Skye as areas in Scotland that are known to be populated by the narrow-headed ant. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThe core population (over 80% of the UK total) of narrow-headed ant occurs within the forest complex of Abernethy-Glenmore-Rothiemurchus in Speyside.\r\nThe queens of narrow-headed ants have very poor dispersal capabilities and cannot cross patches of non-suitable habitat, therefore they probably are unable to adapt or disperse adequately in the face of rapid ecological change.\r\nThe distribution and population status of narrow-headed ants (Formica exsecta) in Scotland\r\nLocality of F. exsecta\r\nCurrent population size\r\nMar Lodge Estate\r\nTwo or three nests. Probably under - recorded in east Cairngorms.\r\nCarrbridge, Speyside\r\nMore than 16 nests\r\nGlenmore, Rothiemurchus, Speyside\r\n110 to more than 130 nests, although many recorded are probably small ‘satellite’ nests.\r\nAbernethy Forest, Speyside\r\nMore than 150 nests although many are probably small “satellite” nests.\r\nBlack Wood of Rannoch, Perthshire\r\nAround six nests within a field at East Camghouran farm (possibly another six un-mapped nests nearby).\r\nPlodda Falls, Glen Affric, Invernesshire\r\nPossibly Extinct\r\nUnconfirmed record with no specimens.\r\nNot confirmed by recent surveys\r\nAmat Forest, Easter Ross\r\nPossibly Extinct\r\nConfirmed record with specimen.\r\nNot confirmed by recent surveys.\r\nSource: Hughes, J. (2006). A review of wood ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Scotland.\r\nScottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 178 (ROAME No. F04AC319).\r\nhttp://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/commissioned_reports/F04AC319.pdf\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T14:19:54.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281148,"EventID":"S4W-12796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-01T14:19:54.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T11:50:33.463","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to ensure that (a) schools are equipped with the latest technology and (b) young people are given the opportunity to develop skills relevant to future careers in (i) information technology, (ii) social media and (iii) communications.\r\n","AnswerText":"Individual local authorities are responsible for the provision of technology in their schools. To support schools and local authorities, the Scottish Government is in the final stage of establishing a national procurement framework that leverages the complete Scottish Public Sector spend on tablet devices to attract best value and offer consistent national pricing.\r\nCurriculum for Excellence provides opportunities for young people to develop their understanding, knowledge and skills for learning, life and work, from Early Years through to Senior Phase and beyond. The opportunity to develop these skills is embedded across all curriculum areas, including through practical, applied or “experiential” learning. Partnerships between schools, colleges, employers and other national and local organisations are key to the successful delivery of this. To support practitioners to embed young people’s skills development across the Broad General Education, Education Scotland has made available a range of resources.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T14:19:54.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281149,"EventID":"S4W-12797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-01T14:19:54.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T12:47:51.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many consultants specialising in geriatrics were employed by the NHS in September (a) 2006, (b) 2007, (c) 2008, (d) 2009, (e) 2010, (f) 2011 and (g) 2012 and what the annual change was, expressed as a percentage.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested on how many consultants specialising in geriatrics were employed by the NHS as at 30 September for each of the last seven years can be found in the following tables.\r\nTable 1 shows the total headcount of consultants specialising in geriatrics and the percentage change each year.\r\nGeriatrics\r\nHeadcount\r\n% change from the previous year\r\nSep-06\r\n128\r\nx\r\nSep-07\r\n137\r\n7.0%\r\nSep-08\r\n144\r\n5.1%\r\nSep-09\r\n149\r\n3.5%\r\nSep-10\r\n155\r\n4.0%\r\nSep-11\r\n157\r\n1.3%\r\nSep-12\r\n159\r\n1.3%\r\nSource: ISD Scotland.\r\n\r\nTable 2 shows the total whole time equivalent (WTE) of consultants specialising in geriatrics and the percentage change each year.\r\nGeriatrics\r\nWTE\r\n% change from the previous year\r\nSep-06\r\n118.9\r\nx\r\nSep-07\r\n126.7\r\n6.6%\r\nSep-08\r\n133.6\r\n5.4%\r\nSep-09\r\n137.4\r\n2.9%\r\nSep-10\r\n140.5\r\n2.3%\r\nSep-11\r\n141.5\r\n0.7%\r\nSep-12\r\n144.6\r\n2.2%\r\nSource: ISD Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T14:19:54.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281150,"EventID":"S4W-12817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-01T14:19:55.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T12:39:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many consultants specialising in emergency medicine were employed by the NHS in September (a) 2006, (b) 2007, (c) 2008, (d) 2009, (e) 2010, (f) 2011 and (g) 2012 and what the annual change was, expressed as a percentage.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested on how many consultants specialising in emergency medicine were employed by the NHS as at 30 September for each of the last seven years can be found in the following tables.\r\nTable 1 shows the total headcount of consultants specialising in emergency medicine and the percentage change each year.\r\nEmergency medicine\r\nHeadcount\r\n% change from the previous year\r\nSep-06\r\n76\r\n x\r\nSep-07\r\n82\r\n7.9%\r\nSep-08\r\n113\r\n37.8%\r\nSep-09\r\n101\r\n-10.6%\r\nSep-10\r\n136\r\n34.7%\r\nSep-11\r\n141\r\n3.7%\r\nSep-12\r\n151\r\n7.1%\r\nSource: ISD Scotland.\r\n\r\nTable 2 shows the total whole time equivalent (WTE) of consultants specialising in emergency medicine and the percentage change each year.\r\nEmergency Medicine\r\nWTE\r\n% change from the previous year\r\nSep-06\r\n75.8\r\nx\r\nSep-07\r\n81.0\r\n6.9%\r\nSep-08\r\n107.2\r\n32.3%\r\nSep-09\r\n94.8\r\n-11.5%\r\nSep-10\r\n128.4\r\n35.3%\r\nSep-11\r\n133.8\r\n4.3%\r\nSep-12\r\n144.4\r\n7.9%\r\nSource: ISD Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T14:19:55.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281159,"EventID":"S4W-12808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-01T15:41:38.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T12:58:57.59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the reported budget restraints facing local authorities, what action it is taking to support the voluntary sector in delivering high-quality services.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will be providing local government in Scotland with over £9.7 billion in revenue funding in 2013-14. The vast majority of this funding, including any funding to support the voluntary sector will be provided by means of a block grant. It is the responsibility of each local authority to allocate the total financial resources available to it on the basis of local needs and priorities having first fulfilled its statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities including the Scottish Government’s key strategic objectives.\r\nFull and early involvement of the third sector in the co-production of service design and planning is likely to lead to arrangements that are satisfactory to all parties and the role of the community planning partnership is key here. The Scottish Government also supports the third sector by supporting the network of local third sector interfaces and through Ready for Business and Just Enterprise.\r\nThe Scottish Government is implementing a shift to preventative spending, with specific funding of £500 million over the three year period to 2014-15 to encourage joint working across the public sector in adult social care, early years and tackling re-offending. The funding will support a transition across public services away from dealing with the symptoms of disadvantage and inequality towards tackling their root causes. The third sector has a crucial role to play in delivery, because of its specialist expertise, its ability to engage with vulnerable groups and its flexible and innovative approach. We are working across Government and with the third sector and the public sector to ensure that the role of the third sector in preventative spending can be maximised.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T15:41:39.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281160,"EventID":"S4W-12818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-01T15:41:39.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T13:49:38.62","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to improve flood defence systems in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire.\r\n","AnswerText":"Flood protection schemes are primarily a matter for local authorities, however the Scottish Government is committed to supporting work that helps protect the people of Scotland from the effects of flooding. That is why we are working with our partners to implement the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009, and providing funding through the local Government settlement for local authorities to continue to invest in flood protection schemes.\r\nWe have also invested significantly in improving Scotland’s flood warning service, including funding to help the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Met Office establish a Scottish flood forecasting service, which is resulting in better flood forecasting and warning information being made available to the public throughout Scotland. A flood warning scheme for the River Carron in Stonehaven is also currently in development and planned to be rolled out in September 2013, as is the delivery of a new flood warning scheme for the Moray Firth by 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T15:41:39.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281161,"EventID":"S4W-12819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-01T15:41:39.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T13:49:38.62","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the Grampian region has not been included in the roll-out of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's enhanced Floodline message alert system.\r\n","AnswerText":"Much of the Grampian region has already been included in the roll out of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's (SEPA) Floodline direct warning service. Indeed, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment launched the North East Flood Warning scheme for the rivers Dee, Don, Deveron and North Esk in March 2010. While I understand that the recently launched coastal flood warning scheme for the firths of Forth and Tay on the east coast does not extend as far as the Grampian coastline at the moment, I am sure you will appreciate that it would be impossible for SEPA to develop flood warning schemes for the whole of Scotland simultaneously.\r\nIt is important to prioritise public expenditure by targeting efforts where the benefits of investment are greatest. To that end, SEPA has developed a coastal flood vulnerability index, based on exposure to wave and storm surge, number of properties at risk, historical flooding and flood defence availability. This has been used to define the priority areas for coastal flood warning development included in SEPA’s Flood Warning Strategy published on 14 December which sets out forthcoming plans to enhance Scotland’s flood warning coverage.The firths of Forth and Tay were the highest priority areas and that is why the flood warning scheme for this stretch of coastline was launched on 28 January.\r\nA flood warning scheme for the River Carron in Stonehaven is also currently in development and is planned to be rolled out in September 2013. SEPA’s plans also include the delivery of new flood warning schemes for Loch Linnhe (by 2013); Moray Firth and Ness tidal (by 2014); Solway Firth (by 2015) and other at-risk locations through their existing Coastal Flood Alerting Tool by 2016. New fluvial flood warning schemes are also planned for Loch Lomond and River Leven and Garnock by 2016. SEPA will also continue to consider alterations to existing schemes where required and feasible. \r\nIn the meantime, Grampian residents who are not within a river or coastal Flood Warning area can still sign up to receive a more general Flood Alert message for the wider geographical area, usually representing local authority boundaries. This flood alerting service is underpinned by the national Coastal Flood Alerting Tool which was significantly improved in 2010. During the recent December storm, Flood Alerts highlighting the risk of coastal flooding were issued 24 hours in advance and we would encourage members of the public to sign up to receive these messages in the future. Further advice and sign up details can be found at the following address: http://floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodingsignup/\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T15:41:39.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281162,"EventID":"S4W-12820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-01T15:41:40.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T13:49:38.62","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many community benefit clauses were in place in public sector contracts in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold information on community benefit clauses used in individual contracts.\r\nWe are aware that Aberdeenshire council is currently using the clauses in capital projects and are assisting Scottish Prison Service to monitor the community benefit clauses in the contract for HMP Grampian.\r\nThe forthcoming Procurement Reform Bill will require public sector bodies to publish details of community benefit clauses in major public contracts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T15:41:40.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281163,"EventID":"S4W-12821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-01T15:41:40.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T13:49:38.62","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many ancillary staff were employed by NHS Grampian in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) role and (b) grade.","AnswerText":"“Ancillary” is not a term used to define a staff group in the NHS for statistical purposes. Employees working within portering or hotel services, who would normally be referred to as “ancillary” fall within the Support Services staff group.\r\nInformation relating to this staff group can be found on the NHS Information Services Division (ISD) website at: \r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2012-11-27/All_Other_Staff_S2012.xls?20131428.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T15:41:40.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281164,"EventID":"S4W-12822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-01T15:41:40.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T13:49:38.62","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many ancillary staff employed by NHS Grampian in each of the last five years were paid the living wage, broken down by (a) role and (b) grade.\r\n","AnswerText":"The NHS pay cycle runs from 1 April each year and no member of staff employed in NHSScotland, whatever their role or grade, has been paid less than the Scottish living wage level since 1 April 2011. The Scottish living wage campaign started in Scotland in May 2009 and the Scottish Government subsequently adopted this as part of its 2011-12 public sector pay policy.\r\nAlthough pay for almost all non-medical staff in the NHS is based, in the first instance, on recommendations made by the independent NHS pay review body, Ministers chose to apply the Scottish living wage in NHSScotland to provide additional assistance to the lower paid. The only NHS settlement round where a Scottish living wage level had been set but not applied, therefore, was 1 April 2010 when the living wage was £7.00 per hour and the lowest available rate in NHSScotland was £6.98 per hour.\r\nIt should be noted that “ancillary” is not a term used to define a staff group in the NHS for statistical purposes. Employees working in portering or hotel services, who would normally be referred to as “ancillary”, fall within the support services staff group. Records show that there were 1,592.99 whole time equivalent (WTE) staff in the Support Services staff group in NHS Grampian as at 1 April 2010, of which 43.2 WTE were on the £6.98 hourly rate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T15:41:40.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281165,"EventID":"S4W-12823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-01T15:41:41.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T13:49:38.62","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that people carrying out work in relation to the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route are paid the living wage.","AnswerText":"The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/ Balmedie to Tipperty contract will include requirements to comply with the latest employment legislation and will be administered to ensure full compliance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T15:41:41.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281166,"EventID":"S4W-12824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-01T15:41:41.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T13:49:38.62","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the outline business case for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.","AnswerText":"The outline business case for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/ Balmedie to Tipperty has been agreed between the project partners. The full business case will be agreed prior to contract award which is expected in autumn 2014.\r\nAs the formal procurement of this project is currently underway, it is not intended, for commercial reasons, to publish this business case until after the contract for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of this road, has been awarded.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T15:41:41.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281167,"EventID":"S4W-12825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-01T15:41:41.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T13:49:38.62","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that community benefit clauses are used in contracts for the work on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government wants to ensure that investment in large infrastructure projects results in on the job training for apprentices and local employment opportunities, particularly on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/ Balmedie to Tipperty scheme.\r\nThis contract will include requirements to provide site based vocational training places and site-based professional training places.\r\nThe contract will also specify that a number of permanent, site based, full time equivalent construction employment opportunities are to be provided, which are specifically aimed at people who have not been in employment for at least 25 weeks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T15:41:41.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281168,"EventID":"S4W-12827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-01T15:41:42.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T15:17:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason residents associations are not allowed to represent their estates as a whole at homeowner housing panels.\r\n","AnswerText":"Residents association bodies cannot represent their estates as a whole because section 17 of the Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011 (the Act) provides that it is homeowners themselves who have the right to make an application to the Homeowner Housing Panel (HoHP).\r\nHowever, regulation 7(1) of the Homeowner Housing Panel (Applications and Decisions) (Scotland) Regulations 2012 (SSI 2012/180) provides that homeowners may act in person or be represented by any person. This means that if the homeowner so wished, he or she could choose to be represented by someone from a residents association.\r\nFurther, regulation 9(2) provides that when two or more applications by different homeowners relating to the same property factor are pending at the same time, the homeowner housing committee may direct them to be heard together. Therefore, if multiple homeowners from the same estate wished to apply at the same time regarding the same matter, there is nothing to prevent a residents association providing support and co-ordination to this group of applicant homeowners.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T15:41:42.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281176,"EventID":"S4W-12790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T14:06:27.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-31T16:25:08.4","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason there is a variation in price across NHS boards for GPs to sign a power of attorney form.","AnswerText":"The vast majority of GP practices operate as independent contractors within the NHS. Practices are contracted by health boards to provide NHS services to registered patients under the terms and conditions of a nationally negotiated General Medical Services contract.\r\nThe contract regulations do specify a number of prescribed medical certificates which GPs are required to provide free under the NHS. However not all documentation, certificates and reports requested by patients are covered by the NHS and when GPs agree to provide services outwith their NHS contractual terms and conditions, they are entitled to charge a professional fee as remuneration for doing so.\r\nThe British Medical Association (BMA) does not direct doctors on the level of professional fees but it does provide general guidance. Where a patient requests a report or certificate falling outside the work of the doctor’s NHS contract the BMA advises that the fee set should be reasonable, transparent and justifiable. Patients should also be forewarned of the fee level before the service is agreed and provided.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:06:27.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281177,"EventID":"S4W-12826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T14:06:27.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T14:03:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many consultants specialising in paediatrics were employed by the NHS in September (a) 2006, (b) 2007, (c) 2008, (d) 2009, (e) 2010, (f) 2011 and (g) 2012 and what the annual change was, expressed as a percentage.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information requested on the number of consultants specialising in paediatrics employed by the NHS can be found in the Consultant staff in post table on the workforce statistics website at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2012-11-27/Consultant_Staff_In_Post_S2012.xls?95634968\r\nThe annual change, expressed as a percentage, is available in the two tables:\r\nTable 1 shows the total headcount of consultants specialising in paediatrics and the percentage change each year.\r\n\r\n\r\nSep-06\r\nSep-07\r\nSep-08\r\nSep-09\r\nSep-10\r\nSep-11\r\nSep-12\r\nPaediatric Specialties\r\n \r\nHeadcount\r\n182\r\n209\r\n237\r\n309\r\n234\r\n236\r\n238\r\n% change from previous year\r\nx\r\n14.8%\r\n13.4%\r\n30.4%\r\n-24.3%\r\n0.9%\r\n0.8%\r\nSource: ISD Scotland National Statistics \r\n\r\nTable 2 shows the total whole time equivalent (WTE) of consultants specialising in paediatrics and the percentage change each year.\r\n \r\n \r\nSep-06\r\nSep-07\r\nSep-08\r\nSep-09\r\nSep-10\r\nSep-11\r\nSep-12\r\nPaediatric Specialties\r\nWTE\r\n167.2\r\n192.5\r\n217.4\r\n288.7\r\n216.0\r\n222.7\r\n223.8\r\n% change from previous year\r\nx\r\n15.1%\r\n12.9%\r\n32.8%\r\n-25.2%\r\n3.1%\r\n0.5%\r\nSource: ISD Scotland National Statistics \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:06:27.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281178,"EventID":"S4W-12828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T14:06:27.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T16:04:04.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many dental speciality consultants were employed by the NHS in each year from September 2006 to September 2012 and what the percentage change was.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of dental speciality consultants employed by the NHS can be found in the consultant staff in post table on the NHS Information Services Division website (ISD) at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2012-11-27/Consultant_Staff_In_Post_S2012.xls?95634968\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:06:28.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281179,"EventID":"S4W-12829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T14:06:28.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-02T12:16:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to provide a Gaelic language version of the independence referendum ballot paper.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not plan to provide a Gaelic language version of the ballot paper for the independence referendum.\r\nAs part of the question assessment process, the Electoral Commission tested the proposed question with voters who speak Gaelic as a first language. The Commission found that these participants could understand the question easily and experienced no difficulties in completing the ballot paper. The Commission’s report is published at:\r\nhttp://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/153691/Referendum-on-independence-for-Scotland-our-advice-on-referendum-question.pdf)\r\nVoter information will be available in other languages, including Gaelic, on request. Counting officers may also choose to display a translation of the ballot paper at polling stations if they consider this appropriate. This is standard practice for all elections.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:06:28.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281180,"EventID":"S4W-12830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T14:06:28.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T17:27:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to support care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties into further and higher education.\r\n","AnswerText":"With the support of the Scottish Funding Council, a number of colleges and universities in Scotland have achieved, or are working with Buttle UK to achieve, the Buttle Quality Mark. This accreditation programme recognises the provision of systems of support relevant to care leavers.\r\nWe do not hold information on individual students and their particular support needs. Colleges and universities consider applications on a case-by-case basis and are required under Equalities legislation to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate students with additional support needs.\r\nThe Student Awards Agency for Scotland administers the Disabled Student’s Allowance which provides support to students studying a course of higher education. The Scottish Funding Council also provides additional funding to higher education institutions in the form of the Disabled Students Premium.\r\nIn further education, there are two additional funding streams available to institutions. Dominant Programme Group 18 (DPG 18) includes programmes which are specifically designed to meet the needs of students with learning difficulties arising from one or more specific categories of disability. Extended Learning Support (ELS) students study on courses outwith DPG 18 and this funding recognises that ELS students also have needs which arise from specific disability categories and which require additional expenditure on the part of the college. On an individual level, students can apply to their college for the Additional Support Needs for Learning Allowance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:06:28.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281181,"EventID":"S4W-12831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T14:06:29.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T17:27:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to widen access to further and higher education for care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council support a number of programmes which meet the cost of learning support and other reasonable adjustments required to accommodate students with additional support needs. Working with Buttle UK, the Scottish Funding Council is also supporting institutions to develop systems of support that are relevant to care leavers. \r\nWhere admission is concerned, this is a matter for the relevant university or college and all students are considered for entry alongside their peers. So long as the student is judged to have the potential to successfully complete a course, a university or college is able to make allowances with respect to their background or circumstances.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:06:29.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281182,"EventID":"S4W-12832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T14:06:29.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T17:27:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to support care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties into employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to supporting all young people with additional support needs who want to work, and it is our ambition that with the right support, they are able to find work in mainstream employment, taking account of their specific needs, and in line with their skills.\r\nIn support of this, the Scottish Government has: \r\nMade a specific commitment to all 16 – 19 year olds seeking a place in education or training through Opportunities for All. This is supported by £30 million new investment;\r\nUpdated our Post 16 Transitions Policy and Practice Framework which includes specific guidance on how to support the transitions of young people with additional support needs from school into post-school education and employment; and \r\nProvided £1.5 million over three financial years in support of an Employer Recruitment Incentive for 1000 young people within disadvantaged groups.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:06:29.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281183,"EventID":"S4W-12833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T14:06:30.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T17:27:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties and (e) learning disabilities are in further education.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) produces statistics for further education students in colleges. The latest detailed data on students in further education is for the academic year 2010-11.\r\nData on care leavers is not currently available from the SFC. The Scottish Government is working with the SFC and institutions to ensure this information is captured in future years.\r\nThe following table shows the number of further education enrolments split by disability type. Comparable population estimates are not available for these specific categories.\r\nEnrolments in further education (FE) in Scottish colleges by disability type: 2010-11\r\nDisability Type\r\n\r\nNumber of FE enrolments\r\nBlind/partially sighted\r\n                 1,065 \r\nDeaf/hearing impairment\r\n                 2,050 \r\nWheelchair user/mobility difficulties\r\n                 2,355 \r\nPersonal care support\r\n                   275 \r\nMental health difficulties\r\n                 4,035 \r\nUnseen disability not listed elsewhere e.g. diabetes/epilepsy\r\n                 8,895 \r\nMultiple disabilities\r\n                 4,230 \r\nDyslexia\r\n                 9,895 \r\nA disability not listed above (1)\r\n               10,315 \r\nNot recorded\r\n               34,695 \r\nNo known disability\r\n253,840              \r\nTotal FE enrolments\r\n             331,650 \r\nSource: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and Scottish Funding Council (SFC).\r\nNotes:\r\n(1) For colleges, students with an autistic spectrum disorder are included in the category 'A disability, impairment or medical condition not listed above' as they are not reported on separately.\r\nEnrolment numbers rounded to the nearest five.\r\nSome further education courses have a duration of less than one academic year, therefore students can enrol more than once per year. The number of FE enrolments will be higher than the number of students. Enrolments have been provided in this table to ensure comparability with the HE enrolment numbers provided in the answer to question S4W-12837 on 28 February 2013.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:06:30.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281184,"EventID":"S4W-12834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T14:06:30.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T17:27:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties and (e) learning disabilities are in higher education.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA) produces statistics for higher education students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) produces statistics for higher education students in colleges. The latest detailed data on students in higher education is for the academic year 2010-11.\r\nData on care leavers is not currently available from HESA or the SFC. The Scottish Government is working with HESA, the SFC and institutions to ensure this information is captured in future years.\r\nThe following table shows the number of higher education enrolments split by disability type. Comparable population estimates are not available for these specific categories.\r\nEnrolments in Higher Education (HE) in Scottish HEIs and colleges by disability type: 2010-11\r\nDisability Type\r\n\r\nNumber of HE enrolments\r\nBlind or a serious visual impairment uncorrected by glasses\r\n525 \r\nDeaf or a serious hearing impairment\r\n800 \r\nA physical impairment or mobility issues, such as difficulty using arms or using a wheelchair or crutches\r\n820 \r\nPersonal care support\r\n20 \r\nA mental health condition, such as depression, schizophrenia or anxiety disorder\r\n                 2,225 \r\nA long standing illness or health condition such as cancer, HIV, diabetes, chronic heart disease, or epilepsy\r\n                 3,765 \r\nTwo or more impairments and/or disabling medical conditions\r\n                 2,100 \r\nA social/communication impairment such as Aspergers syndrome/other autistic spectrum disorder (1)\r\n340 \r\nA specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or AD(H)D\r\n                 9,400 \r\nA disability, impairment or medical condition that is not listed above (1)\r\n                 3,145 \r\nNot recorded\r\n                 3,800 \r\nNo known disability\r\n             263,060 \r\nTotal HE enrolments\r\n             290,000 \r\nSource: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and Scottish Funding Council (SFC).\r\nNotes:\r\n(1) For colleges, students with an autistic spectrum disorder are included in the category 'A disability, impairment or medical condition not listed above' as they are not reported on separately.\r\nEnrolment numbers rounded to the nearest five.\r\nThe vast majority of higher education courses have a duration of at least one academic year, therefore students generally enrol once per year. The number of HE enrolments is broadly comparable to the number of HE students.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:06:30.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281185,"EventID":"S4W-12835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T14:06:31.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T17:27:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties and (e) learning disabilities are in employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"No data is held centrally regarding the employment status of all care leavers.\r\nThe Annual Population Survey (APS) provides estimates of employment across Scotland; however the only data available for those specific conditions requested covers those who have any learning difficulties or disabilities. The latest APS data covers the period from October 2011 to September 2012. \r\nIn Scotland it is estimated that there are 9,000 people aged 16 and over with learning difficulties or disabilities who are in employment. Approximately 23.0% of all those aged 16+ with learning difficulties or disabilities are in employment; this is not the same as the employment rate for this group as it is based on those aged 16+ including those beyond retirement age.\r\nThe APS is a population survey and so there is an amount of variability in this estimate.\r\nSource: Annual Population Survey, Office for National Statistics\r\nNotes: \r\n1. Level rounded to nearest thousand, percentage based on unrounded figures.\r\n2. The sub-group of interest here is relatively small therefore this estimate is not as reliable as those for the total population aged 16+.\r\n3. Learning difficulties and disabilities includes conditions such as dyslexia or dyscalculia; mental impairments or mental handicap. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:06:31.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281186,"EventID":"S4W-12836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T14:06:31.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T17:27:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties and (e) learning disabilities are in post-16 education, employment and training.\r\n","AnswerText":"No data is held centrally regarding the employment status of all care leavers.\r\nThe Annual Population Survey (APS) provides estimates of employment across Scotland; however the only data available for those specific conditions requested covers those who have any learning difficulties or disabilities. The latest APS data covers the period from October 2011 to September 2012.\r\nIn Scotland it is estimated that there are 15,000 people aged 16 and over with learning difficulties or disabilities who are in employment, education or training. Approximately 39.6% of all those aged 16+ with learning difficulties or disabilities are in employment, education or training; this is not the same as the employment rate for this group as it is based on those aged 16+ including those beyond retirement age.\r\nThe APS is a population survey and so there is an amount of variability in this estimate.\r\nSource: Annual Population Survey, Office for National Statistics.\r\nNotes: \r\n1. Level rounded to nearest thousand, percentage based on unrounded figures.\r\n2. The sub-group of interest here is relatively small therefore this estimate is not as reliable as those for the total population aged 16+.\r\n3. Learning difficulties and disabilities includes conditions such as dyslexia or dyscalculia; mental impairments or mental handicap.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:06:31.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281187,"EventID":"S4W-12837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T14:06:32.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T17:27:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of higher education students comprises care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties and (e) learning disabilities.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA) produces statistics for higher education students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The Scottish Funding Council produces statistics for higher education students in colleges. The latest detailed data on students in higher education is for the academic year 2010-11.\r\nData on care leavers are not currently available from HESA or the SFC. The Scottish Government is working with HESA, the SFC and institutions to ensure this information is captured in future years.\r\nThe table below shows the number and percentage of higher education enrolments split by disability type.\r\nEnrolments in higher education (HE) in Scottish HEIs and colleges by disability type: 2010-11\r\nDisability Type\r\nNumber of HE enrolments\r\nPercentage of all HE enrolments\r\nBlind or a serious visual impairment uncorrected by glasses\r\n                   525 \r\n0.2%\r\nDeaf or a serious hearing impairment\r\n                   800 \r\n0.3%\r\nA physical impairment or mobility issues, such as difficulty using arms or using a wheelchair or crutches\r\n                   820 \r\n0.3%\r\nPersonal care support\r\n                     20 \r\n0.0%\r\nA mental health condition, such as depression, schizophrenia or anxiety disorder\r\n                 2,225 \r\n0.8%\r\nA long standing illness or health condition such as cancer, HIV, diabetes, chronic heart disease, or epilepsy\r\n                 3,765 \r\n1.3%\r\nTwo or more impairments and/or disabling medical conditions\r\n                 2,100 \r\n0.7%\r\nA social/communication impairment such as Aspergers syndrome/other autistic spectrum disorder (1)\r\n                   340 \r\n0.1%\r\nA specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or AD(H)D\r\n                 9,400 \r\n3.2%\r\nA disability, impairment or medical condition that is not listed above (1)\r\n                 3,145 \r\n1.1%\r\nNot recorded\r\n                 3,800 \r\n1.3%\r\nNo known disability\r\n             263,060 \r\n90.7%\r\nTotal HE enrolments\r\n             290,000 \r\n100.0%\r\nSource: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and Scottish Funding Council (SFC).\r\nNotes:\r\n1 For colleges, students with an autistic spectrum disorder are included in the category 'A disability, impairment or medical condition not listed above' as they are not reported on separately.\r\nEnrolment numbers rounded to the nearest 5.\r\nThe vast majority of higher education courses have a duration of at least one academic year, therefore students generally enrol once per year. The number of HE enrolments is broadly comparable to the number of HE students.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:06:32.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281188,"EventID":"S4W-12838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T14:06:32.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T17:27:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of further education students comprises care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties and (e) learning disabilities.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Funding Council produces statistics for further education students in colleges. The latest detailed data on students in further education is for the academic year 2010-11.\r\nData on care leavers are not currently available from the SFC. The Scottish Government is working with the SFC and institutions to ensure this information is captured in future years.\r\nThe following table shows the number and percentage of further education enrolments split by disability type.\r\nEnrolments in further education (FE) in Scottish colleges by disability type: 2010-11\r\nDisability Type\r\nNumber of FE enrolments\r\nPercentage of all FE enrolments\r\nBlind/partially sighted\r\n                 1,065 \r\n0.3%\r\nDeaf/hearing impairment\r\n                 2,050 \r\n0.6%\r\nWheelchair user/mobility difficulties\r\n                 2,355 \r\n0.7%\r\nPersonal care support\r\n                   275 \r\n0.1%\r\nMental health difficulties\r\n                 4,035 \r\n1.2%\r\nUnseen disability not listed elsewhere e.g. diabetes/epilepsy\r\n                 8,895 \r\n2.7%\r\nMultiple disabilities\r\n                 4,230 \r\n1.3%\r\nDyslexia\r\n                 9,895 \r\n3.0%\r\nA disability not listed above (1)\r\n               10,315 \r\n3.1%\r\nNot recorded\r\n               34,695 \r\n10.5%\r\nNo known disability\r\n             253,840 \r\n76.5%\r\nTotal FE enrolments\r\n             331,650 \r\n100.0%\r\nSource: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and Scottish Funding Council (SFC).\r\nNotes:\r\n1. For colleges, students with an autistic spectrum disorder are included in the category 'A disability, impairment or medical condition not listed above' as they are not reported on separately.\r\nEnrolment numbers rounded to the nearest 5.\r\nSome further education courses have a duration of less than one academic year, therefore students can enrol more than once per year. The number of FE enrolments will be higher than the number of students. Enrolments have been provided in this table to ensure comparability with the HE enrolment numbers provided in the answer to question S4W-12837 on 28 February 2013.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:06:32.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281189,"EventID":"S4W-12839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T14:06:32.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T17:27:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of people in employment comprises care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties and (e) learning disabilities.\r\n","AnswerText":"No data is held centrally regarding the employment status of all care leavers.\r\nThe Annual Population Survey (APS) provides estimates of employment across Scotland; however the only data available for those specific conditions requested covers those who have any learning difficulties or disabilities. The latest APS data covers the period from October 2011 to September 2012.\r\nIn Scotland it is estimated that there are 9,000 people aged 16 and over with learning difficulties or disabilities who are in employment. It is estimated that they account for approximately 0.3% of all those aged 16+ in employment.\r\nThe APS is a population survey and so there is an amount of variability in this estimate.\r\nSource: Annual Population Survey, Office for National Statistics\r\nNotes: \r\n1. Level rounded to nearest thousand, percentage based on unrounded figures.\r\n2. The sub-group of interest here is relatively small therefore this estimate is not as reliable as those for the total population aged 16+.\r\n3. Learning difficulties and disabilities includes conditions such as dyslexia or dyscalculia; mental impairments or mental handicap. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:06:32.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281190,"EventID":"S4W-12840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T14:06:33.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T17:27:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of people in post-16 education, employment and training comprises care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties and (e) learning disabilities.\r\n","AnswerText":"No data is held centrally regarding the employment status of all care leavers.\r\nThe Annual Population Survey (APS) provides estimates of employment across Scotland; however the only data available for those specific conditions requested covers those who have any learning difficulties or disabilities. The latest APS data covers the period from October 2011 to September 2012.\r\nIn Scotland it is estimated that there are 15,000 people aged 16 and over with learning difficulties or disabilities who are in employment, education or training. It is estimated that they account for approximately 0.6% of all those aged 16+ in employment, education or training.\r\nThe APS is a population survey and so there is an amount of variability in this estimate.\r\nSource: Annual Population Survey, Office for National Statistics.\r\nNotes: \r\n1. Level rounded to nearest thousand, percentage based on unrounded figures.\r\n2. The sub-group of interest here is relatively small therefore this estimate is not as reliable as those for the total population aged 16+.\r\n3. Learning difficulties and disabilities includes conditions such as dyslexia or dyscalculia; mental impairments or mental handicap. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:06:33.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281191,"EventID":"S4W-12841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T14:06:33.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T10:11:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether organisations that are members of Advice UK will be able to bid for the £1.7 million fund to provide direct support for advice services.","AnswerText":"The £1.7 million fund to provide direct support for advice services is part of an overall funding package of £5.4 million announced on 21 January 2013 by the Scottish Government.\r\nA range of organisations in Scotland, including those that are members of Advice UK, will be able to bid for this funding once detailed arrangements have been finalised.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:06:33.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281192,"EventID":"S4W-12843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T14:06:34.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T17:27:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of people undertaking modern apprenticeships are care leavers or have (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties and (e) learning disabilities.\r\n","AnswerText":"Monitoring levels of apprentices with a disability relies on self declaration by individuals to employers or training providers, either when applying for apprenticeship opportunities, or when they start training.\r\nSkills Development Scotland advise that 0.4% of apprentices in training as at 28-12-2012 declared a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010. This figure of course does not include those apprentices who chose not to declare a disability.\r\nSkills Development Scotland do not routinely collect information on whether apprentices have been in care. However, an Employer Recruitment Incentive which is available to support disadvantaged young people, including care leavers, was introduced at the start of 2012-13 and the total numbers of individuals supported will be available at the end of the financial year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:06:34.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281193,"EventID":"S4W-12844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T14:06:34.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T17:27:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties and (e) learning disabilities are undertaking modern apprenticeships.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not collect this information.\r\nSkills Development Scotland do not routinely collect information on whether apprentices have been in care. However, the Employer Recruitment Incentive which is available to support disadvantaged young people, including care leavers, was introduced at the start of 2012-13. The total numbers of individuals supported will be available at the end of the financial year.\r\nMonitoring levels of apprentices with a disability, as defined by the Equality Act 2010, relies on self declaration by individuals to employers or training providers, either when applying for apprenticeship opportunities, or when they start training.\r\nSkills Development Scotland advise that 0.4% of apprentices in training as at 31-12-2012 declared a disability. This figure of course does not include those apprentices who chose not to declare a disability.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:06:34.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281194,"EventID":"S4W-12846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T14:06:35.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T12:19:40.13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether bidders for the Gourock-Dunoon ferry service were allowed to put forward proposals that would have required third parties to put new facilities in place before the service could commence.\r\n","AnswerText":"During the tendering process, bidders were obligated to contact the respective harbour authorities in respect of berthing arrangements at Gourock and Dunoon. This was to enable the bidders to negotiate and agree access and technical arrangements, including any alterations or adaptions that might be necessary in respect of the harbour authority’s facilities. Bidders were able to put forward proposals. However there was no obligation for third parties to put in place new facilities before the service commenced.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:06:35.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281195,"EventID":"S4W-12847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T14:06:35.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T12:25:29.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12267 by Keith Brown on 24 January 2013, whether it will confirm that owners and operators of vessels are responsible for decisions to sail a certified vessel under particular weather circumstances.","AnswerText":"The Master of a vessel has the legal responsibility for, and takes the decision on, whether it is safe to sail or not, as governed by The Merchant Shipping (Master’s Discretion) Regulations 1997.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:06:35.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281196,"EventID":"S4T-00236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T12:42:36.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T09:37:53.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making in delivering infrastructure projects.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T12:42:36.223","MeetingDate":"2013-02-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281197,"EventID":"S4T-00237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T12:42:36.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T10:24:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had regarding the location of the headquarters of the Police Service of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T12:42:36.94","MeetingDate":"2013-02-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281198,"EventID":"S4F-01166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T12:42:03.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-31T13:52:05.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T12:42:04.1","MeetingDate":"2013-02-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281199,"EventID":"S4F-01167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T12:42:04.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-01-31T14:48:25.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T12:42:04.397","MeetingDate":"2013-02-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281200,"EventID":"S4F-01168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T12:42:04.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T09:56:53.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T12:42:04.66","MeetingDate":"2013-02-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281201,"EventID":"S4F-01177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T12:42:07.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T11:29:16.957","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the impact will be on Scotland's fishing fleet of Iceland's proposed 15% reduction in its mackerel quota.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T12:42:07.033","MeetingDate":"2013-02-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281202,"EventID":"S4F-01178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T12:42:07.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T11:30:18.517","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister who will administer any fund established from the proceeds of a victims’ surcharge on offenders.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T12:42:07.343","MeetingDate":"2013-02-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281203,"EventID":"S4F-01180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-04T12:42:07.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T11:45:02.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress the Scottish Government has made on tackling hospital acquired infections.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T12:42:07.953","MeetingDate":"2013-02-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281225,"EventID":"S4W-12798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:35.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T12:55:14.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its priorities are for reducing health problems caused by alcohol misuse.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s priorities for reducing health problems caused by alcohol misuse are set out in Changing Scotland's Relationship with Alcohol: A Framework for Action which is available on the following link\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/03/04144703/0.\r\nThis Framework details a broad approach which focuses on education, diversionary activity, support for families and communities, and preventive public health measures such as alcohol brief interventions. There are 41 measures in the Framework, including legislative measures such as minimum unit pricing. We believe this wider package will help to create the cultural shift required to change our relationship with alcohol.\r\nIn February 2012 we published a progress report on our Framework for Action. This outlines the progress that we have made against each of these measures and outlines some of our future programmes of work and the next steps that we are taking in our fight against alcohol misuse in Scotland. This is available at \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0038/00388540.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:36.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281226,"EventID":"S4W-12799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:36.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T12:55:14.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it monitors the effectiveness of the priorities set out in Changing Scotland's Relationship with Alcohol.\r\n","AnswerText":"The key components of the Scottish Government’s alcohol strategy are the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, Changing Scotland’s Relationship with Alcohol: A Framework for Action, the Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Act 2010 and the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act 2012. These are being monitored and evaluated through a programme of work, Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy (MESAS), which is being led by NHS Health Scotland in collaboration with NHS National Services Scotland Information Services Division.\r\nThe programme is delivered through a portfolio of commissioned and in-house evaluation studies. The in-house project team responsible for delivery consists of public health research specialists with expertise in evaluation, epidemiology, health economics, statistical analysis and critical appraisal and synthesis of evidence.  Additional expertise is utilised as required, including external advisers where appropriate. \r\nNHS Health Scotland is committed to providing ministers and publishing annual reports that set out key findings from the MESAS programme, including monitoring trends in consumption and alcohol-related harm. More information on MESAS can be found in the published reports:\r\nThe baseline report (first report) was published in March 2011, Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy. Setting the Scene: Theory of change and baseline picture, and can be found on the following link: http://www.healthscotland.com/documents/5072.aspx;\r\nThe second annual report, Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy 2nd Annual Report, was published in December 2012. This presents the findings of the current studies to date and can be found on the following link: http://www.healthscotland.com/documents/6182.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:36.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281227,"EventID":"S4W-12800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:37.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T12:55:14.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that NHS boards promote the take-up of Keep Well checks.\r\n","AnswerText":"Keep Well is an anticipatory care programme that contributes to tackling health inequalities by targeting cardiovascular disease and its risk factors in the most deprived areas of Scotland.\r\nNHS Health Scotland manages the mainstreaming of the Keep Well programme through a co-ordinated framework of activity which helps to ensure that territorial NHS boards remain committed to Keep Well and the sharing of best practice. It has also helped implement guidance for engaging with the Keep Well core target population based on learning from earlier implementation of Keep Well. NHS boards are required to produce an annual report on their Keep Well activity.\r\nOver 180,000 Keep Well health checks have been delivered across Scotland so far (between March 2009 and end June 2012).\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to reducing the gap in health inequalities between deprived and affluent areas, and has committed provides funding of £11.3 million per annum over 2012-2015 for the delivery and implementation of Keep Well.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:37.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281228,"EventID":"S4W-12801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:37.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T12:55:14.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people, following a Keep Well check, have been found to have an alcohol intake above the recommended level, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not collect data on the alcohol intake of people following a Keep Well check.\r\nIt is up to individual boards to decide what data to collect locally, which helps them in planning their local service needs.\r\nAs part of the Keep Well health check, individuals are assessed for their alcohol consumption and where appropriate individuals are referred to alcohol services for further support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:37.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281229,"EventID":"S4W-12802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:38.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T12:55:14.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government where people who have an alcohol intake above the recommended level are referred to for assessment and treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"Decisions on the assessment and appropriate treatment for individuals are taken by practitioners, who take account of the needs and circumstances of each client. Their aim is to ensure that the treatment package will provide the most effective support for that individual. A comprehensive assessment is a key part of this treatment package and should be undertaken with each client to determine their individual needs and goals.\r\nA range of support services for people affected by problem alcohol use are available across Scotland. These services help individuals to recover from the harms caused by alcohol.\r\nThe provision of prevention activity, recovery focussed treatment and support services are for each local area to consider, taking account of local needs, circumstances and resources. Responsibility is devolved to Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) to commission (informed by robust needs assessment) evidence-based, person-centred and recovery-focused prevention and treatment services to meet the needs of their resident populations.\r\nAlcohol Focus Scotland provides a search facility to identify support services throughout Scotland on their website. This is available at: http://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/getting_help/\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:38.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281230,"EventID":"S4W-12803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:38.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T12:55:14.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have received an Alcohol Brief Intervention in each year since 2010-11, broken down by NHS board, and how these interventions and their outcomes are monitored and reported.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of people that have received Alcohol Brief Interventions (ABIs) in 2010-11 and 2011-12, information for 2012-13 will be published in June 2013.\r\n\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nTotal Number of Interventions\r\nScotland \r\n88,143\r\n97,830\r\n185,973\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran \r\n7,591\r\n7,501\r\n15,092\r\nNHS Borders \r\n2,862\r\n2,727\r\n5,589\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway \r\n4,349\r\n2,337\r\n6,686\r\nNHS Fife \r\n4,773\r\n7,430\r\n12,203\r\nNHS Forth Valley \r\n4,094\r\n8,789\r\n12,883\r\nNHS Grampian \r\n11,229\r\n8,682\r\n19,911\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde \r\n15,465\r\n18,571\r\n34,036\r\nNHS Highland \r\n4,497\r\n5,658\r\n10,155\r\nNHS Lanarkshire \r\n7,813\r\n9,034\r\n16,847\r\nNHS Lothian \r\n14,930\r\n17,093\r\n32,023\r\nNHS Orkney \r\n155\r\n308\r\n463\r\nNHS Shetland \r\n287\r\n361\r\n648\r\nNHS Tayside \r\n9,563\r\n8,733\r\n18,296\r\nNHS Western Isles \r\n535\r\n606\r\n1,141\r\nABIs are an evidence-based and cost effective preventative intervention, potentially reducing the requirement for more costly alcohol related treatments later on. \r\nInformation on ABI’S is published on Information services Division website, which is available at: \r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Drugs-and-Alcohol-Misuse/Publications/2012-06-26/2012-06-26-ABI-Report.pdf\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:38.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281231,"EventID":"S4W-12804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:39.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T12:55:14.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it cost the NHS to deal with the impact of alcohol abuse in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Societal Cost of Alcohol Misuse in Scotland for 2007, which was published in January 2010, can be found on the Scottish Government’s website via the following link http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/12/29122804/0. This is the most recent publication on estimating the annual cost of alcohol misuse in Scotland and uses a cost of illness approach. The study includes estimates of the relevant direct, indirect and intangible costs associated with alcohol misuse, and covers the following categories: health care, social care, crime, productive capacity of the Scottish economy, wider social costs.\r\nThe total cost to the health service in Scotland for 2007 is estimated to be in the range of £143.6 million to £392.8 million annually with a midpoint estimate of £267.8 million.\r\nSection 5 in the study provides further detail on the costs to healthcare services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:39.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281232,"EventID":"S4W-12805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:39.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T12:55:14.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it cost the police to deal with the impact of alcohol abuse in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Societal Cost of Alcohol Misuse in Scotland for 2007, which was published in January 2010, can be found on the Scottish Government’s website via the following link http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/12/29122804/0. This is the most recent publication estimating the annual cost of alcohol misuse in Scotland and uses a cost of illness approach. The study includes estimates of the relevant direct, indirect and intangible costs associated with alcohol misuse, and covers the following categories: health care, social care, crime, productive capacity of the Scottish economy, wider social costs.\r\nThe total cost of crime in Scotland for 2007 is estimated to be in the range of £114.2 million to £346.8 million annually with a midpoint estimate of £230.5 million.\r\nSection 7 in the study provides further detail on the costs of crime.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:39.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281233,"EventID":"S4W-12806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:40.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T12:55:14.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it (a) evaluates and (b) reviews changes in health problems from alcohol misuse.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12799 on 04 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:40.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281234,"EventID":"S4W-12807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:40.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T12:55:14.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it cost the country to deal with the impact of alcohol abuse in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Societal Cost of Alcohol Misuse in Scotland for 2007, which was published in January 2010, can be found on the Scottish Government’s website via the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/12/29122804/0. This is the most recent publication on estimating the annual cost of alcohol misuse in Scotland and uses a cost of illness approach.\r\nThe study includes estimates of the relevant direct, indirect and intangible costs associated with alcohol misuse, and covers the following categories: health care, social care, crime, productive capacity of the Scottish economy, wider social costs.\r\nThe total societal cost of alcohol misuse in Scotland for 2007 is estimated to be in the range of £2,476.6 million to £4,635.4 million annually with a midpoint estimate of £3,555.7 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:40.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281235,"EventID":"S4W-12809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:41.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T13:08:22.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has achieved improved outcomes in reducing health harm caused by alcohol misuse and, if so, from what baseline the improvement is measured.\r\n","AnswerText":"Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy (MESAS) is a programme of work to evaluate the key components of the Scottish Government alcohol strategy. It is led by NHS Health Scotland in collaboration with NHS National Services Scotland Information Services Division. The programme is delivered through a portfolio of commissioned and in-house evaluation studies which has the overall aim of assessing the extent to which the strategy contributed to reducing alcohol-related harms in Scotland.\r\nAs set out in Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy 2nd Annual Report:http://www.healthscotland.com/documents/6182.aspx, which was published in December 2012, Scotland has seen recent improvements in levels of alcohol-related harm. However, as the report makes clear, alcohol-related harm must be viewed in a historical perspective and it is clear that harm remains at unacceptably high levels: alcohol-related deaths double and hospital discharges quadruple the levels of the early 1980s.\r\nScotland’s alcohol strategy continues to evolve and be implemented so it is not appropriate to set a single baseline year. The NHS Health Scotland MESAS first (baseline) and second annual reports make clear that a long term perspective on the overall impact of the strategy is needed, and that premature assessments of trends in consumption and harm based on a few years of data should be avoided.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:41.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281236,"EventID":"S4W-12810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:41.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T13:08:22.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what success rates alcohol and drug action teams have had in reducing alcohol intake and improving health outcomes in the last two years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"While the Scottish Government provides funding for Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) via their respective health boards, the government does not performance manage them as ADPs are accountable to local Community Planning Partnerships.\r\nOn 20 April 2009 we launched a new joint Framework, signed jointly by Scottish Government, the NHS and Convention Of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), for delivering action on alcohol and drugs at local level. 30 Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) were created as a result of the framework and are anchored in Community Planning Partnerships. This document is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/03/04144703/0.\r\nScottish Government, COSLA and NHS Scotland issued ADP Planning and Reporting Guidance for 2012-15 to local areas on 5 April 2012. It identifies seven core outcomes which ADPs are expected to deliver on and are augmented by a set of core indicators, which are available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/Services/Alcohol/treatment/Partnership-Outcomes. \r\nThis Guidance aims to support the embedding of outcomes based planning and reporting at local level, helping ADPs to self-assess their performance (including benchmarking against other ADPs) and to articulate their contribution to their local Single Outcome Agreement, as well as contributing to a national picture of our overall progress in supporting alcohol and drug prevention, support and treatment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:41.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281237,"EventID":"S4W-12811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:42.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T13:08:22.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the uptake of the direct enhanced service for alcohol screening and brief interventions has been in the last two years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"There is not a Direct Enhanced Service (DES) for alcohol screening and brief interventions in Scotland. Alcohol Screening and Brief Interventions across Scotland are delivered across a range of settings.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12803 on 4 March 2013, which contains details of all the Alcohol Brief Interventions carried out between 2010 and 2012 by NHS board.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:42.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281238,"EventID":"S4W-12812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:43.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T13:08:22.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessments have been made of the provision of services for families affected by alcohol misuse since 2007.","AnswerText":"Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) are strategic partnerships, established in 2009 and are responsible for: developing local strategies for tackling problem alcohol and drug use and promoting recovery.\r\nADPs are responsible to undertake routine and on-going needs assessment of their local communities which should then inform decision-making for the provision of appropriate services for their area. This assessment of need should take into account the impact problem alcohol and drug use has on families and the need for related services to provide appropriate support.\r\nThere are a number of voluntary organisations and mutual aid groups such Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) across Scotland that support individuals in their recovery and also helps to catalyse the growth of recovery communities that support families and individuals to overcome the problems associated with problem alcohol use.\r\nAlcohol Focus Scotland provides a search facility to identify support services throughout Scotland on their website. This is available at: http://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/getting_help/ \r\nThe Scottish Government has provided funding to the Partnership Drugs Initiative (PDI) since 2001.\r\nThe PDI funds voluntary organisations delivering different projects across all 30 Alcohol and Drug Partnership areas working with families, vulnerable children and young people affected by substance misuse.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:43.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281239,"EventID":"S4W-12813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:43.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T13:08:22.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many child protection cases there have been as a result of parental alcohol misuse in the last two years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Child protection statistics gathered for 2011-12 will include, for the first time, information on children affected by parental substance misuse. These figures will be published on the Scottish Government website in the spring.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:43.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281240,"EventID":"S4W-12814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:44.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T13:08:22.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent (a) meetings or (b) communications it has had with representatives of alcohol treatment providers regarding the impact of alcohol dependence on health and wellbeing.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government Ministers and officials regularly engage with alcohol treatment providers via Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs). When engaging with ADPs, Scottish Government Ministers and officials cover a range of topics given the broad remit and function of ADPs.\r\nADPs are strategic partnerships, established in 2009 and are responsible for: developing local strategies for tackling problem alcohol and drug use and promoting recovery, based on an assessment of local needs; and, putting in place an evidence based process for agreeing how funds should be deployed with a clear focus on the outcomes that the investment will deliver. ADPs are embedded within Community Planning Partnership structures and contribute to the delivery of local Single Outcome Agreements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:44.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281241,"EventID":"S4W-12815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:44.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T13:08:22.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people are being treated for alcohol dependency.\r\n","AnswerText":"The national Drug and Alcohol Treatment Waiting Times Database (DATWTD) gathers access information from specialist drug and alcohol treatment services to measure performance against the HEAT A11 Drug and Alcohol Treatment Waiting Times Target. The DATWTD is managed by NHS National Services Scotland Information Services Division (ISD) and related data is published on a quarterly basis. Latest figures, published in December 2012, indicate that (for July – September 2012) 7,208 entries were recorded on the database for people starting alcohol treatment during the quarter. These figures can be viewed at: http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/wtpilot/reports.htm. \r\nThis data provides an indication of numbers of people being treated for alcohol dependency as the purpose of the DATWTD is to gather information on access to treatment interventions as opposed to numbers of individuals in treatment. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:44.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281242,"EventID":"S4W-12816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:45.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-01T13:08:22.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people are alcohol dependent.","AnswerText":"Figures for the number of people dependent on alcohol in Scotland are not available. The Scottish Health Survey 2012 included, for the first time, the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). AUDIT is a validated screening tool specifically designed to identify those with alcohol dependence. Findings from the 2012 survey will be published in September 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:45.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281243,"EventID":"S4W-12848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:45.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T13:34:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cases of lipoedema have been recorded in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:45.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281244,"EventID":"S4W-12849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:46.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T13:34:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what treatment is available on the NHS for (a) cancer and (b) non-cancer patients with  lipoedema.","AnswerText":"Patients may be referred to lymphoedema services as some of the treatment options for lymphoedema may be of benefit to people with lipoedema. In some cases, clinicians may consider referring patients for consideration of tumescent liposuction which would be determined following appropriate specialist assessment. Clinicians are best placed to determine the appropriate treatment for their individual patients.\r\nLipoedema, unlike lymphoedema, has no post-cancer treatment correlation, therefore this would not have any bearing on the referral or treatment process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:46.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281245,"EventID":"S4W-12850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:47.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T13:34:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research there is into the (a) prevalence and (b) treatment of lipoedema.","AnswerText":"We are unaware of any on-going or completed research studies examining the prevalence or treatment of lipoedema in Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government funds medical research through the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) which has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health and healthcare needs in Scotland. CSO would welcome research project proposals which seek to investigate the prevalence and treatment of the lipoedema. These would be subject to CSO’s standard peer and committee review processes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:47.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281246,"EventID":"S4W-12851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:47.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T13:59:18.803","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the population is of each NHS board area, broken down by (a) age and (b) gender, also expressed as a percentage.","AnswerText":"Estimates of the population, numbers and percentages, usually resident in each NHS board area as at 30 June 2011 are shown in the following tables.\r\nTable A\r\n \r\n \r\nNumbers\r\nNHS Board Areas\r\n \r\n       0-15\r\n     16-64\r\n     65+\r\n   Total\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\nMale\r\n    32,225 \r\n    112,856 \r\n    30,833 \r\n   175,914 \r\n \r\nFemale\r\n    30,816 \r\n    119,642 \r\n    40,518 \r\n   190,976 \r\n\r\nTotal\r\n    63,041 \r\n    232,498 \r\n    71,351 \r\n   366,890 \r\nBorders\r\nMale\r\n    10,071 \r\n      34,389 \r\n    10,465 \r\n     54,925 \r\n \r\nFemale\r\n     9,692 \r\n      35,721 \r\n    12,812 \r\n     58,225 \r\n\r\nTotal\r\n    19,763 \r\n      70,110 \r\n    23,277 \r\n   113,150 \r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\nMale\r\n    12,421 \r\n      44,218 \r\n    15,024 \r\n     71,663 \r\n\r\nFemale\r\n    11,873 \r\n      46,098 \r\n    18,426 \r\n     76,397 \r\n\r\nTotal\r\n    24,294 \r\n      90,316 \r\n    33,450 \r\n   148,060 \r\nFife\r\nMale\r\n    33,311 \r\n    115,567 \r\n    28,431 \r\n   177,309 \r\n \r\nFemale\r\n    31,677 \r\n    121,157 \r\n    37,149 \r\n   189,983 \r\n\r\nTotal\r\n    64,988 \r\n    236,724 \r\n    65,580 \r\n   367,292 \r\nForth Valley\r\nMale\r\n    27,571 \r\n      93,803 \r\n    21,504 \r\n   142,878 \r\n \r\nFemale\r\n    26,322 \r\n      98,376 \r\n    27,965 \r\n   152,663 \r\n\r\nTotal\r\n    53,893 \r\n    192,179 \r\n    49,469 \r\n   295,541 \r\nGrampian\r\nMale\r\n    49,936 \r\n    185,981 \r\n    40,060 \r\n   275,977 \r\n \r\nFemale\r\n    46,780 \r\n    182,274 \r\n    50,249 \r\n   279,303 \r\n\r\nTotal\r\n    96,716 \r\n    368,255 \r\n    90,309 \r\n   555,280 \r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\nMale\r\n  106,594 \r\n    400,159 \r\n    76,317 \r\n   583,070 \r\n \r\nFemale\r\n  102,057 \r\n    414,094 \r\n  111,033 \r\n   627,184 \r\n\r\nTotal\r\n  208,651 \r\n    814,253 \r\n  187,350 \r\n 1,210,254 \r\nHighland\r\nMale\r\n    27,325 \r\n      98,655 \r\n    27,776 \r\n   153,756 \r\n \r\nFemale\r\n    25,745 \r\n      97,989 \r\n    34,470 \r\n   158,204 \r\n\r\nTotal\r\n    53,070 \r\n    196,644 \r\n    62,246 \r\n   311,960 \r\nLanarkshire\r\nMale\r\n    53,695 \r\n    178,716 \r\n    38,672 \r\n   271,083 \r\n \r\nFemale\r\n    51,705 \r\n    187,516 \r\n    52,881 \r\n   292,102 \r\n\r\nTotal\r\n  105,400 \r\n    366,232 \r\n    91,553 \r\n   563,185 \r\nLothian\r\nMale\r\n    73,017 \r\n    284,027 \r\n    53,696 \r\n   410,740 \r\n \r\nFemale\r\n    69,967 \r\n    295,710 \r\n    72,310 \r\n   437,987 \r\n\r\nTotal\r\n  142,984 \r\n    579,737 \r\n  126,006 \r\n   848,727 \r\nOrkney\r\nMale\r\n     1,750 \r\n        6,371 \r\n     1,845 \r\n       9,966 \r\n \r\nFemale\r\n     1,629 \r\n        6,357 \r\n     2,208 \r\n     10,194 \r\n\r\nTotal\r\n     3,379 \r\n      12,728 \r\n     4,053 \r\n     20,160 \r\nShetland\r\nMale\r\n     2,188 \r\n        7,447 \r\n     1,770 \r\n     11,405 \r\n \r\nFemale\r\n     2,058 \r\n        6,952 \r\n     2,085 \r\n     11,095 \r\n\r\nTotal\r\n     4,246 \r\n      14,399 \r\n     3,855 \r\n     22,500 \r\nTayside\r\nMale\r\n    34,996 \r\n    127,534 \r\n    34,166 \r\n   196,696 \r\n \r\nFemale\r\n    33,537 \r\n    131,497 \r\n    43,991 \r\n   209,025 \r\n\r\nTotal\r\n    68,533 \r\n    259,031 \r\n    78,157 \r\n   405,721 \r\nWestern Isles\r\nMale\r\n     2,226 \r\n        8,155 \r\n     2,437 \r\n     12,818 \r\n \r\nFemale\r\n     2,133 \r\n        7,835 \r\n     3,294 \r\n     13,262 \r\n\r\nTotal\r\n     4,359 \r\n      15,990 \r\n     5,731 \r\n     26,080 \r\nTotal\r\nMale\r\n  467,326 \r\n  1,697,878 \r\n  382,996 \r\n 2,548,200 \r\n\r\nFemale\r\n  445,991 \r\n  1,751,218 \r\n  509,391 \r\n 2,706,600 \r\n \r\nTotal\r\n  913,317 \r\n  3,449,096 \r\n  892,387 \r\n 5,254,800 \r\n\r\nTable B\r\n \r\n \r\nPercentages\r\nNHS Board Areas\r\n \r\n0-15\r\n16-64\r\n65+\r\nTotal\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\nMale\r\n18\r\n64\r\n18\r\n48\r\n \r\nFemale\r\n16\r\n63\r\n21\r\n52\r\n\r\nTotal\r\n17\r\n63\r\n19\r\n100\r\nBorders\r\nMale\r\n18\r\n63\r\n19\r\n49\r\n \r\nFemale\r\n17\r\n61\r\n22\r\n51\r\n\r\nTotal\r\n17\r\n62\r\n21\r\n100\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\nMale\r\n17\r\n62\r\n21\r\n48\r\n\r\nFemale\r\n16\r\n60\r\n24\r\n52\r\n\r\nTotal\r\n16\r\n61\r\n23\r\n100\r\nFife\r\nMale\r\n19\r\n65\r\n16\r\n48\r\n \r\nFemale\r\n17\r\n64\r\n20\r\n52\r\n\r\nTotal\r\n18\r\n64\r\n18\r\n100\r\nForth Valley\r\nMale\r\n19\r\n66\r\n15\r\n48\r\n \r\nFemale\r\n17\r\n64\r\n18\r\n52\r\n\r\nTotal\r\n18\r\n65\r\n17\r\n100\r\nGrampian\r\nMale\r\n18\r\n67\r\n15\r\n50\r\n \r\nFemale\r\n17\r\n65\r\n18\r\n50\r\n\r\nTotal\r\n17\r\n66\r\n16\r\n100\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\nMale\r\n18\r\n69\r\n13\r\n48\r\n \r\nFemale\r\n16\r\n66\r\n18\r\n52\r\n\r\nTotal\r\n17\r\n67\r\n15\r\n100\r\nHighland\r\nMale\r\n18\r\n64\r\n18\r\n49\r\n \r\nFemale\r\n16\r\n62\r\n22\r\n51\r\n\r\nTota","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:47.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281247,"EventID":"S4W-12852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:47.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T15:14:21.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether (a) the dualling works on the A9, (b) A96 improvement works, (c) Edinburgh and Glasgow to Aberdeen rail improvement works and (d) Edinburgh and Glasgow to Inverness rail improvement works have been accelerated in the Infrastructure Investment Plan 2011: Updated Programme Pipeline (January 2013) compared with the Infrastructure Investment Plan 2011 as a result of the £394 million in additional capital resources allocated in the 2012 Autumn Statement.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government wrote to the Chancellor ahead of the Autumn Statement on 5 December calling on the UK Government to provide an immediate targeted boost to capital investment to protect the recovery in the short term and provide the infrastructure necessary to facilitate long term economic growth.\r\nThe Scottish Government therefore welcomed that the Chancellor finally heeded Scotland’s calls to boost capital spending, and that an additional £394 million in capital funding has been allocated over the three years, we note however that this was accompanied by reductions in our resource budget, and the capital budget is still being cut by 26 per cent in real terms over the period of the UK Spending Review.\r\nThe Scottish Government announced on 19 December 2012 that a £205 million package of construction and maintenance projects will be taken forward, allocating the additional capital consequentials for 2012-13 and 2013-14 arising from the Autumn Statement 2012. This package focused on smaller, “Shovel Ready” projects that could start work by the end of 2013-14, in order to boost jobs and economic activity. The Infrastructure Investment Plan pipeline includes larger projects, with a capital value over £20 million to be delivered over the period through to 2030. These larger projects require significant planning and preparation, and were unlikely to be able to be accelerated sufficiently to deliver by the end of 2013-14. Further information on the shovel ready projects that are being taken forward can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/12/jobs192012. A total of £21.2 million was allocated to transport projects over the period 2012-13 – 2014-15.\r\nWe also announced that we would not at this stage allocate the additional funds available for 2014-15. The Chancellor is planning a UK Spending Review in the first half of 2013, and this may impact on the overall budget available to the Scottish Government in 2014-15. We wish to reflect on the outcome of the UK Spending Review before allocating the additional capital consequentials for that year, and will make further announcements in due course.\r\nThe table below gives additional information about the progress being made with the projects specifically highlighted.\r\nDualling works on the A9\r\n\r\nThe Scottish Government announced a commitment to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness by 2025 as part of the IIP announcement in December 2011. There are 80 miles of single carriageway to be dualled\r\n\r\nWork is now well underway and progressing on strategic engineering and environmental assessments. Ministers have announced two schemes that will be brought forward for earlier completion - A9 Kincraig to Dalraddy will start construction in 2015-16 and A9 Luncarty to Birnam will start construction in 2017. A series of corridor wide exhibitions were held in December 2012 to inform the public of the Scottish Government’s plans for dualling and the process and challenges involved.\r\n\r\nA96 improvement works\r\n\r\nThe Scottish Government has made a commitment to complete the dualling of the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen by 2030.\r\n\r\nThe A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen is nearly 100 miles long and consists mostly of single carriageway and climbing lanes in places. Dualling the remaining 84 miles of this important road between Scotland's two northern most cities is a significant undertaking which will require careful, in-depth planning and design to ensure that we deliver the right scheme to help tackle congestion and provide better journey time reliability and road safety for motorists.\r\n\r\nTransport Scotland has undertaken a series of workshops with key agencies to discuss how the dualling work might be phased and share experience of the route and the benefits dualling will bring. This work will culminate in a strategy for dualling the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen with the objective completing the full dualling by 2030.\r\n\r\nA96 Inshes to Nairn\r\n\r\nFollowing the Scottish ","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:47.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281248,"EventID":"S4W-12856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:48.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T15:14:21.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which projects have been accelerated in the Infrastructure Investment Plan 2011: Updated Programme Pipeline (January 2013) compared with the Infrastructure Investment Plan 2011 as a result of the £394 million in additional capital resources allocated in the 2012 Autumn Statement.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12852 on 4 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:48.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281249,"EventID":"S4W-12857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:48.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T15:14:21.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it expects the remaining unallocated amounts from the £394 million in additional capital resources allocated in the 2012 Autumn Statement to accelerate the delivery of the (a) A9 dualling works, (b) A96 improvements, (c) Edinburgh and Glasgow to Inverness rail improvement works or (d) Edinburgh and Glasgow to Aberdeen rail improvement works.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my answer to question S4W-12852 on 4 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:48.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281250,"EventID":"S4W-12858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:48.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T15:14:21.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what new programme pipeline works were included in the Infrastructure Investment Plan 2011: Updated Programme Pipeline (January 2013) compared with the Infrastructure Investment Plan 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"There were no additions to the programme pipeline. The programme pipeline updates the programme information published in December 2011 as part of Annex C of the Infrastructure Investment Plan, for example in relation to costs and timeframes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:48.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281251,"EventID":"S4W-12859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:49.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T15:14:21.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Glasgow to Edinburgh high-speed rail plans set out in the Infrastructure Investment Plan 2011: Updated Programme Pipeline (January 2013) have displaced as a priority any of the projects in the Infrastructure Investment Plan 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Glasgow to Edinburgh high-speed rail plans has not displaced as a priority any of the projects in the Infrastructure Investment Plan 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:49.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281252,"EventID":"S4W-12860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:49.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T15:14:21.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many projects of what value in the Infrastructure Investment Plan 2011 had been completed by the time the Infrastructure Investment Plan 2011:Updated Programme Pipeline (January 2013) was published and how many additional projects of what value were added by the update.","AnswerText":"Over 2012, nine of the major infrastructure projects included in the IIP, with a value of £644.5 million, have been completed and are now in use. These include:\r\nThree transport projects:\r\nthe Paisley Corridor rail improvements, \r\nthe Fife Intelligent Transport System (part of the Forth Replacement Crossing project); and\r\nA96 Fochabers to Mosstodloch Bypass.\r\nFour health projects: \r\nNHS Lanarkshire - Airdrie Community Health Centre\r\nNHS Tayside - Mental Health Developments Project, \r\nNHS Lothian – Royal Victoria Hospital; and \r\nNHS Grampian - Emergency Care Centre.\r\nTwo prison projects: \r\nHMP Low Moss; and \r\nHMPShotts – Redevelopment Phase 2.\r\nIndividual schools projects forming part of the Scotland’s Schools for the Future Programme (£1.25 billion) have been added to the pipeline, as have hub community health projects with a capital value over £5 million which form part of the wider hub programme. \r\nOver 100 individual “live” projects are included in the project pipeline, and it will be the most comprehensive overview of all major infrastructure projects under development that has to date been put in the public domain, and should serve to inform the market of upcoming investment opportunities and give information to all stakeholders who are interested in the progress of infrastructure investment in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:49.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281253,"EventID":"S4W-12861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:49.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T15:14:21.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its timescale is for setting out details of the (a) termini, (b) route, (c) cost and (d) date of the works on high-speed rail between Edinburgh and Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Outline business case appraisal will report in 2014. The outline business case will consider broad route alignment and indicative cost/benefits analyses of options.\r\nThose analyses will support the consideration of the decisions necessary to progress the scheme, and subsequently secure Parliamentary approval through Bill processes.\r\nPreparation for that Bill would require further development of a detailed proposal, including detailed design of route, termini options, and environmental and social reporting.\r\nOur ambition is that a new line linking Edinburgh to Glasgow, including a new route alignment for rail services to and from the South, would be operational by 2024.\r\nThis would indicate a preparation and construction period, allowing for a period of final operational testing, between 2016 and 2023.\r\nFurther detail on the timing of these processes is available from the following report, prepared by independent consultants, and placed on Transport Scotland’s website on 21 December 2012:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/files/documents/rail/Commnetary_on_Outline_Programme.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:50","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281254,"EventID":"S4W-12862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:50.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T15:14:21.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will give potential developers notice of the additional capital works to be added to the programme in 2014-15 as a result of the £394 million in additional capital resources allocated in the 2012 Autumn Statement.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12852 on 4 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:50.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281255,"EventID":"S4W-12863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:50.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-04T15:14:21.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will compare the potential benefits of its high-speed rail proposals between Edinburgh and Glasgow against projects currently in the project pipeline.","AnswerText":"The Infrastructure Investment Plan published in December 2011 outlines the process for prioritising investment across the Scottish Government and the process for prioritising within sectors, including transport.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:50.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281256,"EventID":"S4W-12864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:51.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T07:04:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has about what action each local authority is taking to raise awareness of the impact of the proposed welfare reforms.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities are engaged in a range of actions to prepare for the reforms, such as establishing arrangements for the Scottish Welfare Fund in their area and work to introduce the Council Tax Reduction scheme. Several local authorities are also involved in pilots that provide an opportunity to help prepare for the introduction of universal credit.\r\nWe are working in partnership with COSLA and funding the improvement service to gather intelligence and information about the preparedness of councils and their partners as they prepare to implement the reforms and support those affected by the changes. This will help local authorities to shape their individual responses to the emerging priorities in their areas, including actions required to raise awareness on the expected impacts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:51.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281257,"EventID":"S4W-12865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:52.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T10:08:41.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that every pregnancy other than in the last trimester is assessed for foetal growth retardation.","AnswerText":"National care pathways indicate that midwives should assess fetal growth at each scheduled antenatal visit from 28 weeks of pregnancy. If concerns were detected regarding growth at the time of the anomaly ultrasound scan, at between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, there would be a follow up, however the reasons for a small baby at this point are usually chromosomal or other abnormalities and this is not a time that “growth” per se is monitored. Normally formed babies are about the same size at 20 weeks.\r\nWhere a midwife has a concern related to fetal growth, she/he would refer the woman for ultrasound examination and obstetric review as required. Scans for growth would not be commenced until 28 weeks routinely or at 24 weeks if there had been a previous problem with severe growth restriction or another significant medical risk factor.\r\nWomen who are known to be at risk of fetal growth restriction will have additional monitoring including additional ultrasound scans during pregnancy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:52.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281258,"EventID":"S4W-12866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:52.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T10:08:41.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that doctors explore the risks of stillbirth associated with passive and active smoking with prospective parents.","AnswerText":"Awareness of all the risks of antenatal smoking, including the increased risk of stillbirth, is taught as part of midwifery and medical education curricula. All women are counselled of the risks of antenatal smoking at booking and throughout the pregnancy if they continue to smoke and are offered help with smoking cessation.\r\nAll health professionals have a responsibility to take a person-centred approach to improving the health of the people they care for and primary care settings are particularly well placed to engage with smokers. The guidance makes clear that GPs should be aware of all referral options to specialist smoking cessation services as well as how to provide advice to smokers through brief interventions. Helping smokers to quit is part of the primary care remit and payments are currently made to GP practices for recording smoking status and appropriate onward referral under the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF).\r\nThe Scottish Patient Safety Programme - Maternity Care Quality Improvement Collaborative will include smoking cessation as one of its two main aspects of care. The programme will focus on improving the numbers of women who are referred to smoking cessation services and improvements in the clinical management of risks for those women and their babies who are unable or unwilling to stop smoking.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:52.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281259,"EventID":"S4W-12867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:53.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T10:08:41.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it (a) monitors and (b) prepares for novel viruses or variations.","AnswerText":"In compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR), Health Protection Scotland (HPS) undertakes surveillance to monitor the emergence of new viruses and variations and either provides or receives alerts from the Early Warning and Response System (EWRS) via the Health Protection Agency, the competent body for the UK, as part of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control network of national/regional institutes.\r\nThe EWRS is a health professional network to promote cooperation and coordination between the EU Member States, with a view to improving the prevention and control of communicable diseases. Where an incident or outbreak of infectious disease has been identified which has capacity for spreading to other member states, HPS will provide an assessment and if it considers necessary, will issue a HPS Briefing Note to Health Protection Teams in local NHS boards and GPs to provide background to the case and recommendations for action. HPS work closely with Scottish Government to ensure they are fully informed and ministers are aware.\r\nHealth boards have local health protection plans in place to activate their response where a public health incident or outbreak occurs.\r\nIn addition, all Scottish Virology laboratories are part of a UK Clinical Virology Network which share information and where appropriate laboratory re-agents to allow testing capabilities for novel viruses or variations. Such contingency arrangements allowed the rapid roll-out of testing for the novel coronavirus in Scotland following the development of a new laboratory test by colleagues in the Respiratory Virus team in the Health Protection Agency (Colindale).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:53.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281260,"EventID":"S4W-12868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:53.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T10:08:41.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is participating in the work of the Human Animal Infections and Risk Surveillance group and, if so, what financial contribution it makes and whether an independent Scotland would continue such participation.","AnswerText":"The Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas is a member of the Human Animal Infections and Risk Surveillance group and attends meetings.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not make any direct financial contribution to this group. However some costs are incurred for travel and subsistence as the meetings are generally held in London.\r\nIn an independent Scotland it would be sensible to continue participation in the group, if invited. It is a useful forum to identify and assess infectious incidents in animals and humans globally, which have potential for interspecies transfer and may pose a threat to UK public and animal health. \r\nIn addition, Health Protection Scotland is also represented on the group in relation to issues which impact on human health from animal infection and associated disease.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:53.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281261,"EventID":"S4W-12869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:53.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T10:08:41.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it holds separate contracts with the pharmaceutical industry for (a) the production of annual influenza vaccine and (b) rapid access to a novel vaccine in the event of a pandemic.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold contracts with the pharmaceutical industry for the annual seasonal flu vaccine. This is carried out by community pharmacists on behalf of General Practitioners. National Procurement Division of NHS National Services Scotland leads on the annual process of tendering and procurement for the Scottish Government national contingency stock of influenza vaccine which is reserved for use where vaccination uptake is higher than expected and additional vaccine is required to ensure those in at-risk groups can receive the vaccine.\r\nThe Scottish Government has priority access to a novel vaccine in the event of a pandemic via a contract signed by the Department of Health on behalf of the four UK administrations. This contract reserves capacity for the production and supply of pandemic vaccine.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:53.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281262,"EventID":"S4W-12870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:54.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T10:08:41.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients treated with a DePuy articular surface hip replacement have been (a) identified, (b) offered a review and (c) tested for levels of cobalt and chromium ions.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. It is for NHS boards to manage patients with metal on metal hip replacements, including DePuy articular surface hip replacements, so that they receive the appropriate level care.\r\nScottish Government officials are working with NHS boards to ensure that the guidance issued by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority on the management of patients with metal on metal hip replacements is being followed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:54.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281263,"EventID":"S4W-12871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:54.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T10:09:29.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has made a submission to the consultation on the proposed merger between  the Human Tissue Authority, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and the Care Quality Commission and, if so, whether this is publicly available.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government did not submit a response to the Department of Health’s consultation on its proposals to transfer functions from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) to the Care Quality Commission. The Scottish Transplant Group, which advises ministers on matters relating to organ donation and transplantation in Scotland submitted a response on the HTA aspects of the consultation. The Westminster Government response to the consultation (which includes all stakeholder responses) can be found at the link below:\r\nhttp://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2013/01/response-hfea-hta\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:54.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281264,"EventID":"S4W-12872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:54.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T10:09:29.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) financial and (b) personnel support it provides to the (i) Human Tissue Authority and (ii) Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority; whether an independent Scotland would establish similar bodies, and, if so, how much they would cost to (A) establish and (B) operate.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not make a financial contribution or provide personnel support to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority but does have a formal contract with the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) in relation to the functions it undertakes in Scotland. In 2012-13 the charge for this was £38,826. No personnel support is given to this organisation.\r\nThe Scottish Government will set out its proposals for an independent Scotland in a comprehensive white paper in the run up to the referendum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:54.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281265,"EventID":"S4W-12873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:55.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T10:09:46.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what target it has set for the eventual level of distribution of naloxone kits to heroin users following the study in the Annals of Internal Medicine [Ann Intern Med 2013;158:1-9], Naloxone for heroin overdose reversal.","AnswerText":"Scotland’s take home naloxone programme is supported by the collection and reporting of national monitoring information, which is led by the Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland.\r\n2011-12 was the first full year of the rollout of the programme. The programme’s baseline measure and the number of take home naloxone kits issued through the programme was published by ISD Scotland in July 2012: http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/publications/abstracts/naloxone_programme_2011_12.html. The next release of monitoring information for 2012-13 will be published by ISD in summer 2013.\r\nThe Scottish Government works closely with an expert advisory group which provides advice and guidance on the rollout of the programme across Scotland, including on monitoring and evaluation. The advisory group continues to review the delivery of the programme so that it can be continually developed and targeted. As the academic evidence base around take home naloxone grows, it is expected that this will inform the delivery of Scotland’s national programme. A copy of the research study by Phillip Coffin and Sean Sullivan published in the Annals of Internal Medicine (January 2013) will be shared with members of the expert advisory group for their consideration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:55.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281266,"EventID":"S4W-12874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:55.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T11:38:29.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that the GP contract ensures that patients with multimorbidity are reviewed for multimorbidity rather than for each condition separately and that such reviews include screening for depression.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) element of the GP contract is not designed to handle multimorbidities, other than encouraging GPs to review patients’ with more than one disease at the same time.\r\nNational Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, which leads on development of the QOF, is looking to develop guidelines on multimorbidities aimed at the GP audience. Many NHS boards in Scotland have Enhanced Service programmes that do encourage a multimorbidity approach, including screening for depression.\r\nGPs are expected to use their professional judgement and expertise in assessing the health and treatment of their patients, and this will include consideration of any multimorbidity or mental health factors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:55.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281267,"EventID":"S4W-12875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:56.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T12:23:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11527 by Roseanna Cunningham on 13 December 2012, what membership changes there have been to the independent expert group since May 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The independent expert group on opiate replacement therapies was announced on 5 October 2012:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/10/treatment05102012.\r\nInformation on the membership of the group is available on the Drugs Strategy Delivery Commission’s website: http://drugsstrategydeliverycommission.ning.com/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:56.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281268,"EventID":"S4W-12876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:56.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T12:23:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11527 by Roseanna Cunningham on 13 December 2012, who the volunteers on the independent expert group are; what their job titles and roles are, and what criteria were used to select them.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the independent expert group on opiate replacement therapies is available on the Drugs Strategy Delivery Commission’s website: http://drugsstrategydeliverycommission.ning.com/. This website includes  information on the commissioning process and the membership of the expert group (including job titles and roles).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:56.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281269,"EventID":"S4W-12877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:56.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T12:23:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11533 by Roseanna Cunningham on 13 December 2012, whether it will publish all of the clinical evidence reviewed by the independent expert group and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the independent expert group on opiate replacement therapies is publicly available on the Drugs Strategy Delivery Commission’s website:\r\nhttp://drugsstrategydeliverycommission.ning.com/.\r\nThe expert group will be consulting all political parties on an independent basis and is also meeting with the cross party group on drug and alcohol misuse. The expert group is gathering evidence from a wide variety of perspectives including, professionals, academics, service users, their families, communities, delivery groups, national groups as well as from the international evidence base. The final scope of the review will be informed by the views of the cross political parties and the Chief Medical Officer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:57.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281270,"EventID":"S4W-12878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T14:17:57.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T13:02:11.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to mitigate the effects of the underoccupancy penalty on families in Scotland.  \r\n","AnswerText":"SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT\r\nWRITTEN ANSWER\r\n28 February 2013\t\r\nIndex Heading: Governance and Communities\r\n Anne McTaggart (Glasgow) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to mitigate the effects of the underoccupancy penalty on families in Scotland.\r\n(S4W-12878)\r\nMargaret Burgess:The Scottish Government is providing financial help for low income people and families affected by the UK Government’s welfare reforms. We are protecting people currently receiving council tax benefit against the UK Government’s 10% cut in funding for successor arrangements; providing an additional £9.2 million for the new Scottish Welfare Fund; and providing a £5.4 million package to support those providing front-line advice and support to people across Scotland.\r\nWe are helping local authorities and landlords to support their tenants through the UK Government’s benefit changes through £160,000 investment in awareness raising, training and guidance. This includes resources for our homelessness prevention approach, which provides a strong safety net for anyone at risk of homelessness. We will monitor impacts closely and continue to work with tenant representatives and other stakeholders to identify any further action we can take to mitigate the effects of the under-occupancy penalty.\r\nAs long as responsibility for welfare benefits is reserved to Westminster we are limited in what we can do to protect vulnerable families.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:17:57.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281271,"EventID":"S4W-12879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:48:54.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T14:19:08.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) civil servants and (b) special advisers worked on the paper, Scotland’s Future: from the Referendum to Independence and a Written Constitution, and how long they spent working on it.","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Future: from the Referendum to Independence and a Written Constitution was drafted by a lead author civil servant with contributions from other civil servants, special advisers and ministers. For all of the individuals involved, consideration of the draft paper was only part of their overall workload. It is not practicable to give a detailed estimate of the total time spent by any individual in relation to this work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:48:54.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281272,"EventID":"S4W-12880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:48:55.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T14:19:08.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it consulted anyone external to the civil service when drafting the paper, Scotland’s Future: from the Referendum to Independence and a Written Constitution.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government prepared Scotland’s Future: from the Referendum to Independence and a Written Constitution without employing external consultants.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:48:55.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281273,"EventID":"S4W-12881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:48:55.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T14:44:56.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the operational arrangements for the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The final arrangements for managing the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund will be published in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:48:55.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281274,"EventID":"S4W-12882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:48:55.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T14:44:56.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients will benefit from the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund and on what basis the estimate has been made.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not centrally hold data on the number of patients suffering from rare conditions for which orphan medicines not recommended by the Scottish Medicines Consortium might be funded following a successful Individual Patient Treatment Request.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:48:55.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281275,"EventID":"S4W-12883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:48:56.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T14:44:56.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what drugs (a) with and (b) without European Medicines Agency orphan designation have not been accepted for use by the Scottish Medicines Consortium in each year since 2010 and how many potential users of the drugs there were.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) advice on all medicines, including medicines with European Medicines Agency orphan designation, is available on the SMC website: http://www.scottishmedicines.org\r\nThe Detailed Advice Document (DAD) for each medicine published by the SMC contains a section on Product Availability Date which identifies those medicines with orphan designation. The DAD also contains estimates from the medicine manufacturer about the number of patients in Scotland who would be eligible for treatment with the medicine in question.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:48:56.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281276,"EventID":"S4W-12886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:48:56.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T14:44:56.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been spent by each NHS board on orphan drugs in each year since 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11438 on 13 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at;\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:48:56.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281277,"EventID":"S4W-12887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:48:57.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T14:44:56.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the hospital medicines utilisation database has recorded as being spent on  medicines for cancer treatment by each NHS board in each year since 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"At present, the Hospital Medicines Utilisation Database (HMUD) data is not sufficiently complete for all the NHS boards in which tertiary cancer services operate to provide a true indication of the use of cancer therapy across Scotland.\r\nPlans are in place to improve the understanding and completeness of data in the HMUD system. Further validation of the dataset is also planned to enable expansion of its usage to areas other than its current main use of antimicrobial prescribing surveillance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:48:57.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281278,"EventID":"S4W-12888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:48:57.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T14:44:56.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what basis it has valued the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund at £21 million.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have estimated that £20 million would be sufficient to comfortably meet the costs of successful Individual Patient Treatment Requests for orphan medicines in the 2013-14 financial year. As the fund will begin operation in March 2013 the total we have allocated for the fund is therefore £21.7 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:48:57.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281279,"EventID":"S4W-12889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:48:57.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T14:44:56.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the interim advice provided by Professor Charles Swainson on the individual patient treatment request process.\r\n","AnswerText":"The outcomes of the current review of Access to New Medicines will be published in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:48:57.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281280,"EventID":"S4W-12890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:48:58.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T14:44:56.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish guidance on the administration of the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund and whether it will consult on the guidance.\r\n","AnswerText":"The final arrangements for managing the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund will be published in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:48:58.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281281,"EventID":"S4W-12892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:48:58.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T14:44:56.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the qualifying criteria for the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"The final arrangements for managing the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund will be published in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:48:58.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281282,"EventID":"S4W-12893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:48:59.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T14:44:56.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will take action to ensure that patients with relatively rare conditions can access medicines recommended by their clinicians.","AnswerText":"The outcomes of the current review of Access to New Medicines will be published in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:48:59.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281283,"EventID":"S4W-12894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:48:59.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T14:44:56.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the findings of the review of the individual patient treatment requests process and whether a ministerial statement will be made on the matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The outcomes of the current review of Access to New Medicines will be published in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:48:59.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281284,"EventID":"S4W-12895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:48:59.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T14:44:56.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will remove the restrictions in the Chief Medical Officer's guidance on individual patient treatment requests that stipulate that applications for treatments must be within licence and outside a Scottish Medicines Consortium restriction.\r\n","AnswerText":"The outcomes of the current review of Access to New Medicines will be published in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:48:59.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281285,"EventID":"S4W-12896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:49:00.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T14:44:56.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will reform the individual patient treatment requests process to ensure that applications for treatments that fall within the scope of the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund are approved from 1 March 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The outcomes of the current review of Access to New Medicines will be published in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:49:00.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281286,"EventID":"S4W-12897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:49:00.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T14:44:56.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to ensure that clinicians are not deterred from applying for treatments under the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government would expect clinicians to pursue an Individual Patient Treatment Requests (IPTRs) for an individual patient where they believe they can provide a robust clinical case to support prescribing an SMC “not recommended” medicine. NHS boards are expected to ensure their clinicians are appropriately trained in the IPTR policies. The Scottish Government will consider any recommendations for improvement in this regard from the new medicines review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:49:00.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281287,"EventID":"S4W-12898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:49:00.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T14:44:56.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish monthly the number and type of applications to the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund and the associated costs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The final arrangements for managing the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund will be published in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:49:00.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281288,"EventID":"S4W-12899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:49:01.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T14:44:56.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether each NHS board will introduce the central collection of data on medicines prescribing and usage, broken down by condition.\r\n","AnswerText":"The vast majority of drugs in the NHS in Scotland are prescribed and dispensed in primary care. Prescription and cost analysis data of these drugs are published on the NHS National Services Scotland website at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Prescribing-and-Medicines/Publications/. The data also includes prescriptions written in hospitals that are dispensed in the community. Analysis is available in financial years from 2000-01.\r\nThe analysis provides details of the number of items dispensed and the gross ingredient cost by British National Formulary (BNF) therapeutic class. The BNF Chapter, Section and Subsection names contained in the analysis are broadly equivalent to treatment type.\r\nIt is important to note that some drugs can be used for more than one indication or treatment. The analysis therefore records prescribing against the main therapeutic class for which the drug is intended.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:49:01.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281289,"EventID":"S4W-12900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:49:01.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T14:44:56.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-06398 by Alex Neil on 23 April 2012, what subsequent discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the introduction of value-based pricing.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have exchanged correspondence with Earl Howe concerning Value Based Pricing and have received further assurances that the UK Government and Devolved Administrations will continue to work closely together in developing a value based pricing approach. Officials are also in regular contact with the Department of Health and I can confirm that arrangements are currently in hand for me to meet with Earl Howe, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibility for Medicines and Pharmacy policy, at the next available opportunity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:49:01.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281290,"EventID":"S4W-12901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:49:01.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T14:44:56.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will retain the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund after value-based pricing is introduced.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Rare Conditions Medicines Fund is an interim measure whose operation we will review in light of any changes to the access to medicines landscape that come as a consequence of our ongoing review and the introduction of value based pricing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:49:01.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281291,"EventID":"S4W-12912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:49:02.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T15:42:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been (a) charged and (b) convicted for a criminal offence committed in an accident and emergency department in the last five years, broken down by crime.","AnswerText":"Information on the location of offences is not held in The Scottish Government court proceedings database, however, I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11677 on 10 January 2013 which includes data on section 5(1) of the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005 relating to assaulting or impeding health workers in hospital premises.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:49:02.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281292,"EventID":"S4W-12913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:49:02.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T15:42:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what stage of implementation the Southern General Hospital’s proposed green travel plan has reached.","AnswerText":"The travel plan for the new South Glasgow Hospitals will be implemented when the hospitals are operational in 2015.\r\nIn the meantime, extensive travel planning for the hospitals is on-going including construction of on-site transport infrastructure, for example, a new dedicated road for public transport.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:49:02.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281293,"EventID":"S4W-12914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:49:02.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T15:42:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been invested to ensure high-frequency bus transportation as part of the Southern General Hospital’s proposed green travel plan.","AnswerText":"As part of the green travel plan for the new South Glasgow Hospitals, £40 million has been invested in the Fastlink bus service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:49:02.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281294,"EventID":"S4W-12918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:49:03.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T16:09:59.797","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many civil servants are working on constitutional reform workstreams.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of their normal duties, civil servants provide support on relevant aspects of the Scottish Government’s work. Staff contribute to constitutional policy development from within their own subject areas as and when required.\r\nThe amount of time staff spend contributing to the workstreams varies widely from week to week, and we do not routinely record this information, as we have no business need for it. The most recent published information on this subject is in the form of a response to an FOI request available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/constitution/About/Workstreams.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:49:03.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281295,"EventID":"S4W-12919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-05T16:49:03.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T16:09:59.797","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many civil servants are working on infrastructure workstreams.","AnswerText":"There are four members of staff within the Infrastructure Investment Unit, which leads on the production of the Infrastructure Investment Plan and co-ordinates analysis and advice to Ministers on public sector infrastructure investment issues.\r\nIn carrying out its role, the IIU works closely with officials across the Scottish Government Directorates and its Agencies, particularly those with major capital expenditure responsibilities such as Transport Scotland and Health Directorate and with Scottish Futures Trust.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T16:49:03.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281302,"EventID":"S4W-12925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T09:35:09.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T08:31:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish  Government what progress it has made in ensuring that the proposals to improve arrangements for independent monitoring of prisons will meet the obligations under the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture.\r\n","AnswerText":"I asked Professor Andrew Coyle, Emeritus Professor of Prison Studies in the University of London and Visiting Professor in the University of Essex, to review the Scottish Government’s proposals to improve arrangements for independent monitoring of prisons.\r\nThe review ran from October 2012 until January 2013. Professor Coyle submitted his report to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice at the end of January 2013. Professor Coyle’s report will be published today, 7 February 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T09:35:10.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281303,"EventID":"S4W-12942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T12:34:56.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T12:27:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will (a) respond to its recent consultation on Renewables Obligation banding levels and (b) confirm levels of support for biomass generation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is publishing today its response to a recent supplementary consultation on changes to the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) legislation and support levels.\r\nOur response confirms that support for biomass electricity will be restricted to stations no larger than 15 megawatts installed capacity – unless those stations are accredited as combined heat and power stations. This is slightly higher than the ceiling of 10 megawatts which we had proposed in our consultation, because – while we believe that the need for a restriction in support for biomass electricity remains essential, and we are delivering that – we also wish to support investment in a larger number of stations, subject to their receiving planning permission, which will incorporate good quality combined heat and power. These stations could also attract vital investment in existing businesses, creating and preserving jobs.\r\nWe are publishing a response document and summary of the consultation outcome on our website this morning. A copy of that report has also been sent to the Enterprise, Energy and Tourism committee and to the respondents to our consultation. The document also confirms our decisions in a small number of other areas, including support for solar PV. An amending Order containing these changes, and the others consulted upon as part of our review, will be laid before the Scottish Parliament shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T12:34:56.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281304,"EventID":"S4W-12902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:26.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T15:21:36.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the £119 million forecast for schools projects in the non-profit distributing programme for 2012-13 has not been spent or allocated by the Scottish Futures Trust.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my answer to question S4W-12698 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:26.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281305,"EventID":"S4W-12903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:26.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T15:21:36.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the £65 million forecast for colleges projects in the non-profit distibuting programme for 2012-13 has not been spent or allocated by the Scottish Futures Trust.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my answer to question S4W-12698 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:26.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281306,"EventID":"S4W-12904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:26.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T15:21:36.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which schools projects in the non-profit distributing programme have been (a) delayed or (b) subject to slippage.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my answer to question S4W-12698 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:26.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281307,"EventID":"S4W-12905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:27.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T15:21:36.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the £150 million forecast for schools projects in the non-profit distributing programme for 2013-14 has been reduced to £62 million.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my answer to question S4W-12698 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:27.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281308,"EventID":"S4W-12906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:28.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T15:21:36.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the £115 million forecast for college projects in the non-profit distributing programme for 2013-14 has been reduced to £78 million.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my answer to question S4W-12698 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:28.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281309,"EventID":"S4W-12907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:29.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T15:21:36.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which colleges projects in the non-profit distributing programme for 2012-13 have been (a) delayed or (b) subject to slippage.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my answer to question S4W-12698 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:29.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281310,"EventID":"S4W-12908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:29.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T15:21:36.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the forecast spend of £353 million in the non-profit distributing programme for 2012-13 has been reduced to £20 million.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12698 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:29.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281311,"EventID":"S4W-12909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:30.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T15:21:36.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which projects in the non-profit distributing programme will be delayed as a result of the reduction in forecast spend from £353 million to £20 million in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my answer to question S4W-12698 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:30.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281312,"EventID":"S4W-12910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:30.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T15:21:36.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which projects in the non-profit distributing programme will be delayed as a result of the reduction of the forecast spend from £686 million to £338 million for 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my answer to question S4W-12698 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:30.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281313,"EventID":"S4W-12911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:31.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T15:44:49.373","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it will offer to Strathclyde Police to assist in its efforts to catch the perpetrator of sexual assaults on three women in Glasgow between 24 January and 3 February 2013.","AnswerText":"The allocation and deployment of officers and the arrangements for the day-to-day policing of an area are the operational responsibility of the Chief Constable. The Scottish Government has confidence in the ability of the police to respond to incidents and is pleased that a man has now been arrested and charged in relation to these recent assaults in Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:31.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281314,"EventID":"S4W-12915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:31.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T15:58:57.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve early diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.","AnswerText":"Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is a rare lung condition the cause of which is of unknown. It can be difficult to diagnose as the main symptoms are similar to other lung conditions. Diagnosis will usually be made by a respiratory specialist and may involve a number of tests including chest x-ray, CT scan and in some cases lung biopsy.\r\nRespiratory Managed Clinical Networks have been established in all NHS health boards across Scotland, supported by pump priming funding from the Scottish Government. Our National Advisory Group (NAG) for Respiratory Managed Clinical Networks is working to develop a co-ordinated approach to improving respiratory services across Scotland and provides the opportunity for local Managed Clinical Networks, patient representatives and stakeholders to discuss issues, identify solutions and share best practice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:31.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281315,"EventID":"S4W-12916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:32.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T15:58:57.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that patients can access orphan medicines.\r\n","AnswerText":"Access to orphan medicines has been a key focus of the Health and Sport Committee and the New Medicines Review. The Scottish Government will carefully consider any recommendations for improvement to the existing arrangements from the New Medicines Review and the Health and Sport Committee.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:32.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281316,"EventID":"S4W-12917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:32.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T15:58:57.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there are measures in place to ensure that an older average age of patients is not a negatively discriminating factor in the valuation of treatments and their outcomes by the Scottish Medicines Consortium.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) assessment process, the benefits of treatment (measured in Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) will have been estimated from all patients in the clinical trial(s). These patients often cover a wide age range. When the single “cost per QALY” that informs the decision is arrived at, this will have been summed up to reflect the average across patients of all ages and thus is not specific to only one age group. This approach mitigates against any discrimination on the basis of age.\r\nThe cost per QALY is a factor in SMC decision making but the Committee will also consider the views of clinical experts and patient interest groups and SMC modifiers can be applied if appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:32.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281317,"EventID":"S4W-12921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:32.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T16:28:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the practice of using the names of deceased children as identities for undercover officers has been the practice in Scotland and, if it has not made enquiries into this matter, whether it will do so.","AnswerText":"The practice of using the names of deceased children as identities for undercover officers has never been the practice in any of Scotland’s eight police forces or the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency. This has been confirmed by Chief Constable House.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:32.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281318,"EventID":"S4W-12922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:33.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T17:22:31.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the Scottish Medicines Consortium appraisal process has on the availability of orphan medicines.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Medicines Consortiums(SMC) processes for appraising orphan medicines are the same as that for any other medicine. However, in recognition of the small patient populations involved, the SMC can consider application of its modifiers which allow greater flexibility in its decision-making to allow consideration of additional factors such as accepting more uncertainty in the health economic case or a higher cost per Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:33.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281319,"EventID":"S4W-12923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:33.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T17:22:31.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to reduce the incidence of misdiagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.\r\n","AnswerText":"Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is a rare lung condition, the cause of which is unknown. It can be difficult to diagnose as the main symptoms are similar to other lung conditions. Diagnosis will usually be made by a respiratory specialist and may involve a number of tests including chest x-ray, CT scan and in some cases lung biopsy.\r\nRespiratory Managed Clinical Networks have been established in all NHS health boards across Scotland, supported by pump priming funding from the Scottish Government. Our National Advisory Group (NAG) for Respiratory Managed Clinical Networks is working to develop a co-ordinated approach to improving respiratory services across Scotland and provides the opportunity for Local Managed Clinical Networks, patient representatives and stakeholders to discuss issues, identify solutions and share best practice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:33.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281320,"EventID":"S4W-12924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:34.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T17:22:31.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to prevent age discrimination in clinical decision making.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Equality Act 2010, places duties on NHS boards to reduce inequalities in access to health care and improve health outcomes for people. On 1 October 2012, new provisions in the Equality Act 2010 came into force, introducing a ban on unjustifiable age discrimination.\r\nThe equality team within NHS Health Scotland, are working to strengthen equality of access for all in NHS Scotland through their health inequalities impact assessment (HIIA). Impact assessment is an important tool for NHS boards to check their policies and services do not inadvertently exclude or discriminate groups within the population and it is an opportunity to promote equality of opportunity and good relations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:34.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281321,"EventID":"S4W-12926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:35.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T17:12:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money in fines revenue was remitted to HM Treasury in 2011-12, broken down by type of fine.\r\n","AnswerText":"The total paid to HM Treasury during 2011-12 from the Scottish Consolidated Fund was £32.0 million in respect of fines.\r\nThe total paid is made up of £28.5 million received from Scottish Government Justice Finance on behalf of the Scottish Court Service in 2011-12 and £3.5 million paid into the fund in 2010-11 but not remitted to HM Treasury until 2011-12. \r\nThe fund does not hold any further breakdown of the sums remitted. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:35.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281322,"EventID":"S4W-12927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:35.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T17:12:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money in fines revenue has been remitted to HM Treasury in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The sums that have been paid to the UK Treasury from the Scottish Consolidated Fund for each year from 1999-2000 to 2011-12 in respect of fines forfeitures and fixed penalties is given in the table.\r\n\r\nThe figures extracted from the accounts of the Scottish Consolidated Fund relate to the value of fines, forfeitures and fixed penalties paid to HM Treasury during any given year. It should be noted that the value remitted in a given year does not directly relate to the value of fines imposed in that year. Fines are not necessarily paid over in the financial year in which they are collected.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYEAR\r\n£(m)\r\n1999-00\r\n13.0\r\n2000-01\r\n14.5\r\n2001-021\r\n27.1\r\n2002-03\r\n20.8\r\n2003-04\r\n31.1\r\n2004-05\r\n36.6\r\n2005-06\r\n41.8\r\n2006-07\r\n35.9\r\n2007-08\r\n26.1\r\n2008-09\r\n0\r\n2009-102\r\n57.7\r\n2010-11\r\n32.9\r\n2011-12\r\n32.0\r\n\r\n\r\nNote: 1. Includes £3.8 million which was applicable to 2000-01.\r\nNote  2. In 2008-09 a new Designated Receipts Order came into force and £32.2 million due to be paid to HM Treasury was held until completion of the annual audit. The Order reclassified fines resulting from Justice of the Peace business as non-designated therefore relieving us of the obligation to pay £4.1 million for 2008-09 to HM Treasury.\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:35.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281323,"EventID":"S4W-12928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:35.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T17:30:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has had discussions regarding raising the speed limit for HGVs on the (a) A1, (b) A7 and (c) A68.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland has not had any specific discussions regarding raising the speed limit for HGVs on the A1, A7 and the A68 trunk roads.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:35.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281324,"EventID":"S4W-12929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:36.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T17:34:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many accidents there have been on the (a) single and (b) crawler lane section of the A68 between Edinburgh and the border in each year since 2002, broken down by (i) severity and (ii) location.\r\n","AnswerText":"The accident data (personal injury accidents) for the period 1 January 2002 -12 is provided in the following tables. The first table covers the whole of the A68 Trunk Road, the following tables cover the three separate climbing lane sections of the A68 trunk road. The A68 Dalkeith Bypass opened in September 2008.\r\n68 Trunk Road including climbing lanes broken down by year/ severity\r\n \r\nFatal\r\nSerious\r\nSlight\r\nTotal\r\n2002\r\n2\r\n8\r\n36\r\n46\r\n2003\r\n2\r\n9\r\n24\r\n35\r\n2004\r\n2\r\n7\r\n47\r\n56\r\n2005\r\n1\r\n10\r\n28\r\n39\r\n2006\r\n1\r\n17\r\n35\r\n53\r\n2007\r\n2\r\n9\r\n36\r\n47\r\n2008\r\n2\r\n10\r\n56\r\n68\r\n2009\r\n1\r\n13\r\n31\r\n45\r\n2010\r\n0\r\n8\r\n30\r\n38\r\n2011\r\n1\r\n6\r\n20\r\n27\r\n2012*\r\n1\r\n3\r\n12\r\n16\r\nTotal\r\n15\r\n100\r\n355\r\n470\r\n \r\nA68 Dalkeith Bypass Single Climbing Lanes broken down by year/ severity\r\n \r\nFatal\r\nSerious\r\nSlight\r\nTotal\r\n2008\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2009\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\n2010\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2011\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2012*\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nTotal\r\n0\r\n1\r\n3\r\n4\r\n \r\nA68 Soutra to Oxton Single Climbing Lanes broken down by year/ severity\r\n \r\nFatal\r\nSerious\r\nSlight\r\nTotal\r\n2002\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n2\r\n2003\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n3\r\n2004\r\n0\r\n1\r\n2\r\n3\r\n2005\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2006\r\n0\r\n1\r\n2\r\n3\r\n2007\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2008\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2009\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2010\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2011\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2012*\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nTotal\r\n2\r\n3\r\n16\r\n21\r\n \r\nA68 Drygrange ( south of Earlston) Single Climbing Lanes broken down by year/ severity\r\n \r\nFatal\r\nSerious\r\nSlight\r\nTotal\r\n2002\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2003\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2004\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2005\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2006\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2007\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2008\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n2009\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2010\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2011\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2012*\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTotal\r\n0\r\n1\r\n2\r\n3\r\n*2012 – These statistics are not fully complete for all police forces, and are subject to change on submission of further datasets. However, the fatal accident figure is correct. \r\nThe figures quoted may differ slightly from those published elsewhere due to being extracted on a different date and the database may have changed between the two dates, e.g. due to late returns or corrections.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:36.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281325,"EventID":"S4W-12930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:36.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T16:46:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it will allocate to support the development of combined heat and power plants in the current parliamentary session.","AnswerText":"Support is available for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) from a number of sources. The main direct support mechanisms for renewable Combined Heat and Power (CHP) are the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) and the UK Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive.\r\nThe Renewables Obligation (Scotland) gives two Renewables Obligation Certificates (SROCs) for every megawatt hour of electricity generated by biomass electricity generating plants with CHP. Following its recent consultation on changes to the Renewables Obligation (Scotland), the Scottish Government proposes to go further by setting an eligibility requirement for plants over 15 MW to meet good quality CHP standards to further drive uptake of CHP. There is no specific budget allocation for CHP under the Renewable Obligation (Scotland) but Ofgem, who administer the schemes, provides an annual report on the number of accredited biomass plants with CHP and the number of SROCs issued in the previous year.\r\nIn the current Parliamentary session, finance for renewable CHP plants is also available through the £103 million Renewable Energy Investment Fund and the £50 million Warm Homes Fund. Finance for both renewable and non-renewable CHP is available through the £5 million District Heating Loan Fund. These schemes fund a range of renewable heat-only, CHP and district heating projects and there is no specific budget allocation for CHP.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:36.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281326,"EventID":"S4W-12931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:37.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T16:46:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is implementing to support the development of combined heat and power plants by (a) communities and (b) public sector institutions.\r\n","AnswerText":"The uptake of CHP depends upon the availability of markets for heat. The Scottish Government is working with local authorities to help them identify suitable locations and support planning for CHP and district heating through its Heat Mapping Programme. The heat maps help identify, plan for and maximise opportunities for local heat use and to support investment decisions on strategic heat infrastructure. The maps will not only benefit local authorities, but can also support feasibility work of developers or local communities.\r\nHighland, Fife and Perth and Kinross completed maps through the Scottish Government pilot. A two year programme began in April 2012 to roll out this methodology to all Scotland’s Local Authorities by March 2014. Eight local authorities are beginning work to collect the information for their heat maps. These are Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Dundee, Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire.\r\nCommunities and public sector institutions can access funding for feasibility studies through the Warm Homes Fund and District Heating Loan Fund, which can also help finance the capital costs of CHP projects. Feasibility support for the development of Anaerobic Digestion (AD) facilities by communities, industrial sites and the NHS is also available from Zero Waste Scotland. Zero Waste Scotland is also planning to offer financial support for AD development in remote and island communities in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:37.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281327,"EventID":"S4W-12933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:37.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T16:46:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it is allocating in the 2013-14 budget to support the development of combined heat and power plants.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12930 on 5 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:37.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281328,"EventID":"S4W-12934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:37.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T16:46:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many new combined heat and power plants have been brought online since 2009 and how many will have been brought online by 2020.\r\n","AnswerText":"The most recent data published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) shows that between 2009 and 2011, the number of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants in Scotland increased by 31, to 116. This includes both renewable and fossil fuel systems.\r\n\r\nWe do not currently have projections for the number of CHP plants that will be operational in 2020. As set out in the Draft outline Heat Vision published on 29 January 2013, the Scottish Government is developing a longer term strategy that looks at heat in the wider context of available energy resources, and demand. We will publish a Heat Generation Policy Statement (HGPS) later this year. The HGPS will look to replicate and build upon the success of the Electricity Generation Policy Statement in providing clarity on the Scottish Government’s views on the generation of heat within Scotland. Work is underway to gather data and identify where further information is required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:37.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281329,"EventID":"S4W-12935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:38.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T16:46:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of energy consumption (a) is being met and (b) will be met in 2020 by combined heat and power plants.","AnswerText":"The most recent data published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) shows that in 2011 Scottish Combined Heat and Power (CHP) schemes generated 2,864 GWh of electricity (up 3.1% from 2010) and 6,813 GWh of heat (up 1.7% from 2010).\r\nWe do not currently have projections for the energy production from CHP plants in 2020. As set out in the Draft outline, Heat Vision published on 29 January 2013, the Scottish Government is developing a longer term strategy that looks at heat in the wider context of available energy resources, and demand. We will publish a Heat Generation Policy Statement (HGPS) later this year. The HGPS will look to replicate and build upon the success of the Electricity Generation Policy Statement in providing clarity on the Scottish Government’s views on the generation of heat within Scotland. Work is underway to gather data and identify where further information is required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:38.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281330,"EventID":"S4W-12936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:38.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T10:15:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to publish its response to the Skills Development Scotland report, Modern Apprenticeship Outcomes 2012.","AnswerText":"The evaluation of the Modern Apprenticeship programme, Modern Apprenticeship Outcomes 2012, is an operational matter for Skills Development Scotland. They will use the findings to inform their continuous improvement plan for the Modern Apprenticeship Programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:38.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281331,"EventID":"S4W-12937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:38.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T10:15:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it offers to (a) redundant apprentices and (b) employers facing apprenticeship redundancies.","AnswerText":"The Adopt an Apprentice Initiative was launched in June 2009. This scheme offers employers a £2,000 incentive to employ a redundant apprentice to allow the apprentice the opportunity to complete their training.\r\nSince the scheme began it has supported over 1,500 redundant apprentices, enabling them to find alternative employment and continue their apprenticeship. (as at 1 January 2013)\r\nIf alternative employment cannot be secured for redundant apprentices then Skills Development Scotland advise them about alternative training and employment opportunities in their local area to try to ensure a positive outcome.\r\nThe Safeguard an Apprentice scheme provided a wage subsidy to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the construction, manufacturing and engineering sectors facing the prospect of making their apprentices redundant, and at September 2011 had supported over 110 SMEs to retain their apprentices.\r\nSafeguard an Apprentice was closed to new applications on the 30 September 2011. The decision to close the scheme was taken after a significant fall in applications.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:38.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281332,"EventID":"S4W-12938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:39.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T11:14:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the resolution of the European Parliament on protecting wilderness, INI/2008/2210, and whether it will adhere to this as part of the Year of Natural Scotland, 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has noted the 2009 European Parliament resolution “Wilderness in Europe” which was adopted by that Parliament on the basis that no new legislation would be required to achieve its aims. The Scottish Government is also aware that wilderness in the true sense of the word is found in continental Europe e.g. forests of Eastern Europe.\r\nThe Year of Natural Scotland 2013 is a celebration of Scotland’s biodiversity and landscapes. It is for both people in Scotland and our visitors to discover or rediscover the natural attractions of the country.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:39.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281333,"EventID":"S4W-12939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:39.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T11:23:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its strategy is to increase access to sport in rural communities.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to increasing participation in sport and physical activity at all levels across Scotland capturing the enthusiasm and excitement of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.\r\nOur key ambition for ensuring a lasting legacy of the Games is the development and roll out of community sports hubs across all 32 local authorities. The hubs will bring together sport and physical activity in a local community and help deliver more and better co-ordinated activities to help deliver a healthier, more active nation. 159 community sports hubs will be developed throughout Scotland by 2015. Currently there are 105 hubs up and running, with 11 in the north east of Scotland and a further eight hubs in development.\r\nThe development of the hubs is augmented by the £10 million Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund which is designed to support communities develop more and better places locally to be active.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:39.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281334,"EventID":"S4W-12940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:40.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T11:23:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to take forward NHS Grampian's infrastructure projects.","AnswerText":"It is for NHS Grampian to plan and take forward its infrastructure projects.\r\nScottish Government officials work closely with NHS Grampian on the delivery of its capital programme. The boards has submitted recently its draft five year capital plan for consideration; when approved the plan will set out NHS Grampian’s infrastructure plan for the period 2013-14 to 2017-18 and associated capital requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:40.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281335,"EventID":"S4W-12941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T13:51:40.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T11:23:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it will provide for a feasibility study into the reopening of the Formartine and Buchan railway line.","AnswerText":"While we have received no formal proposal for the reopening of the Formartine and Buchan railway line, the Scottish Government is keen to improve access to the rail network across Scotland.\r\nIn considering proposals to reopen former railway lines and stations, it is necessary for the Scottish Government to take a strategic view and fully consider the impact on the whole network. Determining the potential benefits to new passengers against the negative impact on existing passengers, while robustly assessing the value for money and affordability are essential. The long-term demand, the operational and engineering feasibilities, subsidy implications to the Scottish Government and initial capital costs must be considered in detail.\r\nI understand that promoters of the Formartine and Buchan line are currently discussing their proposals with the North East of Scotland Transport Partnership (Nestrans). Transport Scotland would be happy to offer advice, if Nestrans decide that the proposal merits further consideration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:51:40.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281343,"EventID":"S4W-12920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T16:49:40.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-05T16:12:44.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many civil servants worked on the updated infrastructure investment plan that was published on 4 February 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12919 on 4 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:49:41.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281344,"EventID":"S4W-12943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T16:49:41.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T13:46:45.977","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has considered the impact of the Gangmasters Licensing (Exclusions) Regulations 2010 on the poultry industry and, if so, what can be done to mitigate any such impact.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not received any approaches from the poultry industry regarding any effect of the Gangmaster Licensing (Exclusions) Regulations 2010 on the industry. The Gangmaster Licensing Authority function is reserved to Westminster.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:49:41.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281345,"EventID":"S4W-12944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T16:49:41.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T13:46:45.977","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to ban beak trimming in poultry in line with UK plans to do so by 2016 and whether it has considered the impact of such a decision on the welfare of birds in relation to injurious pecking and feather loss and the consequences for egg producers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not committed to a ban on beak trimming by 2016. We understand that Defra have committed to review the evidence on beak trimming and to look at the feasibility of introducing a ban in England in 2016.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s long term goal is to ban routine beak trimming; however, it is important that this is not at the cost of bird welfare. A ban should not be enforced until the industry has the information and ability to comply without compromising hen welfare.\r\nWe are monitoring current investigations of possible alternative methods for the control of injurious feather pecking, including Scottish Government funded research and work being undertaken by Defra. We will also consider any advice offered by the Farm Animal Welfare Committee before coming to a decision on whether and when to ban beak trimming.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:49:41.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281346,"EventID":"S4W-12945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T16:49:42.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T14:11:34.243","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will maximise the economic benefits of the European Cheerleading Championships, to be hosted by Glasgow in June 2013, and how it will involve (a) young people and (b) the wider community in the event.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government congratulates Glasgow City Council, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and Scotcheer on attracting the European Cheerleading Championships to Glasgow in June 2013. Building on this and other successes, partners continue to promote Scotland as a key destination for the world’s major events, boosting our economy and international profile. The Scottish Government is confident that, working together, the organisers of the European Cheerleading Championships will involve both young people and the wider community in the event.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:49:42.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281347,"EventID":"S4W-12946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T16:49:42.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T15:51:26.303","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will extend outpatient access to the specialist unit at St John's Hospital to include deaf children with mental health problems.","AnswerText":"Generally the approach taken to serious and enduring mental illness in adults is different to the approach taken with children and young people in that there are often complexities related to the developmental process. There are different approaches to diagnosis and treatment reflecting the plasticity of the brain and fluidity of social and family factors. Child and adolescent psychiatry and clinical psychology are particular specialisms for this reason.\r\nWhile deafness increases the complexity of the case and requires additional diagnosis skills and understanding, our objective is that it shouldn’t be seen to increase severity. Deaf children and young people will be treated by their local CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) team in the community with clinicians ensuring all their needs are met and calling on support from other service providers such as British Sign Language interpreters when required.\r\nThere are currently no plans to develop a specialist CAMHS solely for deaf children and young people using specialist NHS child and adolescent mental health services. Our approach to improving services over the last few years has been to shorten waiting lists, invest in more staff, and to measure the performance of services by using a wide range of indicators, with the ultimate aim being improving outcomes for patients including those with a sensory impairment. We now have over 850 specialist child and adolescent clinicians in the workforce nationally and this has been a rise of over 36% since 2008.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:49:42.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281348,"EventID":"S4W-12947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-06T16:49:42.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T15:51:26.303","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many deaf children with mental health problems have been referred to specialist units in England in each year since 2010 and what the cost was.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held nationally\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:49:42.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281359,"EventID":"S4W-12956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:44.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T16:50:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in view of the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy’s recent call for swift and decisive action in relation to the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, what advice it will give to farmers regarding their use on (a) oilseed rape and (b) other plants attractive to bees.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s position is based on the scientific advice it receives from the Advisory Committee on Pesticides (ACP), its own scientists in SASA (Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture), and through other sources such as the European Food Safety Authority.\r\nThis scientific advice has highlighted there are concerns and gaps in the knowledge about the effects of neonicotinoids on pollinators. It is also important to take into account the potential risks at levels of exposure to neonicotinoids which are realistically likely to occur in the field.\r\nThe ACP has been asked urgently to produce new advice taking account of the latest scientific data. As part of this process, the ACP has commissioned independent reviews of key research findings. ACP’s advice following their reviews will then inform the Scottish Government’s view on next steps, and advice for farmers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:44.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281360,"EventID":"S4W-12957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:44.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T16:50:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the findings of the European Food Safety Authority regarding the effects of three neonicotinoid pesticides on bees and the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy’s recent call for swift and decisive action, whether it remains the Scottish Government's position that neonicotinoid pesticides do not pose a significant risk to insect pollinators and what representations it will make to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in relation to the vote on the proposed pesticide measures.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s position is based on the scientific advice it receives from the Advisory Committee on Pesticides (ACP), its own scientists in SASA (Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture), and through other sources such as the European Food Safety Authority.\r\nThis scientific advice has highlighted there are concerns and gaps in the knowledge about the effects of neonicotinoids on pollinators. It is also important to take into account the potential risks at levels of exposure to neonicotinoids which are realistically likely to occur in the field.\r\nThe ACP has been asked urgently to produce new advice taking account of the latest scientific data. As part of this process, the ACP has commissioned independent reviews of key research findings. ACP’s advice following their reviews will then inform the Scottish Government’s view on any action.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:44.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281361,"EventID":"S4W-12958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:45.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T16:50:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which powers in the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill cannot be exercised under existing legislation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The provisions sought in the Bill are not available under existing legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:45.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281362,"EventID":"S4W-12959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:45.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T16:50:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Marine Scotland can take samples from any fish farm in Scottish waters for any purpose in connection with its regulatory and other duties.","AnswerText":"No. Marine Scotland can only take samples from fish farms in Scottish waters for specific purposes set out in legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:45.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281363,"EventID":"S4W-12960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:45.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T16:50:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what scientific data requirements Marine Scotland takes samples from fish farms.\r\n","AnswerText":"The majority of samples taken by Marine Scotland from Scottish fish farms have been for the purpose of discharging Scottish Ministers regulatory functions, these being to investigate the cause of mortalities occurring on Scottish fish farms; to investigate the suspicion or presence of a listed or emerging disease on Scottish fish farms; to collect samples to demonstrate the freedom from certain fish or shellfish diseases and demonstrating the United Kingdom’s high health status with regard to trade. Marine Scotland scientists may collect samples and data for the purpose of carrying out general research with the consent of Scottish fish farms, which would involve the voluntary provision by participating farms of material or data for analysis. The scope of the data or samples would be dependent upon the project concerned.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:45.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281364,"EventID":"S4W-12961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:46.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T16:50:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what offences will be subject to fixed penalty notices under the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The provisions in the Bill are designed to widen the scope of offences for which the existing fixed penalty notice system can be used, to include all marine and freshwater fisheries related offences which fall within the responsibility of Marine Scotland. The Scottish Government have published a briefing note which provides some examples of the types of offences where fixed penalties might be applicable, this can be accessed at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/Fish-Shellfish/bill/fpn\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:46.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281365,"EventID":"S4W-12962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:46.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T16:50:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it defines “technical nature” as used by the Deputy Director of Performance, Aquaculture and Recreational Fisheries to the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee in relation to the provisions in the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill on 28 November 2012 (Official Report, c. 1397).","AnswerText":"The term \"technical nature\" in the context of that evidence session recognised that the enabling powers being sought would in turn lead to the development of very detailed and complex pieces of secondary legislation which would likely require further amendment in due course to take account of technological advances and the like. The Scottish Government believes that, in these circumstances, setting out enabling powers rather than detailed technical provisions on the face of the Bill, is the appropriate approach.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:46.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281366,"EventID":"S4W-12968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:46.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T09:43:24.857","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to promote financial inclusion.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government supports a national infrastructure and related support for financial inclusion and financial awareness, including training for debt advisors and a Financial Learning Online Scotland website for financial capability practitioners. On 21 January 2013, the Deputy First Minister announced a £5.4 million funding package for advice services designed to help them manage the growing number of requests for help as a result of UK Government’s welfare reforms.\r\nWork in communities across Scotland on financial inclusion and financial capability is taken forward by local authorities, who are well placed to assess local need for services and put in place appropriate provision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:46.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281367,"EventID":"S4W-12974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:47.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T09:58:30.297","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08144 by Richard Lochhead 9 July 2012, what progress has been made on its marine litter strategy and when it will publish a consultation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to the development of a marine litter strategy, which aims to address the levels of marine litter present on our coast.\r\nA very successful stakeholder workshop was held in August 2012 and supporting research was published in September 2012. It was decided thereafter to support the strategy by undertaking a strategic environmental assessment which means that a draft strategy is now being prepared for consultation in the spring.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:47.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281368,"EventID":"S4W-12975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:47.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T10:05:52.013","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10782 by Alex Neil on 13 November 2012, whether the report by Lothian and Borders Police in relation to the Elsie Inglis Care Home has been passed to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and, if so, what further action will be taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"Lothian and Borders Police have confirmed that a report was submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) on 27 December 2012. It will be for the COPFS to decide if any further action is required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:47.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281369,"EventID":"S4W-12976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:48.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T10:17:24.857","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it will not fund the Older Peoples Advice Service  from March 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government funded the Older People’s Advice Service from May 2009 as part of commitments and investment attached to the publication of Achieving our Potential. Over the period 2009–2013 a total of £1.15 million (£250,000 in 09-10, £450,000 in 10-11, £300,000 in 11-12, and £150,000 in 12-13) was allocated to the project. It was understood that the Scottish Government support was short-term with the intention that, if successful, the project would be embedded within local service delivery and core funded accordingly.\r\nIn January 2013 the Scottish Government announced a £5.4 million package of funding to help front line advice services as they support individuals, families and older people facing the harsh reality of the welfare cuts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:48.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281370,"EventID":"S4W-12977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:48.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T10:21:46.797","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many medical physicists are employed by each NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested on how many medical physicists are employed by each NHS board is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:48.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281371,"EventID":"S4W-12978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:49.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T10:21:46.797","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many vacancies there are for medical physicists, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested on how many vacancies there are for medical physicists, broken down by NHS board is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:49.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281372,"EventID":"S4W-12979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:49.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T10:24:51.477","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been sleeping rough in each year since 2009-10, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The following table gives the number of homeless applications where at least one member of the household had slept rough on the night immediately before they made their homelessness application.\r\n\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nAberdeen City\r\n184 \r\n220 \r\n84 \r\nAberdeenshire\r\n114 \r\n103 \r\n85 \r\nAngus\r\n18 \r\n37 \r\n28 \r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n60 \r\n35 \r\n32 \r\nClackmannanshire\r\n23 \r\n29 \r\n20 \r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n68 \r\n50 \r\n56 \r\nDundee City\r\n195 \r\n133 \r\n85 \r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n24 \r\n19 \r\n32 \r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n10 \r\n13 \r\n9 \r\nEast Lothian\r\n103 \r\n61 \r\n23 \r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n14 \r\n15 \r\n19 \r\nEdinburgh\r\n467 \r\n512 \r\n446 \r\nEilean Siar\r\n6 \r\n5 \r\n8 \r\nFalkirk\r\n119 \r\n65 \r\n13 \r\nFife\r\n173 \r\n373 \r\n75 \r\nGlasgow City\r\n490 \r\n369 \r\n535 \r\nHighland\r\n187 \r\n114 \r\n87 \r\nInverclyde\r\n19 \r\n23 \r\n22 \r\nMidlothian\r\n15 \r\n3 \r\n7 \r\nMoray\r\n37 \r\n38 \r\n48 \r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n43 \r\n25 \r\n12 \r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n11 \r\n13 \r\n9 \r\nOrkney\r\n5 \r\n4 \r\n2 \r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n61 \r\n63 \r\n36 \r\nRenfrewshire\r\n62 \r\n51 \r\n51 \r\nScottish Borders\r\n42 \r\n15 \r\n15 \r\nShetland\r\n6 \r\n7 \r\n8 \r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n42 \r\n31 \r\n32 \r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\nStirling\r\n78 \r\n47 \r\n18 \r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n69 \r\n43 \r\n57 \r\nWest Lothian\r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\nScotland\r\n      2,745 \r\n      2,516 \r\n      1,954 \r\n\r\nSource: Scottish Government HL1 dataset as 27 Feb 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:49.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281373,"EventID":"S4W-12980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:50.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T10:24:51.477","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many families with children have been housed on a temporary basis in bed and breakfast accommodation in each year since 2009-10, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s HL2 Return gives snapshot information on the number of households in temporary accommodation at the end of each quarter.\r\nTable 2 in the following file gives the number of households with children in bed and breakfast at the end of each quarter.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-Regeneration/RefTables/TempAccomJulySept2012\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:50.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281374,"EventID":"S4W-12981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:50.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T11:18:37.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government where the £10 million for college funding announced on 6 February 2013 will be allocated.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council will work with Colleges Scotland and NUS Scotland to set priorities for this additional investment. Further information will be available in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:50.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281375,"EventID":"S4W-12982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:51.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T11:18:37.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what purpose the £10 million for college funding announced on 6 February 2013 is intended.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council will work with Colleges Scotland and NUS Scotland to set priorities for this additional investment. Further information will be available in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:51.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281376,"EventID":"S4W-12983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:51.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T11:18:37.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the £10 million for college funding announced on 6 February 2013 is new money or is found from (a) underspend, (b) resource consequentials or (c) another source.\r\n","AnswerText":"The additional £10 million of funding for colleges is new money whose source is Barnett consequentials.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:51.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281377,"EventID":"S4W-12984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:51.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T11:18:37.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the teaching grant funding for colleges for 2013-14 will be confirmed.","AnswerText":"Matters relating to the funding of individual colleges fall within the responsibility of the Scottish Funding Council. I have asked its chief executive to write to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:51.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281378,"EventID":"S4W-12985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:52.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T11:18:37.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the student support funding for colleges for 2013-14 will be confirmed.","AnswerText":"Matters relating to the funding of individual colleges fall within the responsibility of the Scottish Funding Council. I have asked its chief executive to write to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:52.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281379,"EventID":"S4W-12986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:52.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T11:34:52.7","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many wind turbines have imploded or caught fire as a result of a mechanical error during high winds since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:52.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281380,"EventID":"S4W-12987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:52.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T11:34:52.7","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many wind turbines have experienced gearbox or brake failure as a result of high winds since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:52.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281381,"EventID":"S4W-12988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:53.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T11:34:52.7","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider introducing new regulations to increase the safety of wind turbines in the event of failure during high winds.\r\n","AnswerText":"Health and safety legislation is reserved to the UK Parliament. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the UK Department for Work and Pensions. \r\nIn its report on Health and Safety in the New Energy Economy (December 2010), the HSE considers that the general provisions of the existing Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 provides the basis of a fit for purpose regulatory framework for renewable energy generation across both onshore and offshore health & safety regimes.\r\nThis framework will be kept under review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:53.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281382,"EventID":"S4W-12989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T13:51:53.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T12:28:54.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to consolidate crofting legalisation and, if so, within what timescale.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will consider the consolidation of crofting legislation after it is satisfied that all the provisions of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 are working as intended.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T13:51:53.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281389,"EventID":"S4W-12995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T15:28:54.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T15:20:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds it is making available to NHS boards for 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"Territorial Boards have been given a general allocation increase of £256 million for 2013-14, an overall average increase over the equivalent 2012-13 allocation of 3.3%.\r\nSpecial boards allocations have increased by 1.0%. In addition, differential efficiency savings have been allocated to the elements of special boards budgets not providing direct patient care.\r\nDetails of Boards revenue resource and capital allocations for 2013-14 are provided in the following tables: \r\nRevenue Resource\r\n \r\nTerritorial Boards\r\n2013-14\r\n2013-14\r\nInitial\r\nAllocation\r\nFunding\r\nUplift\r\n£ million\r\n%\r\nAyrshire and Arran \r\n603.4\r\n2.8%\r\nBorders \r\n175.4\r\n2.8%\r\nDumfries and Galloway \r\n253.3\r\n2.8%\r\nFife \r\n539.5\r\n3.6%\r\nForth Valley \r\n434.2\r\n3.8%\r\nGrampian \r\n743.8\r\n4.2%\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde \r\n1,995.1\r\n2.8%\r\nHighland \r\n509.8\r\n2.8%\r\nLanarkshire \r\n865.1\r\n3.2%\r\nLothian \r\n1,141.2\r\n4.4%\r\nOrkney \r\n34.3\r\n4.6%\r\nShetland \r\n38.7\r\n2.8%\r\nTayside \r\n629.1\r\n2.9%\r\nWestern Isles \r\n60.7\r\n2.8%\r\n\r\n8,023.6\r\n3.3%\r\n\r\nSpecial Boards\r\n\r\n\r\nNational Waiting Times Centre\r\n44.7\r\n1.0%\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n207.6\r\n1.0%\r\nNational Services Scotland\r\n281.7\r\n-0.4%\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland \r\n15.9\r\n-4.2%\r\nThe State Hospital\r\n33.6\r\n1.0%\r\nNHS 24\r\n61.5\r\n1.0%\r\nNHS Education for Scotland\r\n390.4\r\n0.2%\r\nNHS Health Scotland\r\n18.5\r\n-4.2%\r\n\r\n1,053.9\r\n0.2%\r\nTotals\r\n9,077.5\r\n2.9%\r\n\r\nCapital Resource 2013-14 – Initial Gross Allocation £ million\r\nTerritorial Boards\r\n\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n11.4\r\nBorders\r\n3.4\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n6.5\r\nFife\r\n21.1\r\nForth Valley\r\n6.4\r\nGrampian\r\n34.3\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n293.6\r\nHighland\r\n15.5\r\nLanarkshire\r\n14.8\r\nLothian\r\n57.6\r\nOrkney\r\n1.4\r\nShetland\r\n3.1\r\nTayside\r\n15.0\r\nWestern Isles\r\n1.3\r\nTotal\r\n485.4\r\n\r\nSpecial Boards\r\nNational Waiting Times Centre\r\n4.8\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n13.5\r\nNational Services Scotland\r\n3.8\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland\r\n0.2\r\nThe State Hospital\r\n0.3\r\nNHS 24\r\n0.3\r\nNHS Health Scotland\r\n0.7\r\nTotal\r\n23.6\r\nRetained Centrally\r\n16.9\r\nTotals\r\n525.9\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T15:28:54.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281390,"EventID":"S4W-12948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T16:47:03.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T17:20:35.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the status is of the accreditation of Green Deal advisors.\r\n","AnswerText":"Accreditation under the Green Deal is available and is recognised in Scotland. It is carried out by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) for all Green Deal Certification Bodies. There are currently nine such bodies able to certify Green Deal Assessor Organisations and 80 certified Green Deal Assessor Organisations registered with the Green Deal Oversight and Registration Body (ORB).\r\nIn order to operate in Scotland, it is a requirement that each individual Green Deal Adviser must be an existing Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessor who has completed the necessary Green Deal processes.\r\nFurther information is available from the Green Deal ORB at:\r\nwww.greendealorb.co.uk \r\nTo lodge a Green Deal Advice Report in Scotland registered Green Deal Advisors must also register on the Scottish EPC register.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T16:47:03.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281391,"EventID":"S4W-12949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T16:47:03.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T17:20:35.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how each local authority has performed in delivering its universal home insulation targets.\r\n","AnswerText":"Across Scotland, in its first year, the Universal Home Insulation Scheme delivered 34,371 measures at a cost to the Scottish Government of just over £9.6 million. In comparison to earlier schemes aimed at providing basic domestic energy efficiency measures, the Universal Home Insulation Scheme (which offered measures free of charge to private sector households within areas selected by local authorities) had much higher levels of take-up. As such, it has been very successful and has represented excellent value for money for the Scottish Government, both in terms of cost per measure and cost per tonne/carbon saved.\r\nTargets for the number of measures to be installed are initially proposed by local authorities in their applications for UHIS funding, then revised and agreed with the Scottish Government in the light of actual funding awarded. Targets are then set out in offers of grant, and in any additional offers of grant made for the year concerned. All local authorities were encouraged to set ambitious targets.\r\nReporting requirements and performance assessment processes are being reviewed as part of the process of moving from UHIS to the new local authority area-based schemes to be delivered under the Home Energy Scotland fuel poverty and energy efficiency programmes for 2013-14.\r\nThe following table shows how each of the 27 local authorities which participated in the Universal Home Insulation Scheme (UHIS) in 2010-11 performed against their targets for the installation of measures, as set out in their grant offer letters.  Note that UHIS did not operate in Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Shetland or West Lothian, in 2010-11. The data for 2011-12 is not yet complete, because councils have until March 2013 to complete installations of measures in hard-to-treat properties undertaken as part of their 2011-12 programme. This data will be published later in 2013. \r\nLocal Authority\r\nVirgin Loft (CERT)\r\nCavity Wall Insulation (CERT)\r\nLoft Top-Up\r\nOther measures\r\n(2)\r\nTotal\r\n (all measures) \r\nAberdeen City Target\r\n303 \r\n500 \r\n1,961 \r\n228 \r\n2,992 \r\nPerformance (1)\r\n836 \r\n434 \r\n1,242 \r\n111 \r\n2,623 \r\nAberdeenshire Target\r\n150 \r\n200 \r\n1,900 \r\n0 \r\n2,250 \r\nPerformance\r\n255 \r\n68 \r\n1,086 \r\n0 \r\n1,409 \r\nArgyll and Bute Target\r\n55 \r\n51 \r\n100 \r\n85 \r\n291 \r\nPerformance (5)\r\n53 \r\n9 \r\n147 \r\n24 \r\n233 \r\nDundee City Target\r\n17 \r\n640 \r\n50 \r\n240 \r\n947 \r\nPerformance (1)\r\n11 \r\n456 \r\n51 \r\n641 \r\n1,159 \r\nEast Ayrshire Target\r\n320 \r\n640 \r\n960 \r\n0 \r\n1,920 \r\nPerformance\r\n142 \r\n199 \r\n266 \r\n0 \r\n607 \r\nEast Dunbartonshire Target\r\n775 \r\n775 \r\n215 \r\n0 \r\n1,765 \r\nPerformance\r\n180 \r\n861 \r\n775 \r\n0 \r\n1,816 \r\nEast Lothian Target\r\n683 \r\n400 \r\n171 \r\n0 \r\n1,254 \r\nPerformance\r\n184 \r\n475 \r\n454 \r\n37 \r\n1,150 \r\nEast Renfrewshire Target \r\n300 \r\n200 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n500 \r\nPerformance\r\n1 \r\n50 \r\n110 \r\n0 \r\n161 \r\nEdinburgh Target\r\n833 \r\n59 \r\n255 \r\n1,017 \r\n2,164 \r\nPerformance\r\n257 \r\n19 \r\n349 \r\n484 \r\n1,109 \r\nEilean Siar Target\r\n95 \r\n237 \r\n95 \r\n0 \r\n427 \r\nPerformance\r\n29 \r\n294 \r\n120 \r\n0 \r\n443 \r\nFalkirk Target\r\n30 \r\n750 \r\n2,250 \r\n0 \r\n3,030 \r\nPerformance\r\n496 \r\n672 \r\n1,217 \r\n1,272 \r\n3,657 \r\nFife Target\r\n991 \r\n2,233 \r\n2,223 \r\n0 \r\n5,447 \r\nPerformance\r\n917 \r\n1,541 \r\n1,770 \r\n212 \r\n4,440 \r\nGlasgow City Target\r\n385 \r\n174 \r\n135 \r\n125 \r\n819 \r\nPerformance\r\n307 \r\n524 \r\n571 \r\n0 \r\n1,402 \r\nHighland Target\r\n550 \r\n889\r\n1606 \r\n0 \r\n3045 \r\nPerformance\r\n331 \r\n362 \r\n1,126 \r\n104 \r\n1,923 \r\nInverclyde Target\r\n316 \r\n127 \r\n306 \r\n500 \r\n1,249 \r\nPerformance\r\n229 \r\n220 \r\n381 \r\n0 \r\n830 \r\nMidlothian Target\r\n133 \r\n13 \r\n0 \r\n506 \r\n652 \r\nPerformance (3)\r\n20 \r\n18 \r\n56 \r\n198 \r\n292 \r\nMoray Target\r\n20 \r\n5 \r\n160 \r\n0 \r\n185 \r\nPerformance (4)\r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n41 \r\n0 \r\n41 \r\nNorth Ayrshire Target\r\n133 \r\n267 \r\n400 \r\n70 \r\n870 \r\nPerformance\r\n133 \r\n99 \r\n189 \r\n137 \r\n558 \r\nNorth Lanarkshire Target\r\n280 \r\n365 \r\n0\r\n0 \r\n645 \r\nPerformance\r\n55 \r\n494 \r\n194 \r\n0 \r\n743 \r\nOrkney Target\r\nN/A \r\nN/A \r\nN/A \r\n40 \r\n40 \r\nPerformance (5)\r\nN/A \r\nN/A \r\nN/A \r\n25 \r\n25 \r\nPerth and Kinross Target\r\n319 \r\n467 \r\n1,275 \r\n540 \r\n2,601 \r\nPerformance\r\n317 \r\n133 \r\n897 \r\n1,320 ","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T16:47:03.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281392,"EventID":"S4W-12950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T16:47:04.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T17:20:35.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the gross value is of the commercial assets held by each local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities are required to account for their assets in a number of categories. This does not include the category of commercial asset. The Scottish Government collects information on the net book value of assets held by local authorities. This information is included in the following table.\r\nNet book value of non-current assets by type of asset.\r\nLocal Authority Annual Accounts to 31 March 2007, Local Authority Final Capital Returns from 31 March 2008\r\nType of Asset\r\n 31 March 2005\r\n31 March 2006\r\n 31 March 2007\r\n 31 March 2008\r\n 31 March 2009\r\n 31 March 2010\r\n 31 March 2011\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\nDwellings\r\n6,091.3\r\n7,068.7\r\n7,632.4\r\n7,953.5\r\n8,739.3\r\n9,141.0\r\n9,780.1\r\nOperational Land and Buildings\r\n10,218.5\r\n10,863.8\r\n11,252.7\r\n12,522.6\r\n13,383.5\r\n18,182.7\r\n19,132.1\r\nVehicles, Plant and Equipment\r\n380.5\r\n501.2\r\n571.0\r\n647.0\r\n719.0\r\n769.1\r\n928.8\r\nInfrastructure\r\n2,320.3\r\n2,602.4\r\n2,874.5\r\n3,287.8\r\n3,640.8\r\n3,941.4\r\n4,335.1\r\nCommunity Assets\r\n96.2\r\n115.8\r\n138.5\r\n150.6\r\n170.0\r\n172.1\r\n177.8\r\nSurplus Assets\r\n416.6\r\n456.0\r\n388.5\r\n546.4\r\n540.6\r\n583.6\r\n492.7\r\nAssets Under Construction and Work In Progress\r\n243.8\r\n359.8\r\n619.3\r\n897.5\r\n1,019.3\r\n983.2\r\n1,275.9\r\nTotal Property, Plant and Equipment\r\n19,767.2\r\n21,967.8\r\n23,476.9\r\n26,005.3\r\n28,212.6\r\n33,773.1\r\n36,122.5\r\nIntangible Assets\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n47.0\r\n43.3\r\n42.8\r\n18.1\r\nTotal Operational and Non-Operational Assets\r\n19,767.2\r\n21,967.8\r\n23,476.9\r\n26,052.3\r\n28,255.9\r\n33,815.9\r\n36,140.6\r\nInvestment Properties\r\n978.3\r\n1,083.0\r\n1,131.0\r\n1,238.4\r\n1,130.7\r\n702.7\r\n209.2\r\nTotal\r\n20,745.5\r\n23,050.8\r\n24,607.9\r\n27,290.7\r\n29,386.6\r\n34,518.6\r\n36,349.8\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T16:47:04.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281393,"EventID":"S4W-12951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T16:47:04.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T17:20:35.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the market value is of the commercial assets held by each local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities are required to account for their assets in a number of categories. This does not include the category of commercial asset. The Scottish Government collects information on the net book value of assets held by local authorities and I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12950 on 28 February 2013.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T16:47:04.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281394,"EventID":"S4W-12952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T16:47:04.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T17:20:35.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the maintenance budget has been for commercial assets held by each local authority in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities are required to account for their assets in a number of categories. This does not include the category of commercial asset. The Scottish Government does not hold information on the value of maintenance budgets for each local authority for their non-current assets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T16:47:04.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281395,"EventID":"S4W-12953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T16:47:05.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T17:20:35.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the maintenance budget for commercial assets was spent by each local authority in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities are required to account for their assets in a number of categories but this does not include the category of commercial asset. The Scottish Government only collects information on the total amount spent by each local authority on their premises.\r\nIn addition, this information has only been collected since 1 April 2011. The information for each local authority for 2011-12 (the latest published information) is provided in the following table.\r\nTotal cost of maintaining all premises in 2011-12\r\nLocal Authority\r\n(£000s)\r\nAberdeen City\r\n52,494\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n49,272\r\nAngus\r\n24,040\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n11,885\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n13,247\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n24,039\r\nDundee City\r\n52,572\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n20,353\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n27,276\r\nEast Lothian\r\n26,008\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n15,422\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n92,434\r\nEilean Siar\r\n8,367\r\nFalkirk\r\n46,914\r\nFife\r\n120,612\r\nGlasgow City\r\n83,855\r\nHighland\r\n50,790\r\nInverclyde\r\n15,836\r\nMidlothian\r\n19,835\r\nMoray\r\n24,765\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n34,869\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n120,698\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n8,442\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n31,138\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n43,014\r\nScottish Borders\r\n16,770\r\nShetland Islands\r\n19,684\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n29,519\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n103,967\r\nStirling\r\n16,845\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n31,359\r\nWest Lothian\r\n38,007\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T16:47:05.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281396,"EventID":"S4W-12954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T16:47:05.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T17:20:35.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information communications technology (ICT) systems are used by each local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information communications technology (ICT) systems used by each local authority is a matter for individual local authorities and information is not held centrally.\r\nLocal Government are finalising their Local Government ICT Strategy – Delivering Better Services for Communities - which sets out Local Government’s vision for ICT and how that vision will be realised. This will be the Local Government sectoral response to the Scotland’s Digital Future - Delivery of Public Services strategy and action plan. The Local Government strategy will focus on the achievement of three outcomes, enabled by ICT, Digital Services, Reduced Costs and Enabling Reform.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T16:47:05.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281397,"EventID":"S4W-12955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T16:47:05.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-06T17:20:35.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been spent on information communications technology (ICT) asset management systems by each local authority in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for individual local authorities. The information on how much local authorities have spent on information communications technology asset management is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T16:47:05.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281398,"EventID":"S4W-12990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T16:47:06.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T13:32:59.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when work began on Scotland’s Future: from the Referendum to Independence and a Written Constitution.\r\n","AnswerText":"Work began on the policies in Scotland’s Future: from the Referendum to Independence and a Written Constitution following the publication of Your Scotland, Your Referendum in January 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T16:47:06.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281399,"EventID":"S4W-12991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T16:47:06.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T13:32:59.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many civil servants prepared Scotland’s Future: from the Referendum to Independence and a Written Constitution.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12879 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T16:47:06.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281400,"EventID":"S4W-12992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T16:47:06.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T13:32:59.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government at what time on 5 February 2013 Scotland’s Future: from the Referendum to Independence and a Written Constitution was provided to the Referendum (Scotland) Bill Committee clerks.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Future: from the Referendum to Independence and a Written Constitution was published on 5 February 2013 at 9.30am. The Referendum (Scotland) Bill Committee clerks were sent a copy at 9.32am.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T16:47:06.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281401,"EventID":"S4W-12993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T16:47:07.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T13:32:59.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it provided copies of Scotland’s Future: from the Referendum to Independence and a Written Constitution to The Sun and BBC Scotland before providing it to the Parliament.","AnswerText":"The Presiding Officer and the Referendum Bill Committee were provided with a copy of the report on its publication.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T16:47:07.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281402,"EventID":"S4W-12994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-07T16:47:07.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T13:42:43.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average single bus fare is and how this compares with 2006-07.\r\n","AnswerText":"A fares growth table is included in Bus and Coach statistics and Scottish Transport Statistics :\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/strategy-and-research/publications-and-consultations/j251205-044.htm.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T16:47:07.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281408,"EventID":"S4W-12963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:17.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T09:42:03.81","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will collect data on the (a) number and (b) geographical distribution of GPs in  2012-13 and at regular intervals thereafter.","AnswerText":"The number (headcount) of GPs working in Scottish general practices will continue to be published on an annual basis at http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/General-Practice/GPs-and-Other-Practice-Workforce/ and will add to the figures for 1988-2012 (inclusive) already published.\r\nIn addition, a 2013 survey of the GP workforce in general practices and the NHS board out of hours services is currently underway. The results of the survey, anticipated to include estimates of the whole time equivalent numbers of GPs working in Scotland overall with geographical breakdown by NHS board and CHP, will be published later in the year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:17.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281409,"EventID":"S4W-12964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:18.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T09:42:03.81","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last collected data on the (a) number and (b) geographical distribution of GPs and what the data show.","AnswerText":"Headcount numbers of GPs working in general practice in Scotland are routinely collected and are published annually at: \r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/General-Practice/GPs-and-Other-Practice-Workforce/.\r\n\r\nThe published figures currently run from 1988 to 2012 inclusive and include the geographical breakdown of headcount by NHS Board and Community Health Partnership.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:18.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281410,"EventID":"S4W-12965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:19.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T09:42:03.81","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to (a) provide extra GPs and (b) increase the capacity of surgeries in deprived areas.","AnswerText":"The Bill on integration of adult health and social care being introduced to parliament before summer, will ensure that statutory partners, both Health Boards and Local Authorities, jointly plan and design services based on the needs of the population. The Bill will ensure that statutory partners are held equally and jointly accountable for the effective delivery of adult health and social care services. Our approach will ensure a focus on person- centred care, which will be of particular benefit in deprived areas.\r\nThe Scottish Government is in regular contact with the Deep End group of practices that are situated in the most deprived areas of Scotland whilst delivery models for the future are being informed through pilot work in deprived areas, including the 17c Reducing Inequalities Pilot Programme and the Scottish Government sponsored Links Project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:19.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281411,"EventID":"S4W-12971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:20.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T09:51:56.263","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12122 by Alex Neil on 22 January 2013, whether the investigation into claims of bullying and intimidation at the Scottish Ambulance Service headquarters has been completed and, if so, when the report will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"The investigation is concluded and a report has been made. This is now a matter for the Scottish Ambulance Service to take forward. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:20.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281412,"EventID":"S4W-12972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:20.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T09:51:56.263","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the claims of bullying and intimidation at the Scottish Ambulance Academy have been investigated and, if so, when the report will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"I am aware that the allegations to which you refer are being investigated by the Scottish Ambulance Service. This is a matter for the Scottish Ambulance Service to take forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:20.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281413,"EventID":"S4W-12997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:21.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T16:59:27.653","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many NHS dental (a) nurses and (b) technicians there were in September (i) 2007 and (ii) 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of NHS dental (a) nurses and (b) technicians there were in September (i) 2007 and (ii) 2012 is available in the following table:\r\nTable 1: NHS Scotland dental nurses and technicians (WTE)\r\n\r\nSept-07\r\nSept-12\r\nChange Sept-07 to Sept-12\r\nDental nurse\r\n862.4\r\n1,426.5\r\n65.4%\r\nDental technician\r\n48.0\r\n130.4\r\n171.5%\r\nSource: ISD Scotland National Statistics\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:21.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281414,"EventID":"S4W-12998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:21.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T17:52:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund has been spent in each year; what projects have received funding, and how much private finance each project has received.","AnswerText":"To date, Scottish Enterprise (SE) has spent £2,567,935 to support the development of a range of N-RIF projects at various Scottish locations, namely Port of Dundee, Port of Leith, Rosyth, Methil, Hunterston, Inchgreen and Westway.\r\nTo date Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has spent £6,255,652 to support the development of a range of N-RIP projects at various HIE locations, namely, Kishorn, Arnish, Machrihanish, Nigg, Wick, Stornoway, Scrabster and Mallaig.\r\nSE and HIE continue to work with owners at these various locations in developing proposals to meet current market opportunities.\r\nIn terms of private funding projects, again SE and HIE are working closely with site owners to progress consent applications and funding packages. Funding packages are in place for a number of other ports with differing public/private funding splits.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281415,"EventID":"S4W-12999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:22.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T17:52:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund it expected to spend in each year of the fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Renewables Infrastructure Fund is not split out on an annual funding basis. Funding awards are made in response to the open call for Expressions of Interest.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:22.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281416,"EventID":"S4W-13000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:22.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T17:52:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many applications there have been to the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund.","AnswerText":"Applications to the fund are in the form of Expressions of Interest. To date Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise have received 42 Expressions of Interest, with the call remaining open.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:22.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281417,"EventID":"S4W-13001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:23.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T17:52:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many applications to the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund it expected in each year of the fund.","AnswerText":"The call for Expressions of Interest had an initial deadline of 10 December 2010, but there remains a continuing open call.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:23.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281418,"EventID":"S4W-13002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:23.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T17:52:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will investigate why demand for financial support from the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund has been lower than expected.\r\n","AnswerText":"The offshore wind industry has enormous potential, and to realise this potential it is essential that investors have confidence. The proposals outlined to date in the UK Energy Bill and Electricity Market Reform programme lack the measures to give investors the confidence beyond 2020.\r\nTo deliver market certainty and maintain investor confidence, it is crucial that the UK Government progress the Electricity Market Reform programme to give investment clarity and assurance to the energy sector. The UK Government must also make clear their ongoing support for the offshore wind sector and emulate the Scottish Government’s approach by setting a 2030 electricity decarbonisation target now, not in 2016 as planned under the UK Energy Bill.\r\nScottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise are working closely with port owners and industry partners to progress the expressions of interest received under the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:23.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281419,"EventID":"S4W-13003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:23.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T17:52:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many jobs have been created by projects that have received support from the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund.","AnswerText":"When National Renewables Infrastructure Fund (NRIF) was set up the overall assessment of the potential scale of the offshore wind industry was 28,000FTE. The purpose of NRIF is to support the development of the supply chain that creates these jobs. This sits alongside other investment measures and support mechanisms from Scottish Enterprise (SE), Highlands and Islands Enterprise and other public bodies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:23.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281420,"EventID":"S4W-13004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:23.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T17:52:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the financial benefit to the economy resulting from the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund.","AnswerText":"National Renewables Infrastructure Fund is one of the linchpins to the Scottish Government’s effort to develop an offshore wind sector in Scotland. Initial economic assessment indicates that a cumulative gross value added of £7.1 billion would be achievable if wind farm development proceeds and Scotland secures supply chain opportunities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:24.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281421,"EventID":"S4W-13005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:24.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T17:52:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of the release of £15 million from the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund for other projects on the fund’s ability to help deliver (a) 28,000 jobs and (b) £7.1 billion to the economy.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise remain committed to supporting the development of locations that will attract offshore wind supply chain. The National Renewables Infrastructure Fund remains £70 million. Investment in projects will be assessed on the economic impact of the project and the need for public sector investment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:24.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281422,"EventID":"S4W-13006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:24.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T02:27:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing first sought advice regarding the establishment of the orphan medicines fund and when it was received.\r\n","AnswerText":"The New Medicines Review, which is considering all aspects of access to new medicines, was established on 14 January 2013.\r\nWe have received regular updates on the progress of the review since its inception.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:24.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281423,"EventID":"S4W-13007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:25.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T02:27:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will introduce the draft regulations on passported benefits and for what reason this has been delayed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Welfare Reform (Consequential Amendments) Scotland Regulations 2013 and the Education (School Lunches) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2013 were laid before the Scottish Parliament on 25 February 2013. The Welfare Reform (Consequential Amendments) (Scotland) (No. 2) Regulations 2013 were laid before the Scottish Parliament on 27 February 2013.\r\nThis enables the regulations to come into force at the same time as the regulations for Universal Credit and Personal Independent Payments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:25.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281424,"EventID":"S4W-13008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:25.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T02:27:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what current benefits will be covered by the draft regulations for passported benefits.\r\n","AnswerText":"The passported benefits covered by the regulations are: Legal Aid, Court Fee Exemptions, Free School Lunches, Education Maintenance Allowance, Individual Learning Accounts, NHS Optical Vouchers, Free NHS Dental Treatment, NHS Patient Travel Costs, Blue Badge Parking, Concessionary Bus Travel and Student Loan Exemptions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:25.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281425,"EventID":"S4W-13009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:26.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T02:27:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the draft regulations for passported benefits will cover all who currently qualify for these.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Regulations relating to income based passported benefits are designed to allow claimants on the Universal Credit pathfinder scheme, which begins in the Greater Manchester area later this year, to be able to claim income based passported benefits in the situation that any such claimants move to Scotland. This will have no impact on people who currently qualify for passported benefits. The Regulations relating to disability related passported benefits maintain passporting arrangements in Scotland to the National Concessionary Travel Scheme (NCTS), the Blue Badge Parking Scheme and Exemption from Repayment for Student loans for Higher Education.\r\nWe expect the numbers of people who will be entitled to Personal Independence Payments will be fewer than those who received Disability Living Allowance, therefore, we are putting in place transitional protections for those people who may no longer be able to passport to the NCTS and the Blue Badge Scheme. Further information on the impacts of these new passporting arrangements is available in my letter of 22 February 2013 to the Convener of the Welfare Reform Committee. It is available at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/S4_Welfare_Reform_Committee/papers_05032013.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:26.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281426,"EventID":"S4W-13010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:26.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T02:27:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people currently qualify for passported benefits, broken down by benefit.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest figures available for take up of passported benefits are shown on the following table:\r\nBenefit\r\nLatest Numbers Held\r\nLegal Aid\r\n2011-12 - 137,000 legal assistance cases (to nearest 1000).\r\nCourt Fee Exemptions\r\n2011-12 - 838 exemptions as a result of passported benefits, from 29,000 total exemptions. \r\n\r\nFree School Lunches\r\n2012 - 130,477 children and young people in Scottish schools were registered to receive a free school lunch. This figure includes a small number of children in P1-P3, who might not meet the eligibility criteria prescribed in statue, but are registered to free school lunches as part of local initiatives designed to promote healthy eating in the early years.\r\n[Source: Summary statistics for attainment, leaver destinations and healthy living, No. 2: 2012 Edition, published June 2012]\r\nEducation Maintenance Allowance (EMA)\r\n2011-12 - 34,390 young people received an EMA.\r\n\r\nIndividual Learning Accounts (ILA)\r\n2011-12 54,082 individuals funded learning using an ILA account.\r\n\r\nNHS Optical Vouchers\r\nYear ending March 2012 - 340,258 voucher claims processed for the provision of glasses/contact lenses for those on a passported benefit. \r\n\r\nHowever, this is a demand led service with information collected on the number of claims processed in respect of eligible people who have received a voucher towards the cost of glasses/contact lenses.\r\nAn individual may receive more than one voucher a year if it is considered necessary.\r\nFree NHS Dental Treatment\r\nNo figures are published.\r\nThis is a demand led service which those in receipt of a passported benefit access as needed. Claims are submitted and counted for individual courses of treatment, not for individuals, and an individual may receive more than one course of treatment in a year if necessary.\r\nNHS Patient Travel\r\nThis information is not collected centrally.\r\nBlue Badge Parking\r\n125,534 out of a total of 263,045 Blue Badges on issue at 31 March 2012 were awarded to individuals who passported automatically (without further assessment) to a Blue Badge.\r\nThe 125,534 includes individuals in receipt of:\r\nthe Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMCDLA;\r\na War Pensioners Mobility Supplement; \r\na lump sum (at tariffs 1-8) of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme;\r\nblind or registered blind people.\r\nWe are unable to extract from the total number of badges issued automatically how many were to individuals in receipt of HRCMDLA.\r\n[Source: Scottish Transport Statistics 2012]\r\nConcessionary Travel\r\n283,650 people in Scotland are eligible for the higher rate of the mobility component of disability living allowance or the higher or middle rate of the care component of disability living allowance and could therefore apply for the National Concessionary Travel Scheme.\r\nPlease note that this is the number for eligibility, not take up of the Scheme.\r\n[Source: DWP, Feb 2012]\r\nStudent Loans Exemptions \r\n2011-12 (academic year) under 50 borrowers were affected.\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:26.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281427,"EventID":"S4W-13011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:27.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T02:27:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it costs to provide passported benefits to people who might lose their entitlement to these because of the proposed welfare reforms, also broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is unclear how many people might lose either wholly or in part their eligibility for benefits as a result of the UK Government’s welfare reforms.\r\nHowever there is enough data to allow us to estimate what the impact of moving from Disability Living Allowance to Personal Independence Payments might be for the Blue Badge Parking Scheme and the National Concessionary Travel Scheme. These are set out in my letter of 22 February 2013 to the Convener of the Welfare Reform Committee. It is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/S4_Welfare_Reform_Committee/papers_05032013.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:27.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281428,"EventID":"S4W-13012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:27.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T02:37:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many people in Scotland claim housing benefit and how many of them are in receipt of disability living allowance.","AnswerText":"The Department for Work and Pensions publishes information on the number of housing benefit claimants on their website. This information is available at:\r\nhttp://83.244.183.193/hb_la/#view=hblaview11&selectedWafers=0&selectedColumns=0\r\nDuring November 2012, there were 481,830 housing benefit claimants in Scotland.\r\nWe do not hold information centrally on the number of housing benefit claimants who are also in receipt of disability living allowance. From responses to the Family Resources Survey 2010-11, we estimate that around 46% of housing benefit claimants are also in receipt of disability living allowance. This would suggest that around 222,000 claimants are in receipt of housing benefit and disability living allowance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:27.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281429,"EventID":"S4W-13013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:28.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T02:37:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how much discretionary housing benefit was awarded by each local authority in 2011-12 and how much of it was allocated to (a) private sector, (b) local authority and (c) housing association tenants.\r\n","AnswerText":"The table gives the contribution from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) towards discretionary housing payments (DHP) in each local authority area in Scotland.\r\nLocal authorities are allowed to supplement the amount they spend on DHPs from their own resources up to a maximum of 1.5 times the figure given in the table. Therefore the overall amount of DHPs spent in any local authority area in a given year is capped at a maximum of 2.5 times the figure given below.\r\nHowever, we do not hold information centrally on the amount of DHPs awarded by each local authority in Scotland. We therefore do not know how many local authorities spent up to their maximum allowed amount.\r\nIn addition, a further breakdown of the amount allocated to each tenure is not held centrally.\r\nFurther information on the allocation of DHPs is available from the Department for Work and Pensions website at:\r\nhttp://www.dwp.gov.uk/local-authority-staff/housing-benefit/user-communications/hbctb-circulars/subsidy-circulars-2013/\r\nSummary of Discretionary Housing Payment amounts by Scottish local authority (DWP contribution)\r\nLocal Authority Area\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14\r\nAberdeen\r\n73,674\r\n76,110 \r\n94,240\r\n226,785 \r\nAberdeenshire\r\n24,260\r\n24,963 \r\n45,276\r\n160,695 \r\nAngus\r\n25,414\r\n32,429 \r\n56,313\r\n130,802 \r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n34,569\r\n40,773 \r\n58,246\r\n152,601 \r\nClackmannanshire\r\n5,336\r\n9,981 \r\n23,661\r\n162,088 \r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n39,425\r\n45,327 \r\n63,250\r\n232,271 \r\nDundee\r\n31,246\r\n69,850 \r\n114,767\r\n311,904 \r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n14,208\r\n20,629 \r\n49,849\r\n142,006 \r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n33,592\r\n29,948 \r\n42,723\r\n102,051 \r\nEast Lothian\r\n24,783\r\n28,932 \r\n47,911\r\n125,982 \r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n14,562\r\n14,965 \r\n25,501\r\n82,776 \r\nEdinburgh\r\n332,431\r\n337,526 \r\n570,286\r\n1,347,299 \r\nEilean Siar, Comhairle nan\r\n7,200\r\n9,360 \r\n10,582\r\n49,911 \r\nFalkirk\r\n7,878\r\n11,150 \r\n37,972\r\n136,698 \r\nFife\r\n77,858\r\n95,697 \r\n165,386\r\n435,614 \r\nGlasgow\r\n894,434\r\n1,053,201 \r\n1,393,221\r\n2,979,970 \r\nHighland\r\n44,158\r\n54,635 \r\n80,994\r\n216,106 \r\nInverclyde\r\n34,299\r\n40,548 \r\n55,072\r\n212,068 \r\nMidlothian\r\n24,007\r\n28,151 \r\n42,324\r\n150,453 \r\nMoray\r\n7,633\r\n9,042 \r\n18,543\r\n68,980 \r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n39,771\r\n49,677 \r\n95,074\r\n273,421 \r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n60,463\r\n103,420 \r\n163,264\r\n374,676 \r\nOrkney\r\n651\r\n761 \r\n3,042\r\n26,754 \r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n12,878\r\n19,665 \r\n43,018\r\n149,177 \r\nRenfrewshire\r\n42,350\r\n52,314 \r\n74,462\r\n251,714 \r\nScottish Borders\r\n17,599\r\n20,927 \r\n38,787\r\n170,470 \r\nShetland\r\n524\r\n687 \r\n721\r\n22,223 \r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n74,411\r\n121,673 \r\n153,344\r\n233,422 \r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n121,428\r\n140,212 \r\n217,462\r\n413,967 \r\nStirling\r\n27,306\r\n31,081 \r\n48,493\r\n111,886 \r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n29,132\r\n48,693 \r\n67,016\r\n325,468 \r\nWest Lothian\r\n44,326\r\n54,512 \r\n79,785\r\n239,205 \r\nScotland\r\n2,221,806\r\n2,676,839 \r\n3,980,585\r\n10,019,443 \r\nGreat Britain\r\n20,000,000\r\n30,000,000\r\n60,000,000\r\n155,000,000\r\nScotland share\r\n11.1%\r\n8.9%\r\n6.6%\r\n6.5%\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:28.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281430,"EventID":"S4W-13014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:28.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T02:37:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is aware of the level of the Department of Work and Pensions allocation for discretionary housing benefit to each local authority in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13013 on 5 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:28.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281431,"EventID":"S4W-13015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:29.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T02:37:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to issue additional guidance on the collection of arrears in the context of changes to the housing benefit system and, if so, what the guidance will contain.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has funded the Chartered Institute of Housing to provide guidance to social landlords on the UK Government’s reforms to housing benefit. This includes guidance on the collection of arrears specifically and asks landlords to identify whether there are other ways of collecting unpaid rent which do not risk the tenancy. The guidance is published at:\r\nhttp://www.cih.co.uk/resources/PDF/Scotland%20Policy%20Pdfs/Bedroom%20Tax/CIH_Bedroomtax_e.pdf.\r\nWe are supporting landlords to consider, and where necessary, adapt their practice in response to the UK Government’s housing benefit reforms. The guidance will be updated as required to reflect changes in this respect.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:29.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281432,"EventID":"S4W-13016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T13:45:30.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T02:37:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to issue additional guidance on evictions in the context of changes to the housing benefit system and, if so, what the guidance will contain.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that eviction is the last resort. In August 2012, it introduced regulations under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 which require landlords to have exhausted all attempts to resolve the arrears with the tenant before taking action to evict. In June 2012 we published guidance for social landlords on these pre-action requirements. The guidance is published at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/06/2337. We will update the guidance to take account of the introduction of Universal Credit in due course.\r\nWe have also recently funded the Chartered Institute of Housing to provide guidance to social landlords on the UK Government’s reforms to housing benefit. This guidance highlights the challenges landlords are likely to face and asks landlords to identify whether there are other ways of collecting unpaid rent which do not risk the tenancy. The guidance is published at: \r\nhttp://www.cih.co.uk/resources/PDF/Scotland%20Policy%20Pdfs/Bedroom%20Tax/CIH_Bedroomtax_e.pdf\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:30.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281436,"EventID":"S4W-13017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T15:42:16.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T13:38:41.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it is giving to cycling tourism initiatives in North East Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Promotion of cycling tourism initiatives in NE Scotland by VisitScotland takes place through regional and national marketing.\r\nCycling opportunities are featured in relevant regional “What to See and Do” guides and are also promoted regionally through sales promotion activity with partners such as Tredz for Perthshire.\r\nAt a national level, cycling and mountain biking messages are included in postal mailings sent to the VisitScotland contact database twice annually, where relevant to the target market. The latest “Year of Natural Scotland” television advertisement includes a mountain biking message.\r\nThere is a dedicated cycling section on the VisitScotland website which includes cycling routes and activity providers. Cycling and mountain biking is heavily promoted through the “Active in Scotland” guide (including front cover) and distributed via VisitScotland Information Centres, and at key consumer and travel trade shows. E-versions are also available online.\r\nThe Scottish Government also supports improvements to the general cycling infrastructure through grant funding. Funding to Sustrans over this and the next two financial years is almost £30 million. I would encourage all local authorities to submit bids into Sustrans for match funding for local cycling projects. Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets grants to local authorities over this and the next two financial years will total £20 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T15:42:17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281437,"EventID":"S4W-13018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T15:42:17.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T13:38:41.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made by the forum that it established to promote cycling tourism and when its action plan will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"A scoping meeting for the establishment of a forum was held in April 2010 after stakeholders highlighted in Cycling Scotland’s Best Value Review that there was a need for greater coordination in cycle tourism. Cycling Scotland then went onto establish the forum with a number of partners. The forum was previously chaired by Cycling Scotland, but since September 2012 has been chaired by Cyclists’ Touring Club Scotland.\r\nA Memorandum of Understanding was developed and the four key areas of focus for the forum were set out as follows:\r\nImprove communication and collaboration between stakeholders and the industry with a shared vision to develop and promote cycle tourism in Scotland;\r\nCo-ordinate research activity to improve a shared understanding of the target markets;\r\nCo-ordinate marketing efforts to maximise opportunities to raise awareness and grow the value of cycle tourism; and\r\nDevelop the cycling product and encourage best practice by making the most of Scotland’s cycling assets and establishing Scotland as a must visit, must return cycling destination.\r\nFunding from Sustrans and Cycling Scotland was secured for a project manager to work two days a month to progress activity. Meetings of the forum have, on average, been held quarterly in locations in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth.\r\nVisitScotland has been engaged to specifically improve the product content in tourism information and campaign activity. The forum has commented on and contributed to the VisitScotland Active Guide (a national publication). The forum is also working closely with VisitScotland to develop the cycle route content on visitscotland.com. The forum is engaging with local authorities to invite them to input the routes in their areas on to this site. This is happening in a phased approach and has so far included liaising with Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Scottish Borders, East Lothian, Fife, Dundee, Angus, Perthshire and Highland Councils. The intention is that route information in guides and online will also be used in specific campaign activity both nationally and regionally.\r\nInitial research into the status of cycle tourism in Scotland was conducted by the forum, which identified gaps in knowledge. Further funding was secured from Sustrans for a piece of research into the economic value of cycle tourism by Transform Scotland. This report, which includes a number of recommendations, is due to be launched in April 2013. A workshop for the forum took place at the end of February 2013 to develop a Strategic Action Plan based on findings of the report. The Action Plan will be published shortly.\r\nThe forum is also working closely with the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) as cycling is part of the Nature, Heritage and Activities asset working group. The forum has shared the research findings with the STA and is liaising with them on forming priority actions for this sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T15:42:17.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281438,"EventID":"S4W-13019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T15:42:17.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T13:38:41.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) primary and (b) secondary school teachers have been employed in (i) Aberdeen and (ii) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) teachers is published on the Scottish Government website as supplementary data to the Summary Statistics for Schools in Scotland publication. Primary school teacher information by local authority is available in table 7.1 and secondary school teacher information is in table 8.1 of the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/School-Education/Summarystatsforschools/teachcensus2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T15:42:17.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281439,"EventID":"S4W-13021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T15:42:17.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T13:38:41.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent assessment it has made of the price of private rented accommodation in Aberdeen.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the price of rented accommodation at a local authority level is not held centrally.\r\nPlanning authorities are required to examine local rent levels as part of their Housing Need and Demand Assessments (HNDAs) which are then appraised by the Scottish Government. Information about the price of private rents in Aberdeen is available in the Aberdeen City and Shire HNDA (2010) and the 2011 HNDA update. Links are provided below.\r\n2010 HNDA: \r\nhttp://www.aberdeencityandshire-sdpa.gov.uk/AboutUs/HNDA.asp\r\n2011 HNDA update: \r\nhttp://www.aberdeencityandshire-sdpa.gov.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.asp?lID=898&sID=38\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T15:42:17.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281440,"EventID":"S4W-13022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T15:42:18.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T13:38:41.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many departments in NHS Grampian worked below their minimum staffing level in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is for each NHS board to decide how best to plan and deliver their services to meet the needs of their population. This includes how best to utilise funding and staff, taking account of national and local priorities to meet local health needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T15:42:18.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281441,"EventID":"S4W-13023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T15:42:18.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T13:38:41.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many newly qualified nurses have gone into nursing in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally available. However, the latest information on NHS Grampian employees as of 30 September 2012 is published on the NHS National Services Scotland, Information Services Division (ISD) website at: http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/data-tables.asp.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T15:42:18.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281442,"EventID":"S4W-13024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T15:42:18.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T13:38:41.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many consultants have been employed in NHS Grampian in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of consultant staff in post in NHS Grampian as at 30 September from 2006 to 2012 is presented in the following table:\r\n\r\nTable 1 shows the total whole time equivalent (WTE) of consultants in NHS Grampian from September 2006 to September 2012\r\n\r\nSep-06\r\nSep-07\r\nSep-08\r\nSep-09\r\nSep-10\r\nSep-11\r\nSep-12\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n376.3\r\n380.4\r\n427.8\r\n439.0\r\n448.6\r\n463.8\r\n467.3\r\nSource: ISD Scotland National Statistics.\r\nSince September 2006 there has been an increase of 91.1 WTE consultants in NHS Grampian, up 24.2%.\r\nInformation on the number of consultants employed by NHS Grampian can be found in the Consultant staff in post table on the NHS Information Services Division (ISD) website at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2012-11-27/Consultant_Staff_In_Post_S2012.xls?5085.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T15:42:18.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281443,"EventID":"S4W-13025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T15:42:19.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T13:38:41.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many inpatient beds there have been in NHS Grampian in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of available staffed beds by NHS board is routinely published by Information Services Division and is available on the beds section of their website http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Hospital-Care/Beds/.\r\nInformation on the average number of available staffed beds in NHS Grampian for all specialties and all acute specialties for financial years 2007-08 to 2011-12 is provided in the following table.\r\nAverage number of available staffed beds1 in NHS Grampian for all specialties and acute specialties; financial years 2007-08 to 2011-12.\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-112\r\n2011-122\r\nAll specialties\r\n2,798\r\n2,718\r\n2,497\r\n2,358\r\n2,366\r\nAcute specialties\r\n1,910\r\n1,878\r\n1,850\r\n1,760\r\n1,764\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Includes beds for use by NHS patients that are located in non-NHS locations e.g. joint-user and contractual hospitals.\r\n2. Incomplete data, includes estimates.\r\nSource: ISD, ISD(S)1.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T15:42:19.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281444,"EventID":"S4W-13026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T15:42:19.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T13:38:41.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many people in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire will be affected by the proposed changes to housing benefits.\r\n","AnswerText":"Table 3 in the following paper gives an estimate of the number of households affected by the under-occupancy penalty by local authority.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/supply-demand/chma/Benefitchanges/BenefitChangesUnderOccupancy\r\nThe paper is from May 2011 and gives a slightly earlier estimate of the numbers affected. Our current estimate is that around 105,000 households will be affected by the under-occupancy penalty.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T15:42:19.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281445,"EventID":"S4W-13027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T15:42:19.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T13:56:21.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many NHS registered dental patients in the Grampian area have received check-ups in the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The specific information requested is not available as routine child dental examinations cannot be identified from the available data. The number of NHS registered adult patients (18 years and over) in the Grampian area who had one or more NHS dental examinations in the period 1st April 2007 to 31st March 2012 was 225,050.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T15:42:19.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281446,"EventID":"S4W-13028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T15:42:20.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T13:56:21.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many NHS registered dental patients in the Grampian area have received repeat check-ups in the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The specific information requested is not available as routine child dental examinations cannot be identified from the available data. The number of NHS registered adult patients (18 years and over) in the Grampian area who had two or more NHS dental examinations in the period 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2012 was 164,881. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T15:42:20.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281447,"EventID":"S4W-13029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T15:42:21.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T13:56:21.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many NHS registered dental patients in the Grampian area have attended for treatment in the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of NHS registered patients (adults and children) in the Grampian area who attended for treatment (participated) in the period 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2012 was 327,106.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T15:42:21.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281448,"EventID":"S4W-13030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T15:42:21.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T13:56:21.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many dental practices in the Grampian area have offered private treatment in the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T15:42:21.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281449,"EventID":"S4W-13031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T15:42:21.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T13:56:21.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many dental practices in the Grampian area have offered only NHS treatment in the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T15:42:21.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281450,"EventID":"S4W-13032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T15:42:22.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T13:56:21.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it monitors whether dental practices funded by grants through the Scottish Dental Access Initiative scheme comply with the requirement that 80% of their work is NHS treatment.","AnswerText":"It is a condition of receiving a Scottish Dental Access Initiative grant that the grantee(s) submits to the relevant NHS board a certificate from a qualified chartered accountant (prior to 2007 an auditor’s certificate or a copy of the practice accounts) independently verifying that eighty per cent (80%) or more of the annual gross income in total at the practice is derived from General Dental Services (GDS).\r\nIn addition, the dentists shall, on request from the NHS board, allow the NHS board (or anyone nominated by the NHS board) to undertake an examination of the dentists’ full financial records.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T15:42:22.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281451,"EventID":"S4W-13033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-08T15:42:22.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T14:35:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the number of children in Scotland who will be deemed to be in poverty as a result of changes in welfare benefits since 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not produce forecasts of poverty, however analysis published by the Institute for Fiscal Studies in October 2011 estimated that the number of children in the UK living in relative poverty will rise by approximately 700,000 between 2009-10 and 2020-21. In 2009-10 200,000 children, 20 per cent of children, were living in relative income poverty in Scotland, this was 7.7 per cent of all children in the UK living in relative income poverty. Assuming Scotland’s share of UK child poverty remains unchanged at 7.7 per cent in future years, this would imply an additional 50,000 children in Scotland will be living in relative poverty by 2020-21. This estimate does not include changes subsequently introduced by the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T15:42:22.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281459,"EventID":"S4W-12966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T14:05:24.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T09:43:24.857","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many people do not have bank accounts.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is published in the Family Resources Survey report 2010-11, Table 4.1 (page 64) and can be accessed via the following link:\r\nhttp://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/frs/2010_11/frs_2010_11_report.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T14:05:24.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281460,"EventID":"S4W-12967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T14:05:24.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-07T09:43:24.857","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the take-up of basic bank accounts.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12966 on 13 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T14:05:24.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281461,"EventID":"S4W-13034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T14:05:25.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-10T16:14:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether all NHS board workforce plans (a) comply with the Equality Act 2010 and (b) contain specific equality duties.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested, regarding whether all NHS board workforce plans (a) comply with the Equality Act 2010 and (b) contains specific equality duties, is not centrally held.\r\nHowever, revised workforce planning guidance relating to this matter was issued in 2011 and can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/12/8405/5\r\nThe Scottish Government expects all NHS Boards to comply with the Equality Act 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T14:05:25.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281462,"EventID":"S4W-13035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T14:05:25.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-10T16:14:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what specific equality duties are recorded in each NHS board workforce plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested on what specific equality duties are recorded in each NHS workforce plan is not centrally held. However, revised workforce planning guidance relating to this matter was issued in 2011 and can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/12/8405/5\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T14:05:25.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281463,"EventID":"S4W-13036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T14:05:25.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-09T10:23:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) critical incidents and (b) adverse events there have been since 2007-08 and, of these, how many have resulted in death, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n \r\nThere is no nationally or internationally agreed definition of adverse event, Healthcare Improvement Scotland has been asked to develop a national approach to the management of adverse events and this will include an agreed definition.\r\n \r\nNHS boards are responsible for ensuring the quality, safety and effectiveness of the services they provide and as such, there are a range of mechanisms in place for the recording and management of adverse events across the NHS in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T14:05:25.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281464,"EventID":"S4W-13037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T14:05:26.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-09T10:23:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance is issued to NHS boards on dealing with (a) adverse events and (b) critical incidents.","AnswerText":"In addition to a range of statutory requirements, a range of guidance has been provided to NHS Boards to deal with adverse events/critical incidents. This guidance can be found at: http://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk.\r\n\r\nNHS Quality Improvement Scotland published the Clinical Governance and Risk Management Standards in 2005 and these can be found at: http://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org.\r\n\r\nIn addition there is guidance and alerts circulated via the Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) \r\nhttp://www.mhra.gov.uk/Publications/Safetyguidance/DeviceBulletins/index.htm.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T14:05:26.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281465,"EventID":"S4W-13038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T14:05:26.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-09T10:23:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a copy of (a) an adverse event and (b) a critical incident report is routinely provided to staff who are directly involved.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Boards are responsible for the local management of adverse events and the expectation is that all staff involved in such incidents, are made aware of any learning resulting from them.\r\n\r\nThis expectation is set out in the Scottish Government’s Staff Governance Standard, under the Managing Health at Work PIN Guideline (2003), and the Clinical Governance and Risk Management Standard that were published in 2005 by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland. It is the responsibility of NHS Boards to ensure this guidance is reflected in local policy and practice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T14:05:26.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281466,"EventID":"S4W-13039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T14:05:27.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T19:26:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it considers the potential harm to be to bees from the use of neonicotinoid pesticides.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s position is based on the scientific advice it receives from the Advisory Committee on Pesticides (ACP), its own scientists in SASA (Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture), and through other sources such as The European Food Safety Authority.\r\nA number of studies have demonstrated risks to bee health and gaps in the knowledge about the effects of neonicotinoids on pollinators. However, there has been a lack of evidence of a direct link between neonicotinoids and a reduction in pollinator numbers when farmers use neonicotinoids in their fields.\r\nThe ACP has been asked urgently to produce new advice taking account of the latest scientific data. As part of this process, the ACP has commissioned independent reviews of key research findings. ACP’s advice following their reviews will then inform the Scottish Government’s view on any action.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T14:05:27.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281467,"EventID":"S4W-13040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T14:05:27.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T19:26:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it takes to ensure that pesticides used in farming are not harmful to bees.\r\n","AnswerText":"All agricultural pesticides are tightly regulated under European legislation to protect people and the environment. The risk assessment process, set out in the legislation, looks in detail at the risks to honey bees. The regulatory process is constantly updated so that it advances with scientific knowledge.\r\nThe Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products in Scotland is an important source of practical advice for the safe use of pesticides for farmers and all other professional users of pesticides.\r\nUnder a Scottish Government funded budget, staff at Scotland’s Rural College have provided extensive advice to farmers on the safe use of neonicotinoids, including notifying beekeepers prior to their use, as well as being strongly advised to follow label recommendations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T14:05:27.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281468,"EventID":"S4W-13041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T14:05:28.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-08T19:26:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research has been carried out to examine the reasons for the decline in honey bee numbers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is involved both directly and indirectly in a number of areas which are examining the reasons for the decline in honey bee numbers. This includes:\r\nThe launch in 2010 of the 10-year honey bee health strategy which aims to develop education, training, knowledge transfer and communications as well as promote surveillance, diagnosis, biosecurity and research and development.\r\nContributing half a million pounds to the insect pollinators initiative where nine projects have been funded to look into the causes and consequences of insect pollinator decline.\r\nThe completion of the first Scotland-wide honey bee health survey where inspections have taken place and samples collected from most parts of the country. A report is being prepared that will provide a snapshot of the nation’s bee health and will be used to inform future decisions relating to bee health and treatment of diseases, pests and emerging threats.\r\nSentinel Apiaries being set up to monitor high risk areas (such as ports and airports) and provide early warning of evidence of new exotic pests and diseases.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T14:05:28.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281469,"EventID":"S4W-13042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T14:05:28.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T09:28:29.467","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many complaints were received from prisoners regarding their healthcare in each year between 2007 and November 2011, broken down by prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nResponsibility and accountability for the provision of health care services to prisoners transferred from the SPS to the National Health Service on 1 November 2011. As part of this change responsibility for prisoner complaints relating to their healthcare transferred to the respective health boards.\r\nThe following table provides the number of healthcare complaints recorded by the SPS for each establishment from 2007 to 31 October 2011.\r\nEstablishment\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nHMP Aberdeen\r\n122\r\n74\r\n112\r\n125\r\n102\r\nHMP Addiewell1\r\nN/A\r\n2\r\n766\r\n845\r\n932\r\nHMP Barlinnie\r\n842\r\n1036\r\n1065\r\n795\r\n931\r\nHMP Cornton Vale\r\n198\r\n211\r\n137\r\n154\r\n158\r\nHMP Dumfries\r\n72\r\n105\r\n70\r\n97\r\n74\r\nHMP Edinburgh\r\n561\r\n597\r\n733\r\n681\r\n562\r\nHMP Glenochil\r\n344\r\n575\r\n431\r\n430\r\n528\r\nHMP Greenock\r\n73\r\n95\r\n117\r\n93\r\n73\r\nHMP Inverness\r\n24\r\n22\r\n16\r\n18\r\n15\r\nHMP Kilmarnock\r\n362\r\n491\r\n364\r\n491\r\n530\r\nHMP Low Moss2\r\n28\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nHMP Open Estate3\r\n11\r\n19\r\n22\r\n18\r\n13\r\nHMP Perth\r\n273\r\n471\r\n219\r\n221\r\n206\r\nHMP Peterhead4\r\n77\r\n98\r\n80\r\n116\r\n28\r\nHMP Polmont\r\n1\r\n10\r\n13\r\n36\r\n27\r\nHMP Shotts\r\n379\r\n391\r\n393\r\n329\r\n336\r\nTotal\r\n3,367\r\n4,197\r\n4,538\r\n4,449\r\n4,515\r\n1HMP Addiewell opened in December 2008\r\n2 HMP Low Moss closed in May 2007\r\n3HMP Open Estate encompassed Castle Huntly and Noranside until 31st October 2011 when Noranside closed\r\n4 Population change at HMP Peterhead during 2011, completed in May 2011\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T14:05:28.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281470,"EventID":"S4W-13043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T14:05:29.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T09:28:29.467","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many complaints have been received from prisoners regarding their healthcare since November 2011, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The latest annual national NHS complaints statistics (covering the period \r\n1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012) published by the Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland are available at: \r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Quality-Improvement/Publications/2012-09-25/2012-09-25-Complaints-Report.pdf. This includes prisoner complaints.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T14:05:29.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281471,"EventID":"S4W-13056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T14:05:29.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:43:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the number of disabled people who will not receive personal independence payments by 2018, who would otherwise have received disability living allowance.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Department for Work and Pensions has produced forecasts for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) caseload in May 2018 and the counterfactual Disability Living Allowance (DLA) caseload if DLA had remained unchanged. This shows that by 2018, the DLA caseload for the UK would have been around 2,182,000 and the expected PIP caseload to be around 1,575,000. This suggests that 607,000 fewer people in the UK will be in receipt of PIP who would otherwise have received DLA.\r\nUsing this forecast on DLA and PIP caseloads and based on an 11 per cent share of the working-age DLA caseload in Scotland, it is estimated that by May 2018 the DLA caseload in Scotland would have been around 240,000, however, following the introduction of PIP the caseload is projected to be 173,000. This suggests around 67,000 fewer individuals in Scotland will be in receipt of PIP than would otherwise have received DLA.\r\nThese figures are indicative only and as such, should be treated with caution. The actual PIP caseload in May 2018 may be higher or lower than forecast assumptions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T14:05:29.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281473,"EventID":"S4W-13044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T15:09:21.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:07:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how much it (a) cost to establish and (b) costs annually to administer the register of members' interests.\r\n","AnswerText":"The register of members’ interests is established and administered by the clerks to the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee and the main costs arising relate to the clerks’ time in advising members whether interests are registrable, seeking information from members, drafting register entries and arranging for them to be published. \r\nIn relation to (a), during the 8 weeks of initial registration of members’ interests at the start of each session, we estimate that the clerking team spend approximately 90% of their time on registering members’ interests at a cost of £46,620. \r\nIn relation to (b), administration of the register after initial registration is only one of several responsibilities undertaken by the standards clerks and it is not possible to identify separately the costs of register work. Over the course of session 3, there were on average about 200 new or amended register entries per year. The cost of administering these ranges from £23 (for a simple entry or amendment) to £282 (for a more complex inquiry involving several discussions with members). \r\nA number of changes to the categories of the register of members’ interests were implemented at the start of session 4. These changes were intended to clarify and simplify the register of members’ interests, whilst ensuring that the register captures significant financial interests and that transparency and accountability are maintained. Whilst the costs provided for initial registration are based on experience of operating under the new rules in session 4, these changes may result in a reduction in the amount of time spent dealing with amendments to the register of members’ interests during this session compared to session 3. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:09:21.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Liam McArthur","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281474,"EventID":"S4W-13047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T15:09:22.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:07:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what its annual budget has been in each year since 2007 and what the proposed budget is for 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"The SPCB’s annual budget for each year is as follows:\r\n \r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14\r\n \r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\nNet Revenue Expenditure\r\n69.7\r\n71.6\r\n75.6\r\n75.7\r\n74.2\r\n69.4\r\n72.1\r\nCapital Expenditure\r\n1.6\r\n1.8\r\n2.6\r\n3.0\r\n1.3\r\n4.3\r\n3.0\r\nTotal Revenue and Capital Expenditure\r\n71.3\r\n73.4\r\n78.2\r\n78.7\r\n75.5\r\n73.8\r\n75.1\r\n \r\nThese figures exclude the budget for capital charges and non-cash items such as the cost of depreciation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:09:22.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Liam McArthur ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281475,"EventID":"S4W-13048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T15:09:22.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:28:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many manufacturing jobs have been (a) lost and (b) created in (i) Ayrshire, (ii) Renfrewshire, (iii) Dunbartonshire, (iv) Lanarkshire and (v) Inverclyde in each year since 1997.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13053 on 13 March 2013, which provides estimates of manufacturing employee jobs by local authority area. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found:\r\nat:http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:09:22.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281476,"EventID":"S4W-13049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T15:09:22.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:28:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much overseas investment in the manufacturing sector there has been in each year since 1997.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available.\r\nHowever, the Scottish Government’s Businesses in Scotland publication does include an estimate of the number of enterprises operating in Scotland that are foreign owned, alongside estimates of Scottish employment and Scottish turnover for these enterprises.\r\nThese estimates broken down by industrial sector (including manufacturing) are available from Table 3 of the Businesses in Scotland publication, available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Business/Corporate/table3sic07\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:09:22.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281477,"EventID":"S4W-13050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T15:09:23.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:28:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether industrial production in the manufacturing sector has increased or decreased in each year since 1997.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information can be derived from the latest (2012 Quarter 3) Scottish Quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Publication, which was released on 1 February 2013 and can be found on the Scottish Government website at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Economy/GDP2012Q3.\r\nScottish GDP (output measure) is now published on the basis of the 2007 Standard Industrial Classification and 2009 Input-Output Gross Value Added weights.\r\nWith regards to annual data, a consistent time series for manufacturing production (in real terms) is available for the period 1998-2011. The published index of manufacturing production for Scotland is reported in Table 1.\r\nTable 1. Index of Manufacturing Production, 1998-2011\r\n(seasonally adjusted, chained volume measure of Gross Value Added at basic prices)\r\n1998\r\n108.5\r\n1999\r\n105.3\r\n2000\r\n101.2\r\n2001\r\n100.9\r\n2002\r\n97.3\r\n2003\r\n93.9\r\n2004\r\n97.6\r\n2005\r\n100.2\r\n2006\r\n105.6\r\n2007\r\n107.2\r\n2008\r\n108.8\r\n2009\r\n100.0\r\n2010\r\n103.8\r\n2011\r\n105.2\r\n\r\nUsing the index in Table 1, annual growth rates of output from the manufacturing sector have been calculated and reproduced in Table 2 for each year since 1999.\r\nTable 2. Year-on-Year Change in Manufacturing Production, 1999-2011\r\n1999\r\n-2.9%\r\n2000\r\n-3.9%\r\n2001\r\n-0.2%\r\n2002\r\n-3.6%\r\n2003\r\n-3.5%\r\n2004\r\n4.0%\r\n2005\r\n2.6%\r\n2006\r\n5.4%\r\n \r\n \r\n2007\r\n1.5%\r\n2008\r\n1.5%\r\n2009\r\n-8.1%\r\n2010\r\n3.8%\r\n2011\r\n1.3%\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:09:23.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281478,"EventID":"S4W-13051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T15:09:23.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:28:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether productivity in the manufacturing sector has increased or decreased in each year since 1997.\r\n","AnswerText":"Table 1 shows Gross Value Added (GVA) per employee for the manufacturing sector in Scotland. The data are sourced from the Annual Business Survey (ABS), which provides estimates from 1998 to 2010.\r\nThe manufacturing sector is defined using Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes.\r\nThe data are not entirely consistent over time, mainly on account of a change in the SIC codes between 2008 and 2009. Data for manufacturing on a SIC 2003 basis are provided from 1998 to 2008, and data for manufacturing on a SIC 2007 basis are provided from 2008 to 2010.\r\nTable 1: GVA per employee, Manufacturing Sector, Scotland\r\nIn current prices: not adjusted for inflation\r\nYear\r\nGVA per\r\nemployee\r\n(SIC 2003 based)1\r\nGVA per\r\nemployee\r\n(SIC 2007 based)2\r\n1998\r\n38,969\r\n\r\n1999\r\n36,494\r\n\r\n2000\r\n37,816\r\n\r\n2001\r\n39,036\r\n\r\n2002\r\n43,593\r\n\r\n2003\r\n46,694\r\n\r\n2004\r\n52,046\r\n\r\n2005\r\n54,144\r\n\r\n2006\r\n61,402\r\n\r\n2007\r\n60,774\r\n\r\n2008\r\n64,584\r\n65,919\r\n2009\r\n\r\n66,848\r\n2010\r\n\r\n71,033\r\nSource: Annual Business Survey, Office for National Statistics. Compiled by the Scottish Government \r\nNotes:\r\n1. Manufacturing sector defined in terms of Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) 2003 as Divisions 15-37.\r\n2. Manufacturing sector defined in terms of Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) 2007 as Divisions 10-33.\r\n3. Figures for 2008 on both a SIC 2003 and SIC 2007 basis have been provided for comparison.\r\nThe size of the manufacturing sector has reduced under SIC 2007 compared to SIC 2003. At the Scotland level, manufacturing employee data reduced by around 6% and manufacturing Gross Value Added by around 4% in 2008.\r\n5. Gross Value Added (GVA) per Employee is calculated by dividing GVA (at Basic Prices) by Total Employees. The GVA data used to calculate the figures in table is in current prices i.e. it has not been adjusted for inflation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:09:23.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281479,"EventID":"S4W-13052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T15:09:23.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:28:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average wage in the manufacturing sector has been in each year since 1997.\r\n","AnswerText":"The preferred source for earnings estimates is the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), which is produced by the Office for National Statistics. The median is the recommended measure of average earnings as opposed to the mean.\r\nMedian hourly earnings excluding overtime in the manufacturing sector, Scotland, 1997 to 2012\r\nYear\r\nEarnings\r\n1997\r\n£7.04\r\n1998\r\n£7.49\r\n1999\r\n£7.71\r\n2000\r\n£7.97\r\n2001\r\n£8.32\r\n2002\r\n£8.65\r\n2003\r\n£9.05\r\n2004\r\n£9.12\r\n2005\r\n£9.53\r\n2006\r\n£10.06\r\n2007\r\n£10.42\r\n2008\r\n£11.10\r\n2009\r\n£11.03\r\n2010\r\n£11.14\r\n2011\r\n£11.38\r\n2012\r\n£11.91\r\nSource: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National Statistics.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. ASHE is a sample survey from the PAYE system, therefore the self-employed and others not on the system are not covered by the survey, this will have differing impacts on different sectors of the economy.\r\n2. The estimates are based on the pay of full-time employees working in Scotland on adult rates whose pay was not affected by absence.\r\n3. There are a number of breaks in the ASHE time series which mean care should be taken when making comparisons over time: The methodology was revised in 2004, 2006 and 2011.\r\n4. Estimates for 1997 to 2007 are based on the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) 2003; estimates from 2008 onwards are based on SIC 2007.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:09:23.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281480,"EventID":"S4W-13053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T15:09:23.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:28:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the level of employment in manufacturing has been in the (a) Renfrewshire, (b) Inverclyde, (c) North Ayrshire, (d) East Dunbartonshire and (e) West Dunbartonshire local authority area in each year since 1997.\r\n","AnswerText":"Table 1 shows the level of manufacturing employee jobs in the requested local authority areas, and those areas referred to in the answer to question S4W-13048 on 13 March 2012. The data are sourced from the Annual Business Inquiry (ABI) and the Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES). The ABI commenced in 1998 and BRES commenced in 2009. The manufacturing sector is defined using Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes.\r\nThe data provided are not entirely consistent over time. There are two main breaks in the data. The first main break occurs between 2002 and 2003 on account of the change from SIC 1992 codes to SIC 2003 codes. The second main break occurs between 2008 and 2009 on account of the change from SIC 2003 codes to SIC 2007 codes and the change in source from ABI to BRES. These changes may give rise to discontinuities, and as such the data is not strictly comparable across the series breaks.\r\nTable 1: Employee Jobs, Manufacturing Sector, by Local Authority Area \r\nYear\r\nEast Ayr-\r\nshire\r\nEast Dunbar-tonshire\r\nEast Renfrew-shire\r\nInver-clyde\r\nNorth Ayr-shire\r\nNorth Lanark-shire\r\nRenfrew-shire\r\nSouth Ayr-shire\r\nSouth Lanark-shire\r\nWest Dunbar-tonshire\r\n1998\r\n7,400\r\n2,900\r\n1,800\r\n6,100\r\n10,900\r\n19,600\r\n16,900\r\n9,000\r\n24,800\r\n5,600\r\n1999\r\n7,200\r\n3,300\r\n1,400\r\n8,700\r\n10,300\r\n20,500\r\n15,700\r\n8,500\r\n23,300\r\n5,400\r\n2000\r\n6,300\r\n2,800\r\n1,400\r\n7,700\r\n9,300\r\n18,700\r\n14,900\r\n7,000\r\n24,400\r\n4,000\r\n2001\r\n6,200\r\n2,900\r\n1,800\r\n6,900\r\n9,700\r\n17,500\r\n12,700\r\n6,100\r\n20,400\r\n4,100\r\n2002\r\n5,900\r\n2,400\r\n1,400\r\n5,400\r\n8,000\r\n16,000\r\n12,600\r\n6,100\r\n19,100\r\n3,800\r\n2003\r\n5,600\r\n2,600\r\n1,300\r\n3,600\r\n7,400\r\n15,600\r\n11,100\r\n5,200\r\n18,000\r\n3,400\r\n2004\r\n4,600\r\n2,500\r\n1,300\r\n2,500\r\n6,700\r\n14,500\r\n10,400\r\n5,900\r\n17,400\r\n3,200\r\n2005\r\n4,300\r\n2,700\r\n1,000\r\n2,100\r\n6,400\r\n14,300\r\n10,600\r\n5,900\r\n17,800\r\n3,100\r\n2006\r\n4,600\r\n2,600\r\n1,000\r\n2,200\r\n5,800\r\n15,000\r\n9,800\r\n5,300\r\n16,800\r\n3,100\r\n2007\r\n5,000\r\n2,700\r\n900\r\n2,000\r\n5,600\r\n14,800\r\n9,800\r\n5,600\r\n16,800\r\n2,700\r\n2008\r\n3,800\r\n2,700\r\n800\r\n2,800\r\n5,500\r\n14,700\r\n8,600\r\n5,300\r\n15,500\r\n2,400\r\n2009\r\n3,200\r\n1,800\r\n900\r\n2,800\r\n4,200\r\n12,200\r\n8,100\r\n4,900\r\n13,600\r\n2,500\r\n2010\r\n3,100\r\n1,400\r\n800\r\n1,900\r\n3,900\r\n10,200\r\n7,500\r\n4,500\r\n11,600\r\n2,300\r\n2011\r\n3,100\r\n1,400\r\n1,000\r\n1,700\r\n4,100\r\n11,300\r\n7,800\r\n4,600\r\n12,300\r\n2,300\r\nSources:  \r\n1998 to 2002 – Annual Business Inquiry, Office for National Statistics – Manufacturing defined on a SIC 1992 basis.\r\n2003 to 2008 - Annual Business Inquiry, Office for National Statistics – Manufacturing defined on a SIC 2003 basis.\r\n2009 to 2011 – Business Register and Employment Survey, Office for National Statistics – Manufacturing defined on a SIC 2007 basis.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Data are rounded to the nearest 100.\r\n2. Data are not consistent over time due to the change in SIC codes and the underlying source.\r\n3. For 1998 to 2005 the data are as at December each year.  For 2006 onwards the data are as at September each year.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:09:23.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281481,"EventID":"S4W-13054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T15:09:24.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:28:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many planning appeals in the (a) energy, (b) retail, (c) commercial property, (d) housing, (e) environmental waste management and (f) hotel, leisure and recreation sector ministers have considered since May 2011 and with what outcome.","AnswerText":"Planning appeal decisions in the period 1 May 2011 to 13 February 2013 are set out by sector in the following table:\r\n\r\nNumber of appeal decisions\r\nNumber of appeals allowed\r\nEnergy\r\n92\r\n27\r\nRetail\r\n19\r\n11\r\nCommercial property\r\n17\r\n12\r\nHousing\r\n148\r\n53\r\nEnvironmental waste management\r\n5\r\n3\r\nHotel, leisure and recreation\r\n13\r\n6\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:09:24.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281482,"EventID":"S4W-13055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T15:09:24.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:28:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much investment from outside of Scotland there has been and how many jobs have been created in the (a) retail, (b) energy, (c) commercial property, (d) construction, (e) environmental waste management and (f) hotel, leisure and recreation sector in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available.\r\nHowever, the Scottish Government’s Businesses in Scotland publication does include an estimate of the number of enterprises operating in Scotland that are foreign owned and rest of the UK owned, alongside estimates of Scottish employment and Scottish turnover for these enterprises.\r\nThese estimates broken down by industrial sector are available from Table 3 of the Businesses in Scotland publication, available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Business/Corporate/table3sic07\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:09:24.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281483,"EventID":"S4W-13057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T15:09:24.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:49:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many single bedroom rented households there are in each (a) parliamentary constituency and (b) local authority area.","AnswerText":"The number of single bedroom rented households in each local authority is estimated to be as follows:\r\nLocal Authority\r\nNumber of single bedroom rented households\r\nAberdeen City\r\n                                                        16,000 \r\nAberdeenshire\r\n                                                          8,000 \r\nAngus\r\n                                                          6,000 \r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n                                                          3,000 \r\nClackmannanshire\r\n                                                          2,000 \r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n                                                          7,000 \r\nDundee City\r\n                                                        11,000 \r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n                                                          4,000 \r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n                                                          2,000 \r\nEast Lothian\r\n                                                          4,000 \r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n                                                          2,000 \r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n                                                        24,000 \r\nEilean Siar\r\n                                                          1,000 \r\nFalkirk\r\n                                                          4,000 \r\nFife\r\n                                                        12,000 \r\nGlasgow City\r\n                                                        35,000 \r\nHighland\r\n                                                          5,000 \r\nInverclyde\r\n                                                          4,000 \r\nMidlothian\r\n                                                          2,000 \r\nMoray\r\n                                                          3,000 \r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n                                                          3,000 \r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n                                                          9,000 \r\nOrkney Islands\r\n                                                          1,000 \r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n                                                          5,000 \r\nRenfrewshire\r\n                                                          9,000 \r\nScottish Borders\r\n                                                          5,000 \r\nShetland Islands\r\n                                                          1,000 \r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n                                                          4,000 \r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n                                                          6,000 \r\nStirling\r\n                                                          2,000 \r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n                                                          4,000 \r\nWest Lothian\r\n                                                          5,000 \r\nScotland\r\n                                                       209,000 \r\n\r\nWe have included social rented sector and private rented sector households in our analysis and our results are rounded to the nearest 1,000 households.\r\nWe are unable to provide a robust estimate of single bedroom rented households in each parliamentary constituency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:09:24.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281484,"EventID":"S4W-13058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T15:09:25.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:49:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many households will be affected by the so-called bedroom tax in each (a) parliamentary constituency and (b) local authority area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13026 on 5 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nA breakdown of the figures by parliamentary constituency is not available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:09:25.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281485,"EventID":"S4W-13059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T15:09:25.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:49:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost has been of free personal care provided in each year since it was introduced.\r\n","AnswerText":"The cost of personal care provided in each year is given in the following table:\r\nTable: Expenditure on Free Personal and Nursing Care, 2003-04 to 2010-11\r\nYear\r\nSelf-funders  receiving      FPNC in a      Care Home\r\nClients          aged 65+ receiving         FPC at home\r\nTotal (£millions)\r\n2003-04\r\n86\r\n133\r\n219\r\n2004-05\r\n93\r\n158\r\n251\r\n2005-06\r\n97\r\n189\r\n286\r\n2006-07\r\n99\r\n228\r\n327\r\n2007-08\r\n104\r\n267\r\n372\r\n2008-09\r\n106\r\n277\r\n383\r\n2009-10\r\n108\r\n317\r\n425\r\n2010-11\r\n108\r\n342\r\n451\r\nSource: Free Personal and Nursing Care, Scotland, 2010-11\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:09:25.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281486,"EventID":"S4W-13060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-11T15:09:25.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:49:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have received free personal care in each year, broken down by (a) parliamentary constituency and (b) NHS board.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of people receiving free personal care in each year is collected at local authority level. It is not available by (a) parliamentary constituency, but the local authority has been used to estimate the number of people receiving free personal care in each (b) NHS board area:\r\nTable: Estimate of all people aged 65+ receiving free personal care at home or in a Care Home, 2003-04 to 2011-12\r\nNHS Board\r\n2003-04\r\n2004-05\r\n2005-06\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n       5,180 \r\n       5,510 \r\n       5,690 \r\n       5,920 \r\n       6,370 \r\n       6,780 \r\n       6,820 \r\n       6,970 \r\n       6,880 \r\nNHS \r\nBorders\r\n       1,630 \r\n       1,790 \r\n       1,860 \r\n       1,780 \r\n       1,760 \r\n       1,770 \r\n       1,810 \r\n       1,820 \r\n       1,840 \r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n       2,240 \r\n       2,180 \r\n       2,170 \r\n       2,180 \r\n       2,370 \r\n       2,630 \r\n       2,360 \r\n       2,490 \r\n       2,920 \r\nNHS \r\nFife\r\n       5,200 \r\n       5,320 \r\n       5,350 \r\n       5,440 \r\n       5,370 \r\n       5,560 \r\n       5,570 \r\n       5,360 \r\n       4,930 \r\nNHS \r\nForth Valley\r\n       3,290 \r\n       3,480 \r\n       3,620 \r\n       3,650 \r\n       3,710 \r\n       3,840 \r\n       4,070 \r\n       4,230 \r\n       4,210 \r\nNHS Grampian\r\n       6,920 \r\n       7,050 \r\n       7,490 \r\n       7,900 \r\n       7,920 \r\n       7,820 \r\n       7,810 \r\n       7,750 \r\n       7,610 \r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n      15,960 \r\n      17,380 \r\n      19,230 \r\n      17,900 \r\n      18,410 \r\n      18,460 \r\n      19,230 \r\n      19,150 \r\n      19,480 \r\nNHS Highland\r\n       3,930 \r\n       4,050 \r\n       4,340 \r\n       4,350 \r\n       4,270 \r\n       4,570 \r\n       4,550 \r\n       4,460 \r\n       4,410 \r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n       5,270 \r\n       5,750 \r\n       6,890 \r\n       6,660 \r\n       7,040 \r\n       7,230 \r\n       7,540 \r\n       7,430 \r\n       7,140 \r\nNHS \r\nLothian\r\n       8,990 \r\n       9,150 \r\n       9,450 \r\n       9,670 \r\n      10,060 \r\n      10,130 \r\n      10,650 \r\n      10,800 \r\n      10,870 \r\nNHS \r\nOrkney\r\n          270 \r\n          270 \r\n          290 \r\n          280 \r\n          270 \r\n          320 \r\n          350 \r\n          350 \r\n          330 \r\nNHS Shetland\r\n          300 \r\n          300 \r\n          280 \r\n          290 \r\n          320 \r\n          330 \r\n          350 \r\n          340 \r\n          340 \r\nNHS \r\nTayside\r\n       5,030 \r\n       5,390 \r\n       5,290 \r\n       5,210 \r\n       5,260 \r\n       5,380 \r\n       5,740 \r\n       5,750 \r\n       5,580 \r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n          610 \r\n          600 \r\n          640 \r\n          640 \r\n          620 \r\n          640 \r\n          650 \r\n          640 \r\n          640 \r\nScotland\r\n      64,760 \r\n      68,160 \r\n      72,560 \r\n      71,850 \r\n      73,730 \r\n      75,480 \r\n      77,480 \r\n      77,530 \r\n      77,110 \r\nSource – Free Personal and Nursing Care, Scotland, 2010-11\t\r\nNote:\t  All figures are rounded to the nearest 10.  2011-12 figures are provisional.\r\nNHS board figures are estimated based on the Local Authority funding the support not the area of residence, which may be different. \t\t\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:09:25.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281490,"EventID":"S4W-13061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:47.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:54:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the consultation on the establishment of a new food body for Scotland will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"The consultation on the establishment of a new food body for Scotland was launched on 28 February 2013. The consultation was published with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) under Bib number 54763.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:47.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281491,"EventID":"S4W-13062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:47.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:54:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent advice has been given to public bodies regarding contaminated meat.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued advice on its website on the 10 February 2013 to public institutions (schools, prisons, hospitals, and the armed forces) and the businesses who supply them, including caterers. This advice:\r\nReminded public institutions, and the businesses who supply them, of their responsibility with respect to their own food contracts and procurement procedures; such establishments are expected to have rigorous procurement procedures in place, with reputable suppliers;\r\nRequested that should any public institution have any concerns regarding the authenticity of their products, they should seek assurance from their supplier. Should the public body be unsatisfied with the assurance received then the appropriate action should be taken; and\r\nHighlighted that, following the horsemeat incident, public institutions are also within the scope of the UK-wide authenticity sampling programme organised by the FSA and are part of the extensive testing regime the FSA has established with the food industry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:47.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281492,"EventID":"S4W-13063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:47.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:54:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether all local authorities have completed investigations of all premises in their areas that manufacture processed meat products.\r\n","AnswerText":"As requested by Scottish Ministers on 23 January 2013, Foods Standards Agency Scotland asked Scottish local authorities to carry out focused food standards inspections at all approved premises producing processed meat products in Scotland. Local authorities report that there are a total of 201 such premises currently operating in Scotland.\r\nAll of the meat premises inspections are complete and no issues relating to horse DNA have been reported from the inspections. This programme was extended on 12 February 2013 to include cold stores (26 in total), so this makes 227 premises overall. All of the relevant cold stores visits have been completed to date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:48.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281493,"EventID":"S4W-13064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:48.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:54:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it expects an audit of local authority food controls to be completed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Food Standards Agency Audits by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) of local authorities’ food and feed enforcement services are ongoing and take place throughout the year. In Scotland, FSA typically carries out twelve audits every year. Audit plans and audit reports are available on the FSA website: http://www.food.gov.uk/enforcement/auditandmonitoring/.\r\nAs a result of the horsemeat incident, the FSA plans to carry out two-day focussed food standards audits at a sample of three local authorities during April-June 2013. These will be used to further inform the evidence gathered during the desktop audit of 12 local authorities and previous audits that included all aspects of food law enforcement across all Scottish local authorities in previous years. This evidence will be used to determine any further action required to support effective food standards enforcement in Scotland.\r\nHorsemeat incident\r\nOn the 23 January 2013 Scottish Ministers asked the FSA to work with local authorities to carry out focused food standards audits of approved processed meat manufacturers. Scotland was the first part of the UK to initiate this work, which is in addition to the actions set out in the FSA’s plan and the European Commission’s testing programme. Together with additional audits of standalone cold stores, the work entailed 226 inspections.\r\nAll the focused audits are now complete and no issues relating to horse DNA have been reported (as at 11 March).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:48.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281494,"EventID":"S4W-13065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:48.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:54:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when a new food body for Scotland will be established.\r\n","AnswerText":"The new food body will be established in primary legislation. The date of establishment is dependent on the timetable for Parliamentary business.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:48.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281495,"EventID":"S4W-13066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:48.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:54:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it expects retailers to take in identifying contaminated meat.  \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government expects the food industry, including retailers, wholesalers, food service companies, caterers and manufacturers, to co-operate with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and local authorities throughout the on-going horsemeat investigation. The food industry has agreed to a request from the FSA to test for the presence of horse meat in all their processed beef products.\r\nFurther, we expect the food industry, including retailers, to have rigorous procurement procedures in place, with reputable suppliers, and to ensure that the products they sell are safe for consumers and accurately labelled.\r\nThe initial phase of testing is almost complete and the vast majority (over 99%) of tests continue to show no horse DNA at or above the level of one percent.\r\nThe industry will continue to test for the presence of horse DNA in its beef products, reporting to the FSA, with test results being published on the FSA website at quarterly intervals. Any confirmed cases of gross contamination, greater than one percent horse meat, will be reported to the FSA immediately and published on the FSA website once the information has been received.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:48.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281496,"EventID":"S4W-13067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:49.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T15:20:26.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the cost of increasing the funded annual provision from 475 hours of pre-school education for three and four-year-olds to a minimum of 600 hours of early learning and childcare for three and four-year-olds and looked-after two-year-olds.\r\n","AnswerText":"A financial memorandum is being developed in collaboration with stakeholders, including Convention Of Scottish Local Authorities and will include estimated costs of implementing legislative proposals on early learning and childcare. It will be introduced along with the Children and Young People Bill, at which point funding and the impact on spending review plans can be fully considered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:49.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281497,"EventID":"S4W-13068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:49.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T15:20:26.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it will give to local authorities to deliver an increase in the funded annual provision from 475 hours of pre-school education for three and four-year-olds to a minimum of 600 hours of early learning and childcare for three and four-year-olds and looked-after two-year-olds.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13067 on 8 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:49.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281498,"EventID":"S4W-13069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:49.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T15:20:26.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its spending review plans include funding to deliver an increase in the funded annual provision from 475 hours of pre-school education for three and four-year-olds to a minimum of 600 hours of early learning and childcare for three and four-year-olds and looked-after two-year-olds.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13067 on 8 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:49.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281499,"EventID":"S4W-13070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:50.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T16:29:47.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what evaluation has taken place of the impact of the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government published research into town centre regeneration on its website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/21082703/0, in September 2011. This includes evidence taken from nine of the Town Centre Regeneration Fund (TCRF) projects.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:50.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281500,"EventID":"S4W-13071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:50.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T16:29:47.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many schemes that received funding through the Town Centre Regeneration Fund included an element to bring empty property into residential use.","AnswerText":"Seven schemes that received funding through the Town Centre Regeneration Fund included an element to bring empty property into residential use.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:50.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281501,"EventID":"S4W-13072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:50.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T16:29:47.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many vacant town centre properties have been brought into residential use through the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","AnswerText":"Ten vacant town centre properties have been brought into residential use through the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:50.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281502,"EventID":"S4W-13073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:51.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T16:29:47.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment has taken place of the economic impact of schemes that received funding through the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","AnswerText":"We have not specifically assessed the economic impact of the TCRF schemes. I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13070 on 8 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:51.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281503,"EventID":"S4W-13074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:51.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T15:45:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that patients urgently referred through the bowel cancer screening programme start treatment within 62 days.","AnswerText":"The 62-day cancer access target was first introduced in 2000. In 2008, it was extended to include patients who screened positive in the bowel, breast and cervical screening programmes.\r\nThe Scottish Government continues to closely scrutinise performance across NHS Scotland and action plans are required from NHS boards where there are challenges to sustained delivery against the standard. Management information on performance against the cancer access standards is returned from NHS boards on a monthly basis. This includes information on performance for those patients urgently referred through the bowel screening programme. The information is scrutinised by the Scottish Government and reported to the Cabinet Secretary.\r\nPerformance support is offered to those NHS boards where there are challenges to sustained delivery of the 62-day and 31-day cancer access standards. Performance support can include on-site diagnostic visits to identify actions that should be incorporated into the NHS board’s detailed action plan for performance improvement. A plan of engagement and focus is then agreed with the NHS board to support delivery including further diagnostic visits and input or support at hospital meetings or reviews. There is engagement with executive and clinical leads within the NHS board and constituent organisations, drawing upon a range of expertise, support, good practice and data and providing links with other organisations and NHS boards.\r\nAdditional funding has been made available to support diagnostic capacity in endoscopy to meet the cancer access standards for those with bowel cancer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:51.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281504,"EventID":"S4W-13075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:51.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T15:45:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce a waiting time target for second or subsequent cancer treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has set two standards for patients diagnosed with cancer. The first is that patients, who have been urgently referred with a suspicion of cancer or are referred from one of the national cancer screening programmes, should begin treatment within 62 days.\r\nThe second standard is that all patients diagnosed with cancer, irrespective of the route of referral, should begin treatment within 31 days from the date that the decision to treat was agreed with the patient.\r\nThese standards apply to first treatments, helping to speed up the diagnostic pathway and reducing the period of uncertainty that can exist whilst trying to establish a diagnosis. These standards also provide assurance to patients that the immediate cancer control measures are being started as soon as possible.\r\nSubsequent cancer treatment waiting times are in general covered by good practice clinical guidelines, rather than management targets and vary depending on the tumour type and treatment type. Local and regional clinical audit reports and clinical governance structures are expected to monitor compliance with these guidelines.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:51.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281505,"EventID":"S4W-13076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:52.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T15:45:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the target waiting time is for endoscopy for patients identified as high risk and requiring ongoing surveillance and whether it is being met.","AnswerText":"From 31 March 2009, the Scottish Government set a national waiting time standard that patients will wait no more than six weeks for any of the eight key diagnostic tests. These tests include colonoscopy.\r\nThe latest available published performance (September 2012) indicates that NHS Scotland is meeting this standard in 91.2% of cases for colonoscopy. There is no target waiting time for endoscopy specifically for patients identified as high risk and requiring ongoing surveillance. The underlying medical condition determines the recommended surveillance interval for colonoscopy and clinicians are expected to prioritise patients according to clinical need.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:52.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281506,"EventID":"S4W-13077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:52.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-12T11:25:31.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on concerns noted in the Audit Scotland report, Protecting consumers, regarding a loss of experience and expertise from food safety services due to staff reductions.","AnswerText":"The report recommends that Councils work with the FSA in Scotland to develop a workforce strategy, which identifies the staffing levels and skills required to sustain an effective food safety service over the next 5 to 10 years, and take action to address any shortfalls identified.\r\nThe FSA will engage with local authorities to address this recommendation either individually or collectively through COSLA as local authorities deem appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:52.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281507,"EventID":"S4W-13078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:52.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-12T11:25:31.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to ensure that the (a) staffing levels and (b) skills required to sustain an effective food safety service are in place.\r\n","AnswerText":"Last week saw the launch of the Scottish Government’s public consultation on its proposals for a single independent public body with responsibility for food safety and standards in Scotland. The important principles in delivering better standards are that advice on food safety, as well as nutrition and labelling, should be independent, evidence based and transparent, and should be provided by an organisation which should remain at arm’s length from central Government.\r\nThis consultation on the scope and responsibilities of the new food body is an opportunity for consumers as well as industry to tell us what they think about what the new food body should do, and how food safety and standards should be addressed in Scotland in the future.\r\nFurthermore, the Audit Scotland report “Protecting Consumers” published 31 January 2013, recommends that Councils work with the FSA in Scotland to develop a workforce strategy, which identifies the staffing levels and skills required to sustain an effective food safety service over the next 5 to 10 years, and take action to address any shortfalls identified.\r\nThe FSA will engage with local authorities to address this recommendation either individually or collectively through COSLA as local authorities deem appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:52.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281508,"EventID":"S4W-13079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:52.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-12T11:25:31.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many staff have been employed in local authority food safety services in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Figures provided by local authorities to the Foods Standards Agency are given as full time equivalent (FTE)\r\n2009-10\r\n273\r\n2010-11\r\n304\r\n2011-12\r\n259\r\n2012-13\r\n236\r\nComparative information is not available prior to 2009-10.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:52.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281509,"EventID":"S4W-13080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:53.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-12T11:25:31.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many public analyst laboratories there are and how many there were in (a) 1999 and (b) 2007.","AnswerText":"There are currently four public analyst laboratories in Scotland serving 31 local authorities in Scotland, and one public analyst laboratory in England serving one local authority in Scotland.\r\nIn each of the years 1999 and 2007 there were four public analyst laboratories in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:53.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281510,"EventID":"S4W-13081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:53.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-12T11:25:31.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many public analysts there have been in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"There are currently seven public analysts in Scotland operating from four local authority public analyst laboratories: two each based in Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow and one based in Aberdeen. One public analyst laboratory based in England and appointed by West Lothian Council in April 2012, has seven public analysts.\r\nThe numbers for the previous nine years are as in the following table.\r\nYear\r\nTotal PA’s\r\nAberdeen\r\nDundee\r\nEdinburgh\r\nGlasgow\r\n1995\r\n11\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2\r\n5\r\n2003-4\r\n9\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2\r\n3\r\n2004-5\r\n9\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2\r\n3\r\n2005-6\r\n9\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2\r\n3\r\n2006-7\r\n9\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2\r\n3\r\n2007-8\r\n8\r\n1\r\n2\r\n2\r\n3\r\n2008-9\r\n8\r\n1\r\n2\r\n2\r\n3\r\n2009-10\r\n8\r\n1\r\n2\r\n2\r\n3\r\n2010-11\r\n7\r\n1\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2011-12\r\n7\r\n1\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2012-13\r\n7\r\n1\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:53.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281511,"EventID":"S4W-13082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T13:56:53.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-12T11:25:31.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many public analysts there are and what local authority areas they cover.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are currently seven public analysts in Scotland operating from four local authority public analyst laboratories: two each based in Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow and one based in Aberdeen. One public analyst laboratory based in England and appointed by West Lothian Council after competitive tender in April 2012, has seven public analysts.\r\nThere are currently four public analyst laboratories in Scotland serving 31 local authorities in Scotland, and one public analyst laboratory in England serving 1 local authority in Scotland. The breakdown per local authority is as follows:\r\nLaboratory\r\nLocal Authority\r\nAberdeen Scientific Services\r\n\r\nAberdeen City\r\nAberdeenshire\r\nHighland\r\nMoray\r\nOrkney\r\nDundee Scientific Services\r\n\r\nAngus\r\nClackmannanshire\r\nDundee City\r\nFalkirk\r\nFife\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\nStirling\r\nEdinburgh Scientific Services\r\n\r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\nEast Lothian\r\nMid Lothian\r\nScottish Borders\r\nShetland Islands\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\nGlasgow Scientific Services\r\n\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\nGlasgow\r\nInverclyde\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\nRenfrewshire\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\nEurofins*\r\nWest Lothian\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:56:53.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281513,"EventID":"S4W-13083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-12T15:09:24.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-12T14:18:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12384 by Kenny MacAskill on 8 February 2013, how many custodial sentences of (a) less than three months and (b) between three and six months have been imposed in each sheriffdom in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table.\r\n\r\nPeople given a custodial sentence of six months or less in Scottish Courts, 2007-08 to 2011-12\r\nSheriffdom/sentence length\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nGlasgow and Strathkelvin\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nless than 3 mths\r\n1,187\r\n931\r\n871\r\n758\r\n607\r\n3 mths to 6 mths\r\n1,295\r\n1,314\r\n1,229\r\n1,329\r\n1,574\r\nTotal\r\n2,482\r\n2,245\r\n2,100\r\n2,087\r\n2,181\r\nGrampian, Highland and Islands\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nless than 3 mths\r\n696\r\n540\r\n471\r\n420\r\n362\r\n3 mths to 6 mths\r\n819\r\n810\r\n676\r\n756\r\n827\r\nTotal\r\n1,515\r\n1,350\r\n1,147\r\n1,176\r\n1,189\r\nLothian and Borders\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nless than 3 mths\r\n900\r\n915\r\n752\r\n683\r\n498\r\n3 mths to 6 mths\r\n747\r\n892\r\n670\r\n741\r\n765\r\nTotal\r\n1,647\r\n1,807\r\n1,422\r\n1,424\r\n1,263\r\nNorth Strathclyde\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nless than 3 mths\r\n840\r\n635\r\n680\r\n678\r\n529\r\n3 mths to 6 mths\r\n1,093\r\n1,112\r\n1,061\r\n962\r\n1,156\r\nTotal\r\n1,933\r\n1,747\r\n1,741\r\n1,640\r\n1,685\r\nSouth Strathclyde Dumfries and Galloway\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nless than 3 mths\r\n997\r\n862\r\n813\r\n567\r\n471\r\n3 mths to 6 mths\r\n1,209\r\n1,258\r\n1,146\r\n996\r\n1,255\r\nAll\r\n2,206\r\n2,120\r\n1,959\r\n1,563\r\n1,726\r\nTayside, Central and Fife\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nless than 3 mths\r\n1,443\r\n1,277\r\n1,034\r\n1,061\r\n812\r\n3 mths to 6 mths\r\n1,431\r\n1,581\r\n1,463\r\n1,602\r\n1,794\r\nTotal\r\n2,874\r\n2,858\r\n2,497\r\n2,663\r\n2,606\r\nHigh Court\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nless than 3 mths\r\n2\r\n1\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2\r\n3 mths to 6 mths\r\n5\r\n14\r\n6\r\n6\r\n12\r\nTotal\r\n7\r\n15\r\n8\r\n8\r\n14\r\nScotland\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nless than 3 mths\r\n6,065\r\n5,161\r\n4,623\r\n4,169\r\n3,282\r\n3 mths to 6 mths\r\n6,599\r\n6,981\r\n6,251\r\n6,392\r\n7,383\r\nTotal\r\n12,664\r\n12,142\r\n10,874\r\n10,561\r\n10,665\r\nSource:  Scottish Government Criminal Proceedings Database.\r\n1. Includes an approximate mapping of District courts to Sheriffdoms.\r\n2. Includes a small number of cases where court location is not known.\r\n\r\nBy way of context, the table below shows information on the number of people with a charge proved in Scottish courts over the same period.\r\nPeople with a charge proved in Scottish Courts, 2007-08 to 2011-12\r\n \r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nScotland\r\n133,608\r\n125,889\r\n121,028\r\n115,564\r\n108,336\r\nSource: Scottish Government Criminal Proceedings Database.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T15:09:24.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281514,"EventID":"S4O-01799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:36.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:02:20.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what international diplomats it has met recently and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:36.933","MeetingDate":"2013-02-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281515,"EventID":"S4O-01800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:37.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:02:21.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to secure a connected network of local URTV stations and in what timescale.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:37.323","MeetingDate":"2013-02-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281516,"EventID":"S4O-01801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:37.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:02:22.32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the feasibility study of future uses of Shambellie House will be published.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:37.587","MeetingDate":"2013-02-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281517,"EventID":"S4O-01802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:37.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:02:22.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will implement its Working with China strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:37.853","MeetingDate":"2013-02-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281518,"EventID":"S4O-01803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:38.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-12T16:37:00.503","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent contact it has had with representatives of China and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:38.133","MeetingDate":"2013-02-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281519,"EventID":"S4O-01805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:38.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:02:23.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will support Carrick Community Councils' Forum in creating a Lion of Alba sculpture and visitor centre at Turnberry, birthplace of Robert the Bruce, as a permanent legacy of the 2014 Year of Homecoming.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:38.4","MeetingDate":"2013-02-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281520,"EventID":"S4O-01806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:38.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-13T10:54:08.513","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the international development priorities of an independent Scotland would differ from current UK aid policy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:38.743","MeetingDate":"2013-02-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281521,"EventID":"S4O-01807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:39.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:02:24.507","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to ensure that equalities groups and smaller community groups will receive support from the Glasgow 2014 Celebrate Fund.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:39.023","MeetingDate":"2013-02-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281522,"EventID":"S4O-01808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:39.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:02:24.803","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its international development plan.","AnswerText":"Work is underway to develop proposals for international development with independence. That will of course inform the White Paper on Independence to be published later this year.\r\nI would encourage others to take this opportunity to consider how Scotland’s values can be expressed through our international development work and through the nature of our relationships with partner countries.\r\nFor the existing International Development Fund, funding rounds are currently open for projects in Malawi and South Asia, with announcements of successful projects expected in March and April of this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:39.413","MeetingDate":"2013-02-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281523,"EventID":"S4O-01809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:39.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:02:38.727","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the so-called bedroom tax will have on families in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:39.74","MeetingDate":"2013-02-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281524,"EventID":"S4O-01810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:40.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:02:39.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to invest in capital projects.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:40.037","MeetingDate":"2013-02-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281525,"EventID":"S4O-01811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:40.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:02:39.467","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the budgetary impact of the so-called bedroom tax.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:40.32","MeetingDate":"2013-02-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281526,"EventID":"S4O-01812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:40.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-13T11:08:49.263","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the completion of the resurfacing of the Kessock Bridge.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:40.957","MeetingDate":"2013-02-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281527,"EventID":"S4O-01813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:41.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:02:40.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to review Scottish Water's procurement processes.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:41.27","MeetingDate":"2013-02-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281528,"EventID":"S4O-01814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:41.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:02:40.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for regeneration in the Glasgow Kelvin constituency.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:41.63","MeetingDate":"2013-02-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281529,"EventID":"S4O-01815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:42.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:02:40.763","Title":"","ItemText":"To as the Scottish Government whether the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities has had discussions with the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth on the impact on cities of the Business Rates Incentivisation Scheme and whether she has communicated the outcome to the city councils.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:42.033","MeetingDate":"2013-02-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281530,"EventID":"S4O-01816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:42.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:02:41.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what preparations it has made for the impact on housing of demographic change, in light of the Finance Committee’s recent report, Demographic change and an ageing population.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:42.423","MeetingDate":"2013-02-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281531,"EventID":"S4O-01817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:42.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:02:41.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will make a statement on the future of the right to buy.","AnswerText":"We are giving active and detailed consideration to the future of right to buy in the light of the consultation responses and the policy options available. We will make an announcement once we have formed a view.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:42.86","MeetingDate":"2013-02-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281532,"EventID":"S4O-01819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:43.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-13T10:17:01.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is encouraging people to purchase fresh, local produce.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:43.33","MeetingDate":"2013-02-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281533,"EventID":"S4O-01820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:43.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:02:53.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government under what circumstances it will give direction to the Scottish Police Authority.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:43.907","MeetingDate":"2013-02-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281534,"EventID":"S4O-01821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:44.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-13T10:53:06.373","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what importance is placed on Education Scotland’s findings on local authority plans to close schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:44.25","MeetingDate":"2013-02-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281535,"EventID":"S4O-01822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:44.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T15:54:01.59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what protection there is for young children in cases where allegations of sexual abuse have been made but no evidence has been found.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:44.577","MeetingDate":"2013-02-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281536,"EventID":"S4O-01823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:44.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-13T10:10:20.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact that college mergers will have on access to courses in Fife.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:44.873","MeetingDate":"2013-02-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281537,"EventID":"S4O-01824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:45.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:02:54.477","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when a Scottish passport system will be in place if Scotland separates from the rest of the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:45.17","MeetingDate":"2013-02-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281538,"EventID":"S4O-01825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:45.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:02:54.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many wind turbines will need to be erected to meet its target of providing 100% of Scotland’s electricity needs from renewable sources by 2020.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:45.483","MeetingDate":"2013-02-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281539,"EventID":"S4O-01826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:45.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-12T11:05:41.13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to protect communities in the north east from flooding.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:45.887","MeetingDate":"2013-02-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281540,"EventID":"S4O-01827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:46.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:02:55.693","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made on improvements to the Scottish Ambulance Service’s patient transport service.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service Patient Transport Service provides a vital service across Scotland. It enables patients who have a medical or mobility need for the support of an ambulance crew to get to and from healthcare facilities for their appointments. In 2011-12 the Patient Transport Service undertook nearly 1.3 million patient journeys.\r\nThe Scottish Ambulance Service are taking forward an extensive improvement programme for the Patient Transport Service. The first phase of this work has delivered:\r\nthree regional booking centres to co-ordinate requests for ambulance transport;\r\na single national booking number to facilitate direct patient access;\r\nrevised pre-appointment information, developed in partnership with NHS boards, to better support patients to access transport appropriate to their needs;\r\na clinical needs assessment tool to ensure the service consistently provides transport that is person centred;\r\nmobile data technology across the patient transport fleet, allowing for dynamic real time management of vehicles and improved communication with crews.\r\nThe key focus in the next phase of the improvement programme will be on maximising the use of the new technology, ensuring consistency and improvement in the quality of service delivery across the country, and delivering a service that is more demand responsive and more person centred.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:46.263","MeetingDate":"2013-02-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281541,"EventID":"S4O-01828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T13:47:46.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:02:56.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to encourage people to buy and consume locally produced foods.\r\n","AnswerText":"As I explained earlier when responding to Jean Urquhart, we are doing many things to encourage people to buy and consume locally produced foods. I hope that all members in the Chamber recognise the progress that is being made and can unite behind our efforts, which will support many local businesses across Scotland. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:47:46.59","MeetingDate":"2013-02-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281542,"EventID":"S4W-13084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T15:33:51.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-12T16:41:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how Skills Development Scotland monitors the (a) employment and (b) training status of people who (i) complete and (ii) do not complete modern apprenticeships and how this differs from other training programmes.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Skills Development Scotland. I will ask the chief executive to write to you with the information you have requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T15:33:51.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281543,"EventID":"S4W-13085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T15:33:52.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-12T16:41:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many young people are unemployed and how long they have been unemployed, broken down by level of qualification.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Annual Population Survey (APS) is the official source for detailed analysis of unemployment by age. The latest data covers October 2011 to September 2012.\r\nUnemployment amongst 16-24 year olds, by duration of unemployment and highest qualification, Scotland\r\n\r\n \r\nHighest qualification level\r\n\r\n\r\nNo or Low Qualifications\r\nSVQ level 2\r\nSVQ levels 3 to 5 and Other\r\nAll 16-24\r\nDuration\r\nLess than 12 months\r\n           9,000 \r\n         22,000 \r\n         33,000 \r\n         64,000 \r\n\r\n12 months or more\r\n           7,000 \r\n           7,000 \r\n           5,000 \r\n         21,000 \r\n\r\nAll 16-24\r\n         16,000 \r\n         29,000 \r\n         38,000 \r\n         85,000 \r\nSource: Annual Population Survey, Oct’11 – Sep’12, Office for National Statistics.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Levels are rounded to the nearest thousand.\r\n2. Excludes those where highest qualification was unknown therefore, rows may not sum to “all 16-24” totals.\r\n3. ‘No or low’ includes those with qualifications at SVQ level 1 or below.\r\n4. Other includes foreign qualifications.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T15:33:52.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281544,"EventID":"S4W-13086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T15:33:52.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-12T16:41:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Minister for Youth Employment will meet the UK Minister for Employment to discuss the European Commission’s proposed youth guarantee.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Minister for Youth Employment had a telephone discussion with Mark Hoban MP, Minister for Employment on 31 January to discuss the European Commission’s proposed youth guarantee.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T15:33:52.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281545,"EventID":"S4W-13087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T15:33:52.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-12T16:41:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what youth employment programmes it operates, broken down by (a) budget (i) allocated, (ii) spent and (iii) remaining and (b) the time period covered by programme budget.\r\n","AnswerText":"The level 4 budgets for 2012-13 were tabled at the Education Committee and published by SPICE on the Scottish Parliament website and describes the budget allocated to each programme.\r\nActual programme spend and actual outturn at budget level 3 is published, with narrative on any variances, in the Scottish Government consolidated annual accounts. Further audited detail on employment programmes delivered by the Skills Development Scotland is published in its annual accounts at:\r\nhttp://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/media/1141877/sds%20group%20accounts%20year%20ended%2031%20march%202012%20_final_.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T15:33:52.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281546,"EventID":"S4W-13088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T15:33:53.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-12T16:41:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to people who do not complete modern apprenticeships, in terms of (a) access to other programmes and (b) funding.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Skills Development Scotland. I will ask the Chief Executive to write to you with the information you have requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T15:33:53.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281547,"EventID":"S4W-13089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T15:33:53.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-12T16:41:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the Skills Development Scotland report, Modern Apprenticeship Outcomes 2012, includes a disclaimer concerning the accuracy of the commissioned research.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Skills Development Scotland. I will ask the chief executive to write to you with the information you have requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T15:33:53.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281548,"EventID":"S4W-13090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T15:33:53.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-12T16:41:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Skills Development Scotland will publish the findings of the modern apprenticeship employer survey.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Skills Development Scotland. I will ask the chief executive to write to you with the information you have requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T15:33:53.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281549,"EventID":"S4W-13091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T15:33:54.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-12T16:41:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on the modern apprenticeship programme in each year since 2006-07, broken down by gender of apprentice.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Skills Development Scotland. I will ask the chief executive to write to you with the information you have requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T15:33:54.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281550,"EventID":"S4W-13092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T15:33:54.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-12T16:41:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average cost of a modern apprenticeship has been in each year since 2006-07, broken down by gender of apprentice.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Skills Development Scotland. I will ask the chief executive to write to you with the information you have requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T15:33:54.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281551,"EventID":"S4W-13093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T15:33:54.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-12T16:41:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what methodology was used by Skills Development Scotland in its report, Modern Apprenticeship Outcomes 2012, and how the figures were weighted.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Skills Development Scotland. I will ask the chief executive to write to you with the information you have requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T15:33:54.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281552,"EventID":"S4W-13094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T15:33:55.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-12T16:41:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the budget is for the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce; who the members of the commission are; what their remuneration is, and how many staff the commission has, broken down by pay grade.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce does not have a specific programme budget. The costs of supporting staff and other costs such as travel & subsistence will be met from direct running costs. \r\nThe members of the Commission are Sir Ian Wood (chair), Linda McKay (vice chair), Michael Davis, Sir Willie Haughey, Christine Pollock and Grahame Smith. Additional members may be added as the work of the Commission progresses. Members of the Commission will not be paid.\r\nThe Commission’s secretariat currently consists of a deputy director with support from a B3 analyst. This is likely to be expanded to include a B3 policy officer and a B1 policy officer. The staffing requirements of the secretariat will be kept under review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T15:33:55.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281553,"EventID":"S4W-13095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T15:33:55.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-13T11:19:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) discussions and (b) meetings ministers have had regarding the impact of independence for holders of Premium Bonds.\r\n","AnswerText":"SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT\r\nWRITTEN ANSWER\r\n13 March 2013\r\nIndex Heading: Finance\r\nNanette Milne (North East Scotland) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what (a) discussions and (b) meetings ministers have had regarding the impact of independence for holders of Premium Bonds.\r\n(S4W-13095)\r\nJohn Swinney: Ministers have to date had no discussions or meetings regarding the impact of independence for holders of premium bonds.\r\nPremium bonds are currently a liability of the UK government. Issues about dividing assets and liabilities are important and will fall to be negotiated between the two Governments following a yes vote. The Scottish Government is committed to achieving a fair and equitable settlement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T15:33:55.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281554,"EventID":"S4W-13096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T15:33:55.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-13T11:25:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussion ministers have had regarding the closure of retained fire stations.\r\n","AnswerText":"Decisions on operational matters such as the location, provision and closure of fire stations, including retained ones, are currently the responsibility of the fire and rescue services and post 1st April 2013 will be a matter for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. As such, ministers have had no discussion on this subject.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T15:33:55.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281555,"EventID":"S4W-13097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T15:33:56.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-13T11:25:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when ministers will make a statement on the future provision of retained fire stations.\r\n","AnswerText":"Decisions on operational matters such as the location and provision of fire stations, including retained ones, are currently the responsibility of the fire and rescue services and post on 1 April 2013 will be a matter for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. As such, ministers have no intention of making a statement on this subject.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T15:33:56.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281556,"EventID":"S4W-13098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T15:33:56.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-13T12:57:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in response to concerns expressed by parents in Aberdeenshire on constraints relating to S4 subject choice.\r\n","AnswerText":"National policy places no constraints on the number of subjects that can be studied in S4. Local authorities and schools will determine the number of subjects to be studied in S4. Decisions should be informed through engagement with parents and learners and based on a sound educational rationale tailored to their learners needs.\r\nThe Scottish Government is working with Education Scotland, the Scottish Qualifications Authority and the National Parent Forum of Scotland to ensure that parents across Scotland, including Aberdeenshire, are kept informed and involved in the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence in Scottish schools. \r\nEducation Scotland has been in discussion with Aberdeenshire Council and continues to provide direct support, including meeting with parents from schools in the area and working closely with the Council’s Curriculum Development Officer.\r\nKenneth Muir, Director of Inspection Education Scotland, made a presentation on Curriculum for Excellence to the Council’s Education Committee on 7 February. At this meeting the Committee endorsed a revised paper on the Council’s plans for the Senior Phase which was in line with national expectations for Curriculum for Excellence.\r\nAs part of my on-going series of Curriculum for Excellence engagements, I will visit Aberdeenshire soon and meet with parents. In addition, the Cabinet Secretary attended an event for parents organised by the National Parent Forum for Scotland on 5 March 2013 where there were very positive discussions around Curriculum for Excellence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T15:33:56.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281557,"EventID":"S4W-13099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T15:33:56.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-12T16:46:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many reviews there have been following a high hospital standardised mortality ratio (HSMR) being recorded in each of the last four years; what HMSRs triggered these; which hospitals were involved; when the reviews were (a) ordered and (b) carried out, and what further action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since December 2009, Information Services Division (ISD) has produced quarterly hospital standardised mortality ratios (HSMR) for all Scottish hospitals participating in the Scottish Patient Safety Programme. This is published four times a year and can be found at \r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Quality-Improvement/Quarterly-HSMR/.\r\nThis data is regularly reviewed by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) and Information Services Division (ISD).\r\nIn 2010, there were 2 hospitals (Queen Margaret Hospital, NHS Fife and Royal Alexandra Hospital, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde) which had HSMR values that triggered review. HIS wrote to these two NHS boards and asked them to develop local action plans. Implementation of these action plans is the responsibility for the individual NHS Boards, however they were reviewed by HIS and improvements in HSMR were recorded. Due to changes in service configuration HSMR data for the Royal Alexandra Hospital and the Vale of Leven Hospital are calculated together.  This service has seen a reduction in HSMR of 13.5% according to the most recently published data up to the end of September 2012.\r\nIn February 2012, Monklands Hospital and in August 2012 Fife Combined Hospitals triggered HSMR reviews. HIS have written to these two NHS boards asking them to develop local action plans. These action plans were reviewed by HIS and the hospitals are implementing these locally. The implementation of these actions plans are expected to take 12 months and as such the HSMR review process continues.  The most recent published data up to the end of September 2012 show reductions in the HSMR in Monklands Hospital of 11.9% and Fife Combined Hospitals has shown a reduction of 12.5%.\r\nMost recently the Western Isles Hospital has triggered an HSMR review. HIS have written to the Western Isles and they have submitted their initial response to HIS for consideration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T15:33:56.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281568,"EventID":"S4O-01818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-13T16:00:46.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-11T12:02:42.187","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities last met North Lanarkshire Council and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ministers and officials regularly meet representatives of councils, including North Lanarkshire Council, to discuss a range of issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T16:00:46.923","MeetingDate":"2013-02-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281576,"EventID":"S4W-13100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-14T15:25:57.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-13T16:22:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on how many occasions Health Facilities Scotland has reviewed the cleanliness of medical tools or instruments in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10, (c) 2010-11 and (d) 2011-12 and what further action was taken, broken down by (i) NHS board area and (ii) facility.\r\n","AnswerText":"Whilst Health Facilities Scotland engineers carry out testing of equipment used for decontamination (e.g. ultrasonic cleaners, washer disinfectors and sterilisers) to ensure they comply with the relevant guidance and British/European/International Standards they do not review the cleanliness of medical tools or instruments.\r\nIt is for the operator of the decontamination unit to put in place arrangements to monitor the cleanliness of decontaminated tools or instruments. In the case of centralised decontamination units, it is the responsibility of the relevant NHS Board.\r\nHealth Facilities Scotland provides advice and support to NHSScotland on decontamination matters, including the provision of on-site support to NHS Boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T15:25:57.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281577,"EventID":"S4W-13101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-14T15:25:57.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-14T13:28:06.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has reviewed the implementation of the Wheelchair and seating services modernisation: Action Plan and whether all recommendations in the action plan have been met.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Wheelchair and Seating Services Project Board developed, monitored and supported the implementation of the Wheelchair and Seating Services Modernisation project. The project board was wound up in December 2010, following which the Wheelchair and Seating Services Delivery Group was established to oversee the final stages of implementation.\r\nThe delivery group assessed the position in relation to all of the actions set out in the Wheelchair and Seating Services Modernisation Action Plan. As at January 2012, when the Delivery Group completed its remit, one action remained outstanding relating to Information Management and Technology. It was agreed this would be a matter for NHS board chief executives to consider whether local and/or national IT solutions would be required in due course.\r\nThe delivery group produced the Wheelchair & Seating Services Improvement Framework, which was issued to NHS boards in May 2012. The Framework is designed to support local NHS boards to assess continuing improvement and delivery of wheelchair and seating services through appropriate local governance processes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T15:25:57.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281578,"EventID":"S4W-13102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-14T15:25:58.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-14T13:28:06.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money it has allocated annually to each NHS board for wheelchair and seating services since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"A total of over £16 million was allocated to NHS boards from 2007 to 2012 to support improvements in wheelchair services. The Wheelchair and Seating Services (WSS) modernisation project allocations from 2007 to 2012 are provided in the following table\r\nWSS Modernisation Project – Allocations to NHS Boards 2007-12\r\n\r\n2007-081\r\n2008-092\r\n2009-102\r\n2010-112\r\n2011-122,3\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n£91,008\r\n£190,347\r\n£553,720\r\n£431,765\r\n£407,256\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n£446,086\r\n£1,007,351\r\n£2,378,683\r\n£2,098,361\r\n£1,966,745\r\nNHS Highland\r\n£66,148\r\n£114,699\r\n£493,887\r\n£313,117\r\n£269,743\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n\r\n£418,500\r\n£1,758,000\r\n£970,412\r\n£919,152\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n£84,534\r\n£171,339\r\n£514,879\r\n£329,345\r\n£304,699\r\nNHS Education\r\n\r\n\r\n£50,000\r\n\r\n\r\nCentral Costs\r\n\r\n£72,000\r\n£89,000\r\n£147,000\r\n£30,000\r\nTotal\r\n£707,776\r\n£1,974,236\r\n£5,838,169\r\n£4,290,000\r\n£3,897,595\r\nNotes:\r\n1.Funding provided to NHS boards prior to start-up of the modernisation project\r\n2.Funding provided to NHS boards for the modernisation project totalling £16 million\r\n3.The modernisation project covered the three years from 2008-09 to 2010-11. As the full £16 million committed had not been spent at the end of this period, the remaining funding was allocated in \r\n2011-12.\r\nIn addition, since the end of the project and following on from the Strategic Spending Review, NHS boards have now been allocated additional recurring baseline funding to support continuous improvement as set out in the Wheelchair and Seating Quality Improvement Framework, which was issued to NHS boards in May 2012. Allocations to each NHS board for 2012-13 are set out in the following table:\r\nNHS Board annual allocation for wheelchair and seating services 2012-13\r\nNHS Board Area\r\nAllocation\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n£125,980\r\nNHS Borders\r\n£35,762\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n£51,358\r\nNHS Fife\r\n£117,517\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n£93,668\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n£164,363\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n£411,644\r\nNHS Highland\r\n£108,161\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n£186,847\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n£251,953\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n£7,227\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n£7,636\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n£134,138\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n£10,348\r\nTotal\r\n£1,706,602\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T15:25:58.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281579,"EventID":"S4W-13103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-14T15:25:58.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-14T13:28:06.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) average and (b) longest waiting time has been for someone to be provided with a wheelchair in each year since 2007-08, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T15:25:58.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281580,"EventID":"S4W-13104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-14T15:25:59.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-14T13:28:06.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what changes there have been to the eligibility criteria for wheelchair services since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"There have been no changes to eligibility criteria for wheelchair services since 2007-08.\r\nThe current criteria for wheelchair services are available from the Rehabilitation Technology Information Service (ReTIS) website:\r\nhttp://www.retis.scot.nhs.uk/groups/scotretwc.php.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T15:25:59.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281581,"EventID":"S4W-13105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-14T15:25:59.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-14T13:28:06.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what changes there have been to the eligibility criteria for powered wheelchairs since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Standards and Eligibility Working Group (SEWG), a sub group of the Wheelchair and Seating Services Project Board, produced clarification of clinical criteria for the provision of attendant controlled and dual controlled powered wheelchairs.\r\nClarification was added to eligibility criteria for Indoor/Outdoor Occupant Controlled wheelchairs (EPIOC) and Attendant Controlled Outdoor Powered wheelchairs (EPAC).\r\nNew criteria were added in 2009 for Indoor/Outdoor Dual Controlled Powered wheelchairs (EPOIC Dual).\r\nThese eligibility criteria are available from:\r\nhttp://www.retis.scot.nhs.uk/groups/scotretwc.php.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T15:25:59.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281582,"EventID":"S4W-13106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-14T15:26:00.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-14T13:28:06.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide the names of the members of the project board that monitored the implementation of the Wheelchair and seating services modernisation: Action Plan; and when the project board last met.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Wheelchair and Seating Services Project Board (WSSPB) oversaw the modernisation project and last met on 10 December 2010.\r\nWheelchair Seating Services Modernisation Project Board: Membership\r\nChair: Richard Carey\r\nChief Executive Officer, NHS Grampian\r\nGeoff Bardsley\r\nSenior Rehabilitation Engineer, NHS Tayside\r\nGordon Birnie\r\nMedical Director, NHS Fife\r\nJohn Colvin\r\nHead of Service, WestMARC, NHS GG&C\r\nAndrew Daly\r\nHead of Financial Planning and Allocations, NHS GG&C\r\nHazel Dykes\r\nAssociate Director AHP, NHS Dumfries & Galloway\r\nAnne Harkness\r\nDirector, Rehabilitation Directorate, NHS GG&C\r\nRoger Kincaid\r\nParent of Wheelchair User\r\nJill Pritchard\r\nFife Council\r\nLiz Rowlett\r\nPolicy, Information and Parliamentary Officer\r\nRon Skinner\r\nWheelchair User\r\nRoseanne Urquhart\r\nChair, ReTSAG\r\nJanet Garcia\r\nNational Project Manager, Scottish Government\r\nGraham Wood\r\nProject Support Officer, Scottish Government\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T15:26:00.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281583,"EventID":"S4W-13107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-14T15:26:01.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-14T13:30:01.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with COSLA regarding the provision of resources to enable local authorities to carry out their duties under the Disabled Persons' Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13108 on 8 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T15:26:01.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281584,"EventID":"S4W-13108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-14T15:26:01.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-14T13:30:01.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what resources it currently allocates to each local authority to enable them to carry out their duties under the Disabled Persons' Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is providing local government in Scotland with almost £11 billion in 2012-13. It is the responsibility of each local authority to allocate the total financial resources available to it on the basis of local needs and priorities having first fulfilled its statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities including the Scottish Government’s key strategic objectives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T15:26:01.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281585,"EventID":"S4W-13109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-14T15:26:02.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-14T13:30:01.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that local authorities comply with the Disabled Persons' Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"Compliance of the Disabled Persons’ Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009 is a matter for local authorities, not the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T15:26:02.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281586,"EventID":"S4W-13110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-14T15:26:02.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-14T13:30:01.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the annual returns from local authorities setting out how they have implemented the Disabled Persons' Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009.  \r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers will publish and lay before the Scottish Parliament by 30 September 2013 a report on the performance by local authorities of their function and performance in relation to the Disabled Persons’ Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T15:26:02.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281592,"EventID":"S4W-13111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-15T14:43:29.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-14T14:42:59.02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many consignments of imported meat have been (a) destroyed, (b) re-exported or (c) reprocessed since 1999 as a result of (i) unsatisfactory documentation or (ii) physical checks.\r\n","AnswerText":"Imported meat consignments from third countries may only enter the European Union through designated EU Border Inspection Posts (BIPs). There are currently no BIPS in Scotland approved for meat consignments, therefore, meat consignments imported from third counties directly to the UK must enter through BIPs in England or Northern Ireland.\r\nRelevant information will be held by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK Border Agency, or the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland as appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T14:43:29.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281593,"EventID":"S4W-13112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-15T14:43:30.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-14T14:42:59.02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of imported meat has been inspected in each year since 2007 and what action was taken where the meat failed to comply with import conditions.\r\n","AnswerText":"Imported meat consignments from third countries may only enter the European Union through designated EU Border Inspection Posts (BIPs). There are currently no BIPS in Scotland approved for meat consignments, therefore, meat consignments imported from third countries directly to the UK must enter through BIPs in England or Northern Ireland.\r\nRelevant information will be held by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK Border Agency, or the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland as appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T14:43:30.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281594,"EventID":"S4W-13113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-15T14:43:30.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-14T14:42:59.02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many times the (a) Food Standards Agency, (b) the Meat Hygiene Service and (c) local authority inspectors have found horsemeat being traded as beef since 2007 and what action was taken in each instance.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not been made aware of any previous instances of horsemeat being traded as beef in Scotland since 2007.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T14:43:31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281595,"EventID":"S4W-13114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-15T14:43:31.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-14T20:16:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what testing is being carried out to ensure that horsemeat is not being traded as beef.\r\n","AnswerText":"FSA Authenticity Survey:\r\nOn the 19 February 2013, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) published information about its robust UK wide authenticity survey where 28 local authorities took samples of beef products from all parts of the food chain in the first two phases. Two local authorities in Scotland (City of Edinburgh and Stirling Councils) participated in phases 1 and 2. A further 24 local authorities will take samples for phase 3 and Highland Council and Dundee City Council are participating in this phase.\r\nPhase 1: As at 11 March 2013, 224 samples (16 in Scotland) of raw comminuted (minced) beef have been checked for horse and pig DNA. The results show that 212 of the 224 samples taken in phase 1 are negative for horse DNA at or above the 1% threshold. One Scottish sample tested positive.\r\nSeven samples are awaiting further verification and the FSA will publish details as soon as further information is received.\r\nPhase 2: As of 11 March 2013, 140 (10 in Scotland) samples of beef-based ready meals have been checked for horse and pig DNA. Of the 140 samples taken, and the 52 results received, all are negative for horse DNA. 0 Scottish samples tested positive.\r\nPhase 3: As part of an EU sampling programme 150 products will be tested in Phase 3. 12 samples will be taken in Scotland.\r\nIndustry testing:\r\nThe FSA also ordered food businesses to conduct authenticity tests on all processed beef products and provide the results to the FSA. Of the 5430 tests carried out by the industry to 11 March 2013 5386, over 99% did not contain horse DNA at or above the 1% threshold. The industry will continue to report the results of their ongoing testing and the FSA will provide quarterly updates via its website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T14:43:31.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281596,"EventID":"S4W-13115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-15T14:43:32.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-14T20:16:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to assure consumers that products labelled as beef do not contain horsemeat.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government:\r\nOn the 23 January 2013, Scottish Ministers asked the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to work with local authorities to carry out focused food standards audits of approved processed meat manufacturers. Scotland was the first part of the UK to initiate this work, which is in addition to the actions set out in the FSA’s plan and the European Commission’s testing programme. All the focused audits are now complete and no issues relating to horse DNA have been reported (as at 11 March 2013).\r\nThroughout the horsemeat incident I have met regularly with stakeholders, including retailers, and have been in regular contact with ministers in other parts of the UK.\r\nAt the National Farmers Union Annual General Meeting 19 February 2013 I announced additional funding of £1 million to Quality Meat Scotland to strengthen the Scotch label, including a new licensing scheme to add weight to the rigorous requirements already in place to guarantee the authenticity of “Scotch Beef”, “Scotch Lamb” and “Specially Selected Pork”. This will provide the highest possible assurance that consumer food purchases contain premium quality branded beef and lamb.\r\nThis ties in well with our plans, announced last week, for an expert group to take forward the Scottish food industry’s work on traceability and provenance and this group will work on any further steps that need to be taken.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T14:43:32.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281597,"EventID":"S4W-13116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-15T14:43:32.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-15T14:28:55.137","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Land Registration etc. (Scotland) Act 2012 will be brought into force.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Land Registration etc. (Scotland) Act 2012 received Royal Assent on 10 July 2012 and certain technical provisions came into force the following day. Commencement Order No.1 came into force on 1 November 2012.\r\nThe remainder of the Act will come into force on such a day as the Scottish Ministers may by order appoint. It is the Scottish Government’s intention to prescribe a designated day in late Autumn 2014. In addition, the Scottish Government are working with key stakeholders in developing the policy that will allow the provisions for legally valid electronic documents to be commenced by the end of 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-01T14:43:33.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281599,"EventID":"S4W-13117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T14:09:31.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-17T13:29:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether and, if so, when it will issue guidance to local authorities on the definition of a bedroom in relation to the UK Government's changes to housing benefit in respect of under occupancy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is looking at all reasonable ways to mitigate the impact of the UK Government’s housing benefit cuts. Scottish legislation already provides flexibility for landlords to determine the number of bedrooms in their properties within certain parameters such as space standards. Guidance relating to the definition of a bedroom specifically for welfare benefit purposes is a matter reserved to the UK Government.\r\nHowever, we are considering whether any additional guidance in respect of defining bedrooms would be helpful.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:09:31.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281600,"EventID":"S4W-13118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T14:09:32.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-17T15:12:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the development and delivery of local strategies to tackle autism will be monitored.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government have provided funding of £35,000 to each local authority in Scotland to develop local autism action plans, according to local need. The Scottish Government will soon be in contact with each local authority to obtain a copy of each action plan. It will be the responsibility of each local authority to monitor local autism action plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:09:32.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281601,"EventID":"S4W-13119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T14:09:33.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-17T15:12:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether charities that have authority to operate in Scotland but are registered only in England and Wales have to meet the same registration conditions in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"By law in Scotland only bodies which are entered in the Scottish Charity Register may refer to themselves as a “Scottish charity” or “a charity registered in Scotland”.\r\nSome bodies which operate from other parts of the UK or abroad can call themselves a “charity”, but they must also refer to the fact that they are based in another country e.g. “a charity registered in England and Wales” or “a French charity”. Additionally, they cannot occupy land or premises or carry out activities in shops etc. in Scotland.\r\nThe regulation of English and Welsh charities is set out in separate Westminster legislation, principally the Charities Act 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:09:33.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281602,"EventID":"S4W-13120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T14:09:34.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-17T15:12:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the use of door-to-door collection bags by charities is subject to the same rules as other types of charitable collection.\r\n","AnswerText":"The current public charitable collection legislation provides for the collection from the public of money for charitable purposes taken either in a public place or by means of visits from place to place.\r\nSections 84 to 92 of the Charities and Trustees (Scotland) Act 2005, which have not yet been commenced, set out a new system of licensing public benevolent collections, which includes collections of money, direct debits and goods.\r\nIn 2010 officials conducted a consultation with local authorities on introducing the provisions of sections 84 to 92. The consultation findings showed there was little appetite for changing the current regulatory scheme and a number of local authorities voiced concerned that any new licensing scheme could be an unnecessary administrative burden.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:09:34.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281603,"EventID":"S4W-13121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T14:09:34.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-17T15:12:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action can be taken against charities that operate without authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the Charities and Trustees Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 (the Act) the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) has a variety of powers to investigate charities (including those calling themselves charities that may not actually be charities) and bodies which are controlled by charities.\r\nFollowing an inquiry OSCR has further powers to take action. These powers include directing a body which is not actually a charity to stop representing itself as such. Where there has been misconduct, OSCR can suspend any person who is involved in the management of the charity where that person has been responsible for or has contributed to the misconduct. OSCR can also direct the charity so to limit the transactions it can enter into without OSCR’s consent, and it can direct financial institutions not to part with money held on behalf of a charity (i.e. freeze bank accounts).\r\nCharity fundraising is mostly governed on a self-regulating basis and the Fundraising Standards Board is the independent self-regulatory body in the UK. There are some additional provisions about fund raising by professional bodies in the Act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:09:34.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281604,"EventID":"S4W-13122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T14:09:35.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-17T15:12:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last received correspondence from Aberdeen City Council regarding local government funding.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has regular correspondence with all local authorities through COSLA. Aberdeen City Council did, however write to the Scottish Government recently regarding the Business Rates Incentivisation Scheme (BRIS). In my response I confirmed that in line with the agreed rules governing the scheme, the 2012-13 BRIS targets were not fixed and were currently subject to review and final agreement with COSLA.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:09:35.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281605,"EventID":"S4W-13123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T14:09:35.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T09:52:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Falkirk Council regarding the closure of the Birkhill Fireclay Mine.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not had discussions with Falkirk Council regarding their decision, as owners, to close the Birkhill Fireclay Mine.\r\nHistoric Scotland had frequent contact with Falkirk Council regarding the designation of the site. Following Historic Scotland’s decision not to either list or schedule the site, Historic Scotland liaised further with the Falkirk Community Trust (as the charitable company set up by Falkirk Council to deliver culture, library, recreation and sport services on its behalf), the National Museums of Scotland as well as the National Mining Museum of Scotland to suggest that a feasibility study could be undertaken to explore future options for the site.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:09:35.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281606,"EventID":"S4W-13124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T14:09:36.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T10:16:29.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the ticket recognition agreement between Western Ferries and Argyll Ferries Ltd becomes operational.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government wants to see a ticketing arrangement in place as soon as possible and are aware that discussions between Argyll Ferries and Western Ferries are on-going following their agreement in principle.\r\nBoth operators are working to find an early resolution and we are supporting that.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:09:36.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281607,"EventID":"S4W-13125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T14:09:36.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T10:16:29.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the harbour dues per journey will be for MV Finlaggan when it uses (a) Port Askaig and (b) Port Ellen harbour from 1 April 2013.","AnswerText":"For (a) Port Askaig, CalMac pay Argyll and Bute Council the published rates for harbour dues as detailed on the Council's website: http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/ports-and-harbours-vessels/ports-and-harbours-rates-vessels and for (b) Port Ellen harbour, CalMac pay an annual fee to Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) which covers harbour dues at all the CMAL owned harbours used by CalMac.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:09:36.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281608,"EventID":"S4W-13126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T14:09:36.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T10:16:29.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost of fuel is per journey for MV Finlaggan from the mainland to (a) Port Askaig and (b) Port Ellen harbour.","AnswerText":"Fuel cost information, particularly at this level of detail, is commercially sensitive.  However, the difference in the cost of fuel for the MV Finlaggan sailing between these two journeys will be slightly higher given the route distance between Kennacraig and Port Askaig is 25 nautical miles and the route distance between Kennacraig and Port Ellen is 30 nautical miles.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T14:09:36.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281612,"EventID":"S4T-00250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T12:42:58.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T11:32:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what implications the agreement on the EU financial framework for 2014 to 2020 has for the allocation of structural funds in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T12:42:58.1","MeetingDate":"2013-02-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281613,"EventID":"S4T-00253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T12:42:59.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T11:59:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to NHS boards for the delivery of paediatric services.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T12:42:59.257","MeetingDate":"2013-02-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281614,"EventID":"S4F-01184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T12:42:26.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-14T14:13:03.847","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T12:42:26.327","MeetingDate":"2013-02-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281615,"EventID":"S4F-01186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T12:42:27.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T10:53:41.86","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what strategies the Scottish Government has to combat obesity.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T12:42:27.747","MeetingDate":"2013-02-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281616,"EventID":"S4F-01187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T12:42:28.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T11:06:02.893","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T12:42:28.48","MeetingDate":"2013-02-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281617,"EventID":"S4F-01190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T12:42:30.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T11:30:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what recent discussions the Scottish Government has had with the BBC in relation to redundancies at BBC Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T12:42:30.883","MeetingDate":"2013-02-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281618,"EventID":"S4F-01192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T12:42:31.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T11:41:25.673","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T12:42:31.663","MeetingDate":"2013-02-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281619,"EventID":"S4F-01196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T12:42:34.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T11:52:55.58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government plans to implement new measures to tackle child poverty.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T12:42:34.127","MeetingDate":"2013-02-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281627,"EventID":"S4W-13127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T17:15:36.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T13:09:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many compromise agreements each NHS board has made with employees in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not collect this information centrally. The information on compromise agreements is a matter for each NHS board as an employer and the individual employee concerned.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T17:15:36.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281629,"EventID":"S4W-13128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T17:15:36.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T14:16:54.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to improve areas of poor air quality in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with local authorities, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Transport Scotland and other partners to improve air quality in Scotland. This work will include:\r\nTaking forward the policies outlined in the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland and in Scotland’s National Transport Strategy.\r\nProviding practical and financial assistance to local authorities in implementing their air quality action plans; continuing to operate a comprehensive network of around 90 air quality monitoring stations throughout Scotland and utilising the data to inform and develop policy initiatives.\r\nProviding and collating advice and information to the public and other stakeholders through the Scottish Air Quality Website, Scotland’s Environment Web and Scottish Transport Emissions Partnership.\r\nFulfilling our obligations under EU air quality legislation, including taking account as necessary of any requirements arising from the European Commission’s comprehensive review of air quality policy during the 2013 European Year of Air; and\r\npursuing measures set out in the Low Carbon Scotland second draft report on proposals and policies which will contribute to improving air quality, such as promoting the take up of electric and hybrid vehicles and active travel, encouraging modal shift to public transport and local initiatives to plant woodland in and around towns.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T17:15:36.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281631,"EventID":"S4W-13129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T17:15:37.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T15:46:23.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it or its agencies will provide for pupils to visit First World War battlefields in 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of the WWI Commemoration Programme, arrangements for a travel subsidy scheme to support all Scottish secondary schools who wish to visit WWI Battlefield sites are being developed. It is anticipated that the scheme will be managed by Historic Scotland. Information is being gathered from schools and others involved in Battlefield tours to ensure the proposed scheme is fair and equitable. An announcement will be made in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T17:15:37.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281633,"EventID":"S4W-13130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T17:15:37.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T15:46:23.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when officials developing proposals for a travel subsidy scheme for school visits to First World War battlefield sites will inform schools of these proposals.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13129 on 28 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T17:15:37.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281635,"EventID":"S4W-13131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-18T17:15:37.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T15:46:23.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether recent budget decisions include funding for school visits to First World War battlefields and, if so, (a) how much will be allocated and (b) whether rural schools will be allocated additional funding for any additional travel costs.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13129 on 28 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-04T17:15:37.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281636,"EventID":"S4W-13132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:15.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T15:56:31.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10543 by Derek Mackay on 7 November 2012, what arrangements it has in place to ensure compliance with the terms of the Aarhus Convention.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring public access to environmental and planning information, and the participation of the public throughout the decision-making process. The Scottish Government has ensured this is achieved primarily through the 2008 amendments to the Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations. This amendment introduced a secondary period of consultation for members of the public and included additional advertising of determinations and greater clarification of the process through which any aggrieved party could challenge a decision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:15.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281637,"EventID":"S4W-13133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:15.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T15:56:31.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish its response to the questions regarding its Renewables Routemap to 2020 that it was recently asked by the Compliance Committee of the UN's Economic Commission for Europe. ","AnswerText":"A response to the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee from the UK Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs has been published on the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe website and is available, along with the submission referred to in the response, at the following links: \r\nhttp://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/env/pp/compliance/C2012-68/Communication_with_Party/frUKC68_11Feb13/frUKC68_11Feb13.pdf  \r\nhttp://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/env/pp/compliance/C2012-68/Communication_with_Party/frUKC68_11Feb13/frUKC68_11Feb13_Attachment.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:15.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281638,"EventID":"S4W-13134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:16.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T16:34:57.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people resident in Scotland have been treated in hospitals in England in each year since 1999 and at what cost.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on patients resident in Scotland who were treated in hospitals in England for each financial year from 1999-00 to 2011-12 has been provided. This information is for all inpatients and day cases (elective and emergency admissions).\r\nInformation on the cost is not collected centrally.\r\nCount of Finished Admission Episodes1,2,3 carried out in an English NHS hospital for patients whose NHS Board of Residence is in Scotland; financial years 1999-00 to 2011-12.\r\nFinancial Year\r\nIn-patient Finished Admission Episodes (FAEs)\r\n1999-2000\r\n5,377\r\n2000-01\r\n5,767\r\n2001-02\r\n5,589\r\n2002-03\r\n5,851\r\n2003-04\r\n6,548\r\n2004-05\r\n6,998\r\n2005-06\r\n7,378\r\n2006-07\r\n7,518\r\n2007-08\r\n7,371\r\n2008-09\r\n7,326\r\n2009-10\r\n7,671\r\n2010-11\r\n7,811\r\n2011-12\r\n7,574\r\nSource: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre.\r\n1. All in.patient and day case admissions are included, elective and emergency.\r\n2. Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector is included.\r\n3. A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of inpatient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. FAEs are counted against the year in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of in-patients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:16.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281639,"EventID":"S4W-13136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:16.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T09:26:31.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who sets the objectives for local authority chief executives.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities are autonomous bodies which operate entirely separately from the Scottish Government. Chief executives are employed by individual local authorities. It is for each local authority to make arrangements in relation to the objectives of its chief executive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:16.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281640,"EventID":"S4W-13137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:16.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T09:26:31.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that local authorities achieve consistent outcomes.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are autonomous bodies which are entirely separate from the Scottish Government. It is for each local authority to determine appropriate outcomes for its area based on its understanding of local needs and opportunities. Local authorities are accountable to their own residents for their decisions, their actions (including work in partnership with other bodies) and the outcomes they achieve.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:16.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281641,"EventID":"S4W-13138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:17.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T09:26:31.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what bonuses were paid to each local authority chief executive for 2011-12 and how these bonuses related to agreed outcomes.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are autonomous bodies which are entirely separate from the Scottish Government. Individual local authorities employ and determine remuneration arrangements for their chief executives. The Scottish Government does not collect information from local authorities about their remuneration arrangements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:17.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281642,"EventID":"S4W-13139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:17.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T10:14:06.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what role Scottish Natural Heritage's strategic locational guidance for onshore windfarms will play in the (a) National Planning Framework 3 and (b) revised Scottish planning policy.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government has been actively engaging Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) on the development of National Planning Framework 3 (NPF3) and the preparation of revised Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) and looks forward to receiving SNH’s views on the NPF3 Main Issues Report and draft Scottish Planning Policy when these are issued for consultation. SNH will use their strategic locational guidance to help inform their response(s) to these consultations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:17.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281643,"EventID":"S4W-13140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:18.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T10:14:06.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that Scottish Natural Heritage's strategic locational guidance for onshore windfarms informs local development plans.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government, through Scottish Planning Policy (SPP), establishes the framework for Scottish Natural Heritage’s (SNH’s) strategic locational guidance (SLG) and provides statutory opportunities for SNH as a key agency to use their SLG to make representations to planning authorities on natural heritage matters to help inform local development plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:18.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281644,"EventID":"S4W-13141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:18.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T10:14:06.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what role Scottish Natural Heritage's strategic locational guidance for onshore windfarms will play in the determination of project proposals for the development of onshore wind energy.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage are consulted on windfarm applications submitted to Scottish Ministers under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 and there is a range of criteria which triggers consultation with SNH on applications submitted to planning authorities. SNH will use their Strategic Locational Guidance to provide consultation responses on these applications, which Scottish Ministers and planning authorities will take into account in determining these applications.\r\nBefore determining an application the planning authority must also consult SNH on any Environmental Statement accompanying the planning application, where such a statement is required under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2011, SSI 2011/139 or where an appropriate assessment is required under The Conservation (Natural Habitats & c.) Regulations 1994 as amended.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:18.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281645,"EventID":"S4W-13142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:18.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T11:14:44.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how regularly patients being treated for cancer receive follow-up health checks from a consultant following surgery.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is for clinicians to determine the frequency of follow up checks from a consultant following surgery for patients with cancer. It is expected that the necessity for and regularity of these checks will vary according to tumour type and will be determined by clinical judgement based on individual patient need and evidence-based, good practice guidelines.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:18.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281646,"EventID":"S4W-13143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:19.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T11:14:44.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that patients being treated for cancer receive follow-up health checks following surgery.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, the NHS and local authorities to support a whole system redesign of care following active treatment of cancer.\r\nThe overall aim of this transforming care after treatment programme is to ensure that patients are prepared for and supported to live with the consequences of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment.\r\nThe programme promotes holistic needs assessment and personalised care planning for patients after treatment, development of follow-up risk stratification and implementation of appropriate models of care so that patients will receive the appropriate level of support and intensity of surveillance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:19.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281647,"EventID":"S4W-13144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:20.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T11:14:44.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what aftercare treatment is available for patients being treated for cancer.\r\n","AnswerText":"The initial diagnosis, subsequent treatment and the ongoing aftercare that may be required by patients with cancer is a top clinical priority for both the Scottish Government and NHSScotland. The nature of aftercare required for patients treated for cancer will vary according to tumour type and will be determined by clinical judgement based on individual patient need and evidence-based, good practice guidelines.\r\nA key component of the Scottish Government’s Cancer Taskforce Action Plan is the development and implementation of models of care which promote recovery of function and confidence after anti-cancer treatment, empowering patients to self manage where it is appropriate and right to do so and reducing the need for unnecessary face-to-face follow-up without impacting on cancer surveillance or outcomes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:20.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281648,"EventID":"S4W-13145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:20.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T11:14:44.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the number of NHS staff in West Scotland there are to provide patients being treated for cancer with follow-up health checks following surgery.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested on the number of NHS staff in West Scotland there are to provide patients being treated for cancer with follow-up health checks following surgery is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:20.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281649,"EventID":"S4W-13146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:21.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T11:14:44.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many staff each NHS board has to ensure that patients being treated for cancer are provided with follow-up health checks following surgery and whether it considers that these numbers are sufficient.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested on how many staff each NHS board has to ensure that patients being treated for cancer are provided with follow-up health checks following surgery and whether it considers these numbers are sufficient is not held centrally.\r\nIt is for each NHS board to decide how best to plan and deliver their services to meet the needs of their population. This includes how best to utilise funding and staff, taking account of national and local priorities to meet local health needs. The Scottish Government does not advocate minimum staffing levels.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:21.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281650,"EventID":"S4W-13147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:21.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T11:16:12.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that a structured education programme for all patients with type 1 diabetes is being implemented.","AnswerText":"From 2013 we will monitor the provision of structured education for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes through the Scottish Diabetes Survey.\r\nOur Diabetes Action Plan, published in 2012, fully recognises the important role that structured education can play in supporting people with diabetes to self-manage their condition.\r\nIn implementing the Action Plan we have supported the appointment of a National Diabetes Education Lead at NHS Education Scotland. This led to the development of a review process for structured education: “Assessment of Patient Education in Scotland” and “Tools for Assessment of Patient Education in Scotland”. These resources are helping to ensure that structured Education across Scotland is consistent and quality assured. \r\nThe Scottish Diabetes Group has also given funding to NHS boards, Managed Clinical Networks to support the roll out of structured education. In 2011-12 this amounted to £154,450.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:21.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281651,"EventID":"S4W-13148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:22.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T10:20:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10024 by Kenny MacAskill on 17 October 2012, how many drug finds there were in each prison in 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe following table illustrates the number of suspected drug finds recorded in 2012 broken down by establishment. SPS does not carry out analysis on substances found, and is not always advised of the outcomes of such analysis.\r\nEstablishment\r\n2012\r\nAberdeen\r\n77\r\nAddiewell\r\n465\r\nBarlinnie\r\n208\r\nCornton Vale\r\n52\r\nDumfries\r\n26\r\nEdinburgh\r\n208\r\nGlenochil\r\n114\r\nGreenock\r\n52\r\nInverness\r\n36\r\nKilmarnock\r\n252\r\nLow Moss\r\n90\r\nSPS Open Estate\r\n30\r\nPerth\r\n111\r\nPeterhead\r\n28\r\nPolmont\r\n64\r\nShotts\r\n136\r\nTotals\r\n1949\r\nHMP Addiewell opened December 2008\r\nHMP Low Moss Closed April 2007 – re-opening March 2012\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:22.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281652,"EventID":"S4W-13149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:23.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T10:20:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to commence sections 1 to 4 of the Prisons (Interference with Wireless Telegraphy) Act 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe Scottish Prison Service is in the early stages of planning the implementation of the provisions of The Prisons (Interference with Wireless Telegraphy) Act 2012, which received Royal Asset on the 19 December 2012. The timescales for commencing sections 1 to 4 of the Act will be considered as part of the implementation process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:23.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281653,"EventID":"S4W-13150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:23.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T12:27:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to conduct a passenger transport survey on bus travel and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government already collects survey information on bus travel through the Scottish Household Survey, a continuous survey based on a sample of the general population in private residences in Scotland. The Survey covers:\r\nThe extent that respondents use local bus services;\r\nThe time, distance and purpose of respondents’ bus journeys; \r\nThe frequency of bus services and distance to the respondents’ nearest bus stop; and passenger views of local bus services.\r\nThis information is published annually in three main publications available on the Transport Scotland website:\r\nTransport and Travel in Scotland: http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/analysis/statistics/publications/transport-and-travel-in-scotland-previous-editions\r\nScottish Household Survey: Travel Diary Results: http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/analysis/statistics/publications/shs-travel-diary-results-previous-editions\r\nBus and Coach Statistics: http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/analysis/statistics/publications/bus-and-coach-statistics-previous-editions\r\nIn addition, Transport Scotland is conducting research into whether the National Concessionary Travel Scheme is meeting customer expectations. Initial findings from this research will be available in March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:23.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281654,"EventID":"S4W-13152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:24.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T12:27:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what programmes it supports to encourage increased bus usage.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government promotes increased bus patronage in various ways. We contributed to an accessible bus network through the £50 million annual Bus Services Operators Grant and the general revenue grant to local authorities, both of which are designed to safeguard essential services and develop new routes. We encourage attractive, quality services, as through Statutory Quality Partnerships and funding for new, low carbon vehicles under the Scottish Green Bus Fund. In addition, we spent £187 million on the National Concessionary Travel scheme, which incentivises bus use by those entitled to free travel under the scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:24.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281655,"EventID":"S4W-13153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:24.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T12:27:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to encourage people to drive less and (a) use public transport, (b) cycle and (c) walk more often.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to encouraging more people to use public transport and active travel for everyday journeys; and we have invested over £8.3 billion in public and active travel projects since 2007.\r\nIn order to encourage further train use, off-peak fares in Scotland will be frozen until 2016 and peak fares capped to RPI in January 2014 and 2015 at no additional cost to the franchise subsidy. In the next franchise, we will aim for more affordable fares that encourage increased use of under-used routes and to see more leisure trips being made by train rather than the car.\r\nIn order to encourage further use of buses, we will continue to provide significant public funding through the National Concessionary Travel scheme, the Bus Service Operators’ Grant and the Green Bus Fund. In addition, we are providing up to £40 million for the Glasgow Fastlink project – an exemplar bus rapid transit system which will provide fast access to jobs, services and communities.\r\nAdditionally, the new Forth Replacement Crossing will allow the Forth Road Bridge to become part of a dedicated public transport corridor, enabling journey times to be consistent and therefore encouraging a shift to public transport on that busy route.\r\nThrough the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland re-fresh exercise, we will ensure co-ordination of actions across a range of partner bodies to increase cycling’s modal share. The consultation with key stakeholders was launched in November and closed on 15 February 2013. We hope to publish the updated document in spring 2013, taking account of the responses received.\r\nWe are also committed to promoting walking, to reduce car journeys and improve the health of the population. Later this year we will publish a National Walking Strategy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:24.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281656,"EventID":"S4W-13154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:24.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T12:27:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have used public transport in the last five years, broken down by transport mode.","AnswerText":"Figures showing the number of passengers using bus and rail transport can be found in the summary table S1 (page 27) and ferries table 9.12 (page 197) of the publication Scottish Transport Statistics 2012, which can be found in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib number 54732).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:24.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281657,"EventID":"S4W-13155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:25.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T12:27:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has provided to support public transport in the last five years, broken down by transport mode.","AnswerText":"Figures showing support for public transport can be found in table 10.1 (page 215) of the publication Scottish Transport Statistics 2012, which can be found in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (SPICe) (Bib number 54732).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:25.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281658,"EventID":"S4W-13156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:25.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T12:27:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to improve bus services in rural areas.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government altered the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) in April 2012 to provide additional support for rural services. Support to bus services is now based on the distance they travel, favouring the longer services more typical of rural areas. At the same time, changes to the legislation on bus service registration made it possible for fully flexible services open to the general public to qualify for BSOG and participate in the National Concessionary Travel Scheme, typically favouring smaller communities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:25.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281659,"EventID":"S4W-13157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:25.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T12:27:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it encourages economic growth through its transport policies.","AnswerText":"The key role of transport is as a facilitator of economic activity in other sectors, carrying people and freight around the country and beyond. Investing in Scotland's transport infrastructure enhances productivity, encourages more efficient labour markets and promotes competition, underpinning current and future economic growth.\r\nTo this end the Scottish Government has invested through its transport policies over £8.3 billion in transport since 2007, the largest transport investment programme Scotland has ever seen, as we strive to improve journey times, reduce emissions and improve quality, accessibility and affordability across our strategic transport networks. And in difficult economic times, current investment in transport is directly supporting over 12,000 jobs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:25.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281660,"EventID":"S4W-13158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:26.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T12:27:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of the bus industry and what was discussed.","AnswerText":"Officials last met representatives of the bus industry at the Bus Stakeholders Group on 28 February 2013, where discussions ranged widely over topics such as economic conditions, regulation and funding of the sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:26.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281661,"EventID":"S4W-13159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-19T14:45:26.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T12:48:39.847","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what projects it is funding to tackle sectarianism in 2012-13, broken down by (a) project and (b) funding amount.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the financial year 2012-13 £2.5 million has been allocated to allow the organisations listed in the following table to deliver a range of projects and initiatives to tackle sectarianism across Scotland:\r\nOrganisation and Project\r\nLocation\r\nFunding Amount\r\nCambridge University Technical Services –  Integrative Complexity  Project\r\nFalkirk\r\n£167,920\r\nChildren s Parliament – Me+Us Project\r\nEdinburgh, Midlothian, West Lothian, Aberdeen, South Lanarkshire and Western Isles\r\n£50,670\r\nCitizen s Theatre – Divided City Project\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n£116,500\r\nCity of Edinburgh Council – Community Research  Project\r\nEdinburgh\r\n£6,600\r\nConforti Institute – Lederach’s Peace Building Model  Project\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n£111,141\r\nFaith in Community Scotland – Developing and Asset-based Approach to tackling sectarianism  Project\r\nGlasgow and North Lanarkshire\r\n£69,793\r\nFestival of Spirituality and Peace – Civic Cafes  Project\r\nEdinburgh\r\n£9,000\r\nFootball Co-Ordination Unit Scotland (FoCUS)\r\nScotland\r\n£797,703\r\nThe Iona Community – Can you hear the bigots sing prisons  Project and  Community Youth Work  Project\r\nMainstream in Prisons and Glasgow\r\n£42,000\r\nNil by Mouth – Beyond Religion and Belief and Champions for Change Projects\r\nScotland\r\n£60,000\r\nOutward Bound Trust – Community Unity Project\r\nGlasgow, Inverclyde and Edinburgh\r\n£60,000\r\nA Place for Hope – Community Mediation Project\r\nDunfries and Galloway, Dundee, Argyle & Bute and Aberdennshire\r\n£50,000\r\nSACRO (Safeguarding Communities – Reducing Offending) – Together Project \r\nNorth Edinburgh\r\n£100,000\r\nScottish Community Development Centre – Proof of Concept  Project with Community Links, Yipworld.com and Getting Better Together Ltd and a  Community-led Action Research  Project with, Fauldhouse Community Development Trust, Edinburgh and Lothian Regional Equality Council and Pilmeny Development Trust\r\nEast Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, West Lothian and Edinburgh\r\n£166,537\r\nScottish Marriage Care – Evaluate Models of Intervention  Project\r\nGlasgow\r\n£69,690\r\nScottish Sports Futures – Stand Tall  Project\r\nGlasgow, Aberdeen, Peterhead and Stirling\r\n£84,000\r\nSense over Sectarianism – Schools and Community Engagement through Education  Project and  Small Grant Scheme  Project\r\nGlasgow\r\n£150,000\r\nShow Bigotry the Red Card – Anti-Sectarian Educational Work  Project\r\nScotland\r\n£20,000\r\nVoluntary Action Fund – Community Engagement and support  Projects with Inverclyde Community Development Trust, Stewarty Council of Voluntary Services, Brora Community Learning Centre, Central Scotland Regional Equality Council, Renton Community Development Trust, Brag Enterprises, Engender, Scottish Women s Convention, Edinburgh and Lothian s Regional Equality Council, Twechar Community Action and Scottish Women s Library.\r\nGlasgow, Edinburgh, Brora, Twechar, Inverclyde, Stewarty, Slamanan, Renton, Fife, Argyll & Bute, Dundee, West Dunbartonshire, Perth, Inverness, Dumfries and Galloway and Kilmarnock.\r\n£273,880\r\nYouth Scotland – Stand Up to Sectarianism  Project\r\nScotland\r\n£55,045\r\nYouthLink Scotland – Web Portal Project\r\n\r\n£87,780\r\nTotal Funding for projects and initiatives:\r\n\r\n£2,548,259\r\n\r\nI also refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08770, on 17 July 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament s website the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-05T14:45:26.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281688,"EventID":"S4O-01829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:24.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T12:06:26.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the proposed merger between Motherwell, Coatbridge and Cumbernauld colleges will have on students in Lanarkshire.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:25.01","MeetingDate":"2013-02-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281689,"EventID":"S4O-01830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:26.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T12:06:26.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to develop music education.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:26.307","MeetingDate":"2013-02-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281690,"EventID":"S4O-01831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:27.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T12:06:29.13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on ensuring that three and four-year-olds have access to 600 hours of nursery education per year.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:27.787","MeetingDate":"2013-02-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281691,"EventID":"S4O-01832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:28.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T10:16:29.643","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made by the Early Years Collaborative.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:28.757","MeetingDate":"2013-02-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281692,"EventID":"S4O-01833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:29.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T12:06:32.58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date the waiting list figures, and accompanying analysis, for Cumbernauld College will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:29.69","MeetingDate":"2013-02-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281693,"EventID":"S4O-01834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:30.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T15:44:15.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that college regionalisation does not result in students being unable to attend courses close to home.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:30.69","MeetingDate":"2013-02-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281694,"EventID":"S4O-01835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:31.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T12:06:43.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to stop the reported fall in the number of Scottish postgraduate students. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:31.58","MeetingDate":"2013-02-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281695,"EventID":"S4O-01837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:32.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T12:06:46.65","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning last met principals of further education colleges and what matters were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:32.437","MeetingDate":"2013-02-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281696,"EventID":"S4O-01838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:33.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T12:06:47.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in terms of headcount, how many college places for learners aged 25 and over have been lost in the last three years.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:33.497","MeetingDate":"2013-02-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281697,"EventID":"S4O-01839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:34.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T12:06:50.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve the educational attainment of children from areas of multiple deprivation.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:34.387","MeetingDate":"2013-02-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281698,"EventID":"S4O-01841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:35.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T15:32:12.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports students wanting to go into postgraduate education.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:35.277","MeetingDate":"2013-02-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281699,"EventID":"S4O-01842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:36.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T12:06:55.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with stakeholders regarding college education for people with learning disabilities.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:36.057","MeetingDate":"2013-02-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281700,"EventID":"S4O-01843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:36.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T09:15:07.173","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met Universities Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:36.853","MeetingDate":"2013-02-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281701,"EventID":"S4O-01844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:37.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T12:06:55.683","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what work it is carrying out in partnership with the UK Government to support young people back into employment.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:37.773","MeetingDate":"2013-02-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281702,"EventID":"S4O-01845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:38.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T09:30:05.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made since November 2012 on implementing the recommendations of the Languages Working Group Report.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:38.6","MeetingDate":"2013-02-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281703,"EventID":"S4O-01846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:39.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T11:01:09.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it will cost annually to fund the increase in statutory nursery provision from 475 to 600 hours.\r\n","AnswerText":"A financial memorandum is being developed to accompany the Children and Young People Bill. This will detail the estimated costs and savings associated with each of the Bill provisions.\r\nIt is being developed in collaboration with stakeholders, including COSLA and will be introduced to Parliament along with the Bill this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:39.333","MeetingDate":"2013-02-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281704,"EventID":"S4O-01847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:40.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T12:07:00.13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with colleges and the Scottish Funding Council regarding the protection of specialised rural courses following college regionalisation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Funding Council has given assurances to rural colleges merging with urban colleges that, as the new college will continue to serve the rural population of the region, the Funding Council will not, as a result of merger, remove the elements of the region's funding that are related to rurality.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:40.253","MeetingDate":"2013-02-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281705,"EventID":"S4O-01848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:41.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T12:07:00.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to increase participation in higher education by people from poorer backgrounds.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have been making steady progress on widening access in recent years, supported by the work of the Scottish Funding Council Access and Inclusion Committee. Through the Post-16 Bill, we intend legislating to introduce statutory widening access agreements that we will use to bring about a step-change in participation rates.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:41.08","MeetingDate":"2013-02-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281706,"EventID":"S4O-01849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:41.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T16:32:29.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made regarding Homecoming 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:41.923","MeetingDate":"2013-02-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281707,"EventID":"S4O-01850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:43.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T11:50:20.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will deal with the impact of the so-called bedroom tax on housing associations.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:43.217","MeetingDate":"2013-02-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281708,"EventID":"S4O-01851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:44.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T12:07:52.923","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to review the number and range of public service obligations for fragile air services in the Highlands and Islands.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:44.217","MeetingDate":"2013-02-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281709,"EventID":"S4O-01852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:45.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T16:15:14.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the number of incidents of number plate cloning fraud.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:45.213","MeetingDate":"2013-02-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281710,"EventID":"S4O-01853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:46.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T12:07:55.997","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with local authorities regarding the distribution of food from food banks.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:46.073","MeetingDate":"2013-02-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281711,"EventID":"S4O-01854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:46.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T12:08:00.613","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action the Cabinet Secretary for Justice will take to reduce delays in post mortems in the west of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:46.9","MeetingDate":"2013-02-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281712,"EventID":"S4O-01855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:47.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T17:53:27.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will produce a report on traffic flow issues on the A90 and A8 in the west of Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerText":"The A90 and A8 in the west of Edinburgh are local roads. As such, City of Edinburgh Council is responsible for their management, including the production of any traffic flow reports.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:47.697","MeetingDate":"2013-02-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281713,"EventID":"S4O-01856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:48.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T12:08:05.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it would consider setting a rate of income tax higher than the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will reach a view on the appropriate level for the Scottish rate of income tax if and when the time comes to set the rate. It will then be for the Parliament to decide whether to approve the Government’s proposal.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:48.6","MeetingDate":"2013-02-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281714,"EventID":"S4O-01857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:49.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T12:08:07.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made in shifting coal freight from roads to rail and other forms of transport.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:49.833","MeetingDate":"2013-02-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281715,"EventID":"S4O-01858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:50.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T16:17:27.94","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to promote the work of community councils and ensure that every community has support and resources to establish its own local decision-making and campaigning body.   \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and Convention Of Scottish Local Authorities are currently considering how to strengthen the role of community councils, alongside other measures to empower Scotland’s communities, as part of the development of the proposed Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:50.613","MeetingDate":"2013-02-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281716,"EventID":"S4W-13160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:51.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T17:29:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government under what conditions it would consider it necessary to gather and release pesticide application records or other such information on pesticides.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) collect data on pesticide application annually from farmers’ records. This data is published in summary form for Scottish Agriculture as a whole.\r\nIn addition, farmers have to meet a range of pesticide related requirements including recording details of each individual pesticide application. Scottish Government inspectors annually check approximately 250 farmers’ individual pesticide records during routine inspections to establish whether pesticides have been applied in line with the product label.\r\nThe Scottish Government can also request sight of individual pesticide application records if there are good reasons to do so, for example, an alleged breach of conditions of pesticide application.\r\nThird parties may request access to information on pesticide application records obtained by the Scottish Government under the Freedom of Information Act or the Environmental Information Regulations. Any request would be considered in accordance with the rules in that legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:51.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281717,"EventID":"S4W-13161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:52.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T17:43:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the assertion that the Vienna convention on successor states has a population de minimis that would exclude Shetland from the rights to the oil in the waters surrounding Shetland.","AnswerText":"Shetland is an important and valued part of Scotland and that will remain the case in an independent Scotland, which offers the prospect of more autonomy for the islands.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:52.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281718,"EventID":"S4W-13163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:53.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T17:56:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to secure investment from the Pension Infrastructure Platform (PIP) for infrastructure projects in Scotland and, if so, how much it expects to secure; for what projects; how much each project will receive, and what contact it has had with (a) HM Treasury or (b) the PIP.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Pension Infrastructure Platform (PIP) will be a UK-wide investment platform for infrastructure, but it is not yet ready to invest. Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) has met the chief executive of the National Association of Pension Funds, which is leading the PIP initiative, to discuss development of that investment platform and its potential interest in the £2.5 billion Non-Profit Distributing (NPD) programme. SFT has also met individual pension funds to discuss potential investment across the NPD programme. Both Scottish Government officials and SFT liaise regularly with officials from Infrastructure UK in HM Treasury.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:53.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281719,"EventID":"S4W-13164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:54.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T10:19:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding for community spending has been generated by landfill tax credits since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information. The Landfill Tax Communities Fund and the credit system are currently reserved and is regulated by ENTRUST on behalf of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.\r\nThe Scottish Government estimates that around £4.54 million was spent on project in Scotland during 2010-11.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:54.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281720,"EventID":"S4W-13165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:54.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T10:19:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to change how the money raised from landfill tax credits is distributed to communities affected by nearby landfill sites and what the reasons are for any such changes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has announced its intention to use new powers in the Scotland Act 2012 to create a replacement tax on landfill when the UK system is disapplied in Scotland after the 1 April 2015. As mentioned in our consultation paper, “Protecting Our Resources-Consultation on a Scottish Landfill Tax”, we are proposing that the Landfill Tax Communities Fund be replaced with a new credit system that will retain the ability for communities and environmental organisations to access funds to offset the dis-amenity and negative impacts of landfill.\r\nThe distribution mechanism will be decided at a later stage following further consultation with stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:54.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281721,"EventID":"S4W-13167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:55.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T10:19:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that communities most affected by nearby landfill operations are the main beneficiaries of the money available from landfill tax credits and that it is not spent in communities that are not affected.\r\n","AnswerText":"As set out in our consultation paper, Protecting Our Resources - Consultation on a Scottish Landfill Tax, it is the intention that communities in close proximity to landfill sites will remain the main beneficiaries of the proposed replacement landfill tax credit system. We are also proposing to retain the ability for environmental groups to access the fund to protect biodiversity and habitats.\r\nThe distribution mechanism will be decided at a later stage following further consultation with stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:55.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281722,"EventID":"S4W-13169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:56.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T11:42:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the rules on enhanced disclosure of previous criminal convictions are compatible with Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.\r\n","AnswerText":"We consider that the rules on enhanced disclosure checks in Scotland are compatible with Article 8 of the European Convention. However, we keep the statutory basis and application of these important arrangements under review, including in light of court judgements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:56.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281723,"EventID":"S4W-13170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:57.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T11:42:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the recent Court of Appeal ruling relating to the disclosure of criminal conviction information in England and Wales and its relevance to Scotland’s enhanced disclosure procedures.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is assessing the Court of Appeal judgement and the extent to which any aspect of it might be relevant to current practice regarding the enhanced disclosure of criminal convictions in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:57.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281724,"EventID":"S4W-13171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:58.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-19T17:29:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12319 by Richard Lochhead on 25 January 2013, what information on pesticides is collected by (a) farmers and (b) Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture and how often.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under European pesticide legislation, farmers are required to keep at least three years of records of the pesticides they use, which includes the name, the time and the dose of application, the area and the crop where the pesticide was used.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) collect data on pesticide use on arable crops, soft fruit crops, vegetable crops and protected edible crops biennially, and pesticide use on grassland and fodder crops once every four years.\r\nThe pesticide data collected by SASA includes the rate applied, total quantity/volume used, area treated at each application, crop treated, details of which products are applied in the same tank, and date of application. This data is collected from a sample of farmers designed to be representative of Scottish pesticide use.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:58.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281725,"EventID":"S4W-13174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:48:59.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T12:19:13.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost to each NHS board was of prescribing Ritalin to children under 18 was in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12 and has been in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"Methylphenidate Hydrochloride is the non-proprietary drug name for the branded products Ritalin, Equasym, Equasym XL, Concerta XL, Medikinet XL, and Medikinet and is used as part of a programme of treatment for people who have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. \r\nMethylphenidate Hydrochloride is only licensed for prescribing to patients aged under 18 in the UK, but may be prescribed off-label to adults where the clinician believes that the patient would benefit from treatment.\r\nTable 1 contains the Gross Ingredient Cost (£) of all Methylphenidate Hydrochloride products dispensed by community pharmacists or dispensing GPs, while Table 2 contains the Gross Ingredient Cost (£) of Ritalin dispensings only.\r\n \r\nTable 1 - Gross Ingredient Cost (£) paid for the dispensing of all Methylphenidate Hydrochloride products for financial years 2010-11 to 2012-131 by NHS board.\r\nHealth Board\r\nFinancial Year\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-131\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n139,528\r\n144,836\r\n74,606\r\nNHS Borders\r\n125,665\r\n143,411\r\n77,053\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n96,671\r\n102,990\r\n53,600\r\nNHS Fife\r\n361,743\r\n377,500\r\n188,535\r\nNHS Forth Valley \r\n150,998\r\n164,124\r\n81,672\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n315,055\r\n338,165\r\n169,719\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n342,007\r\n375,735\r\n206,863\r\nNHS Highland\r\n124,174\r\n134,977\r\n70,737\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n95,922\r\n118,786\r\n65,469\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n362,829\r\n388,854\r\n190,484\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n6,653\r\n5,731\r\n2,758\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n7,588\r\n7,282\r\n3,643\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n389,255\r\n402,255\r\n206,639\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n984\r\n1,495\r\n876\r\nNHS Scotland\r\n2,519,071\r\n2,706,142\r\n1,392,653\r\nNote:\r\nData for financial year 2012-13 is up to and including September 2012.\r\nCost relate to total dispensings, and may therefore include some off-label prescribing to adults.\r\nIncludes dispensings of Ritalin, Equasym, Equasym XL , Concerta XL, Medikinet XL, and Medikinet.\r\nDue to rounding, the figures in each column may not correspond precisely with the overall total for NHS Scotland.\r\nTable 2 - Gross Ingredient Cost (£) paid for the dispensing of Ritalin only for financial years 2010-11 to 2012-131 by NHS board.\r\nHealth Board\r\nFinancial Year\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-131\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n2,970\r\n2,754\r\n979\r\nNHS Borders\r\n1,789\r\n1,869\r\n902\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n201\r\n515\r\n342\r\nNHS Fife\r\n4,190\r\n4,170\r\n1,911\r\nNHS Forth Valley \r\n566\r\n507\r\n211\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n5,703\r\n5,932\r\n3,120\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n4,799\r\n5,489\r\n3,131\r\nNHS Highland\r\n1,789\r\n1,034\r\n525\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n2,760\r\n3,270\r\n1,798\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n11,764\r\n11,787\r\n5,617\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n3,554\r\n4,199\r\n1,947\r\nIsland Boards\r\n295\r\n340\r\n134\r\nNHS Scotland\r\n40,381\r\n41,867\r\n20,617\r\nNote:\r\nData for financial year 2012-13 is up to and including September 2012.\r\nCosts relate to total dispensings, and may therefore include some off-label prescribing to adults.\r\nDue to rounding, the figures in each column may not correspond precisely with the overall total for NHS Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:48:59.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281726,"EventID":"S4W-13175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:49:00.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T12:19:13.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it (a) has given and (b) will give to excluding patients diagnosed with (i) autism and (ii) learning disabilities in general from the definition of mental disorders in the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government are currently in the process of taking forward amendments to the Act following the McManus Limited Review Report and other minor technical issues identified by external stakeholders in the Mental Health and Adults With Incapacity Amendment Bill and does not intend to commission a review into these matters at this time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:49:00.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281727,"EventID":"S4W-13176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:49:02.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T12:19:13.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients with autism spectrum disorders have been compulsorily detained under provisions in the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 in each year.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold figures on the number of patients who are, or have been, detained under the Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 under compulsory measures.\r\nThe Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland only report on the broad categories of mental illness, learning disability or personality disorder in their annual report to Scottish Ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:49:02.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281728,"EventID":"S4W-13177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T13:49:03.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T12:19:13.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many deaths of patients compulsorily detained under provisions in the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 have been attributed to patient safety incidents in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government do not hold figures which specify the number of deaths of patients whilst receiving compulsory treatment under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T13:49:03.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281732,"EventID":"S4W-13180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T16:48:21.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T13:11:18.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to encourage broadband providers to supply services to rural areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"Through our Step Change 2015 programme, the Scottish Government will put in place infrastructure capable of delivering next generation broadband to those areas where the market will currently not go. This infrastructure will be entirely open access, enabling any internet service provider to supply services to rural areas. We are also looking to encourage the growth of Community Internet Service Providers through our Community Broadband Scotland initiative.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:48:21.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281733,"EventID":"S4W-13181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T16:48:22.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T13:11:18.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on subsidies for the expansion of rural broadband in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to expanding broadband to rural areas. Over the last five years, we have spent £2.947 million on the Broadband Reach Programme, which delivered satellite broadband to rural communities. In addition, over £135,000 has been spent on rural broadband projects in 2012-13 through the LEADER programme.\r\nWe have allocated more than £240 million of public sector funding to our Step Change 2015 Programme, which will extend next generation broadband infrastructure into rural areas. In addition, £50.65 million has been identified, subject to the successful conclusion of the ongoing procurement process,  by fourteen local authorities for additional investment in their own areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:48:22.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281734,"EventID":"S4W-13182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T16:48:22.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T13:11:18.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to encourage the roll-out of superfast broadband in rural areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The focus of the Scottish Government’s Step Change 2015 Programme is to address the digital divide by extending the infrastructure needed to deliver next generation broadband to those areas where the market will currently not go. These areas will be predominantly rural.\r\nWe have also established Community Broadband Scotland which will support community-led broadband projects in rural areas, with a particular focus on those that may not have next generation broadband delivered by Step Change.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:48:22.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281735,"EventID":"S4W-13183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T16:48:22.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T13:11:18.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will meet the target in Scotland's Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan that \"the rate of broadband take-up by people in Scotland should be at or above the UK average by 2013, and should be highest among the UK nations by 2015\" and what the current uptake rate is, expressed as a percentage.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ofcom’s Communications Market Report 2012, shows broadband up take in Scotland is 68% on par with Wales (68%) and Northern Ireland (69%). The UK average currently stands at 76%.\r\nBroadband take – up in Scotland increased by seven percentage points from 2011 to 2012 compared to the UK increased take up of two percentage points over the same year. SG are currently working on a range of initiatives which will further stimulate demand for broadband and increase overall digital participation rates.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:48:22.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281736,"EventID":"S4W-13184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T16:48:23.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T13:11:18.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will meet the target in Scotland's Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan that \"next generation broadband will be available to all by 2020.\"\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government remains committed to achieving this target.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:48:23.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281737,"EventID":"S4W-13185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T16:48:23.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T13:11:18.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made on upgrading each telephone exchange in North Ayrshire and what the timescale for this programme is.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not currently have a programme for upgrading telephone exchanges. Through our Step Change programme, we will deliver infrastructure capable of delivering next generation broadband by 2015. However, our approach is technology neutral and the extent to which the programme will involve upgrades to telephone exchanges will depend on the detail of the successful bid.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:48:23.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281738,"EventID":"S4W-13186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T16:48:23.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T13:11:18.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what methodology it uses to measure the progress of its high-speed broadband uptake targets.\r\n","AnswerText":"Take-up of communication services in Scotland, including broadband, is measured annually by Ofcom, through their Communications Market Report. In addition, the Scottish Government has national indicators covering high-speed broadband availability and use of the internet:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Performance/scotPerforms/indicator/digital\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Performance/scotPerforms/indicator/internet.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:48:23.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281739,"EventID":"S4W-13187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T16:48:24.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T13:36:30.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the National Planning Framework 3 will not result in significant adverse environmental effects.","AnswerText":"A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of National Planning Framework 3 is being undertaken. As required by the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005, this will identify the likely significant environmental effects arising from the Framework, and set out mitigation measures to avoid or reduce significant adverse effects, where possible and appropriate. A Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) is also being undertaken, to identify and avoid adverse effects on the integrity of European protected sites and species. The SEA Environmental Report and a Draft HRA Record, setting out the findings of these environmental assessments, will be published for public consultation alongside the Main Issues Report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:48:24.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281740,"EventID":"S4W-13188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T16:48:24.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T13:36:30.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that effective consultation is carried out with communities likely to be affected before any national developments are put forward in the National Planning Framework 3.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Participation Statement published in September 2012 to accompany the preparation of National Planning Framework 3 (NPF3) sets out that the Scottish Government would assist communities to get involved in the preparation of NPF3. Further details will be available in the next iteration of the Participation Statement which is to be published alongside the Main Issues Report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:48:24.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281741,"EventID":"S4W-13189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T16:48:25.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T13:36:30.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the need for any national development is demonstrated before it is considered as a potential development in the National Planning Framework 3.","AnswerText":"The criteria for National Developments were announced and published in September 2012 when we launched the pre Main Issues Report engagement exercise. Those national developments that we propose to take forward will be identified in the Main Issues Report, to be published shortly. The proposed national developments will be those which meet the mandatory criterion, at least one of the optional criteria and support the emerging spatial strategy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:48:25.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281742,"EventID":"S4W-13190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T16:48:25.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T13:36:30.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that there are effective links between the National Planning Framework 3, marine planning and the sustainable land use strategy.","AnswerText":"The emerging National Marine Plan, on-going sectoral marine planning for offshore renewable energy and the Land Use Strategy are important drivers for National Planning Framework 3's spatial strategy and will be reflected in the Main Issues Report, to be published for consultation shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:48:25.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281743,"EventID":"S4W-13191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T16:48:25.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T13:44:05.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact oil and gas sector production has on its plans to reduce Scotland's carbon footprint.\r\n","AnswerText":"The carbon footprint measures the emissions that are generated in the production of the goods and services we consume in Scotland (so-called “consumption-based” emissions), regardless of whether they are produced at home or abroad. Oil and gas sector production has therefore no immediate bearing on Scotland’s carbon footprint.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:48:25.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281744,"EventID":"S4W-13192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T16:48:26.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T13:44:05.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact would be on its carbon control emissions targets if the UK Government was to set Scotland's power generator emissions targets.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our recent draft Second Report on Proposals and Policies (RPP2) published on 29 January 2013 sets out our intention to help meet Scotland’s emissions reduction targets with a Scottish 2030 decarbonisation target to achieve a grid average of 50g CO2/kWh of electricity generation in Scotland. This is in line with the UK Committee on Climate Change’s recommendations. The draft RPP2 report, along with our draft Electricity Generation Policy Statement, sets out our approach for achieving the decarbonisation target which will be through a wide range of policies and powers including our executively devolved powers under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989, policy on Carbon, Capture and Storage, increasing Scotland’s renewable generation and demand management.\r\nThe UK Government will take powers in the forthcoming UK Energy Bill to set a 2030 decarbonisation target. Scottish Ministers will have a statutory consultation role with the UK Government in setting and amending any future decarbonisation target. We are urging UK Government to follow Scotland’s lead and set a decarbonisation target range on the face of the Bill, or as soon as is reasonably practical after Royal Assent.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:48:26.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281745,"EventID":"S4W-13193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T16:48:26.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T13:44:05.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to reduce Scotland's carbon footprint.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is reducing Scotland’s carbon footprint in a number of ways. Many of the actions to reduce domestic emissions that are detailed in the recent draft report on proposals and policies will also lower the emissions linked to the consumption of domestic goods and services. Its influence over ‘imported’ emissions is less direct but Scotland is a strong advocate of more ambitious international targets which would lower emissions abroad. Apart from reducing the emission intensity of goods and services in this way, the measures presented in the reports on proposals and policies in many cases have the effect of moving consumption towards low-carbon alternatives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:48:26.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281746,"EventID":"S4W-13194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T16:48:26.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T15:28:30.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will meet the target in Scotland's Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan that \"infrastructure...will have the capacity to deliver speeds of 40 - 80Mbps for between 85% to 90% of premises, with a significant uplift in speeds for those where delivery of 40 - 80Mbps is not possible at this stage, including those areas where there is currently no level of service speeds of 40 - 80Mbps for between 85% to 90% of premises.\"\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government remains committed to achieving this target.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:48:26.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281747,"EventID":"S4W-13197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T16:48:27.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T15:41:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many reports of antisocial behaviour there have been in each year since 1999, broken down by constituency.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of reports of antisocial behaviour each year since 1999, broken down by constituency, is not held centrally.\r\nStatistics on Anti-Social Behaviour Orders and other related information, by local authority area, can be found on the Scottish Government website at: www.scotland.gov.uk/communitysafety. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:48:27.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281748,"EventID":"S4W-13198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T16:48:27.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T15:54:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the number of unwanted pregnancies.","AnswerText":"The Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Framework was published in August 2011 and contains five high level outcomes. The Scottish Government views the reduction of unintended pregnancies to be a priority and thus Outcome 1 of the Framework looks to achieve “fewer unintended pregnancies”.\r\nThe use of data published by ISD has been useful in supporting Scottish Government to make an assessment of the impact of policy on unintended pregnancy, for example, the fall in the number of terminations of pregnancy over the past three years and the rise in the uptake of effective, longer acting reversible methods of contraception.\r\nThe Scottish Government is working through the Framework with NHS boards, local authorities and third sector agencies to support a reduction in the number of unintended pregnancies by ensuring that everyone has; sex and relationships education appropriate to their age and stage of development; access to sexual health services including contraception services and; the skills to negotiate sexual relationships based on mutual respect.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:48:27.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281749,"EventID":"S4W-13199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T16:48:28.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T15:54:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to improve access to emergency hormonal contraception for women living in deprived areas.","AnswerText":"Emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) is widely available free of charge across Scotland from community pharmacies, sexual health clinics and GPs.\r\nThrough the Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Framework, the Scottish Government aims to reduce the health inequalities gap in sexual health and we are working with NHS boards to ensure good access to sexual health services for all, but especially those who are most at-risk of poor sexual health outcomes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:48:28.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281750,"EventID":"S4W-13200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-20T16:48:28.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T15:54:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review the NHS's provision of emergency hormonal contraception to assess whether there is a need to include newer and more effective methods of emergency contraception.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are currently two types of emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) licensed for use in Scotland:\r\nLevonorgestrel (known as Levonelle) – which is widely available for use up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraception failure and is available free of charge through community pharmacies, sexual health centres and GPs.\r\nUlipristal acetate (known as ellaOne) – which is available for use up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraception failure. ellaOne is available only on prescription due to licencing restrictions imposed on all new medicines. ellaOne is available from GPs or sexual health clinics.\r\nIn addition, an intrauterine device (IUD) can be used up to 5 days after unprotected sexual intercourse and can then remain in place as longer acting contraception for 5 -10 years. This must be fitted by a trained medical professional.\r\nAny new medicines are carefully reviewed by the EMEA and MHRA before they are licenced for use in the UK. No other EHC is currently licenced for use in the UK at this time, however new products are reviewed when they are made available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-06T16:48:28.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281751,"EventID":"S4W-13201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-21T15:13:51.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-20T19:09:22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hospital wards were closed due to norovirus in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12 and have been closed in 2012-13, broken down by (i) NHS board and (ii) hospital.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information centrally.\r\nHealth Protection Scotland (HPS) monitors and publishes point prevalence surveillance data on a weekly basis by board reporting the number of hospitals and wards closed due to presumed or confirmed norovirus. This is management information data and not official statistics. This provides an indication of the impact that the norovirus is having on NHS Scotland but it is not incidence data. For example, it would not include an outbreak which started on a Tuesday and was over by a Sunday, while a ward closure occurring on a Monday that was still on-going the following Monday would be counted twice even though it related to a single outbreak.\r\nThese norovirus prevalence reports are published by HPS at:\r\nhttp://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/haiic/ic/noroviruspointprev.aspx.\r\nWe have asked HPS to produce board, hospitals and ward prevalence information for the years you have requested and I will write to you once this information becomes available. However, HPS cannot provide named hospitals within the boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T15:13:51.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281766,"EventID":"S4W-13213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-21T15:39:21.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T15:16:37.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there have been changes to the number of its special advisers and their responsibilities since January 2013 and what the costs are of employing the special adviser team.\r\n","AnswerText":"The estimated costs of employing Special Advisers for the current financial year is £922,678 – a real terms decrease of £60,389 from the 12-month cost of the 2006-07 Special Adviser team which, when up-rated to 2012-13 prices, cost £983,067. Costs for 2013-14 are estimated to fall further to £912,956 in nominal terms (£895,055 in 2012-13 prices) – a real terms decrease of £88,012 below 2006-07 levels.\r\nStephen Gethins left the Scottish Government, on 2 January 2013. Ewan Crawford was appointed on 13 February 2013, on a part-time basis, and joins as a Senior Special Adviser supporting Ministers on Government Strategy and Constitutional Issues.\r\nAs a result of Stephen Gethins’ departure, Malcolm Fleming has assumed responsibility for Energy, Rural Affairs and Environment. Alexander Anderson has replaced him in supporting the First Minister’s Private Office and contributing to keynote speeches.\r\nIn total, there are 13 Special Advisers. They are appointed in accordance with Part 1 of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 by the First Minister as a Special Adviser for the purpose of providing assistance to the Scottish Ministers. \r\nTheir specific responsibilities are as follows:\r\nName\r\nRole\r\nAppointed\r\nGeoff Aberdein\r\nChief of Staff\r\nResponsible for the First Minister's strategic programme in Government\r\nFirst Minister’s senior intermediary with key internal & external stakeholders\r\nCoordination of the Special Adviser team \r\nPolicy support on Commonwealth Games & Sport portfolio\r\n \r\n26 May 2011\r\nStuart Nicolson\r\nHead of Communications \r\nSenior Political Spokesperson\r\n26 May 2011\r\nNoel Dolan\r\nSenior Special Adviser to the Deputy First Minister\r\nPolicy advice on Infrastructure & Investment portfolio\r\nPolicy advice on Welfare \r\n26 May 2011\r\nLiz Lloyd\r\nDeputy Head of Communications & Political Spokesperson\r\nLead on online and new media\r\n30 January 2012\r\nAlexander Anderson\r\nSupport to the First Minister’s Private Office\r\nContributing to FM’s keynote speeches and new media\r\nSupport on Transport Issues\r\n8 October 2012\r\nMalcolm Fleming\r\nPolicy advice on Energy, Rural Affairs and the Environment portfolios\r\nPolicy advice on International Development portfolio\r\n25 July 2011\r\nJohn MacInnes\r\nLead on political research \r\nSupport for First Minister’s Questions \r\nSupport to the Communications Special Advisers\r\n3 June 2011\r\nAlex Bell\r\nHead of Policy Development \r\nPolicy advice on Culture (including Broadcasting) & External Affairs portfolio\r\nPolicy advice on Defence.\r\n26 May 2011\r\nEwan Crawford (p/t)\r\nSenior Special Adviser supporting Ministers on Government Strategy and Constitutional Issues\r\n13 February 2013\r\nColin McAllister\r\nDeputy Head of Policy Development\r\nEducation & Lifelong Learning portfolio overview\r\nFinance, Employment and Sustainable Growth portfolio overview\r\n3 October 2012\r\nDavid Hutchison\r\nPolicy advice on the Health & Wellbeing portfolio\r\nLead on FOI legislation\r\n8 June 2011\r\nJohn McFarlane\r\nPolicy advice on Justice portfolio\r\nPolicy advice on Parliamentary Business portfolio, including engaging with Parliamentary Liaison Officers\r\n26 May 2011\r\nDelancy Johansson\r\nPolicy advice on Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth portfolio (other than Energy) \r\nPolicy advice on the Council of Economic Advisers\r\n8 October 2012\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Total costs include salary, ERNIC and employer pension contributions. The level of the employer ERNIC and pension contributions is not a matter for the Scottish Government. Estimate based on current team of 13 Special Advisers being in post for the remainder of 2012-13.\r\n2. Salary, ERNIC, employer pension contributions and total costs figures have been converted into real terms (2012-13 prices) to adjust for inflation using HM Treasury deflators, published in December 2012. These were the latest available deflators at the time of calculation on 20 February 2013. It should be noted that the 2012-13 deflator is based on OBR forecast data from the UK Government Autumn Statement, December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T15:39:21.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281767,"EventID":"S4O-01836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-21T16:29:49.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-18T12:06:45.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what educational opportunities there are for people who have retired.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T16:29:49.02","MeetingDate":"2013-02-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281771,"EventID":"S4W-13214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-21T16:50:58.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T15:21:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many older people are registered as carers, broken down by age group.","AnswerText":"There is no national registration for Carers although some GP practices will keep local registers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T16:50:58.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281772,"EventID":"S4W-13215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-21T16:50:59.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T15:21:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what quantity of drugs has been seized in each prison in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe following table illustrates the number of suspected drug finds recorded in each year since 2008 broken down by establishment. SPS does not carry out analysis on substances found, and is not always advised of the outcomes of such analysis.\r\nEstablishment\r\n2012\r\n2011\r\n2010\r\n2009\r\n2008\r\nAberdeen\r\n77\r\n98\r\n108\r\n139\r\n89\r\nAddiewell\r\n465\r\n297\r\n275\r\n233\r\n0\r\nBarlinnie\r\n208\r\n225\r\n208\r\n272\r\n303\r\nCornton Vale\r\n52\r\n81\r\n119\r\n121\r\n117\r\nDumfries\r\n26\r\n26\r\n20\r\n14\r\n36\r\nEdinburgh\r\n208\r\n213\r\n255\r\n250\r\n316\r\nGlenochil\r\n114\r\n117\r\n134\r\n132\r\n133\r\nGreenock\r\n52\r\n77\r\n91\r\n64\r\n83\r\nInverness\r\n36\r\n6\r\n12\r\n21\r\n14\r\nKilmarnock\r\n252\r\n225\r\n194\r\n195\r\n298\r\nLow Moss\r\n90\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSPS Open Estate\r\n30\r\n26\r\n38\r\n54\r\n64\r\nPerth\r\n111\r\n106\r\n122\r\n137\r\n145\r\nPeterhead\r\n28\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n2\r\nPolmont\r\n64\r\n116\r\n89\r\n124\r\n135\r\nShotts\r\n136\r\n95\r\n121\r\n109\r\n113\r\nTotals\r\n1949\r\n1708\r\n1787\r\n1865\r\n1848\r\nHMP Addiewell opened December 2008\r\nHMP Low Moss Closed April 2007 – re-opening March 2012\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T16:50:59.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281773,"EventID":"S4W-13216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-21T16:50:59.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T15:21:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been (a) charged and (b) convicted for possession of crystal methamphetamine in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following tables and is based on drug possession offences that have an offence modifier for methamphetamines recorded.\r\nPersons proceeded against for drug possession1 with an offence modifier for methylamphetamine recorded, by approximate local authority area2, 2007-08 to 2011-12.\r\nLocal Authority\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nDundee City\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nGlasgow City\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nHighland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\nMoray\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStirling\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nScotland\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\n3\r\nSource: Scottish Government Criminal Proceedings Database.\r\n\r\nPersons with a charge proved for drug possession1 with an offence modifier for methylamphetamine recorded, by approximate local authority area2, 2007-08 to 2011-12.\r\nLocal Authority\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nDundee City\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nGlasgow City\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nHighland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\nMoray\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStirling\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nScotland\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\n3\r\nSource: Scottish Government Criminal Proceedings Database.\r\n1. Where main offence.\r\n2. Based on an approximate mapping of sheriff courts to local authority areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T16:50:59.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281774,"EventID":"S4W-13217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-21T16:51:00.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T15:47:05.4","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many serious disrepair notices have been placed on buildings in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for local authorities. Buildings in a state of disrepair could have defective or dangerous building notices issued by individual local authorities, and limited information should be available on each authority’s online Building Standards Register.\r\nWe do not hold records going back to 1999. However, in the year 2010-11 the Building Standards Annual Return shows 96 notices were served on owners of defective buildings, and in 2011-12 there were 206 notices served.\r\nThe Annual Return also shows there were 187 dangerous buildings notices served on owners in 2010-11 and 212 notices were served in 2011-12.\r\nA breakdown by local authority is given in the following table. \r\nLocal Authority\r\nNo of defective notices issued 2010-11\r\nNo of defective notices issued 2011-12\r\nNo of dangerous notices issued 2010-11\r\nNo of dangerous notices issued 2011-12\r\nAberdeen City\r\n4\r\n3\r\n6\r\n7\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n15\r\n9\r\nAngus\r\n0\r\n1\r\n2\r\n2\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n5\r\n14\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\n0\r\n1\r\n2\r\n5\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n1\r\nDundee City\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n7\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n6\r\n15\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n3\r\nEast Lothian\r\n0\r\n0\r\n3\r\n2\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n0\r\n157\r\n6\r\n0\r\nFalkirk\r\n0\r\n2\r\n5\r\n8\r\nFife\r\n0\r\n0\r\n8\r\n0\r\nGlasgow City\r\n0\r\n0\r\n3\r\n4\r\nHighland\r\n13\r\n3\r\n18\r\n2\r\nInverclyde\r\n2\r\n1\r\n4\r\n7\r\nMidlothian\r\n7\r\n3\r\n21\r\n10\r\nMoray\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n6\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n6\r\n10\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n24\r\n14\r\n17\r\n29\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n3\r\n3\r\n5\r\n0\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n25\r\n0\r\n10\r\n18\r\nScottish Borders\r\n17\r\n12\r\n9\r\n10\r\nShetland Islands\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n1\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n4\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n0\r\n1\r\n8\r\n14\r\nStirling\r\n0\r\n1\r\n3\r\n7\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\n2\r\nWest Lothian\r\n1\r\n2\r\n18\r\n20\r\nScotland\r\n96\r\n206\r\n187\r\n212\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T16:51:00.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281775,"EventID":"S4W-13218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-21T16:51:00.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T15:47:05.4","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many compulsory purchase orders have been issued for buildings in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government holds information on those compulsory purchase orders submitted to Scottish Ministers as the confirming authority. We do not hold information on those orders instigated by a local authority but not submitted for confirmation or on the outcome of the order following confirmation by ministers.\r\nThe following table shows all compulsory purchase orders confirmed by the Scottish Ministers from 1999 to 2013 where the local authority was the acquiring authority.\r\n\r\nLocal authority\r\n1999\r\n2000\r\n2001\r\n2002\r\n2003\r\n2004\r\n2005\r\n2006\r\n2007\r\nAberdeen\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n3\r\n1\r\n1\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\nAngus\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDundee\r\n\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEast Lothian\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEdinburgh\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEilean Siar\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFalkirk\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFife\r\n1\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\nGlasgow\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHighland\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nInverclyde\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n3\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMidlothian \r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMoray\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOrkney\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\nScottish Borders\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nShetland\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\n\r\nStirling \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWest Lothian\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\nLocal authority\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\n2013\r\nAberdeen\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAngus\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDundee\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEast Lothian\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEdinburgh\r\n\r\n\r\n2\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\nEilean Siar\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFalkirk\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\nFife\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\nGlasgow\r\n\r\n1\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHighland\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nInverclyde\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMidlothian \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMoray\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOrkney\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nScottish Borders\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n2\r\n\r\nShetland\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n1\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStirling \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWest Lothian\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T16:51:00.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281776,"EventID":"S4W-13219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-21T16:51:00.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T15:47:05.4","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many buildings are at risk, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The table breaks down buildings on the register of Buildings at Risk by Category of Listing and Local Authority Area as at December 2012.\r\nLocal Authority\r\nA-Listed\r\nB-Listed\r\nC-Listed\r\nUnlisted in CA\r\nUnlisted\r\nTotal\r\nAberdeen City\r\n20\r\n4\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n25\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n22\r\n120\r\n61\r\n34\r\n45\r\n282\r\nAngus\r\n12\r\n28\r\n25\r\n9\r\n15\r\n89\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n29\r\n93\r\n42\r\n49\r\n38\r\n251\r\nAyrshire (East)\r\n6\r\n19\r\n13\r\n20\r\n9\r\n67\r\nAyrshire (North)\r\n3\r\n19\r\n10\r\n14\r\n0\r\n46\r\nAyrshire (South)\r\n13\r\n20\r\n15\r\n16\r\n7\r\n71\r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\n42\r\n36\r\n20\r\n14\r\n0\r\n112\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n0\r\n8\r\n5\r\n1\r\n3\r\n17\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n30\r\n34\r\n5\r\n8\r\n7\r\n84\r\nDunbartonshire (East)\r\n3\r\n10\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n14\r\nDunbartonshire (West)\r\n7\r\n6\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n15\r\nDundee City\r\n15\r\n33\r\n4\r\n7\r\n3\r\n62\r\nFalkirk\r\n3\r\n13\r\n5\r\n3\r\n2\r\n26\r\nFife\r\n17\r\n111\r\n54\r\n30\r\n14\r\n226\r\nGlasgow City\r\n44\r\n76\r\n22\r\n5\r\n5\r\n152\r\nHighland\r\n19\r\n62\r\n28\r\n14\r\n37\r\n160\r\nInverclyde\r\n4\r\n11\r\n0\r\n2\r\n3\r\n20\r\nLanarkshire (North)\r\n2\r\n16\r\n11\r\n3\r\n7\r\n39\r\nLanarkshire (South)\r\n18\r\n36\r\n12\r\n29\r\n10\r\n105\r\nLoch Lomond & TTNP\r\n4\r\n2\r\n11\r\n1\r\n6\r\n24\r\nLothian (East)\r\n20\r\n41\r\n14\r\n16\r\n0\r\n91\r\nLothian (Mid)\r\n11\r\n10\r\n9\r\n8\r\n5\r\n43\r\nLothian (West)\r\n3\r\n10\r\n13\r\n7\r\n5\r\n38\r\nMoray\r\n19\r\n29\r\n14\r\n10\r\n16\r\n88\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n3\r\n41\r\n23\r\n0\r\n14\r\n81\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n16\r\n53\r\n16\r\n10\r\n8\r\n103\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n4\r\n27\r\n5\r\n3\r\n3\r\n42\r\nRenfrewshire (East)\r\n5\r\n4\r\n0\r\n0\r\n6\r\n15\r\nScottish Borders\r\n25\r\n69\r\n45\r\n42\r\n11\r\n192\r\nShetland Islands\r\n4\r\n14\r\n9\r\n0\r\n1\r\n28\r\nStirling\r\n8\r\n20\r\n7\r\n6\r\n4\r\n45\r\nWestern Isles\r\n13\r\n29\r\n12\r\n12\r\n8\r\n74\r\nTotal\r\n444\r\n1104\r\n512\r\n373\r\n294\r\n2727\r\nThe Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland records only properties of architectural or historic merit throughout the country that are considered to be at risk or under threat. It was established in 1990 and is funded and managed by Historic Scotland. A Building at Risk (BAR) refers to a listed building, or an unlisted building within a conservation area, that meets one or several of the following criteria:\r\nVacant with no identified new use \r\nSuffering from neglect and/or poor maintenance \r\nSuffering from structural problems \r\nFire-damaged \r\nUnsecured \r\nOpen to the elements \r\nThreatened with demolition\r\nIndividual building entries are available online and can be viewed by the public at www.buildingsatrisk.org.uk. The aggregate data in the table are not available online. Interpreting the BAR data is not straightforward as it serves a variety of purposes for a variety of audiences. Specifically, for these purposes, there is a difference between a list entry and a listed building: list entries can include more than one building. For example, Great King Street in Edinburgh is covered by four list entries, but comprises many more listed buildings.\r\nThe Buildings at Risk Register is also used to derive the calculation of the National performance Indicator Number 42, the percentage of A-listed buildings on the Buildings at Risk Register, based on “entries”. As judged by this indicator, analysis over the period 2008 to 2013 shows a general improvement in the state of Scotland's Historic sites with 8.0% of A-list entries included in the register in 2013, compared to 8.2% in 2011 and 8.7% in 2009.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-07T16:51:00.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281781,"EventID":"S4W-13220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-22T13:37:06.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T16:17:58.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the review of Passengers’ View Scotland will be (a) concluded and (b) published.","AnswerText":"I have now concluded my consideration of the future of the Public Transport Users’ Committee for Scotland (PTUC) which operates under the name of Passenger Views Scotland (PVS) and the members have been informed of my decision to close the PTUC down from 1 April 2013.\r\nThe arms-length review of the PTUC featured in my considerations and was passed to the members of the body in January 2013 with the offer of a discussion with the author of the review. It is my intention to publish the review in March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:37:06.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281782,"EventID":"S4W-13221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-22T13:37:07.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T16:17:58.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the recommendations are of the review of Passengers’ View Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have now concluded my consideration of the future of the Public Transport Users’ Committee for Scotland (PTUC) which operates under the name of Passenger Views Scotland (PVS) and the members have been informed of my decision to close the PTUC down from 1 April 2013.\r\nThe report of the arms-length review of Passenger View Scotland (PVS), including recommendations made by the author of the report, will be published on the Transport Scotland website in March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:37:07.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281783,"EventID":"S4W-13222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-22T13:37:07.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T16:17:58.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the review of Passengers’ View Scotland has taken account of the Bus Passengers’ Platform and its statutory functions.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have now concluded my consideration of the future of the Public Transport Users’ Committee for Scotland (PTUC) which operates under the name of Passenger Views Scotland (PVS) and the members have been informed of my decision to close the PTUC down from 1 April 2013.\r\nThe arms-length review of PVS covered all of its functions including those undertaken by the Bus Passenger Platform.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:37:07.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281784,"EventID":"S4W-13224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-22T13:37:08.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T16:17:58.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what actions the Minister for Transport and Veterans will take in relation to the appointment of members of the board of Passengers’ View Scotland.","AnswerText":"I have now concluded my consideration of the future of the Public Transport Users’ Committee for Scotland (PTUC) which operates under the name of Passenger Views Scotland (PVS) and the members have been informed of my decision to close the PTUC down with effect from 1 April 2013.\r\nAll but one of the terms of appointment for the current members of Passengers’ View Scotland come to an end on 31 March 2013. The remaining member’s appointment will also come to an end due to the removal of functions from the PTUC on 1 April 2013. Thereafter no further action on appointments need be taken.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:37:08.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281785,"EventID":"S4W-13225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-22T13:37:08.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T17:49:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-06591 by Keith Brown on 30 April 2012, whether it has identified issues relating to the operation of private car parks that it can review.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government are aware that there are potential issues relating to private parking enforcement and dispute resolution. Officials are engaging with stakeholders to explore how these could best be overcome.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:37:08.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281786,"EventID":"S4W-13226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-22T13:37:08.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T17:49:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that school places are available for children re-entering the country after a period living abroad.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have a legal responsibility to provide adequate and efficient education to those residing in their area. This would include the children of families taking up residence after a period of living abroad.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:37:08.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281787,"EventID":"S4W-13227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-22T13:37:09.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T17:49:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what public information is made available to promote energy efficiency schemes and how the public can distinguish between Scottish Government-supported initiatives and independent schemes.\r\n","AnswerText":"Schemes supported by the Scottish Government are required to display the Scottish Government logo prominently as a condition of grant.\r\nScottish Government’s home energy efficiency advice and schemes, such as the Energy Assistance Package and Universal Home Insulation Schemes are promoted under the banner of the Scottish Government’s Home Energy Scotland Hotline. This is the single source of energy advice from the Scottish Government and the route to access all SG support. Since 2009-10, the Hotline and assistance available through it have been promoted in national public information campaigns incorporating TV, radio, press, direct mailing, digital, partnerships and localised promotions such as events and community liaison. Further information about schemes and details of how to get in touch/apply are available on the Scottish Government’s own website Greenerscotland.org and on Energy Saving Trust’s website, which is clearly co-branded with the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T13:37:09.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281788,"EventID":"S4W-13228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-22T15:33:16.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-22T12:50:46.803","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much each local authority spends on school meals and what the average cost is per meal.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows gross revenue expenditure and average expenditure per meal by local authorities on school meal provision in financial year 2010-11.\r\nLocal Authority\r\nGross Expenditure £'000s\r\nCost Per School Meal (£:p)\r\nAberdeen City\r\n4,342\r\n2.69\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n4,863\r\n1.68\r\nAngus\r\n2,706\r\n2.38\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n3,947\r\n4.01\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n1,555\r\n2.16\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n5,532\r\n3.40\r\nDundee City\r\n3,057\r\n2.40\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n3,643\r\n2.83\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n3,954\r\n2.88\r\nEast Lothian\r\n2,655\r\n3.13\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n3,464\r\n3.38\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n4,680\r\n2.25\r\nEilean Siar\r\n1,926\r\n4.50\r\nFalkirk\r\n4,102\r\n1.96\r\nFife\r\n11,128\r\n3.30\r\nGlasgow City\r\n17,317\r\n2.72\r\nHighland\r\n9,513\r\n3.33\r\nInverclyde\r\n2,499\r\n2.63\r\nMidlothian\r\n3,449\r\n3.76\r\nMoray\r\n3,835\r\n3.29\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n6,035\r\n3.87\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n12,040\r\n3.56\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n1,447\r\n5.04\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n2,678\r\n1.92\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n2,582\r\n1.91\r\nScottish Borders\r\n2,993\r\n3.02\r\nShetland Islands\r\n2,309\r\n5.29\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n3,251\r\n2.24\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n9,322\r\n2.35\r\nStirling\r\n2,128\r\n2.39\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n3,761\r\n3.72\r\nWest Lothian\r\n4,685\r\n2.79\r\nScotland - average\r\n151,398\r\n2.83\r\nSource: Local Financial Returns (LFR 01).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-08T15:33:16.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281796,"EventID":"S4F-01198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T13:05:56.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T14:25:52.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T13:05:56.78","MeetingDate":"2013-02-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281797,"EventID":"S4F-01200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T13:05:57.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T02:45:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what impact the reported 30-year high in North Sea oil investment will have on the Scottish economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T13:05:57.577","MeetingDate":"2013-02-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281798,"EventID":"S4F-01203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T13:05:58.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T09:27:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the impact will be on the Scottish economy of the downgrading of the UK Government’s bond rating.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T13:05:58.793","MeetingDate":"2013-02-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281799,"EventID":"S4F-01206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T13:05:59.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T10:22:17.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T13:05:59.87","MeetingDate":"2013-02-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281800,"EventID":"S4F-01208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T13:06:00.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T10:42:46.41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to address concerns expressed by teachers in an EIS survey on readiness for the new national qualifications.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T13:06:00.617","MeetingDate":"2013-02-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281801,"EventID":"S4F-01213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T13:06:02.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T11:20:24.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action is being taken to reduce the cost of NHS medical negligence claims.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T13:06:02.427","MeetingDate":"2013-02-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281802,"EventID":"S4T-00260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T13:06:27.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T11:38:13.207","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on addressing concerns regarding horsemeat in the food chain. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T13:06:27.567","MeetingDate":"2013-02-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281803,"EventID":"S4T-00263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T13:06:28.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T11:55:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what role it has in the production of Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s inspection reports into the care of older people.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T13:06:28.77","MeetingDate":"2013-02-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281804,"EventID":"S4W-13229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T15:21:12.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-22T15:05:55.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on (a) hospital and (b) GP appointments being overbooked.\r\n","AnswerText":"Organising appointments and scheduling admissions to hospital is an operational matter for NHS boards. It has always been common practice to slightly overbook outpatient clinics to take account of the small number of patients who may not turn up on the day. This ensures that the most efficient use of clinical resources and ensure that all patients are seen as swiftly as possible.\r\nAs independent contractors, GP practice partners are responsible for designing their own practice appointment systems to meet their service obligations. They are also responsible for ensuring that their reception staff are fully trained in prioritising appointment requests and making such bookings appropriately in accordance with practice procedures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:21:12.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281805,"EventID":"S4W-13230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T15:21:12.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-22T15:05:55.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether foreign language interpreters are paid when a patient requiring the service does not attend.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under local arrangements for interpreting services NHS boards will agree a minimum fee to be paid to the interpreter in the event that the patient does not attend.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:21:12.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281806,"EventID":"S4W-13231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T15:21:13.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-22T15:05:55.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to promote choice for patients booking hospital outpatient appointments.\r\n","AnswerText":"Effective Patient Booking for NHS Scotland was issued by the Scottish Government in August 2012. This guidance promotes and identifies how NHS Boards should apply the principles of effective patient focussed booking practice consistently to offer appointment choice for patients throughout Scotland.\r\nIn addition, further guidance has also been provided to boards in the attached link:\r\nwww.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_33.pdf. which sets out some of the other key principles of patient choice including such areas as suitable alternative providers and reasonable offers of appointments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:21:13.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281807,"EventID":"S4W-13235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T15:21:13.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T02:11:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what organisations have received funding from the £300,000 it announced on 21 January 2013 for advice services dealing with requests for advice due to the UK Government’s welfare reforms; how much each has received; for what purpose in each case, and what regions will receive support from the fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The organisations that have received funding from the £300,000 announced on 21 January operate across Scotland. This funding is intended to relieve immediate pressure on advice organisations that are experiencing increased demands on their services as a result of the UK Government’s welfare reforms. \r\nThe breakdown of funding that has been allocated is detailed in the following table.\r\nOrganisation\r\nAmount\r\nPurpose\r\nCAS\r\n£157,532\r\n\r\nRegional Seminars focusing on changes to the welfare system for CAB managers \r\nLocal Bureaux awareness raising sessions in relation to welfare benefits and changes to the welfare system \r\nCapability Scotland\r\n£9,018\r\n\r\nAdditional training and resources for frontline advice and support services in relation to welfare benefits\r\nOne Parent Families Scotland\r\n£19,000\r\n\r\nGeneral welfare reform and Universal Credit sessions for staff to help them advise lone parents. \r\nTraining for staff on the new Child Maintenance scheme.\r\nShelter Scotland\r\n£11,160\r\n\r\nAdditional training and resources for frontline advice and support services in relation to welfare benefits\r\nAge Scotland\r\n£5,700\r\n\r\nAdditional training and resources for frontline advice and support services in relation to welfare benefits\r\nMoney Advice Scotland\r\n£18,950\r\n\r\nUpskill debt advisers on the implications of welfare reform through regional seminars  \r\nEnable\r\n£8,856\r\n\r\nAdditional training and resources for frontline advice and support services in relation to welfare benefits\r\nChild Poverty Action Group\r\n£39,284\r\n\r\nProduce Universal Credit Handbooks for general advisers\r\nGeneral awareness training for national organisations in relation to welfare benefits and changes to the welfare system\r\nWelfare related training for front line staff\r\nChild Poverty Action Group\r\n£14,059  \r\nDelivery of relevant welfare benefits advice and training for front-line staff, specialising in children related issues.\r\nBarnardos\r\n£8,903\r\nProviding relevant welfare benefits advice and training for front-line staff, specialising in children related issues.\r\nChildren 1st\r\n£7,538\r\nProviding relevant welfare benefits advice and training for front-line staff, specialising in children related issues.\r\nTotal\r\n£300,000\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:21:13.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281808,"EventID":"S4W-13236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T15:21:13.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T02:11:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the £1.7 million it announced on 21 January 2013 to provide support to advice services dealing with requests for advice due to the UK Government’s welfare reforms will be distributed; what criteria will be used to distribute it, and for what time period the fund will be available.","AnswerText":"On 21 January, I announced a £5.4 million package of support for advice services, of which £1.7 million will be distributed by the Scottish Legal Aid Board. This funding will be available in financial year 2013-14. We are working with stakeholders on the detailed arrangements for this funding, including the application process and criteria, and further information will be made widely available as soon as the arrangements have been finalised.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:21:13.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281809,"EventID":"S4W-13237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T15:21:14.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-24T14:51:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what company provides occupational health services to Scottish Government employees.","AnswerText":"Following a collaborative procurement exercise, Atos Healthcare has been awarded the contract to deliver Occupational Health Services to the Central Government sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:21:14.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281810,"EventID":"S4W-13238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T15:21:14.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T09:24:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has been given an estimate of the \"real investment/project costs\" required to address NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s maintenance backlog, as per page 13 of its Property Asset Management Strategy published in August 2011 and, if so, what that figure is.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has not provided Scottish Government with an estimate of the project cost to address back log maintenance identified in the Board’s Property and Asset Management Strategy.\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is responsible for developing its capital investment programme which is subject to Scottish Government agreement through the local delivery plan approval process. The plan would include projects which address backlog maintenance, through a combination of replacement, rationalisation and disposal of properties as well as refurbishment.\r\nIt is expected that NHS boards will focus on high and significant risk backlog maintenance. This will be assessed through updated NHS board property and asset management strategies which NHS boards will be submitting to Scottish Government shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:21:14.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281811,"EventID":"S4W-13239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T15:21:15.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T11:04:36.537","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to research by Professor Gordon Hughes of the University of Edinburgh that found that wind turbine efficiency drops by half after 15 years in service.\r\n","AnswerText":"We believe the analysis by Professor Hughes to be fundamentally flawed and based upon a fallacy that wind turbines that are already approaching 15 years of operation could be considered to “represent a relatively mature technology”. By definition turbines that are approaching 15 years of operation were deployed 15 years ago, precisely when the technology was still at early maturity.\r\nAcross the UK, projects in the tenth year of operation represent a maximum of 8.4% of all turbines, and the data behind the projects in the fifteenth year of operation, just 3.6%.\r\nAnalysis from independent sector experts Bloomberg New Energy Finance points to four main stages of evolution of turbine technology with earlier models seeing an acknowledged degradation in performance over time. The cause of this degradation varied but included grid incompatibly and mechanical issues such as gearbox problems. However, as the technology has evolved such failings have been addressed and overcome. Modern turbines increasingly use gearless direct drive mechanisms and have greater performance, efficiency and operational availability.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:21:15.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281812,"EventID":"S4W-13240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T15:21:16.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T11:04:36.537","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will adjust its energy policy in light of research by Professor Gordon Hughes of the University of Edinburgh, which found decreasing load factors on ageing wind turbines.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13239 on 19 March 2013, in which I stated that we believe the research to be fundamentally flawed. We therefore do not propose changing energy policy in light of this research.\r\nWhile wind will play a key role, the Scottish Government is committed to a mix of sources of electricity. Renewable energy supports 11,000 jobs in Scotland and last year renewable generation contributed a greater proportion of Scotland’s electricity than ever before.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:21:16.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281813,"EventID":"S4W-13242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T15:21:16.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T11:49:29.067","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government in what ways it does not yet comply with the EU directive on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting victims (2011/36/EU).","AnswerText":"Along with the other jurisdictions that comprise the UK the Scottish Government is required to be compliant with this Directive by 6 April 2013. I consider that Scotland is already broadly compliant with the requirements of the Directive, but the Scottish Government is considering whether any final measures may be required to transpose the obligations of this Directive into domestic legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:21:16.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281814,"EventID":"S4W-13243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T15:21:16.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T11:49:29.067","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government in what ways it does not yet comply with the EU directive on combating sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and pornography.","AnswerText":"Along with the other jurisdictions that comprise the UK, the Scottish Government is required to be compliant with this Directive by 18 December 2013. I consider that Scotland is already broadly compliant with the requirements of the Directive but the Scottish Government is currently considering whether any further measures may be required to transpose the obligations of this Directive into domestic legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:21:16.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281815,"EventID":"S4W-13244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T15:21:17.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:35:30.537","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12993 by Nicola Sturgeon on 25 February 2013, for what reason copies of the document were provided to The Sun and BBC Scotland prior to it being made available to all members and on what date it provided copies to (a) The Sun, (b) BBC Scotland, (c) the Presiding Officer and (d) the Referendum Bill Committee.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12993 on 25 February 2013. BBC Scotland was provided with a copy of the document on 4 February 2013 under embargo until 5 February. The Sun was not provided with a copy of the document in advance of its publication. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T15:21:17.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281825,"EventID":"S4W-13246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T16:48:19.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T13:29:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that people in receipt of payment from the Independent Living Fund will not be disadvantaged when the fund is devolved in 2015.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Government has decided to close the Independent Living Fund (ILF) in March 2015. After this point, Westminster will devolve resources to the Scottish Government.\r\nThe Scottish Government intend to launch a consultation on the future use and administration of this resource, which will give people the opportunity to offer their views on how this can be achieved.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T16:48:19.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281826,"EventID":"S4W-13247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T16:48:20.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T13:29:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will increase payments from the Independent Living Fund in line with inflation when the fund is devolved in 2015.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Government has decided to close the ILF in March 2015. The UK Government has not given details of a final financial settlement in which resources will be devolved to the Scottish Government.\r\nThe Scottish Government will consult on the use and administration of this resource. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T16:48:20.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281827,"EventID":"S4W-13251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T16:48:20.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T13:38:32.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the lease held by the crofters on Raasay to manage fishing and shooting on the island was due to end.","AnswerText":"The lease for the Raasay sporting rights held by the Raasay Crofters Association expired on 28 November 2012 and a notice to quit was issued on 1 November 2011. However, as the First Minister announced on 28 February, the notice to quit has been revoked and the existing terms of the original lease have been rolled forward so that the lease will end on 1 March 2014. As I have stated to the community this will allow for consultation with the community on Raasay as to the future model of management of sporting rights that will optimise the community benefit to the islanders\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T16:48:20.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281828,"EventID":"S4W-13252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T16:48:21.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T13:38:32.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the decision was taken to put out to tender the lease to manage fishing and shooting on Raasay and whether authorisation was sought from ministers.","AnswerText":"Under normal estate management practice, sporting rights have been advertised on the open market at the end point of a current lease. The Raasay sporting rights were advertised for let during the weeks of 19 and 26 November 2012. It is not standard practice to consult ministers for low financial value leases such as this and they were therefore not consulted.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T16:48:21.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281829,"EventID":"S4W-13253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T16:48:21.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T13:38:32.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its officials told the crofters on Raasay about the consideration that would be given to tenders received for the lease to manage shooting and fishing on the island.","AnswerText":"Notice to Quit was issued to the Raasay Crofters Association on 1 November 2011. The duplicate Notice was signed by the Association on 25 November 2011 and returned as acknowledgement of receipt. No further contact was made by the Association throughout the year until receipt of their offer for the new lease on 14 December 2012.\r\nOn 10 January 2013 the Association called the Scottish Government to discuss its bid. The caller was informed that letters had been issued, the Association had been unsuccessful in its bid and that it was lowest of five offers received. Following receipt of the aforementioned letter, the Association telephoned again outlining its concerns. We asked the Association to make its representations in writing so we could address them fully. \r\nThe Particulars of Let attached to the tender clearly stated that the highest or any offer may not be accepted. Ministers were not involved in the award of the contract to South Ayrshire Stalking.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T16:48:21.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281830,"EventID":"S4W-13254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T16:48:22.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T13:38:32.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discretion it has to consider actions other than sale or lease for land that it owns.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have most of the freedoms of private landowners. In addition to selling or leasing, the Scottish Government can grant servitudes, way-leaves and licences over land it owns, for example for access, pipe-lines and cables. Normally the Scottish Government does not lease property it owns to third parties, but there are clear exceptions rooted in history such as the crofting estate and the residual lowland estate of small-holdings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T16:48:22.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281831,"EventID":"S4W-13255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T16:48:22.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T13:38:32.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it gave to its policies on (a) community empowerment and renewal, (b) the transfer of assets to community organisations, (c) the support of communities identified as fragile by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and (d) land reform, in deciding to award the lease to manage shooting and fishing on Raasay to a company not owned by the islanders.","AnswerText":"The original award decision taken by RPID on behalf of Ministers, but without ministerial involvement, was based on the highest rental value for the sporting rights, taking account of a basic quality test that the new leaseholder would be capable of managing the sport and providing benefit to the local community (holiday lets, trade to shops etc.), and their ability to meet the terms of the twenty-nine conditions laid down in the particulars of let.\r\nWhen I was alerted to the decision by the constituency member, Mr Dave Thompson MSP, I quickly concluded that insufficient consideration had been given to non-financial issues and wider Scottish Government policies, leading ultimately to the reversal of the original contract decision and the previous lease being extended for one year to facilitate the identification of a longer term solution. As discussed when I met the Crofters and wider community on Raasay on 1 March, the longer term future of the lease itself will be determined following a consultation with the community and taking account of these wider factors to determine what is in the best interests of the community.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T16:48:22.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281832,"EventID":"S4W-13256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T16:48:23.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T13:38:32.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what factors it assessed to decide whether best value was achieved in the decision to award the lease to manage shooting and fishing on Raasay to a company from Ayrshire and what weighting it gave to each factor considered.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13255 on 8 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T16:48:23.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281833,"EventID":"S4W-13257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T16:48:23.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T13:41:22.99","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the commitment made by the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department in 1999 to \"take account of the local community perspective when considering offers for sporting rights on the Scottish Ministers' Estates\" is still in force.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is standard practice for the principles behind the Estate’s Charter to be taken into account, when managing the Scottish Ministers’ estate, alongside other Scottish Government policies and the requirements of the Scottish Public Finance Manual.\r\nIn light of the concerns expressed by the community on Raasay, I have instructed officials that any future cases where a community faces a potential loss of historic sporting rights will be referred to Ministers, taking into account the requirements of the Scottish Public Finance Manual.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T16:48:23.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281834,"EventID":"S4W-13258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T16:48:24.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T14:05:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many police traffic vehicles there are and how many there will be after the single police force comes into operation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold the requested information. This is a matter for the current eight police forces up until 31 March 2013, and for the Police Service of Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority from the 1 April 2013 onwards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T16:48:24.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281835,"EventID":"S4W-13259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T16:48:24.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T14:06:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to replace the services and data formerly provided by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency.","AnswerText":"The Vehicle Operator Services Agency no longer provides on-street monitoring of bus services but, as part of visits to operators, ensures that effective punctuality processes are in place.\r\nTransport Scotland officials are in discussions with Bus Users UK about establishing arrangements in Scotland to conduct on-street monitoring.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T16:48:24.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281836,"EventID":"S4W-13260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T16:48:24.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T14:36:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when a process will be in place for determining funding allocations to local authorities for flooding projects after 2015 and what organisations it plans to involve in this process.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is in discussion with COSLA to agree the principles and process for a funding scheme for flooding projects after 2015. The next meeting between COSLA and Scottish Government officials will take place on 3 April 2013.\r\n\r\nAll funding allocations for the next round of flooding projects are, at present, dependent on decisions taken following the outcome of the UK Government's forthcoming Spending Review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T16:48:24.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281837,"EventID":"S4W-13266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-25T16:48:25.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T15:54:30.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what arrangements are in place to factor its crofting estate and related assets on Raasay; when any such factoring arrangements were last put out to competitive tender, and what plans there are to put such work out to tender again.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s Rural Payments and Inspections Division does all the factoring of the Scottish Ministers’ crofting estate. This work has never been put out to tender and there are no plans to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-11T16:48:25.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281848,"EventID":"S4W-13202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:23.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T13:13:48.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether spinal surgery is subject to a waiting times guarantee and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"Spinal treatment is one of a small number of exceptions to the Treatment Time Guarantee, which came into effect on 1 October 2012. This was because at the time of taking the legislation through Parliament it was clear that there was significant capacity issues around spinal services and that Boards would need more time to improve these services to fully comply with the legal guarantee. Boards are now actively working to put the necessary capacity in place to deliver the 12 weeks legal treatment time guarantee. The aim is to remove this exception within the next year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:23.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281849,"EventID":"S4W-13203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:24.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T13:13:48.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which NHS boards provide access to spinal surgery.\r\n","AnswerText":"During the year 2011-2012 all boards with the exception of NHS Western Isles and NHS Orkney undertook spinal surgery.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:24.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281850,"EventID":"S4W-13204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:25.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T13:13:48.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government where NHS Ayrshire and Arran patients attend spinal surgery.\r\n","AnswerText":"During the year 2011-2012 most Ayrshire and Arran spinal surgery patients were seen in their local hospitals with some patients being treated in either the Southern General Hospital or Golden Jubilee National Hospital.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:25.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281851,"EventID":"S4W-13205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:25.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T13:13:48.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Golden Jubilee National Hospital has used non-NHS surgeons to carry out spinal surgery since 2007 and, if so, what the cost was.\r\n","AnswerText":"No, the Golden Jubilee National Hospital has only used NHS consultants to carry out spinal surgery.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:25.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281852,"EventID":"S4W-13206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:26.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T13:24:26.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12472 by Michael Matheson on 31 January 2013, whether the SDS Programme board has made a recommendation on the commencement of the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013.","AnswerText":"The SDS Programme Board has made a recommendation of 01 April 2014 as the target commencement date for the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013. I have approved this as the target commencement date for the Act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:26.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281853,"EventID":"S4W-13207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:27.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T13:24:26.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on what proportion of transitional costs for self-directed support has been spent on (a) staffing and (b) services.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally by the Scottish Government. It is a matter for each local authority to decide how they will spend their transformation funding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:27.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281854,"EventID":"S4W-13208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:28.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T13:24:26.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason there is less funding in 2014-15 to assist local authorities with the implementation of self-directed support.","AnswerText":"The transformation funding, provided on a short term basis, has been allocated over a three year period between 2012-2015. The higher level of funding in the year 2013-2014 was intended to take into account the likely commencement of the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:28.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281855,"EventID":"S4W-13209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:28.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T13:24:26.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12473 by Michael Matheson on 31 January 2013, whether it will publish (a) national and (b) local implementation plans for self-directed support.\r\n","AnswerText":"The national strategy for Self Directed Support was launched on 23 November 2010. It sets out a 10 year vision which aims to give people more choice and control over their health and social care and support.\r\nThe publication of local self-directed support implementation plans is a local authority matter and is a decision to be made at a local level. Information regarding local implementation plans has been provided to the Scottish Government via the local authority Self-directed Support “stock take” questionnaire.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:28.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281856,"EventID":"S4W-13210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:29.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T13:24:26.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12476 by Michael Matheson on 31 January 2013, for what reason there is no single common assessment for self-directed support across local authorities.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have a duty under section 12A of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 to assess a person’s social care needs. Following the commencement of the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013 local authorities will be required to offer the four self-directed support options to anyone assessed as eligible for social care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:29.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281857,"EventID":"S4W-13211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:30.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T13:24:26.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12477 by Michael Matheson on 31 January 2013, whether the regulations will remove all existing charges for support services and what assessment has been made of the cost.","AnswerText":"Charges for support to carers will be waived when the Regulations under the Self-directed Support (Scotland) Act 2013 come into force on 1 April 2014. This means that from that date any existing charges being made now for support provided to carers by local authorities will cease.\r\nThe vast majority of local authorities do not currently seek a contribution from carers for direct support provided to carers. In most cases, carers benefit from services put in place for the cared-for person. The regulations will prevent the introduction of charges from 1 April 2014. As part of the consultation on the regulations we will be seeking further information on costs to supplement the information we have. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:30.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281858,"EventID":"S4W-13248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:30.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T13:29:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether everyone in Scotland directly affected by the Independent Living Fund will be invited to take part in its consultation on how the fund will operate when it is devolved in 2015.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Government has decided to close the ILF in March 2015. After this point, Westminster will devolve resources to the Scottish Government.\r\nAnybody with a view including those in receipt of an ILF award are invited to take part in the consultation, which amongst other formats will be available on the Scottish Government website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:30.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281859,"EventID":"S4W-13249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:31.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T13:29:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its consultation on how the Independent Living Fund will operate when the fund is devolved in 2015 will consider whether it should add to the fund to enable it to be opened up to new claimants.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Government has decided to close the ILF in March 2015. After this point, Westminster will devolve resources to the Scottish Government.\r\nThe Scottish Government intends to launch a consultation on the future use and administration of this resource, which will give people the opportunity to offer their views on how it may be possible to open the fund up to new claimants.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:31.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281860,"EventID":"S4W-13250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:31.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T13:29:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether people in receipt of payment from the Independent Living Fund who are under 60 will continue to receive payments automatically if they are over 60 when the fund is devolved in 2015.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Government has decided to close the ILF in March 2015. After this point, Westminster will devolve resources to the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government will consult on the use and administration of this resource. No decisions on the use or administration of this resource will be made until all views from the consultation have been considered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:31.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281861,"EventID":"S4W-13261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:31.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T15:53:26.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12656 by Nicola Sturgeon on 20 February 2013, which member states have responded to the Deputy First Minister’s letter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The decision to confirm that a member state had responded would be for the member state to decide.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:31.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281862,"EventID":"S4W-13262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:32.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T15:53:26.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it (a) sought and (b) received agreement from the European Commission for Vice-President Šefcovic's letter to the Deputy First Minister of 23 January 2013 to be published on its referendum blog.\r\n","AnswerText":"The European Commission was informed that the Scottish Government intended to publish the letter before it was released.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:32.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281863,"EventID":"S4W-13263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:32.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T15:53:26.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it (a) sought and (b) received agreement from the Secretary of State for Scotland for his letter to the Deputy First Minister of 15 January 2013 to be published on its referendum blog.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland was informed that the Scottish Government intended to publish the letter before it was released. The substance of the Secretary of State's response had been made available to the media the day before the Government received his letter, and did not accurately represent the Scottish Government’s proposals for preparatory discussions, as my earlier blog post of 0010 and that of 1806 on 15 January explained.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:32.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281864,"EventID":"S4W-13264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:33.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T15:53:26.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the First Minister’s speech to EU ambassadors on 12 February 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"No, as this was a private meeting between the First Minister and the EU ambassadors.\r\nThe Deputy First Minister made it clear that the Scottish Government is committed to continued membership of the European Union in her speech at a European Policy Centre Event in Brussels on 26 February 2013. The text of that speech can be found here:\r\nhttp://www.scotreferendum.com/2013/02/26/speech-to-european-policy-centre-in-brussels-26-february-2013/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:33.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281865,"EventID":"S4W-13274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:33.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T16:46:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the £20 million of funding announced on 18 February 2013 for shared equity schemes to assist first-time buyers on low to moderate incomes will be available from 1 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes, the £20 million funding allocated to the Scottish Government’s Low Cost Initiative for First Time Buyers shared equity schemes will be available from 1 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:34.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281866,"EventID":"S4W-13275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:34.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T09:15:41.65","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish multiagency guidelines for frontline professionals in relation to female genital mutilation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Guidance on the legislation has already been produced and key agencies already have in place guidelines for their frontline staff. They provide information and training for staff with the aim of improving the identification and management of gender based violence including female genital mutilation. Therefore there are no plans to publish multiagency guidelines for frontline professionals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:34.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281867,"EventID":"S4W-13276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:34.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T09:15:41.65","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish guidance specifically for midwives in relation to female genital mutilation\r\n","AnswerText":"Advice for midwives and other health professionals on specific issues such as Female Genital Mutilation is provided through their professional bodies. Therefore the Scottish Government does not plan to publish guidelines for midwives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:34.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281868,"EventID":"S4W-13277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:35.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T10:59:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many arrests there have been at regulated football matches involving Scottish teams in each of the last three years, also broken down by charge.","AnswerText":"Information relating to arrests is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:35.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281869,"EventID":"S4W-13278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:35.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T10:59:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many convictions there have been under section (a) 1 and (b) 6 of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information as provided by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) is as follows:-\r\n (a) Between 1 March 2012 and 31 December 2012 proceedings in relation to \r\n64 charges had been concluded with 54 charges convicted (84%) under section 1 of the Offensive Behaviour and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012.\r\n (b) Between 1 March 2012 and 31 December 2012 proceedings in relation to 4 charges had been concluded with 1 charge convicted (25%) under section 6 of the Offensive Behaviour and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012.\r\nThe figures provided have been taken from the COPFS management system, and should be regarded as provisional. COPFS uses a live operational case management system, specifically designed to receive criminal and death reports from the police and other specialist reporting agencies and to manage these cases for prosecution purposes. The information held on the system is structured for these operational needs, rather than for statistical reporting or research purposes. National Statistics on criminal proceedings and convictions will be available from the Criminal Proceedings database in November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:35.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281870,"EventID":"S4W-13279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:36.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T10:59:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many charges have been brought under section (a) 1 and (b) 6 of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information as provided by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) is as follows:-\r\n (a) Between 1 March 2012 and 31 December 2012 there were 64 charges reported to COPFS under section 1 of the Offensive Behaviour and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012 in respect of cases which had completed by the latter date. An additional 154 charges were reported under section 1 in respect of cases which were not completed by 31 December 2012, giving a total of \r\n218 charges.\r\n (b) Between 1 March 2012 and 31 December 2012 there were 4 charges reported to COPFS under section 6 of the Offensive Behaviour and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012 in respect of cases which had completed by the latter date. An additional 14 charges were reported under section 6 in respect of cases which were not completed by 31 December 2012, giving a total of 20 charges.\r\nThe figures provided have been taken from the COPFS management system, and should be regarded as provisional. COPFS uses a live operational case management system, specifically designed to receive criminal and death reports from the police and other specialist reporting agencies and to manage these cases for prosecution purposes. The information held on the system is structured for these operational needs, rather than for statistical reporting or research purposes. National Statistics on criminal proceedings and convictions will be available from the Criminal Proceedings database in November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:36.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281871,"EventID":"S4W-13280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:36.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T10:59:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many convictions there have been for a breach of the peace relating to football in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"There were 65, 46 and 39 convictions in 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 respectively for a football related* breach of the peace\r\n*Football related convictions are only identifiable where a specific football aggravation has been recorded against an offence. Offence aggravations are codes which are used by the police to highlight particular circumstances relating to the incident, where this information is relevant to the reporting of the case. The figures above include 1 conviction for a breach of the peace where a football banning order aggravator was recorded in 2010-11.\r\nSource:  Scottish Government Criminal Proceedings Database.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:36.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281872,"EventID":"S4W-13281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:36.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T10:59:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many football banning orders have been issued in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"There were 33, 86 and 92 football banning orders issued in the calendar years 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively.\r\nSource: Scottish Football Banning Orders Authority, Football Co-ordination Unit for Scotland (FoCus).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:36.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281873,"EventID":"S4W-13283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:37.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T11:05:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the one-year reconviction frequency rate is following a/an (a) custodial sentence, (b) discharge from custody, (c) community service order, (d) probation order, (e) restriction of liberty order, (f) drug treatment and testing order, (g) monetary sentence and (h) other type of non-custodial sentence in each of the last five years, also broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is published as additional tables to the Reconviction Rates in Scotland: 2009-10 Offender Cohort statistical publication. These are available on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/Datasets/ReconvictOffendDatasets/reconchar0809 \r\nand the relevant information is in the ‘disposals’ worksheet.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:37.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281874,"EventID":"S4W-13284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T13:51:37.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T11:42:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in response to the University of Dundee research that found that bee colony collapses in the west of Scotland were at around 5% compared with 21% in the east and up to 30% in Fife.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are aware of the research recently reported from Dundee University on honey bee colony losses. Our colleagues at Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture have been working closely with Dundee University in this research. The Scottish Government contributed to funding for the Insect Pollinator Initiative of which this research forms one of the programmes. Bee colony deaths are caused by many factors and we are addressing some of these through the Honey Bee Health Strategy. As with any livestock, husbandry is a vital component of successful management and the overall health of bees is a major factor in sustaining vibrant colonies of honey bees. The Honey Bee Health Strategy is delivering outcomes by providing resources for education of beekeepers and making available good quality training facilities that will improve beekeepers knowledge and application of good husbandry practices.\r\nWe are aware of the losses quoted and in particular those from Fife. We understand that a significant bearing on some of the cases referred to in the research findings were related to specific apiary problems rather than to geographic location.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T13:51:37.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281881,"EventID":"S4W-13267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T16:43:35.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T16:27:41.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-12698 and S4W-12902 by Nicola Sturgeon on 25 February 2013, what non-profit distributing programme forecast profile was used  in the (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14 draft budget for schools projects for (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15, broken down by (A) project, (B) amount of planned investment and (C) the anticipated start dates of the (1) procurement process and (2) construction.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13271 on 8 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T16:43:35.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281882,"EventID":"S4W-13269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T16:43:35.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T16:27:41.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-12698 and S4W-12903 by Nicola Sturgeon on 25 February 2013, what non-profit distributing programme forecast profile was used in the (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14 draft budget for college projects for (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15, broken down by (A) project, (B) amount of planned investment and (C) the anticipated start dates of the (1) procurement process and (2) construction.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13271 on 8 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T16:43:35.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281883,"EventID":"S4W-13271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T16:43:36.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T16:27:41.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-12698, S4W-12909 and S4W-12910 by Nicola Sturgeon on 25 February 2013, what non-profit distributing programme forecast profile was used in the (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14 draft budget for the delayed projects for (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15, broken down by (A) project, (B) amount of planned investment and (C) the anticipated start dates of the (1) procurement process and (2) construction.\r\n","AnswerText":"As set out in my response to question S4W-12698 the aggregate forecast for all Non-Profit Distributing (NPD) and hub projects, including colleges and schools, in a graph in the 2012-13 Draft Budget, was a high level estimate, and not based on agreed, detailed project milestones. As projects were subsequently developed, milestones have in many cases been refined in discussion with the relevant procuring authorities, and this was the basis for the aggregate forecast used in the graph for the 2013-14 Draft Budget.\r\nThe level of investment and milestones will continue to be estimates until projects have completed procurement, reached financial close and started construction. The most up to date estimated capital values and milestones for these projects are provided on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/Finance/18232/IIP.\r\nIt should be noted that these NPD estimates were used for context, to provide an overall picture of capital investment, and did not feed into the detailed budget figures for either year that Parliament was scrutinising, as NPD projects are funded by Government through future revenue rather than current capital expenditure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T16:43:36.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281884,"EventID":"S4W-13273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T16:43:36.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T16:27:41.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact of college regionalisation has been on how (a) colleges progress capital projects and (b) (i) it, (ii) the Scottish Futures Trust and (iii) colleges progress procurement for capital projects.\r\n","AnswerText":"Regionalisation has had no impact on planned college estates projects or their progress. These continue to be delivered by individual colleges within their recently established regions.\r\nThe three NPD projects at Inverness College, City of Glasgow College and Kilmarnock College are currently in procurement and are expected to be approved within expected timescales.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T16:43:36.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281885,"EventID":"S4W-13285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T16:43:37.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T12:19:31.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12776 by Keith Brown on 20 February 2013, what the employment status was of the 35 employees made redundant; what work they did, and how many worked (a) onboard ship and (b) onshore.\r\n","AnswerText":"A voluntary severance package was made available to the employees of Cowal Ferries Ltd and employees of other companies in the David MacBrayne Group on a restricted basis. This allowed staff associated with the Cowal ferry service the opportunity to either take a redundancy package, or transfer to another position, where available, within the group.\r\nOf the 35 employees who received the severance package, 12 were vessel based, 10 were pier side employees and 13 were office based staff. All of these employees were full time permanent apart from 1 member of the office staff who was part time permanent.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T16:43:37.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281886,"EventID":"S4W-13287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T16:43:37.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T12:19:31.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how Argyll Ferries Ltd achieved a reduction in agency staff costs from £1,470,000 to £59,000 between 31 March 2011 and 31 March 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Argyll Ferries Ltd only commenced operation on 30 June 2011, therefore there were no agency staff costs for the financial year ended 31 March 2011.\r\nThe £1,470,000 number quoted in this question refers to the agency staff costs to Cowal Ferries Limited for the financial year to 31 March 2011. All Cowal Ferries Limited crew were provided by Caledonian MacBrayne Crewing (Guernsey) Ltd. Crewing costs are therefore accounted for as agency staff costs.\r\nArgyll Ferries Limited employ their crew directly and the agency staff costs figure of £59,000, for the financial year up to 31 March 2012, relates to the costs of bringing in agency crew to cover periods of absence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T16:43:37.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281887,"EventID":"S4W-13288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T16:43:37.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T14:13:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of all wind farm proposals under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 has been (a) withdrawn during scoping or pre-application, (b) refused permission and (c) approved by the Scottish Government since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Of those wind farm proposals under section 36 of the Electricity Act on which clarity has been sought, since 2007:\r\n38.7% have yet to be determined.\r\n32.6% have been granted permission;\r\n28.7% have not received permission due to either being withdrawn during scoping and pre-application, being withdraw at the application stage or being refused permission. Of those applications which have been withdrawn, some will have been revised and reduced in size to under 50 megawatt and subsequently resubmitted to the Planning Authority for their consideration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T16:43:38.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281888,"EventID":"S4W-13289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T16:43:38.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T14:19:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what positive impacts the community payback order scheme has had on North East Fife.","AnswerText":"A total of 78,695 hours of Unpaid Work were completed by offenders in Fife in2011-12. That is 10,072 hours more than 2010-11.\r\nThis work contributed to a range of projects in the North East Fife area, including several large scale internal painting projects at community facilities in Cupar, St Monans, Anstruther and Tayport; upgrading and maintaining the historical Way of St Andrews Pilgrims Route; removal of rubbish from sections of the Fife Coastal Path, cycle ways and beaches across the region; and snow and ice clearing around public buildings and facilities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T16:43:38.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281889,"EventID":"S4W-13290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T16:43:38.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T15:10:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of how the £50 million announced for the unscheduled care action plan will be spent in each year of the plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards are being asked to produce by June their own local plans in line with the national action plan, which is predicated on patients getting the right care, at the right time, in the right place. Once we have assessed the local plans and had discussions with boards we will determine those services where the funds will be invested.\r\nSeparately in line with an announcement made in January, boards are to be invited to bid for additional funds to support consultant appointments in emergency care and will be informed of this by the end of April.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T16:43:38.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281890,"EventID":"S4W-13291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T16:43:39.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T15:10:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much each NHS board will receive in each year under the unscheduled care action plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13290 on 12 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nNHS boards are being asked to produce by June their own local plans in line with the national action plan, which is predicated on patients getting the right care, at the right time, in the right place. Once we have assessed the local plans and had discussions with boards we will determine those services where the funds will be invested, and boards will be informed of the funds allocated.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T16:43:39.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281891,"EventID":"S4W-13292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T16:43:39.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T15:10:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the unscheduled care action plan funding (a) is additional funding and (b) has already been budgeted.\r\n","AnswerText":"The NHS resource budget is increasing by £293 million, or 2.7%, in 2013-14. This means that territorial health boards will see an overall increase of 3.3% in funding in 2013-14 – that represents a real terms increase of 1.3%.\r\nThe Unscheduled Care Action Plan is the most significant programme of change to emergency health care services ever to take place in Scotland. To give the programme momentum and to make sure improvements are delivered quickly, there will be £50 million spent over the next three years specifically allocated to bring forward schemes and invest in changes in line with the unscheduled care action plan.\r\nThis priority commitment will be met from a combination of the additional Scottish Government money being allocated to health boards this year and from efficiency savings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T16:43:39.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281892,"EventID":"S4W-13293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T16:43:39.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T15:10:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many additional frontline staff will be employed in each year as a result of the unscheduled care action plan; how many will be (a) consultants, (b) doctors and (c) nurses, and in which NHS boards they will be employed.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13290 on 12 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nWe are asking NHS boards to produce by June their own local plans in line with the national action plan. This will inform how the funds will be allocated, including what additional medical, nursing and other clinical staff are to be employed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T16:43:39.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281893,"EventID":"S4W-13294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T16:43:40.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T15:15:08.49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, following publication of First Report - Macroeconomic Framework, what further reports the Fiscal Commission Working Group will publish and when.","AnswerText":"The Fiscal Commission Working Group published its first report on 11th February 2013. The Working Group will continue its work to oversee the development of a robust macroeconomic and fiscal framework.\r\nThe introduction from the chair of the Working Group states that, “going forward we will be advising on how Scotland can learn from the best examples of other countries and the latest research in areas such as efficient tax collection, regulation and economic policy.”\r\nUpdates on the ongoing work of the group are available on the Fiscal Commission Working Group webpage:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Economy/Council-Economic-Advisers/FCWG\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T16:43:40.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281894,"EventID":"S4W-13295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-26T16:43:40.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T15:10:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many new minor injuries units will be created and what hospitals it has identified as locations for co-located services under the unscheduled care action plan.","AnswerText":"The planning and provision of healthcare services is a matter for NHS boards, based on their assessment of what is in the best interests of local people, as informed by national policies and frameworks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-12T16:43:40.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281895,"EventID":"S4O-01862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:14.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:02:57.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance is available to help companies grow and identify new markets.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:15.197","MeetingDate":"2013-03-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281896,"EventID":"S4O-01863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:16.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:02:57.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth has had with the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities on the funding arrangements for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:16.553","MeetingDate":"2013-03-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281897,"EventID":"S4O-01864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:18.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:02:58.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government since its credit rating was downgraded from AAA to AA1 regarding any impact on the Scottish economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:18.083","MeetingDate":"2013-03-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281898,"EventID":"S4O-01865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:19.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T09:24:34.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met Scotland Excel and what matters were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:19.22","MeetingDate":"2013-03-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281899,"EventID":"S4O-01866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:20.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T17:13:58.647","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress the National Performance Framework has made in reducing inequality.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:20.703","MeetingDate":"2013-03-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281900,"EventID":"S4O-01867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:22.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:02:58.787","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contribution Scotland’s offshore wind resources will make to meeting European Union renewable energy targets.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:22.293","MeetingDate":"2013-03-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281901,"EventID":"S4O-01868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:23.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:02:59.02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on public sector severance payments in the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:23.76","MeetingDate":"2013-03-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281902,"EventID":"S4O-01869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:25.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:02:59.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent assessment it has made of the reserves of oil and gas remaining in Scottish waters.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:25.087","MeetingDate":"2013-03-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281903,"EventID":"S4O-01870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:26.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T09:03:22.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what savings the Strategic Forum will achieve in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:26.647","MeetingDate":"2013-03-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281904,"EventID":"S4O-01871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:27.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:02:59.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it is giving to the task force set up by South Lanarkshire Council in relation to the proposed closure of the Rolls-Royce plant in East Kilbride.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:27.99","MeetingDate":"2013-03-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281905,"EventID":"S4O-01872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:29.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:03:00.063","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding a currency union between an independent Scotland and the rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:29.347","MeetingDate":"2013-03-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281906,"EventID":"S4O-01873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:30.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:03:00.297","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth supports investment in large-scale public art projects as a means of generating jobs and boosting economic growth.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:30.64","MeetingDate":"2013-03-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281907,"EventID":"S4O-01874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:31.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:03:00.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with COSLA in relation to constitutional protection for local government in an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:31.843","MeetingDate":"2013-03-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281908,"EventID":"S4O-01875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:32.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T10:43:58.317","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to improve employment opportunities for older people.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:32.98","MeetingDate":"2013-03-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281909,"EventID":"S4O-01876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:33.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:03:00.877","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many years are included in local authority financial planning.","AnswerText":"The number of years included in local authority financial planning is a matter for individual councils, but the Scottish Government would encourage all public bodies to engage in long term financial planning as part of the management of their business.\r\nThe Scottish Government aims to provide local authorities with three year funding allocations in order to give them certainty in longer term financial planning. However, this is dependent on the Scottish Government receiving three year funding allocations from the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:33.497","MeetingDate":"2013-03-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281910,"EventID":"S4O-01877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:34.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:03:01.077","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the UK credit rating being downgraded from AAA to AA1, whether it will continue to advocate adopting sterling in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The recent report by the Fiscal Commission Working Group highlighted that retaining Sterling would provide a strong overarching framework for Scotland and maintain the integrated market and business links between Scotland and the rest of the UK.\r\nThe decision to downgrade the UK’s credit rating confirms the failure of the UK Government’s economic strategy. This approach has only served to weaken the credibility of the UK Government, lead to even greater borrowing and a stagnant economy.\r\nIndependence would provide Scotland with the opportunity to take control of the economic levers needed to deliver a wealthier and fairer society.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:34.15","MeetingDate":"2013-03-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281911,"EventID":"S4O-01879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:35.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T15:46:14.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it plans to take to improve planning performance by planning authorities and its agencies.\r\n","AnswerText":"Improved performance is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s programme for modernising the planning system. We are working in collaboration with Convention Of Scottish Local Authorities, heads of planning, agencies and the development industry to drive forward a programme of improvements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:35.507","MeetingDate":"2013-03-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281912,"EventID":"S4O-01880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:36.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:03:01.92","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has done of the reasons for the reported rise in economic inactivity in Scotland compared with the rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"We have just seen the third set of monthly unemployment figures in a row to show a fall in unemployment in Scotland. The figures also show the largest annual fall in youth unemployment since 2006.\r\nThe very recent increases in economic inactivity in Scotland have been mainly amongst women, however, over the past five years the economic inactivity rate in Scotland has been lower than in the UK for 53 out of a total of 60 monthly releases of labour market statistics.\r\nThe Government recognises we must remain focussed on this issue, too many people are still looking for work, and the Scottish Government is taking action to address this by maintaining the most competitive business environment anywhere in the UK and investing in our infrastructure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:36.647","MeetingDate":"2013-03-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281913,"EventID":"S4O-01881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:37.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:03:02.187","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth last met the chief executive of Scottish Enterprise and what was discussed.","AnswerText":"I last met the chief executive and other members of the board of Scottish Enterprise on 16 January 2013 to discuss a range of issues important to the delivery of the Scottish Government’s economic strategy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:37.893","MeetingDate":"2013-03-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281914,"EventID":"S4O-01882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:39.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T17:01:11.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact of the housing benefit changes in April 2013 will be on the number of homeless people in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:39.033","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281915,"EventID":"S4O-01883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:40.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:10:51.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what difference being named a Fairtrade nation will make to the people of Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:40.187","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281916,"EventID":"S4O-01884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:41.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:10:52.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £50 million announced for the unscheduled care action plan will be allocated to hospitals in NHS Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:41.42","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281917,"EventID":"S4O-01885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:42.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T15:11:50.787","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact closing Motherwell, Cumbernauld and Coatbridge Justice of the Peace courts could have on access to justice.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:42.527","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281918,"EventID":"S4O-01886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:44.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:10:53.2","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will carry out a review of arrests made during the 1984-85 miners' strike.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:44.087","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281919,"EventID":"S4O-01887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:46.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:10:53.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many recent meetings it has had with the UK Government on the future structural funds programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:46.663","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281920,"EventID":"S4O-01888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:48.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T13:14:36.787","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to address the issues identified by the report of the Commission on Women Offenders.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:48.47","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281921,"EventID":"S4O-01889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:50","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:10:55.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made in shifting coal freight from roads to rail and other forms of transport.","AnswerText":"Though coal freight transport mode is a commercial decision for industry, we have a strong record of investment, including reopening the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line, connecting coalfields and power stations. We recently announced a £30 million fund to support industry spending on infrastructure to encourage growth in all rail freight.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:50.03","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281922,"EventID":"S4O-01890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:51.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:10:56.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made in repairing sea defences on the east coast following the December 2012 storms.","AnswerText":"The storms of the night of 14 December 2012 were described by many as the worst they had experienced in a lifetime. On 8 February 2013 the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment announced an additional £1 million funding to be available from the emergency harbours fund to support emergency repairs work in fisheries harbours. A number of the requests from harbours such as Wick, Lossiemouth and Dunbar harbours have been agreed and work is underway utilising these additional funds.\r\nWe continue to engage with a number of other harbours who have yet to make a formal request.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:51.717","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281923,"EventID":"S4O-01891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T13:50:52.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:10:56.96","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what pupil-teacher ratio it considers sufficient for effective second language learning.\r\n","AnswerText":"The expectation is that the current maximum pupil-teacher ratios in schools will apply to second language learning.\r\nThis means that in Primary 1 the maximum ratio will be 25; in Primary 2 and 3 the maximum ratio will be 30, and in Primary 4 to 7, the maximum ratio will be 33.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T13:50:52.95","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281934,"EventID":"S4W-13232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:23:54.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T09:05:53.94","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of the UK Government to discuss the Department of Work and Pensions' Work Programme.","AnswerText":"I met Chris Grayling, the then UK Government Minister for Employment on 10 January 2012. A range of topics in relation to employment and skills were discussed, including the Work Programme.\r\nAs part of a series of regular update meetings, Scottish Government officials discuss Work Programme progress as appropriate with those from the Department for Work and Pensions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:23:54.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281935,"EventID":"S4W-13233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:23:54.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T09:05:53.94","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions took place regarding the Department of Work and Pensions' Work Programme at the Scottish Employability Forum on 31 January 2013.","AnswerText":"The meeting of the Scottish Employability Forum (SEF) on 31 January 2013 was the first meeting of the group. The Work Programme providers for Scotland, Working Links and Ingeus, are now members of the SEF. Although there was no specific discussion of the Work Programme at the meeting, there was agreement of the need for better alignment of all employability services to ensure interventions do not compete or duplicate effort, and to make it easier for individuals and employers to navigate the system.\r\nThe remit of the group and minutes of the inaugural meeting are available on the Employability in Scotland website. \r\nhttp://www.employabilityinscotland.com/employability/scottish-employability-forum\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:23:54.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281936,"EventID":"S4W-13234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:23:55.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T09:05:53.94","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people in the Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley constituency who are on the Department of Work and Pensions' Work Programme have (a) applied for and (b) been granted funding from the local authority Skills Development and Employability Service.","AnswerText":"East Ayrshire Council advises that only a small number less than five people have applied for access to provision available through the Skills Development and Employability Service. None have been granted funding.  \r\nThis is because the programme is part-funded through the European Social Fund (ESF). A key condition of ESF support is that is provides clear additionality to any other support in place which, as a result of the nature of the Work Programme design, East Ayrshire Council has been unable to do.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:23:55.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281937,"EventID":"S4W-13245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:23:55.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-25T12:49:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take in light of decision 017/2013 by the Scottish Information Commissioner in relation to the provision of sea lice data for salmon farms.\r\n","AnswerText":"We note the judgement by the Scottish Information Commissioner in connection with decision 017/2013 and consider it is consistent with our current approach in this area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:23:55.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281938,"EventID":"S4W-13296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:23:55.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:33:04.24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much Aberdeen City has collected in business rates in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested, as returned to the Scottish Government by Aberdeen City Council, is set out in the following table. The figures provided represent the final audited amounts for each of the years in question.\r\nNon-domestic rates collected by Aberdeen City Council\r\nFinancial Year\r\nAmounted Collected\r\n£m\r\n2011-12\r\n162.7\r\n2010-11\r\n155.7\r\n2009-10\r\n137.6\r\n2008-09\r\n124.1\r\n2007-08\r\n138.5\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:23:55.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281939,"EventID":"S4W-13297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:23:56.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:33:04.24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much Aberdeen City expects to collect in business rates in each of the next three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The amount of non-domestic rates income estimated to be collected at a local authority level in each of the next three years is a matter for individual councils to consider.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:23:56.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281940,"EventID":"S4W-13298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:23:56.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:33:04.24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of its education budget has been spent on children with special educational needs in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The term special educational needs does not apply in Scotland. In Scotland we have a broader, more inclusive system which refers to additional support needs. A child or young person can have an additional support need for any reason, short or long term. The 2012 national pupil census statistics indicate that 90% of pupils with additional support needs learn in mainstream classes, 3% of pupils learn in mainstream classes for some of their time, and 6.6% of pupils do not learn in mainstream classes, learning in special schools instead. Annex F of the Local Government Finance Statistics provides information on the expenditure on education for each of the last five years. This is available from:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Local-Government-Finance/PubScottishLGFStats.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:23:56.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281941,"EventID":"S4W-13299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:23:56.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:33:04.24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many children have been given special educational needs' statements in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The term special educational needs does not apply in Scotland. In Scotland we have a broader, more inclusive system which refers to additional support needs. A child or young person can have an additional support need for any reason, short or long term. Consequently, there are no Statements of Special Educational Need in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:23:56.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281942,"EventID":"S4W-13300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:23:57.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:33:04.24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many women have been prescribed anti-epilepsy drugs during pregnancy in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:23:57.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281943,"EventID":"S4W-13301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:23:57.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:33:04.24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been allocated to special educational needs' (a) support, (b) transport and (c) behavioural services in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provides funding to all local authorities through revenue block grant funding. This funding supports education authorities in the delivery of their duties under the Additional Support for Learning Act to provide support for children and young people with additional support needs, including those with behavioural needs, and where appropriate associated transport costs. Education authorities prioritise their funding in light of their local priorities and circumstances. Consequently, this information is not held by the Scottish Government. Annex F of the Local Government Finance Statistics provides information on the expenditure on education for each of the last five years. This is available from:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Local-Government-Finance/PubScottishLGFStats.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:23:57.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281944,"EventID":"S4W-13302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:23:57.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:51:28.223","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS boards ensure that relatives are informed if a patient is placed on the Liverpool Care Pathway and, if so, whether they employ a uniform approach.","AnswerText":"Living and Dying Well (2008) Scotland’s first national action plan for the provision of palliative and end of life care set out the vision for how palliative and end of life care should be provided in Scotland.\r\nThe plan recommends the implementation of an integrated pathway to support the delivery of the highest quality end of life care for individuals regardless of their underlying diagnosis. The Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) is one example of an pathway. Any organisation that cares for dying people should be able to demonstrate best practice in care of the dying and therefore the responsibility for its use lies with the organisation delivering the care.\r\nAcknowledging that a patient is dying and making the decision to use the LCP to support care in the last hours or days of life should be discussed by the clinical team, with the patient where it is possible and deemed appropriate and with the relative or carer, in accordance with GMC best practice guidance (GMC 2010).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:23:57.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281945,"EventID":"S4W-13303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:23:58.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:51:28.223","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consent  is required from a patient before being placed on the Liverpool Care Pathway.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Liverpool Care Pathway is a framework of good practice to support delivery of high quality care to an individual in their last days or hours of life. As such it is not a treatment and consent is not required. However, identifying that someone is in the last hours or days of life and agreeing a plan to support their care should be discussed with the patient where possible and where deemed appropriate with the relative or carer. The care provided should also be reviewed on a regular basis.\r\nFurther information about the Liverpool Care Pathway is available on the Scottish Governments website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/Quality-Improvement-Performance/Living-Dying-Well/Liverpool-Care-Pathway/FAQ.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:23:58.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281946,"EventID":"S4W-13304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:23:58.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:51:28.223","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consent is required from a person with the power of attorney on behalf of a patient before the patient is placed on the Liverpool Care Pathway.\r\n","AnswerText":"As stated in my answer to question S4W-13303 on 12 March 2013, because the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP), is a framework of good practice and not a treatment, written consent is not required before placing a patient on the LCP.\r\nHowever, identifying that someone is in the last hours or days of life and agreeing a plan to support their care should be where possible discussed with the patient and where deemed appropriate with the relative, carer or person with the power of attorney. The care provided should also be reviewed on a regular basis.\r\nFurther information on the Liverpool Care Pathway is available on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/Quality-Improvement-Performance/Living-Dying-Well/Liverpool-Care-Pathway\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:23:58.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281947,"EventID":"S4W-13305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:23:58.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:51:28.223","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11030 by Alex Neil on 22 November 2012, for what reason it does not collate the information centrally.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government sets the strategic policy direction for the NHS in Scotland, however the responsibility for service delivery and patient care rests locally with health boards and healthcare professionals.\r\nAny organisation that cares for dying people should be able to demonstrate best practice in care of the dying including the last hours or days of life and in accordance with the actions set out in Living and Dying Well (2008), the Scottish Government’s national action plan for palliative and end of life care.\r\nThe responsibility for use of the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) lies with the organisation which is using it. It should be used as part of a continuous quality improvement programme within the governance of the organisation and it must be underpinned by a robust education and training programme.\r\nThe LCP, like any other end of life care tool, or an escalation of care tool, is itself the product of a review of good practice and is in place to enable the delivery of safe, standardised, effective patient-related outcome measures. The monitoring and governance of any best practice tool or technology is the responsibility of the organisation using it.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:23:58.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281948,"EventID":"S4W-13306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:23:58.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:52:48.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will make some of its agricultural land at Knocknagael Farm in Inverness that is deemed surplus to its requirements available to meet local demand for allotments.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Bull Stud project aims to modernise the Scottish Government’s bull stud at Knocknagael. In the process of doing so an area of land within the current farm boundary has been identified as surplus to the stud’s future requirements. \r\nThe current planning application, which has yet to be approved by the local authority, seeks to develop the surplus land at Knocknagael for low density housing. This proposal was put together following full consideration of the best use of the site and formed the basis of the public consultation held on 19 September 2012 in Inverness.\r\nThe Scottish Government has already submitted a response to the next Highland Council Development Plan Consultation identifying that the surplus land would be suitable for the use of housing, allotments or other green space. We would expect Highland Council to consider the suitability of the land for allotments or a community growing area as part of their assessment of the current planning application.\r\nIf a local community group wishes to obtain some of this land for community use there may be a mechanism to do so – the (Rural) Community Right to Buy - should they meet the required criteria. For further information please see our website - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/Rural/rural-land/right-to-buy/Community.\r\nThrough the forthcoming Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill the Scottish Government wants Scotland to be successful and to empower local communities to do more for themselves. It is intended that the Bill will make it easier for communities to take over unused and underused public or private assets (including land) and to introduce measures to help communities deal more effectively with vacant and unused assets in their area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:23:58.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281949,"EventID":"S4W-13308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:23:59.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T17:28:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to help first-time home buyers in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will continue to help first time buyers through its Low-cost Initiative for First Time Buyers (LIFT) schemes. On 18 February 2013, the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities announced the allocation of £20 million for 2013-14 to help first time buyers access home ownership through its LIFT shared equity schemes.\r\nHelp for first time buyers will also continue to be provided under other LIFT initiatives which include shared ownership and the new supply shared equity scheme. \r\nIn addition, a Scottish Government guarantee has facilitated the launch by Homes for Scotland of the MI New Home mortgage indemnity scheme, which enables credit-worthy borrowers to access a 95% loan to value mortgage for new build homes with a maximum value of £250,000. Three of Scotland’s biggest lenders and 22 housebuilders now support the scheme, creating new opportunities for first-time buyers and others throughout much of the country.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:23:59.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281950,"EventID":"S4W-13309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:23:59.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T17:28:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have taken part in its initiatives to help first-time home buyers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s Low-cost Initiative for First Time Buyers (LIFT) brings together a range of initiatives to help first time buyers access home ownership where this is affordable and sustainable for them. The schemes are the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme, the New Supply Shared Equity Scheme, the New Supply Shared Equity with Developers Scheme, and Shared Ownership. From 2007-2012, these schemes have helped over 7,000 people access home ownership.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:23:59.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281951,"EventID":"S4W-13310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:23:59.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T17:28:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the construction costs of the Forth Replacement Crossing.\r\n","AnswerText":"The cost of the Forth Replacement Crossing project to February 2013 is £372 million. The project remains on track for a total outturn cost of £1.45 to £1.6 billion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:23:59.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281952,"EventID":"S4W-13321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:24:00.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:59:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many district heating schemes are active.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Energy Saving Trust in Scotland (EST) carried out a survey of district heating in Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government. The results of the survey indicate that there are 103 active district heating schemes in Scotland. These vary considerably in size and can be broadly categorised based on estimated heat production:\r\nEstimated heat production\r\nNumber\r\n10,000 MWh a year and above\r\n7\r\n1,000 MWh to 9,999 MWh a year\r\n14\r\n500 MWh to 999 MWh a year\r\n19\r\nLess than 500 MWh a year\r\n63\r\n\r\nThe largest number of district heating schemes is made up of small-scale networks in rural areas, mainly heat-only networks using woodfuel, typical examples of which are on farms and estates (case studies are available from the Usewoodfuel website www.usewoodfuel.co.uk/using-woodfuel/case-studies/woodfuel-in-practice-farms-and-estates.aspx). A small number of large systems, such as Aberdeen Heat and Power’s district heating network in Aberdeen supply many more properties. Aberdeen Heat and Power have three gas-fired CHP energy centres supplying around 1,200 flats in multi story blocks and eight public buildings (www.aberdeenheatandpower.co.uk).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:24:00.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281953,"EventID":"S4W-13322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:24:00.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:59:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for how many homes on average each district heating scheme provides electricity and heat.\r\n","AnswerText":"District heating schemes provide the infrastructure to supply heat from a range of sources. The source can be heat only or can be a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant which also generates electricity.\r\nThere is also a wide variety of district heating models, with the largest number being small-scale networks in rural areas, mainly heat only networks using woodfuel. A small number of large systems supply much larger numbers of properties, typically using heat from produced by gas-fired CHP plants.\r\nI would therefore suggest it is more helpful to refer to typical examples of the different models:\r\ntypical examples of smaller-scale district heating supply a few buildings up to a few hundred properties with heat. Many are woodfuelled heat only systems such as on farms and estates (case studies are available from the Usewoodfuel website  www.usewoodfuel.co.uk/using-woodfuel/case-studies/woodfuel-in-practice-farms-and-estates.aspx) or social housing schemes such as Albyn Housing’s Aviemore North scheme (www.usewoodfuel.co.uk/using-woodfuel/case-studies/starnewstar-albyn-housing-society-district-heating.aspx).\r\ntypical examples of large-scale district heating are networks supplied by gas-fired CHP such as Aberdeen Heat & Power’s district heating scheme (www.aberdeenheatandpower.co.uk) and the University of Edinburgh’s campus networks, or by Energy from Waste CHP in Shetland (www.sheap-ltd.co.uk).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:24:00.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281954,"EventID":"S4W-13325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:24:00.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:59:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many combined heat and power plants will be developed by 2020.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12934 on 5 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:24:00.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281955,"EventID":"S4W-13326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:24:01.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:59:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many district heating schemes will be developed by 2020.\r\n","AnswerText":"We do not currently have projections for the number of district heating that will be developed by 2020. We are considering how to set out projections for district heating, across the range of different district heating models, in our response to The Expert Commission on District Heating’s recommendation that “the Scottish Government should set stretching yet realistic targets for penetration of district heating in 2020”.\r\nWe will developing projections as part of our long term heat vision for Scotland. We published a draft outline heat vision in January 2012, including a heat hierarchy which sets a framework to guide heat policy development and decision making. As part of our wider heat strategy we have developed draft deployment options guidance and will publish a district heating action plan and Heat Generation Policy Statement (HGPS) later this year. The HGPS will present our understanding of how heat is delivered now, and set out scenarios for meeting our heat vision, highlighting the pros and cons for each.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:24:01.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281956,"EventID":"S4W-13327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:24:01.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:59:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures are in place to encourage the development of new combined heat and power plants for industrial and commercial use.\r\n","AnswerText":"Support is available for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) from a number of sources. Most are available to any organisation who wishes to develop Combined Heat and Power Plants (CHP), such as the main direct support mechanisms for renewable Combined Heat and Power (CHP): the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) and the UK Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive.\r\nThe Renewables Obligation (Scotland) gives 2 Renewables Obligation Certificates (SROCs) for every megawatt hour of electricity generated by biomass electricity generating plants with CHP. Following its recent consultation on changes to the Renewables Obligation (Scotland), the Scottish Government proposes to go further by setting an eligibility requirement for plants over 15 MW to meet good quality CHP standards to further drive uptake of CHP.\r\nIn the current Parliamentary session, finance for renewable CHP plants is also available through the £103 million Renewable Energy Investment Fund. Finance for both renewable and non-renewable CHP is available through the £5 million District Heating Loan Fund. The District Heating Loan Fund has limited grant funding available for technical feasibility studies. These schemes fund a range of renewable heat-only, CHP and district heating projects and are open to commercial and industrial organisations, large institutions and Universities.\r\nThe uptake of CHP depends largely upon the availability of markets for heat. The Scottish Government is working with local authorities to help them identify suitable locations and support planning for CHP and district heating through its Heat Mapping Programme. The heat maps help identify, plan for and maximise opportunities for local heat use and to support investment decisions on strategic heat infrastructure. The maps will not only benefit local authorities, but can also support feasibility work of developers or local communities.\r\nFeasibility support for the development of anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities by communities, industrial sites and the NHS is also available from Zero Waste Scotland. Zero Waste Scotland is also planning to offer financial support for AD development in remote and island communities in 2013-14.\r\nFrom April 2013, the new Resource Efficient Scotland programme will provide advice and support to businesses, third sector and public sector organisations to reduce overheads through implementation of energy, material resource and water efficiency improvement measures, and in doing so it will help cut carbon across public and private sector organisations. The programme will also provide a suite of sector-focused activities tailored to meet the specific needs of particular business and public sector across Scotland in order to deliver resource efficiency savings.\r\nScottish Further and Higher Education establishments have also been access specific funding schemes:\r\nSince 2008, Salix Finance have managed a £5 million revolving loans fund on behalf of the Scottish Government to fund low carbon investment projects in Scottish Further and Higher Education establishments.\r\nIn 2012, the Scottish Funding Council set up a Programme to fund a small number of large-scale carbon reduction projects in Scottish universities, with funding of up to £20 million over the next two years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:24:01.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281957,"EventID":"S4W-13328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:24:01.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:59:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what national incentives and subsidies are in place for large institutions that wish to develop their own combined heat and power plants.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13327 on 13 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:24:01.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281958,"EventID":"S4W-13329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:24:02.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:59:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the demand for (a) electricity and (b) heating was in the last year for which information is available.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) Demand for electricity in Scotland in 2011, against which the renewable electricity target is measured, was 37,857 GWh.\r\n(b) The renewable heat target is measured against Scotland’s forecast 2020 \r\nnon-electrical heat demand, estimated to be 60,089 GWh. We are consulting with a wide range of key data providers and stakeholders, including DECC, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), the Energy Saving Trust, the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and Scotia Gas Networks, to establish a robust method of annually monitoring heat demand in Scotland.\r\nThis approach will ensure that a wide evidence base is being considered and that the expertise and views of the entire sector are being utilised. Scottish Government will provide an update on this work in the Heat Generation Policy Statement which will be published before the end of 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:24:02.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281959,"EventID":"S4W-13330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:24:02.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:59:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the demand for (a) electricity and (b) heating is met by (i) biomass and (ii) combined heat and power plants.\r\n","AnswerText":"Figures for electricity and heat from biomass and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants are set out in the following table. It is important to note that figures for (i) biomass include some some of the electricity and heat generated by CHP plants including under (ii), as well as, for (a), electricity-only biomass plants and, for (b), heat-only “primary combustion” plants. Figures for (ii) Combined Heat and Power plants include both fossil fuel and renewable CHP, including biomass.\r\n(a-i) The renewable electricity generated from biomass and waste in 2011 is set out in Table 1. This includes electricity generated by both biomass CHP and biomass electricity plants:\r\nTable 1: Renewable electricity generated from biomass & waste in 2011\r\n\r\nElectricity generated (GWh)\r\nLandfill gas\r\n507\r\nSewage sludge digestion\r\n35\r\nOther biomass (inc. co-firing)*\r\n863\r\n*Note: Includes co-firing, plant biomass, animal biomass and biodegradable part of municipal solid waste.\r\nSource: DECC Energy Trends, December 2012\r\n(a-ii)\tIn 2011, Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants in Scotand generated 2,864 GWh of electricity (Source: DECC Energy Trends, September 2012). \r\n(b-i)\tThe Energy Saving Trust in Scotland produce an annual report on renewable heat in Scotland for the Scottish Government. Table 2 shows the renewable heat generated from biomass and waste in 2011:\r\nTable 2: Renewable heat generated from biomass & waste in 2011\r\n\r\nHeat generated (GWh)\r\nBiomass (wood) primary combustion\r\n1,045\r\nBiomass (wood) CHP\r\n978\r\nWaste treatment\r\n128\r\nSource: Energy Saving Trust, Renewable Heat in Scotland 2011.\r\n(b-ii) In 2011, Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants in Scotand generated 6,813 GWh of heat (Source: DECC Energy Trends, September 2012).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:24:02.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281960,"EventID":"S4W-13332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:24:02.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:59:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of homes are not connected to the electricity grid.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:24:02.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281961,"EventID":"S4W-13333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:24:03.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:59:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of homes are not connected to the national gas grid.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data from the Scottish Household Conditions Survey show that in 2011 there were an estimated 493,000 dwellings not connected to the national gas grid, 15.3% of all dwellings. Please see the follwing link:\r\nhttp://sh45inta/Publications/2012/12/4995/4.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:24:03.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281962,"EventID":"S4W-13334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:24:03.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:59:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of businesses are not connected to the national electricity grid.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:24:03.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281963,"EventID":"S4W-13335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:24:03.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:59:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of businesses are not connected to the national gas grid.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:24:03.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281964,"EventID":"S4W-13340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:24:04.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T11:22:59.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what national incentives and subsidies are in place for universities that wish to develop their own combined heat and power plants.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13327 on 13 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:24:04.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281965,"EventID":"S4W-13341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T14:24:04.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T12:31:36.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what representations it has made to the (a) UK Government and (b) European Commission regarding the proposed European Regional Aid Guidelines for 2014 to 2020 with reference to the Shetland Isles.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has presented a case for eligibility of the entire Highlands and Islands region to the UK Government. This was a detailed argument detailed the difficulties faced by remote and sparsely populated regions and their ongoing need to be able to support business development; and was compiled with the assistance of Highlands and Islands Enterprise and input from Shetland Islands Council.\r\nThe UK Government have presented this argument as an integral part of the formal UK response to the Commission’s proposals. The Scottish Government will be replying separately to the Commission, again highlighting the potential impact on remote and island communities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T14:24:04.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281977,"EventID":"S4W-13307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T16:59:55.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T17:22:05.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the possibility of Scotland’s European Structural Funds budget being reduced as a result of a new allocation formula. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is particularly concerned with recent reports that Structural Funds allocations for Scotland may drop significantly more than in other parts of the UK.\r\nWe had anticipated that Structural Fund budgets would decline for Scotland, and stakeholders had reached similar assessments. However recent calculations by UK Government officials following the EU Budget negotiations suggest that Scotland faces a disproportionate drop.\r\nThese funds support jobs, growth and economic investment and the Scottish Government is pursuing a fairer allocation of Structural Funds with the UK Government and the Welsh and Northern Ireland administrations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T16:59:55.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281978,"EventID":"S4W-13323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T16:59:55.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:59:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what average (a) amount of electricity is produced and (b) number of homes and businesses are heated by each district heating scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13322 on 13 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T16:59:55.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281979,"EventID":"S4W-13324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T16:59:56.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:59:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of Scotland's demand for (a) electricity and (b) heating district heating schemes meet.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) The Scottish Government does not hold figures for the amount of electricity generated by Combined Heat and Power plants which supply district heating schemes.\r\n(b) The Energy Saving Trust in Scotland estimate that, in 2012, district heating schemes provided 103 GWh of heat. This is estimated on a different basis to total heat consumption in Scotland so it is not possible to provide an accurate percentage. We are consulting with a wide range of key data providers and stakeholders, including DECC, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), the Energy Saving Trust, the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and Scotia Gas Networks, to establish a robust method of annually monitoring heat demand in Scotland.\r\nThis approach will ensure that a wide evidence base is being considered and that the expertise and views of the entire sector are being utilised. Scottish Government will provide an update on this work in the Heat Generation Policy Statement which will be published before the end of 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T16:59:56.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281980,"EventID":"S4W-13336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T16:59:56.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-26T16:59:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many combined heat and power plants there are and what each plant’s (a) daily and (b) annual output is. \r\n","AnswerText":"The most recent data published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) shows in 2011, there were 116 Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants in Scotland. The Scottish Government does not hold data on the output of individual plants.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T16:59:56.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281981,"EventID":"S4W-13342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T16:59:56.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T15:35:04.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people were unemployed and what the unemployment rate was in each local authority area between (a) October 2010 and September 2011, (b) January and December 2011, (c) April 2011 and March 2012, (d) July 2011 and June 2012 and (e) October 2011 and September 2012, also broken down by gender.\r\n","AnswerText":"The preferred measure of unemployment at a local authority level is the modelled based unemployment estimates produced by the Office for National Statistics. However, these estimates do not provide a breakdown by gender. Therefore the estimates from the Annual Population Survey (APS) are provided. The latest APS data covers the period October 2011 to September 2012.\r\nCaution is advised when using the estimates provided in the following tables. The APS is a sample survey and some of the underlying samples are small therefore the confidence intervals for many of these estimates are relatively wide. Therefore care should be taken when making comparisons between areas and over time.\r\nMale unemployment (16+) by Scottish local authority, Oct 10-Sep 11 toOct 11-Sep 12\r\n \r\nOct10-Sep11\r\nJan11-Dec11\r\nApr11-Mar12\r\nJul11-Jun12\r\nOct11-Sep12\r\n \r\nlevel\r\nrate\r\nlevel\r\nrate\r\nlevel\r\nrate\r\nlevel\r\nrate\r\nlevel\r\nrate\r\nAberdeen City\r\n5,300\r\n7.9%\r\n5,100\r\n7.6%\r\n5,100\r\n7.4%\r\n4,400\r\n6.3%\r\n4,600\r\n6.6%\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n2,900\r\n3.9%\r\n3,100\r\n4.2%\r\n3,000\r\n4.0%\r\n3,300\r\n4.4%\r\n3,600\r\n4.8%\r\nAngus\r\n2,900\r\n10.1%\r\n2,600\r\n9.1%\r\n2,200\r\n7.5%\r\n1,900\r\n6.6%\r\n2,200\r\n7.8%\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n1,800\r\n8.0%\r\n1,900\r\n8.4%\r\n1,900\r\n8.2%\r\n1,900\r\n8.2%\r\n2,100\r\n9.1%\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n1,500\r\n11.1%\r\n1,700\r\n12.5%\r\n1,700\r\n13.0%\r\n2,000\r\n15.8%\r\n2,000\r\n15.6%\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n4,200\r\n11.4%\r\n4,100\r\n11.0%\r\n4,000\r\n11.0%\r\n4,200\r\n11.4%\r\n4,000\r\n11.0%\r\nDundee City\r\n3,700\r\n9.9%\r\n3,400\r\n9.3%\r\n3,200\r\n9.0%\r\n3,800\r\n10.6%\r\n3,300\r\n9.7%\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n4,100\r\n13.3%\r\n4,000\r\n12.7%\r\n3,900\r\n12.3%\r\n4,100\r\n13.1%\r\n4,300\r\n13.6%\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n2,000\r\n7.5%\r\n1,900\r\n6.9%\r\n2,200\r\n8.0%\r\n2,300\r\n8.3%\r\n2,000\r\n7.7%\r\nEast Lothian\r\n2,200\r\n9.0%\r\n2,300\r\n9.1%\r\n1,900\r\n7.5%\r\n1,500\r\n6.0%\r\n1,700\r\n6.9%\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n1,100\r\n4.7%\r\n1,300\r\n5.3%\r\n1,400\r\n6.3%\r\n1,300\r\n5.7%\r\n1,600\r\n7.0%\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n8,800\r\n6.3%\r\n9,900\r\n7.2%\r\n8,400\r\n6.1%\r\n8,300\r\n6.0%\r\n6,800\r\n4.9%\r\nEilean Siar\r\n*\r\n4.5%\r\n*\r\n7.5%\r\n*\r\n7.3%\r\n600\r\n10.1%\r\n500\r\n8.2%\r\nFalkirk\r\n3,600\r\n8.9%\r\n3,200\r\n7.8%\r\n3,200\r\n7.9%\r\n4,100\r\n10.2%\r\n3,700\r\n9.1%\r\nFife\r\n12,000\r\n12.3%\r\n9,700\r\n10.0%\r\n10,400\r\n10.7%\r\n10,000\r\n10.0%\r\n9,700\r\n9.9%\r\nGlasgow City\r\n20,000\r\n12.5%\r\n18,100\r\n11.1%\r\n16,800\r\n10.4%\r\n16,400\r\n10.5%\r\n19,300\r\n12.4%\r\nHighland\r\n3,000\r\n4.7%\r\n2,600\r\n4.0%\r\n1,700\r\n2.6%\r\n1,700\r\n2.6%\r\n2,600\r\n4.2%\r\nInverclyde\r\n2,600\r\n12.6%\r\n3,000\r\n15.0%\r\n3,100\r\n15.8%\r\n3,300\r\n16.7%\r\n3,200\r\n16.2%\r\nMidlothian\r\n2,100\r\n9.7%\r\n2,000\r\n9.1%\r\n1,800\r\n8.5%\r\n1,800\r\n8.3%\r\n1,700\r\n8.2%\r\nMoray\r\n900\r\n3.6%\r\n1,000\r\n3.9%\r\n1,000\r\n3.9%\r\n1,100\r\n4.5%\r\n1,000\r\n4.2%\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n4,700\r\n14.7%\r\n5,000\r\n15.6%\r\n5,300\r\n16.2%\r\n5,200\r\n16.1%\r\n4,400\r\n13.3%\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n9,000\r\n10.4%\r\n10,300\r\n11.9%\r\n10,800\r\n12.5%\r\n12,100\r\n13.9%\r\n12,100\r\n13.8%\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n*\r\n6.9%\r\n*\r\n7.9%\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n3.9%\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n2,000\r\n4.9%\r\n2,100\r\n5.2%\r\n2,600\r\n6.3%\r\n2,900\r\n7.0%\r\n3,100\r\n7.4%\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n4,000\r\n9.2%\r\n3,700\r\n8.3%\r\n3,100\r\n6.9%\r\n3,500\r\n7.8%\r\n3,900\r\n8.3%\r\nScottish Borders\r\n1,800\r\n6.4%\r\n1,800\r\n6.2%\r\n1,600\r\n5.7%\r\n1,900\r\n6.4%\r\n1,600\r\n5.6%\r\nShetland Islands\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n3,100\r\n11.5%\r\n3,200\r\n12.0%\r\n3,200\r\n12.0%\r\n3,400\r\n12.0%\r\n3,300\r\n11.3%\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n7,800\r\n9.7%\r\n7,200\r\n8.9%\r\n7,300\r\n9.0%\r\n7,100\r\n8.6%\r\n5,900\r\n7.2%\r\nStirling\r\n1,500\r\n6.7%\r\n1,500\r\n6.3%\r\n2,100\r\n9.0%\r\n2,200\r\n9.1%\r\n2,400\r\n10.0%\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n3,200\r\n13.5%\r\n2,900\r\n12.3%\r\n2,600\r\n11.1%\r\n2,800\r\n12.1%\r\n2,700\r\n11.9%\r\nWest Lothian\r\n3,300\r\n6.8%\r\n3,700\r\n7.7%\r\n2,600\r\n5.5%\r\n1,900\r\n3.9%\r\n2,100\r\n4.4%\r\nSource: Annual Population Survey, Office for National Statistics\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Levels rounded to nearest hundred, rates based on unrounded figures.\r\n2. Unemployment is as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).\r\n3. * Indicates data unreliable as sample sizes are too small. All estimates should be treated with caution because of relatively wide confidence intervals.\r\n\r\nFemale unemployment (16+) by Scottish local authority, Oct'10-Sep'11 to Oct'11-Sep'12\r\n \r\nOct'10-Sep'11\r\nJan'11-Dec'11\r\nApr'11-Mar'12\r\nJul'11-Jun'12\r\nOct'11-Se","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T16:59:56.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281982,"EventID":"S4W-13345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-27T16:59:57.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:14:23.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent (a) meetings and (b) communications it has had with government officials from (i) Argentina, (ii) Brazil, (iii) China, (iv) Iceland, (v) Ireland, (vi) Qatar and (vii) Spain and on what issues.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government, as part of its international engagement, has recently held numerous meetings and communications with government officials from other countries to discuss areas of mutual interest. These meetings and communications from both ministers and officials have been wide ranging and have taken place across the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-13T16:59:57.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281983,"EventID":"S4O-01859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T11:02:35.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T08:59:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what developments there have been since November 2012 regarding the external screening facility.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T11:02:35.657","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281984,"EventID":"S4O-01860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T11:02:36.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-21T15:27:16.93","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what work is being done to improve accessibility to the parliamentary campus for people with autistic spectrum disorder.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T11:02:36.747","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281985,"EventID":"S4O-01861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T11:02:37.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-22T10:21:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it plans to upgrade the voting consoles in the chamber and, if so, when this will be carried out.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T11:02:37.387","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281986,"EventID":"S4O-01892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T11:02:38.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T12:16:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what its position is on members paying their staff the living wage.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T11:02:38.12","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281987,"EventID":"S4O-01893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T11:02:38.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T14:21:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how many oral questions have been (a) lodged for and (b) taken at SPCB Questions in the current parliamentary session.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T11:02:38.807","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":281988,"EventID":"S4O-01894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T11:02:39.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T15:58:04.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what recent discussions it has had with its catering contractor regarding the traceability of its meat supply chain.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T11:02:39.68","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282003,"EventID":"S4W-13346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:23.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:32:27.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11014 by Roseanna Cunningham on 21 November 2012, with what stakeholders it has engaged and what the (a) timescale and (b) process will be for developing an options paper on an environmental court.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government remains committed to publishing an options paper in the lifetime of this current parliament. No decisions have been taken yet on the timetable however, once they are taken, the Scottish Government will fully engage with stakeholders on the matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:24.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282004,"EventID":"S4W-13347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:24.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:32:27.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route project cost estimate of £653 million includes (a) all consequential costs for other works required to complete the project and (b) money spent in previous years.","AnswerText":"The total scheme cost estimate for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) element of AWPR/Balmedie-Tipperty project is £653 million at 2012 prices (excluding VAT) which includes costs associated with design preparation, land purchase, advance works, utility diversions, site supervision, detrunking costs, main works construction costs and risk. The total scheme cost estimate for the AWPR also includes previous expenditure on the project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:24.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282005,"EventID":"S4W-13348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:25.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:43:10.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how its broadband policy supports cabinet upgrades in (a) rural, (b) semi-urban and (c) urban areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s Step Change 2015 programme – which will deliver infrastructure capable of delivering next generation broadband by 2015 – is technology and supplier neutral. The extent to which the programme will involve upgrades to BT cabinets will depend on the detail of the contracts awarded under the Highlands and Islands and the Rest of Scotland Procurement exercises.\r\nThe focus of the Scottish Government’s broadband policy is to address the digital divide by extending the infrastructure needed to deliver next generation broadband to those areas where the market will currently not go. The focus of Step Change investment will therefore predominantly be in rural areas. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:25.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282006,"EventID":"S4W-13349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:25.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:40:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Scottish Water’s customer forum will be established.","AnswerText":"The Customer Forum was established in Autumn 2011 with the task of bringing the customers voice to the table in determining future service levels, investment priorities, and how much customers should pay for water and waste water services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:25.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282007,"EventID":"S4W-13350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:26.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:40:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how issues raised by Scottish Water’s customer forum will inform Scottish Water's work programme.","AnswerText":"The Customer Forum is already participating effectively in the on-going process of determining Scottish Water’s investment and service level priorities. The Forum is working with Scottish Water in scrutinising its customer research programme, analysing and interpreting the results. Key stakeholders across the industry – the Scottish Government, the Water Industry Commission, and Scottish Water itself - have acknowledged that the customer voice in decisions about water and wastewater service provision can be strengthened. The Forum will make sure that customers’ opinions are heard and taken into account in determining charges and spending priorities in the next price setting period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:26.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282008,"EventID":"S4W-13351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:26.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:40:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of Scottish Water’s operational budget is spent addressing flooding events.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Water. I have asked Scottish Water’s chief executive to write to you to provide these details.\r\nFor each regulatory period, the Scottish Ministers direct Scottish Water as to the improvements it must deliver. The improvements required for this period are available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/917/0088613.pdf.\r\nIn relation to customer service, which also includes measures in relation to sewer flooding, Scottish Water is required to improve its performance to deliver the upper quartile performance achieved by the industry in England and Wales by 2015. Further information on the basket of measures that describe customer service and the targets set is available on an information sheet provided by the Water Industry Commission for Scotland at: \r\nhttp://www.watercommission.co.uk/UserFiles/Documents/Updated%20Public%20Information%20Note%20OPA.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:26.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282009,"EventID":"S4W-13352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:27.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:40:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports residents at risk of pluvial flooding.","AnswerText":"Flood protection schemes are primarily a matter for local authorities, however the Scottish Government is committed to supporting work that helps protect the people of Scotland from the effects of flooding.\r\nThat is why we introduced the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 which sets out a more sustainable and modern approach to managing flood risk from all sources, including pluvial flood risk.\r\nThe first ever National Flood Risk Assessment for Scotland was published in December 2011 and is the first step in this new risk-based approach to managing the impacts of floods, where the focus of plans and actions to manage flooding are targeted on where the need and benefits are greatest. The next step is for SEPA to publish new flood risk and flood hazard maps in December 2013.\r\nI would recommend anyone affected by flooding to contact the Scottish Flood Forum. The Forum, which receives funding from the Scottish Government, provides  an invaluable source of advice and support. I also encourage any residents affected by flooding to apply for crisis loans through the Department for Work and Pensions.\r\nI am also in discussions with the Association of British Insurers about industry proposals for continuation of flood insurance for the most vulnerable properties once the Statement of Principles ceases this summer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:27.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282010,"EventID":"S4W-13353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:27.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:40:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of Scottish Water’s operational budget is spent addressing pluvial flooding.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13351 on 11 March 2013.\r\nScottish Water is named as a Responsible Authority under the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009. Amongst other duties, this requires it participate in efforts to assess and mitigate the risk of flood arising from the public sewerage network. Currently, six projects are underway in partnership with Local Authorities and SEPA in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Grangemouth, Aberdeen, Dundee and the Irvine coastline to understand better the performance of drainage and sewerage networks.\r\nAs I announced on 25 February, a package of investment worth some £250 million over the next five years for Glasgow has been informed by the excellent work undertaken by the Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership. This will relieve flooding at numerous locations across Glasgow and deliver significant improvements to the quality of the water in the River Clyde.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:27.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282011,"EventID":"S4W-13354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:28.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:51:17.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many households have been given support by the Home Owners' Support Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"325 households were helped by the Home Owners’ Support Fund in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:28.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282012,"EventID":"S4W-13355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:28.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:51:17.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its budget is for the Home Owners' Support Fund for (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerText":"£10 million has been allocated to the Home Owners’ Support Fund for each of the years 2013-14 and 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:28.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282013,"EventID":"S4W-13356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:28.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:51:17.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will establish a set of minimum physical, locational, service and management standards for temporary accommodation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Prior to considering establishment of minimum standards, the Scottish Government is assembling a clearer evidence base on standards in temporary accommodation, working closely with our local authority partners and organisations like Shelter Scotland.\r\nWe have invited Shelter and the other stakeholders to highlight concerns or evidence of poor quality standards of temporary accommodation in Scotland. I have also asked the joint Scottish Government/COSLA Homelessness Prevention Group to examine this issue, and discuss any action required. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:28.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282014,"EventID":"S4W-13357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:29.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:51:17.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the effectiveness and sufficiency of the policy that 25% of new housing units should be affordable housing.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s policy on the implementation of local affordable housing policies is set out in Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) which makes it clear that authorities may seek a percentage contribution from developers for affordable housing where this is justified. SPP encourages authorities to be realistic, flexible and to consider viability in applying such policies. The Chief Planner wrote to all local authorities in March 2011 reminding them of this requirement in view of the current economic climate. SPP is currently under review, and a consultation draft will be published in Spring this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:29.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282015,"EventID":"S4W-13358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:29.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:51:17.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hits the Landlord Registration Scotland website has received in each year.","AnswerText":"No records are kept of the number of individual hits on the Landlord Registration Scotland website.\r\nHowever, a total of 211,339 applications for registration have been made on the website between inception of the system on 30 April 2006 and 31 January 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:29.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282016,"EventID":"S4W-13359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:30.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:51:17.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cases the Private Rented Housing Panel has dealt with in each year.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Private Rented Housing Panel was launched on 3 September 2007 and deals with 2 types of cases, rent assessment and repairing standard cases. The figures for each are as follows.\r\nYear\r\nRent\r\nRepairs\r\n2007 (from 3 September)\r\n19\r\n28\r\n2008\r\n67\r\n115\r\n2009\r\n79\r\n124\r\n2010\r\n71\r\n194\r\n2011\r\n75\r\n229\r\n2012\r\n47\r\n232\r\n2013 (to 4 March)\r\n1\r\n37\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:30.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282017,"EventID":"S4W-13360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:30.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:53:32.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will (a) continue to support the implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence through outdoor learning and (b) implement the recommendations of the Learning for Sustainability report.\r\n","AnswerText":"Learning for Sustainability further strengthens the place of outdoor learning and sends a clear message about the value and importance of a holistic, whole school approach that encompasses sustainable development, global citizenship and outdoor learning.\r\nAll 31 recommendations have been accepted, almost all in full, and the Scottish Government will be working with partners including the Regional Centre for Expertise in Education for Sustainable Development, Education Scotland, the General Teaching Council for Scotland, educators and others to support implementation arrangements.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s response to the Learning for Sustainability report was published on 13 March 2013 and is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Education/Schools/curriculum/ACE\r\nEducation Scotland continues to provide strong support for the development of outdoor learning as an approach to learning within Curriculum for Excellence. In addition to guidance and high quality resources, Education Scotland has initiated a coherent and strategic career-long professional learning programme in partnership with local authorities and a wide range of stakeholders. A range of support is also provided on health and wellbeing and outdoor learning and making best use of Scotland’s National Parks.\r\nEducation Scotland will continue to promote outdoor learning as a key pedagogical approach in line with the recommendations for the Learning for Sustainability Report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:30.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282018,"EventID":"S4W-13361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:30.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:53:32.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the revised Scottish planning policy will provide improved (a) statutory guidance on sustainable development (b) protection for peatlands and (c) protection for Scotland's natural and cultural heritage.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is currently reviewing the Scottish Planning Policy. From October to January officials carried out a process of pre-draft engagement, seeking stakeholders’ views on the priorities for change in the policy. These responses are being analysed and taken into account in the preparation of the consultation draft. The draft SPP will be published for consultation in the spring.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:30.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282019,"EventID":"S4W-13362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:30.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:53:32.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that the review of the European Environmental Impact Assessment Directive maintains a high level of protection for the environment in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to supporting the continuous development of more efficient and effective EIA practice in Scotland. Officials across the Scottish Government recently hosted a series of seminars aimed at better understanding the European Commission's detailed proposals for amending this Directive, and the likely impact of those proposals in light of this objective. We are currently analysing the seminar findings and will publish a written summary in due course. We will use the seminar findings to inform our on-going engagement with UK and European partners including engagement with ministers and officials in Ireland, given their role in the Presidency of the European Council of Ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:30.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282020,"EventID":"S4W-13363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:31.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:53:32.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide the number of personal bankruptcy cases (a) discharged by the Accountant in Bankruptcy and (b) in which the Accountant in Bankruptcy restricted the hours charged for work by trustees in the same year in the latest year for which information is available\r\n","AnswerText":"Between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012, the Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB) discharged 12,106 personal bankruptcy cases. For the same time period, AiB restricted the hours charged for work by trustees in 19 cases. When considering trustee accounts, AiB will disallow hours charged that are not appropriate and reduce the number of hours claimed if they appear excessive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:31.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282021,"EventID":"S4W-13364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:31.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:53:32.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what process the Accountant in Bankruptcy uses when discharging bankruptcies to ensure that excessive hours are not charged for work.\r\n","AnswerText":"For those cases where the Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB) is trustee the remuneration claimed is determined in accordance with the Bankruptcy Fees etc. (Scotland) Regulations 2012.\r\nWhere a private trustee is in place, a breakdown of the hours incurred and a summary of the work carried out must be supplied to AiB for determination. This must take the format shown in the Statement of Insolvency Practice (Scotland) 9 which insolvency practitioners are required to comply with. This “time matrix” provides details of the categories of work carried out, the grade of staff that carried out the work and the hourly rate charged.\r\nWhilst AiB has no authority to alter the hourly rate charged, it will carefully examine each entry on the matrix and time sheets to ensure that the work carried out was necessary, the time claimed reasonable and the work was carried out by the appropriate grade of staff. Where fees are in excess of £15,000 over a 12 month period, an examination of their files is also carried out to substantiate the entries on the timesheets. When necessary, AiB will disallow hours that are not appropriate, amend the time matrix to ensure the appropriate hourly rate is claimed, and reduce the number of hours claimed if they appear excessive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:31.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282022,"EventID":"S4W-13365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:32.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:55:23.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it encourages supermarket owners to participate in local licensing forums.\r\n","AnswerText":"Section 10 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 places responsibility on the relevant local council to appoint the membership of each local licensing forum. The relevant council must ensure, so far as possible, that the membership of the forum is representative of persons within that local area who have an interest which is relevant to the forum’s general functions. I do not consider it appropriate for Scottish Ministers to intervene in this local matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:32.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282023,"EventID":"S4W-13366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:32.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T17:10:24.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken since June 2012 to (a) strengthen the licensing scheme for metal and (b) ban payment of cash in exchange for scrap metal, and what further action is planned.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has raised the level of turnover required for a meal dealer to be exempt from licensing from £100,000 to £1,000,000, there by drawing more dealers into the licensing scheme. The order making this change was laid before the Scottish Parliament on 26 November 2012 and came into force on 20 February 2013.\r\nA further consultation on changes to the licensing scheme for metal dealers will commence shortly. This will include proposals for the removal of the exemption system entirely and the banning of cash payments for scrap metal will commence shortly. We will welcome the views of interested parties on these matters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:32.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282024,"EventID":"S4W-13367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:32.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:43:10.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions regarding street level cabinet exchanges it has had with broadband operators who have received public money to upgrade exchanges.\r\n","AnswerText":"BT is the only broadband operator to have received public money to upgrade exchanges, through the Scottish Government’s 2005 Broadband for Scotland Project.\r\n\r\nDiscussions regarding telephone exchanges and cabinets are likely to form part of the ongoing procurement exercises for the Step Change 2015 Programme. The programme, which is technology neutral, will deliver next generation broadband connectivity throughout Scotland by 2015 and is progressing through two procurements – for the Highlands and Islands, and the rest of Scotland. Detailed rollout plans in respect of both procurements will not be known until after the contracts are awarded.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:32.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282025,"EventID":"S4W-13368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:33.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-27T16:43:10.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Governement what assessment it has made of the willingness of broadband operators to upgrade cabinets in the context of its exchange upgrade programme.","AnswerText":"The willingness of broadband operators to upgrade cabinets will depend on the outcomes of ongoing discussions which are taking place in relation to the Scottish Government’s Step Change 2015 Programme. This programme is progressing through two procurement exercises and detailed rollout plans, including the technological solutions, in respect of both procurements, will not be known until after the contracts are awarded.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:33.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282026,"EventID":"S4W-13369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:34.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T09:57:12.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will list the Scottish morbidity record data for the last three years, broken down by acute hospital.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to list individual SMR records for reasons of patient confidentiality.\r\nThe Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland collects patient level healthcare information on various Scottish Morbidity Record (SMR) schemes.\r\nThis data covers a wide range of NHS healthcare activity, including SMR00 (outpatient clinic attendance), SMR01 (acute hospital inpatient and day case activity), SMR02 (maternity hospital inpatient and day case activity). More information on ISD’s data collections is available on the ISD website at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/About-ISD/Data-Collection/.\r\nPublished aggregate data based on SMR returns is available on the ISD website at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/.\r\nOverall volumes of SMRs returned are available on the Hospital Records Data Monitoring - SMR Timeliness subtopic of ISD’s website at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Products-and-Services/Hospital-Records-Data-Monitoring/SMR-Timeliness/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:34.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282027,"EventID":"S4W-13370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:34.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T10:57:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12215 by Kenny MacAskill on 8 February 2013, how many (a) High Court fines, (b) Sheriff Court fines, (c) Justice of the Peace Court fines, (d) District Court fines, (e) Stipendiary Magistrate Court fines and (f) fiscal direct penalties imposed for common assault since 2007 (a) have been paid (i) in full and (ii) in part and (b) are unpaid.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing within twenty days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:34.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282028,"EventID":"S4W-13371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:34.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T10:57:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12215 by Kenny MacAskill on 8 February 2013, how many (a) High Court fines, (b) Sheriff Court fines, (c) Justice of the Peace Court fines, (d) District Court fines, (e) Stipendiary Magistrate Court fines and (f) fiscal direct penalties for drugs offences since 2007 (a) have been paid (i) in full and (ii) in part and (b) are unpaid.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing within twenty days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:34.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282029,"EventID":"S4W-13372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:35.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T11:49:22.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what projects it has funded to tackle sectarianism in each of the last two years, broken down by (a) project, (b) amount awarded and (c) date of award.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government funding to tackle sectarianism in 2011-12 and 2012-13 is shown in the following table, broken down by organisation and project, amount awarded and date of award:\r\nOrganisation and Project\r\nFunding Amount (2011-12)\r\nDate of Award\r\nFunding Amount (2012-13)\r\nDate of Award\r\nCambridge University Technical Services – ‘Integrative Complexity’ Project\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\n£167,920\r\n06-08-2012\r\nChildren’s Parliament – ‘Me+Us’ Project\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\n£50,670\r\n12-06-2012\r\nCitizen’s Theatre – ‘Divided City’ Project\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\n£116,500\r\n15-08-2012\r\nCity of Edinburgh Council – ‘Community Research’ Project\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\n£6,600\r\n15-08-2012\r\nConforti Institute – ‘Lederach’s Peace Building Model’ Project\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\n£111,141\r\n02-07-2012\r\nFaith in Community Scotland – ‘Developing an Asset-based Approach to tackling sectarianism’ Project\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\n£69,793\r\n12-07-2012\r\nFestival of Spirituality and Peace – ‘Civic Cafes’ Project\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\n£9,000\r\n11-06-2012\r\nFootball Co-Ordination Unit Scotland (FoCUS)\r\n£1,022,035\r\n01-09-2011\r\n£797,703\r\n18-05-2012\r\nThe Iona Community – ‘Can you hear the bigots sing’ prisons’ Project and ‘Community Youth Work’ Project\r\n£42,000\r\n16-03-2011\r\n£42,000\r\n16-04-2012\r\nNil by Mouth – ‘Beyond Religion and Belief’ and ‘Champions for Change’ Projects\r\n£59,647\r\n16-03-2011\r\n£60,000\r\n11-04-2012\r\nOutward Bound Trust – ‘Community Unity’ Project\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\n£60,000\r\n15-08-2012\r\nA Place for Hope – ‘Community Mediation’ Project\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\n£50,000\r\n16-08-2012\r\nSACRO (Safeguarding Communities – Reducing Offending) – ‘Together Project’\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\n£100,000\r\n15-08-2012\r\nScottish Community Development Centre – ‘Proof of Concept’ Project with Community Links, Yipworld.com and Getting Better Together Ltd\r\n£36,700\r\n07-12-2011\r\n£107,537\r\n19-06-2012\r\nScottish Community Development Centre – ‘Community-led Action Research’ Project with, Fauldhouse Community Development Trust, Edinburgh and Lothian Regional Equality Council and Pilmeny Development Trust\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\n£59,000\r\n12-07-2012\r\nScottish Marriage Care – ‘Evaluate Models of Intervention’ Project\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\n£69,690\r\n22-10-2012\r\nScottish Sports Futures – ‘Stand Tall’ Project\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\n£84,000\r\n19-09-2012\r\nSense over Sectarianism – ‘Schools and Community Engagement through Education’ Project and ‘Small Grant Scheme’ Project\r\n£150,000\r\n16-03-2011\r\n£150,000\r\n11-04-2012\r\nShow Bigotry the Red Card – ‘Anti-Sectarian Educational Work’ Project\r\n£20,000\r\n16-03-2011\r\n£20,000\r\n11-04-2012\r\nVoluntary Action Fund – ‘Community Engagement and support’ Projects with Inverclyde Community Development Trust, Twechar Community Action and Central Scotland Regional Equality Council\r\n£29,271\r\n07-12-2012\r\n£110,682\r\n14-05-2012\r\nVoluntary Action Fund - Community Engagement and support’ Projects with Renton Community Development Trust,   Stewarty Council of Voluntary Services, Brora Community Learning Centre, Brag Enterprises, Engender, Scottish Women’s Convention, Edinburgh and Lothian’s Regional Equality Council and Scottish Women’s Library\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\n£138,198\r\n12-07-2012\r\nVoluntary Action Fund – Glasgow Scoping Project\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\n£25,000\r\n12-07-2012\r\nYouth Scotland – ‘Stand Up to Sectarianism’ Project.\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\n£55,045\r\n29-10-2012\r\nYouthLink Scotland – ‘Web Portal’ Project.\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\n£87,780\r\n15-10-2012\r\n\r\nI also refer the member to the answers to questions S4W-13159 on 5 March 2013, S4W-08770 on 17 July 2012, and S4W-03239 on 25 November 2011.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:35.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282030,"EventID":"S4W-13375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:35.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T13:52:27.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the provision of IVF and other fertility treatments by each NHS board since 2008.","AnswerText":"The National Infertility Group was set up in April 2010 to address the inequity of access to infertility treatment across Scotland. This included considering the provision of current levels of infertility treatments in NHS boards. The group’s report, with final recommendations on future provision of IVF treatment across Scotland, is currently with Ministers for consideration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:35.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282031,"EventID":"S4W-13376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:35.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T13:52:27.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) advice and (b) reports on access to and provision of fertility treatment it has received from the National Infertility Group.","AnswerText":"The National Infertility Group was set up in April 2010 to address the inequity of access to infertility treatment across Scotland. The Group’s report, with final recommendations on future provision of IVF treatment across Scotland, is currently with Ministers for consideration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:35.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282032,"EventID":"S4W-13377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:37:36.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T13:52:27.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many NHS boards provide access to three cycles of IVF treatment for couples.","AnswerText":"The following NHS boards allow eligible couples access to up to three cycles of IVF treatment:\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nNHS Highland\r\nNHS Orkney\r\nNHS Shetland\r\nNHS Tayside\r\nNHS Western Isles.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:37:36.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282033,"EventID":"S4W-13381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T14:45:06.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T14:28:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date it will publish the first in its series of analytical bulletins on oil and gas.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will publish the first in a series of oil and gas analytical bulletins on 11 March 2013.\r\nThe bulletin demonstrates that Scotland is a major oil and gas producer, accounting for an estimated 78% of total UK hydrocarbon production in 2011. Scotland is also estimated to be the largest producer of hydrocarbons in the EU and accounted for approximately 64% of EU oil production in 2010.\r\nThe analysis shows that significant oil and gas reserves remain in the North Sea. Oil and Gas UK estimate that up to 24 billion barrels of oil and gas equivalent could still be recovered. These reserves are estimated to have a potential wholesale value of up to £1.5 trillion. This implies that – by wholesale value – more than half of the oil and gas reserves in the North Sea could still be extracted. \r\nNew internationally comparable analysis contained in the bulletin shows that Scotland is estimated to have the largest oil reserves in the EU, accounting for almost 60% of the EU total. The bulletin also estimates that Scotland has the second largest volume of proven gas reserves in the EU.\r\nScottish oil and gas production is estimated to have generated £10.6 billion in tax revenue during 2011-12. The sector is projected to remain a significant source of revenue in future years. The bulletin presents four potential scenarios for future North Sea tax revenue that take into account recent trends in investment and prices. The results suggest that oil and gas production in Scottish waters could generate between £41 and £57 billion in tax revenue over the six years to 2017-18. Taking the average of these scenarios suggests that oil and gas production in Scottish waters could generate approximately £48 billion in tax revenue over this period.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s Oil and Gas Analytical Bulletin is the first time all of this information has been estimated. It replaces the Government’s previous estimates of production and reserves and in doing so, the bulletin sets out a clear picture of the vast potential and importance of hydrocarbons in the North Sea. It is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Business/Energy/OilGas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T14:45:06.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282041,"EventID":"S4W-13378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T16:58:41.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T14:18:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to increase public awareness of the dangers of exposure to ultraviolet light and help reduce the incidence of skin cancer.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the dangers of over-exposure to ultraviolet light.\r\nIn October 2012, we launched the R UV Ugly? Campaign in partnership with Cancer Research UK, to raise public awareness of the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet light through sunbed use.\r\nScotland has also led the way in the UK by being the first country to introduce legislation for sun bed use to help reduce the incidence of skin cancer. The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 (Sunbed) Regulations 2009 were brought into force on 1 December 2009. The Act bans operators from allowing the use of sunbeds by under 18s in commercial premises; prohibits the sale or hire of sunbeds to under 18s; requires operators to supervise the use of sunbeds; places a duty upon the operator of a sunbed premise to display a public information notice; and requires operators to provide customers with health information on the health risks associated with sunbed use.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T16:58:41.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282042,"EventID":"S4W-13379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T16:58:42.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T14:18:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to develop and publish updated referral guidelines for GPs on skin cancer as part of the Detect Cancer Early Initiative.","AnswerText":"The Detect Cancer Early Programme aims to increase the proportion of cancers detected at the early stage of disease. Although directed at lung, breast and colorectal cancers in the first instance, early diagnosis and high quality treatment and care for all patients with cancer is a top priority. It is anticipated that the programme will benefit other groups of people as general awareness raising initiatives are expected to result in earlier presentation, referral and assessment for all those with a possibility of cancer.\r\nColorectal, lung and breast cancer represent 45 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in Scotland per year. To allow the early stages of the programme to be appropriately managed and be the most effective, a decision was taken to focus on these three cancers initially. This will enable the greatest impact both in terms of patient numbers and in tackling cancer in areas of deprivation where survival has historically been poorest. It will be easier to demonstrate shifts in outcomes and in population attitudes by choosing the high incidence tumour types as the initial focus, it is anticipated that this will build the momentum for the programme that will then facilitate roll out to the rarer tumour types.\r\nThe original Scottish Referral Guidelines for Suspected Cancer were developed by a working group formed by the Scottish Executive Health Directorate and were published in April 2002. These guidelines include skin cancer. They were reviewed in 2006, with a revised publication issued in February 2007. In 2009 the Scottish Primary Care Cancer Group (SPCCG) developed a quick reference guide as an “aide memoire” to the full guidelines, this publication was supported by the Scottish Government.\r\nOnce the initial phase of the Detect Cancer Early Programme is completed, consideration will be given to which other cancers need to be tackled in a similar way. This includes review of the referral guidelines.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T16:58:42.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282043,"EventID":"S4W-13380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T16:58:42.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T14:18:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made in the programme for developing national cancer quality performance indicators for specific cancer types.","AnswerText":"Under the auspices of the Scottish Cancer Taskforce, National Cancer Quality Performance Indicators (QPIs) are being developed to drive continuous quality improvement in cancer care across NHSScotland. An ambitious programme of work has been agreed, which will see QPIs developed for all main cancers by 2014.\r\nThe development of QPIs for breast, renal, prostate, hepatopancreatobiliary, upper gastro-intestinal, colorectal and lung cancers are complete and further tumour specific QPIs including those for ovarian cancer, lymphoma, brain/central nervous system cancer, bladder cancer, head and neck cancer, sarcoma, acute leukaemia and melanoma are being developed.\r\nOnce completed the QPIs are made available on Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s website at: \r\nhttp://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/programmes/cancer_care_improvement/cancer_qpis.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T16:58:42.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282044,"EventID":"S4W-13382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T16:58:42.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T14:38:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much (a) West Lothian and (b) Fife Council will pay toward the cost of the Forth Replacement Crossing.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Forth Replacement Crossing will be fully funded through Scottish Government capital budgets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T16:58:42.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282045,"EventID":"S4W-13383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T16:58:43.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T14:38:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average cost per kilometre has been for the construction of new roads in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"Schemes vary considerably in terms of their nature, location, complexity of design and the environmental constraints that governs that design. The average cost per kilometre for the construction of new roads in each year since 1999 is contained in the following table.\r\nThe 2008 figure reflects the cost of the M74 Completion which was a particularly complex project, largely comprising of elevated structures located in a geometrically constrained brownfield site. Despite these challenges, the M74 Project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.\r\nThe year noted is the year in which construction commenced on a scheme. \r\nYear\r\nAverage cost per Km/Lane\r\nNumber of Km's\r\n \r\n£M\r\n \r\n1999\r\n0.29\r\n3.00\r\n2000\r\n*\r\n \r\n2001\r\n0.48\r\n9.26\r\n2002\r\n1.44\r\n27.30\r\n2003\r\n2.29\r\n9.80\r\n2004\r\n*\r\n \r\n2005\r\n*\r\n \r\n2006\r\n1.26\r\n22.90\r\n2007\r\n1.50\r\n18.10\r\n2008\r\n18.54\r\n8.00\r\n2009\r\n1.94\r\n20.40\r\n2010\r\n2.85\r\n11.20\r\n2011\r\n*\r\n\r\n2012\r\n*\r\n\r\nNote*: No schemes commenced in these years.\r\nCosts for schemes which were predominantly junctions or interchanges have been excluded as these are not considered representative.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T16:58:43.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282046,"EventID":"S4W-13384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T16:58:43.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T15:12:51.893","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many representations it has received requesting a call-in of the decision by North Lanarkshire Council on 6 February 2013 to rationalise Abronhill and Cumbernauld high schools.","AnswerText":"The total number of representations made to the Scottish Ministers under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 (2010 Act) about North Lanarkshire Council’s proposals for Abronhill High School and Cumbernauld High School is almost 800. This figure includes a number of duplicate or multiple representations, the precise number of which is still being determined.\r\nHowever, the decision on whether to issue a call-in notice is not dependent on the number of representations made but where it appears to the Scottish Ministers that the education authority may have failed:\r\n(a) in a significant regard to comply with the requirements imposed on it by the 2010 Act so far as they are relevant in relation to the closure proposal, or\r\n(b) to take account of a material consideration relevant to its decision to implement the proposal.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T16:58:43.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282047,"EventID":"S4W-13385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-02-28T16:58:44.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T15:12:51.893","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) highest number and (b) average number of representations is that it has received requesting a call-in of a local authority decision under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of representations made to the Scottish Ministers under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 about school closure proposals varies significantly on a case by case basis. In many cases no representations have been made while in others there have been some hundreds of representations.\r\nThe highest number of individual representations made to the Scottish Ministers about a single school closure proposal is nearly 900.\r\nThe average number of representations made to the Scottish Ministers about a school closure proposal, based on the 75 school closure proposals considered to date, is estimated to be around 30.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-14T16:58:44.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282048,"EventID":"S4W-13387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-01T13:49:39.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T16:18:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to ensure that patients in Scotland with metastatic malignant melanoma have access to newly developed treatments available elsewhere in the UK.","AnswerText":"Scotland has its own robust and transparent appraisal process for newly licensed medicines through the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) and Healthcare Improvement Scotland. The processes of these bodies are independent from the Scottish Government.\r\nThe Access to New Medicines Review is currently examining every aspect of the processes for introducing new medicines within the NHS in Scotland to assess their effectiveness and to identify what further improvements can be made. The outcomes of the current review of Access to New Medicines will be published in the Spring.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-15T13:49:39.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282049,"EventID":"S4W-13388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-01T13:49:40.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T16:18:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it can confirm that the drug, ipilimumab, has been made available to patients with metastatic malignant melanoma in every country that has completed its regulatory review of the new treatment.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold information about which medicines are made available to patients with a particular condition, including metastatic malignant melanoma, in other countries. National advice from each UK country on ipilimumab is published on their respective websites.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-15T13:49:40.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282050,"EventID":"S4W-13389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-01T13:49:40.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T16:18:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether patients have accessed new treatments for metastatic malignant melanoma by means of the individual patient treatment request system.","AnswerText":"Information on which medicines have been accessed through the Individual Patient Treatment Request process is not collected centrally. This information can be sought from individual NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-15T13:49:40.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282051,"EventID":"S4W-13390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-01T13:49:41.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T17:02:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients were treated with neurosurgery for a mental disorder in the last year for which information is available, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"In the 12 month period, 6 March 2012 to 3 March 2013, there were less than five Neurosurgery procedures undertaken. We are unable to disaggregate this information further due to the potential risk of disclosure and to help maintain patient confidentiality.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-15T13:49:41.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282052,"EventID":"S4W-13391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-01T13:49:41.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T17:20:03.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what annual data reporting it requires of money advice services that it funds (a) directly and (b) indirectly.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not directly fund money advice services. We provide third tier funding to the Money Advice, Training, Resources, Information and Consultancy Services (MATRICS) project. The purpose of MATRICS is to ensure that there is a skilled money advice workforce which embeds the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers across the sector.\r\nIn accordance with the grant offer, MATRICS are required to submit a quarterly report summarising their performance against outcomes in the provision of training and support to enable money advisers to deliver a quality service.\r\nGrant funding is also provided to the Money Advice Trust (MAT) to support the National Debtline. MAT provide all funders including the Scottish Government with a quarterly report which includes data relating to number of calls answered, emails and most reported debt types.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not collate any statistical information from money advice agencies where funding has been provided indirectly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-15T13:49:41.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282053,"EventID":"S4W-13392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-01T13:49:41.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T17:20:03.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it collects data from the money advice services that it funds regarding the prevalence of debt problems and, if so, what categories it uses for different types of debt.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not directly fund money advice services. We provide third tier funding to the Money Advice, Training, Resources, Information and Consultancy Services (MATRICS) project. The purpose of MATRICS is to provide ensure there is a skilled money advice workforce which embeds the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers across the sector. No data is collected through this project on the prevalence of debt.\r\nThe Scottish Government also provide funding to the Money Advice Trust (MAT) to support the National Debtline. Under the terms of this grant, MAT provides all funders including the Scottish Government with a quarterly report. The report provides a breakdown of the most reported debt types, which are: mortgages, rent, council tax, hire purchase, payday loans, telephone, water, catalogues and fuel debt.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-15T13:49:41.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282054,"EventID":"S4W-13393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-01T13:49:42.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T17:20:03.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it assesses the extent of and trends in payday loan debt.\r\n","AnswerText":"The area of consumer credit, including pay day lending is currently a reserved matter; therefore the Scottish Government does not have the powers to collect this information from pay day loan companies.\r\nWe currently rely on published data by the UK Government and its associated departments to assess the extent of and trends in payday loan debt. I acknowledge that the rise of payday lending is fairly recent and the actual amounts being loaned by the high-interest sector is difficult to gauge.\r\nThe Office of Fair Trading (OFT) estimates the market for payday loans to have been worth £2-2.2 billion, in 2011-2012 based on the information provided by payday lending companies in 2012.\r\nWe will continue to monitor the prevalence and issues relating to payday loans through external research and continued engagement with stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-15T13:49:42.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282055,"EventID":"S4W-13394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-01T13:49:42.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T17:20:03.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its reasons were for discontinuing the money advice case management report and what information it no longer collects as a result.\r\n","AnswerText":"The collection of the money advice case management report ceased when the 2008 concordat with Convention Of Scottish Local Authorities was introduced. A statistical framework remained in place but in practice the collection of statistics proved difficult. The variability in the quality of returns led to the cessation of recording in 2011. Money advice agencies continue to collect their own statistics, which are suitable and appropriate for their needs in delivering debt advice in Scotland.\r\nOur focus is on supporting these organisations in the provision of money advice and encouraging these agencies to continue to raise the standard of debt advice across Scotland. We do this through third tier funding to the Money Advice, Training, Resources, Information and Consultancy Services (MATRICS) project which is a Citizens Advice Scotland and Money Advice Scotland partnership project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-15T13:49:42.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282056,"EventID":"S4W-13396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-01T13:49:42.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T17:20:03.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will set out the detail of its plans for a financial health service.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government set out proposals for a Financial Health Service, to support the provision of fair and just processes for debt advice, debt relief and debt management in its consultation paper, published on 24 February 2012. This is the first time in a generation that the principles and concept of bankruptcy and other debt management solutions have been considered. Following our consultation and the Scottish Government response, published on 7 November 2012, legislation will be brought forward during 2013 to deliver our broad and ambitious agenda for reform, focussing on outcomes and improvements to the whole system. This will commence with changes to the Debt Arrangement Scheme regulations and our Bankruptcy Reform Bill, which we expect to introduce in the first half of this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-15T13:49:42.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282057,"EventID":"S4W-13397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-01T13:49:43.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T17:20:03.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that all children receive financial education.","AnswerText":"Financial education is part of a wider focus on numeracy within Curriculum for Excellence. The expectation is that all teachers seek to develop young people’s numeracy skills in all areas and at all levels.\r\nSupport for financial education is provided by Education Scotland through a range of on-line teaching resources, professional development opportunities for teachers and through the Scottish Financial Education Forum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-15T13:49:43.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282058,"EventID":"S4W-13398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-01T13:49:43.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T10:01:06.13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to carry out a revaluation of the council tax bands.","AnswerText":"Ministers consider the council tax to be unfair and have committed to freezing the tax for the duration of this Parliament to support hard pressed households. The Scottish Government will consult with others to produce a fairer local tax based on ability to pay later in this Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-15T13:49:44.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282059,"EventID":"S4W-13399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-01T13:49:44.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T12:14:29.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what costs are associated with applying for a (a) continuing or (b) welfare power of attorney and what financial assistance is available to the (i) grantor and (ii) prospective attorney.","AnswerText":"Arrangements for powers of attorney are contained within the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000. Powers of attorney are granted by individuals and must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before they can take effect. The cost of registering a continuing power, or a welfare power, or both, is £70. There is no requirement to use a solicitor to draw up the power of attorney, but if applicants choose to do so then professional fees will apply. Civil legal aid is not available for power of attorney applications. A grant of advice and assistance from a solicitor may be available subject to the Scottish Legal Aid Board’s statutory tests of financial eligibility. The solicitor acting will advise on eligibility and decide whether the power of attorney can be drawn up and registered with the Office of the Public Guardian within the available expenditure of £95. If this is insufficient, the solicitor can request an increase in authorised expenditure from the Scottish Legal Aid Board if required, to enable them to complete the work.\r\nThe applications for registration by the Office of the Public Guardian must be accompanied by a statutory certificate, signed by a practising solicitor, practising advocate, or a registered and licensed medical practitioner. The purpose of the certificate is to certify that the relevant professional person has interviewed the granter immediately before the document is signed, and is satisfied that the granter understands the nature and extent of the power, and that he or she has no reason to believe that the granter is acting under undue influence. There is no statutory charge for completion of this certificate, and any person who chooses to draw up their own power will wish to seek advice from the relevant professional person as to the fee charged.\r\nThe role of the attorney or attorneys in the application process is to agree to act as attorney if or when the granter loses capacity to make their own decisions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-15T13:49:44.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282060,"EventID":"S4W-13400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-01T13:49:45.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T12:14:29.72","Title":"","ItemText":" To ask the Scottish Government what legal aid criteria apply to relatives applying for a (a) continuing or (b) welfare power of attorney.\r\n","AnswerText":"Arrangements for powers of attorney are contained within the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000. Individuals, while they have capacity, can grant a person or persons they trust powers to act as their continuing and/or welfare attorney in case capacity is lost at some future point. It is not the case that an individual’s relatives can apply on their behalf.\r\nCivil legal aid is not available for power of attorney applications. A grant of advice and assistance from a solicitor may be available subject to the Scottish Legal Aid Board’s statutory tests of financial eligibility. The solicitor acting will advise on eligibility and decide whether the power of attorney can be drawn up and registered with the Office of the Public Guardian within the available expenditure of £95. If this is insufficient, the solicitor can request an increase in authorised expenditure from the Scottish Legal Aid Board if required, to enable them to complete the work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-15T13:49:45.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282061,"EventID":"S4W-13401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-01T13:49:45.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T12:14:37.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on developing a super-fast rail link between Perth and the central belt.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to develop a new rail link between Perth and the central belt.\r\nTransport Scotland is working closely with Network Rail to develop phase two of the Highland Main Line Improvements Project and phase one of the Aberdeen to Central Belt Rail Enhancements Scheme. Both schemes will consider potential infrastructure enhancements south of Perth which could support improved journey times.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-15T13:49:45.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282062,"EventID":"S4W-13402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-01T13:49:45.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T13:00:19.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions the Minister for Transport and Veterans has had with the business community in Glasgow on whether there is a need for a Glasgow Airport rail link.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Minister for Transport and Veterans has not met directly with members of the business community in Glasgow to discuss their perceived or actual need for a Glasgow Airport Rail Link. However, representatives of the business community were invited to a range of stakeholder consultation and workshop events as part of the ongoing Glasgow Airport Transport Appraisal Study, led by Glasgow Airport, with support from Glasgow City Council, Renfrewshire Council and Transport Scotland on behalf of Scottish Ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-15T13:49:45.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282063,"EventID":"S4W-13403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-01T13:49:46.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T13:12:41.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what procedures it has in place to ensure that it considers the purchase of items of Scottish historical interest that become available for sale.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provides support and funding to the National Collections bodies, National Records Scotland and Historic Scotland, all of whom have procedures in place which allow them to identify items of Scottish historical interest for possible purchase.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government helps local museums and galleries to make purchases through funding for the National Fund for Acquisitions, which is administered by National Museums Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-15T13:49:46.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282078,"EventID":"S4F-01220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T13:24:02.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-02-28T15:23:18.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T13:24:02.063","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282079,"EventID":"S4F-01223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T13:24:03.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T09:46:09.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T13:24:03.47","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282080,"EventID":"S4F-01225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T13:24:05.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T10:51:45.277","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Government has to reform the school education system.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T13:24:05.043","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282081,"EventID":"S4F-01226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T13:24:05.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T10:55:44.277","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T13:24:05.543","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282082,"EventID":"S4F-01229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T13:24:08.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T11:16:38.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what consideration the Scottish Government has given to the introduction of legislation regarding the implementation of the relevant convention rights if the UK Government was to repeal the Human Rights Act 1998.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T13:24:08.117","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282083,"EventID":"S4F-01234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T13:24:12.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T11:28:11.223","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will clarify the current relationship between the Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T13:24:12.297","MeetingDate":"2013-03-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282092,"EventID":"S4W-13404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T14:43:35.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T15:23:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many children with a parent in prison are in (a) foster, (b) residential and (c) kinship care.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not collect this data.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T14:43:35.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282093,"EventID":"S4W-13405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T14:43:35.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T15:23:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what costs have been incurred in each year since 2007 as a result of children being taken into care following a parent being sent to prison.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not collect this data centrally and has made no estimate of these costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T14:43:35.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282094,"EventID":"S4W-13406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T14:43:36.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T15:23:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance social workers are given regarding preparing social enquiry reports for courts in relation to children of convicted offenders in order to assist sentencing.","AnswerText":"Social Enquiry Reports were replaced in February 2011 by Criminal Justice Social Work Reports (CJSWRs). Practice guidance for report writers and managers was published in December 2010 and is available on the Scottish Government website at:\r\n http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/offender-management/offender/community/16910/Standards/GuidanceCJSWR.\r\nIn detailing an offenders’ personal and social circumstances, report writers are encouraged to include any caring responsibilities that the individual may have (including part-time or weekend contact) and whether any significant family relationships are at risk of breaking down as a consequence of any relevant sentencing option (paragraph 6.17.1).\r\nAdditionally, where a custodial sentence is possible, the guidance notes that report writers should consider the likely impact of such a sentence on the individual’s family, including any children, taking into account such variables as whether they are the sole breadwinner, if the family home may be in jeopardy, and if caring responsibilities could no longer be fulfilled (paragraph 6.25.1).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T14:43:36.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282095,"EventID":"S4W-13407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T14:43:36.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T15:23:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on reducing reoffending in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"A number of Ministerial portfolios including justice, housing, health and education make important contributions towards reducing reoffending. However, we do not hold an aggregate figure for those contributions.\r\nWithin justice, a number of budgets contribute to reducing reoffending including those of Community Justice Authorities (CJAs) and the Scottish Prison Service (SPS). This funding is used to provide a range of services delivered by Local Authority Criminal Justice Social Work, the SPS itself and Third Sector partner organisations.\r\nCJAs were established by the Management of Offenders etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 to help reduce reoffending. Their responsibilities include the co-ordination of work across partner organisations, the promotion of good practice with a view to reducing reoffending and the appropriate allocation of funding to relevant local authorities.\r\nFunding provided to CJAs over the last five years is provided in the following table.\r\nFinancial Year\r\n\r\nCommunity Justice Authority Budget (£)\r\n2008-09\r\n92,786,314\r\n2009-10\r\n95,726,923\r\n2010-11\r\n98,863,003\r\n2011-12\r\n97,934,246\r\n2012-13\r\n96,832,691\r\n\r\nThe Government has also established the Reducing Reoffending Change Fund which will issue £10 million in grant funding in 2012-2015, to support organisations that deliver mentoring services to offenders, providing practical, one to one support to help offenders rehabilitate themselves and to desist from crime.\r\nIt is not possible to extract from the overall SPS budget the amount dedicated to reducing reoffending.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T14:43:36.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282096,"EventID":"S4W-13408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T14:43:36.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T15:23:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12231 by Kenny MacAskill on 24 January 2013, from what countries the research comes that evaluates the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThere are a number of countries that, over many years, have contributed to the research evidence available in relation to the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes. The main contributors to what is known come from North America – the United States and Canada – and the United Kingdom and Germany. Whilst this list is not exhaustive, academics and practitioners from these countries have been seminal in progressing our understanding of the effectiveness of these types of programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T14:43:36.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282097,"EventID":"S4W-13409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T14:43:37.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T15:23:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12231 by Kenny MacAskill on 24 January 2013, whether (a) it or (b) the Scottish Prison Service plans to evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes in prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nSPS will over the next three years submit its rehabilitation programmes to the Scottish Advisory Panel for Offender Rehabilitation (SAPOR) for accreditation. A key element of the accreditation process is that SPS evidence how it will evaluate the effectiveness of these.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T14:43:37.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282098,"EventID":"S4W-13410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T14:43:37.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T15:23:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to set up a Scottish sentencing council.","AnswerText":"We are discussing with the Lord President arrangements for establishing, before the end of this Parliament, a Scottish Sentencing Council.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T14:43:37.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282099,"EventID":"S4W-13411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T14:43:37.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T15:23:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prisoners have passed the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 4 in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows.\r\nThe SPS Learning and Skills Providers and SPS staff both deliver qualifications under the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.\r\nSPS does not collate information regarding how many prisoners have passed the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Level 4 delivered by SPS staff, however, SPS Learning and Skills providers do record this information.\r\nThe following table details the number of prisoners who have passed the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 4, delivered by SPS Learning and Skills providers in each academic year (1 August-31 July) since 2007.\r\nNo of Prisoners who Passed SQA Level 4 – per Academic Year\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\n(to date)\r\n871\r\n1,240\r\n1,053\r\n1,262\r\n1,084\r\n628\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T14:43:37.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282100,"EventID":"S4W-13412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T14:43:38.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T15:23:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many first-time offenders there have been in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the following table.\r\nNumber of individuals convicted during the period with no prior convictions in previous 10 years: 2006-07 to 2011-12\r\n2006-07\r\n18,939\r\n2007-08\r\n18,695\r\n2008-09\r\n17,304\r\n2009-10\r\n16,350\r\n2010-11\r\n15,053\r\n2011-12\r\n13,607\r\nSource: Scottish Government Justice Analytical Services criminal proceedings database.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Figures include criminal court convictions during past 10 years for crimes or common assault, breach of the peace, racially aggravated conduct or harassment, firearms offences or social security offences. Convictions outwith Scotland are excluded.\r\n2. The data presented in this publication are drawn from an administrative IT system. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the data, they are subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system. While the figures shown have been checked as far as practicable, they should be regarded as approximate and not necessarily accurate to the last whole number shown in the tables. They are also updated and quality assured on an on-going basis, and the figures shown here may therefore differ slightly from those published previously.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T14:43:38.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282101,"EventID":"S4W-13413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T14:43:38.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T15:29:56.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many private residential housing developments have been designated as contaminated under the Environment Act 1995 in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities have the responsibility for identifying any land in their areas that meets the criteria of being contaminated land. Currently, contaminated land information of this kind is not held centrally. In the light of this, I will discuss the possibility of filling this information gap with Cllr Hagan of COSLA when next we meet.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T14:43:38.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282102,"EventID":"S4W-13414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T14:43:38.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T15:47:42.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12690 by Michael Matheson on 26 February 2013, who invites healthcare officials and stakeholders to join the Scottish Chronic Pain Steering Group.  \r\n","AnswerText":"Further to my previous responses of 29 January 2013 and 26 February 2013, regarding the National Chronic Pain Steering Group the group was convened by the Scottish Government and membership invited from healthcare professionals and relevant stakeholders with an interest in informing policy to improve services for people living with chronic pain in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T14:43:38.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282103,"EventID":"S4W-13415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T14:43:39.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T15:47:42.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12687 by Michael Matheson on 26 February 2013, to whom did it reimburse the £58,000 funding of Health Improvement Scotland’s budget for chronic pain.\r\n","AnswerText":"Funding of £58,000 is reimbursed by Healthcare Improvement Scotland to NHS Fife to reimburse staff costs for expert clinical advice to support the improvement of chronic pain services in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T14:43:39.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282104,"EventID":"S4T-00264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T12:53:13.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T10:58:12.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the Scottish Qualifications Authority regarding contracts that the body has signed with foreign governments.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T12:53:13.887","MeetingDate":"2013-03-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282111,"EventID":"S4W-13416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:30.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T16:00:33.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it was consulted by Transport Scotland about new trunk road signage on the A9 at Longman roundabout at Inverness and, if so, what advice was given.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland is responsible for the management and maintenance of the trunk road network on behalf of Scottish Ministers and implements the policy of the Scottish Government in terms of bilingual signs. This policy is that bilingual signs should be installed on all trunk roads in the north west of Scotland, including the A82. Unfortunately, there are numerous technical challenges in implementing this infrastructure in the urban area of Inverness. A study and re-design of all trunk road signs in Inverness has been completed, however any implementation will be subject to available funding and competing priorities across the Scottish trunk road network.  A decision was taken not to include bilingual signs on the A82 approach to Longman as part of the recent improvement, for reasons of consistency and cost, however these signs will be replaced when funding levels allow.\r\nAs part of the advanced preparation works connected with the resurfacing of A9 Kessock Bridge, our operating company, Scotland TranServ, redesigned the layout of the Longman roundabout, including the introduction of traffic lights and a dedicated left-turn lane from Stadium Road. It was necessary to modify existing signing on the A9 to reflect these new arrangements. The most cost-effective method was to amend the existing signs by affixing plates. There are no new signs on the A9.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:30.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282112,"EventID":"S4W-13417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:30.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T16:00:33.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what direction it gives to Transport Scotland about the active promotion and use of Gaelic.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 enabled Bòrd na Gàidhlig (the Scottish Government’s principal Gaelic development body) to require public bodies to prepare Gaelic Language Plans. The Scottish Government’s Gaelic Language Plan was published in 2010.\r\nAs an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government Transport Scotland is covered by the provisions of the Gaelic Language Plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:30.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282113,"EventID":"S4W-13418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:31.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T16:00:33.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will update the Gaelic Language Plan regarding signage on trunk roads.\r\n","AnswerText":"The current Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan is a five year plan which will be renewed in 2015. We are pleased that many commitments have been met and our policies continue to develop to support Gaelic. Road signage is one of these and we are now working to expand the use of the language in this area. We will begin initial renewal work of our plan later this year.\r\nIn the meantime, as an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland is covered by the provisions of the Gaelic Language Plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:31.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282114,"EventID":"S4W-13419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:31.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T16:00:33.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what autonomy Transport Scotland has not to engage in the active promotion and use of Gaelic.\r\n","AnswerText":"As an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland is covered by the provisions of the Gaelic Language Plan which was published in 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:31.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282115,"EventID":"S4W-13420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:31.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T16:00:33.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cairngorm National Park Authority will (a) complete and (b) publish its Gaelic Language Plan, and for what reason it has not yet been completed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Cairngorms National Park Authority submitted a draft Gaelic Language Plan to Bòrd na Gàidhlig for approval in February 2011. A copy of the draft Plan is available on the Park’s website at:\r\nhttp://cairngorms.co.uk/park-authority/about-us/publications\r\nFollowing discussion with Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the Park Authority submitted a revised draft for approval in January 2013. Once this is approved, and we anticipate a decision in the near future, the final version of the Plan will be published on the Park’s website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:31.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282116,"EventID":"S4W-13421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:31.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T16:00:33.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what autonomy Cairngorm National Park Authority has regarding its use of Gaelic.\r\n","AnswerText":"Cairngorms National Park Authority recognises that Gaelic is an integral and important part of the culture of the National Park and encourages its partners to support the Gaelic language. The Park Authority’s commitment to promoting Gaelic is set out in its Gaelic Language Plan as required by the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005.\r\nWhile the Park Authority has the ability to manage the use of the Gaelic language in relation to its own assets and resources, it has no authority to compel its partners, including private land owners, local authorities, public bodies and community groups, to take similar action.\r\nThrough its National Park Partnership Plan the Park seeks to deliver a broad range of agreed and co-ordinated action which supports the continued development of the Park and delivery of Scottish Government objectives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:31.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282117,"EventID":"S4W-13422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:32.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T16:00:33.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action can be taken by people concerned that a public body might be disregarding its Gaelic language plan.  \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to the question S4W-13423 on 15 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:32.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282118,"EventID":"S4W-13423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:32.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T16:00:33.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it encourages public (a) bodies and (b) service providers to (i) promote and (ii) use Gaelic.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s priority for Gaelic is to secure an increase in the number of people learning, speaking and using the language in Scotland. Scottish public authorities have a vital role in this and their policies and programmes can significantly shape the future of Gaelic in Scotland.\r\nGaelic Language Plans are the principal mechanism used to encourage Scottish public authorities to use and promote Gaelic. Under the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 Bòrd na Gàidhlig can notify a Scottish public authority to produce a Gaelic Language Plan. Gaelic Language Plan commitments are strongly linked to the priorities in the National Gaelic Language Plan which sets out how the Government, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Scottish public authorities should work together for the promotion of the language.\r\nAll public authorities with an approved Gaelic Language Plan are asked to submit an annual progress report to the Bòrd in relation to the key commitments in their plan.  In addition, the Bòrd commissions an independent assessment of progress towards achieving the core commitments in plans which are 3 years into their cycle. These two actions are the key measures of success which the Bòrd employs.\r\nThe implementation of a Gaelic Language Plan is the responsibility of the public authority and people who are concerned that the public authority may be disregarding its Gaelic Language Plan should raise this in the first instance with the public authority. If no resolution is reached, they may contact Bòrd na Gàidhlig who would take this into account as part of their monitoring arrangements.\r\nThere are measures in place should a Scottish public authority not pursue the terms of their Gaelic language plan. The Bòrd may submit a report to Scottish ministers setting out its reason for this conclusion. Thereafter Scottish Ministers may either lay a copy of the report before the Scottish Parliament or they may direct the authority in question to implement any or all of the measures in its Gaelic language plan by the date specified in the direction.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:32.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282119,"EventID":"S4W-13424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:32.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T16:00:33.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it measures the success of the Gaelic language plans of public (a) bodies and (b) service providers.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to the question S4W-13423 on 15 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:32.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282120,"EventID":"S4W-13425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:33.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T16:00:33.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what sanctions there are to deal with public (a) bodies and (b) service providers that do not pursue the terms of their Gaelic language plans. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to the question S4W-13423 on 15 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:33.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282121,"EventID":"S4W-13426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:33.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T16:00:33.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the most recent figure is for the number of pupils discontinuing Gaelic bi-lingual education (a) in the transition to secondary school, (b) at S2 and (c) from S3 to S6; what analysis it has made of the reasons for this, and whether it plans to take steps to reduce these numbers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government wants to see an increase in the number of young people in Gaelic medium education and recognises that maintaining pupil continuity at key stages of schooling is a vital part of this.\r\nThe table below shows the most recent figures from 2012-13. This shows the number of pupils in Gaelic bilingual education at different stages.  \r\nP7\r\n\r\nS1\r\nS2\r\nS3\r\nS4\r\nS5\r\nS6\r\n263\r\n\r\n248\r\n253\r\n215\r\n222\r\n116\r\n50\r\n\r\nThe Scottish Government has commissioned research into ‘Language Models in GM Pre-School, Primary and Secondary Education’. This was published in 2012 and further research has been commissioned by Bòrd na Gàidhlig  into parental attitudes in Gaelic medium education.\r\nIn addition, views from consultations and public meetings indicate there are a range of reasons for Gaelic medium pupils numbers declining at key stages. A number of steps are being taken to address this including teacher recruitment, preparation of resources, support from Gaelic medium teachers from Education Scotland, Scottish Qualifications Authority provision of Gaelic medium examinations and materials and promotion of Gaelic medium at all levels.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:33.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282122,"EventID":"S4W-13432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:33.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T16:00:33.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what subjects are taught in both Gaelic and English at (a) S1,  (b) S2 and (c) from S3 to S6, broken down by (i) local authority and (ii) school.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government would like to see an expansion of Gaelic medium education in secondary schools. In 2012-13 there were a total of twelve subjects taught through the medium of Gaelic in Scottish schools in both S1 and S2. In S3 and S4 there were eight subjects taught through the medium of Gaelic and in S5 this dropped to four and in S6 to two.\r\nIn total there are thirteen 13 subjects (including Gaelic as a subject) taught through the medium of Gaelic. These are: Gaelic, English, Religious Education, Geography, History, Home Economics, French, Personal and Social Education, Maths, Modern Studies, Physical Education, Science and Technology.\r\nSubjects presented by school and local authority area are set out in the following table.\r\nSecondary School\r\nArea\r\nGaelic\r\nEnglish\r\nRE\r\nGeog.\r\nHistory\r\nHome Ec\r\nFrench\r\nPSE\r\nMaths\r\n M. Studies\r\nPE\r\nScience\r\nTechnology\r\nHazelhead\r\nAberdeen\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOban\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDunoon\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIslay\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTiree\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTobermory\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJames Gillespie’s\r\nEdin.\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nx\r\n\r\nx\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\nGrange\r\nE Ayrshire\r\nx\r\n\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\nx\r\n\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMeadowburn\r\nEast Dunbarton\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGlasgow\r\nGlasgow\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\n\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\nx\r\n\r\nArdnamurchan\r\nHighland\r\nx\r\n\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPlockton\r\nHighland\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\nx\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTain\r\nHighland\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\nx\r\n\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nKingussie\r\nHighland\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFarr\r\nHighland\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\nx\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGairloch\r\nHighland\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMillburn\r\nHighland\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nInverness Royal Academy\r\nHighland\r\nx\r\n\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\nx\r\n\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDingwall\r\nHighland\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\nx\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLochaber\r\nHighland\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMallaig\r\nHighland\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPortree\r\nHighland\r\nx\r\n\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\n\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\n\r\nx\r\n\r\nUllapool\r\nHighland\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGreenfaulds\r\nN Lanark\r\nx\r\n\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\n\r\nx\r\nx\r\n\r\nx\r\n\r\nx\r\n\r\nPerth\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nx\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nx\r\n\r\nCalderglen\r\nSouth Lanark\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWallace High\r\nStirling\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCastlebay\r\nW. Isles\r\nx\r\n\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLinaclete\r\nW. Isles\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nx\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLionel\r\nW. Isles\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nShawbost\r\nW. Isles\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nx\r\nSir E Scott, Tarbert\r\nW. Isles\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNicholson\r\nW. Isles\r\nx\r\n\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nx\r\nx\r\n\r\nSubjects presented by year are set out in the following table  (where numbers are less than 10, the data is not given for data protection reasons).\r\nSubject\r\nS1\r\nS2\r\nS3\r\nS4\r\nS5\r\nS6\r\nGàidhlig\r\n248\r\n253\r\n212\r\n217\r\n113\r\n42\r\nEnglish\r\n42\r\n28\r\n37\r\n43\r\n-\r\n-\r\nRE\r\n115\r\n101\r\n46\r\n53\r\n-\r\n-\r\nGeography\r\n129\r\n112\r\n29\r\n34\r\n-\r\n-\r\nHistory\r\n152\r\n140\r\n52\r\n40\r\n-\r\n-\r\nHome Economics\r\n70\r\n95\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nFrench\r\n59\r\n40\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nPSE\r\n115\r\n100\r\n74\r\n75\r\n-\r\n-\r\nMaths\r\n69\r\n28\r\n37\r\n43\r\n29\r\n-\r\nModern Studies\r\n88\r\n103\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nPE\r\n14\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nScience\r\n83\r\n76\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nTechnology\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:33.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282123,"EventID":"S4W-13434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:33.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-01T16:00:33.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the levels of (a) oral and (b) written Gaelic proficiency among its staff, broken down by (i) directorate, (ii) department and (iii) location, and what plans it has to increase these levels.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government completed a Gaelic Language Skills Audit of staff in 2010. Due to the personal data collected we are unable to supply full details of the information gathered however the audit concentrated on skills levels of staff rather than locality within the organisation. The audit was non-compulsory with 1100 respondents. 138 respondents (12.5%) felt they had some form of language competency.\r\nBuilding on interest in the language the Scottish Government has held a series of successful Gaelic awareness events for staff and staff are able to apply for funding from Directorate training budgets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:34.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282124,"EventID":"S4W-13436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:34.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-02T11:06:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12540 by Margaret Burgess on 28 February 2013, whether it will break down the estimates provided by parliamentary (a) constituency and (b) region and what information it has on the estimates broken down by DWP districts in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Impact assessments of the changes published by the Scottish Government and the Department for Work and Pensions provide analyses of numbers affected by local authority area within Scotland. The following table provides links to these published sources. Estimates are not available by constituency nor by DWP district.\r\nSummary information on recipients of housing benefit analysed by UK Parliamentary constituency and by local authority area can be obtained using a tabulation tool on the DWP website at: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=tabtool\r\nHousing benefit change\r\nImplementation date\r\nSources of information on numbers affected in  local authority areas1\r\nChanges to local housing allowance rates for tenants in private rented sector.  \r\n       - Removing £15 excess.\r\n       - Restriction to 4 bedroom rate.\r\n       - Capping LHA rates by bedroom size.\r\n       - Basing LHA rates on 30th percentile rent.\r\nPhased in from 1 April 2011\r\n\r\nDWP Impact Assessment of the changes to Local Housing Allowance from April 2011\r\nDWP impact assessment of LHA changes:  Detailed tables\r\nLocal housing allowance rate for single people without dependants aged 25 – 34 restricted to the rate for a room with shared facilities.\r\nPhased in from \r\n1 April 2011\r\nImpact of limiting LHA to shared accommodation rate for single people aged 25 to 34 \r\nUnder occupation penalty for working age households in local authority or housing association housing.\r\n- penalty of 14% of rent for those assessed as under occupying by 1 room.\r\n- penalty of 25% of rent for those assessed as under occupying by 2 or more rooms.\r\nFrom 1 April 2013\r\nSee note 2.\r\nImpact of under occupancy penalty\r\n\r\nOverall cap on benefits, which will initially be implemented through a reduction in housing benefit.\r\nTo be phased in from 1 April 2013\r\nThe Benefit Cap - Assessment of impact in Scotland\r\nUprating local housing allowance rates by the lower of consumer price index or actual increase in the 30th percentile rate.\r\nApril 2011\r\nRestricting the uprating of local housing allowance rates to a maximum of 1% per year for two years from 2014-15.\r\nApril 2014\r\nSee note 3.Department for work & pensions tabulation tool\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Since some households may have been affected by more than one of the changes it is not possible to aggregate the estimates for the impact of each change to give the total number of households affected.\r\n2. This analysis was based on the position in 2011 which gave an estimated 94,000 households affected in Scotland. We currently estimate that around 105,000 households in Scotland will be affected. Thus, the local authority estimates in the analysis may slightly understate the number of households affected in each local authority area. \r\n3. This source, the DWP tabulation tool, provides information on numbers of housing benefit recipients by tenure by local authority and by parliamentary constituency. All recipients of local housing allowance (LHA) are potentially affected by these changes. The effect on households will depend on whether private landlords continue to rent to households on housing benefit at LHA rates restricted in this way.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:34.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282125,"EventID":"S4W-13438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:34.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T10:46:44.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that ferry service contracts deliver vessels that are able to operate reliably in the weather conditions that prevail on the routes.\r\n","AnswerText":"Each contract specifies the vessels to be deployed and contains detailed provisions for their maintenance and operation.\r\nThe provisions of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) contract require the operator, CalMac Ferries Ltd, to use the fleet funded by the Scottish Government and owned by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd. These vessels are designed and constructed for the specific challenges of the CHFS network. An exemption was secured from the European Commission from the general rule that the use of specified vessels would normally be considered discriminatory against potential bidders for a contract who wish to deploy their own vessels.\r\nFor other ferry service contracts awarded by the Scottish Ministers, bidders can choose to use vessels put at their disposal by the Scottish Government or to propose their own vessel solutions. In those cases, or in cases where the Scottish Government is not offering vessels for use, the requirements for vessels are set out in the service specification issued to bidders. These requirements form part of the minimum requirements that every bid must meet. Compliance with the terms of the specification is assessed by the tender evaluation panel which includes or takes advice from maritime technical experts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:34.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282126,"EventID":"S4W-13439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:34.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T10:50:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to installing devices to block mobile phone signals in prisons.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe Scottish Prison Service is in the early stages of planning the implementation of the provisions of The Prisons (interference with Wireless Telegraphy) Act 2012 which received Royal Assent on 19 December 2012. The installation of any devices to block mobile phone signals in prisons will be considered as part of the implementation process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:34.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282127,"EventID":"S4W-13440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:35.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T10:50:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prisoners have been found in possession of a mobile phone in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe number of incidents of mobile telephones recovered which can be linked to a prisoner by year is as follows: \r\n\r\n\r\n2012\r\n2011\r\n2010\r\n2009\r\n2008\r\nTotals\r\n343\r\n410\r\n523\r\n534\r\n547\r\n\r\nA specific criminal offence was brought in as part of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 and this made it an offence to have a mobile phone in prison with penalties available up to two years imprisonment. This offence was brought into force in December 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:35.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282128,"EventID":"S4W-13452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:35.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T14:45:51.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its plans on reform of the common agricultural policy.\r\n","AnswerText":"Many key aspects of the CAP reforms are still very unclear.\r\nWe do not know the size of our CAP budget and the main regulations will not be agreed before the end of June 2013.\r\nThose key issues must be addressed before we can take decisions on what the final CAP will look like in Scotland.\r\nWe will take these decisions in consultation with the industry once the final budget and wider CAP framework is known.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:35.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282129,"EventID":"S4W-13453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:35.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T14:45:51.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has regarding how many payment regions there will be under the new area-based payment system for landowners, and what the criteria will be for setting up the boundaries for this\r\n","AnswerText":"Building on the work they did for the Brian Pack Inquiry, we have commissioned the James Hutton Institute to model a wide range of scenarios for payment regions in Scotland. They are due to present their findings to a Stakeholder conference in April 2013.\r\nThere are many criteria that can be used to define payment regions and those currently being considered include land quality and land classification criteria.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:35.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282130,"EventID":"S4W-13454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:36.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T14:45:51.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how quickly it plans to phase out the historic payment system for landowners.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is expected that the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) regulations, once they have been finalised, will grant a substantial degree of discretion over the speed and trajectory of the transition from the current Direct Payments system to an area based system. The Scottish Government has consistently stated that its ultimate decision on the speed of transition will depend on how well those who are disadvantaged by the current system, for example new entrants to farming, are catered for in the final CAP deal.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:36.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282131,"EventID":"S4W-13455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:36.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T14:45:51.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much common agricultural policy funding it will shift from Pillar 1 to 2 and whether it will (a) co-finance the funds transferred and (b) use its option to (i) support young farmers funding in Pillar 1 and (ii) top-up Less Favoured Areas farmers in Pillar 1 payments.\r\n","AnswerText":"At this stage the EU has not published details of Member States’ budget allocations under the Common Agricultural Policy and we have no firm indication yet of the timescale for finalising Scotland’s share of the UK allocation once it is known. We therefore do not yet know what our Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 budget allocations will be, and so it is not possible to make any decision on the transfer of funds between the two pillars at this stage. The same goes for decisions on co-financing any funds transferred, a young farmers scheme and Areas of Natural Constraint payments in Pillar 1.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:36.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282132,"EventID":"S4W-13458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:36.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T14:45:51.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will use the small farmers scheme to deliver support to crofters.\r\n","AnswerText":"Support for small farmers and crofters under Pillar 2 of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will be a feature of the Scotland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. Consultation on the detail of the Programme is expected to commence in spring 2014, and the agricultural and crofting sectors will have the opportunity to present their views.\r\nWe will consider whether to use the Pillar 1 Small Farmer Scheme once the final outcome of the CAP negotiations is known. As the proposals stand the maximum payment under this scheme would be €1,000 per year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:36.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282133,"EventID":"S4W-13459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:37.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T14:45:51.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what preparations it is making to ensure that its IT systems can cope with the new area payments system for landowners.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have commenced a significant programme of work to re-engineer the business and IT processes which underpin the delivery of rural payments and inspections and to deliver CAP Reform. This is a long term programme of IT enabled business change, which will deliver significant improvements to the services which customers receive in the coming years. As part of this, a competitive tender was issued late last year to secure an IT delivery partner. During this year and through 2014, we will be engaging directly with our customers to get their views on what can be improved and how the new systems will operate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:37.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282134,"EventID":"S4W-13460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:37.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T14:45:51.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will use its option to establish a coupled support scheme for beef and sheep production.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government believes coupled payments are an important way to try and address the continuing decline in livestock numbers and risk of land abandonment in Scotland. We continue to argue for the ability to use up to 15% of our direct payments ceiling for coupled payments.\r\nOur decision on the detailed design of coupled support schemes will be taken after the new Common Agricultural Policy regulations have been finalised and following stakeholder consultation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:37.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282135,"EventID":"S4W-13461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-04T17:07:37.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T15:17:01.58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of stroke patients was admitted to a stroke unit (a) on and (b) within one day of presentation at hospital in each of the last two years, broken down by (i) NHS board and (ii) hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is currently a HEAT target in place to support improvements in stroke care.\r\nThe target is for 90% of all patients admitted with a diagnosis of stroke to be admitted to a stroke unit on the day of admission, or the day following presentation by March 2013.\r\nThe Scottish Stroke Care Audit 2012 National Report published on 10 July 2012 contains the information requested, broken down by NHS board and hospital, for 2010 and 2011. The report is available at the at:\r\nhttp://www.strokeaudit.scot.nhs.uk/index.htm.\r\nThe same information, in table format, is also available within “Chart 5 (2010)” and “Chart 5 (2011)” at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.strokeaudit.scot.nhs.uk/Downloads/2012_report/SSCA_2012_National_Report_tables_and_charts.xls).\r\nInformation for 2012 is due for publication on the Scottish Stroke Care Audit website in July 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-18T17:07:37.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282136,"EventID":"S4W-13441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-05T14:03:24.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T11:25:26.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will receive the report from Health Protection Scotland on the incidence of radioactive substances at DaIgety Bay and the effect on residents.\r\n","AnswerText":"Health Protection Scotland has no role in relation to the radioactive contamination at Dalgety Bay. However, in October 2012, the Health Protection Agency published its risk assessment and advice on the health risks at Dalgety Bay.\r\nA full risk assessment is expected to be published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in May 2013. In the meantime, protection measures at Dalgety Bay including signage and monthly monitoring are considered to provide an appropriate level of protection.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-19T14:03:24.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282137,"EventID":"S4W-13442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-05T14:03:25.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T11:31:58.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with NHS boards regarding the number of unwanted pregnancies and how to reduce it.\r\n","AnswerText":"Achieving fewer unintended pregnancies is one of the five outcomes of the Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Framework. As part of the performance management of the framework, officials in the sexual health and BBV team carry out annual visits to local areas to discuss with NHS boards, local authorities and third sector partners their delivery of the aims and outcomes of the framework.\r\nSuch discussions include examination of the rates of unintended pregnancies and how multi agency partners are working to reduce them.\r\nThe last Framework visits took place 2012 and will be repeated in 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-19T14:03:25.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282138,"EventID":"S4W-13443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-05T14:03:25.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T11:31:58.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the findings of the Review of Community Pharmacy Public Health Service for Smoking Cessation and Emergency Hormonal Contraception, whether it will update the nationally-funded provision of emergency hormonal contraception.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Community Pharmacy Public Health Service has improved access to emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) and complements the provision in other services where EHC is given out without prescription.\r\nAs part of the review, NHS boards and community pharmacists made some limited recommendations, however their overall view was that the service is working well and needs little adjustment. In particular, it provides a crucial service to more remote and rural communities.\r\nThere are currently no plans to update the service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-19T14:03:25.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282139,"EventID":"S4W-13445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-05T14:03:26.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T11:59:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it recognises the term \"owners of vacant crofts\" in respect of owner-occupier crofters, following the passing of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"The term “owners of vacant crofts” is not recognised in crofting legislation. It is for the Crofting Commission, as crofting regulator, to appropriately apply crofting legislation in carrying out its functions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-19T14:03:26.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282140,"EventID":"S4W-13446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-05T14:03:26.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T11:59:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it was first informed of the Crofting Commission’s position that there is no provision in the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 for the commission to issue a decrofting direction to an owner-occupier crofter who is residing in their owner-occupied croft.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Crofting Commission first intimated to Scottish Government officials that it had become aware of potential difficulties on 16 January 2013, but it had not yet received legal advice on the issue.\r\nThe Scottish Government was first informed of the Crofting Commission’s position that there was no provision in the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 to issue a decrofting direction to an owner-occupier crofter residing in their croft on 8 February 2013, when it confirmed receipt of its legal advice to that effect.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-19T14:03:26.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282141,"EventID":"S4W-13447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-05T14:03:27.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T11:59:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what legal advice it took prior to the publication of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill 2009 in respect of the ability of the Crofting Commission to issue a decrofting direction to an owner-occupier crofter who is residing in their owner-occupied croft.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government draws on legal advice as appropriate from its lawyers, from Counsel and from Law Officers and I can confirm that legal advice was received on the issue of decrofting. However, other than in exceptional circumstances, the content of any legal advice remains confidential.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-19T14:03:27.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282142,"EventID":"S4W-13448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-05T14:03:27.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T11:59:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it agreed to allow the suspension of decrofting applications by the Crofting Commission in respect of owner-occupier crofters residing in their owner-occupied croft.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government was not involved in the Crofting Commission’s decision to suspend decrofting applications in respect of owner-occupier crofters as this is a matter for the commission itself as crofting regulator.\r\nThe Crofting Commission took this decision following legal advice it had received on the validity of applications from owner-occupier crofters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-19T14:03:27.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282143,"EventID":"S4W-13449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-05T14:03:28.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T11:59:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the financial consequences to crofters and other parties of the decision by the Crofting Commission to suspend decrofting applications in respect of owner-occupier crofters residing in their owner-occupied croft.\r\n","AnswerText":"The decision by the Crofting Commission to suspend decrofting applications in respect of owner-occupier crofters is a legal matter based on legal advice the Commission had received, rather than one of financial consequence. The Scottish Government was not involved in the decision to suspend decrofting applications and was therefore unable to assess the financial consequences for crofters in advance of the decision.\r\nSince becoming aware of this issue, the Scottish Government has acted promptly to seek information from key stakeholders on the potential extent of those owner-occupier crofters and is currently considering options to remedy the actual and potential difficulties faced by owner-occupier crofters and will keep the Parliament informed of any actions required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-19T14:03:28.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282144,"EventID":"S4W-13450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-05T14:03:28.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T11:59:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it issued an electronic copy of a document to the mailboxes of four parliamentary committees at 10.43pm on 27 February 2013 and whether it considers that this is consistent with the good practice guidance on announcements set out in the Scottish Ministerial Code.\r\n","AnswerText":"We took the view that Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland was a discussion paper dealing with the prospect of more powers following independence. We therefore followed the practice consistent with publication of a discussion paper, rather than that used prior to a policy announcement. The Government acknowledges the comments made by the Presiding Officer on this issue and is taking account of these points.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-19T14:03:28.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282145,"EventID":"S4W-13451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-05T14:03:29.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T11:59:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the group established to report on how best to implement the Leveson proposals, as announced by the First Minister on 29 November 2012 (Official Report, c.14119), is expected to report and what discussions the group has had on this matter with the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerText":"The report of the expert group established to consider the findings and recommendations made in the Part 1 of the Report of the Leveson Inquiry on An Inquiry into the Culture, Practices and Ethics of the Press in respect of press regulation has published on 15 March 2013 its report, which is available on the Scottish Government website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/leveson.\r\nI met the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and the Advocate General on Monday 4 March to discuss the Leveson proposals and it is intended that there should be a further meeting between representatives of the UK Government and party leaders in the Scottish Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-19T14:03:29.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282146,"EventID":"S4W-13462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-05T14:03:29.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T15:54:15.607","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made by NHS boards in developing local improvement plans to help deliver Quality Improvement Scotland standards for dealing with neurological diseases.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that everyone with a neurological condition is able to access the care and support they need.\r\nThe National Neurological Advisory Group (NNAG), has been established with Scottish Government funding to support implementation of the clinical standards for neurological conditions and has reported that all boards now have improvement plans in place and are providing reports on progress.\r\nPrior to the establishment of the NNAG the Scottish Government provided NHS boards with funding of around £1.2 million over two years to assist them in developing local neurological improvement networks as the main vehicle for driving improvement within neurological services. Following the Health Improvement Scotland’s review in June 2012, as a first step in identifying progress, all NHS Boards were asked to provide an update on progress against their three year plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-19T14:03:29.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282147,"EventID":"S4W-13463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-05T14:03:29.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T16:09:11.483","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13126 by Keith Brown on 4 March 2013, what the average fuel consumption is of CalMac ferries travelling  between (a) the mainland and (i) Port Askaig and (ii) Port Ellen and (b) Port Ellen and Kennacraig.\r\n","AnswerText":"Fuel consumption information, particularly at this level of detail, is commercially sensitive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-19T14:03:29.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282148,"EventID":"S4W-13464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-05T14:03:30.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T16:13:19.043","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on housebuilding costs in (a) island and (b) remote rural areas and how these compare with costs in less remote mainland areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government analyses the costs of subsidised affordable housing developments at local authority level, with a subdivision of the Highland council area. The most recent figures, shown in the following table, indicate that costs were above the Scotland average in the three Island authorities and a number of other rural authorities. The Scottish Government does not hold regional information on the costs of private housebuilding.\r\nShetland\r\naverage costs 22% above Scotland average\r\nArgyll & Bute\r\n18% above Scotland average\r\nOrkney\r\n15% above Scotland average\r\nEilean Siar\r\n7% above Scotland average\r\nDumfries & Galloway\r\n5% above Scotland average\r\nHighland South (Lochaber and Skye & Lochalsh)\r\n3% above Scotland average\r\nMoray, Aberdeenshire\r\nlevel with Scotland average\r\nScottish Borders\r\n1% below Scotland average\r\nPerth & Kinross, Angus\r\n2% below Scotland average\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-19T14:03:30.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282149,"EventID":"S4W-13465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-05T14:03:30.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-05T10:53:53.2","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12852 by Nicola Sturgeon on 4 March 2013, when it was announced that the two schemes on the A9 would be brought forward and whether they have been affected by the additional £394 million of capital allocated in the 2012 Autumn Statement.","AnswerText":"The announcement to start construction of the Luncarty to Birnam scheme in 2017 was made on 31 January 2012. The announcement to start construction of the Kincraig to Dalraddy scheme in 2015-16 was made on 26 June 2012.\r\nThese two schemes were therefore not affected by the additional £394 million of capital allocated in the 2012 Autumn Statement. The update on the progress of dualling works on the A9 included in the answer to question S4W-12852 was provided as additional information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-19T14:03:30.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282164,"EventID":"S4W-13466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-05T17:07:33.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-05T13:31:58.357","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the UK Government consultation on the Bread and Flour Regulations 1998 will have in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Westminster Government consultation on this GB instrument may result in revocation of the Regulations as they apply in England but this would require agreement by both DEFRA and Department of Health Ministers. The Regulations would continue unchanged as they apply to Scotland (and Wales).\r\nThe Bread and Flour Regulations 1998 legally require all white and brown flour produced in Great Britain to be fortified with four specific minerals and vitamins (i.e. calcium, iron, thiamine and niacin) at specified levels. \r\nSince the majority of the current 56 mills in the UK are based in England, any change there is likely to have a direct effect on the other countries in the UK to whom they supply flour. Thus many bread and other flour based products on sale in Scotland may be affected by the outcome of the UK Government consultation and any subsequent actions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-19T17:07:33.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282165,"EventID":"S4W-13467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-05T17:07:33.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-05T13:31:58.357","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to (a) remove or (b) consult on the removal of the obligation to fortify flour with (i) iron, (ii) calcium, (iii) thiamine or (iv) niacin.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to remove or consult on the removal of the obligation to fortify flour. The Bread and Flour Regulations 1998 set a legal requirement for all white and brown flour produced in Great Britain to be fortified with the four quoted minerals and vitamins. Calcium is added for fortification purposes while the remaining three nutrients are added to restore the levels to that which is lost during the flour milling process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-19T17:07:33.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282166,"EventID":"S4W-13468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-05T17:07:34.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-05T14:09:39.137","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the John Muir Trust's proposal that wild land should be the subject of additional national designation.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are already protected areas with a landscape focus (National Scenic Areas and National Parks) which cover almost 20% of Scotland’s land area and Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) recognises that the most sensitive landscapes may have little or no capacity to accept new development. SPP also states that areas of wild land character in some of Scotland’s remoter upland, mountain and coastal areas are very sensitive to any form of development or intrusive human activity and that planning authorities should safeguard the character of these areas in development plans.\r\nI would also refer the member to the Members’ business debate on motion S4M-05602 on Conservation (Endangered Species and Wild Land) on 6 March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-19T17:07:34.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282167,"EventID":"S4W-13471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-05T17:07:34.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-05T15:44:36.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will have considered the findings of the Review of NHS Pharmaceutical Care of Patients in the Community in Scotland and when (a) the review and (b) a strategy for pharmacy and medicines will be published.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government continues to consider Dr Wilson’s report on the Review of NHS Pharmaceutical Care of Patients in the Community in Scotland alongside other national policy initiatives which will inform the future of NHS pharmaceutical care in Scotland.\r\nSignificantly, the planned strategy for pharmacy and medicines will align with the aims of the Bill to integrate adult health and social care which we plan to introduce before the summer recess this year. It is our intention that the publication of Dr Wilson’s Report and our strategy for the future of pharmacy and medicines in Scotland will synchronise with the introduction of this Bill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-19T17:07:34.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282182,"EventID":"S4O-01895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:16:50.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T10:35:25.867","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings it has had with the Scottish Police Federation to discuss the federation's position on the impact in Scotland of the Winsor review of police pay and conditions.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:16:50.28","MeetingDate":"2013-03-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282183,"EventID":"S4O-01896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:16:50.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T12:04:13.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the Police Force of Scotland has had regarding policing in rural communities.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:16:50.98","MeetingDate":"2013-03-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282184,"EventID":"S4O-01897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:16:51.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T12:04:13.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to increase the number of hours that prisoners are engaged in purposeful activity.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:16:51.573","MeetingDate":"2013-03-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282185,"EventID":"S4O-01898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:16:51.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T15:56:22.107","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it is giving to HM Young Offenders Institution Polmont to implement recommendations arising from the full inspection carried out in October 2012.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:16:51.9","MeetingDate":"2013-03-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282186,"EventID":"S4O-01899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:16:52.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T12:04:14.957","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the annual cost is of cancelled court cases.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:16:52.26","MeetingDate":"2013-03-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282187,"EventID":"S4O-01900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:16:52.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T12:04:15.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to improve the quality and consistency of sentencing and enhance the availability of prisoner rehabilitation programmes.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:16:52.587","MeetingDate":"2013-03-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282188,"EventID":"S4O-01901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:16:52.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T12:04:15.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the effectiveness of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:16:52.917","MeetingDate":"2013-03-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282189,"EventID":"S4O-01903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:16:53.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T12:04:16.517","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it will give to the potential implications of the Courts Reform (Scotland) Bill on the Scottish Courts Service proposals in Shaping Scotland’s Court Services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Court Service consultation on future court structures is separate from the courts reform work in that the SCS work is on the court estate and getting that right for the 21st Century. In developing its proposals, however, the Scottish Courts Service has taken account of the proposals regarding the Courts Reform (Scotland) Bill, and other potential reforms to court business – as is set out in Part 1 of the consultation document.\r\nWhile I cannot prejudge the outcome of the SCS consultation on future court structures and the decisions of the independent SCS board, I have recognised that we need to think radically about how we deliver services in the future.\r\nThe Courts Reform (Scotland) Bill will implement the Scottish Civil Courts Review led by Lord Gill. It will address Lord Gill’s criticisms that the Scottish civil courts are “slow, inefficient and expensive”. It is about making sure that the civil justice system is intelligible and coherent for people wanting to use it, that they get their disputes raised and dealt with quickly and appropriately, without unnecessary cost or delay.\r\nThe reforms to the civil courts set out in the Bill are in no way driven by financial pressures on the courts’ estate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:16:53.337","MeetingDate":"2013-03-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282190,"EventID":"S4O-01905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:16:53.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T12:04:40.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting the campaign to encourage consumers to buy local meat and poultry.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:16:53.697","MeetingDate":"2013-03-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282191,"EventID":"S4O-01906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:16:54.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T12:04:42.223","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which minister has portfolio responsibility for the Rural Payments and Inspections Division.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:16:54.21","MeetingDate":"2013-03-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282192,"EventID":"S4O-01907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:16:54.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T09:02:04.58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to integrate low-carbon behaviour change into the Second Report on Proposals and Policies.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:16:54.88","MeetingDate":"2013-03-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282193,"EventID":"S4O-01908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:16:55.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T11:38:05.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the recent announcement of a school meals sourcing summit, when the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment will meet local authorities to discuss the sourcing and standard of food in schools.  \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:16:55.24","MeetingDate":"2013-03-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282194,"EventID":"S4O-01909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:16:55.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T12:04:44.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Second Report on Proposals and Policies will contain marine issues that were not previously included.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:16:55.567","MeetingDate":"2013-03-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282195,"EventID":"S4O-01910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:16:55.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T12:04:44.847","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the European Union regarding the labelling of products since the discovery of horsemeat in other meat products.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:16:55.957","MeetingDate":"2013-03-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282196,"EventID":"S4O-01911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:16:56.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T10:31:15.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the EU Commission and the UK and Irish governments about convergence issues with regard to CAP reform and the impact on Scottish farmers.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:16:56.283","MeetingDate":"2013-03-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":true},{"UniqueID":282197,"EventID":"S4O-01912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:16:56.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T10:57:35.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the suggestion that the Scottish Environment Protection Agency may remove the Fair-a-far and Dowie's Mill weirs on the River Almond.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:16:56.737","MeetingDate":"2013-03-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282198,"EventID":"S4O-01913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:16:57.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T11:32:35.463","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment has had with his health counterparts to support the development of therapeutic horticulture.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:16:57.05","MeetingDate":"2013-03-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282199,"EventID":"S4O-01914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:16:58.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T12:04:49.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it takes to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our whole Zero Waste approach recognises the value of materials and the need to waste less and recycle more. We are taking decisive action on several fronts.\r\nThe Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012 are driving a step change in recycling and keeping materials out of landfill.\r\nWe are investing in food waste collection - with 18 local authorities now offering some separate collections and more on the way.\r\nAnd we are making it easier for businesses and public bodies to cut overheads and reduce waste by establishing Resource Efficient Scotland as a one-stop-shop for material and energy efficiency support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:16:58.767","MeetingDate":"2013-03-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282200,"EventID":"S4O-01915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:18:43.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T12:05:05.173","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has replied to the open letter from Doreen Lawrence and Dr Richard Stone regarding the review of the public sector equality duty and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"The First Minister replied on 20 December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:18:43.57","MeetingDate":"2013-03-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282201,"EventID":"S4O-01916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:18:43.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T12:05:05.78","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what further measures it will take to combat bullying in the NHS.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:18:43.96","MeetingDate":"2013-03-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282202,"EventID":"S4O-01917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:18:44.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T12:05:06.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the 2 Sisters Food Group regarding the acquisition of VION Food Group's UK red meat and poultry businesses.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:18:44.427","MeetingDate":"2013-03-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282203,"EventID":"S4O-01918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:18:44.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T12:05:07.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how civic society is engaging with the process involved in the lead-up to the independence referendum.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:18:44.863","MeetingDate":"2013-03-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282204,"EventID":"S4O-01919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:18:45.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T12:05:09.54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met the board of Creative Scotland and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:18:45.38","MeetingDate":"2013-03-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282205,"EventID":"S4O-01920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:18:46.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T12:05:10.273","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to improve the standard of care for adults with congenital heart disease.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:18:46.267","MeetingDate":"2013-03-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282206,"EventID":"S4O-01921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:18:47.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-05T13:23:54.81","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to encourage the use of air source heat pumps.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:18:47.407","MeetingDate":"2013-03-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282207,"EventID":"S4O-01922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:18:48.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T12:05:12.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will announce the location for the energy skills academy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:18:48.513","MeetingDate":"2013-03-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282208,"EventID":"S4O-01923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:18:48.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-05T16:17:29.85","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what strategic assessment it has carried out of the security needs of and threats faced by an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The primary function of government is to ensure the security of its citizens and to protect them, their property and way of life against threats. An independent Scotland will have security arrangements that are proportionate, fit for purpose, and reflect a full strategic assessment of Scotland’s needs and the threats we may face.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:18:48.92","MeetingDate":"2013-03-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282209,"EventID":"S4O-01924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:18:49.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T12:05:14.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will protect courses for adults with learning difficulties during college regionalisation.","AnswerText":"College Regionalisation is about delivering education more efficiently and effectively, it is not about cutting the provision of education. Thousands of students with learning disabilities are benefitting, and will continue to benefit, from the services that our colleges offer, including the benefits that flow from improved delivery.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:18:49.293","MeetingDate":"2013-03-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282210,"EventID":"S4W-13472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:46:16.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-05T16:55:45.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many strip searches have taken place at (a) young offenders institutions and (b) secure units in each of the last five years, broken down by age of offender.\r\n","AnswerText":"In regards to (a) I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nSPS do not collect this information. Searches are carried out to prevent prisoners, visitors or staff bringing into the prison, or on to SPS premises, items that are unauthorised, prohibited or considered a threat to security or to good order and discipline.\r\nSearches are undertaken in compliance with SPS Searching Procedures and are designed to ensure they are carried out with proper regard for the individual's privacy and dignity. Any person subject to searching is provided with an explanation of the procedure prior to the search commencing and given the opportunity to raise any concerns. Non-invasive body searches of prisoners are carried out and supervised by staff of the same gender.\r\nIn regards to (b) The Scottish Government does not collect information on strip searches in secure units.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:46:17.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282211,"EventID":"S4W-13473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:46:17.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-05T16:55:45.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many inadmissible items have been found during strip searches at (a) young offenders institutions and (b) secure units in each of the last five years, broken down by type of item.","AnswerText":"In regards to (a) I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nSPS do not collect this information. Searches are carried out to prevent prisoners, visitors or staff bringing into the prison, or on to SPS premises, items that are unauthorised, prohibited or considered a threat to security or to good order and discipline.\r\nSearches are undertaken in compliance with SPS Searching Procedures and are designed to ensure they are carried out with proper regard for the individual's privacy and dignity. Any person subject to searching is provided with an explanation of the procedure prior to the search commencing and given the opportunity to raise any concerns. Non-invasive body searches of prisoners are carried out and supervised by staff of the same gender.\r\nIn regards to (b) The Scottish Government does not collect information on inadmissible items found during strip searches in secure units.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:46:17.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282212,"EventID":"S4W-13474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:46:17.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-05T16:44:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it will give to the recommendations in Age Scotland’s report, Driving Change: The case for investing in community transport.\r\n","AnswerText":"We recognise the valuable role community transport plays in providing transport services, particularly for older and disabled people who are unable to use scheduled bus services. We will carefully consider Age Scotland’s report and its recommendations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:46:17.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282213,"EventID":"S4W-13475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:46:18.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-05T16:44:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is considering action to expand community transport infrastructure.","AnswerText":"We have no plans for changing the current arrangements under which the main funding for community transport comes through local authorities’ block funding arrangements.\r\nCommunity transport organisations will be able to bid in partnership with local transport authorities for resources from the Bus Investment Fund, which we will introduce in April.\r\nWe will also provide grant funding of £45,000 to the Community Transport Association in 2013–14 towards building the capacity of the sector in Scotland. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:46:18.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282214,"EventID":"S4W-13476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:46:18.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-05T16:44:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is considering expanding the national concessionary travel scheme to include community transport services.","AnswerText":"The National Concessionary Travel scheme for older and disabled people already includes community transport services that are registered as local bus services. We amended bus registration legislation last year to allow flexibly routed \r\ndemand-responsive community transport services which are available to the general public to be registered as local bus services. These changes allow more community transport services to be included in the scheme. We have no plans to extend the scheme further to include other community transport services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:46:18.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282215,"EventID":"S4W-13477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:46:18.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-05T18:38:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the age limit is for IVF treatment in each NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The age limit for IVF treatment in each NHS Board is currently as follows:\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran – 39 years inclusive\r\nNHS Borders - 39 years inclusive\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway – 39 years inclusive\r\nNHS Fife – up to 38th birthday\r\nNHS Forth Valley – 39 years inclusive\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde – 39 years inclusive\r\nNHS Grampian – 39 years inclusive\r\nNHS Highland – 39 years inclusive\r\nNHS Lanarkshire – 39 years inclusive\r\nNHS Lothian – 39 years inclusive\r\nNHS Orkney – 39 years inclusive\r\nNHS Shetland – 39 years inclusive\r\nNHS Tayside – 39 years inclusive\r\nNHS Western Isles – 39 years inclusive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:46:19.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282216,"EventID":"S4W-13479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:46:19.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-05T18:38:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will review the age limit for IVF treatment in light of the announcement that England and Wales will raise the age limit to 42.","AnswerText":"The National Infertility Group was set up in April 2010 to address the inequity of access to infertility treatment across Scotland. The group’s report, with final recommendations, including a recommendation on age, is currently with Ministers for consideration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:46:19.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282217,"EventID":"S4W-13482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:46:20.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T09:59:53.743","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many seals were shot under licence in the fourth reporting period in 2012.","AnswerText":"This information can be found on the Scottish Government web-site at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/Licensing/SealLicensing\r\nThe figures show that overall 5% fewer seals were shot under licence in 2012 than in 2011.\r\nInformation on seal licences issued for 2013 will be published on the web-site in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:46:20.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282218,"EventID":"S4W-13483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:46:20.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T10:03:19.727","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will assist working parents with the costs of childcare, in light of the report by the Daycare Trust that the cost of full-time nursery places has risen by 6% since 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Daycare Trust’s report Childcare Costs Survey 2013 reported that “during the last 12 months, nursery costs have increased in all parts of Britain except from Scotland”.\r\nChanges in Childcare Costs in 12 Months December 2011 to December 2012\r\nRegion/Nation\r\nNursery 25 hours (under 2)\r\nNursery 25 hours and over\r\n(2 and over)\r\nEngland\r\n5.20%\r\n7.90%\r\nScotland\r\n0%\r\n0%\r\nWales\r\n0%\r\n1.30%\r\nBritain change: average across regions and nations 2012-2013\r\n4.20%\r\n6.60%\r\nSource: Daycare Trust Childcare Costs Survey 2013\r\nHowever, the Scottish Government is taking action, through the Children and Young People Bill, to increase the level of funded early learning and childcare provision, from the current entitlement of 475 hours per year of pre-school education for three and four year olds to 600 hours of early learning and childcare for three and four year olds, and looked after two year olds, from 2014.\r\nThis will help improve outcomes for young children as well as providing support to parents with the cost of childcare.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:46:20.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282219,"EventID":"S4W-13484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:46:20.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T10:12:23.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when reconstruction will begin on the southern approach viaduct of the Kincardine Bridge.","AnswerText":"The scheme is in the current trunk road programme and will be taken forward at the earliest possible opportunity, when funding allows. Accordingly, it is not possible at this stage to provide any start dates for the specific aspects of the works required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:46:20.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282220,"EventID":"S4W-13485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:46:21.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T10:12:23.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when realignment will begin on the northern approach to the Kincardine Bridge.","AnswerText":"The scheme is in the current trunk road programme and will be taken forward at the earliest possible opportunity, when funding allows. Accordingly, it is not possible at this stage to provide any start dates for the specific aspects of the works required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:46:21.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282221,"EventID":"S4W-13486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:46:21.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T10:12:23.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when reconstruction will begin on the guardrails and footways of the Kincardine Bridge.","AnswerText":"The scheme is in the current trunk road programme and will be taken forward at the earliest possible opportunity, when funding allows. Accordingly, it is not possible at this stage to provide any start dates for the specific aspects of the works required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:46:21.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282222,"EventID":"S4O-01904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T13:47:01.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-04T12:04:16.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what legal aid costs have been incurred in each of the last three years by family law cases being cancelled due to non-attendance.\r\n","AnswerText":"I am not able to provide information about legal aid costs that have been incurred for each of the past three years in family cases as a result of non-attendance. Non-attendance would refer to assisted persons, their legal representatives or both.\r\nIt would also refer not only to court appearances, but to other necessary steps to try to resolve the dispute, such as meetings with reporters to prepare bar reports, attendance at supervised contact sessions or at mediation.\r\nCosts are not recorded in a way that the Scottish Legal Aid Board would be able to extract this information. Every family account would need to be checked manually, which would run to thousands of individual accounts. In addition, if an account did record that a case had not progressed, it would be very unlikely that the exact reason for this – in this case non-attendance – would be recorded.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T13:47:01.513","MeetingDate":"2013-03-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282240,"EventID":"S4W-13487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T16:53:49.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T12:18:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government from which budgets the additional £6.3 million announced to support the Community Jobs Scotland scheme will come.","AnswerText":"The additional investment of £6.3 million for Community Jobs Scotland comes from the Opportunities for All budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T16:53:49.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282241,"EventID":"S4W-13488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T16:53:50.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T12:18:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it gave to the statement signed by the Scottish Government, COSLA, SOLACE (Scotland) and the SCVO in deciding to fund Community Jobs Scotland for one year only.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government did refer directly to the statement signed by the Scottish Government, COSLA, SOLACE (Scotland) and the SCVO, known as the Joint Statement on the Relationship at Local level between Government and the Third Sector.\r\nThe Scottish Government has decided to fund Community Jobs Scotland for one year only because we are currently commissioning an evaluation of the current phase of the programme and will use the results of this to help form a view to extending the programme in future years.\r\nThis decision has been made clear to key Community Jobs Scotland stakeholders including the third sector and local government who are represented on the Community Jobs Scotland Advisory Group which meets regularly to discuss all matters relating to Community Jobs Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T16:53:50.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282242,"EventID":"S4W-13489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T16:53:50.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T12:18:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reasons it decided not to fund the Community Jobs Scotland scheme for a three-year period.","AnswerText":"The reason the Scottish Government decided not to fund Community Jobs Scotland for a three year period is because we are currently commissioning an evaluation of the current phase of the programme and will use the results of this to help form a view to extending the programme in future years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T16:53:50.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282243,"EventID":"S4W-13497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T16:53:50.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T14:52:10.383","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much financial support it has provided to each organisation tackling homophobia in schools in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"We want all children and young people in Scotland to grow up in a society which is free from discrimination. To support this aim, the Scottish Government has provided financial support to the following organisations involved in tackling homophobia since 2007:\r\nYear\r\nStonewall Scotland\r\nEquality Network\r\nLGBT Youth Scotland\r\n2007-08 \r\n£121,938 \r\n£231,754\r\n£463,152\r\n2008-09\r\n£101,276\r\n£232,378\r\n£426,925\r\n2009-10\r\n£78,000\r\n£233,433\r\n£270,000\r\n2010-11\r\n£100,000\r\n£230,000\r\n£270,000\r\n2011-12\r\n£100,000\r\n£355,000\r\n£265,000\r\n2012-13\r\n£100,000\r\n£355,000\r\n£265,000\r\n\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government has provided the following funding to organisations to support education authorities and schools to prevent and tackle homophobia and homophobic bullying in schools:\r\nAmount\r\nOrganisation\r\nPurpose\r\n2007-08\r\n£32,320\r\nLearning and Teaching Scotland (now Education Scotland)\r\nto work with LGBT Youth Scotland on dissemination of research and preparation for good practice guidance\r\n£350,000\r\nrespectme\r\ncore fund the national anti-bullying service to work with adults to give them the practical skills and confidence to deal with all types of bullying behaviour, including homophobic bullying.\r\n£148,000\r\nChildline\r\nto provide confidential advice and information to children and young people affected by bullying, including homophobic bullying.\r\n2008-09\r\n£15,000\r\nStonewall Scotland\r\nto support the development of the FIT DVD anti-homophobic bullying resource.\r\n£40,680\r\nLearning and Teaching Scotland (now Education Scotland)\r\nto work with LGBT Youth Scotland for development of guidance and piloting of materials and production of  guidance.  The toolkit for teachers in dealing with homophobia and homophobic bullying in Scottish schools was published in 2008.\r\n£350,000\r\nrespectme\r\n(as above)\r\n£148,000\r\nChildline\r\n(as above)\r\n2009-10\r\n£350,000\r\nrespectme\r\n(as above)\r\n£160,000\r\nChildline\r\n(as above)\r\n2010-11\r\n£347,000\r\nrespectme\r\nCore funding as above and one-off funding to support national anti-bullying competition\r\n£160,000\r\nChildline\r\n(as above)\r\n2011-12\r\n£312,300\r\nrespectme\r\n(as above)\r\n£128,000\r\nChildline\r\n(as above)\r\n2012-13\r\n£312,300\r\nrespectme\r\n(as above)\r\n£128,000\r\nChildline\r\n(as above)\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T16:53:50.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282244,"EventID":"S4W-13498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T16:53:51.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T14:56:27.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on external legal advice and advocacy since May 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The total spent on external legal fees since May 2011 is £6,065,037.27 (exclusive of VAT). The total spent on Counsel fees since May 2011 is £2,352,906.94 (exclusive of VAT).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T16:53:51.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282245,"EventID":"S4W-13499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T16:53:51.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T15:53:55.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money it has available due to capital underspend and whether it will consider using some of this money to keep the University Marine Biological Station Millport open. \r\n","AnswerText":"We are currently working to ensure that we spend in full our capital budget for this financial year. If any underspends emerge we will consider appropriate deployment recognising limited timescales. In relation to the University Marine Biology Station Millport, this is currently in the ownership of the University of London, and therefore not a fundable body.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T16:53:51.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282246,"EventID":"S4W-13500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T16:53:51.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T15:53:55.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) the University of St Andrews, (b) North Ayrshire Council and (c) the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland regarding the University Marine Biological Station Millport; when these discussions took place, and what the nature was of the discussions.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have held two constructive meetings (17 January and 20 February 2013) to discuss the future of Millport, which were attended by representatives from St Andrews, North Ayrshire Council, and the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland.\r\nDiscussions included the impact on local community and staff and what measures could be taken by the Scottish Government and other partners in the event of a decision to close the station. \r\nI also met with North Ayrshire Council Leader, Willie Gibson on 7 February 2013 to discuss the same issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T16:53:51.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282247,"EventID":"S4W-13501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T16:53:52.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T15:53:55.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will work with the University Marine Biological Station Millport, the University of St Andrews and other stakeholders to develop a plan to invest in and develop the station.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working with a range of stakeholders to explore options in the event of a decision by the University of London to close the station. However the University of St Andrews has indicated it will not be participating in any investment on development of the station.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T16:53:52.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282248,"EventID":"S4W-13504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T16:53:52.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T15:53:55.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it has provided to the Scottish Association for Marine Science in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"SAMS does not receive core grant-in-aid funding from the Scottish Government. One-off grants paid by Scottish Government for goods and services from SAMS are published in SAMS Annual Accounts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T16:53:52.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282249,"EventID":"S4W-13505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T16:53:52.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T15:53:55.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what services will be transferred to the Scottish Association for Marine Science if the University Marine Biological Station Millport is closed. ","AnswerText":"Discussions on ensuring the future delivery of marine science provision within Scotland in the event of a decision by the University of London to close the station are on-going between stakeholders in marine science provision and the Scottish Funding Council.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T16:53:52.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282250,"EventID":"S4W-13506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T16:53:53.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T15:53:55.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if the University Marine Biological Station Millport closes, where its work will be relocated and whether it will remain in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Discussions on ensuring the future delivery of marine science provision within Scotland in the event of a decision by the University of London to close the station are on-going between stakeholders in marine science provision and the Scottish Funding Council.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T16:53:53.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282251,"EventID":"S4W-13507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-06T16:53:53.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T15:53:55.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it will put in place to support the economy of Cumbrae if the University Marine Biological Station Millport closes and what discussion it has had with stakeholders on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government continues to work closely with a wide range of organisations to increase economic activity, promote growth, and to protect and create employment opportunities across North Ayrshire, including in Cumbrae.\r\nI have held two constructive meetings (17 January and 20 February 2013) to discuss the future of Millport Station, which were well attended and included the owners, University of London, representatives from the Scottish higher education sector and those with local interests.\r\nDiscussions have been helpful and productive with a number of options identified for exploration at future meetings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-20T16:53:53.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282271,"EventID":"S4W-13480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T14:12:04.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-05T21:23:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on a recent report by Brodies LLP suggesting that challenges to planning decisions in Scotland are less successful than similar challenges in England.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers welcome the findings in the report by Brodies LLP that challenges to planning decisions in Scotland are less likely to be successful than similar challenges in England and Wales. This demonstrates that decisions taken by local planning authorities and by the Scottish Government are soundly based and well-reasoned and play an important part in delivering sustainable economic development.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T14:12:04.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282272,"EventID":"S4W-13481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T14:12:05.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-05T21:23:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that there is an adequate opportunity for (a) private individuals and (b) housing associations to review planning decisions under the terms of the Aarhus Convention.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is open to parties to seek review by the courts of planning decisions made by planning authorities or the Scottish Ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T14:12:05.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282273,"EventID":"S4W-13508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T14:12:05.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T16:05:48.417","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises benefit from public spending at (a) national and (b) local level.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are working with the Scottish business community to standardise the public procurement process and reduce bureaucracy to make it easier for Small and Medium Enterprises to access public sector contracts.\r\nAt a local level the Scottish Government has issued guidance on the use of community benefit clauses further information on how this is helping locally is available in the response to S4W-13509 on 18 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T14:12:05.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282274,"EventID":"S4W-13509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T14:12:05.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T16:05:48.417","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the guidance that it has issued since 2007 on public spending has led to increased (a) social and (b) community benefits.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Social Issues in Public Procurement guidance, October 2007, was followed up in February 2008 by publication of a detailed report and guidance on the use of community benefit clauses in public procurement. These clauses are now being used in a variety of projects across the public sector to deliver wider social benefits including targeted recruitment and training and opportunities for social enterprises and small and medium enterprises. Since initiating work in this area, a commitment to over 3500 targeted recruitment and training opportunities has been achieved in contracts across the wider public sector.\r\nTo facilitate contracts with supported businesses, the Scottish Government put in place a Supported Business Framework Agreement in September 2012 that can be used by the Scottish public sector.\r\nBy the end of January 2013, 17 public sector organisations had placed 31 contracts under the framework.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T14:12:05.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282275,"EventID":"S4W-13510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T14:12:06.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T16:05:48.417","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been awarded to the University of St Andrews to develop a cetacean-friendly seal scarer and when the scarer will be commercially available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provided £94,000 to the Sea Mammal Research Unit at University of St. Andrews to support initial research into a range of possible new options for seal deterrence using sound. The research project yielded some promising results amidst a number of failures, as might be expected with experimental designs of this nature. It did not itself produce an effective deterrent.\r\nThe University subsequently developed a single prototype device using a sound that produced a “startle” response in seals. This prototype proved effective in initial limited captive trials and initial field tests, which were supported by Scottish Government funding of £110,000.\r\nThe final prototype device is the intellectual property of the University and it is for them to explore potential options for commercial development. The Scottish Government is not permitted to directly fund the commercial development of such a device. The University advises us that the device is expected to continue development and field testing for another 12 to 18 months before reaching the stage of commercial development.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T14:12:06.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282276,"EventID":"S4W-13511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T14:12:06.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T16:05:48.417","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish action plans for dealing with (a) chalara ash dieback, (b) dothistroma needle blight and (c) larch ramorum.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will publish its own, finalised Chalara action plan once the GB Chalara management plan is confirmed; this is expected at the end of March 2013.\r\nFinalised action plans for Dothistroma Needle Blight and Phytophthora ramorum on larch will be published by 31 March 2013.\r\nDraft action plans developed by the Scottish Tree Health Advisory Group, for Chalara fraxinea (ash dieback), dothistroma needle blight and Phytophthora ramourum in larch were presented at the Scottish Government Tree Health Stakeholder Summit held on 6 March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T14:12:06.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282277,"EventID":"S4W-13512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T14:12:06.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T16:05:48.417","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) where and (b) when trials of fungicide application to combat dothistroma needle blight will be held.\r\n","AnswerText":"Seven potential sites for the aerial application of fungicide on the national forest estate have been identified, three in the North Highland Forest District and four in the Moray and Aberdeenshire Forest District. Approvals for the aerial application are currently being sought. Subject to the necessary experimental licenses being issued and subject to their conditions, either one or two of the seven potential sites (each of 5-20 hectares in extent) will be selected after further discussions with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage. The spraying operation is planned to take place this summer.\r\nWe will keep stakeholders informed of our plans, through the Scottish Tree Health Advisory Group, given their role in aiding our understanding of the challenges presented by Dothistroma needle blight and to assess potential risks to the wider ecosystems of any treatments used to control the spread of Dothistroma.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T14:12:06.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282278,"EventID":"S4W-13513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T14:12:06.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T16:05:48.417","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the most recent assessment is of the incidence of dothistroma needle blight in the national forest estate.\r\n","AnswerText":"Monitoring for the presence of Dothistroma needle blight has taken place annually on the national forest estate since 2006.  Following completion of the 2012 survey the presence of Dothistroma on pine species has now been confirmed on 12,600 hectares of woodland. By species this amounts to some 8,600 hectares of lodgepole pine, 3,800 hectares of Scots pine and 250 hectares of Corsican pine.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T14:12:07.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282279,"EventID":"S4W-13514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T14:12:07.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-06T16:05:48.417","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the second tranche of regulations implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government put in place new domestic legislation, the Welfare of Animals at time of killing (Scotland) Regulation 2012, to implement and enforce 1099/2009 from 1 January 2013, when the EU legislation came into effect.\r\nThe domestic legislation currently maintains existing national rules that go beyond the EU regulation in terms of protection of animal welfare at slaughter. However, we have previously stated that an amendment may be necessary in 2013 in light of consultation responses.\r\nAnalysis of the responses received to the consultation on the implementation of 1099/2009 in Scotland is underway. Until this process is complete, it would be premature to confirm if or when an amendment might be laid before Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T14:12:07.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282280,"EventID":"S4W-13515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T14:12:07.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T09:43:01.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government from which budget line the £30 million to create an additional 850 taught postgraduate places at universities announced on 27 February 2013 will be allocated; whether it is new money; whether it will be allocated directly to universities; whether prospective students will be liable to pay tuition fees, and how many of these places will be allocated to students from deprived or underrepresented backgrounds.\r\n","AnswerText":"The 850 taught post graduate places are additional funded places. The £30 million, which includes £6.2 million in 2013-14,  to create an additional 850 taught post graduate places at universities is contained within the Higher Education budget line. The additional places are possible because of the release of resources associated with de-regulation of places for students from the Rest of the United Kingdom.\r\nThe funding is allocated to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and SFC makes the allocations to the individual institutions.\r\nStudents taking up these additional funded places will not be liable to pay tuition fees. It is a matter for the institutions to allocate the places to individual students.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T14:12:07.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282281,"EventID":"S4W-13516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T14:12:08.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T09:43:01.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the announcement of 27 February 2013 of £30 million to create an additional 850 taught postgraduate places at universities, which courses will be funded, broken down by (a) university and (b) number of places allocated to each course.","AnswerText":"The 850 taught post graduate places have been allocated over 18 institutions as set out in the following table:\r\nCourse Title\r\nNumber of Places\r\nUniversity of Aberdeen\r\n \r\nRenewable Energy\r\n5\r\nOil and Gas Engineering\r\n5\r\nSafety and Reliability Engineering for oil and Gas\r\n4\r\nSubsea Engineering\r\n4\r\nGeospatial Information Systems\r\n5\r\nInformation Technology Oil\r\n6\r\nClimate Change Law & Sustainable Development\r\n3\r\nEnergy Law\r\n3\r\nInternational Commercial Law\r\n6\r\nOil and Gas Law\r\n6\r\nPetroleum, Energy Economics and Finance\r\n3\r\nArt and Business\r\n3\r\nCreative Writing\r\n1\r\nVisual Culture\r\n1\r\nMusic\r\n1\r\nDrug Discovery and Development\r\n3\r\nHuman Nutrition\r\n6\r\nForestry \r\n6\r\nTotal \r\n71\r\nUniversity of Abertay\r\n \r\nFood and Drink Innovation \r\n20\r\nTotal \r\n20\r\nDundee University \r\n \r\nManagement Energy Sector \r\n15\r\nAugmentative and Alternative Communications \r\n7\r\nWater Hazards and Risk\r\n10\r\nGeotechnical Engineering \r\n7\r\nDesign and Construction of Zero Carbon and Ultra-Low Energy Buildings\r\n10\r\nTotal \r\n49\r\nUniversity of Edinburgh \r\n \r\nCarbon Management\r\n8\r\nCarbon Capture and Storage\r\n12\r\nEnvironmental Protection and Management\r\n6\r\nEcosystem Service\r\n4\r\nDrug Discovery and Translation\r\n10\r\nBiotechnology \r\n10\r\nScience, Technology and International Development\r\n5\r\nFinancial Maths\r\n4\r\nMathematical Sciences\r\n10\r\nBanking and Risk\r\n1\r\nAccounting and Finance\r\n1\r\nCarbon Finance\r\n1\r\nSustainability and Tourism Across Outdoor Environmental and Sustainability Education and Outdoor Education\r\n20\r\nTotal \r\n92\r\nEdinburgh Napier University\r\n \r\nComputing \r\n8\r\nBiotechnology for Environmental Sustainability\r\n16\r\nTotal \r\n24\r\nUniversity of Glasgow\r\n \r\nTheatre Practices\r\n5\r\nPlaywriting &  Dramaturgy\r\n5\r\nTextile and Dress Histories\r\nHistory of Collecting & Collections\r\nInternational Art Nouveau\r\nArt Politics and Transgression\r\n6 (across these courses )\r\nMaterial Culture & Artefact Studies\r\n4\r\nMammalian Biology\r\n10\r\nMedical Visualisation & Human Anatomy\r\n10\r\nAnimal Welfare, Sci, Ethics& Law\r\n5\r\nInformation Technology\r\nSoftware Development\r\n15 (across these courses)\r\nAeronautical Engineering\r\n5\r\nNanoscience / Nanotechnology\r\n10\r\nFinancial Risk Management\r\n10\r\nInvestment & Fund Management\r\n10\r\nTourism, Heritage & Sustainability\r\nEnvironment, Culture & Communication\r\n2 (across these courses)\r\nReal Estate\r\n25\r\nTotal \r\n122\r\nGlasgow Caledonian University\r\n \r\nBanking Finance and Risk Management\r\n5\r\nFinancial Services, Risk\r\n5\r\nRisk Management\r\n5\r\nGlobal Supply Chain and Logistics\r\n5\r\nOperations and Bus Management\r\n5\r\nInternational Banking Finance\r\n5\r\nInternational Fashion Marketing\r\n15\r\nFood Bioscience\r\n6\r\nTotal \r\n51\r\nGlasgow School of Art\r\n \r\nVisualisation\r\n10\r\nSound for the Moving Image\r\n3\r\nDesign innovation\r\n12\r\nFasion and Textiles\r\n5\r\nCurating*\r\n5*\r\nTotal \r\n30 increasing to 35*\r\nHeriot Watt University\r\n \r\nBrewing and Distilling \r\n10\r\nMarine Renewable Energy \r\nRenewable Energy Development \r\n10 (across these courses) \r\nReservoir Evaluation and Management \r\nPetroleum Geoscience \r\n10 (across these courses) \r\nOil and Gas Technology \r\n6\r\nQuantitative Financial Engineering \r\nQuantitative Finance and Mathematics\r\n10 (across these courses) \r\nCivil Engineering and Construction Management \r\n10\r\nAdvanced Mechanical Engineering \r\n6\r\nSmart Grid and Demand Management \r\n5\r\nPhotonic and Optolecteronic Devices\r\n3\r\nTotal \r\n70\r\nOpen University \r\n \r\nContinuing Professional Development in Practice\r\nManagement: Perspectives and Practice \r\n30 (across these courses) \r\nTotal \r\n30\r\nQuen Margaret University\r\n \r\nMSc Gastronomy and Beverage Studies\r\n12\r\nMA Creative Entrepreneurship\r\n15\r\nTotal \r\n27\r\nRobert Gordon University\r\n \r\nInstrumental Analytical Science\r\n15\r\nIT for Oil & Gas\r\n15\r\nInfo & Network Security\r\n10\r\nFashion Management\r\n10\r\nTotal \r\n50\r\nRoyal Conservatoire \r\n \r\nArts Practice and Entrepreneurship \r\n18 (starting with 6 in first year and increasing) \r\nGaelic Drama \r\n6 (starting in 2015-16)\r\nTotal\r\n24\r\nSt Andrews \r\n \r\nMuseum and Gallery Studies\r\n5 places for part time\r\nManaging in the Creative Industrie","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T14:12:08.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282282,"EventID":"S4W-13517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T14:12:08.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T10:07:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s adoption of a new watercourse management registration category (a) could result in significant environmental effects, (b) constitutes a qualifying plan or programme for the purposes of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 and (c) constitutes a qualifying plan or project for the purposes of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 and (d) could affect the delivery of sustainable flood management, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The recent heavy rainfall has highlighted that drainage of agricultural land presents several challenges in relation to environmental, economic and community interests. I believe that the procedural changes to the authorisation regime SEPA has made are a proportionate approach taking account of these interactions.\r\nSEPA’s decisions, and their discussion with stakeholders and partner organisations such as Scottish Natural Heritage, have been underpinned by risk assessment. I have kept the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee informed of this work, particularly through my letters of 25 February 2013 and 6 March 2013.\r\nSEPA uses registration for controlled activities under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 that it considers do not normally pose a significant risk individually, but may contribute to a significant cumulative risk. SEPA's assessment is that this activity satisfies its criteria for authorisation by registration. This change only applies to existing straightened rivers with particular characteristics and does not apply universally to all watercourses. In addition the registration does not permit any works to straighten rivers.\r\nSEPA does not consider that significant environmental effects could result by virtue of deciding to require prior authorisation in the form of a registration rather than a water use licence. Where it considers it necessary to protect the water environment, SEPA can and will refuse applications for authorisation by registration. Where it authorises the activity by registration, SEPA can and will impose such conditions as it considers necessary or expedient for the purposes of protection of the water environment.\r\nThe decision by SEPA to require prior authorisation for the activity by registration rather than by water use licence is procedural in nature. Such procedural changes do not affect the requirements for environmental impact assessment under any other legislation. \r\nSEPA's decision on the form of prior authorisation required for the activity does not constitute a plan or programme for the purposes of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. As such it does not require a strategic environmental assessment.\r\nThe Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 relate to England and Wales and the Scottish legislation transposing the Birds and Habitats Directives is the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994. SEPA does not believe the water use licence constitutes a plan or project under the 1994 Regulations. SEPA has advised the Scottish Government that it has considered the likely risk posed by the activity to European sites as well as to the ecological status of water bodies generally in making these procedural changes.\r\nIn terms of flood risk SEPA does not consider that its decision on the form of prior authorisation will affect the delivery of sustainable flood risk management or will affect flood risk in catchments. Where sediment has built up on the river bed, SEPA considers that the carrying out of the activity may in some circumstances reduce the frequency of flooding of the adjacent land. Straightening of rivers can contribute to elevated flood peaks in rivers further downstream. However, the activity only permits sediment management works in rivers that are already straightened. SEPA does not consider that this type of works is likely to have a significant effect on downstream flood risk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T14:12:08.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282283,"EventID":"S4W-13520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T14:12:09.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T10:07:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that land drainage and watercourse management projects that may result in significant environmental effects are subject to the provisions of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13517 on 20 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T14:12:09.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282284,"EventID":"S4W-13521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T14:12:09.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T10:07:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact it considers that the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s adoption of a new watercourse management registration category could have on the implementation of environmental impact assessments, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13517 on 20 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T14:12:09.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282285,"EventID":"S4W-13522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T14:12:10.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T10:07:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency regarding the implications of its adoption of a new watercourse management registration category for the implementation of the EU (a) birds, (b) habitats and (c) environmental impact assessment directive.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W–13517 on 20 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T14:12:10.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282286,"EventID":"S4W-13523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T14:12:10.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T10:07:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment has been made of how the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s adoption of a new watercourse management registration category will affect flood risk in river catchments.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W–13517 on 20 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T14:12:10.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282287,"EventID":"S4W-13535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T14:12:11.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T10:40:18.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what arrangements have been made to ensure that (a) Healthcare Improvement Scotland and (b) the Care Commission are provided with regular reports from NHS boards summarising feedback received from patients and the public.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Boards are required under the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011 and secondary legislation to provide Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) with a copy of their annual summary of feedback, comments, concerns and complaints. The first such reports are due in the summer. In addition:\r\n(a) To help inform their work HIS gathers intelligence from the national Patient Experience Programme, NHS Board complaints, and the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) investigation reports and also through inviting patients and the public to provide comments on their experiences directly to them. HIS is also currently working closely with the SPSO on the design of the new approach to reporting and learning from adverse events, which the First Minister announced to Parliament last November 2012.\r\n(b) A National Enquiry Line was established by the Care Inspectorate on 1 April 2011 which provides a central point to deal with general enquiries, concerns or complaints. The Care Inspectorate has also been strengthening the range of ways in which it receives and acts on information on services and in encouraging feedback on the quality of services provided. A new complaints process was introduced on 8 October 2012 with incremental changes being made until March 2013.\r\nBoth the NHS complaints process and the Care Inspectorate complaints process include provision for co-operation and joint working to resolve issues where this is appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T14:12:11.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282288,"EventID":"S4W-13537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T14:12:11.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T11:19:27.637","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it has not yet published the responses to its consultation on Mental Health Strategy for Scotland: 2012-2015 and when it will do so.\r\n","AnswerText":"The consultation responses were made available publicly for anyone wishing to view them shortly after the consultation ended on 31 January 2012.\r\nArrangements can be made to view the responses by contacting the Scottish Government Library at Victoria Quay, Edinburgh on 0131 244 4556 or by emailing SELibrary@scotland.gsi.gov.uk to make an appointment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T14:12:11.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282294,"EventID":"S4W-13525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T16:52:16.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T10:39:59.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will seek EU assistance for the (a) construction of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and (b) (i) M8, (ii) M73 and (iii) M74 motorway improvements projects.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are working together with the European Investment Bank to secure funding support through the successful bidders which provides value for money for both schemes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T16:52:17.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282295,"EventID":"S4W-13526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T16:52:17.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T10:39:59.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the projected start date of the construction of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is two years after the resolution of the legal challenge to the project.\r\n","AnswerText":"Due to the protracted Practising Law Institute and legal challenges a road that should be relieving traffic from central Aberdeen now will unfortunately not be open until spring 2018. However, we ensured as much preparatory steps as possible were progressed during the legal challenges. As a result we were able to publish a Prior Information Notice on 19 October 2012 (only two days after the Supreme Court Judgment).\r\nDuring the current period between resolution of the legal challenge and construction start we are procuring the contract to undertake the works. This period of time for procurement is typical of similar projects such as the M80, M73 and M74.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T16:52:17.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282296,"EventID":"S4W-13527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T16:52:17.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T10:39:59.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12698 by Nicola Sturgeon on 25 February 2013, when it will publish the timescale for the delivery of each of the 19 schools projects in Phase 3.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Schools for the Future Programme, of which these 19 schools are a part, will see the delivery of 67 new or refurbished schools across all parts of Scotland by March 2018. So far six schools have been completed, nine schools are currently under construction of which five are expected to open in August 2013.\r\nThe delivery timescales of all revenue funded schools through the Schools for the Future Programme are published within the “Pipeline of Revenue Funded Projects” on the Scottish Futures Trust website which is regularly updated and can be obtained via the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scottishfuturestrust.org.uk/publications/pipeline-of-revenue-funded-projects-npd-and-hub-october-2012/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T16:52:17.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282297,"EventID":"S4W-13528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T16:52:18.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T10:39:59.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12698 by Nicola Sturgeon on 25 February 2013, what funding has been made available for each school project that has been delayed by project-specific issues.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Schools for the Future Programme is a joint £1.25 billion programme with Scotland’s local authorities which will see the delivery of 67 new or refurbished schools across all parts of Scotland. The Scottish Government is contributing £800 million towards the programme and the local authorities £450 million. The precise amount of funding made available to each project is dependent of the final project costs but is calculated on the basis of 50% of eligible costs for a primary/additional support needs school and 67% of eligible costs for a secondary school.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T16:52:18.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282298,"EventID":"S4W-13529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T16:52:18.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T10:39:59.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12698 by Nicola Sturgeon on 25 February 2013, whether any school projects will be delivered through the HUB initiative and, if so, which projects.","AnswerText":"All revenue funded HUB school projects delivered through the Schools for the Future Programme are published within the “Pipeline of Revenue Funded Projects” on the Scottish Futures Trust website which is regularly updated and can be obtained via the following link: \r\nhttp://www.scottishfuturestrust.org.uk/publications/pipeline-of-revenue-funded-projects-npd-and-hub-october-2012/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T16:52:18.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282299,"EventID":"S4W-13530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T16:52:19.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T10:39:59.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12698 by Nicola Sturgeon on 25 February 2013, if staggering the timing of procurement of the three colleges avoided them competing with each other in the market, for what reason the colleges will now move into construction around the same time.\r\n","AnswerText":"The staggered timing of procurement took account of potential market capacity constraints in the bidding process and the ability of contractors to participate in the bidding process for more than one project. There are no overall capacity constraints in the market for delivering the construction of these projects.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T16:52:19.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282300,"EventID":"S4W-13531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T16:52:19.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T10:39:59.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12698 by Nicola Sturgeon on 25 February 2013, whether moving the colleges into construction around the same time might have a detrimental effect, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no detrimental effect of the colleges moving into construction around the same time as overall capacity in the construction market to deliver these projects is not constrained. The projects differ in location and or size, and have attracted interest from different contractors and will ultimately be delivered by different contractors. The timing for delivery of the three colleges reflects the needs of the colleges and their students, as set out in their business cases.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T16:52:19.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282301,"EventID":"S4W-13532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T16:52:19.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T10:39:59.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12698 by Nicola Sturgeon on 25 February 2013, how the staggered timing for college projects has been prioritised.\r\n","AnswerText":"Prioritisation was based on the previous development of the projects and the preparedness of their business cases for receiving approval.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T16:52:19.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282302,"EventID":"S4W-13533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T16:52:20.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T10:39:59.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12698 by Nicola Sturgeon on 25 February 2013, which minister approved the decision to deliver the Borders Railway project using Network Rail’s Regulatory Asset Base and not the non-profit distributing model, and for what reason Network Rail’s Regulatory Asset Base was chosen as the preferred method.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Minister for Transport and Veterans approved the decision to deliver the Borders Railway using Network Rail’s Regulatory Asset Base.\r\nTransport Scotland cancelled the original non-profit distributing procurement competition in September 2011 following the withdrawal of two of the three bidders.\r\nNetwork Rail confirmed their willingness to take forward the delivery of the Borders Railway and that they would be able to deliver the project within budget, with significant on-going savings to the public purse.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T16:52:20.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282303,"EventID":"S4W-13539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T16:52:20.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T14:07:59.257","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it gave to events that marked World Book Day 2013. \r\n","AnswerText":"World Book Day is one of a range of initiatives supported by partner bodies engaged in literacy work, in this case specifically Scottish Book Trust, supported by Education Scotland.\r\nI attended the Scottish Children’s Book Awards with Scottish Book Trust in Dundee on World Book Day this year where I presented the Review Competition Awards.\r\nFurther, the importance of World Book Day was promoted through social media channels in the PlayTalkRead campaign.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T16:52:20.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282304,"EventID":"S4W-13540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T16:52:21.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T14:14:43.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-00603 by Richard Lochhead on 26 January 2012 (Official Report, c. 5771), what issues will be discussed during its 2013 review of the role of the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Decisions on the form and scope of the review of the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board have yet to be taken. An assurance can be given that the key participants (NFUS, SLaE and Unite the Union) will be given an opportunity to present their views.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T16:52:21.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282305,"EventID":"S4W-13541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-07T16:52:21.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T14:54:14.743","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Estates Charter introduced by the Scottish Executive in 1999 remains in force.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes. It is standard practice for the principles behind the Estates Charter to be taken into account when managing the Scottish Ministers’ estate, alongside other Scottish Government policies and the requirements of the Scottish Public Finance Manual.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-21T16:52:21.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282306,"EventID":"S4W-13542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:40.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T15:56:34.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13003 by Fergus Ewing on 5 March 2013, whether it will provide an estimate of the jobs delivered by each of the projects supported by the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund and whether it is on course to create the estimated 28,000 jobs.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan (N-RIP 2) an analysis was carried out to identify the potential direct job benefits arising from the development of all the sites identified. This illustrated that should all the sites be developed for their assumed set of uses Scotland would benefit from 5180 direct manufacturing jobs. This analysis does not include multiplier effects or jobs arising from research and development, installation processes and on-going operation and maintenance jobs. For further detail please refer to N-RIP 2 Report, Section 7.\r\nThe projects that have been supported and those under development indicate that this magnitude of direct manufacturing employment is achievable.\r\nThe 28,000 jobs is a longer term target. Scotland is already seeing significant progress with announcements from inward investors such as Gamesa, Samsung Heavy Industries, Areva of their intention to locate manufacturing in Scotland and announcements by Scottish companies of investments in the sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:40.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282307,"EventID":"S4W-13543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:40.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T15:56:34.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13003 by Fergus Ewing on 5 March 2013, how it will measure its success in delivering the estimated 28,000 jobs that the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund aims to help deliver.\r\n","AnswerText":"Projects supported by Scottish Enterprise or Highlands and Islands Enterprise develop a Monitoring and Evaluation framework, which follows Treasury Green Book approach. Overall at a programme level Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise monitor milestones that have been identified as forming the critical path to the realisation of the 28,000 jobs estimate. \r\nA number of key milestones relate to actions which are outwith the control of Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, such as electricity market reform, consents for site development, grid connections and financing of offshore wind projects. Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise work with a range of stakeholders to articulate the need for progress on these issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:40.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282308,"EventID":"S4W-13544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:41.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T15:56:34.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13003 by Fergus Ewing on 5 March 2013, whether it will provide a breakdown of the sectors and nature of the estimated 28,000 jobs that the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund aims to help deliver.\r\n","AnswerText":"The figure of up to 28,000 jobs in offshore wind were estimated in the Creating an Industry report commissioned from independent consultants IPA Energy and Water Economics which provided the baseline data for Scotland's Offshore Wind Route Map. The report estimated job creation across a range of sectors from development through supply and installation to operation but did not attribute specific job numbers to individual tasks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:41.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282309,"EventID":"S4W-13545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:41.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T15:56:34.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13004 by Fergus Ewing on 5 March 2013, how it will assess the economic benefit of expenditure from the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"Assessment of the economic benefit of National Renewables Infrastructure Fund will follow standard Treasury Green Book guidance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:41.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282310,"EventID":"S4W-13546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:42.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T15:56:34.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13004 by Fergus Ewing on 5 March 2013, what proportion of the progress toward a cumulative benefit to gross value added of £7.1 billion it attributes to the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund.","AnswerText":"National Renewables Investment Fund forms part of a suite of support that Scottish Enterprise and Highland and Islands Enterprise have in place to assist the development of this new industry in Scotland. Investment in manufacturing sites is critical to securing the manufacturing element of this overall benefit to the economy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:42.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282311,"EventID":"S4W-13547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:42.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T15:56:34.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13005 by Fergus Ewing on 5 March 2013, how it assesses the economic impact of a project prior to receiving investment from the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund and what assessment it made for each project that the fund has supported.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise and Highland and Islands Enterprise follow Treasury Green Book guidance in assessing ex ante economic benefit of investments. Each project supported has been assessed accordingly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:42.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282312,"EventID":"S4W-13548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:42.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T15:56:34.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to S4W-12998 by Fergus Ewing on 5 March 2013, how much private sector investment has been leveraged into the projects supported by the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund at (a) Port of Dundee, (b) Port of Leith, (c) Rosyth, (d) Methil, (e) Hunterston, (f) Inchgreen, (g) Westway, (h) Kishorn, (i) Arnish, (j) Machrihanish, (k) Nigg, (l) Wick, (m) Scrabster and (n) Mallaig.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise are investing in project development at Dundee, Leith and Rosyth and in project delivery at Methil, Hunterston, Inchgreen and Westway.\r\nSimilarly Highlands and Islands Enterprise are investing in project development at Kishorn and Wick and project delivery at Arnish, Macrihanish, Nigg, Scrabster and Mallaig.\r\nLeverage at the project development stage is in the form of private sector involvement in masterplanning and site appraisal processes. At project delivery stage leverage arises from the appraisal of each individual project. Therefore, the amount of private sector investment at each site is as follows:\r\n\r\nSite Name\r\nInvestment Amount\r\nPort of Dundee\r\n£0\r\nPort of Leith\r\n£0\r\nRosyth\r\n£15,000\r\nMethil\r\n£0\r\nHunterston\r\n£0\r\nInchgreen\r\n£75,000\r\nWestway\r\n£800,000\r\nKishorn\r\n£135,420\r\nArnish\r\n£0\r\nMacrihanish\r\n£5.9 million\r\nNigg\r\n£9.231 million\r\nWick\r\n£0\r\nScrabster\r\n£7.8 million\r\nMallaig\r\n£364,250\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:42.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282313,"EventID":"S4W-13549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:42.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T15:56:34.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12998 by Fergus Ewing on 5 March 2013, how much private sector investment has been leveraged into the wider renewables industry through projects supported by the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund at (a) Port of Dundee, (b) Port of Leith, (c) Rosyth, (d) Methil, (e) Hunterston, (f) Inchgreen, (g) Westway, (h) Kishorn, (i) Arnish, (j) Machrihanish, (k) Nigg, (l) Wick, (m) Scrabster and (n) Mallaig.","AnswerText":"In terms of the wider picture of investment into the renewables industry more generally Scottish Renewables have recently published an assessment of investment into renewables in 2011. This is based on the capacity installed in each technology multiplied by estimates of capital cost per Mega Watt. Their analysis shows projects with a total capital cost of £757.2 million were commissioned in 2011. Similar analysis for the first nine months of 2012, shows that this exceeded over £1.3 billion.\r\nScottish Renewables also undertook more detailed assessment of investment into offshore wind and this research shows that £164.5 million has been invested in the Scottish economy by the six companies currently developing offshore wind projects in the Scottish Renewable Energy Zone with more than one third of this investment (£63.66 million) delivered in 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:42.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282314,"EventID":"S4W-13550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:43.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T15:56:34.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12998 by Fergus Ewing on 5 March 2013, what funding packages are in place for the ports not listed in the answer and how much private sector funding has been leveraged; how many jobs have been delivered, and what economic benefit has been assessed in each case.","AnswerText":"National Renewables Infrastructure Fund is available to all ports that meet the criteria for funding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:43.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282315,"EventID":"S4W-13551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:43.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T15:56:34.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13001 by Fergus Ewing on 5 March 2013, how many expressions of interest were received for the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012 and have been received in 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"Through the development of the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan both Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise worked closely with the identified ports and therefore encouraged them to submit expressions of interest in the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund (NRIF).\r\nAs a result the majority of interest was noted in the first two years of the Fund, as shown below.\r\n2010: 27\r\n2011: 12\r\n2012: 3\r\n2013: 0\r\nThe call remains open for those ports keen to take advantage of the offshore renewables opportunity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:43.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282316,"EventID":"S4W-13552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:43.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T15:56:34.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many applications it has received for funding from the Renewable Energy Investment Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since launched in October 2012, there has been a good level of interest in REIF from a wide variety of sources with 95 enquiries received which have been, or are being, considered by the REIF delivery team covering all priority sectors; of these, some have been declined as being unsuitable, others are still at an early information enquiry stage. Several of these are expected to progress through to active and live projects during the course of the fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:43.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282317,"EventID":"S4W-13553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:44.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T15:56:34.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what annual spending was expected from the Renewable Energy Investment Fund when it was established.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Renewable Energy Investment Fund was capitalised with £103 million to be distributed over the current spending review period (2012 - 2015). That is still the intention. The annual spend will reflect the needs of industry and community developers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:44.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282318,"EventID":"S4W-13554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:44.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T15:56:34.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what projects the Renewable Energy Investment Fund has supported and what private sector support was leveraged for each.\r\n","AnswerText":"REIF has to date offered support to three deals alongside significant private sector investment. A strong pipeline of projects is under consideration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:44.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282319,"EventID":"S4W-13555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:44.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T15:56:34.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what economic assessment it has made of each project supported by the Renewable Energy Investment Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"All applications to REIF are assessed for their additional socio- economic impact through consideration of the scale and nature of benefits, (renewable energy generated/ electricity decarbonised, Gross Value Added/ jobs created, community benefits and private investment levered), the extent to which these benefits are additional, (i.e. would not be realised in the absence of REIF monies), supply chain benefits, the concentration of benefits within Scotland and the effect on existing economic activity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:44.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282320,"EventID":"S4W-13556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:45.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T15:56:34.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what changes there have been to the expected spending profile of the Renewable Energy Investment Fund as a result of the Budget (Scotland) (No.2) Bill, passed on 6 February 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The fund will disburse £103 million over the spending review period; with flexibility on the annual spend to reflect industry needs. The indicative allocation for 2012 -13 was £16 million, based on the prospect of a significant investment in the marine sector. Actual spend is anticipated to be some £1.8 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:45.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282321,"EventID":"S4W-13557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:45.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T15:56:34.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it determines that projects awarded support from the Renewable Energy Investment Fund deliver additionality.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13555 on 20 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:45.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282322,"EventID":"S4W-13558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:45.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T15:56:34.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the economic benefit gained by moving £15 million from the Renewable Energy Investment Fund to other projects as a result of the Budget (Scotland) (No.2) Bill passed on 6 February 2013 and what these projects are.","AnswerText":"The funding for renewable energy projects through the Renewable Energy Investment Fund has been re-profiled to reflect industry needs. In line with the overall economic strategy set out within the Draft Budget, the assessment was that the maximum benefit to the economy and jobs would be through redirecting any unused funding to alternative short term uses, such as the additional shovel ready projects announced in June and December 2012, whilst ensuring the funding will be available in the medium term when required for renewable projects. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:45.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282323,"EventID":"S4W-13559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:46.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T15:56:34.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has estimated the number of jobs that will be delivered by projects receiving support from the Renewable Energy Investment Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"Applications are considered on a project by project basis and net jobs are an important factor in the socio- economic assessments conducted for each project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:46.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282324,"EventID":"S4W-13560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:46.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T15:56:34.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it determined that delaying spending from the Renewable Energy Investment Fund will not harm efforts to develop renewable energy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The phasing of expenditure on the REIF will reflect the needs of industry and community developers. Scotland is enjoying record activity and investment in renewable energy. We exceeded our interim target to generate 31% of our energy requirement by 2011 by some 4%. Scottish renewables have shown that investment in Scotland’s renewable energy industry topped £900 million pounds in the first six months of 2012, putting it well on track to reach £1 billion over the course of the whole year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:46.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282325,"EventID":"S4W-13561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:46.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T16:50:45.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many civil servants are working on its workstreams supporting constitutional reform, also broken down by (a) grade and (b) workstream.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of their normal duties, civil servants provide support on relevant aspects of the Scottish Government’s work. Staff contribute to constitutional policy development from within their own subject areas as and when required.\r\nThe amount of time staff spend contributing to the workstreams varies widely from week to week, and we do not routinely record this information, as we have no business need for it. The most recent published information on this subject is in the form of a response to an FOI request available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/constitution/About/Workstreams.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:46.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282326,"EventID":"S4W-13563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:47.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T16:50:45.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many civil servants for whom it is not their full-time role are involved in its workstreams supporting constitutional reform.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of their normal duties, civil servants provide support on relevant aspects of the Scottish Government’s work. Staff contribute to constitutional policy development from within their own subject areas as and when required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:47.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282327,"EventID":"S4W-13564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:47.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T16:50:45.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many external advisors or experts it has consulted as part of its work on constitutional reform.  \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is consulting a wide range of experts as we develop our proposals for a prosperous, fairer, independent Scotland. These include the eminent members of the Fiscal Commission Working Group (including two Nobel prize-winners) and the Expert Working Group on Welfare. Further information can be found on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Economy/Council-Economic-Advisers/FCWG and http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/welfarereform/EXPERTWORKINGGROUPONWELFARE/Membership.\r\nSince the initiation of the National Conversation on the future of Scotland, significant contributions have been received from experts, academics, journalists and think tanks on a range of subjects such as fiscal autonomy, energy and the environment, and Scotland in the world.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:47.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282328,"EventID":"S4W-13565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T13:45:47.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T16:50:45.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on hiring external advisors or consultants as part of its work on constitutional reform.\r\n","AnswerText":"A total of £65,257.38 has been spent on hiring external advisors as part of constitutional reform.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T13:45:47.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282334,"EventID":"S4W-13579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T15:39:01.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-08T11:17:23.057","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what advisory or consultative bodies provide it with advice on issues relating to the financial services industry and what the membership of each body is.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Financial Services Advisory Board (FiSAB), supported by the Financial Services Implementation Group (FiSIG), provides the Scottish Government with advice on issues relating to the financial services industry.\r\nFiSAB is a partnership between the financial services industry, trade unions, the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Universities Scotland.\r\nDetails of the membership of both FiSAB and FiSIG are published on the Scottish Government website and can be accessed by following these links.\r\nFiSAB: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/finance/meetings/membership\r\nFiSIG: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/finance/fisigmeetings/membership\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T15:39:01.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282335,"EventID":"S4W-13580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T15:39:01.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-08T11:21:03.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many economic experts it is consulting on how much it would cost to provide state pensions in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Fiscal Commission Working Group have already considered pensions as part of their detailed report on a “Macroeconomic framework for an independent Scotland”, published last month, which shows that demographic changes in Scotland are projected to be similar to those in the UK as a whole.\r\nDetailed analysis shows that state pensions in an independent Scotland will be more affordable than they are in the UK. The official figures on spending for the last year show that only 38% of Scottish tax revenues were spent on social protection, which includes the state pension, compared with 42% for the UK as a whole.\r\nOfficials and independent advisers are assessing the operation of the state pension system in an independent Scotland and a report will be published in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T15:39:01.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282336,"EventID":"S4W-13581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T15:39:01.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-08T11:21:03.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which members of the Council of Economic Advisors it has asked to consider how much it would cost to provide state pensions in an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13580 on 18 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T15:39:01.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282337,"EventID":"S4W-13582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T15:39:02.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-08T11:21:03.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the terms of reference are of the expert group considering how much it would cost to provide state pensions in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13580 on 18 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T15:39:02.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282338,"EventID":"S4W-13583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T15:39:02.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-08T11:21:03.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the letters of appointment of the expert group considering how much it would cost to provide state pensions in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13580 on 18 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T15:39:02.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282339,"EventID":"S4W-13584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T15:39:02.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-08T11:21:03.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what dates the expert group considering how much it would cost to provide state pensions in an independent Scotland has met (a) ministers and (b) officials, and what future meetings are planned.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13580 on 18 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T15:39:02.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282340,"EventID":"S4W-13586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T15:39:02.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-08T11:21:03.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the (a) findings and (b) recommendations of the expert group considering how much it would cost to provide state pensions in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13580 on 18 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T15:39:02.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282341,"EventID":"S4W-13587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T15:39:03.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-08T11:21:03.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its website will have links to the work of the expert group considering how much it would cost to provide state pensions in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13580 on 18 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T15:39:03.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282342,"EventID":"S4W-13588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-08T15:39:03.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-08T14:14:38.67","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will reinstate the recording of crimes of violence against public-facing workers in its annual crime survey.\r\n","AnswerText":"The content of the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey (SCJS) is regularly reviewed to ensure the survey continues to provide high quality evidence on a wide range of policy areas in a cost effective manner. Such questionnaire reviews also ensure that the survey is kept to a manageable length so that we do not place an excessive time burden on respondents. Fieldwork for the survey is now conducted every other year, rather than annually.\r\nThe SCJS questionnaire will be reviewed again prior to its 2014-15 run, when consideration may be given to including questions related to workplace violence. As part of the review process consideration will be given as to whether questions will remain or be removed from the survey and whether new questions will be added. Consequently, it cannot be guaranteed that any particular questions will be included in the future sweeps until the review process has been completed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-22T15:39:03.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282343,"EventID":"S4W-13589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-11T13:58:35.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-08T14:52:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the proposed Bus Users Scotland will be a new body and, if so, what the set-up costs will be; whether it will be part of Bus Users UK, and what funding it will receive.\r\n","AnswerText":"Bus Users Scotland will be a separate Scottish operation within the legal, company framework provided by Bus Users UK. The funding and set-up costs are currently under consideration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-25T13:58:36.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282344,"EventID":"S4W-13590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-11T13:58:37.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-08T14:52:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date it will publish the review of Passengers' View Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Review of the Public Transport Users’ Committee for Scotland (PTUC) Operating under the name Passengers’ View Scotland (PVS) was published on the PVS website on 12 March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-25T13:58:37.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282345,"EventID":"S4W-13592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-11T13:58:37.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-08T14:52:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether members will be appointed to the proposed Bus Users Scotland under the public appointments procedure and who they will be.","AnswerText":"Bus Users Scotland is an independent organisation and members will not be appointed under the public appointments procedures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-25T13:58:37.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282346,"EventID":"S4W-13593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-11T13:58:38.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-08T14:52:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the proposed Bus Users Scotland will have a statutory function similar to Passengers' View Scotland.","AnswerText":"No. The Scottish Government will grant fund Bus Users Scotland to perform functions similar to those previously performed by Passengers’ View Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-25T13:58:38.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282347,"EventID":"S4W-13594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-11T13:58:39.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-08T16:29:57.78","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it can provide for people with dental bills as a result of an accident rather than dental negligence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The charging arrangements for treatment provided under NHS general dental services are the same whether the treatment is required as a result of an accident or for other reasons.\r\nPatients are required to pay 80% of the cost of their NHS dental treatment up to a maximum per course of treatment of £384, unless they are in one of the groups entitled to free NHS dental treatment or help with the cost.\r\nHelp with the cost of NHS dental treatment for adults is mainly based on an assessment of the individual’s ability to pay. Those in receipt of certain benefits are automatically entitled to free NHS dental treatment while others on low incomes may be able to get either full or partial help with costs under the NHS Low Income Scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-25T13:58:39.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282348,"EventID":"S4W-13595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-11T13:58:40.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-08T16:29:57.78","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether individual circumstances are considered when awarding NHS funding for restorative dental treatment.","AnswerText":"Restorative treatment provided under NHS general dental services (GDS) will fall within the same charging arrangement as any other treatment provided under GDS.\r\nPatients are required to pay 80% of the cost of their NHS dental treatment up to a maximum per course of treatment of £384, unless they are in one of the groups entitled to free NHS dental treatment or help with the cost.\r\nHelp with the cost of NHS dental treatment for adults is mainly based on an assessment of the individual’s ability to pay. Those in receipt of certain benefits are automatically entitled to free NHS dental treatment while others on low incomes may be able to get either full or partial help with costs under the NHS Low Income Scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-25T13:58:40.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282349,"EventID":"S4W-13596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-11T13:58:41.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-08T16:29:57.78","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to improve the (a) cost and (b) accessibility of dental care.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS dental examinations are free to all in Scotland. Fees for treatment and therefore patient charges have been maintained at the same level for over two and half years.\r\nPatients are required to pay 80% of the cost of their NHS dental treatment up to a maximum per course of treatment of £384, unless they are in one of the groups entitled to free NHS dental treatment or help with the cost. The percentage of fees paid by patients has remained unchanged since 1993 whilst the maximum charge has remained unchanged since 2005.\r\nHelp with the cost of NHS dental treatment for adults is mainly based on an assessment of the individual’s ability to pay. Those in receipt of certain benefits are automatically entitled to free NHS dental treatment while others on low incomes may be able to get either full or partial help with costs under the NHS Low Income Scheme.\r\nOver the years the Scottish Government has introduced a range of measures to help improve access to the general dental services, including the opening of the Aberdeen Dental School in 2009, increasing the number of dental therapist being trained and the Scottish Dental Access Initiative (SDAI). Since the SDAI was first introduced in 1997 it has been revised several times, most recently in December 2012 to take account of improvements in access to the General Dentistry Services (GDS) in many areas. From that date grants have been targeted at specific areas still experiencing access problems. In areas which continue to experience gaps in GDS provision, and which can not be filled by an independent dentist, NHS boards can establish a directly employed salaried dental service.\r\nSince 2007, there are nearly 500 more dentist providing NHS general dental services across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-25T13:58:41.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282350,"EventID":"S4W-13597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-11T13:58:41.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T09:19:18.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what work has been carried out by the National Infertility Group. \r\n","AnswerText":"The National Infertility Group was set up in April 2010 to address the inequity of access to infertility treatment across Scotland. The Group’s report, with final recommendations on future provision of IVF treatment across Scotland, is currently with Ministers for consideration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-25T13:58:41.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282351,"EventID":"S4W-13598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-11T13:58:42.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T09:19:18.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) upper and (b) lower age limit is for access to IVF treatment, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"For information on the upper age limit for IVF treatment, by NHS Board, I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13477 on 15 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThere is no lower age limit for access to IVF treatment in any NHS board in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-25T13:58:42.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282352,"EventID":"S4W-13599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-11T13:58:43.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T09:19:18.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many couples were on a waiting list for IVF treatment on 1 January (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010, (d) 2011, (e) 2012 and (f) 2013, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not currently collected centrally.\r\nThe National Infertility Group was set up in April 2010 to address the inequity of access to infertility treatment across Scotland. The Group’s report, with final recommendations, including a recommendation on data collection, is currently with Ministers for consideration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-25T13:58:43.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282353,"EventID":"S4W-13600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-11T13:58:43.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-08T16:44:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13035 by Alex Neil on 7 March 2013, for what reason this information is not held centrally; what impact not holding the information in this manner has on how it assesses whether the NHS is meeting its equalities obligations, and whether it will provide the information requested and confirm what specific equality duties are recorded in each NHS board's workforce plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the Equality Act 2010, all NHS boards are legally required to hold and publish the information requested in S4W-13035. It is the responsibility of the individual NHS boards to publish the outcomes individually in a manner that is readily accessible to the public and it is their responsibility to monitor and identify measurable outputs and align reporting structures with existing board governance and performance systems.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-25T13:58:43.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282354,"EventID":"S4W-13601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-11T13:58:43.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-10T10:36:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether and, if so, when it will issue new guidance to ensure standardised assessments across the country following the implementation of the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013.","AnswerText":"The Act does not affect the assessment duty to meet a person's needs, as set out in Section 12A of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968. The guidance will however contain a strong steer on the need for the processes surrounding assessment to be outcome focused and to be conducted in line with the principles of collaboration, informed choice and involvement contained in Section 1 of the (SDS) 2013 Act. The Scottish Government will conduct a consultation on the guidance in Spring 2013. The target date for publication of the final version of the guidance will be determined in due course however it will be published prior to the commencement date for the 2013 Act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-25T13:58:43.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282364,"EventID":"S4T-00279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-11T12:37:14.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T11:12:20.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the reported decline in the number of college students.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-25T12:37:14.67","MeetingDate":"2013-03-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282365,"EventID":"S4T-00280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-11T12:37:15.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T11:23:35.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Scottish Water regarding the decision to curtail the activities of Scottish Water Horizons.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-25T12:37:15.42","MeetingDate":"2013-03-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282366,"EventID":"S4F-01240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-11T12:36:31.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T14:54:55.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-25T12:36:31.883","MeetingDate":"2013-03-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282367,"EventID":"S4F-01241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-11T12:36:32.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T09:49:49.093","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-25T12:36:32.35","MeetingDate":"2013-03-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282368,"EventID":"S4F-01243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-11T12:36:33.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T10:02:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what actions the Scottish Government will take to assist growth in the business sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-25T12:36:33.037","MeetingDate":"2013-03-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282369,"EventID":"S4F-01244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-11T12:36:33.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T10:22:18.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-25T12:36:33.397","MeetingDate":"2013-03-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282370,"EventID":"S4F-01248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-11T12:36:34.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T10:42:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government seeks to ensure that all relevant medical information is available to support patients who appeal to the disability benefits tribunal system.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-25T12:36:34.877","MeetingDate":"2013-03-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282371,"EventID":"S4F-01257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-11T12:36:38.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T11:49:41.433","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Government is taking to tackle contraband in prisons.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-25T12:36:38.903","MeetingDate":"2013-03-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282383,"EventID":"S4W-13615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-12T13:21:29.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T12:52:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what strategic policing priorities it will set for the Scottish Police Authority.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Police Authority (SPA) and the Police Service of Scotland will deliver the statutory policing principles set out in the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012. The SPA is the national body responsible for the governance of policing in Scotland. It will allocate resources to the Chief Constable and hold him to account for the policing of Scotland and the delivery of statutory functions, in turn accounting to Scottish Ministers for policing and the functions the SPA is directly responsible for, including the Forensic Service and Independent Custody Visiting.\r\nThe priorities are intended to clearly incorporate the contribution which policing can make to achieve the Scottish Government’s purpose and national outcomes, and the related priorities within the Strategy for Justice. Consistent with our wider ambition for public services, these are strongly underpinned by the four pillars of public service reform – prevention, performance, people and partnership.\r\nThey are intended to set clear national priorities but also to empower local commanders to work with partners in the public, private and third sectors, and local communities within the Community Planning framework to deliver greater integration of services at a local level driven by better partnership, collaboration and effective local delivery.\r\nWe expect that further specific and measurable deliverables relating to Scottish Government’s national outcomes will be included in the Strategic Plan which the SPA will draft on the basis of the strategic priorities.\r\nThe strategic priorities are: \r\nMake communities safer and reduce harm by tackling and investigating crime and demonstrating pioneering approaches to prevention and collaboration at a national and local level.\r\nActively support a decisive shift towards prevention by promoting evidence based practice and effective partnerships to make the most of collective resource, knowledge and expertise, especially around reducing violence and reoffending, substance misuse, promoting better outcomes for young people who offend and protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults.\r\n\r\nNational outcome 4:\tOur young people are successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.\r\nNational outcome 5:\tOur children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed.\r\nNational outcome 6:\tWe live longer, healthier lives.\r\nNational outcome 8:\tWe have improved the life chances for children, young people and families at risk.\r\nNational outcome 9:\tWe live our lives safe from crime, disorder and danger\r\nStrengthen Scotland’s reputation as a successful and safe country by demonstrating excellence in effectively planning for and responding to major events and threats.\r\nWork across national, international and organisational boundaries to ensure the Commonwealth Games and other important events are safe and secure; contribute effectively to multi agency arrangements to deal with emergencies; and minimise threats to our communities arising from extremism and serious organised crime.\r\nNational outcome 1:\tWe live in a Scotland that is the most attractive place for doing business in Europe.\r\nNational outcome 9:\tWe live our lives safe from crime, disorder and danger.\r\nNational outcome 11:\tWe have strong, resilient and supportive communities where people take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect others.\r\nProvide an efficient, effective service focused on protecting frontline services, delivering the benefits of police reform and promoting continuous improvement.\r\nDeliver the three benefits of reform and work with others to ensure that the criminal justice system is fair and accessible, using science, technology and innovation to support the delivery of an effective and efficient police service.\r\nNational outcome 14: \tWe reduce the local and global environmental impact of our consumption and production.\r\nNational outcome 16: \tOur public services are high quality, continually","AnswerDate":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-26T13:21:29.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282384,"EventID":"S4W-13577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-12T14:11:08.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-08T10:03:00.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made on reform of the Local Government Pension Scheme.\r\n\r\n\r\n","AnswerText":"A Tri-partite group comprising of representatives from the Convention Of Scottish Local Authorities, the trades unions and the Scottish Government was convened in October 2012 and is supporting negotiations to reform the Local Government Pension Scheme.\r\nNegotiations on scheme design are scheduled to complete by August 2013 when the focus will then shift to scheme governance and development of Scottish scheme regulations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-26T14:11:08.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282385,"EventID":"S4W-13578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-12T14:11:08.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-08T10:03:00.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will implement revisions to the Local Government Pension Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Public Service Pensions Bill, which is expected to receive Royal Assent in May 2013 will require the main public service pension schemes, including the Local Government Pension Scheme, to be reformed by 1 April 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-26T14:11:08.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282386,"EventID":"S4W-13602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-12T14:11:09.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T16:21:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Protocol is not included in its Guidance on Joint Investigative Interviewing of Child Witnesses in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Strategic Group for Joint Investigative Interviews with Children was established in 2007. It took forward work to revise guidance; progress the roll-out of visual recording equipment; and consider the training requirements of professionals undertaking joint investigative interviews with child witnesses. The membership of the Group included representatives of the police, social work, Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration, Faculty of Advocates, the Law Society of Scotland, Scottish Legal Aid Board, Scottish Court service, Crown Office and the Joint Investigative Interviews Tutors Forum.\r\nThe Group considered that the phased or “step-wise” model, set out in the revised guidance, promotes the use of open-ended prompts, as does the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development protocol. They concluded that the protocol was an issue for training rather than the guidance itself. Paragraph 81 of the revised guidance provides a clear link between the guidelines in the guidance and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development protocol.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-26T14:11:09.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282387,"EventID":"S4W-13603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-12T14:11:09.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T16:33:29.07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it deals with complaints regarding the operational procedures of British Transport Police in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The operation and governance of the British Transport Police is not devolved to the Scottish Government. In the first instance complaints should be directed to the Chief Constable of the British Transport Police.\r\nHowever, should the complainant remain dissatisfied they can refer the matter to the Police Complaints Commissioner for Scotland (PCCS) who has responsibility to oversee complaints handling procedures for police bodies, including the British Transport Police and British Transport Police Authority, in respect of their Scottish operations.\r\nThe PCCS can be contacted via their website :www.pcc-scotland.org, or by writing to PCCS at Hamilton House, Hamilton Business Park, Caird Park, Hamilton,ML3 0QA.\r\nFrom 1 April 2013 the PCCS will become the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner. It will continue to have responsibility to oversee complaints against the police where it is felt the matter remains unsolved following investigation by the Chief Constable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-26T14:11:09.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282388,"EventID":"S4W-13604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-12T14:11:09.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T08:36:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made in establishing marine protected areas.","AnswerText":"The Report to Parliament on progress on identifying an MPA network was laid in Parliament on 14 December 2012, and was accompanied by Scottish Natural Heritage(SNH) and Joint Nature Conservation Committee’s (JNCC) detailed scientific network advice. All of these documents, as well as a newsletter to update stakeholders and the public, are available on the Marine Scotland website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/marine-environment/mpanetwork.\r\nIn summary, SNH and JNCC have identified a total of 33 MPA proposals. Four MPA search locations, Southern Trench, Eye Peninsula to Butt of Lewis, Shiant East Bank and Skye to Mull are undergoing further research and analysis before SNH provides its formal advice to Scottish Ministers. These four have the potential to make a significant contribution to the network by representing key habitats for basking sharks, whales and dolphins and are not substitutes for any of existing 33 MPA proposals. Of the 41 MPA search features, 38 will be accounted for within the evolving Scottish MPA network, the exceptions at this time being basking shark, common skate and white-beaked dolphin.\r\nSince the Report was published (above link) we have been working on the following core tasks in readiness for a public consultation:\r\nThe Management Handbook which provides a general approach and principles to the potential management is nearly complete and has been consulted upon with stakeholders;\r\nManagement Options, as well as a suite of site documentation, are being developed by SNH and JNCC for each proposal in conjunction with Marine Scotland to inform discussions with marine interests on management of individual sites and form part of the consultation documentation;\r\nA Sustainability Appraisal has begun, and we are currently gathering data and evidence to generate strategic environmental and socioeconomic impact assessments for each MPA proposal as well as an overall cumulative assessment;\r\nFurther analysis of Harbour Porpoise data is ongoing, and results are expected in late 2013 and, if appropriate the Scottish Government expects to receive Special Area of Conservation proposals under the EU Habitats Directive from the Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies in late 2014.\r\nThe Scottish Government expects to begin receive recommendations for possible Special Protection Areas under the EU Wild Birds Directive from the Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies in late 2013. The aim will be to complete classification of as many of these proposals by end of 2015 as possible.\r\nThe aim of the project is to deliver a well managed network by 2016 and we are working hard to achieve this ambitious target.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-26T14:11:09.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282389,"EventID":"S4W-13605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-12T14:11:10.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T09:58:30.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the condition rating was for each school in the (a) Moray and (b) Argyll and Bute Council area in (i) 2011 and (ii) 2012.","AnswerText":"This information is published on the Scottish Government website as supplementary data to the Summary Statistics for Schools in Scotland publication. \r\nData for 2012 is available in table 9 of the following link: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/School-Education/schoolestatestats/schestate2012\r\nData for 2011 is available in table 9 of the following link: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/School-Education/schestate2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-26T14:11:10.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282390,"EventID":"S4W-13606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-12T14:11:10.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T10:38:51.787","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13345 by Humza Yousaf on 7 March 2013, how many meetings ministers and officials have had with government officials from (a) Argentina, (b) Brazil, (c) China, (d) Iceland, (e) Ireland, (f) Qatar and (g) Spain in the last two years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of meetings between Scottish Government ministers and officials and government officials of (i) Argentina, (ii) Brazil, (iii) China, (iv) Iceland, (v) Ireland, (vi) Qatar or (vii) Spain in the last two years could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. This is due to the high number of potential meetings across Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-26T14:11:10.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282391,"EventID":"S4W-13607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-12T14:11:10.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T10:38:51.787","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13345 by Humza Yousaf on 7 March 2013, how many communications ministers and officials have had with government officials from (a) Argentina, (b) Brazil, (c) China, (d) Iceland, (e) Ireland, (f) Qatar and (g) Spain in the last two years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of communications between Scottish Government ministers and officials and government officials of (i) Argentina, (ii) Brazil, (iii) China, (iv) Iceland, (v) Ireland, (vi) Qatar or (vii) Spain in the last two years could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. This is due to the high number of potential communications across Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-26T14:11:10.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282392,"EventID":"S4W-13608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-12T14:11:11.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T11:28:59.063","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many operations were cancelled in each NHS board in the Highlands and Islands in each of the last five years due to equipment not being sterilised properly, broken down by specialism; what the cost was to each board, and how much of the cost was for reimbursement of travel and accommodation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The specific information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-26T14:11:11.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282393,"EventID":"S4W-13610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-12T14:11:11.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T11:30:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how an independent Scotland’s per capita GDP would compare with that of other countries.\r\n","AnswerText":"Estimates of Scotland's International Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per Capita ranking in 2011 were published on 11 March 2013 and are available at;\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Economy/Publications/GDP-Per-Capita\r\nWhen an illustrative geographic share of North Sea (extra region) output is included in Scottish GDP, it is estimated that Scotland would be ranked 8th against the 34 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development member countries, with regards to GDP per capita in 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-26T14:11:11.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282394,"EventID":"S4W-13611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-12T14:11:12.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T12:23:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to review the provision of frequency-modulated (FM) amplification technology to children in mainstream education.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Sensory Centre, who are funded by the Scottish Government, published a Review of assistive technology and environmental aids to pupils with a sensory impairment in Scotland in November 2012. This Review includes information on the provision of frequency-modulated (FM) amplification technology for children in mainstream education.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-26T14:11:12.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282395,"EventID":"S4W-13612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-12T14:11:12.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T12:23:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) NHS boards and (b) local authorities regarding the provision of frequency-modulated (FM) amplification technology for children in mainstream education.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had no direct discussions with NHS boards or local authorities regarding the provision of frequency-modulated (FM) amplification technology for children in mainstream education.\r\nHowever, the Scottish Sensory Centre, who are funded by the Scottish Government, published a Review of assistive technology and environmental aids to pupils with a sensory impairment in Scotland in November 2012. The Review included interviews with 18 local authorities. All but one reported that they used frequency-modulated (FM) amplification technology.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-26T14:11:12.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282396,"EventID":"S4W-13613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-12T14:11:12.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T12:23:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what advice it has given to education authorities on the use of frequency-modulated (FM) amplification technology.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not provided any advice to education authorities on the use of frequency-modulated (FM) amplification technology. Responsibility for the design, construction and maintenance of schools rest with local authorities.\r\nHowever, following consideration of a Review of assistive technology and environmental aids to pupils with a sensory impairment in Scotland, published in November 2012 by the Scottish Sensory Centre. The Scottish Government will instruct that over the next two financial years, the Scottish Sensory Centre will:\r\nEstablish a national hearing impairment technology group in order to bring together local authority staff and other specialists to share knowledge and expertise.\r\nDevelop their expertise in this area in order to establish themselves as a source of advice and support for local authorities on the use of assistive technology and environmental aids to pupils with a sensory impairment in Scotland.\r\nAssistive technology such as frequency-modulated (FM) amplification can be an important element of the additional support a pupil with a hearing impairment received in order to access learning. By increasing their capacity in this area, the Scottish Sensory Centre will help ensure that pupils across Scotland with a hearing impairment can benefit from the latest technological developments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-26T14:11:12.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282397,"EventID":"S4W-13614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-12T14:11:13.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T12:23:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many children have been provided with frequency-modulated (FM) amplification technology in (a) primary and (b) secondary school in each year since 1999, broken down by (i) local authority and (ii) NHS board.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-26T14:11:13.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282422,"EventID":"S4W-13618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-12T16:59:51.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T14:15:55.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what mechanism it would employ in order to designate a national tree.","AnswerText":"At present, there is no legal or established process for designating a national tree. However, the Public Petitions Committee recently asked Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage for their views on designating Scots pine as a national tree. A joint submission was made by both organisations to the committee to set out a number of factors that might be considered regarding the selection of a national tree. Depending on the response from the Public Petitions Committee and any committee recommendations, we will consider whether to move forward with adopting a national tree and what consultation would be appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-26T16:59:51.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282423,"EventID":"S4W-13619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-12T16:59:51.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T14:15:55.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consultation it would undertake prior to designating a national tree.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13618 on 20 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-26T16:59:51.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282424,"EventID":"S4W-13620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-12T16:59:51.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T14:15:55.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government with whom it would consult prior to designating a particular species of tree as Scotland’s national tree.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13618 on 20 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-26T16:59:51.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282425,"EventID":"S4W-13621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-12T16:59:52.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T14:15:55.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with the Public Petitions Committee regarding the possible designation of a particular species of tree as Scotland’s national tree.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13618 on 20 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-26T16:59:52.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282426,"EventID":"S4W-13622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-12T16:59:53.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T14:25:01.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many police support staff there were in (a) each police force, (b) the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency and (c) the Scottish Police Services Authority on 31 December 2012.","AnswerText":"Police staff play a critical role in the success of Scottish policing, and supporting the delivery of crucial frontline services, and will continue to do so in the future. The number of police support staff (full time equivalent) on 31 December 2012 is given in the following table.\r\nNumber of police support staff (FTE) on 31 December 2012\r\nPolice Authority\r\nNumber of Support Staff\r\nCentral\r\n312\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n220\r\nFife\r\n381\r\nGrampian\r\n637\r\nLothian and Borders\r\n1,034\r\nNorthern\r\n314\r\nStrathclyde\r\n2,280\r\nTayside\r\n459\r\nSPSA\r\n1,111\r\nSCDEA\r\n138\r\nScotland\r\n6,885\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Figures are expressed in terms of full-time equivalent (FTE) police support staff, rounded to the nearest whole number.\r\n2. Scotland totals may not equal the sum of the parts due to rounding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-26T16:59:53.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282443,"EventID":"S4O-01925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:14.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T12:03:05.963","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent progress has been made on rolling out insulin pumps to people with diabetes.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:14.217","MeetingDate":"2013-03-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282444,"EventID":"S4O-01926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:14.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T12:03:06.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what importance it places on the delivery of health services in rural locations.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:14.84","MeetingDate":"2013-03-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282445,"EventID":"S4O-01927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:15.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T15:32:04.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that people with acquired brain injuries receive appropriate treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:15.153","MeetingDate":"2013-03-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282446,"EventID":"S4O-01928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:15.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T12:03:09.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has made of the health benefits of access to green space.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:15.637","MeetingDate":"2013-03-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282447,"EventID":"S4O-01929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:15.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T12:03:10.44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the provision of healthcare in remote and rural areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:15.933","MeetingDate":"2013-03-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282448,"EventID":"S4O-01930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:16.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T12:03:10.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many adults in the NHS Orkney area are on a waiting list to be registered with a NHS dentist.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:16.323","MeetingDate":"2013-03-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282449,"EventID":"S4O-01931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:16.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T12:03:12.483","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met NHS Fife and what matters were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:16.773","MeetingDate":"2013-03-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282450,"EventID":"S4O-01933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:17.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T12:03:13.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to encourage the use of so-called talking therapies across the NHS.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:17.15","MeetingDate":"2013-03-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282451,"EventID":"S4O-01934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:17.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T12:03:14.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to improve services for people with neurological conditions and their carers.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:17.6","MeetingDate":"2013-03-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282452,"EventID":"S4O-01935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:18.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T12:03:14.607","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will launch its consultation on the use and administration of the resource that it will receive as a result of the UK Government's decision to close the Independent Living Fund in 2015.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:18.1","MeetingDate":"2013-03-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282453,"EventID":"S4O-01936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:18.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T12:03:15.417","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:18.46","MeetingDate":"2013-03-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282454,"EventID":"S4O-01937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:18.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T12:03:16.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on how NHS boards apply the Liverpool Care Pathway.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:18.833","MeetingDate":"2013-03-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282455,"EventID":"S4O-01938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:19.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T12:03:16.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action the Scottish Ambulance Service takes to meet patients' travel and emergency needs in Caithness.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:19.177","MeetingDate":"2013-03-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282456,"EventID":"S4O-01939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:19.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T12:03:17.057","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Scotland route of the Queen's Baton Relay will be announced.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:19.583","MeetingDate":"2013-03-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282457,"EventID":"S4O-01940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:19.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T12:03:17.303","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made since 2007 on delivering healthcare to rural and remote areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:19.91","MeetingDate":"2013-03-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282458,"EventID":"S4O-01941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:20.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T12:39:40.997","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met the chief executive of NHS Lanarkshire and what issues were discussed. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:20.207","MeetingDate":"2013-03-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282459,"EventID":"S4O-01942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:20.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T18:18:23.077","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it gives to NHS Lanarkshire to help reduce waiting times at accident and emergency departments.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Government Performance Support Team currently provides the Health board with detailed weekly analytical reports to:\r\nHelp the board understand, forecast and manage the increases in demand; to identify specific points of pressure across the whole service, not just A&E; and to support decision-making and prioritise actions for improvement. \r\nWe are also supporting NHS Lanarkshire in undertaking day of care audits and the findings have identified areas where the board will focus on improving flow and active management of length of stay.\r\n NHS Lanarkshire received £225,780 from the £3 million winter surge capacity fund. These funds were used across whole system pressures and included additional A&E staff and additional surgical beds.\r\n Transformational change is required, and the Government is investing £50 million to achieve that over the next three years, including doubling our winter planning fund to £6 million this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:20.893","MeetingDate":"2013-03-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282460,"EventID":"S4O-01943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:21.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T16:03:30.077","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on improving mental health services for prisoners.\r\n","AnswerText":"Responsibility for providing mental health services in prisons transferred to the NHS in November 2012.\r\nNHS chief executives established the National Prisoner Healthcare Network to support delivery of a high quality, safe, effective and consistent service to prisoners, hosted by Healthcare Improvement Scotland. Mental health is a priority for the network. A sub-group focusing on mental health will report its recommendations for service development to the network in April.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:21.533","MeetingDate":"2013-03-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282461,"EventID":"S4O-01944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:22.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T09:56:27.877","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking to increase the number of people willing to be organ donors.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have implemented a range of measures to increase the donation rate in Scotland.\r\nWe have improved the donation infrastructure across the country, removing some of the barriers to organ donation. We have appointed seven additional Specialist Nurses in Organ Donation and now have clinical leads in organ donation in every intensive care unit in Scotland. We continue to run high profile awareness raising campaigns every year and last year this included the launch of a new Organ Donation Scotland website, which made it easier for Scots to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register on line.\r\nAs a result of these and other efforts we have seen a 65% increase in the donation rate in Scotland since 2007/08, and a 26% increase in the number of transplants over the same period. 41% of the Scottish population are now on the NHS Organ Donor Register, the highest proportion in any UK country.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:22.22","MeetingDate":"2013-03-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282462,"EventID":"S4O-01945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:23.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T09:19:58.69","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the UK Government has indicated by what mechanism criminals will be repatriated to Scotland if the UK opts out of the European Arrest Warrant.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:23.077","MeetingDate":"2013-03-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282463,"EventID":"S4O-01946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:23.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T11:54:39.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the rates of income tax would be in an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:23.717","MeetingDate":"2013-03-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282464,"EventID":"S4O-01947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:24.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T10:02:32.003","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to help tenants and social landlords affected by the so-called bedroom tax.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:24.387","MeetingDate":"2013-03-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282465,"EventID":"S4O-01948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:25.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T08:56:48.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent contact it has had with social landlords about the impact of the so-called bedroom tax.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:25.057","MeetingDate":"2013-03-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282466,"EventID":"S4O-01949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:25.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T16:15:04.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for the future of air services from Skye.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:25.73","MeetingDate":"2013-03-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282467,"EventID":"S4O-01950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:26.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T15:50:21.32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to promote engineering as a career choice for men and women.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:26.417","MeetingDate":"2013-03-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282468,"EventID":"S4O-01951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:27.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T12:05:11.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will strengthen the shift toward sustainable and renewable energy use in the manufacturing sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:27.15","MeetingDate":"2013-03-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282469,"EventID":"S4O-01952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:28.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T12:05:11.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made on resolving the issues facing the coal industry.\r\n","AnswerText":"Over the last year, myself and my officials have been working closely with the coal industry, local councils, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, UK counterparts and other key interested parties to explore solutions to a number of key issues affecting the coal industry including:\r\nThe UK Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme; were our intervention has significantly reduced the future liabilities of coal operators in Scotland.\r\nWe will continue to work closely with our public partners, coal industry operators and key stakeholders to support and facilitate discussions on key issues affecting this important industry sector going forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:28.147","MeetingDate":"2013-03-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282470,"EventID":"S4O-01953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:29.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T12:05:12.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to extend the high speed rail link from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Perth.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have no plans to extend high speed rail lines to Perth.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:29.317","MeetingDate":"2013-03-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282471,"EventID":"S4O-01954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:07:29.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-11T12:05:12.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking with regard to the environmental impact of the test firing of depleted uranium munitions by the MOD at the Dundrennan range on the Solway coast.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is strongly opposed to the testing by the MoD of depleted uranium shells in Scotland.\r\nThe OSPAR Convention (the Convention for the protection of the marine environment of the North East Atlantic) of which the UK is a signatory, prohibits the dumping of low and intermediate level radioactive substances including waste within the marine environment. It is for UK Government and MoD to ensure that the requirements of the OSPAR Convention are being met. However, I am writing to the UK Government asking for confirmation that the testing of these shells is not in breach of the OSPAR Convention.\r\nThe Scottish Environment Protection Agency continues to liaise with the MoD on the environmental aspects of its activities on the Dundrennan range, including the environmental implications of any future testing of depleted uranium munitions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:07:29.973","MeetingDate":"2013-03-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282472,"EventID":"S4W-13624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:21:21.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T16:51:49.687","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether and, if so, when it will consider extending the restored Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line to encompass Dunfermline and Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"When considering the re-opening of former rail lines, it is necessary for the Scottish Government to take a strategic view and fully consider the impact of the whole network. Determining the potential benefits to new passengers against the negative impact on existing passengers, while robustly assessing the value for money and affordability are essential. The long-term demand, the operational and engineering feasibilities, subsidy implications to the Scottish Government and initial capital costs must all be considered in detail. As such, proposals to reopen former lines will require a transport appraisal.\r\nI understand that South East Scotland transport(SEStran) had undertaken a study into rail options for this corridor. However, it did not follow the Government's Strategic Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) which requires promoters to cover a range of transport alternatives, not just rail. Should SEStran undertake a comprehensive STAG appraisal on the transport needs for the area, Transport Scotland would be happy to offer advice in developing a business case. \r\nIn the meantime, the Scottish Government has no plans to extend the Stirling – Alloa – Kincardine railway line to Dunfermline and Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:21:22.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282473,"EventID":"S4W-13625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:21:22.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T17:12:43.32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12525 by Michael Matheson on 1 February 2013, how many of the 558 insulin pumps have been distributed to NHS boards, also broken down by board, and how many are still held by NHS National Procurement.\r\n","AnswerText":"We expect all NHS Boards allocation of insulin pumps to be distributed by 31 March 2013. NHS National Procurement will have no insulin pumps.\r\nThe following table details the allocation of insulin pumps per NHS Board.\r\nNHS Board\r\nTotal Number of Pumps Required\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n65\r\nNHS Borders\r\n24\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n33\r\nNHS Fife\r\n20\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n35\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n56\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n149\r\nNHS Highland\r\n30\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n48\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n52\r\nNHS Orkney*\r\n2\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n6\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n38\r\nNHS Western Isles**\r\n0\r\nScotland\r\n558\r\n*NHS Orkney and NHS Shetland have figures estimated by NHS Grampian as NHS Grampian delivers the insulin pump service.\r\n**NHS Western Isles have their insulin pump service delivered through NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Their pump figures are therefore contained in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde figures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:21:22.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282474,"EventID":"S4W-13628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:21:22.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T17:12:43.32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12525 by Michael Matheson on 1 February 2013, what information it has on how many of the 558 insulin pumps are in use.","AnswerText":"This level of detail is not collected centrally.\r\nWe expect each NHS Board to allocate and monitor the use of their insulin pumps and to work towards meeting the targets set out in the CEL 04 (2012).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:21:22.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282475,"EventID":"S4W-13629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:21:23.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T17:12:43.32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12525 by Michael Matheson on 1 February 2013, what the (a) criteria are and (b) protocol is for NHS boards seeking to access the 558 insulin pumps.\r\n","AnswerText":"All boards were allocated insulin pumps and associated consumables, based on their individual board requests.\r\nThe National Procurement Insulin Pump and Consumables framework has three suppliers from which insulin pumps and consumables can be purchased. The suppliers were advised of the allocation of insulin pumps and consumables for each board and these became available for use on receipt of a bulk purchase order from boards via National Procurement, independently of Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:21:23.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282476,"EventID":"S4W-13630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:21:23.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T17:12:43.32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12525 by Michael Matheson on 1 February 2013, whether the 558 insulin pumps are available through the procurement framework provided by NHS National Procurement.\r\n","AnswerText":"The 558 insulin pumps and associated consumables were all purchased from the NHS National Procurement Insulin Pump and Consumables framework agreement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:21:23.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282477,"EventID":"S4W-13631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:21:23.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T18:28:44.727","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-00603 by Richard Lochhead on 26 January 2012 (Official Report, c. 5771), when it will conduct its review of the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Decisions on the form and scope of the review of the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board have yet to be taken, but it is envisaged that towards the end of the year the consultation will be launched.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:21:23.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282478,"EventID":"S4W-13632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:21:24.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T16:53:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to the supplementary to question S4O-01815 by Nicola Sturgeon on 20 February 2013, what progress it has made on agreeing the new targets for 2012-13 for the business rates incentivisation scheme (Official Report, c. 16757).\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is actively working jointly with COSLA and local government to review the Business Rates Incentivisation Scheme (BRIS) targets for 2012-13 taking into account the latest business rates returns, which show that appeals losses are likely to be lower than expected.\r\nAppeals losses are likely to have been delayed due to a significant court action that was concluded during 2012-13 and are therefore likely to be higher than expected in 2013-14. This change in estimated business rates income has not been as a consequence of local authority efforts to increase economic activity and therefore should not trigger any retention of additional income. Agreed revisions to the BRIS targets will be published in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:21:24.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282479,"EventID":"S4W-13633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:21:24.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T16:53:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to the supplementary to question S4O-01815 by Nicola Sturgeon on 20 February 2013, whether it will publish its calculations of the extra income collected following the “apparent delay in settling business rates appeal cases” (Official Report, c. 16757).\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will publish full details of the final outturn income actually collected by local authorities in the annual Non Domestic Rating White Paper Account which is laid before Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:21:24.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282480,"EventID":"S4W-13634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:21:25.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T16:53:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it had provisional calculations as to how much local authorities could have gained from maximising business rates income under the business rates incentivisation scheme targets in place before the current review.","AnswerText":"The amount of money local authorities could have gained from maximising business rates income is a matter for each individual local authority and that position remains irrespective of the review of the 2012-13 business rates incentivisation scheme targets.\r\nThe current review of the targets has nothing to do with the actions of local authorities in terms of delivery of economic growth, but is an administrative review, as part of the agreed process, of the lower than predicted loss of income from successful revaluation appeals and increased cost of providing mandatory business rates relief.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:21:25.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282481,"EventID":"S4W-13635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:21:25.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T08:20:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many kinship carers there are, also broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Data on the number of kinship carers of looked after children is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:21:25.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282482,"EventID":"S4W-13636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:21:26.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T10:24:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which hospitals in England have treated people resident in Scotland in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"A copy of this information has been placed with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib number 54797).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:21:26.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282483,"EventID":"S4W-13637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:21:26.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T10:24:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what category of treatments people resident in Scotland have received in hospitals in England in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"A copy of this information has been placed with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib number 54798).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:21:26.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282484,"EventID":"S4W-13638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:21:26.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T10:24:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many people resident in Scotland have been treated in the independent health sector in England in each year since 1999 and at what cost.\r\n","AnswerText":"The specific information requested is not available centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:21:26.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282485,"EventID":"S4W-13639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:21:27.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T10:24:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact on the NHS of Scottish independence.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHSScotland is already operationally independent, and the Scottish Government’s White Paper for independence, including in relation to Health, will be published in the autumn of this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:21:27.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282486,"EventID":"S4W-13640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:21:27.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T10:32:58.797","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has achieved its aim of providing 600 hours of free nursery education per year to each family. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Children and Young People Bill, which includes proposals to increase the current level of 475 hours of funded pre-school education per annum for three and four year olds, to a minimum of 600 hours of funded early learning and childcare for three and four year olds, and two year olds who are looked after, is currently being developed.\r\nIn addition to increasing the number of hours of funded provision, the Bill will also increase the level of flexibility in terms of how the entitlement can be accessed.\r\nThe aim is for the legislative proposals relating to increasing the level and flexibility of funded early learning and childcare to be delivered from 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:21:27.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282487,"EventID":"S4W-13641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T14:21:27.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T10:53:48.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-13242 and S4W-13243 by Kenny MacAskill on 6 March 2013, whether it will publish information on any final measures required to transpose the obligations of the EU directives into domestic legislation and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government regularly provides to the Justice Committee a high level update on EU directives. This generally includes an assessment of actions that the Scottish Government might be required to take in order to comply with individual directives. We consider that secondary legislation under section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1975 will be required in order to transpose fully the directives mentioned in his earlier questions. The secondary legislation will set out the specific measures being taken to transpose the obligations into domestic law.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T14:21:27.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282503,"EventID":"S4W-13616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T17:16:17.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T14:08:17.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of how many cystic fibrosis patients with the G551D mutation are not being prescribed Ivacaftor (Kalydeco).\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards have been advised that clinicians should progress applications for Ivacaftor for patients suffering from cystic fibrosis who have not had a lung transplant and who have the G551D gene mutation on the basis that the costs of associated with the medicine following a successful application will be met through the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund.\r\nClinicians are best placed to determine if their patients would benefit from this medicine.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T17:16:17.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282504,"EventID":"S4W-13617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T17:16:17.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T14:08:17.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many successful requests for Ivacaftor (Kalydeco) have been funded by the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold information on how many successful requests have been made for Ivacaftor.\r\nNHS boards have been advised that clinicians should progress applications for Ivacaftor for patients suffering from cystic fibrosis who have not had a lung transplant and who have the G551D gene mutation on the basis that the costs associated with the medicine following a successful application will be met through the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund.\r\nClinicians are best placed to determine if their patients would benefit from this medicine.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T17:16:17.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282505,"EventID":"S4W-13623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T17:16:17.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-12T15:16:43.323","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what work Scottish Water has carried out in cooperation with communities to develop water turbines.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Water has had informal discussions with a number of community councils, including West Linton and Kinlochbervie, regarding the potential of developing hydro schemes near villages. None of these has been developed to date due to the schemes not being commercially viable.\r\nScottish Water Horizons is exploring the potential for the generation of renewable energy, including hydro power across the Scottish Water estate. I recently visited a Hydro Scheme near Denny which is harnessing the energy from water running in water mains, a UK first. These types of Schemes use Scottish Water assets to generate electricity which is then supplied to the grid.\r\nThe viability of each project is closely assessed before proceeding. All electricity generated is used to reduce Scottish Water’s overall power consumption therefore reducing its power bill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T17:16:17.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282506,"EventID":"S4W-13642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T17:16:18.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T13:35:18.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what procedures must be followed by a local authority proposing to close a care home.\r\n","AnswerText":"We would expect local authorities to follow national guidance, Good Practice Guidance on the Closure of a Care Home, which the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities issued on managing care home closures. This guidance was developed by the National Contingency Planning Group for Adult Care and includes protocols for the handling of care and support to individual residents and their carers throughout the process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T17:16:18.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282507,"EventID":"S4W-13643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T17:16:18.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T13:35:18.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether local authority care homes should not be closed for financial reasons alone.\r\n","AnswerText":"Alex Neil: The statutory responsibility for delivering or commissioning services at a local level, including care home provision, lies with local authorities and NHS boards. It is for each local authority to decide how their funding is allocated ensuring that local needs and statutory obligations have been fulfilled.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T17:16:18.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282508,"EventID":"S4W-13644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T17:16:19.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T13:35:18.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that older residents in care homes are not moved into poorer-quality accommodation if the home is closed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The local authority has a duty to act in the best interests of the care home residents by ensuring that their care needs continue to be met in an appropriate setting.\r\nAcross Scotland, local authorities commission the majority of care places from the independent sector and in conjunction with the Care Inspectorate work closely with providers to improve the quality of care standards in all homes, local authority or independent.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T17:16:19.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282509,"EventID":"S4W-13645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T17:16:19.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T13:35:18.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on Argyll and Bute Council's proposal to close the Struan Lodge care home in Dunoon and whether it considers that there should be a temporary suspension on admissions to the home until its future is confirmed.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13643 on 25 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T17:16:19.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282510,"EventID":"S4W-13646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T17:16:19.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T13:35:18.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the mortality rate of older people who are moved from one care home to another and whether it considers that local authorities should take account of this before moving residents. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold any information on the mortality rate of older people who are moved from one care home to another.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T17:16:19.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282511,"EventID":"S4W-13653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T17:16:20.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T14:59:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the annual cost has been of paying expenses and other costs to witnesses and jurors for attending court since 2007, broken down by type of court.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing within twenty days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T17:16:20.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282512,"EventID":"S4W-13654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T17:16:20.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T14:59:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much (a) jurors and (b) witnesses are entitled to in (i) expenses and (ii) compensation for lost wages for attending court.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing within twenty days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T17:16:20.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282513,"EventID":"S4W-13655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T17:16:21.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T15:17:32.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of its staff will be affected by contract changes resulting from proposed UK Government policy on pensions and terms and conditions; whether it is taking action to deal with any such impact, and, if so, what action.","AnswerText":"Civil Service pensions is a reserved matter. All employees of the Scottish Government who have chosen to be members of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme, are affected by changes to the pension scheme. The Scottish Government opposes the increase in public sector workers’ pension contributions and we have made our position clear to the UK Government. However, had the Scottish Government not implemented pension contribution increases, it would have faced a significant reduction in funding allocation from the UK Government.\r\nTerms and conditions of the Senior Civil Service (SCS) is a reserved matter. The Scottish Government currently has 204 members of the SCS (as at November 2012). The Scottish Government is considering changes to SCS terms and conditions which are proposed under the UK Government’s Civil Service Reform Plan and the impact they will have on SCS staff.\r\nThe Scottish Government has delegated authority over the terms and conditions of employment of its staff below Senior Civil Service level and so will not be implementing the changes proposed as part of the Civil Service Reform Plan. Instead, we are working with the Civil Service trade unions to ensure that the Scottish Government provides a modern and flexible employment package which is affordable, fair and meets the business needs of the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T17:16:21.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282514,"EventID":"S4W-13657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T17:16:21.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T15:17:32.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how many of its staff will be affected by contract changes resulting from proposed UK Government policy on pensions and terms and conditions; whether it is taking action to deal with any such impact, and, if so, what action.\r\n","AnswerText":"SPCB staff are automatically enrolled into the Civil Service pension arrangements on appointment. Of the total head count of 470 SPCB staff as at 31 March 2013, 10 SPCB staff have opted out of the Civil Service pension arrangements. As a result 460 SPCB staff will be affected by contract changes resulting from proposed UK Government policy on pensions and terms and conditions.\r\nCivil Service pensions are set out by statute under the Superannuation Act 1972 and managed by the Cabinet Office on behalf of the Minister for the Civil Service therefore the SPCB has no influence over policy changes made to the Civil Service pension arrangements. \r\nThe SPCB has recently agreed a two year pay deal for its staff of a 1% pay rise from 1 April 2013 and a further 2% from 1 April 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T17:16:21.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Stewart","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282515,"EventID":"S4W-13659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-13T17:16:21.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T15:59:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13385 by Michael Russell on 13 March 2013, how many requests for call-in there have been in each of the 75 school closure proposals considered under the terms of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010.","AnswerText":"Under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 the number of representations made for the 75 school closure proposals considered by the Scottish Minister are as follows: \r\nLocal Authority\r\nSchool\r\nNumber of representations\r\nEast Ayrshire Council\r\nCrossroads Primary School\r\n6\r\nDumfries and Galloway Council\r\nGlentrool Primary School\r\n0\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\nStonydyke Primary School\r\n0\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\nSt Mark's Primary School\r\n0\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\nSt Joan of Arc School\r\n1\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\nSt Aiden's School\r\n0\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\nSt Vincent's Primary School\r\n0\r\nHighland Council\r\nCaol Primary School\r\n3\r\nHighland Council\r\nAchintore Primary School\r\n0\r\nHighland Council\r\nAchnasheen Primary School\r\n0\r\nHighland Council\r\nBorrodale Primary School\r\n0\r\nHighland Council\r\nGlen Borrodale Primary School\r\n0\r\nHighland Council\r\nAchaphubuil Primary School\r\n0\r\nHighland Council\r\nFort William Primary School\r\n0\r\nHighland Council\r\nFort William RC Primary School\r\n3\r\nHighland Council\r\nLochyside RC Primary School\r\n3\r\nScottish Borders Council\r\nRoberton Primary School\r\n1\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nBalallan Primary School\r\n4\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nBragar Primary School\r\n30\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nCarloway Primary School\r\n167\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nCross Primary School\r\n7\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nDaliburgh (Secondary Provision)\r\n0\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nLionel School (Secondary Provision)\r\n876\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nSandwick Hill Primary School\r\n234\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nScalpay Primary School\r\n2\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nShawbost (Secondary Provision)\r\n30\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nShelibost Primary School\r\n79\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nStoneybridge Primary School\r\n0\r\nMoray Council\r\nCabrach Primary School\r\n0\r\nNorth Ayrshire Council\r\nBroomlands Primary School\r\n0\r\nNorth Ayrshire Council\r\nFencedyke Primary School\r\n0\r\nNorth Ayrshire Council\r\nTowerlands Primary School\r\n0\r\nNorth Ayrshire Council\r\nJohn Galt Primary School\r\n0\r\nShetland Islands Council\r\nScalloway Junior High School\r\n45\r\nStirling Council\r\nInversnaid Primary School \r\n2\r\nStirling Council\r\nLochearnhead Primary School\r\n0\r\nAberdeen City Council\r\nRaeden Nursery School\r\n0\r\nAberdeen City Council\r\nHazelwood School\r\n0\r\nAberdeen City Council\r\nWoodlands School\r\n0\r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\nHigh School Yards Nursery School\r\n7\r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\nPrincess Elizabeth Nursery School \r\n3\r\nFife Council\r\nDunearn Primary School\r\n1\r\nNorth Lanarkshire Council\r\nAbronhill Nursery\r\n28\r\nOrkney Islands Council\r\nEgilsay Primary School \r\n0\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar \r\nPaible School (S1-2 Provision) \r\n0\r\nAberdeenshire Council\r\nClatt Primary School\r\n9\r\nAberdeenshire Council\r\nLogie Coldstone Primary School\r\n17\r\nSouth Ayrshire Council\r\nPinwherry Primary School\r\n0\r\nSouth Ayrshire Council\r\nSt Ann's Primary School\r\n1\r\nEast Renfrewshire Council\r\nAuchenback Primary School\r\n1\r\nEast Renfrewshire Council\r\nRobslee Primary School\r\n67\r\nShetland Islands Council\r\nUyeasound Primary School\r\n6\r\nShetland Islands Council\r\nBurravoe Primary School\r\n65\r\nAngus Council\r\nMuirfield Primary School\r\n50\r\nAngus Council\r\nTimmergreens Primary School\r\n50\r\nClackmannanhire Council\r\nTower Nursery School\r\n3\r\nClackmannanhire Council\r\nSt John's Primary School\r\n0\r\nClackmannanhire Council\r\nClaremont Primary School\r\n0\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\nSt Raymond's School\r\n1\r\nNorth Ayrshire Council\r\nGarnock Academy \r\n0\r\nNorth Ayrshire Council\r\nGlengarnock Primary School\r\n0\r\nNorth Ayrshire Council\r\nMoorpark Primary School\r\n0\r\nSouth Lanarkshire Council\r\nKittoch ASN\r\n0\r\nSouth Lanarkshire Council\r\nRidgepark ASN\r\n0\r\nPerth and Kinross Council\r\nStrone of Cally Primary School\r\n0\r\nArgyll and Bute Council\r\nSt Kieran’s Primary School\r\n0\r\nArgyll and Bute Council\r\nArdchonnol Primary School\r\n0\r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\nTollcross Primary School (GME Provision)\r\n6\r\nHighland Council\r\nHillhead Primary School\r\n169\r\nHighland Council\r\nWick North Primary School\r\n181\r\nHighland Council\r\nPulteneytown Academy Primary School\r\n0\r\nHighland Council\r\nWick South Prmary","AnswerDate":"2013-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-27T17:16:21.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282527,"EventID":"S4W-13678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T11:19:05.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T10:36:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the (a) priorities and (b) objectives for the new Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will be set.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have yesterday laid before Parliament the Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland 2013 (www.scotland.gov.uk/FireFramework2013), setting out the priorities and objectives for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) which takes on its full range of functions from 1 April 2013. The Framework is structured around the aims of fire reform, namely protecting and improving local services and reducing duplication; creating more equal access to specialist support and national capacity; and strengthening the connection between fire and rescue services and communities.\r\nIt is now for the SFRS to set out in its first Strategic Plan how it will deliver the priorities identified in the Fire and Rescue Framework.\r\nThe Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (Framework and Appointed Day for Strategic Plan) Order 2013, which will bring the Fire and Rescue Framework into effect, also sets the appointed day by which the SFRS must use its best endeavours to achieve Ministerial sign off of its strategic plan. That day is 1 October 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T11:19:05.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282534,"EventID":"S4W-13566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:06.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T16:35:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it has taken to standardise the definition of “looked-after children”.\r\n","AnswerText":"The definition of “looked after children” that the Scottish Government adheres to is as provided in Section 17(6) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995:\r\n“Any reference in this chapter of this part to a child who is “looked after” by a local authority, is to a child: \r\n(a) For whom they are providing accommodation under section 25 of this Act;\r\n(b) Who is subject to a supervision requirements and in respect of whom they are the relevant local authority;\r\n(c) Who is subject to an order made, or authorisation or warrant granted, by virtue of Chapter 2, 3 or 4 of this Part of the Act, being an order, authorisation or warrant in accordance with which they have responsibilities as respects the child;\r\n(d) Who is subject to an order in accordance with which, by virtue of regulations made under section 33(1) of this Act, they have such responsibilities; or\r\n(e) In respect of whom a permanence order has, on an application by them under section 80 of the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 4), been made and has not ceased to have effect.”\r\nThis definition will be amended by Schedule 5 of the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011. This Act introduces Compulsory Supervision Orders and Interim Compulsory Supervision Orders. The new definition will substitute the reference to supervision requirements in paragraph (b) with the new orders and paragraph (c) will be repealed.\r\nThe amendments will come into force on 24 June 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:07.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282535,"EventID":"S4W-13567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:07.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T16:35:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many (a) premature deaths and (b) suicides there have been among (i) people with learning difficulties and (ii) care leavers in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nWith regards to the deaths of care leavers, we are in the early stages of exploring ways to improve data collection for recording and investigating incidences so that findings can be used to make further improvements to support services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:07.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282536,"EventID":"S4W-13568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:08.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T16:35:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it has taken to improve the (a) employment and training prospects and (b) health and wellbeing of (i) care leavers and (ii) people with learning difficulties since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that vulnerable groups of people are given the support they need to overcome barriers, enabling them to reach their full potential.\r\nTo support young people into work, we have: \r\nmade a specific commitment to all 16 to 19 year olds seeking a place in education or training through Opportunities for All, supported by £30 million new investment;\r\nupdated our Post 16 Transitions Policy and Practice Framework which includes specific guidance on how to support the transitions of young people with additional support needs from school into post-school education and employment;\r\nprovided £1.5 million over three financial years in support of an Employer Recruitment Incentive for 1,000 young people within disadvantaged groups;\r\nextended the Community Jobs Scotland programme to help vulnerable young people by increasing the age criteria from 16-19 to 16-24.\r\npublished our Supported Employment Framework In 2010, “A Working Life for All Disabled People” to support a disabled person’s transition to employment;\r\narranged an action forum hosted by the Minister for Youth Employment in April focusing on young people with additional support needs;\r\nallocated £2.7 million to develop a new strategy document to help to close the inequality gap that people with learning disabilities continue to face on a daily basis; and introduced the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2009 which places education authorities under a duty to identify, plan and review the support they provide for pupils in their area.\r\nIn relation to health and wellbeing, work taken forward since 2007 includes:\r\npublishing “Equally Well” in June 2008, which made recommendations to improve health and life outcomes for particularly vulnerable groups. The Ministerial Task Force on Health Inequalities has been reconvened to review new evidence, look at lessons learned and highlight new areas for attention;\r\nhosting a learning disability health inequalities network where all NHS boards come together to work together on addressing the health inequalities that people with learning disabilities face. £500,000 of Scottish Government funding was allocated to assist NHS boards to tackle this;\r\nissuing a letter to health board chief executives setting out their responsibilities in relation to looked after children and asking them to appoint a director who will have responsibility for the health needs of all looked after children, young people and care leavers in their area (CEL 16 (2009)); and\r\nconvening a short life working group to develop a set of national recommendations for the health assessment of looked after children, young people and care leavers. This group will report in autumn 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:08.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282537,"EventID":"S4W-13569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:08.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T16:35:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to extend the Employer Recruitment Incentive for Targeted Young People to include (a) 20 to 24-year-olds and (b) people with learning difficulties.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Employer Recruitment Incentive for targeted young people is currently available to all young people 16-24 years who meet the eligibility criteria. The Community Jobs Scotland programme has recently been refined to help vulnerable young people who face additional barriers to entering into employment by increasing the age criteria for these young people from 16-19 to 16-24 years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:08.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282538,"EventID":"S4W-13570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:09.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T16:35:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it encourages employers to recruit (a) people with learning difficulties and (b) care leavers through the modern apprenticeship programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to supporting all young people with additional support needs who want to work, and it is our ambition that with the right support, they are able to find work in mainstream employment, taking account of their specific needs, and in line with their skills.\r\nIn support of this, the Scottish Government has: \r\nMade a specific commitment to all 16 – 19 year olds seeking a place in education or training through Opportunities for All. This is supported by £30 million new investment;\r\nUpdated our Post 16 Transitions Policy and Practice Framework which includes specific guidance on how to support the transitions of young people with additional support needs from school into post-school education and employment; \r\nProvided £1.5 million over three financial years in support of an Employer Recruitment Incentive for 1000 young people within disadvantaged groups, this incentive is available to Modern Apprenticeships;\r\nExtended the Community Jobs Scotland programme to help vulnerable young people who face additional barriers to entering into employment by increasing the age criteria for these young people from 16-19 to 16-24;\r\nPublished our Supported Employment Framework In 2010, “A Working Life for All Disabled People”. The aim of the Framework is to provide the mechanisms necessary to support a disabled persons move to paid employment in the open labour market in a systematic and effective way; and\r\nHeld a series of regional youth employment action forums in Lanarkshire, Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Lothians, Dumfries and Galloway and West of Scotland. We now plan to hold an action forum to focus on young people with additional support needs. The format for the event has been decided and officials are working towards delivery of the event at the end of April.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:09.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282539,"EventID":"S4W-13571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:09.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T16:35:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Procurement Reform Bill will have community benefit clauses regarding (a) young people with learning difficulties and (b) care leavers.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the Procurement Reform Bill we propose to introduce a requirement that public sector bodies consider community benefits clauses in all new major public contracts. It will be for individual public bodies to decide what those clauses will contain and who they will target based upon the particular circumstances of each contract. Where appropriate it will be open to public bodies to consider targeting young people with learning difficulties and care leavers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:09.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282540,"EventID":"S4W-13572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:09.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T16:35:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it helps (a) people with complex needs and (b) care leavers moving from (i) further and (ii) higher education into (A) employment and (B) continuing education.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to supporting all young people with additional support needs who want to work, and it is our ambition that with the right support, they are able to find work in mainstream employment, taking account of their specific needs, and in line with their skills.\r\nFurther information on support offered by Scottish Government was provided in the answer to question S4W-12832 on 27 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:09.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282541,"EventID":"S4W-13573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:10.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T16:35:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money has been (a) committed to and (b) spent by the Employer Recruitment Incentive for Targeted Young People.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has committed £1.5 million over three financial years in support of the Employer Recruitment Incentive for 1000 young people within disadvantaged groups. The incentive amounts to £1500 per young person with up to £500 available for additional employability support.\r\n80 young people will be supported in 2012-13; 460 in 2013-14; and 460 in 2014-15. \r\nAs at the end of February 2013, 82 individuals had been supported through the incentive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:10.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282542,"EventID":"S4W-13574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:10.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T16:35:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) people with learning difficulties and (b) care leavers have been in employment in each year since 2007. \r\n","AnswerText":"No data is held centrally regarding the employment status of all care leavers.\r\nThe Annual Population Survey (APS) provides estimates of employment across Scotland; however the only data available for those with learning difficulties covers those who have any learning difficulties or disabilities. The latest APS data covers the period from January to December 2012.\r\nNumber of people aged 16+ with learning difficulties or disabilities in employment, Scotland\r\nYear\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nIn employment\r\n8,000\r\n9,000\r\n10,000\r\n11,000\r\n11,000\r\n9,000\r\nSource: Annual Population Survey, Office for National Statistics\r\nNotes: \r\n1. Level rounded to nearest thousand.\r\n2. The sub-group of interest here is relatively small therefore this estimate is not as reliable as those for the total population aged 16+.\r\n3. Learning difficulties and disabilities includes conditions such as dyslexia or dyscalculia; mental impairments or mental handicap. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:10.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282543,"EventID":"S4W-13575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:10.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T16:35:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) care leavers, (b) former offenders and (c) young carers have been assisted by the Employer Recruitment Incentive for Targeted Young People.\r\n","AnswerText":"At the end of Period 11 (February 2013), 82 young people have been supported through the targeted Employer Recruitment Incentive. Skill Development Scotland are unable to share a disaggregated figure as the overall number of individuals supported is small.\r\nThe Scottish Government has committed to supporting 1000 young people over three years within disadvantaged groups; 80 young people in 2012-13; 460 in \r\n2013-14; and 460 in 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:10.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282544,"EventID":"S4W-13576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:11.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-07T16:35:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will expand the Make Young People Your Business campaign to promote the merits of employing (a) care leavers and (b) people with learning difficulties.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our Make Young People Your Business campaign is at the heart of our efforts to help all young people into employment, including care leavers and young people with learning difficulties.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:11.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282545,"EventID":"S4W-13660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:11.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T16:32:53.773","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when CalMac Ferries Ltd will stop paying Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd a single harbour access charge (HAC) and start paying berthing dues and harbour charges; what HAC CalMac Ferries Ltd pays; what the increase in costs to the company will be as a result of the change, and whether the Scottish Government will compensate the company for the increase.","AnswerText":"CalMac Ferries Ltd (CFL) will cease paying a Harbour Access Charge to Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) on 30 September 2013 on the expiry of the existing Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services agreements. A new charging agreement will commence on 1 October 2013.\r\nCFL currently pay approximately £1,918,080 per year as a Harbour Access Charge.\r\nCosts of the new agreement are still being finalised between CFL and CMAL but will reflect the costs to CMAL to maintain, operate and provide the necessary capital investment to improve the harbour facilities. The final sum will be broadly in line with CMAL’s published tariff.\r\nThe terms of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services contract between CFL and Transport Scotland state that: “in the event that the Operator receives notice that the dues payable at any Ports shall increase during any Service Year and such increase has not been allowed for in the Base Case of that Service Year either Party shall be entitled to require a Revised Costs Base Case Recalculation for the then current and subsequent Service Years.” Given that, and subject to agreement between Transport Scotland and CFL, it is anticipated that Transport Scotland will recompense CFL should there be any increase in costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:11.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282546,"EventID":"S4W-13661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:11.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T16:32:53.773","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12378 by Keith Brown on 29 January 2013, whether all staff who received redundancy payments had employment contracts with Argyll Ferries Ltd when the payments were made and, if not, for what reason the payments were not made by the employing company.","AnswerText":"Not all staff who received a voluntary severance package had employment contracts with Argyll Ferries Ltd.\r\nThe reasons for this were set out in the answer to question S4W-13285 on 6 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:11.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282547,"EventID":"S4W-13662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:12.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T16:32:53.773","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08882 by Keith Brown on 15 August 2012, what provisions are in the contract with Argyll Ferries Ltd to ensure that the service operates with reasonable reliability in the weather prevailing.","AnswerText":"Argyll Ferries Ltd shall provide the services in accordance with the published timetable except in the event of a Relief Event. There are a number of Relief Events specified in the contract to ensure that the services only operate when it is safe to do so. Cancellations or disruption due to adverse weather, tidal conditions or any other safety factor, outwith Argyll Ferries Ltd’s reasonable control, are permissible Relief Events.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:12.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282548,"EventID":"S4W-13663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:12.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T16:40:35.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many traffic accidents there have been on the A92 between Dunfermline and Dundee in each year since 2002, broken down by (a) severity and (b) location.","AnswerText":"The number of personal injury accidents on the entire length of the A92 between Dunfermline and Dundee (NB not numbers of casualties) is shown in the following tables.\r\nA92 Single Carriageway Accidents by Year/Severity\r\n\r\nFatal\r\nSerious\r\nSlight\r\nTotal\r\n2002\r\n1\r\n13\r\n43\r\n57\r\n2003\r\n1\r\n9\r\n30\r\n40\r\n2004\r\n2\r\n13\r\n36\r\n51\r\n2005\r\n2\r\n6\r\n34\r\n42\r\n2006\r\n1\r\n9\r\n33\r\n43\r\n2007\r\n0\r\n5\r\n21\r\n26\r\n2008\r\n0\r\n4\r\n25\r\n29\r\n2009\r\n0\r\n7\r\n28\r\n35\r\n2010\r\n3\r\n5\r\n40\r\n48\r\n2011\r\n0\r\n5\r\n18\r\n23\r\n2012*\r\n0\r\n1\r\n4\r\n5\r\n2013**\r\n1\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\nTotal\r\n11\r\n77\r\n312\r\n400\r\nA92 Dual Carriageway Accidents by Year/Severity\r\n\r\nFatal\r\nSerious\r\nSlight\r\nTotal\r\n2002\r\n1\r\n4\r\n26\r\n31\r\n2003\r\n2\r\n7\r\n27\r\n36\r\n2004\r\n1\r\n4\r\n17\r\n22\r\n2005\r\n1\r\n11\r\n29\r\n41\r\n2006\r\n1\r\n4\r\n30\r\n35\r\n2007\r\n1\r\n6\r\n31\r\n38\r\n2008\r\n1\r\n5\r\n19\r\n25\r\n2009\r\n0\r\n3\r\n18\r\n21\r\n2010\r\n1\r\n2\r\n22\r\n25\r\n2011\r\n0\r\n1\r\n28\r\n29\r\n2012*\r\n0\r\n0\r\n5\r\n5\r\n2013**\r\n0\r\n-\r\n-\r\n0\r\nTotal\r\n9\r\n47\r\n252\r\n308\r\n* 2012 - These statistics are not fully complete for all police forces and are subject to change on submission of further datasets however, the fatal accident figure is accurate.\r\n** 2013 - Please note that 2013 records are not yet held on our accident manager system however, we hold a separate record of the fatal accident that occurred on 11 March 2013.\r\nThe figures quoted may differ slightly from those published elsewhere due to being extracted on a different date and the database may have changed between the two dates, e.g. due to late returns or corrections.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:12.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282549,"EventID":"S4W-13664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:12.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T16:41:10.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the findings in the research published by gastroenterologists at Wake Forest Institute in the United States, Identification of Unique Gene Expression Profile in Children with Regressive Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Ileocolitis, what steps it will take to (a) offer NHS examinations and treatment in schools to children with autism and (b) investigate the cause of the reported intestinal disease.\r\n","AnswerText":"The research referred to was a small preliminary study that the authors themselves suggest requires replication on a larger scale. It would therefore be inappropriate at this time for the Scottish Government to issue a statement. We must consider the totality of the evidence when we consider changes in priority or the provision of services.\r\nThe Chief Scientist Office (CSO) within the Scottish Government has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health and healthcare needs in Scotland. CSO responds primarily to requests for funding research proposals initiated by the research community in Scotland. CSO would welcome research proposals in this area which would be subject to the usual peer and committee review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:12.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":true},{"UniqueID":282550,"EventID":"S4W-13666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:12.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T17:08:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its analysis of responses to the consultation, Supporting Business – Promoting Growth.","AnswerText":"Responses to the business rates consultation Supporting Business – Promoting Growth will be published shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:13.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282551,"EventID":"S4W-13667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:13.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T17:08:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much is raised annually by the (a) large business supplement and (b) public health levy.\r\n","AnswerText":"Mid-year estimates of the income raised in 2012-13 from the large business supplement and public health supplement are estimated to be £38.8 million and £25.9 million respectively.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:13.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282552,"EventID":"S4W-13669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:13.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T17:08:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reasons it postponed the 2015 revaluation of properties for non-domestic rates until 2017.","AnswerText":"The UK Government announced in October 2012 that it would postpone the 2015 business rates revaluation for commercial properties in England until 2017.\r\nIf the Scottish Government did proceed with the 2015 revaluation it is likely that our ability to maintain business rate parity with the rate of the UK would be jeopardised.\r\nThe time between now and 2017 will be used to have a thorough and comprehensive review of the business system. Any changes to the rating system resulting from the recent consultation “Supporting Business - Promoting growth” will be put in place in time for the next revaluation, but where early actions are identified and affordable these can be implemented much sooner.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:13.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282553,"EventID":"S4W-13670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:13.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T17:08:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many businesses have received support from the business rates deferral scheme.","AnswerText":"A rates deferral scheme was introduced in 2012-13 to allow businesses the flexibility to defer the annual inflationary rise in bills over a three year period should they choose to do so.\r\nData on the number of businesses that have deferred rates under the 2012-13 business rates deferral scheme is not held centrally. However, an estimated £10.9 million was deferred from 2012-13 bills, which will be paid back over the next two financial years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:13.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282554,"EventID":"S4W-13671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:14.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T17:08:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures the (a) traceability and (b) quality of hospital food.\r\n","AnswerText":"The European Commission Regulation 178/2002 requires all food businesses to maintain a system of traceability. They are required to be able to identify the food business that they received a food product from, and the food businesses they supplied a food product to. There is no requirement for internal traceability within a food business or for traceability to the final consumer.\r\nThe Scottish Government lead in introducing national standards for food, fluid and nutrition in hospitals and has introduced malnutrition screening of all patients and nutrition champions in every NHS board and the development of a toolkit to assist all staff dealing with food, fluid and nutrition from catering staff to senior charge nurses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:14.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282555,"EventID":"S4W-13672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:14.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T17:08:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what tests have been conducted on hospital food following the identification of horse DNA in other meat products.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency does not hold data on sampling at hospitals. However, there has been significant sampling throughout the food chain, and this will include foods that are supplied to hospitals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:14.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282556,"EventID":"S4W-13673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:14.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T17:08:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether incidents of contamination of hospital food have been reported since 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency does not maintain records relating to the customers of products that have been withdrawn due to contamination.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:14.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282557,"EventID":"S4W-13674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:15.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T17:08:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on employment, what contact it has had with the administrators of HMV regarding the firm going into administration and what support it is providing to affected staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government, through Skills Development Scotland, coordinates local response teams under the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative, to provide tailored help and support for people facing redundancy.\r\nOn 15 January 2013, HMV went into administration and Deloitte were appointed as administrators to manage the affairs, business and property of HMV.\r\nSubsequently, the National PACE Team contacted Deloitte to offer PACE support but were told on 21 January 2013 that no store closures were planned except for the Perth store and no contact should be made to offer PACE support other than for the employees of the Perth store.\r\nOn 7 February 2013, the National PACE Team received details of 11 stores in Scotland which were due to close and the National PACE Team instructed the local PACE Chairs to make contact to offer PACE support for the affected employees. On 22 February 2013 the National PACE Team were notified of a further two stores to be closed and PACE support was also offered to employees in these stores.\r\nPACE support was provided to 222 affected employees through the distribution of PACE Guides and the offer of PACE Presentations which were taken up by managers in eight of the stores being closed.\r\nIt is a matter for employers or administrators to accept the offer of PACE support and we will therefore continue our work to improve further our links with employers and insolvency practitioners.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:15.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282558,"EventID":"S4W-13676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:15.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T10:26:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it determines which fuel storage sites are subject to the provisions of the Water Environment (Oil Storage) (Scotland) Regulations 2006.\r\n","AnswerText":"Regulations 4 to 6 of the Water Environment (Oil Storage) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 set out the criteria to determine which oil storage facilities are subject to the provisions of the Regulations. The Regulations can be found at the following link: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2006/133/contents/made.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:15.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282559,"EventID":"S4W-13677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:15.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T10:26:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reasons the SSE power station on South Uist is subject to the provisions of the Water Environment (Oil Storage) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 but the Shore Street fuel depot in Kirkwall is not.\r\n","AnswerText":"The oil stored at the SSE Power Station Loch Carnan is used on site, and as such is subject to the requirements of the Water Environment (Oil Storage) (Scotland) Regulations 2006.\r\nThe Kirkwall Fuel Depot is an oil storage facility used for the onward distribution of oil, and such installations are exempt from the Regulations.\r\nA guidance note, Model Code of Safe Practice Part 2: Design, construction and operation of petroleum distribution installations (3rd edition) by the Energy Institute http://www.energyinst.org.uk/ is specifically focused at distribution installations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:15.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282560,"EventID":"S4W-13679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:16.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T10:37:07.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12468 by Michael Matheson on 31 January 2013, when the Parliament was informed of the establishment of a residential pain service, as reported in the Daily Express on 21 January 2013.","AnswerText":"Both the Cabinet Secretary and myself have indicated that an intensive pain management service should be developed and delivered within Scotland. I would be pleased to keep the member and Parliament updated on the progress of this work as it is further developed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:16.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282561,"EventID":"S4W-13680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:16.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T10:37:07.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12470 by Michael Matheson on 31 January 2013, how much has been set aside in the 2013-14 budget for a chronic pain residential service.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Secretary and I have commissioned a project to determine the scope and budget of developing an intensive pain management services in Scotland. Budgets to fund this service will be decided and allocated once this exercise has been completed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:16.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282562,"EventID":"S4W-13681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:17.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T10:37:07.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12469 by Michael Matheson on 31 January 2013, what options are being considered.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13679 on 28 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:17.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282563,"EventID":"S4W-13682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:18.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T10:43:10.647","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12565 by Alex Neil on 27 February 2013, whether incidents of bullying and harassment were raised at the annual board reviews of (a) NHS 24 and (b) the Scottish Ambulance Service.\r\n","AnswerText":"No incidences of bullying and harassment were raised at the NHS 24 and Scottish Ambulance Service Annual Reviews.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:18.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282564,"EventID":"S4W-13683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:18.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T10:43:10.647","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12567 by Alex Neil on 27 February 2013, how many compromise agreements have been used by each NHS board and how many contained confidentiality clauses.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information. As I said in my reply to S4W-12567, the use of confidentiality clauses in compromise agreements is entirely an issue between individual NHS boards and their employees.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:18.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282565,"EventID":"S4W-13684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:19.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T10:43:50.867","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12564 by Alex Neil on 27 February 2013, whether the hotline will cover all of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Confidential Alert Line, which will operate as a Freephone service, will be available to all NHS staff in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:19.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282566,"EventID":"S4W-13685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T14:13:19.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T10:43:50.867","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12564 by Alex Neil on 27 February 2013, how long the pilot whistleblowers’ hotline will last; how it will be evaluated; whether it will be independent of government, and when the substantive service will be in place.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Confidential Alert Line will run as a pilot from 2 April 2013 until 31 March 2014. The contract allows for a three month extension.\r\nThe Alert Line service, which will be provided by Public Concern at Work (PCaW), will be independent of government. The principles for operation state that PCaW will encourage callers to raise their concerns with their employer in the first instance. PCaW will also support callers to pursue their case with the appropriate regulator when they consider this to be the most suitable course of action.\r\nPCaW will provide 6 and 12 month evaluation reports. These will include a breakdown of calls received by type and NHS board (where the caller is prepared to share this), a review of the trends identified in call patterns and recommendations for next steps. Should the evaluation demonstrate that the Alert Line is considered to be a valuable addition to the support available to NHS staff in Scotland, my intention would be to make the service permanent.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T14:13:19.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282570,"EventID":"S4W-13686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T16:56:37.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T12:38:11.02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13368 by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 March 2013, when it will award the procurement contracts relating to its Step Change 2015 programme.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s Step Change 2015 Programme is being taken forward through two procurement exercises, one covering the Highlands and Islands, which is led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), and the other covering the rest of Scotland, led by Scottish Government.\r\nHIE awarded the contract for the Highlands and Islands procurement to BT on 26 March 2013. The Scottish Government remains on schedule to award the rest of Scotland contract, as planned, by the end of June 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T16:56:37.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282571,"EventID":"S4W-13687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T16:56:37.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T14:02:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the (a) Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and (b) Forth Replacement Crossing should be considered  a national transport project.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is vital to the North east economy creating about 14,000 new jobs and bringing an additional £6 billion to the local economy over the next three decades. When completed it will form part of Scotland’s trunk road network connecting major cities, towns, ports and airports.\r\nThe critical importance of the Forth Replacement Crossing is recognised by its inclusion within the current National Planning Framework for Scotland, which is used to designate certain projects as national developments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T16:56:37.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282572,"EventID":"S4W-13688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T16:56:38.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T14:02:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the economic impact of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will be (a) nationally and (b) in North East Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) will provide substantial benefits nationally and across the whole of the North East and will provide a boost to the economy; increase business and tourism opportunities; improve safety; cut congestion as well as increasing opportunities for improvements in public transport facilities.\r\nNationally, the wider economic benefits are assessed as being around £3.5 billion over the 30 year period and it is estimated that 600 jobs will also be created as a result of the project.\r\nIn the North East of Scotland, over 14,000 jobs are expected to be generated over the first 30 years after the scheme opening and it is anticipated that the AWPR project will generate over £6 billion additional income, reducing costs to businesses and providing opportunities for increased sales through greater connectivity of Scotland’s infrastructure.\r\nConstruction work will create up to 900 jobs directly with the potential to generate many more for the local supply chain and subcontracts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T16:56:38.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282573,"EventID":"S4W-13690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T16:56:38.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T14:02:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the economic impact of the Forth Replacement Crossing will be (a) nationally and (b) in (i) Mid Scotland and Fife and (ii) Lothian.\r\n","AnswerText":"A survey of the business community in Fife, Edinburgh, the Lothians and the Forth Valley has shown that the potential for future traffic delays and disruption caused by major maintenance works on the existing Forth Road Bridge, which would require intrusive traffic management over a sustained period, could potentially result in economic output falling by around £1 billion, a drop in turnover in excess of £1.3 billion and the loss of around 3,200 jobs.\r\nAt its peak the project will directly support 1,200 jobs and the Chambers of Commerce estimate that the Forth Replacement Crossing will deliver economic benefits worth around £6 billion to Scotland’s economy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T16:56:38.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282574,"EventID":"S4W-13692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T16:56:38.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T14:02:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it has sought funding from local authorities in North East Scotland to assist with the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route but not from authorities in (a) Mid Scotland and Fife and (b) Lothian for the Forth Replacement Crossing.\r\n","AnswerText":"The funding arrangements were agreed in 2003 following the decision by the then Scottish Executive to promote the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route as a trunk road in partnership with Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils. These arrangements recognise the relative local and national benefits of this vital scheme for the North East.\r\nSimilar joint funding arrangements were successfully used on the recently completed M74 through Glasgow where local authority partners contributed towards the project.\r\nThe Forth Replacement Crossing is a vital strategic transport link for Scotland as a whole, including the North East and this Scottish Government is committed to delivering this major project to time and budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T16:56:38.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282575,"EventID":"S4W-13693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T16:56:39.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T14:36:30.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what representations it has made to the (a) European Commission and (b) the UK Government on proposals for a fourth railway package.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has made no direct representations to the European Commission on this matter. However, a number of representations have been made to the UK Government across each key theme of the Fourth Railway Package confirming the need to ensure that any proposals implemented are consistent with the Scottish Ministers' ambitions for rail, including both existing and planned rail industry reform initiatives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T16:56:39.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282576,"EventID":"S4W-13698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T16:56:39.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T14:45:43.053","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review the level of support offered to Diploma in Legal Practice students.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is carrying out a review of postgraduate student support arrangements in Scotland including the support provided for Diploma in Legal Practice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T16:56:39.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282577,"EventID":"S4W-13703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T16:56:39.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T14:49:28.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many inspections have been carried out on meat products by (a) the Food Standards Agency, (b) the Meat Hygiene Service and (c) local authority inspectors to determine whether horsemeat was present in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the former Meat Hygiene Service have not carried out any specific sampling or inspections of meat products for horse DNA in each year since 2007. Prior to the recent horsemeat incident local authorities had not done so either.\r\nLocal authority authenticity checks of meat products formed part of their food standards inspections during the period 2007-2012. However, there was no reason to suspect that undeclared horsemeat had entered the food chain, therefore, no specific checks were routinely undertaken to identify the presence of horse DNA.\r\nOn the 23 January Scottish Ministers asked the FSA to work with Local Authorities to carry out focused food standards inspections of approved processed meat manufacturers. Scotland was the first part of the UK to initiate this work, which is in addition to the actions set out in the FSA’s plan and the European Commission’s testing programme. All the focused inspections are now complete and no issues relating to horse DNA have been reported (as at 20 March).\r\nAlso in response to the recent horsemeat issue, the Food Standards Agency published an action plan which included a UK Authenticity Surveillance Programme. Under this programme significant authenticity sampling for horse DNA has been undertaken by local authorities in Scotland since 15 January 2013.\r\nPhase 1 of the authenticity sampling was reported 8 March. The results showed that 217 of the 224 samples taken across UK in Phase 1 were negative for horse DNA at or above the 1% threshold. Seven samples are awaiting further verification and the FSA will publish details as soon as further information is received.\r\nIn Scotland, 15 out of 16 samples taken in Phase 1 were negative and the only positive test related to a product that had already been withdrawn.\r\nResults for Phase 2 will be published in due course and analysis of Phase 3 samples is still on-going.\r\nAd hoc authenticity tests\r\nIn addition, informal ad hoc authenticity tests for horse DNA have been carried out by local authorities and the results of this testing will be published in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T16:56:39.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282578,"EventID":"S4W-13704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T16:56:40.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T14:49:28.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13041 by Richard Lochhead on 11 March 2013, when the report on bee health will be published.","AnswerText":"The results from the first Scotland-wide honey bee health survey are currently being prepared and will be available during May 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T16:56:40.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282579,"EventID":"S4W-13706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T16:56:41.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T14:52:01.133","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact will be of the European Commission’s proposals for a fourth railway package on the (a) tendering process for Scotland’s railways and (b) planned retendering of the ScotRail franchise.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is currently considering the potential impact of the European Commission’s proposals within the Fourth Railway Package on the ScotRail refranchising programme, Network Rail's management of the rail infrastructure in Scotland and the relationship between them. Representations have been made to the UK government on this matter to ensure that any proposals implemented are consistent with the Scottish Ministers' ambitions for rail, including both existing and planned rail industry reform initiatives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T16:56:41.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282580,"EventID":"S4W-13709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T16:56:41.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T15:49:12.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) investigations, (b) arrests and (c) convictions there have been for the offence of vicarious liability under the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the vicarious liability provisions in the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 came into force on 1 January 2012 there have been no arrests, prosecutions or convictions of people for vicarious liability for relevant offences. Vicarious liability is not in itself an offence, but rather a land owner or manager may be held to be vicariously liable for relevant offences as set out in Section 18, Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). The relevant offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 are those in:\r\nSection 1(1), (5) or (5B)\r\nSection 5(1) (a) or (b)\r\nSection 15A (1)\r\nThese offences are in relation to the intentional or reckless killing, injuring of a wild bird or the damage to, or destruction of a nest or egg(s); the prohibition of certain methods of killing wild birds (e.g. by the use of traps or poisons); and the possession of certain prescribed pesticides.\r\nVicarious liability can be considered in relation to all relevant offences that are investigated or prosecuted. When any investigation for a relevant offence is ongoing, the possibility of an arrest or prosecution under the vicarious liability provisions will be considered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T16:56:41.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282581,"EventID":"S4W-13710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T16:56:42.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T15:49:12.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many poisoned baits have been discovered and how many (a) birds and (b) other animals have been poisoned in this way since 2008, broken down by (i) year and (ii) species. \r\n","AnswerText":"The available information on poisoned baits and the poisoning of birds and other animals is shown in the following table.\r\n \r\nScience and Advice for Scottish Agriculture, SASA, collate and publish data on animal poisonings information on a quarterly and annual basis on their website.\r\n \r\nBirds confirmed as victims of poisoning abuse, 2008-2012:\r\n \r\nYear\r\nGolden Eagle\r\nSea Eagle\r\nBuzzard\r\nRed Kite\r\nPeregrine Falcon\r\nSparrow-hawk\r\nTawny Owl\r\nRaven\r\nCrow\r\nMagpie\r\nAll Birds\r\n2008\r\n0\r\n1\r\n14\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n3\r\n0\r\n0\r\n20\r\n2009\r\n2\r\n1\r\n22\r\n4\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n5\r\n1\r\n1\r\n37\r\n2010\r\n4\r\n1\r\n13\r\n7\r\n2\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n29\r\n2011\r\n1\r\n0\r\n7\r\n4\r\n2\r\n2\r\n0\r\n2\r\n2\r\n0\r\n20\r\n2012\r\n1\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n4\r\nTotal\r\n8\r\n3\r\n58\r\n17\r\n4\r\n3\r\n1\r\n11\r\n4\r\n1\r\n110\r\n \r\nOther animals confirmed as victims of poisoning abuse, 2008-2012:\r\nYear\r\nDog\r\nCat\r\nStoat\r\nAll Animals\r\n2008\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\n4\r\n2009\r\n0\r\n5\r\n0\r\n5\r\n2010\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2011\r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\n3\r\n2012\r\n2\r\n2\r\n0\r\n4\r\nTotal\r\n4\r\n11\r\n1\r\n16\r\nPoisoned bait abuse incidents and number of baits recovered, 2008-2012\r\nYear\r\nIncidents\r\nNumber of baits\r\n2008\r\n8\r\n22\r\n2009\r\n11\r\n23\r\n2010\r\n12\r\n15\r\n2011\r\n4\r\n5\r\n2012\r\n3\r\n5\r\nTotal\r\n38\r\n70\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T16:56:42.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282582,"EventID":"S4W-13711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T16:56:42.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T15:57:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the timetable is for the award of the new rail franchise for sleeper services.\r\n","AnswerText":"The timetable for the award of the new rail franchise for the Caledonian Sleeper Service and further information can be found at: http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/rail/scottish-franchise-renewal-programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T16:56:42.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282583,"EventID":"S4W-13712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-14T16:56:42.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T16:01:15.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on seconding civil servants to work on a bid for any proposal for a mutualised company to run the ScotRail franchise.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the interests of running an open and transparent procurement of the ScotRail Franchise renewal, the Scottish Government would not second civil servants to work on any bids for the franchise.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-03-28T16:56:42.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282584,"EventID":"S4W-13728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-15T12:23:38.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-15T12:08:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress Historic Scotland has made on designating Historic Marine Protected Areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"Following work to record the remains of a historic wreck site discovered by scallop divers close to the harbour of Drumbeg, Sutherland, Historic Scotland has today designated Scotland’s first Historic Marine Protected Area (MPA) under the urgent designation procedures in the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010. This is the first time that the new MPA powers have been used. Public consultation will follow shortly on a proposal to make this designation more permanent.\r\nAs part of this first round of consultation, Historic Scotland will also be inviting views on proposals to designate six further Historic MPAs during 2013, to protect seven historic shipwrecks ranging from a 17th century Scottish warship off Duart Point, Mull, to the Campania, a Clydebuilt former Blue-Riband winning Cunard liner, which performed valuable service as a converted aircraft carrier during WW1. Their designation as Historic MPAs will allow the Scottish Government to replace existing statutory protection for these sites under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. This will align marine heritage protection in Scotland with the Scottish Government’s new marine planning system and its overall approach to protection of our outstanding marine environment. The change in designation will not only help to protect these sites from harm, but will also help to streamline the consent arrangements and provide new opportunities for responsible access by scuba divers and others who will be more easily able to enjoy and appreciate these highly important sites.\r\nOnce these initial designations are in place, Historic Scotland will be visiting Orkney to consider the need for a historic MPA to protect what remains under water relating to the key wartime naval anchorage of Scapa Flow in advance of the centenary of WW1. A small number of other high priority, currently undesignated sites around the Scottish coast may also be considered between now and 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-15T12:23:38.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282585,"EventID":"S4W-13713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-15T13:44:10.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T16:12:12.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) the UK Government, (b) Dart Energy and (c) REACH Coal Seam Gas about the environmental impact of Petroleum Exploration and Development Licence (i) 133, (ii) 159, (iii) 161 and (iv) 163 and when.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had no specific discussions with the UK Government on the environmental impacts of unconventional gases. The Government is advised on environmental matters by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) who sits on a UK wide unconventional gas regulatory group. SEPA’s position is set out in their document, Regulatory Guidance for Coal Bed Methane and Shale Gas, which is available at:\r\nhttp://www.sepa.org.uk/customer_information/energy_industry/unconventional_gas/regulatory_roles.aspx.\r\nThe Scottish Government has had no specific discussions on environmental impacts with Dart Energy and REACH Coal seam Gas. The companies have engaged with SEPA in relation to obtaining the required environmental licences or permits. These would be required before any exploration or production works can occur within the Petroleum Development Licences 133, 159, 161 and 163. Such work would also require planning permission, for which SEPA is a statutory consultee and would specifically require SEPA authorisation under the Water Environment (controlled activities) (Scotland) Regulation 2011 (CAR).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-15T13:44:10.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282586,"EventID":"S4W-13714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-15T13:44:11.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T16:12:12.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) the UK Government, (b) Dart Energy and (c) REACH Coal Seam Gas about the environmental impact of field development plans from 1997, 2006 and 2012 in relation to Petroleum Exploration and Development Licence (i) 133, (ii) 159, (iii) 161 and (iv) 163 and when.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13713 on 15 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-15T13:44:11.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282587,"EventID":"S4W-13715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-15T13:44:11.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T16:12:12.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government about how environmental impacts are assessed under the licensing, planning and regulatory framework for onshore unconventional gas extraction.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13713 on 15 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-15T13:44:11.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282588,"EventID":"S4W-13717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-15T13:44:12.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T16:12:12.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government on any changes to how environmental impacts will be assessed in Scotland under the UK Office for Unconventional Gas.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13713 on 15 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-15T13:44:12.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282589,"EventID":"S4W-13718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-15T13:44:12.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T16:27:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many care homes in each local authority area have received an inspection report rating of three or less in each of the last six years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54841).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-15T13:44:12.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282590,"EventID":"S4W-13719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-15T13:44:12.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T16:27:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether local authorities and lead agencies for care of older people can pay up to 80% more for a placement in a local authority care home than for one in the independent sector and, if so, for what reason.","AnswerText":"The cost of providing care in a local authority care home is a matter for each individual local authority. Section 22 of the National Assistance Act 1948 requires local authorities to set fees in their homes at the full cost of providing the care.\r\nThe level of payment for an older person funded by a local authority in a care home in the independent sector is agreed between Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the independent sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-15T13:44:12.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282591,"EventID":"S4W-13723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-15T13:44:13.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-15T10:43:32.847","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it modelled the (a) future profitability and (b) operating costs of extraction for each of the scenarios in the March 2013 Oil and Gas Analytical Bulletin.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s Oil and Gas Analytical Bulletin provides forecasts for oil and gas tax revenue from the “Scottish” portion of the UK Continental Shelf under five scenarios. Further information on the assumptions used in each scenario are provided in the Oil and Gas Analytical Bulletin which is available from http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0041/00416072.pdf\r\nThe analysis was undertaken using projections for future production on the UK Continental Shelf. This was complemented by field level analysis using in-house datasets developed by the Scottish Government and subscriptions to commercial models providing field level information on production, costs, profitability and tax revenue.\r\nScenario 1 in the Oil and Gas Analytical Bulletin is based on the assumptions about future production and prices published in the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) December 2012 Economic and Fiscal Outlook. The assumptions about operating costs and profitability in scenario 1 are consistent with those used by the OBR.\r\nThe other four scenarios presented in the Bulletin use a range of estimates about future operating costs, capital expenditure and profitability to reflect the impact that different assumptions about future prices and production levels are expected to have on costs in the oil and gas industry. The scenarios assume that as oil prices and production rise, there is a corresponding increase in operation and capital costs. The rise in costs serve to dampen profits and tax revenues relative to that which would have been the case in the absence of these additional cost pressures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-15T13:44:13.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282592,"EventID":"S4W-13724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-15T13:44:13.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-15T10:43:32.847","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it modelled extraction rates and operating or other costs for individual field production for all scenarios in the March 2013 Oil and Gas Analytical Bulletin and, if so, what field-extraction model it used.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question, S4W-13723 on 18 April 2013. All answer are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-15T13:44:13.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282593,"EventID":"S4W-13725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-15T13:44:14.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-15T10:43:32.847","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what decommissioning costs it assumed in each of the scenarios in the March 2013 Oil and Gas Analytical Bulletin.\r\n","AnswerText":"Decommissioning costs are assumed to be consistent across each scenario and are based on the assumptions for future decommissioning expenditure factored into the OBR’s forecasts for oil and gas tax revenue published in the December 2012 Economic and Fiscal Outlook.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-15T13:44:14.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282594,"EventID":"S4W-13726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-15T13:44:14.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-15T10:43:32.847","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in relation to Scenario 4 in the March 2013 Oil and Gas Analytical Bulletin, what (a) assumptions were made and (b) statistical model was used regarding the increasing operating costs and lower profitability that could result.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question, S4W-13723 on 18 April 2103. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-15T13:44:14.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282595,"EventID":"S4W-13727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-15T13:44:14.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-15T10:43:32.847","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the effect of higher oil and gas prices on tax revenues in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Box 8.02 of the Fiscal Commission Working Group’s First Report provides an assessment of the impact that higher oil and gas prices would have on Scottish tax revenues. The report estimates that a temporary increase of £10 in the price of oil would increase Scottish North Sea revenues by an estimated £2.2 billion. Whilst there are estimated to be reductions in some onshore taxes these are of a relatively smaller magnitude. Consequently, the net impact on Scotland’s public finances would be to reduce borrowing by an estimated £1.9 billion over two years. For the UK as a whole, the report concludes that higher oil prices would increase borrowing, as higher offshore receipts are estimated to be more than offset by a reduction in onshore tax revenues.\r\nThe Fiscal Commission Working Group’s First Report is available from http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0041/00414291.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-15T13:44:14.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282600,"EventID":"S4W-13651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-15T15:51:13.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-13T13:57:57.957","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the new police and fire and rescue services will finance road safety partnerships.","AnswerText":"The Northern Constabulary and the Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service have supported a number of road safety initiatives over the years with a view to raising awareness and improving safety for road users. They are both part of the Northern Safety Camera Partnership and play a key role in service delivery and this is set to continue when the new force and service are created. They do not currently contribute financially to the running of the partnership, which will continue to be fully funded by the Scottish Government through the Scottish Safety Camera Programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-15T15:51:13.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282601,"EventID":"S4W-13729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-15T15:51:14.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-15T13:03:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the (a) Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, (b) Scotland Act 1998 and (c) Human Rights Act 1998 are applied in judging petitions to the nobile officium.\r\n","AnswerText":"The application of statute in court proceedings is a matter for the judicial authorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-15T15:51:14.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282602,"EventID":"S4W-13730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-15T15:51:15.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-15T14:24:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the opening of the M74 motorway extension has had on traffic flow on the M8 motorway and what the traffic flow is on the extension.","AnswerText":"Following the opening of the M74 Completion scheme, the average two-way daily flows along the M8 motorway, between Charing Cross and Ballieston, have reduced by around 18-20,000 vehicles per day. Across the Kingston Bridge the average two-way daily flows have reduced by around 11,000 vehicles per day.\r\nAlong the M8 west of the M77 the average two-way flows have increased, for example by around 10,000 vehicles per day between Junctions 25 and 25A, reducing to around 2,000 vehicles per day between Junctions 26 and 27.\r\nOn the M74 Completion scheme itself, traffic flows of between 34,000 and 37,000 vehicles per day in each direction have been observed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-15T15:51:15.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282603,"EventID":"S4W-13731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-15T15:51:15.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-15T15:01:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to assess MSPs' satisfaction with its answers to parliamentary questions.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the event of a member being dissatisfied with an answer received from the Scottish Government, it is open to the member concerned to pursue the matter by lodging a further question, via correspondence or by lodging a motion for debate.\r\nThe Scottish Ministerial Code makes clear that ministers have a duty to hold the Parliament to account, and be held to account, for the policies, decisions and actions taken within their field of responsibility. In addition, the Code requires ministers to provide accurate and truthful information to the Parliament. These principles are respected in terms of all answers given to parliamentary questions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-15T15:51:15.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Joe FitzPatrick","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282604,"EventID":"S4W-13732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-15T15:51:15.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-15T15:01:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) support and (b) advice it gives to local authorities on facilitating travel for pupils who want to attend primary and secondary Gaelic-medium school.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transportation to schools for pupils is a matter for the local authorities, and the Scottish Government has no locus to intervene.\r\nHowever, some local authorities do include an element for transportation in their bids from the Gaelic Specific Grant Scheme under the Gaelic Education (Scotland) Regulations 1986.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-15T15:51:15.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282605,"EventID":"S4W-13733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-15T15:51:16.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-15T15:01:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will (a) use and (b) actively promote Gaelic in the forthcoming independence referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"In line with standard practice for elections and referendums, the referendum ballot paper will be provided in English. Counting officers may choose to display a translation of the ballot paper at polling stations if they consider this appropriate and this could, of course, include Gaelic. Voter information will also be available in other languages on request, again including Gaelic. In addition, the Electoral Commission, which will be responsible for ensuring that voters know how to register and how to vote in the referendum, is expected to produce this information in other languages, including Gaelic.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-15T15:51:16.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282606,"EventID":"S4W-13734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-15T15:51:16.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-15T15:01:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it compares progress in the (a) use and (b) active promotion of Gaelic with that achieved by Welsh and Irish language authorities.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not directly compare progress made with Gaelic against any other language.\r\nAll indigenous languages have unique circumstances and face unique challenges which need to be addressed in a manner that suits the specific language. However, we continue to work closely with other administrations to identify and share best practice to the benefit of all our languages.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-15T15:51:16.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282607,"EventID":"S4W-13735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-15T15:51:17.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-15T15:01:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the recruitment of teachers for Gaelic-medium education.","AnswerText":"There are currently 343 teachers teaching through the medium of Gaelic in all levels from Nursery through to Secondary. In 2012 we saw 24 probationers graduate which was the largest number of Gaelic Medium Teachers ever to come through training in a single year.\r\nHowever, we are aware that the recruitment of teachers to the Gaelic sector remains a challenge. To help address this challenge Bòrd na Gaidhlig has set up the Gaelic Teachers Recruitment and Retention Group which is made up of representatives from the Scottish Government, all the Teacher Education Institutions and a number of local authorities who provide GME. The Group seeks to identify recruitment, promotion and retention opportunities in the sector whilst seeking to remove any barriers to individuals who wish to teach. The Group is making good progress and a new Gaelic Teacher Immersion Course is being developed through its work. The aim of this course will be to enable teachers to transfer to Gaelic Medium teaching.\r\nIn addition the Scottish Government has written to the Scottish Funding Council asking it to support initiatives which could improve effectiveness and widen access to Gaelic teacher education. In response to this request the Council have agreed to support The University of the Highlands and Islands with the funding of 20 additional student places for Gaelic Teacher Training.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-15T15:51:17.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282608,"EventID":"S4W-13736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-15T15:51:18.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-15T15:01:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what regard it has had to Gaelic in relation to the provision of additional pre-school hours. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Children and Young People Bill, currently being developed, includes provisions to increase the current entitlement to 475 hours per year of funded pre-school education for 3 and 4 year olds, to a minimum of 600 hours per year of funded early learning and childcare for 3 and 4 year olds, as well as 2 year olds who are looked after or subject to a kinship care order, from 2014.\r\nWe expect that providers of Gaelic medium early learning and childcare will have an important role to play in delivering the entitlement to those eligible children whose parents wish to make use of this type of provision.\r\nScottish Ministers aim to see the expansion of Gaelic medium education at all levels and see Gaelic early years as playing a key role. Gaelic early years are also a key priority area listed in the National Plan for Gaelic. In view of this, and the forthcoming expansion of the funded early learning and childcare hours set out above, we are working closely with local authorities and Bord na Gaidhlig to expand this sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-15T15:51:18.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282615,"EventID":"S4T-00283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T13:07:52.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-15T10:33:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will respond to the report of the Expert Group on the Leveson Report in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T13:07:52.6","MeetingDate":"2013-03-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282616,"EventID":"S4T-00293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T13:07:55.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T11:49:10.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on recent reports expressing concern at the police handling of unauthorised protests.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T13:07:55.97","MeetingDate":"2013-03-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282617,"EventID":"S4F-01261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T13:06:52.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T14:43:16.96","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T13:06:52.45","MeetingDate":"2013-03-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282618,"EventID":"S4F-01265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T13:06:54.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T09:28:39.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is on whether whistleblowing arrangements for NHS staff are adequate.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T13:06:54.197","MeetingDate":"2013-03-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282619,"EventID":"S4F-01266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T13:06:54.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T09:42:15.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T13:06:54.523","MeetingDate":"2013-03-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282620,"EventID":"S4F-01268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T13:06:55.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T10:29:01.693","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what impact reported reductions in the number of medical secretaries are having on patient care.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T13:06:55.193","MeetingDate":"2013-03-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282621,"EventID":"S4F-01274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T13:06:57.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T11:00:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the 2013 UK Budget.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T13:06:57.16","MeetingDate":"2013-03-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282622,"EventID":"S4F-01275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T13:06:57.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T11:00:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government is using its International Development Fund to support Malawi.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T13:06:57.457","MeetingDate":"2013-03-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282634,"EventID":"S4W-13720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T15:23:35.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T16:47:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13200 by Michael Matheson on 5 March 2013, what its position is on the availability of the emergency contraceptive (a) ulipristal acetate and (b) levonorgestrel.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ulipristal acetate (known as ellaOne) is licensed as an emergency hormonal contraception. For this indication, it is a prescription only medicine.\r\nLevonogestrel (known as levonelle) is available from community pharmacies, sexual health services and GPs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T15:23:35.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282635,"EventID":"S4W-13721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T15:23:35.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T16:47:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13200 by Michael Matheson on 5 March 2013, what guidance it issues to NHS boards regarding the emergency contraceptive (a) ulipristal acetate and (b) levonorgestrel and whether it plans to review this.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards are expected to provide high quality sexual health services that are appropriate to the needs of their population and to the individual. This includes ensuring that the full range of contraceptive methods, including emergency contraception, is accessible to those who require them.\r\nScottish Government does not provide specific guidance on how emergency contraception should be provided except in the case of schools, where policy states that emergency hormonal contraception should not be made available.\r\nThere are no plans to review this guidance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T15:23:35.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282636,"EventID":"S4W-13722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T15:23:36.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-14T16:47:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13200 by Michael Matheson on 5 March 2013, how many courses of the emergency contraceptive (a) ulipristal acetate and (b) levonorgestrel have been dispensed in each year since 2010-11, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The number of courses of treatment dispensed for a) ulipristal acetate and b) levonorgestrel since 2010-11 are as follows;\r\nLevonorgestrel\r\n2010-2011\r\n2011-2012\r\n2012-2013\r\n\r\nQuantity Dispensed\r\nQuantity Dispensed\r\nQuantity Dispensed\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n5851\r\n5856\r\n4307\r\nNHS Borders\r\n1116\r\n1086\r\n774\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n1516\r\n1509\r\n1136\r\nNHS Fife\r\n5410\r\n5643\r\n4195\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n4242\r\n4632\r\n3432\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n8152\r\n9626\r\n7305\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n25283\r\n27847\r\n20982\r\nNHS Highland\r\n3848\r\n3784\r\n2743\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n8208\r\n8808\r\n6666\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n19315\r\n20355\r\n14671\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n121\r\n145\r\n114\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n219\r\n310\r\n197\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n5700\r\n6080\r\n4354\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n97\r\n159\r\n114\r\nIncludes the Drugs Levonelle 1500® (over the counter) and Levonelle One Step® (Prescription only), a course of treatment is one tablet.\r\nNote 1: Data regarding the Financial Year 2012-13 is up to and including December 2012.\r\n\r\nUlipristal Acetate\r\n2010-2011\r\n2011-2012\r\n2012-2013\r\n\r\nQuantity Dispensed\r\nQuantity Dispensed\r\nQuantity Dispensed\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n35\r\n53\r\n75\r\nNHS Borders\r\n18\r\n53\r\n109\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n8\r\n28\r\n26\r\nNHS Fife\r\n36\r\n65\r\n87\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n20\r\n52\r\n52\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n51\r\n61\r\n69\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n59\r\n101\r\n99\r\nNHS Highland\r\n78\r\n186\r\n377\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n24\r\n34\r\n61\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n133\r\n285\r\n252\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n14\r\n17\r\n28\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n63\r\n116\r\n110\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n*\r\n18\r\n17\r\nIncludes the drugs Ellaone® and Ulipristal Acetate, a course of treatment is one tablet.\r\nNote 1: Data regarding the Financial Year 2012-13 is up to and including December 2012\r\n*these data are suppressed due to Disclosure Control.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T15:23:36.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282637,"EventID":"S4W-13737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T15:23:36.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-15T15:48:55.19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether community councils within the catchment areas of affected schools are subject to consultation under the provisions of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 and are considered to be bodies that must be consulted as part of that consultation procedure.","AnswerText":"Schedule two of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act sets out the list of relevant consultees for all relevant proposals listed under Schedule one of the 2010 Act.\r\nIn instances where a local authority is consulting on the following relevant proposals on “Closure, Establishment, Relocation, Admission arrangements, Transfer from primary to secondary school and Discontinuance of a further education centre”, the community council (if any) is included under the list of relevant consultees.\r\nUnder Schedule two of the 2010 Act a “community council” is one established by a local authority under Part IV of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (c.65).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T15:23:36.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282638,"EventID":"S4W-13739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T15:23:37.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T09:24:29.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what reduction in vehicle traffic Transport Scotland anticipated on the Dunoon Gourock ferry route as a result of the service becoming passenger only and what reduction there has been.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers’ clear stated preference in the tendering of the Gourock-Dunoon ferry service was for a vehicle-carrying service on the town centre route. Consequently, any evaluation of the impact of this not being achieved would have been contradictory and sent mixed messages to potential bidders. Transport Scotland therefore made no estimate of the anticipated change in vehicular traffic.\r\nIn the event, all the bids received proposed a passenger-only service. As a result, there is currently no vehicle traffic on the ferry service between Gourock railway station and Dunoon town centre.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T15:23:37.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282639,"EventID":"S4W-13740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T15:23:37.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T09:24:29.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take in light of the reported decrease in the number of visitors to Dunoon via the passenger-only ferry service.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government are encouraging Argyll Ferries Limited to continue to engage with local tourism and marketing groups on destination marketing for Dunoon and Cowal to improve visitor numbers to the region.\r\nThe Scottish Government announced on 3 April 2013 a new arrangement whereby dedicated replacement buses will now run between Argyll Ferries’ terminals at each town centre, when both its ships are off for prolonged periods, using Western Ferries’ service. This ensures that visitors are transported to their destination as smoothly as possible, in all but the most severe of weathers, to and from the Cowal peninsula. A copy of the press release can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/news/New-ticketing-agreement-for-Gourock-Dunoon-ferry-services\r\nMinisters are committed to finding long-term solutions to ensure that Cowal has the ferry services that it needs. We are working with Argyll and Bute Council, Inverclyde Council and the Dunoon Gourock Ferry Action Group on a study into the feasibility of a future passenger and vehicle service, with a subsidy for passengers but not vehicles, on the route between Gourock railway station and Dunoon town centre. The results are due in the coming weeks. In the meantime, we are continuing to search for alternative vessels that can be deployed on the route, under the terms of the current contract, pending the implementation of these long-term solutions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T15:23:37.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282640,"EventID":"S4W-13741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T15:23:37.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T09:24:29.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that vehicle ferry prices across the Firth of Clyde are not at a level detrimental to the Cowal economy.","AnswerText":"Western Ferries, who provide a vehicle ferry service between McInroy’s Point (Gourock) and Hunter’s Quay (Dunoon), operate an unsubsidised, commercial service and therefore the Scottish Government has no current role in regulating their fares. Existing competition legislation, which is currently a reserved matter, exists to protect users from any potential abuse of a monopoly market position. Western Ferries have been the sole provider of vehicle ferry services between Gourock and the Cowal peninsula since 30 June 2011. During that time, the company has increased its fares broadly in line with inflation. Western Ferries recently announced that its fares increases for 2013-14 are again in line with the general level of inflation.\r\nIt is the stated preference of the Scottish Ministers that the ferry service on the route between Gourock railway station and Dunoon town centre should carry both vehicles and passengers. Under the rules set for this route by the European Commission in its 2009 Decision on State aid for Scottish ferry services, any public subsidy can only be paid in respect of passengers. It would therefore be for the operator of a vehicle ferry service on this route to determine the fares to be charged.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T15:23:37.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282641,"EventID":"S4W-13743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T15:23:38.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T11:52:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many civilian staff are employed by each police force, broken down by department.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13622 on 22 March 2013 for the latest figures of civilian staff employed by each police force in Scotland as at 31 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not hold the information requested on the breakdown of civilian staff by department for each force.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T15:23:38.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282642,"EventID":"S4W-13744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T15:23:38.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T13:34:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many non-EU students started studying at a university in Scotland in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13.","AnswerText":"The total numbers of non-EU undergraduate and postgraduate entrants to Scottish universities were:\r\n(a) 15,730 in 2010-11\r\n(b) 16,085 in 2011-12\r\n(c) the number for 2012-13 will not be available until March 2014.\r\nIn 2010-11 there were 12,680 Scottish-domiciled students studying at UK universities outwith Scotland, while 214,315 Scottish-domiciled students studied at Scottish universities. In 2011-12 there were 12,050 Scottish-domiciled students studying at UK universities outwith Scotland, compared to 205,130 Scots who studied within Scotland.\r\nSource: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).\r\nNote: all numbers are rounded to the nearest 5.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T15:23:38.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282643,"EventID":"S4W-13745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T15:23:39.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T13:34:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact recent changes to international student visas have had on Scotland’s universities.\r\n","AnswerText":"The impact of the negative message that the UK Government’s student visa policies send to other countries is a significant concern for the Higher Education Sector (HEI). There is evidence that student numbers from countries which normally send high numbers of students to Scotland have decreased in recent years, which may reflect the changes to student visa rules implemented since 2010.\r\nHigher Education Statistics Agency statistics show that the number of students from India in Scottish HEIs decreased from 3290 in 2010-11 to 2445 in 2011-12 – a reduction of 25.8%; and the number of students from Pakistan in Scottish HEIs decreased from 860 in 2010-11 to 645 in 2011-12 – a reduction of 24.9%. However, largely due to an increase in students from China, the overall non-EU student numbers at Scottish HEIs has increased from 27,880 in 2010-11 to 28,500 in \r\n2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T15:23:39.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282644,"EventID":"S4W-13746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T15:23:39.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T13:34:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the financial value is of non-EU students to Scotland’s universities.","AnswerText":"Scottish higher education institutions received an overall income of £337 million from non-EU student course fees in 2011-12. This figure represents 11.8% of the total income of Scottish HEIs in that year (Higher Education Statistics Agency).\r\nThis income does not include other sources of income from non-EU students, such as accommodation fees or the course fees of non-EU students studying at a Scottish HEI campus located outside Scotland, for which the Scottish Government does not hold data.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T15:23:39.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282645,"EventID":"S4W-13747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T15:23:39.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T13:34:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact non-EU students have on the Scottish economy.","AnswerText":"In addition to fee income, international students also contribute to the Scottish economy through other expenditure (including accommodation and other day-to-day expenses) incurred during their studies in Scotland. According to a 2011 analysis carried out by London Economics, this expenditure is estimated at around £441 million per year.\r\nInternational students also make an important contribution to the cultural diversity of our universities which enriches the intellectual environment for all students and encourages a global perspective and increased mobility among Scottish students and graduates. The international standing of our universities also reflects the ability to attract world-class researchers and staff from all parts of the international community.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T15:23:39.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282646,"EventID":"S4W-13748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T15:23:40.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T13:34:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the implications are for the education sector of a significant decrease in the number of non-EU students.","AnswerText":"International students bring a variety of benefits to the education sector. A reduction in international students would impact on an important source of funding for Scotland’s Universities. Equally important however is the potential reduction in cultural diversity which enriches the intellectual environment for all students and encourages a global perspective and increased mobility among Scottish students and graduates. The international standing of our universities also reflects the ability to attract world-class researchers and staff from all parts of the international community. And finally, as international students are not eligible to take up Scottish Government funded university places, there is of course no impact on the places available to Scottish-domiciled and EU students.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T15:23:40.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282647,"EventID":"S4W-13749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T15:23:40.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T14:32:03.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is setting aside finance to allow local authorities and roads authorities to repair potholes in the country's roads.","AnswerText":"As part of the 2013-14 Local Government finance settlement, Scottish Government is providing local government in Scotland with over £10.3 billion. The vast majority of the funding, including that for roads maintenance, is being provided by means of a block grant. It is the responsibility of each local authority to allocate the total financial resources available to it on the basis of local needs and priorities having first fulfilled its statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities including the Scottish Government’s key strategic objectives.\r\nFurthermore, a National Road Maintenance Review was delivered in July 2012. This involved all 33 roads authorities in Scotland. The review set out how road authorities can work in collaboration to make road maintenance more efficient, ensuring Scotland’s roads remain a key facilitator of economic growth. Further information is available at:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/road/maintenance/roads-maintenance-review \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T15:23:40.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282648,"EventID":"S4W-13750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T15:23:40.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T14:42:59.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) prosecutions and (b) convictions there have been for littering offences in each year since 2007, broken down by (i) type of offence and (ii) local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following tables. All offences were prosecuted under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 Section 87(1). Further details regarding type of offence is not held centrally.\r\nPeople Proceeded against in Scottish Courts for Littering Offences1\r\nLocal Authority2\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nAberdeen City\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\nAngus\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n2\r\n3\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\nDundee City\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n7\r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEast Lothian\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n14\r\n1\r\n4\r\n3\r\n0\r\nEilean Siar\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFalkirk\r\n4\r\n7\r\n4\r\n4\r\n11\r\nGlasgow City\r\n1\r\n18\r\n7\r\n9\r\n1\r\nHighland\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nInverclyde\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n23\r\n11\r\n3\r\n5\r\n1\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nScottish Borders\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n10\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\n0\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n15\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nStirling\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nWest Lothian\r\n3\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nScotland\r\n93\r\n47\r\n25\r\n27\r\n21\r\n\r\nPeople Convicted in Scottish Courts of Littering Offences1\r\nLocal authority2\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nAngus\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n2\r\n3\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\nDundee City\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n7\r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n14\r\n1\r\n3\r\n2\r\n0\r\nEilean Siar\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFalkirk\r\n4\r\n6\r\n4\r\n4\r\n11\r\nGlasgow City\r\n1\r\n18\r\n7\r\n7\r\n1\r\nHighland\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nInverclyde\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n23\r\n11\r\n3\r\n4\r\n1\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nScottish Borders\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n10\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\n0\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n12\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nStirling\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nWest Lothian\r\n3\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nScotland\r\n89\r\n46\r\n23\r\n22\r\n19\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Where main offence.\r\n2. Based on an approximate mapping of sheriff courts to local authority areas. Some sheriff courts will deal with cases from more than one local authority area. Some local authority areas, including East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Midlothian and North Ayrshire, do not contain a sheriff court.\r\nSource: Scottish Government Court Proceedings data.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T15:23:40.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282649,"EventID":"S4W-13751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T15:23:41.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T14:42:59.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) fixed penalty notices and (b) custodial sentences have been issued for littering offences in each year since 2007, broken down by (i) type of offence and (ii) local authority area.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of fixed penalty notices issued by designated local authority officers and the police are not held centrally.\r\nHowever, information on other direct measures issued can be found in the answer to question S4W-12141 on 21 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThere were no custodial sentences issued for littering offences.\r\nSource: Scottish Government Court Proceedings data.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T15:23:41.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282653,"EventID":"S4W-13752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T16:54:51.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T15:13:02.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the reduction in reimbursement for the concessionary travel scheme will have on bus routes and fares.","AnswerText":"We expect reimbursement under the concessionary travel scheme to increase from £187 million in 2013-14 to £192 million in 2014-15.\r\nThe rate per journey at which this budget is paid out to operators (the so-called reimbursement rate) is reducing in line with independent research. The aim is to meet the legal requirement that operators should on average be no better or worse off as a result of their participation in the scheme.\r\nIt is not possible to predict precisely what impact this combination of an increasing budget and a reducing reimbursement rate will have on bus routes and fares. Routes and fares are a matter for operators’ commercial judgment, taking account of many other factors, such as fuel and staff costs and likely patronage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T16:54:51.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282654,"EventID":"S4W-13753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T16:54:52.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T15:20:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of over 65-year-olds was screened for cognitive impairment within 24 hours of admission to hospital in each of the last three years, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T16:54:52.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282655,"EventID":"S4W-13754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T16:54:52.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T15:20:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of over 65-year-olds received a nutritional risk assessment within 24 hours of admission to hospital in each of the last three years, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T16:54:52.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282656,"EventID":"S4W-13755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T16:54:52.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T15:20:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of over 65-year-olds received a risk falls assessment within 24 hours of admission to hospital in each of the last three years, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T16:54:52.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282657,"EventID":"S4W-13756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T16:54:53.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T15:20:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of over 65-year-olds was assessed for the risk of developing pressure ulcers within six hours of admission to hospital in each of the last three years, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T16:54:53.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282658,"EventID":"S4W-13757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T16:54:53.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T15:20:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which hospitals have or have access to an older people's (a) dietician, (b) tissue viability, (c) psychiatric or dementia liaison and (d) falls prevention service at (A) weekends and (B) out of office hours and which do not.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not centrally held. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T16:54:53.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282659,"EventID":"S4W-13759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T16:54:53.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T15:20:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which hospitals have an older people's (a) dietician, (b) tissue viability, (c) psychiatric or dementia liaison and (d) falls prevention service.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not centrally held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T16:54:53.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282660,"EventID":"S4W-13760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T16:54:53.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T15:20:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of older patients referred to the (a) dietician, (b) tissue viability, (c) psychiatric/dementia liaison and (d) falls prevention service was seen within 24 hours in each of the last three years, broken down by (i) NHS board and (ii) hospital.","AnswerText":"This information is not centrally held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T16:54:53.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282661,"EventID":"S4W-13761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T16:54:54.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T15:20:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) speech and language therapists and (b) physiotherapists are based in each hospital and how many older patients have been referred to them in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"\r\nAlex Neil: The information requested is not centrally held, however the number of speech and language therapists and physiotherapists by NHS Board as at December 2012 is as follows:\r\nNHS Board\r\nSpeech and Language Therapists\r\nPhysiotherapists\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n59\r\n201.1\r\nBorders\r\n20.2\r\n58.7\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n34.1\r\n71.1\r\nFife\r\n62.7\r\n174.8\r\nForth Valley\r\n61.6\r\n109.9\r\nGrampian\r\n109.4\r\n241.7\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n244.7\r\n705.7\r\nHighland\r\n35.2\r\n158.8\r\nLanarkshire\r\n106\r\n227.9\r\nLothian\r\n132.5\r\n426.4\r\nOrkney\r\n3.1\r\n11.8\r\nShetland\r\n3.9\r\n10.5\r\nTayside \r\n79.5\r\n190.9\r\nWestern Isles\r\n10.1\r\n15.2\r\nTotal\r\n942\r\n2779.2\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T16:54:54.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282662,"EventID":"S4W-13762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T16:54:54.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T15:20:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding NHS boards have allocated to purchase specialist pressure-relieving equipment to reduce the risk of older patients developing pressure ulcers in each of the last three years, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) hospital.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T16:54:54.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282663,"EventID":"S4W-13763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T16:54:54.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T15:20:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS Lothian has established a new older people mental health liaison team as referenced on page 13 of Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s report, Announced Inspection Report - care for older people in acute hospitals: Western General.","AnswerText":"A new older people's mental health liaison service, called the Bridging Team, has been set up in NHS Lothian, and currently covers the main general hospital sites of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital and Liberton hospital. This service commenced on 7 January 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T16:54:54.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282664,"EventID":"S4W-13764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T16:54:55.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T15:20:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients over the age of 65 have developed a pressure ulcer while in hospital in each of the last three years broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) hospital.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T16:54:55.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282665,"EventID":"S4W-13765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-18T16:54:55.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T15:20:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which hospitals have systems in place to monitor the number of bed moves made by dementia patients assessed as having cognitive impairment.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-16T16:54:55.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282685,"EventID":"S4W-13773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T14:23:13.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T11:02:57.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to help businesses in the Western Isles following the withdrawal of the road equivalent tariff and in light of recent job losses at Carranoch Shellfish on the Isle of Lewis.","AnswerText":"Following the removal of RET for commercial vehicles in 2012, transitional arrangements were put in place to alleviate the impact of commercial fares returning to non-RET levels. These transitional arrangements required funding of £2.5 million in 2012-13 and £2 million for 2013-14.\r\nAdditional concessions have also been introduced to assist businesses, including extending the length of vehicle eligible to receive RET from 5 million to 6 million, ensuring that small commercial vehicles receive RET; and offering vehicles carrying hay and livestock free empty return journeys, other than a charge to cover pier dues.\r\nSpecifically in relation to the shellfish sector, in spring 2012, an additional concession was provided for commercial vehicles carrying live shellfish. Those vehicles are also provided with free empty return journeys, other than a charge to cover pier dues.\r\nTo provide additional clarity for businesses and hauliers, a study was undertaken to assess the socio-economic impact of the removal of RET for commercial vehicles. The final report will be published soon. Once we have considered the findings of this study, we intend to undertake a comprehensive review of commercial vehicle fares to develop an overarching policy for freight fares.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T14:23:13.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282686,"EventID":"S4W-13774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T14:23:14.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T11:17:26.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has made an assessment of the impact on communities of illegal money lending.\r\n","AnswerText":"Illegal money lending is a blight on our communities, in particular for those areas that are most deprived and for individuals who are vulnerable. The actions of illegal lenders can lead to fear and distress as well as significant financial loss for those least able to afford it.\r\nIt is an offence under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 to offer consumer credit without an appropriate licence. Consumer credit legislation is a reserved matter which is the responsibility of the UK Government. The UK Office of Fair Trading is currently responsible for regulating the licensing of credit providers. The UK Department of Business Innovation and Skills provides direct funding for national advice and support services for the victims of illegal money lending, including the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit. The Scottish Government does not provide direct funding to the Unit, which was established by UK Ministers.\r\nIn 2010, the UK Department of Business Innovation and Skills published “Interim Evaluation of National Illegal Money Lending Projects”, which included an assessment of illegal money lending across the UK, including Scotland, types of lenders and users and key drivers which lead people to use illegal lenders. It is estimated by the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit that there are over 200 illegal money lenders operating across Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s criminal proceedings database shows that since 2002-03, a total of 28 people have been proceeded against where the main charge was under sections 39 and 46 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Offences under this legislation relate to, amongst others, offences of illegal money lending. There have been 15 successful prosecutions under the relevant legislation since 2002-03. Information on the reports and specific charges laid is not held centrally.\r\nIllegal money lending may be associated with other types of criminal activity, including, for example assault and intimidation. Where such crimes are reported and subject to prosecution they will be recorded as part of general criminal prosecution statistics, but may not be identified specifically as being linked with illegal lending. Assets from illegal money lending can also be confiscated under Proceeds of Crime legislation, although figures on this are not recorded separately.\r\nIt is acknowledged that there are particular challenges in recording and reporting instances of illegal money lending and that the numbers of reports and charges do not reflect the impact of this crime on our communities. Victims are often reluctant to come forward and to report illegal lenders.\r\nAlthough Consumer Credit legislation is a reserved matter, a range of organisations in Scotland have a role in responding to illegal money lending and assisting the victims and potential victims.\r\nIn March 2013, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities launched its “Stop Loan Sharks” campaign, encouraging people to report suspected loan sharks. The campaign has the support of the police, Citizens Advice Scotland and the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit. The Scottish Government also supports the aims of the campaign.\r\nThe Scottish Government provides block grant funding to local authorities for the full range of their responsibilities, including responsibilities relating to consumer protection and advice.\r\nThe Scottish Government has also provided funding to maintain a thousand extra police officers overall compared with 2007. Government funding supports the full range of work by the Police, including activity relating to financial crime. From 1 April 2013, the Scottish Police Authority has overall responsibility for administering the budget for the Police Service of Scotland. The Chief Constable is responsible for the day to day administration of the Police Service, including the allocation and deployment of resources received from the Authority.\r\nThe Scottish Government also funds a number of organisations that provide direct support and assistance to p","AnswerDate":"2013-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T14:23:15.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282687,"EventID":"S4W-13775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T14:23:16.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T11:17:26.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has carried out an assessment of the suitability of measures that aim to tackle illegal money lending.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13774 on 11 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T14:23:16.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282688,"EventID":"S4W-13776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T14:23:17.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T11:17:26.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it collects statistics on the number of (a) reports, (b) charges laid and (c) convictions of people believed to be illegally lending money and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13774 on 11 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T14:23:17.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282689,"EventID":"S4W-13777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T14:23:18.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T11:17:26.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether available statistics provide enough detail for it to assess the impact of illegal money lending on communities in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13774 on 11 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx. \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T14:23:18.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282690,"EventID":"S4W-13778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T14:23:19.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T11:17:26.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it has given (a) directly and (b) indirectly to police forces to tackle illegal money lending.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13774 on 11 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T14:23:19.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282691,"EventID":"S4W-13779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T14:23:21.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T11:17:26.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it will provide to the Police Service of Scotland to enable it to tackle illegal money lending.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13774 on 11 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T14:23:21.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282692,"EventID":"S4W-13780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T14:23:22.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T11:17:26.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it funds the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit and, if so, how much it has given to the unit in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13774 on 11 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T14:23:22.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282693,"EventID":"S4W-13781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T14:23:23.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T11:17:26.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it offers to victims of illegal money lending.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13774 on 11 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T14:23:23.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282694,"EventID":"S4W-13782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T14:23:25.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T11:39:18.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many convictions for domestic abuse have been for a repeat of the same offence in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of individuals convicted of an offence with a domestic abuse aggravator along with the number of those individuals with at least one previous conviction (also with a domestic abuse aggravator) is recorded in the following table.\r\nFinancial Year\r\nIndividuals convicted of a crime/offence with a domestic abuse aggravator\r\nIndividuals with at least one previous conviction recorded\r\n(with a domestic abuse aggravator)\r\n2011-12\r\n8,247\r\n2,549\r\n2010-11\r\n8,089\r\n2,193\r\n2009-10\r\n8,405\r\n2,026\r\n2008-09\r\n6,760\r\n1,504\r\n2007-08\r\n5,458\r\n1,109\r\nSource: Scottish Government Criminal Proceedings Database.\r\nOffence aggravations are codes that highlight particular circumstances relating to the specific incident as opposed to the actual charge. Recording of offence aggravators has been improving over time and it is deemed that recording has only reached a sufficient level of consistency in the past three years from 2009-10.\r\nAny apparent increase in the number of previous offences is likely to be the product of improved recording and an increase in the counting base. Therefore, any comparisons of aggravator information made over time should be made with caution and in particular the number of individuals with at least one previous conviction is not comparable year on year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T14:23:25.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282695,"EventID":"S4W-13786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T14:23:26.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T12:22:13.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of properties there are in each council tax band.\r\n","AnswerText":"The total number of dwellings on the council tax valuation list on 3 September 2012:\r\nCouncil tax band\r\nNumber of dwellings\r\n% of total dwellings in each council tax band\r\nBand A\r\n        550,385 \r\n22%\r\nBand B\r\n        593,848 \r\n24%\r\nBand C\r\n        403,321 \r\n16%\r\nBand D\r\n        326,523 \r\n13%\r\nBand E\r\n        329,319 \r\n13%\r\nBand F\r\n        182,560 \r\n7%\r\nBand G\r\n        116,298 \r\n5%\r\nBand H\r\n12,788\r\n1%\r\nTotal Dwellings\r\n2,515,042\r\n100%\r\nSource: As reported by local authorities on statistical return (CTAXBASE) 2012\r\nNote: Includes dwellings exempt from council tax\r\nThe data in the above table includes dwellings exempt from council tax. Data on the number of chargeable dwellings (total dwellings less dwellings exempt from council tax) by council tax band are published in the Scottish Local Government Finance Statistics annual publication (table 2.5).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T14:23:26.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282696,"EventID":"S4W-13787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T14:23:28.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T12:33:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the First Minister's announcement on 29 November 2012 (Official Report, c. 14128), when the NHS confidential alert line pilot will be (a) launched and (b) advertised to staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"The service commenced on 2 April 2013. Publicity materials were sent to NHS boards on 20 March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T14:23:28.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282697,"EventID":"S4W-13789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T14:23:29.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T12:33:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has allocated for the (a) establishment and (b) running of the NHS confidential alert line pilot announced by the First Minister on 29 November 2012 (Official Report, c. 14128).\r\n","AnswerText":"The cost of the contract to establish and provide the Confidential Alert Line service in the pilot year is £32,000, this includes the cost of marketing materials. There is also likely to be, as yet unknown, an increase in the funding to Healthcare Improvement Scotland to cover the cost of investigating cases referred by the Alert Line.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T14:23:29.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282698,"EventID":"S4W-13790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T14:23:30.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T12:33:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what staff it has allocated to the NHS confidential alert line pilot announced by the First Minister on 29 November 2012 (Official Report, c. 14128), and what pay grade these staff hold.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not allocated any staff to the Confidential Alert Line. The contract to provide this service was awarded to Public Concern at Work, as an external organisation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T14:23:30.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282712,"EventID":"S4W-13766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:05:57.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T15:40:55.01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to the constituency question from Rhoda Grant by Alex Salmond on 21 February 2013 (Official Report, c. 16863), what the \"difficulties relating to upholding the Scottish public finance principles and best value\" were and how they were overcome.","AnswerText":"Officials had originally taken a relatively narrow view of the Scottish Public Finance Manual principles in awarding the Raasay lease for sporting rights to the highest rental value, taking account of a basic quality test that the new leaseholder would be capable of managing the sport and providing benefit to the local community, and their ability to meet the terms of the twenty nine conditions laid down in the particulars of let. Following the award of contract to South Ayrshire Stalking, Ministers were notified of the concerns of the community of Raasay and reviewed the decision. On the basis of the information presented to Ministers, we concluded that insufficient consideration had been given to non-financial issues and that wider community benefits, consistent with the broader principles of best value should have been taken into account.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:05:57.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282713,"EventID":"S4W-13767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:05:57.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T15:40:55.01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether ministers were informed that its Rural Payments and Inspections Division had written to Raasay Crofters Association on 1 November 2011 with a notice to quit the lease for the sporting rights on Raasay.","AnswerText":"On 1 November 2011, the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Division served Raasay Crofters Association notice that their lease for Raasay sporting rights would end on 28 November 2012. There is a long standing precedent for decisions on award of leases across Scottish Ministers estates being taken by officials, as most of these leases are of low financial value. Ministers were not informed of the notice to quit being issued or the advertisement of the contract. Ministers were first made aware of the decision having been taken to award the contract for the Raasay sporting rights (on 8 January) to South Ayrshire Stalking when Dave Thompson MSP verbally informed the Minister for Environment and Climate Change of the community’s concerns of the outcome on 14 January. This was closely followed by correspondence from Jamie McGrigor MSP.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:05:57.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282714,"EventID":"S4W-13768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:05:58.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T15:40:55.01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when ministers became aware that the Rural Payments and Inspections Division intended to write to Raasay Crofters Association with a notice to quit the lease for the sporting rights on Raasay.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to question SW4-13767 on 15 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:05:58.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282715,"EventID":"S4W-13769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:05:58.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T15:40:55.01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions took place between its Rural Payments and Inspections Division and Raasay Crofters Association between 1 November 2011 and 14 December 2012.","AnswerText":"On 1 November 2011, the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Division served Raasay Crofters Association notice that their lease for sporting rights would end on 28 November 2012. During the period from 1 November to \r\n14 December 2012, a representative of the Raasay Crofters’ Association discussed the proposed advertising approach and timescales with an official in Rural Payments and Inspections Division. Another official sent the Raasay Crofters’ Association a copy of the particulars of let following a telephone call to request these details. There is no record of any further communication.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:05:58.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282716,"EventID":"S4W-13770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:05:58.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T10:52:08.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of 16 to 64-year-olds have received job-related training in each of the last (a) three months and (b) four years, broken down (i) gender and (ii) local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Annual Population Survey provides the official source of local area labour market information. Data on those receiving job related training in the last four years is not held centrally.\r\nPeople aged 16-64 in employment receiving job-related training in the last 3 months by gender, Scotland, 2011\r\n \r\nLevel\r\nRate\r\nFemale\r\n      333,200 \r\n30.6%\r\nMale\r\n      311,700 \r\n25.9%\r\nAll\r\n      644,900 \r\n28.1%\r\nSource: Annual Population Survey, Jan-Dec 2011, Office for National Statistics\r\nNotes\r\n1.  Levels rounded to nearest hundred\r\n2.  Rates based on unrounded data\r\n3.  Excludes full time students\r\n\r\nPeople aged 16-64 in employment receiving job-related training in the last 3 months by local authority area of residence, Scotland, 2011\r\n \r\nLevel\r\nRate\r\nAberdeen City\r\n      33,300 \r\n31.6%\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n      34,000 \r\n27.8%\r\nAngus\r\n      15,100 \r\n31.9%\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n       9,500 \r\n26.7%\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n       5,800 \r\n27.8%\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n      10,400 \r\n17.6%\r\nDundee City\r\n      17,200 \r\n29.5%\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n      13,600 \r\n27.4%\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n      12,700 \r\n27.6%\r\nEast Lothian\r\n      12,300 \r\n29.1%\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n      10,600 \r\n27.7%\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n      77,100 \r\n33.2%\r\nEilean Siar\r\n       3,300 \r\n35.2%\r\nFalkirk\r\n      13,800 \r\n20.3%\r\nFife\r\n      52,900 \r\n33.6%\r\nGlasgow City\r\n      69,200 \r\n28.1%\r\nHighland\r\n      28,100 \r\n26.7%\r\nInverclyde\r\n       8,800 \r\n26.6%\r\nMidlothian\r\n      11,000 \r\n29.5%\r\nMoray\r\n      15,700 \r\n37.6%\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n      13,000 \r\n25.6%\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n      27,500 \r\n19.8%\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n       3,400 \r\n35.3%\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n      14,000 \r\n21.0%\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n      19,900 \r\n28.2%\r\nScottish Borders\r\n      13,300 \r\n27.2%\r\nShetland Islands\r\n       3,500 \r\n31.3%\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n      11,900 \r\n27.5%\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n      44,900 \r\n32.0%\r\nStirling\r\n       9,200 \r\n24.1%\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n      10,000 \r\n25.5%\r\nWest Lothian\r\n      20,000 \r\n25.6%\r\nSource: Annual Population Survey, Jan-Dec 2011, Office for National Statistics\r\nNotes\r\n1.  Levels rounded to nearest hundred\r\n2.  Rates based on unrounded data\r\n3.  Excludes full time students\r\nEstimates for 2012 are scheduled for publication on 8 May 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:05:58.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282717,"EventID":"S4W-13771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:05:59.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T10:52:08.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of 16 to 64-year-olds have been employed in each local authority area in each of the last four years, also broken down by (a) gender and (b) qualification level.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Annual Population Survey (APS) provides the official source for local labour market information. The information requested is available from the Local Area Labour Markets in Scotland: Statistics from the Annual Population Survey 2011 publication:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/07/9077/0 \r\nEstimates of employment by local authority and gender are provided within Tables 1.2 and 1.3 of the Local Authority Tables:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Labour-Market/Local-Authority-Tables \r\nEmployment rates by highest qualification and local authority are provided in Table S3.3 within the Supplementary Local Authority Tables:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Labour-Market/Publications/Supplementary-LA-Tables \r\nEstimates for 2012 are scheduled for publication on 8 May 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:05:59.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282718,"EventID":"S4W-13783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:05:59.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T12:14:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many local authorities offer Junior Individual Savings Accounts to looked-after young people in their area.","AnswerText":"As of 10 April 2013, 21 Scottish local authorities have registered with The Share Foundation, confirming that they wish to offer Junior Individual Savings Accounts to looked after children in their area. The list is available at:\r\nwww.sharefound.org.\r\nThe Scottish Government will continue to liaise with local authorities, the UK Government and The Share Foundation to ensure that all eligible looked after children in Scotland benefit from this scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:05:59.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282719,"EventID":"S4W-13784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:05:59.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T12:14:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many looked-after children in each local authority area have set up Junior Individual Savings Accounts.","AnswerText":"As of 10 April 2013, a total of 225 children, have had Junior Investment Savings Accounts set up, with an initial contribution of £200 each from the UK Government. These children are looked after by the 3 Scottish local authorities who have provided data to enable the accounts to be set up. The list of authorities who have provided data is available at:\r\nwww.sharefound.org.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:05:59.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282720,"EventID":"S4W-13785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:00.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T12:14:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to promote the registration of local authorities for the UK Junior Individual Savings Accounts for children in care scheme.","AnswerText":"In December 2012, the Scottish Government issued guidance to local authorities promoting registration in the Junior Individual Savings Accounts scheme for looked after children.\r\n\r\nThat guidance stated that participation in the scheme is regarded as a core function of a local authority’s corporate parenting responsibilities. As such we would expect them to comply with the necessary requirements to invest for looked after children within their care.\r\nWe will continue to liaise with Scottish local authorities, the UK Government and The Share Foundation to ensure that all eligible looked after children in Scotland benefit from this scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:00.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282721,"EventID":"S4W-13791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:00.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T12:37:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support local authorities in servicing their debts.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provides, as part of the Local Government Settlement, revenue funding for local authority debt charges. This is based on a notional amount of capital expenditure each year, and supports local authority borrowing prior to 31 March 2011. From 2011-12, following agreement with COSLA, this type of support has been replaced with direct capital grant, which is beneficial to both central and local government as this form of support does not require local authorities to borrow and does not incur interest debt costs.\r\nFrom 1 April 2004 a local authority has been under a statutory duty to determine the amount it can afford to allocate to capital expenditure. In making that determination an authority has a duty to observe the “Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities”. The Code requires the capital investment plans of a local authority to be affordable, prudent and sustainable. Decisions on the capital investment, and the financial plans to ensure adequate budget provision is made to meet the costs of that investment, are therefore a matter for each local authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:00.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282722,"EventID":"S4W-13792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:00.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T12:37:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has undertaken of the sustainability of local authority debt.","AnswerText":"In line with their statutory duty and the Prudential Code, decisions on the capital investment, and the financial plans to ensure adequate budget provision is made to meet the costs of that investment, are a matter for each local authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:01.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282723,"EventID":"S4W-13793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:01.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T12:37:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the recommendations in the Accounts Commission report, Major capital investment in councils.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government welcomes this report by the Accounts Commission which sets out some valuable messages. It is, of course, up to councils to ensure they spend capital budgets effectively and in line with local needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:01.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282724,"EventID":"S4W-13794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:01.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T12:37:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it will provide to local authorities to implement the findings of the Accounts Commission report, Major capital investment in councils.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with local government to get maximum benefit to the economy from our combined investment. The Scottish Futures Trust has a particular role in supporting local authorities to deliver capital investment, such as schools and other community projects, efficiently and effectively.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:01.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282725,"EventID":"S4W-13795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:02.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T12:37:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support capacity building in (a) financial, (b) project management and (c) business planning skills in local authorities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13794 on 3 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:02.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282726,"EventID":"S4W-13796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:02.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T12:37:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to local authorities to assist them in producing estimates of timing and cost at the initial approval stage of major capital projects.\r\n","AnswerText":"A local authority has a statutory duty to observe the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), “Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities”. The Prudential Code recognises that in making decisions the authority must have explicit regard to option appraisal, asset management planning, strategic planning for authority and achievability of the forward plan. All of these represent elements of good practice for which guidance has already been provided by CIPFA and other authoritative sources.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:02.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282727,"EventID":"S4W-13797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:02.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T12:37:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the findings in the Accounts Commission report, Major capital investment in councils, whether it will update its guidance to local authorities on producing estimates of timing and cost at the initial approval stage of major capital projects.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13796 on 3 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx. In addition the Scottish Government will encourage local authorities to follow the guidance available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:02.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282728,"EventID":"S4W-13798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:02.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T12:37:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to local authorities to inform (a) good governance, (b) reporting and (c) monitoring structures for the management of capital investment projects.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13796 on 3 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:02.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282729,"EventID":"S4W-13799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:03.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T12:37:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has provided to local authorities to support the financing of their borrowing in each year since 2007-08 and how it has been delivered.","AnswerText":"The vast majority of the funding provided to local government by the Scottish Government, including the funding for servicing outstanding historic revenue debt in the form of loan charge support, is provided by means of a block grant. It is the responsibility of each local authority to allocate the total financial resources available to it on the basis of local needs and priorities having first fulfilled its statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities including the Scottish Government’s key strategic objectives.\r\nThe following table provides the amount of outstanding loan charge support taken into account within the local government finance settlements since 2007-08.\r\nYear\r\n£m\r\n2007-08\r\n916.6\r\n2008-09\r\n881.4\r\n2009-10\r\n865.1\r\n2010-11\r\n855.3\r\n2011-12\r\n755.9\r\n2012-13\r\n726.7\r\nFrom 2011-12 this type of loan charge support for capital investment from the Scottish Government was replaced with direct capital grant.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:03.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282730,"EventID":"S4W-13800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:03.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T12:37:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to local authorities to inform the development of business cases during major capital projects.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13796 on 3 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:03.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282731,"EventID":"S4W-13801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:04.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T12:37:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to encourage local authorities and other public bodies to work together to deliver major capital projects.","AnswerText":"We have facilitated Community Planning Partnerships as key fora for public bodies to work together. We have also developed the hub programme, where Community Planning partners team up with a private sector development partner to form a joint venture delivery company the hubCo to deliver best value in procurement of community infrastructure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:04.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282732,"EventID":"S4W-13809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:04.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:41:24.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government further to the answer to question S4W-13580 by Nicola Sturgeon on 18 March 2013, whether it will provide the names of the independent advisers who are assessing the operation of the state pension system in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Work undertaken by the Scottish Government on the state pension system in an independent Scotland is being led by officials who are seeking external advice from independent advisors where necessary.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:04.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282733,"EventID":"S4W-13810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:04.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:45:39.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to ensure that student applicants with additional support requirements are not affected by reductions in college courses.\r\n","AnswerText":"College regionalisation and reform is about delivering education more efficiently and effectively while maintaining student numbers. Thousands of students with learning disabilities are benefitting, and will continue to benefit, from the improved services that our colleges offer. We expect colleges to treat all applicants fairly and to adhere fully to their legal obligations.\r\nWe also maintain regular dialogue with the Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability to ensure that we are doing all we can to support this group of learners. I have asked the Scottish Funding Council to work with the Consortium, and with ENABLE Scotland, to help colleges deliver programmes in a way that best supports into work students with a learning disability. This will include developing good practice guidance based on lessons learnt from Project Search and on extending the Transitions to Employment project, and will be funded as part of the additional £61 million announced on 6 February 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:04.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282734,"EventID":"S4W-13811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:04.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:45:39.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to ensure that reductions in college courses do not negatively impact on young people with autism spectrum disorders.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13810 on 16 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:04.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282735,"EventID":"S4W-13812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:05.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:45:39.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has had with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing on the role of college education in relation to health inequalities.\r\n","AnswerText":"I regularly meet all Cabinet Secretaries, including the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, to discuss the relationship between portfolios and to ensure that the government of Scotland continues to be delivered in an integrated and co-ordinated manner.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:05.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282736,"EventID":"S4W-13813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:05.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:45:39.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what reductions there have been in the provision of Access and Progression courses at Forth Valley College and in similar courses at other colleges.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details of individual courses offered at any particular moment in time by Forth Valley College, or any other college, are not collected centrally. In constructing their prospectus, colleges are expected to use their judgment and expertise in identifying courses which best equip the learner for a job, either directly or through progression to a higher level of study. The Government is continuing to support the college sector by maintaining the number of full-time equivalent student places it funds.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:05.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282737,"EventID":"S4W-13814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:05.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:46:03.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the difference is between the 98% four-hour waiting time standard for accident and emergency and the new guidance of 95%.","AnswerText":"The 98% four hour accident and emergency treatment HEAT Standard is being maintained. Some boards are already meeting this standard but we want this to be replicated across Scotland. Through the three year unscheduled care action plan we are going to be reshaping and enhancing services to ensure that this standard is met sustainably in future, and all year round.\r\nTo get there, from a performance of 90.3% in December 2012, we are putting in place an interim additional HEAT Target of 95% performance by all boards by the year ending September 2014. This will be the first Milestone to measure progress against the planned return to the Standard performance of 98%. Boards at or above 95% will be expected to demonstrate progress towards the 98% target over the same period, and boards at 98% will be expected to demonstrate that they will be able to sustain that position. The Scottish Government wrote to all boards on 25 February, to inform them that this new target would begin in April (as part of the new HEAT year of 2013-14).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282738,"EventID":"S4W-13815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:06.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:46:03.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when all NHS boards will be expected to meet either the waiting time standard or the new guidance.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13814 on 15 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:06.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282739,"EventID":"S4W-13816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:06.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:46:52.94","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the care homes in Scotland run by Castlebeck now that it has gone into administration.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Contingency Planning Group for Social Care Services, which was established to look at the overall preparedness of statutory agencies in addressing unforeseen circumstances that could lead to the disruption of social care provision in Scotland, continues to monitor the situation in the four residential care homes run by Castlebeck in Scotland with the aim of ensuring continuity of care for all residents.\r\nThe group’s membership includes Scottish Government, COSLA, Care Inspectorate, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Scotland Excel, NHS Scotland and the Association of Directors of Social Work.\r\nThe group is encouraged that the administrators are committed to the continuity of care and are actively looking to find buyers to maintain the services. Work is ongoing with the administrators to ensure a smooth transition to new providers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:06.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282740,"EventID":"S4W-13817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:06.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:46:52.94","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what inspections the Care Inspectorate has recently carried out or will carry out on care homes run by Castlebeck.","AnswerText":"Castlebeck Care Group runs three care home services in Scotland for people with learning disabilities and complex needs which are regulated by the Care Inspectorate. The dates when these services were last inspected are as follows:\r\nEllen Mhor, Dundee - last inspected on 2510-12\r\nTrinity House, Lockerbie - last inspected on 19-10-12\r\nRanaich House, Dunblane - last inspected on 5-10-12\r\nCastlebeck also runs Monroe House, an independent hospital in Dundee, which is regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.\r\nThe Care Inspectorate and Healthcare Improvement Scotland have been working closely with Castlebeck since it went into administration in March. All Castlebeck services have been visited and the regulators have held a meeting with the Administrators and Castlebeck to agree necessary actions to ensure that standards of care are maintained.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:07.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282741,"EventID":"S4W-13818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:07.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:47:06.673","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that all guns in Scotland are licensed appropriately.","AnswerText":"Firearms legislation is a reserved matter. At an operational level, police firearms departments are responsible for ensuring that only legitimate users with good reason to possess a firearm, and suitable security arrangements in place, are granted a firearm or shotgun certificate. The Scottish Government is responsible for issuing licences to shooting clubs and museums, as well as authorities for individuals to possess “specially dangerous” weapons as defined by section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968.\r\nThe Scottish Government remains committed to introducing a system of licensing for air weapons, using the powers granted under the Scotland Act 2012. A public consultation on this issue concluded on 15 March 2013, and we will seek to introduce legislation at the earliest opportunity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:07.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282742,"EventID":"S4W-13819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:07.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:47:36.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) prosecutions and (b) convictions there have been for selling tobacco by unregistered sales outlets.","AnswerText":"Under the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010, The Sale of Tobacco (Register of Tobacco Retailers) Regulations 2010 came into force on 1 April 2011. There were no prosecutions or convictions under Section 20 of the Act recorded in the available data to 2011-12. \r\nInformation for 2012-13 will not be available until the publication of the Criminal Proceedings in Scotland, 2012-13 Statistical Bulletin. This is due to be published in November 2013.\r\nThe dates of all Scottish Government Official and National Statistics publications are pre-announced, and the up to date list of future publications can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Search/Forthcoming.\r\nSource: Scottish Government Court Proceedings data\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:07.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282743,"EventID":"S4W-13820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:08.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:47:36.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) prosecutions and (b) convictions there have been in each of the last five years for (i) the illegal sale of and (ii) selling illicit tobacco.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information on the number of people proceeded against for offences which relate specifically to the illegal sale of tobacco is given in the following table.\r\nSelling illicit tobacco is dealt with under HM Revenue and Customs and Trading Standards legislation and regulations and cannot be separately identified from other types of these offences from the information held centrally.\r\nPeople proceeded against for offences related to illegal sale of tobacco, 2007-08 to 2011-12\r\nMain Offence\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nSelling loose cigarettes\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nProceeded against\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nConvicted\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNot displaying notice cigarettes sold to 16 and over\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nProceeded against\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nConvicted\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nOffences involving tobacco and persons under 18\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nProceeded against\r\n11\r\n15\r\n32\r\n17\r\n17\r\nConvicted\r\n9\r\n12\r\n25\r\n12\r\n10\r\nAll offences\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nProceeded against\r\n11\r\n16\r\n32\r\n18\r\n17\r\nConvicted\r\n9\r\n13\r\n25\r\n13\r\n10\r\nSource: Scottish Government Court Proceedings Database.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:08.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282744,"EventID":"S4W-13821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:08.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:47:36.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money has been confiscated by the courts in each of the last five years following convictions for (i) the illegal sale of and (ii) selling illicit tobacco.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing within twenty days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:08.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282745,"EventID":"S4W-13822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:08.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:49:02.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what changes there have been in the (a) consumption and (b) price of alcohol since 2005.","AnswerText":"Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy: Second Annual Report includes trends in self-report consumption, alcohol sales (generally accepted to be a more robust measure of total population consumption than self-report survey data) and the average price of alcohol for the longest time series currently available. The report was published by NHS Health Scotland in December 2012 and is available at: http://www.healthscotland.com/uploads/documents/20107-MESASCombinedReportNov2012.pdf.\r\nSelf-reported consumption data for 2011 is available from the Scottish Health Survey http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0040/00402630.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:08.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282746,"EventID":"S4W-13824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:09.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:49:02.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the changes in the price of alcohol since 2005 compare with the changes in (a) rates of violent crime, (b) other offences associated with alcohol and (c) alcohol-related hospital (i) admissions and (ii) discharges.","AnswerText":"Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy: Second Annual Report, published by NHS Health Scotland in December 2012, includes detailed information on the average price and price distribution of alcohol sold in Scotland. The report is available at:\r\nhttp://www.healthscotland.com/uploads/documents/20107-MESASCombinedReportNov2012.pdf.\r\nA bulletin presenting statistics on crimes and offences, including offences associated with alcohol use, recorded in Scotland from 2002-3 to 2011-12 can be accessed at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/06/1698.\r\nAlcohol-related hospital discharge statistics are published annually by Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland. The latest figures can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Drugs-and-Alcohol-Misuse/Publications/2012-05-29/2012-05-29-AlcoholHospitalStats2012-Report.pdf and include data covering the last five years (data covering earlier years is also available on the ISD website). It should be noted that ISD do not hold separate admission and discharge datasets. As further diagnostic information may become available during the course of a hospital stay, the use of discharge data provides a more complete and accurate picture of a patient’s condition.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:09.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282747,"EventID":"S4W-13825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:09.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:49:02.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on any difference in alcohol consumption between Scotland and England since the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act 2012 came into force.\r\n","AnswerText":"Alcohol sales data is generally accepted, including by the World Health Organisation, to be a more robust measure of total population consumption than self-report survey. The most recent alcohol sales data (2011) for Scotland and England and Wales was published by NHS Health Scotland in August 2012 and can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.healthscotland.com/uploads/documents/20287-MESAS%202012%20Update.pdf. These data suggest that in 2011 Scots drank around a fifth more alcohol per adult than our counterparts England and Wales.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:09.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282748,"EventID":"S4W-13826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:09.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:49:02.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what reduction in alcohol consumption the University of Sheffield econometric model predicted would result from ending discounting alone.\r\n","AnswerText":"The most recent update of the University of Sheffield alcohol pricing model was published in January 2012 and can be accessed at: http://www.shef.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.156503!/file/scotlandjan.pdf. This estimated that a total ban on off-trade discounting would result in a decrease in overall consumption of 3%. A total ban is assumed to prohibit all forms of price-based promotion, including straight discounting from list price in addition to quantity discounts.\r\nThe ban implemented in the Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Act 2010, which came into force in October 2011, relates to a quantity discount ban only (for example, buy 3 for the price of 2, 3 bottles of wine for £10 etc.). Due to unavailability of data, it is not possible for the University of Sheffield to estimate the impact on consumption of the quantity discount ban alone.\r\nNHS Health Scotland is due to publish a detailed analysis of the impact of the quantity discount ban on consumption in Scotland in the coming months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:10.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282749,"EventID":"S4W-13827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:10.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:49:02.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many alcohol licences have been issued in each of the last seven years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Publications showing the number of liquor licence applications granted can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PubLiquor. \r\nApplications for 2010-11 and 2011-12 are granted under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, which came fully into force in September 2009. No data were collected in 2008 and 2009 during the transition to the new legislation.\r\nPrior to this, licences were issued under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976. Due to differences in how licences are administered under the current arrangements compared with the previous, the figures from 2011-12 and 2010-11 cannot be compared directly with those from earlier years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:10.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282750,"EventID":"S4W-13828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:10.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:49:02.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prosecutions there have been for (a) selling alcohol to a person under 18, (b) selling alcohol to someone who is already intoxicated and (c) purchasing and supplying alcohol to a person under the age of eighteen in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table:\r\nPeople proceeded against in Scottish Courts for specific alcohol offences1\r\n\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nSale of drink to person under 18\r\n143\r\n109\r\n52\r\nSale of alcohol to drunk person2\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\nPurchasing excisable liquor for consumption by person under 18\r\n156\r\n98\r\n64\r\n1. Where main charge.\r\n2. Prosecuted under Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 Section 76 and  Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 Section 113(1)\r\nSource: Scottish Government Courts Proceedings data\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:10.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282751,"EventID":"S4W-13829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:11.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:49:02.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government in how many cases of testing for alcohol by the police levels have been found to be below 80mg per 100ml of blood but above 50mg or the equivalent levels for urine tests in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held by the Scottish Government. Transport Scotland publishes its Reported Road Casualties report annually. This report includes estimates of drink driving accidents, accident costs, and an estimate of under-counting of road casualties. The report provides estimates where the driver of the vehicle was over the current legal drink driving limit (80 milligrams (mg) of alcohol in every 100 millilitres of blood). This information is accessible and can be found in The Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2010 report. Table 22 (page 125) provides the information requested. The link to this document is:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/strategy-and-research/publications-and-consultations/j199237-00.htm.\r\nIf the Scottish Parliament agrees to approve regulations to lower the drink drive limit, \r\nThe Reported Road Casualties report will report estimates of drink driving accidents where the driver of the vehicle was over the new lower limit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:11.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282752,"EventID":"S4W-13830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:11.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:50:10.05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it will issue to GPs following the publication of the research, Effectiveness of screening and brief alcohol intervention in primary care (SIPS trial): pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has issued National Guidance for 2013-14 on delivery of the current HEAT Standard for Alcohol Brief Interventions (ABI), which includes delivery in primary care. The HEAT Standard is based on SIGN and NICE guidelines and so in line with clinical guidance and a wealth of international evidence that alcohol brief interventions are effective in reducing consumption.\r\nThe findings of the SIPS trial study in England are of interest and confirm that primary care is an environment where people will consent and are willing to receive feedback, written information and advice about their drinking behaviour. Such a process is already established in many areas throughout Scotland as a result of the national ABI programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:11.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282753,"EventID":"S4W-13842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-19T17:06:11.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T15:22:45.807","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many gun licences were withdrawn on review in each the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of gun licences withdrawn on review is not available. Information on the number of firearm and shotgun certificates both refused and revoked is available from the Firearm Certificates Statistics, Scotland statistical bulletin series, which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PubFirearmCertificates.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-17T17:06:11.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282754,"EventID":"S4O-01955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:46.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-20T11:13:30.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what additional support will be provided to cities, such as Stirling, in order to ensure that adequate infrastructure is in place for the year of the homecoming.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:46.763","MeetingDate":"2013-03-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282755,"EventID":"S4O-01956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:47.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T12:02:24.967","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government to provide an update on the progress to retender the franchise to operate rail passenger services in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:47.213","MeetingDate":"2013-03-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282756,"EventID":"S4O-01957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:47.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T12:02:25.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to improve road and rail journey times from Dumfries to Glasgow and Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:47.557","MeetingDate":"2013-03-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282757,"EventID":"S4O-01958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:47.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T12:02:25.467","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made on the delivery of next generation broadband for the South of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:47.87","MeetingDate":"2013-03-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282758,"EventID":"S4O-01959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:48.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T12:02:25.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how successful this year's Scottish Communities League Cup has been at promoting its values of Respect, Responsibility and Tolerance.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:48.213","MeetingDate":"2013-03-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282759,"EventID":"S4O-01960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:48.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T10:24:29.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to ensure that fares on public transport do not become so expensive that people are priced back into their cars.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:48.54","MeetingDate":"2013-03-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282760,"EventID":"S4O-01961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:48.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T09:22:39.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities last met hub North Scotland Ltd and what matters were discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:48.9","MeetingDate":"2013-03-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282761,"EventID":"S4O-01962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:49.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T18:25:21.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made towards introducing Wi-Fi on all Caledonian MacBrayne ferries that serve the Inner and Outer Hebrides.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:49.273","MeetingDate":"2013-03-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282762,"EventID":"S4O-01963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:49.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T12:39:50.127","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what additional investment it will provide to Glasgow City Council in order to further regenerate the most deprived areas of the city by summer 2014.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of the Council and the Community Planning Partnership to deliver local economic development and local regeneration, based on their understanding of local needs and circumstances, from their local government settlement.\r\nIn 2013-14 Glasgow City Council will receive £1,240 million in revenue funding and £105.8 million capital funding.\r\nThey also receive funding for transport, education and housing projects, including £4.5 million from the People and Communities Fund by 2015. Additional support also includes £20 million to Clyde Gateway Urban Regeneration Company for 2013-14.\r\nThe Scottish Government remains committed to the regeneration of all of Scotland’s most disadvantaged areas and strengthening of local communities.\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:49.587","MeetingDate":"2013-03-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282763,"EventID":"S4O-01964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:49.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T12:02:26.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what actions it has taken to ensure that blacklisting is not taking place on publicly funded infrastructure projects.","AnswerText":"We are not aware of any evidence to suggest that blacklisting is taking place on publicly funded infrastructure projects in Scotland.\r\nWe are totally opposed to blacklisting or the compiling of a blacklist and are developing guidance for public bodies on addressing the issue in future procurement processes and public contracts.\r\nWe are also considering what measures we can include in the forthcoming Procurement Reform Bill to deal with inappropriate conduct, such as blacklisting, by companies bidding for public contracts in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:49.897","MeetingDate":"2013-03-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282764,"EventID":"S4O-01965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:50.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-20T11:19:01.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to directly promote, sustain and develop the unique culture of the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:50.21","MeetingDate":"2013-03-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282765,"EventID":"S4O-01967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:50.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T12:02:43.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to encourage more women to enter the computer games industry.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:50.6","MeetingDate":"2013-03-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282766,"EventID":"S4O-01968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:50.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T12:02:43.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the call from the National Union of Journalists for a moratorium on job cuts at BBC Scotland and its decision to bring forward redundancies before the end of the financial year.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:50.927","MeetingDate":"2013-03-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282767,"EventID":"S4O-01969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:51.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-20T11:35:28.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to promote the use of new fairtrade products in Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:51.287","MeetingDate":"2013-03-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282768,"EventID":"S4O-01971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:51.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T16:35:49.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to promote film making in Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:51.6","MeetingDate":"2013-03-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282769,"EventID":"S4O-01972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:51.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T12:02:44.513","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Creative Scotland concerning film and television production.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:51.927","MeetingDate":"2013-03-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282770,"EventID":"S4O-01973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:52.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T12:02:44.857","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its plans are for Book Week Scotland 2013, following the successful launch of Book Week Scotland in 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:52.253","MeetingDate":"2013-03-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":true},{"UniqueID":282771,"EventID":"S4O-01974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:52.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T17:04:44.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it gives to organisations that use drama to raise awareness of social issues.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:52.567","MeetingDate":"2013-03-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282772,"EventID":"S4O-01975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:52.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-20T11:51:50.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met NHS Fife and what matters were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:52.877","MeetingDate":"2013-03-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282773,"EventID":"S4O-01976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:53.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T15:16:56.867","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the possible impact on jobs and communities, what its position is on banks closing agencies and branches throughout the country.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:53.207","MeetingDate":"2013-03-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282774,"EventID":"S4O-01977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:53.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T12:03:02.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the continuing use of Neonicotinoids.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:53.517","MeetingDate":"2013-03-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282775,"EventID":"S4O-01978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:53.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:45:39.41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the findings of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland's report, When parents are detained.    \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:53.847","MeetingDate":"2013-03-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282776,"EventID":"S4O-01979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:54.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T12:03:02.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it encourages supermarkets to stock local produce.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:54.173","MeetingDate":"2013-03-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282777,"EventID":"S4O-01980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:54.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T12:03:02.857","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the findings of its consultation on the Maintenance of Land on Private Housing Estates, which closed on the 11th June 2011.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:54.483","MeetingDate":"2013-03-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282778,"EventID":"S4O-01981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:54.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T12:03:03.093","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will conduct a review of Health Improvement Scotland in light of reports that a fourth person has resigned from the organisation following the unpublished inspection into older people’s care at Ninewells Hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:54.797","MeetingDate":"2013-03-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282779,"EventID":"S4O-01982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:55.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T12:03:03.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Justice last met with CashBack partners and what was discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:55.093","MeetingDate":"2013-03-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282780,"EventID":"S4O-01983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:55.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T12:03:03.733","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government under what circumstances a local authority with a part share in a PPP/PFI project can purchase the shares of the other partners.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities may invest money with the consent of Scottish Ministers, but do not generally hold shares in PPP/PFI projects. Under the Scottish Hub initiative a local authority, with other public sector partners and a developer, will collectively own a HubCo, which is a body set up to deliver new community infrastructure using the Design, Build, Finance and Maintain model. Participants may acquire or dispose of shareholdings in accordance with the specific rules governing HubCo arrangements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:55.42","MeetingDate":"2013-03-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282781,"EventID":"S4O-01984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-20T15:23:55.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-18T12:03:03.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date it last met representatives of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to discuss the future of Lightburn Hospital.","AnswerText":"Both ministers and government officials meet regularly with representatives of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to discuss matters of importance to local people.\r\nThe member has recently written to me about Lightburn Hospital and I have confirmed in response, that I am happy to meet with him.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-18T15:23:55.763","MeetingDate":"2013-03-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282785,"EventID":"S4W-13876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T13:39:24.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-21T13:02:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government if there are any plans to extend the duration of the public inquiry into the Clostridium difficile outbreak at the Vale of Leven hospital.","AnswerText":"Lord MacLean, Chairman of the Vale of Leven Hospital Inquiry requested a further extension to the duration of the Inquiry which was due to report by 31 May 2013. Members will be aware that Lord MacLean has been unwell and, whilst the Inquiry Team have continued to make progress, Lord MacLean has requested extra time to allow him to fully engage in the work of the Inquiry.\r\nUnder these circumstances, I have agreed to a further extension and Lord MacLean will now endeavour to publish his final report in Autumn 2013. I have also requested that Lord MacLean update me in August 2013 with a specific date by which he will report and I will update Parliament at that time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T13:39:25.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282802,"EventID":"S4W-13843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T14:08:46.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T16:14:07.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact a partial ban on neonicotinoid pesticides would have on arable crops.\r\n","AnswerText":"The European Commission proposals will restrict from 1 December 2013, the use of three neonicotinoid insecticides (imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and clothianidin) on crops with flowers attractive to bees.\r\nIn Scotland the main effect of this will be that farmers will not be able to purchase and grow winter and spring oilseed rape seeds treated with any of these three neonicotinoids.\r\nInstead farmers will need to apply foliar sprays of other insecticides to oilseed rape crops growing from untreated seeds. Foliar sprays are less efficient than seed treatments with neonicotinoids at controlling insect pests and so some crop damage by insect pests is likely.\r\nHowever, it is difficult to estimate the likely loss of crop yield because of insect pest damage, as the impact depends on how well a crop establishes and grows. In addition insect pests such as aphids transmit diseases such as turnip yellows virus which can further diminish the oilseed rape yield, perhaps by 15-25%.\r\nThe restrictions will not affect Scottish production of winter wheat and winter barley from neonicotinoid treated seed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T14:08:47.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282803,"EventID":"S4W-13844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T14:08:47.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T16:14:07.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research it is carrying out on the (a) benefits and (b) risks to pollinators of the use of neonicotinoid pesticides.\r\n","AnswerText":"Together with other funders, the Scottish Government contributed £500,000 towards the Insect Pollinators Initiative (IPI).\r\nThe IPI supports nine research projects to help identify the main threats to bees and other insect pollinators and gain a better understanding of the complex relationships between biological and environmental factors which affect the health and lifespan of pollinators.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T14:08:47.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282804,"EventID":"S4W-13845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T14:08:48.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T16:14:07.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is of the size of the bee population.\r\n","AnswerText":"Currently there are 1,014 active Scottish beekeepers with 8,769 colonies registered on BeeBase. All beekeepers in Scotland are encouraged to sign-up to this database to enable effective communications throughout the country.\r\nThe Scottish Government is also aware of the difficulties facing beekeepers at this time and is consulting with their stakeholders on the way forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T14:08:48.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282805,"EventID":"S4W-13849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T14:08:49.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T16:39:42.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has considered introducing in Scotland the service pupil premium available to service families in England.","AnswerText":"There are currently no plans in Scotland to implement the pupil premium available to service families in England. The Scottish Government has a strong legislative and policy framework to address the wide ranging causes of educational disadvantage.\r\nThe principle of additional support needs which underpins the system for supporting children and young people in their school education in Scotland is much broader than the focus on special educational needs in place in England. The current legislation and updated Code of Practice supporting children's learning recognises that children or young people may require additional support, long or short term, for a variety of reasons including if they have experienced a bereavement, have interrupted learning (for example if their family is subject to regular moves).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T14:08:49.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282806,"EventID":"S4W-13850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T14:08:49.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T16:39:42.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Ministry of Defence support funding to state schools taking children of service personnel applies in Scotland.","AnswerText":"This fund is available across the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T14:08:49.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282807,"EventID":"S4W-13851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T14:08:50.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T16:39:42.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the regulations on class size permit exemptions in relation to the admission of the children of service personnel.\r\n","AnswerText":"The regulations on class sizes, which relate to P1, P2 and P3 classes only, include “excepted pupils”’ provisions. The effect of these provisions is that in certain circumstances a child may be admitted to a class but not be counted within the total number of pupils in the class. Details of these provisions are set out in the Schedule to the Education (Lower Primary Class Sizes) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 which can be viewed at:\r\nhttp://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1080/schedule/made.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T14:08:50.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282808,"EventID":"S4W-13852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T14:08:50.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T16:39:42.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many communities in Scotland have signed up to the armed forces community covenant.\r\n","AnswerText":"Community covenants are in place across all 32 local authority areas in Scotland, the first in Glasgow on 2 November 2011 while the last was signed in Aberdeenshire on 28 February 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T14:08:50.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282809,"EventID":"S4W-13853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T14:08:50.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T16:39:42.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether communities signed up to the armed forces community covenant allow applications for schools from military personnel using a British Forces Post Office number as an address.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 local authorities have a duty to provide adequate and efficient provision of school education for all children residing in their local area. It is for local authorities to determine how they accommodate a request for a school place for a child of a Service family.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T14:08:50.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282810,"EventID":"S4W-13854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T14:08:51.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T16:39:42.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the UK Government scheme to provide education scholarships for the children of military personnel who have died in service applies in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Military Scholarships applies to all bereaved children across the UK (of personnel who have died in service) to enable them to complete further and higher education studies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T14:08:51.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282811,"EventID":"S4W-13855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T14:08:51.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T16:41:50.807","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to meet the guiding principle, Respect for Human Rights and the Rule of Law, set out in its document, Working with China.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to engaging with the Chinese Government on the issue of human rights as part of our overall engagement. Throughout the course of bilateral contact, Ministers and officials take the opportunity to raise human rights issues, where appropriate.\r\nThe Scottish Government will continue to share our experiences and values in our dealings with China across a number of sectors including business, education, culture and research. For example, there are opportunities to work together on climate change and its environmental, social and economic consequences.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T14:08:51.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282812,"EventID":"S4W-13858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T14:08:52.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-20T09:16:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what assessment it has made of the (a) impact on the work of and (b) possible additional costs to the Scottish Information Commissioner resulting from changes to EU data protection laws.\r\n","AnswerText":"EU data protection laws will impact on all Scottish organisations and guidance on this will issue from the UK Information Commissioner’s Office which has responsibility for data protection. The changes will only impact on the Scottish Information Commissioner’s regulatory function in relation to whether personal data is exempt under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. There will therefore be limited impact and the Scottish Information Commissioner has advised that there will be no additional costs to her office as a result of these changes. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T14:08:52.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Liam McArthur ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282813,"EventID":"S4W-13861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T14:08:52.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-20T10:44:19.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13054 by Derek Mackay on 5 March 2013, how many planning appeals in the (a) energy, (b) retail, (c) commercial property, (d) housing, (e) environmental waste management and (f) hotel, leisure and recreation sector ministers considered between May 1997 and May 2011 and with what outcome.","AnswerText":"Planning appeal decisions in the period May 1997 to May 2011 are set out by sector in the following table:\r\n\r\nNumber of appeal decisions\r\nNumber of appeals allowed\r\nEnergy\r\n99\r\n53\r\nRetail\r\n275\r\n133\r\nCommercial property\r\n665\r\n266\r\nHousing\r\n4240\r\n1175\r\nEnvironmental waste management\r\n55\r\n31\r\nHotel, leisure and recreation\r\n455\r\n212\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T14:08:52.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282814,"EventID":"S4W-13862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T14:08:52.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-20T10:44:19.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13054 by Derek Mackay on 5 March 2013, how many of the energy sector appeals were for wind applications greater than 50 MW and how many were for single turbine or other developments of less than 50 MW.\r\n","AnswerText":"There were no planning appeals for developments in excess of 50 megawatts. Any proposal to construct or operate a power generation scheme with a capacity in excess of 50 megawatts requires Scottish Ministers' consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989, and is not the subject of a planning application. All appeals therefore related to developments of less than 50 megawatts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T14:08:52.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282815,"EventID":"S4W-13863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T14:08:53.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-20T10:44:19.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13054 by Derek Mackay on 5 March 2013, what estimates it has made of the impact on employment opportunities arising from these decisions and whether it considers that the planning appeals system encourages or discourages sustainable development and employment creation. \r\n","AnswerText":"Planning has an essential role to play in ensuring that we create the Scotland that we want, that we promote and strengthen our economy and build resilient communities. It should act as an enabler of sustainable development of the right type and in the right location. Decisions made by the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) play an important part in this process. When making decisions on planning appeals reporters from DPEA will consider the economic benefits of a proposal along with other material considerations. No estimates have been made of the employment opportunities arising from decisions made by DPEA.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T14:08:53.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282816,"EventID":"S4W-13864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T14:08:53.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-20T10:44:19.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13054 by Derek Mackay on 5 March 2013, what analysis  it has made of the contribution of the planning system to its (a) renewable energy generation and (b) economic growth targets. \r\n","AnswerText":"There is wide recognition that supportive national planning policies are making significant contributions to the achievement of renewable energy targets. National Planning Framework (NPF) 2, Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) and development plans fully support our renewables targets and support sustainable economic growth. Ways in which this support can be strengthened are matters we are considering as part of the NPF and SPP reviews.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T14:08:53.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282817,"EventID":"S4W-13865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T14:08:53.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-20T10:44:19.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13054 by Derek Mackay on 5 March 2013, what analysis it has made of the contribution of the planning system to the zero waste strategy and its target to divert waste from landfill.","AnswerText":"National Planning Framework 2, Scottish Planning Policy and development plans support Scotland’s Zero Waste Plan target of no more than 5% of waste going to landfill by 2025. Along with other policy drivers such as landfill tax, development management, decisions are securing new waste infrastructure to encourage reduction, recycling, reuse and the recovery of energy from waste that would otherwise be landfilled.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T14:08:53.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282818,"EventID":"S4W-13866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T14:08:54.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-20T10:44:19.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13054 by Derek Mackay on 5 March 2013, how much future waste it has calculated should be diverted from landfill to incineration in order to avoid EU penalty and in which local authority areas it is encouraging these modal shifts.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government met the 2013 EU Landfill Directive target two years early and is on track to meet the 2020 target. The Scottish Governments Zero Waste plan focuses on maximising the value of all material resources for our economy. This means seeking waste prevention, reuse and recycling opportunities ahead of incineration. \r\nTaking the Zero Waste plan 70% recycling target into consideration, the Scottish Government produces annual estimates of the operational shortfall in capacity to treat Scotland’s residual waste (waste that is not recycled). The current estimate indicates a shortfall of around 1.7 million tonnes. These figures are produced to help planning authorities and industry understand Scotland’s needs and investment opportunities. After the material is mechanical sorting to remove any possible recyclable material remaining, treatment options include the production of waste derived fuels for export to continental fuel markets, biological stabilisation of materials for use in land restoration and energy production (anaerobic digestion and combustion).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T14:08:54.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282819,"EventID":"S4W-13867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T14:08:54.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-20T10:44:19.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13054 by Derek Mackay on 5 March 2013, what contribution it expects energy from waste schemes to make to its (a) renewable energy, (b) zero waste and (c) sustainable development targets.","AnswerText":"In 2010, the Sustainable Development Commission reported that energy from waste could contribute around 3% of Scotland’s total heat and electricity demand. The study focused on the use of combustion and anaerobic digestion with biogas capture and the main technologies that could contribute to these outputs. It emphasised that the greatest output could be achieved if thermal output is used for heat, as this would be more than 80% efficient. Thermal only output could equate to around 6% of Scotland’s existing heat demand.\r\nThese opportunities need to be set against the Scottish Government’s policy of continually reducing Scotland’s residual waste and minimising the need for residual waste treatment through waste prevention, reuse and increased rates of recycling.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T14:08:54.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282820,"EventID":"S4W-13869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T14:08:55.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-20T13:16:39.947","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13239 by Fergus Ewing on 19 March 2013, what evidence it has to support the assertion that (a) the research carried out was fundamentally flawed and (b) modern turbines are more efficient.\r\n","AnswerText":"In our view, the fundamental flaw in the report is its contention that a 15 year old wind turbine can be described as “mature”. A turbine that has been operating for 15 years must clearly have been developed and installed at a time when the technology was still very much immature.\r\nThere is a wealth of information on the subject of wind turbine efficiency, available not only from the industry itself but also from credible independent commentators such as Bloomberg New Energy Finance (NEF). Analysis by Bloomberg NEF provides evidence that global capacity factors for onshore wind turbines have increased by 13 percentage points from a value of 21% in 1984 to 34% in 2011. Efficiency improvements such as better wind to power conversion especially at low wind speeds, better fluid dynamic modelling to inform device placement and more reliable machines have all contributed to the increased output from modern and thus genuinely mature devices.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T14:08:55.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282822,"EventID":"S4W-13856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T16:40:04.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T19:43:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13213 by John Swinney on 22 February 2013,  whether it will provide the salary level for each special adviser.\r\n","AnswerText":"Individual salary information is considered personal information and release would be considered a breach of data protection principles.\r\nThe current Special Adviser Pay Bands and Ranges and the number of Special Advisers within each Pay Band are:\r\nPay Band\r\nCurrent Pay Range\r\nNumber of Special Advisers\r\n1\r\n£39,445 –  £52,904\r\n6\r\n2\r\n£51,041 - £67,709\r\n3\r\n3\r\n£65,017 - £83,963\r\n4\r\n3 (premium)\r\n£83,549 - £100,942\r\n0\r\n4\r\n£86,965 - £104,462\r\n0\r\n\r\nAs stated in the previous answer, the estimated cost of employing Special Advisers for the financial year 2012-13 is £922,6781 – a real terms decrease of £60,389 from the 12-month cost of the 2006-07 Special Adviser team which, when up-rated to 2012-13 prices, cost £983,0672. Costs for 2013-14 are estimated to fall further to £912,956 in nominal terms (£895,0553 in 2012-13 prices) – a real terms decrease of £88,012 below 2006-07 levels.\r\nNotes: \r\n1. Total costs include salary, ERNIC and employer pension contributions. The level of the employer ERNIC and pension contributions is not a matter for the Scottish Government. Estimate based on current team of 13 Special Advisers being in post for the remainder of 2012-13. \r\n2. Salary, ERNIC, employer pension contributions and total costs figures have been converted into real terms (2012-13 prices) to adjust for inflation using HM Treasury deflators, published in December 2012. These were the latest available deflators at the time of calculation on 20 February 2013. It should be noted that the 2012-13 deflator is based on OBR forecast data from the UK Government Autumn Statement, December 2012. \r\n3. See 2 for details on uprating.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T16:40:04.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282823,"EventID":"S4W-13860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T16:40:04.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-20T10:31:17.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people in each year since 2007, with no prior convictions in the previous 10 years, have been given alternatives to prosecution, broken down by alternative.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the following table. No information on non-court disposals is held for years before 2008-09.\r\nDisposals received by individuals with no previous court convictions in past 10 years,\r\n2008-09 to 2011-12\r\nDisposal types\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nPolice Disposals\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nAnti-social behaviour Fixed Penalty Notice\r\n23,999\r\n29,461\r\n25,758\r\n24,798\r\nPolice Formal Adult Warning\r\n5,240\r\n5,827\r\n5,283\r\n5,802\r\nPolice Restorative Justice\r\n2,299\r\n2,171\r\n1,658\r\n942\r\nOther Police Warning\r\n70\r\n84\r\n212\r\n2,021\r\nWarning Letter (police/children's report)\r\n2,460\r\n2,032\r\n1,897\r\n1,707\r\nCOPFS Disposal\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n14,299\r\n13,936\r\n13,977\r\n16,322\r\nFiscal Fixed Penalty Notice (Road Traffic Offences)\r\n12,353\r\n12,443\r\n13,302\r\n13,858\r\nFiscal Combined Fine and Compensation\r\n507\r\n766\r\n836\r\n1,043\r\nFiscal Compensation\r\n1,014\r\n1,088\r\n1,015\r\n639\r\nFiscal Fixed Penalties (Pre-SJR codes)\r\n1,541\r\n214\r\n57\r\n25\r\n1. People who are given more than one disposal in a single financial year will appear on more than one row but will be counted in each disposal once.  For example, a person who receives three non-court disposals in 2011-12, two of which are Anti-social Behaviour Fixed Penalty Notices (ASBFPN) and one Police Formal Adult Warning will appear once in the row for ASBFPN and once in Police Formal Adult Warnings.\r\n2. Information on the number of people with no previous convictions marked for social work diversion has not been included as the information cannot be extracted from the database.\r\n3. Number of pre-Summary Justice Reform procurator fiscal fixed penalty codes. It is known that this category contains both fiscal fines and fixed penalties, however it is not possible to separate the numbers of each.\r\nSource: Scottish Government Criminal Proceedings Database.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T16:40:04.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282824,"EventID":"S4W-13868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T16:40:04.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-20T11:05:13.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13580 by Nicola Sturgeon on 18 March 2013, in which paragraph of the Fiscal Commission Working Group’s report the \"detailed analysis\" is.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland report confirms that spending on social protection in Scotland, which includes pension expenditure, accounts for 38% of tax revenue, compared to 42% in the UK as a whole.\r\nIn chapter four of the Fiscal Commission Working Group (FCWG) report is an examination of the demographic pressures that Scotland and the rest of the UK both face. Chapter eight provides detail of Scotland’s fiscal performance and discusses the potential impact of long term demographic patterns in relation to public finances.\r\nAs highlighted in the FCWG report, an independent Scotland would have flexibility to respond to such long term challenges with policies designed to best target the needs of the Scottish economy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T16:40:04.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282825,"EventID":"S4W-13872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T16:40:05.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-21T12:14:12.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve protection from assault for shopworkers.","AnswerText":"Everyone should have protection under criminal law and that is why the Scottish common law of assault provides legal protections to everyone, including public facing workers, as they go about their daily lives. Anyone committing an assault (including those on public facing workers) can be dealt with by prosecutors and the courts using the full force of the law. The maximum penalty for common law assault is up to life imprisonment.\r\nThe Scottish Government is also working to reduce the underlying causes of violence and assault. We have been working with the Violence Reduction Unit since 2008 and continue to invest in initiatives such as No Knives Better Lives, Medics Against Violence and Mentors in Violence Prevention.\r\nWe fund the Scottish Business Crime Centre and are working in partnership with them to raise awareness through the creation and distribution of the Violence Reduction Handbook. The Scottish Government also funds the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives. The centre provides a wide range of advice on workplace health, safety and wellbeing which is accessible free of charge to employers and employees.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T16:40:05.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282826,"EventID":"S4W-13874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-21T16:40:05.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-21T12:14:12.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hours per week on average convicted prisoners are held in lockdown in their cells, also broken down by prison.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“The standard regime in Scottish prisons is for prisoners to be locked in their cells on a Monday to Friday basis from 9pm to 7am and at the weekends from 6pm to 8am. During the day, dependent on each prisons daily routine, prisoners may be locked in their cells for up to one hour during patrol periods, where the residential staff group are on an authorised meal break.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-19T16:40:05.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282841,"EventID":"S4W-13840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:36.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T14:59:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in the event that the Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Bill is enacted, whether it considers that criminal courts should take account of the possible loss of the right to vote in the referendum when sentencing and, if so, how it will ensure that they do.","AnswerText":"The independence of the judiciary is essential to the rule of law and a fundamental guarantee of a fair trial in any modern civilised country. That is why section 1 of the Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 provides that Scottish Ministers must not seek to influence judicial decisions. Judges are best placed to decide on an appropriate sentence for each offender before them as they hear all the facts and circumstances of individual cases. Judges will then make their sentencing decisions taking into account all relevant matters and within the overall legal framework provided by Parliament.\r\nSubject to the Scottish Parliament’s approval of the Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Bill, a judge passing a custodial sentence on an individual in the run-up to the referendum will do so in the full knowledge of the implication that the person will not get the chance to vote in the referendum. That is one of the many factors judges will take into account in reaching their view about a sentence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:36.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282842,"EventID":"S4W-13877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:36.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-21T16:08:40.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which stakeholders have been engaged as implementing partners following the Review of Higher Education Governance in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Committee of Scottish Chairs is developing a Code of Good Governance for higher education institutions.\r\nThe Scottish Funding Council is convening a University Sector Advisory Forum with a membership covering the broad range of stakeholder interests across the sector, including staff, unions and student representatives. A key initial focus of the advisory forum will be the implementation of the recommendations of the Report of the Review of Higher Education Governance in Scotland.\r\nEarly discussions have also been held with the Scottish Funding Council in relation to the recommendation regarding avoiding the bureaucratisation of higher education.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:36.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282843,"EventID":"S4W-13878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:37.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-21T16:08:40.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which recommendations from the Review of Higher Education Governance in Scotland will be (a) taken forward by (i) stakeholders as implementing partners and (ii) the sector itself, (b) have been included in the Post-16 Education (Scotland) Bill and (c) will be included in future legislation.","AnswerText":"In terms of recommendations being taken forward by stakeholders as implementing partners, the Committee of Scottish Chairs is developing the Code of Good Governance for higher education institutions and has set up a steering group to draft the code, which will then be subject to consultation.\r\nEarly discussions have been held with the Scottish Funding Council in relation to the recommendation regarding avoiding the bureaucratisation of higher education. \r\nThe Scottish Funding Council is also convening a University Sector Advisory Forum with a membership covering the broad range of interests across the sector, including staff and student representatives. An initial focus of the Forum will be the implementation of the Review recommendations and the new Governance code. This is a key part of our plans to engage the sector in the process of implementing the review proposals by agreement and to reflect existing good practice.\r\nThe Post-16 Education (Scotland) Bill introduces a provision for higher education institutions to comply with the principles of good governance. The scope of future legislation will be determined by the extent to which the Von Prondzynski recommendations are implemented by key sector stakeholders and by the sector itself.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:37.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282844,"EventID":"S4W-13881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:37.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-21T16:08:40.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress the Scottish Funding Council has made on establishing an advisory forum as recommended by the Review of Higher Education Governance in Scotland and who the members of the forum are.\r\n","AnswerText":"The advisory forum is being convened on behalf of the Scottish Government by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). The SFC has issued draft terms of reference and membership invitations to a broad range of stakeholder interests across the sector, including staff, unions and student representatives. The aim is to hold the first meeting of the advisory forum in May or June this year, subject to the availability of forum members.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:37.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282845,"EventID":"S4W-13882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:38.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-21T16:08:40.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made on implementing the recommendation of the Review of Higher Education Governance in Scotland on (a) the role of the Privy Council, (b) academic freedom and institutional autonomy, (c) the role of governance, (d) the appointment and role of principals, (e) remuneration of principals and senior management, (f) the role, composition and appointment of governing bodies, (g) membership of governing bodies, (h) the composition of the academic board and appointment of members, (i) whistleblowing and (j) avoiding bureaucratisation.\r\n","AnswerText":"We expect the majority of these recommendations to be covered in the new Code of Good Governance currently being developed by the Committee of Scottish Chairs.\r\nIn addition, an initial focus of the University Sector Advisory Forum, being set up by the Scottish Funding Council, is to consider the implementation of the Review recommendations, providing the opportunity for sector stakeholders to engage in the process of implementing proposals by agreement and to reflect existing good practice.\r\nThe role of the Privy Council is a consideration for future legislation, the scope of which will be determined by the range of recommendations that are implemented by key sector stakeholders and by the sector itself.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:38.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282846,"EventID":"S4W-13884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:38.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-21T16:08:40.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress the Scottish Funding Council has made on investigating how the principles of the Hutton Review of Fair Pay in the Public Sector are being or should be applied to universities in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We expect this recommendation to be addressed in the new Code of Good Governance currently being developed by Committee of Scottish Chairs. Discussions will be held with the Scottish Funding Council after the new Code is published to ensure this recommendation is appropriately addressed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:38.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282847,"EventID":"S4W-13885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:38.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-21T16:08:40.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress (a) it, (b) the Scottish Funding Council and (c) other stakeholders has/have made on implementing the recommendations from the Review of Higher Education Governance in Scotland that governors should be fully briefed and trained and that each governing body should be required to report annually on the details of training available to and availed of by governors.\r\n","AnswerText":"We expect this recommendation to be addressed in the new Code of Good Governance currently being developed by the Committee of Scottish Chairs. Discussions will be held with the Scottish Funding Council after the new Code is published to ensure this recommendation is appropriately addressed and that annual reporting is introduced.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:39.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282848,"EventID":"S4W-13886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:39.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-21T16:08:40.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what instructions it has given to the Scottish Funding Council and what progress has been made on establishing a Scottish centre for higher education research.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have had initial discussions with the Scottish Funding Council on this recommendation and intend to discuss it further with the broad stakeholder interests in the new University Sector Advisory Forum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:39.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282849,"EventID":"S4W-13887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:39.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-21T17:17:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13559 by Fergus Ewing on 20 March 2013, what net jobs assessment was made for each project receiving support from the Renewable Energy Infrastructure Fund.","AnswerText":"Applications are considered on a project by project basis and net jobs are an important factor in the socio assessment made for each project. A proportionate and appropriate assessment is undertaken for each project \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:39.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282850,"EventID":"S4W-13888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:40","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-21T17:17:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13555 by Fergus Ewing on 20 March 2013, what the result was of the economic assessment for each project supported.","AnswerText":"Applications are assessed for their additional socio economic impact through consideration of the scale and nature of the benefits, the extent to which these benefits are additional, the supply chain benefits, the concentration of benefits with Scottish businesses and people and the effect on existing economic activity.\r\nOver the decade to 2020, renewables in Scotland could provide up to 40,000 jobs and £30 billion investment to the Scottish economy. Renewable Energy Investment Fund investment will support the creation of that economic benefit to Scotland \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:40.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282851,"EventID":"S4W-13889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:40.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-21T17:17:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13554 by Fergus Ewing on 20 March 2013, whether it will name the three projects given support and state the amount of private sector investment leveraged into each.","AnswerText":"Details of investments by the Renewable Energy Investment Fund will be announced following financial closure and in accordance with the individual legal and commercial agreements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:40.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282852,"EventID":"S4W-13890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:40.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-21T17:17:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13547 by Fergus Ewing on 20 March 2013, whether it will publish the assessed economic impact for each project supported by the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund.","AnswerText":"The Economic Impact Assessment for each of the approved projects is held by either Scottish Enterprise or Highlands and Islands Enterprise, with provision made for the protection of commercially sensitive information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:40.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282853,"EventID":"S4W-13891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:41.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-21T17:17:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-13550 and S4W-12998 by Fergus Ewing on 20 and 5 March 2013 respectively, whether it will publish the funding packages and name the \"other ports\".\r\n","AnswerText":"The \"other ports\" being referred to in the response to S4W-12998 were Westway, Inchgreen and Hunterston. Details of the funding package and private sector investment leveraged have previously been provided in response to question S4W-13548 on 9 April 2013.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:41.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282854,"EventID":"S4W-13892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:41.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-21T17:17:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13549 by Fergus Ewing on 20 March 2013, what private sector investment was leveraged into each of the projects.\r\n","AnswerText":"The private sector investment leveraged into each project has been provided in my earlier response to question S4W-13548 on 9 April 2013.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:41.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282855,"EventID":"S4W-13893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:42.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-21T16:24:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government in how many cases of death or injury resulting from an alcohol-related road traffic accident the driver had a blood alcohol content of between 50 and 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"This data is not currently collected by the Scottish Government.\r\nEstimates of the number of lives that could be saved by reducing the drink drive limit were published in the Scottish Government’s Reducing the Drink Driving Limit in Scotland consultation document which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/09/3556. In 2010, the independent North Review Committee, estimated that a reduction in the limit from 80 mg/100 ml to 50 mg/100 ml would save a number of lives across the UK. Applying these estimates to Scotland it is estimated that between 3 and 17 Scottish lives each year might be saved through a lower limit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:42.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282856,"EventID":"S4W-13894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:42.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-22T11:26:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its officials attend the Crofting Commission board meetings in any capacity and, if so, on what dates they have done so in (a) 2012 and (b) 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials attended the Crofting Commission board meetings on 3 April 2012, 17 May 2012 and 2 November 2012 in an advisory sponsorship capacity; on 6 September 2012 to inform the Crofting Commission on crofting grant schemes administered by the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Division; and on 6 March 2013 to discuss the issue of decrofting by owner-occupier crofters and other general sponsorship issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:42.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282857,"EventID":"S4W-13895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:43.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-22T12:50:47.093","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce a ban on the use of neonicotinoid products.\r\n","AnswerText":"Following the meeting of the EU Appeal Committee on 29 April 2013, we expect that the European Commission will formally adopt restrictions on the use of neonicotinoids which will take effect on 1 December 2013, and which the Scottish Government will implement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:43.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282858,"EventID":"S4W-13896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:43.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-22T12:50:47.093","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to encourage the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to support the European Commission's proposed ban on neonicotinoid products.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13895 on 13 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:43.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282859,"EventID":"S4W-13897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:44.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-22T12:51:39.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a list of each helpline it supports that is operated by a private company, showing for each the operating company; the average time spent (a) on hold and (b) per call, and the average cost of a call from a (i) landline and (ii) mobile telephone.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government Central Enquiry line which provides the first point of contact to the public is operated internally. Other information requested for private companies operating any helplines supported by the Scottish Government is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:44.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282860,"EventID":"S4W-13898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:44.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-22T12:59:55.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of Scotland is covered by high-definition weather radar; how the coverage in rural areas compares with the rest of the country, and whether it is increasing the coverage in rural areas to assist in flood prevention measures.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Met Office’s UK weather radar network consists of 15 operational weather radars, including four in Scotland. This network provides real-time information to help monitor and forecast heavy rainfall, supplemented by additional data exchange with the Irish Met Service and the Jersey Met Service. \r\nAlthough the data is also used by Government and Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), including support to the Scottish Flood Forecasting Service, its principal purpose is for the Public Weather Service. In mountainous areas, the effective range of weather radar is impacted by the terrain. Therefore whilst increasing the number of radars in Scotland will deliver improvements, these would be on a more localised scale in terms of resolution and quality.\r\nIn their Flood Warning Strategy 2012-2016, SEPA has committed to review the current weather radar network and its suitability for flood warning provision and make recommendations for improvements (including new and temporary installations).\r\nAll of the existing radar systems in the UK network are currently being replaced with state of the art technology in order to improve accuracy of rainfall estimates which will assist in weather forecasting and also flood forecasting and warning. The project is due for completion by autumn 2014. The Scottish Government has no specific plans to enhance coverage in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:44.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282861,"EventID":"S4W-13900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:44.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-22T13:54:36.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consult on each of the proposed marine protected areas in summer 2013 and whether it considers that the list constitutes an ecologically coherent network.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following answer was corrected on 8 April 2013.\r\nThe Report to Parliament on progress on identifying an MPA network was laid in Parliament on 14 December 2012, and was accompanied by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Joint Nature Conservation Committee’s (JNCC) detailed scientific network advice. \r\nBoth of these documents, which can be found already on the Marine Scotland website, provide information on:\r\nThe contribution and role of Marine Scotland, SNH and the JNCC in identifying the current MPA proposals;\r\nHow a science-based approach has been used to identify sites for an ecologically coherent network of MPAs. This included work by the SNH and JNCC to identify locations that contained MPA search features and which were considered to be least damaged and more natural locations which in part relied upon information on economic uses of our seas and, the extent to which the SNH and JNCC, as the Scottish Government’s scientific advisers, consider the list of MPA proposals and search locations to constitute an ecologically coherent network. \r\nStakeholders have been involved in every step of the process, since the Marine (Scotland) Act included provision for developing MPAs in 2010, and will continue to be engaged throughout the development of the MPA network. This engagement has ranged from five national workshops (details of which can be found on the Marine Scotland website), regular sectoral bilaterals, ad hoc meetings, through to group meetings, such as the Marine Strategy Forum or Regional Advisory Councils. \r\nThe SNH and JNCC advised on 14 December 2012 that 33 of the MPA search locations be progressed to MPA proposals and reported upon (details of which can be found on the Marine Scotland website). Since then Marine Scotland has had a combination of 15 meetings, visits and bilaterals with regional, national and international stakeholders. \r\nIt has not yet been decided if the summer 2013 consultation will propose the designation of all 33 MPA proposals. Information is still being collected to enable Scottish Ministers to decide whether each of the 33 MPA proposals that were reported on in December 2012 will be consulted upon in summer 2013.\r\nLinks to all of the Scottish Government and Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies (SNCB) reports on MPAs, MPA workshop reports, as well as an MPA newsletter to update stakeholders and the public and other useful information, are publically available on the MPA section of the Marine Scotland website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/marine-environment/mpanetwork.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:44.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282862,"EventID":"S4W-13902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:45.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-22T13:54:36.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many meetings of marine stakeholders have been held to discuss the proposed list of marine protected areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13900 on 4 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:45.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282863,"EventID":"S4W-13903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:45.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-22T13:54:36.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether stakeholders have been included in discussions about the consultation of proposed marine protected areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13900 on 4 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:45.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282864,"EventID":"S4W-13904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:45.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-22T13:54:36.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how (a) science-based and (b) non-science-based evidence has been used to identify sites for an ecologically coherent network of marine protected areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13900 on 4 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:45.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282865,"EventID":"S4W-13906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-22T14:45:46.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-22T13:54:36.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contribution (a) Marine Scotland, (b) Scottish Natural Heritage and (c) the Joint Nature Conservation Committee made to the list of proposed marine protected areas.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13900 on 4 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-22T14:45:46.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282868,"EventID":"S4W-13802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-25T13:51:22.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:23:55.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many inspectors at the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate have regulation of care qualifications.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Regulation of Care Award is a qualification required by inspectors regulating social care services. Inspectors working in the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate are required to hold appropriate qualifications, but the Regulation of Care Award is not a requirement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-23T13:51:22.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282869,"EventID":"S4W-13803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-25T13:51:23.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:23:55.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many vacancies have arisen in the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate in each of the last 12 months and whether they were advertised externally.","AnswerText":"Since 1st April 2012, Healthcare Improvement Scotland has advertised 14 roles within the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate on Permanent, Fixed Term and Secondment terms. The 14 roles were advertised via eight separate recruitment campaigns throughout the year, three of which were advertised internally and five which were advertised internally and externally at the same time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-23T13:51:23.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282870,"EventID":"S4W-13804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-25T13:51:23.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:23:55.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many Healthcare Environment Inspectorate reports have been subject to amendment prior to publication.\r\n","AnswerText":"A key function of any inspection report is to give public assurance on the quality of care provided. The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate has a robust quality assurance process to ensure reports are accurate; therefore all reports will be subject to amendment during that quality assurance process to ensure the final published report is factually accurate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-23T13:51:23.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282871,"EventID":"S4W-13805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-25T13:51:24.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:23:55.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what power it has under the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 to direct Healthcare Improvement Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"These details can be found in Part 6 Health Care: Scrutiny and Improvement of the Public Services Reform Act 2010, a link to which is as follows:\r\nhttp://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2010/8/contents \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-23T13:51:24.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282872,"EventID":"S4W-13806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-25T13:51:25.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:23:55.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that there is a conflict of interest for an employee of a public body such as Healthcare Improvement Scotland to have a family member on its board.","AnswerText":"All members of NHS boards are expected to carry out their responsibilities in line with the board member’s Code of Conduct surrounding any potential conflicts of interest and any conflict of interests would be recorded on the Register of Interests. Further details on these can be found on the Healthcare Improvement Scotland website via the following link:\r\nhttp://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/about_us/our_board.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-23T13:51:25.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282873,"EventID":"S4W-13807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-25T13:51:25.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:23:55.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate should be independent of government.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate, which has been part of Healthcare Improvement Scotland since 2011, is independent of the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-23T13:51:25.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282874,"EventID":"S4W-13808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-25T13:51:26.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-19T13:23:55.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date it decided to appoint Dr Frances Elliot to its Directorate for Chief Medical Officer and Public Health.\r\n","AnswerText":"Following initial discussions in late 2012 and early 2013 about the need to strengthen national senior clinical capacity within Scottish Government to drive the priority agenda around Health and Social Care Integration, unscheduled care, primary care and improving services for people with multiple and long term conditions, it was agreed that additional senior medical capacity was required to support the Chief Medical Officer with specific expertise and national recognition in these areas. Dr Frances Elliot was identified in mid-January 2013 as having this unique set of appropriate skills and experiences.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-23T13:51:26.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282875,"EventID":"S4W-13907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-25T13:51:26.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-22T16:03:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made since January 2013 on establishing a welfare reform mitigation fund for advice services and how it will ensure that the fund provides support for client groups with particular needs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has announced £7.9 million of funding for advice services to deal with the impact of welfare reform.\r\nOn 25 April 2013 it was announced that the Scottish Legal Aid Board would distribute £5.1 million of Scottish Government funding as part of a single programme also incorporating £2.35 million funding from the Money Advice Service. The Scottish Government funded elements of this programme are expected to open for applications on 13 May 2013, when full details of the criteria will be published.\r\nIn addition, we have allocated £2.5 million to Citizens Advice Scotland up to March 2015 and have invested £300,000 in a number of other projects in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-23T13:51:26.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282876,"EventID":"S4W-13909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-25T13:51:27.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-25T10:37:00.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidelines it has issued on generic prescribing.\r\n","AnswerText":"The long standing advice from the Scottish Government, and the Scottish Executive before it, is that generic drugs should be prescribed wherever clinically appropriate. Generic prescribing is supported by the medical profession.\r\nAt health board level, generic prescribing is promoted by Prescribing Advisers through a range of initiatives to improve cost-effective prescribing. In recent years, the focus has been to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of all prescribing through the work of the NHSScotland Efficiency and Productivity Programme national Prescribing Workstream.\r\nThe Prescribing Workstream has been working with NHS boards on initiatives such as compliance with twelve National Therapeutic Indicators and the use of local Joint Formularies to promote and monitor performance on quality and cost-effective prescribing. Further information and guidance on the National Therapeutic Indicators can be found at http://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/pca/PCA2012(M)08.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-23T13:51:27.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282877,"EventID":"S4W-13910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-25T13:51:27.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-25T10:37:00.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prescribing support staff are employed by each NHS board and how much each board has spent on employing such staff in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-23T13:51:27.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282878,"EventID":"S4W-13911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-25T13:51:27.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-25T10:37:00.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money the NHS has saved in each of the last five years through generic prescribing.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally.\r\nDue to the complexities of prescribing it is not possible to accurately determine the amount of savings generated from generic prescribing alone. Generic drugs overall are much less expensive to the NHS than branded drugs and savings arise through prescribing generic drugs (as opposed to branded drugs) and from branded drugs coming off patent.\r\nThe latest annual prescribing statistics show that there has been an increase in generic prescribing from 77.1% in 2002-03 to 82.7% in 2011-12. The percentage of generic prescribing has remained constant at around 82% since 2007-08. Further information on the latest generic prescribing statistics can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Prescribing-and-Medicines/Publications/2012-12-18/2012-12-18-PrescribingGeneral-Summary.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-23T13:51:27.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282879,"EventID":"S4W-13912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-25T13:51:28.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-25T11:12:39.847","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that changes proposed in the ownership or management of the national forest estate in England will have implications for Scotland.","AnswerText":"In its policy statement on forestry and woodlands, published in January, Defra said that it plans to establish a new, operationally-independent management body for the public forest estate in England. While these do not have direct impacts on delivery of the Scottish Government’s forestry policy, there may be some administrative and indirect impacts arising from the delays in England. While we are keeping in close touch with developments south of the border, it is still too early to say how the changes in England will affect the Forestry Commission as a whole (including the common services provided from Edinburgh). Forestry Commission Scotland will continue to look for opportunities to work with other parts of the Commission, where this represents the most efficient and effective means of delivery.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-23T13:51:28.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282890,"EventID":"S4T-00296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-25T12:27:21.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-25T07:13:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to assist people without power in Arran, Kintyre and elsewhere following the recent severe weather.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-23T12:27:21.883","MeetingDate":"2013-03-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282891,"EventID":"S4T-00299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-25T12:27:23.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-25T11:04:15.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the audit of college waiting lists.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-23T12:27:23.867","MeetingDate":"2013-03-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282892,"EventID":"S4F-01283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-25T12:28:41.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-21T13:38:16.58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-23T12:28:41.763","MeetingDate":"2013-03-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282893,"EventID":"S4F-01285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-25T12:28:42.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-25T10:17:26.84","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-23T12:28:42.373","MeetingDate":"2013-03-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282894,"EventID":"S4F-01286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-25T12:28:42.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-25T10:26:03.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government’s position is on reports that junior doctors are regularly working up to 100 hours per week.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-23T12:28:42.81","MeetingDate":"2013-03-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282895,"EventID":"S4F-01288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-25T12:28:43.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-25T10:43:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what recent analysis the Scottish Government has carried out of the impact of the UK Government's welfare reforms on the people of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-23T12:28:43.73","MeetingDate":"2013-03-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282896,"EventID":"S4F-01293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-25T12:28:45.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-25T11:07:31.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-23T12:28:45.43","MeetingDate":"2013-03-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282897,"EventID":"S4F-01295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-25T12:28:46.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-25T11:33:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what impact Police Scotland will have on policing in communities.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-23T12:28:46.023","MeetingDate":"2013-03-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282904,"EventID":"S4W-13929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T11:03:01.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T10:57:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when its new tobacco control strategy will be published.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s new Tobacco Control Strategy, Creating a Tobacco-free Generation, is being published on 27 March 2013. The strategy sets out a five year plan for action across the key themes of health inequalities, prevention, protection and cessation. In addition, following a UK-wide consultation, the strategy also announces the Scottish Government’s support for the introduction of the standardised packaging of tobacco products.\r\nThe strategy will be available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/tobacco.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T11:03:02.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282927,"EventID":"S4W-13924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:51.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-25T14:35:22.333","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the Deputy First Minister’s reported assertion that welfare spending in Scotland will be reduced by £4.5 billion was calculated.","AnswerText":"The methodology applied to the examination of the reduction to the Scottish welfare bill over the five years to 2014-15 is set out in the report UK Government cuts to welfare expenditure in Scotland which is available at;\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0041/00417011.pdf. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:52.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282928,"EventID":"S4W-13925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:52.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-25T18:44:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many apprenticeships have been created in the Stirling constituency in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information centrally. I will ask the chief executive of Skills Development Scotland to write to you with the information requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:52.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282929,"EventID":"S4W-13926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:53.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T10:18:29.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the Scottish Public Finance Manual stating that “aggressive tax management in the public sector would be inconsistent with attempts to discourage tax avoidance and evasion in the private sector.  Public sector organisations should therefore, as a general rule, avoid tax management arrangements that have the primary objective of reducing tax liabilities”, what guidance it provides to public bodies considering offering contracts to companies that use tax avoidance schemes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2012 permits public bodies to exclude bidders who have a relevant criminal conviction or have failed to fulfil obligations relating to the payment of taxes.\r\nCompanies are asked to disclose this information when completing the Scottish Government’s standard Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (SPQQ) which is available for use across the public sector. If the bidding company has not fulfilled its tax obligations, it will be asked to demonstrate any remedial action taken and any information provided by the company may be taken into account by the public body when deciding whether to exclude that company from the bidding process. The SPQQ makes clear that failure to disclose the relevant information or serious misrepresentation in relation to the information disclosed will result in exclusion from the procurement process or the termination of any subsequent contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:53.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282930,"EventID":"S4W-13927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:53.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T10:18:29.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on companies benefiting from public contracts when they are subject to legal action regarding the use of tax avoidance schemes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2012 requires public bodies to exclude a company from bidding where it has been convicted of one of the criminal offences laid out in the Regulations. The Regulations also permit exclusion, where it is reasonable and proportionate to do so, if a company meets any of the specified criteria set out in the legislation. One such criterion is where a company has not fulfilled its obligations relating to the payment of taxes.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s standard Pre-Qualification Questionnaire requires companies bidding for public contracts to disclose if they have failed to comply with their statutory obligations relating to the payment of taxes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:53.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282931,"EventID":"S4W-13928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:53.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T10:51:35.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proposals were submitted for national development status in the National Planning Framework 3.","AnswerText":"The proposals will be published on the Scottish Government’s website, alongside the National Planning Framework 3 Main Issues Report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:53.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282932,"EventID":"S4W-13930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:54.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T11:17:49.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government from which countries it consulted regulators and governments in preparing its report, Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland, and whether it will publish any evidence received.\r\n","AnswerText":"We consulted regulators and governments in the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Australia. The evidence gathered from these consultations underpins the work of the published paper.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:54.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282933,"EventID":"S4W-13931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:54.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T11:17:49.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which UK regulators it consulted in preparing its report, Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland and whether it will publish any evidence received.\r\n","AnswerText":"We consulted Ofgem, Ofcom, the Office of the Rail Regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Office of Fair Trading and the Competition Commission. We also consulted the Scottish Regulator WICS. The evidence from these consultations underpins the work of the published paper.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:54.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282934,"EventID":"S4W-13932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:54.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T11:17:49.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which companies operating in Scotland and regulated by a UK-wide regulator it consulted in preparing its report, Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland, and whether it will publish any evidence received.\r\n","AnswerText":"We did not consult with individual companies. However, we met with representatives from the Federation of Small Businesses, and the Confederation of British Industry. Any evidence received underpinned the published paper.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:54.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282935,"EventID":"S4W-13933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:55.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T11:17:49.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which parcel delivery companies it consulted in preparing its report, Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland; what evidence it received, and what views were expressed about the ability of a separate Scottish regulator to reduce delivery charges in the Highland and Islands.\r\n","AnswerText":"Consultations with parcel delivery companies did not take place prior to the publication of the paper. However, work on combined economic regulation is on-going, and this will include engagement with key stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:55.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282936,"EventID":"S4W-13934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:55.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T11:17:49.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which countries it assessed for inclusion in Figure A2 of its report, Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland, and how it selected those that were published.\r\n","AnswerText":"A range of countries were considered for comparison in figure A2, based on population size and the country’s chosen model of economic and competition regulation. Full details are set out in Annex A of the report. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:55.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282937,"EventID":"S4W-13935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:55.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T11:17:49.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the (a) operating expenditure and (b) staff numbers of regulators in countries not included in Figure A2 of its report, Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"We gathered information on staffing numbers and operating expenditure for regulators in the countries we included in figure A2 of the report. We do not have this information for regulators in countries that were not included.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:55.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282938,"EventID":"S4W-13937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:55.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T11:17:49.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which \"regulatory experts across the UK\" it consulted in preparing its report, Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland, as noted on page 8 of the report.\r\n","AnswerText":"We consulted Ofgem, Ofcom, the Office of the Rail Regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Office of Fair Trading, the Competition Commission, and the Scottish Regulator WICS. We also consulted  Ewan Sutherland, a telecoms consultant, and Gordon Downie, head of Energy and Natural Resources at Shepherd and Wedderburn.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:55.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282939,"EventID":"S4W-13938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:56.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T11:17:49.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which regulatory contacts in (a) the Netherlands, (b) Australia and (c) New Zealand it consulted in preparing its report, Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland, as noted on page 8 of the report.\r\n","AnswerText":"We consulted with (a) The Netherlands Competition Authority (b) the New Zealand Commerce Commission and (c) the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:56.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282940,"EventID":"S4W-13939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:56.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T11:17:49.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in preparing its report, Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland, what discussions it had with the (a) Civil Aviation Authority and (b) New Zealand Commerce Commission.\r\n","AnswerText":"We spoke with the Civil Aviation Authority on 7 January 2013, and the New Zealand Commerce Comission on 22 January 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:56.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282941,"EventID":"S4W-13941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:56.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T11:17:49.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will conclude the further work on health and safety regulation discussed on page 10 of its report, Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will publish a range of material to inform the choice that the people of Scotland will make in September 2014, including a White Paper in the autumn of this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:56.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282942,"EventID":"S4W-13942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:57.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T11:17:49.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will conclude the further work to identify the best option for the function of competition appeals discussed on page 11 of its report, Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will publish a range of material to inform the choice that the people of Scotland will make in September 2014, including a White Paper in the autumn of this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:57.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282943,"EventID":"S4W-13943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:57.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T11:17:49.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the dialogue with the governments and regulators of Australia and New Zealand referred to on page 12 of its report, Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"The dialogue from these consultations underpins the work of the published paper.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:57.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282944,"EventID":"S4W-13944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:57.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T11:17:49.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in preparing its report, Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland, what discussions it had with the Chair Designate of the UK’s new Competition and Markets Authority on the issues of regulation.\r\n","AnswerText":"None.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:57.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282945,"EventID":"S4W-13945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:57.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T11:17:49.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown by regulator of the around 150 staff based in Scotland, referred to on page 17 of its report, Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is available from the relevant regulatory bodies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:57.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282946,"EventID":"S4W-13946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:58.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T11:17:49.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the timetable is for the further stages of the work on economic regulation and competition discussed on page 18 of its report, Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"Work on economic and competition regulation is ongoing, including continued engagement with key stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:58.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282947,"EventID":"S4W-13947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:58.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T11:17:49.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in preparing its report, Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland, with what countries it had discussions, as noted on page 18 of the report.\r\n","AnswerText":"We consulted The Netherlands, New Zealand, and Australia.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:58.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282948,"EventID":"S4W-13948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:58.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T11:17:49.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will set out the calculation referred to in the footnote on page 24 of its report, Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland, showing which numbers from Figure A2 were used.","AnswerText":"The calculation referred to in the footnote on page 24 draws from the figures on operating expenditure per head included in Figure A2 on page 20.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:58.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282949,"EventID":"S4W-13949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:59.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T11:17:49.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the figures used in its report, UK Government cuts to welfare expenditure in Scotland, have been reviewed and verified by the Expert Working Group on Welfare and Constitutional Reform.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Expert Working Group on Welfare operates independently of the Scottish Government, and in fulfilling its remit makes its own decisions about which aspects of the Scottish Government’s calculations it will comment on in its final report. It will report to Ministers in May.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:59.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282950,"EventID":"S4W-13950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:59.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T11:17:49.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the publication of the report, UK Government cuts to welfare expenditure in Scotland, whether the Expert Working Group on Welfare and Constitutional Reform will report earlier than planned.\r\n","AnswerText":"Nicola Sturgeon:I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13949 on 22 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:59.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282951,"EventID":"S4W-13951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:57:59.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T11:17:49.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Expert Working Group on Welfare and Constitutional Reform will use the figures published in the report, UK Government cuts to welfare expenditure in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13949 on 22 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:57:59.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282952,"EventID":"S4W-13952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T13:58:00.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T11:17:49.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will finalise its funding provision for recruitment incentives for young people.","AnswerText":"The funding provision for recruitment incentives for young people for 2013-2014 has been finalised as follows:\r\nYouth Employment Scotland - £25 million (SG £15 million, ESF £10 million)\r\nTargeted Employer Recruitment Incentive - £690,000\r\nCommonwealth Games Legacy Employer Recruitment Incentive - £750,000.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T13:58:00.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282966,"EventID":"S4W-13857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T17:03:23.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-20T09:09:37.163","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13438 by Keith Brown on 18 March 2013, where in the contract for the Dunoon-Gourock service the specification is set out regarding the requirement for vessels to be able to operate reliably in the weather conditions on the route.\r\n","AnswerText":"In my reply to question S4W-13438, I explained that each contract specifies the vessels to be deployed and contains detailed provisions for their maintenance and operation.\r\nIn the case of the contract between the Scottish Ministers and Argyll Ferries Ltd for the provision of the Gourock-Dunoon Ferry Service: \r\nPart 1, Section 2 (page 47-48) of the Schedule to the contract includes the specification of the vessels (the MV AliCat and MV Banrion Chonamara, \trenamed the MV Argyll Flyer).\r\nPart 2, Section 2 (page 51-52) of the Schedule to the contract sets out requirements regarding the vessels.\r\nPart 2, Section 5 (page 57) of the Schedule to the contract sets out \toperational undertakings applying to the contract which include maintenance and operation of the vessels.\r\nA copy of the contract can be found at;\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/water/ferries/subsidised/gourock-dunoon.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T17:03:23.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282967,"EventID":"S4W-13953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T17:03:23.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T12:31:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12627 by Kenny MacAskill on 26 February 2013, what the figure is for 15 to 17-year-old prisoners.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following answer was corrected on 23 September 2013\r\n I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“The Scottish Prison Service does not collect information on the amount of hours and the average amount of time 16 and 17 year olds spend on purposeful activity, however, we are taking steps to rectify this. We do not currently have any 15 year old children in custody.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T17:03:23.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282968,"EventID":"S4W-13954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T17:03:24.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T12:31:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12627 by Kenny MacAskill on 26 February 2013, what targets it (a) has set or (b) plans to introduce for prisoners (i) across the prison estate, (ii) in HMYOI Polmont and (iii) aged 15 to 17-years-old and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“In relation to targets, as I advised in response to question S4W-12628 on 26 February 2013, the delivery of purposeful activity in the Scottish Prison Service is currently monitored through a Key Performance Indicator (KPI). KPIs are performance measures set by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice in the SPS Delivery Plan. Targets are not set for these measures and performance is evaluated by comparing current performance against past performance, the general emphasis is towards continuous improvement, where that is possible or desirable, rather than specific targets.\r\nThe Organisational Review of the Scottish Prison Service that I commissioned in late 2012 will deliver its recommendations for the future form and function of the organisation during the summer of 2013. Recommendations will also be made for a revised performance management approach, including addressing the issues raised by way of the Justice Committee’s Inquiry into purposeful activity in prisons and towards re-focussing purposeful activity in our prisons and young offender institutions.\r\nAll answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T17:03:24.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282969,"EventID":"S4W-13955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T17:03:25.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:19:06.927","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it gives to (a) people and  (b) the families of people who have served a prison sentence and whose conviction is subsequently overturned.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities have a statutory duty under the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 to provide voluntary throughcare which consists of advice guidance and assistance to people who request such a service within 12 months of their release from custody, including those released following an appeal against conviction and/or sentence.\r\nFurther to this, the Miscarriage of Justice Organisation for Scotland, (MOJOS), has received Scottish Government funding under Section 10 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 since 1 April 2005. The funding for 2013-14 is £62,700.\r\nThe grant funds MOJOS to provide a one-stop service to assist clients and their families to gain access to benefits, housing, health services, and to provide access to counselling, reintegration and financial advice. Priority is given to supporting individuals who have had their case referred to the High Court by the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission; individuals released by the High Court following such a referral; and individuals coming from other UK jurisdictions in similar circumstances who intend to settle in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T17:03:25.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282970,"EventID":"S4W-13956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T17:03:25.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:19:34.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date the NHS National Confidential Alert Line will be operational.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Confidential Alert Line for NHSScotland staff has been operating as a Freephone service since 2 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T17:03:25.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282971,"EventID":"S4W-13957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T17:03:26.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:19:34.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that NHS staff are aware of the new NHS National Confidential Alert Line.","AnswerText":"NHS boards have been provided with posters and business cards marketing the National Confidential Alert Line. The intention is that every member of staff should receive a business card.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T17:03:26.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282972,"EventID":"S4W-13958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T17:03:26.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:19:34.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish details of the issues raised by people using the NHS National Confidential Alert Line in a way that ensures anonymity. \r\n","AnswerText":"We have no plans to publish details of the issues raised by people using the NHS National Confidential Alert Line.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T17:03:26.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282973,"EventID":"S4W-13959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T17:03:27.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:19:53.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to publish an analysis of the calls made to the NHS National Confidential Alert Line broken down by subject matter and, if so, whether this will include a breakdown of the (a) number of calls made to and (b) action taken by each NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have no plans to publish an analysis of the calls made to the NHS National Confidential Alert Line.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T17:03:27.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282974,"EventID":"S4W-13960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T17:03:27.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:19:53.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that no so-called gagging clauses are applied in agreements with NHS staff where these might impact on patient safety or the integrity of NHS systems.\r\n","AnswerText":"I wrote to NHS boards on 22 February 2013 reminding them that they should frequently review their behaviours and practices to ensure they have a culture which actively encourages and supports members of staff to raise concerns. I stressed that I expect them to ensure that confidentiality clauses and non-derogatory statement clauses are not used to suppress the reporting of concerns about practice in the NHS in Scotland.\r\nThe Central Legal Office has recently carried out a review of the confidentiality clause and has developed a revised draft which explicitly makes clear that an individual's right to make “protected disclosures” is protected. The revised clause is currently being finalised and will be compulsory for use across all NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T17:03:27.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282975,"EventID":"S4W-13966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T17:03:27.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:34:02.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will update its guidance on setting local speed limits in Scotland, in light of the publication of Department for Transport Circular 01/2013, Setting Local Speed Limits.","AnswerText":"In its recent Circular 01/2013, the Department for Transport encouraged Traffic Authorities to “...consider the introduction of more 20mph limits and zones, over time.”\r\nPublished in 2009, Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020 already includes a commitment to “..encourage local authorities to consider 20mph zones in all residential areas”; and Transport Scotland has been working with the City of Edinburgh Council to pilot such a zone without the inclusion of physical, traffic calming measures. \r\nThe introduction of 20mph speed limits and zones will generally be a matter for local authorities in their management of the local roads network. Once the Edinburgh pilot reports, we will share any emerging good practice with all Road Authorities in Scotland. However, we have no plans at present to update the previous Scottish Executive Circular ETLLD 1/2006.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T17:03:27.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282976,"EventID":"S4W-13967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T17:03:28.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:34:02.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the guidance in Department for Transport Circular 01/2013, Setting Local Speed Limits that for “residential streets and other town and city streets with high pedestrian and cyclist movement, local traffic authorities should consider the use of 20 mph schemes”.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13966 on 19 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T17:03:28.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282977,"EventID":"S4W-13968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T17:03:28.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:34:02.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on making greater use of 20 mph speed limits without requiring the use of traffic calming.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13966 on 19 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T17:03:28.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282978,"EventID":"S4W-13969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T17:03:28.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:58:09.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to introduce the attenuated live nasal influenza vaccine for children.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have considered and accepted the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to extend the influenza vaccination programme to include children aged between two and 17 years. The vaccination of children with the attenuated live nasal influenza vaccine will be partially introduced from autumn 2013 and will be fully rolled out by the end of 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T17:03:28.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282979,"EventID":"S4W-13970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T17:03:29.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:58:44.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) benefits and (b) risks are of introducing the attenuated live nasal influenza vaccine for children.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) carried out a comprehensive review of the evidence associated with the introduction of the attenuated live nasal vaccine, Fluenz. This review considered the health burden of flu on the population, the impact and cost effectiveness, the efficacy and safety of the vaccine and public attitudes.\r\nThe biggest benefit will be protecting very young infants, older people and those in at risk groups such as those with asthma, multiple sclerosis or heart disease. Even with a moderate vaccination uptake there could be around a 40 per cent drop in the number of people affected. That would mean at least 11,000 fewer hospitalisations as a result of flu and around 2,000 fewer deaths a year. Fluenz has been available for around a decade in America and has an excellent safety profile. As with all medicines, the safety of the flu vaccine will be monitored by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), a government agency responsible for ensuring that medicines and medical devices work are acceptably safe.\r\nThe Scottish Government recognises that vaccinations, as with all medicines, may carry a risk of side-effects. However, these side-effects are generally uncommon and are out-weighed by the very real benefits to the vast majority of people vaccinated. The flu vaccine contains live, but weakened, forms of flu virus which do not cause flu in those vaccinated. The most common side effect of vaccination is a runny nose for a short time.\r\nThere are around 860,000 children in Scotland in this age group and most will be offered Fluenz. However, it is not suitable for a small number of children who have certain conditions (such as conditions that can weaken their immune system or having a severe egg allergy). These children will be offered alternative flu vaccines.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T17:03:29.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282980,"EventID":"S4W-13971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T17:03:29.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:58:44.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many neural tube abnormalities would be prevented by the introduction of mandatory folic acid in bread or flour, as recommended by the Food Standards Agency in Scotland.","AnswerText":"It has been estimated that there are between 700 and 900 pregnancies affected by neural tube defects (NTD) each year in the UK. Modelling work by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) showed that, across the UK, between 77 and 162 NTD-affected pregnancies could be prevented annually if mandatory fortification of flour were to be introduced at a level of 300µg of folic acid per 100g flour (excluding wholemeal). These estimates assume that no other foods are fortified voluntarily. SACN’s full report “Folate and Disease Prevention” is available online at:\r\nhttp://www.sacn.gov.uk/pdfs/folate_and_disease_prevention_report.pdf.\r\nThe Scottish Government is considering the mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid with the other UK administrations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T17:03:29.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282981,"EventID":"S4W-13972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T17:03:29.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:58:44.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will review the use of industrial trans fats in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government continues to keep the use of industrial trans fatty acids in Scotland under review, using the latest evidence to inform policy.\r\nThe most recent National Diet and Nutrition Survey shows that consumption of total trans fatty acids is considerably below the maximum level of 2.0% of food energy recommended by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition for all age groups and is currently estimated to be, on average, 0.8%.\r\nWith low income consumers in mind, the Food Standards Agency in Scotland (FSAS) is currently investigating whether takeaway foods, purchased in the most deprived areas of Glasgow, contain high levels of trans fatty acids. The survey report is currently under peer review and will be published later this Spring.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T17:03:29.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282982,"EventID":"S4W-13973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T17:03:30.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:58:44.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has ensured that school meals contain no industrial trans fats.","AnswerText":"The Nutritional Requirements for Food and Drink in Schools (Scotland) Regulations 2008 set strict food and nutrient standards for the provision of school food that, as far as possible, mitigates against the presence of industrially produced trans fatty acids  in school meals and food served throughout the school day.\r\nThe regulations specify strict criteria and limits in relation to the inclusion of processed foods, including products that are deep fried in the manufacturing process.\r\nThe regulations specify that only oils and fat spreads high in polyunsaturated and/or monounsaturated fats can be used in food preparation. Such oils and fats are low in trans fatty acids.\r\nThe Scottish Government continues to keep the use of industrial trans fatty acids in Scotland under review, using the latest evidence to inform policy decisions. The member may wish to refer to the answer to question S4W-13972 on 18 April 2013 for further information on this issue.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T17:03:30.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282983,"EventID":"S4W-13974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-26T17:03:30.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:58:56.52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what account is taken of the presence on-site of a NHS hospice when collating (a) predicted and (b) actual hospital standardised mortality ratio data.\r\n","AnswerText":"On site hospice or palliative care is not adjusted for in the Hospital Standardised Mortality Rate (HSMR) model. The presence of patients admitted for palliative care is accounted for to a limited extent by the categorisation of diagnostic codes used in the HSMR methodology.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-24T17:03:30.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282997,"EventID":"S4W-13975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T14:06:38.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:59:24.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government with which (a) hospitals and (b) NHS boards it has had discussions in the last two years about hospital standardised mortality ratio data and what the outcomes were.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government commissions Healthcare Improvement Scotland and the Information Services Division to review Hospital Standardised Mortality Ratio data on its behalf, to provide feedback on their findings, and to escalate to the Scottish Government any matters of concern. \r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13099 on 12 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T14:06:38.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282998,"EventID":"S4W-13976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T14:06:38.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:59:24.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government with which (a) NHS boards and (b) hospitals it has had discussions in the last two years on the levels of readmissions and what the outcomes were.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has only been in regular contact with NHS Highland regarding high levels of surgical and medical readmissions reported by the board’s Belford Hospital site over the last 2 years.\r\nThe board’s re-admission rates were being artificially inflated by day attenders, returning to Belford Hospital’s Combined Assessment Unit (CAU) for review within 28 days. This increase was attributed to the Board’s coding processes around readmissions, as internal audits of CAU performance did not highlight an increase in the genuine rate of re-admissions.\r\nThe Scottish Government has been working with the board and Information Services Division (ISD) to improve the accuracy of coding processes around readmissions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T14:06:38.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":282999,"EventID":"S4W-13977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T14:06:39.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:59:24.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what basis doctors in training at levels ST (a) 1 to 6, (b) 7 and (c) 8 are distributed between NHS boards and whether this takes into account the number of doctors in Foundation Years 1 and 2.\r\n","AnswerText":"Doctors in training at levels ST (a) 1 to 6, (b) 7 and (c) 8 are broadly distributed amongst NHS Boards on the basis of population in the 4 NES Deaneries. The current allocation of trainees across the 4 Deaneries is roughly in the proportions of 50% West, 25% South East, 15% North and 10% East. The distribution does not take into account the number of doctors in Foundation Years 1 and 2.\r\nThis overall pattern of distribution of trainees will vary within different specialties, and at different stages and levels of training, reflecting the distribution of training opportunities, and the varying time taken by trainees to complete training.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T14:06:39.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283000,"EventID":"S4W-13978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T14:06:39.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:59:44.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) outpatients and (b) inpatients have been removed from waiting lists using waiting times code (i) 20, (ii) 21, (iii) 37, (iv) 38, (v) 40, (vi) 41 and (vii) 42 in (A) March, (B) June and (C) December in each year since 2008, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have arranged for the information requested to be placed with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number: 54884).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T14:06:39.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283001,"EventID":"S4W-13980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T14:06:39.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T08:44:11.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the duration is of the contract with (a) Lloyds Banking Group and (b) RBS Group for the provision of ferries used on the Stornoway and Northlink routes respectively and whether it will publish the contracts on its website.","AnswerText":"The tripartite agreement between Scottish Ministers, RBS and Serco for the ropax ferries used on the Northern Isles ferry services was signed in 2012 and ends in 2018.\r\nThe new vessel to be used on the Ullapool – Stornoway service will involve an agreement between Scottish Ministers, Lloyds Banking Group, CMAL and the ferry operator. This agreement will run for eight years from vessel delivery, which is expected in 2014.\r\nDue to the commercially sensitive nature of these multi-party agreements and the interest of the other parties involved, we have no plans to publish these documents on the Scottish Government website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T14:06:39.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283002,"EventID":"S4W-13981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T14:06:40.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T09:57:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what systems are in place to monitor the private health sector to ensure that operations in private hospitals are carried out (a) safely and (b) to a high standard.","AnswerText":"The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate is currently undertaking a series of inspections of private healthcare providers and this includes private hospitals who undertake surgical procedures. Independent Healthcare providers are inspected against a number of quality themes and this includes the quality of care and support and how the service provider meets the needs of the individual in its care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T14:06:40.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283003,"EventID":"S4W-13982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T14:06:40.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T10:10:20.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hectares of land there are at its farm at Knocknagael and to what agricultural use the land is put.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government Stud Farm Knocknagael (which includes Balrobert) is 259.55Ha, used for arable cropping, production of winter fodder and grazing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T14:06:40.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283004,"EventID":"S4W-13983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T14:06:41.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T10:10:20.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hectares of its farm at Knocknagael it plans to dispose of; for what reason, and to what agricultural use the remaining land will be put.","AnswerText":"As part of the modernisation of the Stud Farm, 20.3ha (50.15acres) of agricultural land has been identified as surplus to requirements of the modernised Scottish Government Stud Farm Knocknagael. Although this land is currently being used for agriculture production, this production is not necessary to support the running of the improved facility.\r\nIn order to derive best value to the taxpayer, it is Government policy that surplus assets should be identified and released subject to value for money requirements in order to generate capital receipts. This surplus land has been identified as suitable for housing and green space, particularly so given the surrounding land uses and the topography of the area.\r\nThe remaining land at the Scottish Government Stud Farm Knocknagael will continue to support the facility through arable cropping, production of winter fodder and grazing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T14:06:41.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283005,"EventID":"S4W-13984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T14:06:41.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T10:10:20.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people it has employed at its farm at Knocknagael; how many dwelling houses there have been at the farm; how many dwelling houses it owned at the farm; how many dwelling houses have been owned and occupied by its employees, and what the nature of the occupancy was, in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are unable to provide information relating to staff or information relating to the occupation of dwelling houses at Knocknagael and Balrobert. Due to the sensitive nature of the information involved it may be possible to identify individuals, even if the information were grouped by directorate/division, because of the very small numbers. This detail is therefore withheld under paragraph 38 1 (b) (personal information) of the Freedom of Information Scotland Act.\r\nThere were seven dwellings at Knocknagael and two at Balrobert. One of the dwellings was a small bothy and is now used as a workshop for one of the dwelling houses, another dwelling has been sold to an individual. The remaining cottages and the farmhouse are owned by Scottish Ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T14:06:41.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283006,"EventID":"S4W-13985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T14:06:41.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T10:10:20.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hectares were there at its farm at Beechwood in Inverness and to what agricultural use the land was put.\r\n","AnswerText":"The total area of Beechwood was 86.773 ha or thereby. 83.57has of this was in agricultural use, utilised for arable cropping, winter fodder production and grazing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T14:06:41.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283007,"EventID":"S4W-13986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T14:06:42.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T10:10:20.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hectares of its farm at Beechwood in Inverness it has disposed of.\r\n","AnswerText":"All of the land was sold (86.773ha or thereby) in 2008-2009.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T14:06:42.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283008,"EventID":"S4W-13987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T14:06:42.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T10:10:20.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people it has employed at its farm at Beechwood in Inverness; how many dwelling houses there have been at the farm; how many dwelling houses it owned at the farm; how many dwelling houses have been owned and occupied by its employees, and what the nature of the occupancy was, in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"We are unable to provide information relating to staff or their occupation of dwelling houses at Beechwood. Due to the sensitive nature of the information involved it may be possible to identify individuals, even if the information was grouped by directorate/division, because of the very small numbers. This detail is therefore withheld under paragraph 38 1 (b) (personal information) of the Freedom of Information Scotland Act.\r\nThere were six dwelling houses at the Beechwood farm. By 2006, two cottages had been converted into one house and this house and another cottage had been sold to individuals. The remaining two cottages and the farmhouse were owned by Scottish Ministers and these were sold to HIE in 2008-2009. Following the sale, the Scottish Government retained the use of one of the cottages until September 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T14:06:42.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283009,"EventID":"S4W-13988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T14:06:42.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T10:10:20.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many employees at its farm at (a) Beechwood and (b) Knocknagael have (i) retired, (ii)  resigned or (iii) been made redundant in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Due to the sensitive nature of the information involved it may be possible to identify individuals, even if the information were grouping by directorate/division, because of the very small numbers. The information is therefore withheld under paragraph 38 1 (b) (personal information) of the Freedom of Information Scotland Act.\r\nWe can confirm that the Scottish Government have a no compulsory redundancy policy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T14:06:42.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283010,"EventID":"S4W-13989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T14:06:43.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T11:10:37.93","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what representations it plans to make to the (a) European Commission and (b) UK Government regarding structural funds for the Highlands and Islands in 2014-20.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has been working with the UK Government, European Commission and Scottish stakeholders for over a year on determining how structural funds should best be spent to have a real and lasting impact on the development of Scotland's regions. Over the next six months, we will be working directly with both UK Government and the Commission in finalising and getting sign off for these plans, ensuring that we can start investments throughout Scotland as early as possible.\r\nThe Scottish Government has been successful, in negotiations with the UK government, in securing a fair allocation of structural funds for Scotland. The 5% reduction in funding announced on 26 March is in stark contrast to the more than 30% reduction which was previously signalled by the UK Government.\r\nThis settlement is particularly beneficial for the Highlands and Islands, a region which is still developing its economy and which as a result has been accorded transition status for the 2014-20. The ability to very nearly maintain current levels of spending will mean we can keep supporting substantial investments in the Highlands and Islands aimed at bringing growth and jobs to the region.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T14:06:43.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283020,"EventID":"S4W-13913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T16:57:44.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-25T11:42:37.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the pollution of the Inverinian Burn and the River Lyon arising from construction of the Inverinian Hydro Scheme, what discussions it has had with (a) local planning authorities, (b) the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and (c) Scottish Natural Heritage to ensure that planning and energy consents are issued, monitored and enforced to prevent similar incidents arising.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government liaises closely with planning authorities and holds regular discussions with key agencies including SNH and SEPA on policy, practice and regulatory functions in relation to the environmental impacts of development.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T16:57:45.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283021,"EventID":"S4W-13914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T16:57:46.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-25T11:42:37.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the conditions attached to the planning consent for the Inverinian Hydro Scheme were adequate to protect the natural environment and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"It is a matter for the planning authority to ensure that planning conditions are adequate. Conditions should meet the six tests set out in Circular 4/1998 on the Use of Planning Conditions in Planning Permissions, in that they are necessary, relevant to planning, relevant to the development to be permitted, enforceable, precise, and reasonable in all other respects.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T16:57:46.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283022,"EventID":"S4W-13915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T16:57:46.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-25T11:42:37.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the environmental and habitats regulations assessments carried out for the purpose of assisting the consent process for the Inverinian Hydro Scheme were carried out appropriately and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is a matter for the planning authority to satisfy themselves that all assessments have been undertaken appropriately and in accordance with all relevant legislation, taking into account advice from the statutory consultation bodies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T16:57:46.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283023,"EventID":"S4W-13920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T16:57:47.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-25T14:14:22.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what remediation works, required by the habitats regulations assessment, will be carried out as a result of the pollution of the Inverinian Burn and the River Lyon that arose from the construction of the Inverinian Hydro Scheme.","AnswerText":"Remediation has not been pursued as it would not have been practical and possibly even detrimental to attempt to remove silt from freshwater pearl mussel beds.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T16:57:47.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283024,"EventID":"S4W-13921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T16:57:47.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-25T14:14:22.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the cost of any remediation works required as result of the pollution of the Inverinian Burn and the River Lyon arising from construction of the Inverinian Hydro Scheme is recovered from those responsible for the pollution.\r\n","AnswerText":"The recovery of the costs of remediation from those responsible was a matter for SEPA in consultation with SNH. In the event, remediation has not been pursued as it would not have been practical and possibly even detrimental to attempt to remove silt from freshwater pearl mussel beds. Consequently there are no costs to bear.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T16:57:47.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283025,"EventID":"S4W-13922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T16:57:48.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-25T14:14:22.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether it will be possible to prevent a similar incident arising to that which caused the pollution of the Inverinian Burn and the River Lyon during the construction of the Inverinian Hydro Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Preventative measures are set out in A Guide to Hydro Power Construction Good Practice http://www.scottishrenewables.com/publications/hydro-construction-guide-good-practice/: a joint publication by Scottish Renewables, SEPA, SNH and the Scottish Government. The Guide also outlines the need for planning permission and water environment Controlled Activities Regulations (CAR) authorisations for hydropower schemes and signposts businesses to pollution prevention guidelines relevant to construction.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T16:57:48.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283026,"EventID":"S4W-13923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T16:57:48.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-25T14:14:22.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the pollution of the Inverinian Burn and the River Lyon arising from construction of the Inverinian Hydro Scheme and the destruction of protected freshwater pearl mussels, what it is doing to protect such colonies.","AnswerText":"Freshwater pearl mussels are listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and, as such, are fully protected in Scotland. From 1998, it has been an offence to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure, take or disturb freshwater pearl mussels or to damage their habitat; to possess mussels or pearls collected since 1998; or to sell, or advertise for sale, freshwater pearl mussels or their pearls unless done under licence from the Scottish Government.\r\nFreshwater pearl mussels are also a priority species for the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime. Scottish Police wildlife crime officers and officers attached to the National Wildlife Crime Unit have been working with fishery bailiffs and others involved with rivers that hold the species to raise awareness of the need to protect the mussels from theft and damage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T16:57:48.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283027,"EventID":"S4W-13990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T16:57:49.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T13:22:07.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has asked the researchers at the University of Sheffield what the reason is for a 1% reduction in alcohol consumption resulting from the ban on alcohol discounting rather than the 3.8% that they predicted and what implications this has for the expected reduction following the introduction of a minimum unit price.\r\n","AnswerText":"The most recent update of the University of Sheffield alcohol pricing model was published in January 2012 and can be accessed at: http://www.shef.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.156503!/file/scotlandjan.pdf. This estimated that a total ban on off-trade discounting would result in a decrease in overall consumption of 3%. A total ban is assumed to prohibit all forms of price-based promotion, including straight discounting from list price in addition to quantity discounts.\r\nThe ban implemented in the Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Act 2010 relates to a quantity discount ban only. Due to unavailability of data, it is not possible for the University of Sheffield to estimate the impact on consumption of the quantity discount ban alone. \r\nThe question does not state the source for the 1% figure quoted, however it is possible that this is taken from A Preliminary descriptive analysis of the impact of the quantity discount ban on off-trade alcohol sales in Scotland, published by NHS Health Scotland in June 2012: http://www.healthscotland.com/documents/5923.aspx. In this report 1% is the difference in the fall in sales between Scotland and England & Wales in the 33 weeks following the implementation of the ban. However, the report does not attribute the 1% to be the overall impact of the ban. The authors conclude that a longer time series of data and more detailed analyses are required to provide a robust evaluation of the quantity discount ban’s specific impact on alcohol sales in Scotland.\r\nNHS Health Scotland is due to publish this detailed analysis in the coming months. It should be noted however, that as the Sheffield model estimates the impact of a total discount ban while Health Scotland look at the impact of the discount ban, direct comparisons between estimates remain invalid.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T16:57:49.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283028,"EventID":"S4W-13991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T16:57:49.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T13:29:34.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that prisoners serving sentences of (a) five months or fewer, (b) six to 11 months, (c) one to two years and (d) more than two years retain any GP registration that they have at their home address.\r\n","AnswerText":"All prisoners with sentences of five months or fewer retain any registration they hold with their community General Practice and are registered as temporary residents with the prison healthcare centre.\r\n\r\nAll prisoners with a sentence of six months or more are registered permanently with the prison health centre and de-registered from their community General Practice. This allows the prisoner’s clinical record to flow in and out of the community as well as the prison estate providing continuity of healthcare, access to any emergency care summary and reduces clinical risk to the prisoner by maintaining a complete, accurate and up to date record of the prisoner’s health. Upon release prisoners are required to re-register with their community General Practice.\r\n\r\nThe process of re-registration is encouraged and assisted by prison healthcare staff and others involved in the prisoner’s liberation and through care planning. Guidance has been issued by Practitioner Services Division, National Services Scotland to General Practices on the re-registration of liberated prisoners.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T16:57:49.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283029,"EventID":"S4W-13992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T16:57:50.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T14:11:58.763","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what it is doing to make (a) chamber and (b) committee business (i) in and (ii) outside of Parliament more accessible.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) is aware of its responsibility to ensure that the Parliament is accessible and that provision is put in place to enable everyone to engage in committee and chamber business. To meet this commitment both chamber and committee business is made accessible to people who attend parliamentary business and to those who wish to view business outside of the Parliament. \r\n \r\nFor people who are interested in attending chamber or committee business, the SPCB makes information available about making a visit to the building on the Parliament website, for example it provides detail on how to get to the building; the physical layout of the building; how to book tickets to observe chamber or committee meetings; and the type of facilities available. A wide range of information leaflets can be downloaded from the Parliament website and are also available in other languages and alternative formats including audio and BSL. In addition, the SPCB has produced an accessibility guide to assist disabled people with their visit to the Parliament. Disabled visitors are encouraged to advise staff of any additional assistance they might require when they wish to attend a meeting of the Parliament. There are also procedures in place to ensure that staff check whether there are any additional requirements so that provision can be made in advance of their visit to the Parliament.\r\n \r\nPeople who wish to attend chamber business can watch from the gallery of the chamber. The gallery is accessible to everyone with seating for wheelchairs users; an induction loop and infra red system for people who are hard of hearing; and TV screens for people who find it difficult to view the chamber from the gallery. Headsets and receivers are available from the front desk which enhances the level of sound when listening to proceedings and if someone prefers not to attend the gallery, there is the option to watch the proceedings from the main hall. Where business is specifically relevant to for example deaf people, provision is made by way of BSL interpreters.\r\n \r\nSimilarly, provision is made available for the committee rooms which have loop systems and TV screens and additional communication support can be provided where it is required. \r\n \r\nFor anyone who wishes to engage with chamber and committee business outside of the Parliament, the SPCB films and webcasts all chamber and committee business which is archived on the website, allowing viewers to watch and listen to past meetings for a month online. Since 2012 all videos are available on the Parliament’s You Tube channel which allows viewers to subscribe and re-use the videos sharing them on other websites and social media channels. A daily business video round up of Parliament proceedings is produced on Parliament business days and a range of promotional videos are made throughout the year which provide viewers with information about the Parliament and its work. \r\n \r\nThe SPCB makes available information about current, forthcoming and previous chamber and committee business on the Parliament’s website. This includes access to all key publications and reports from 1999 onwards. Each committee has a dedicated set of webpages which includes details of all current and previous business, and published reports. To enhance the accessibility of this information the home page is updated daily with news and details of forthcoming business, with links to more detailed information.\r\n \r\nWhen a committee meets formally outside Parliament, accessibility is one of the most important features in deciding the choice of venue for the meeting. The venue must be suitable for wheelchair access to both the building and the room where the meeting is taking place, and there should be the availability of an induction loop, suitable lighting and accessible toilets. As with meetings held in the Parliament, the same procedures are applied when booking tickets for the meeting to check whether any access r","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T16:57:50.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283030,"EventID":"S4W-13993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T16:57:50.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T14:21:36.413","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has carried out a comparative analysis of current energy provision and energy provision in an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"We do not expect either Scotland’s energy needs or their provision to be affected in the event of a vote for independence. We intend that a single Great Britain market for energy will remain in place, and that this is an outcome which will best serve mutual interests across the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T16:57:50.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283031,"EventID":"S4W-13994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T16:57:50.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T14:21:36.413","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of energy provision will come from renewables in 2014-15.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not made any forecast of this kind. However, we remain firmly on course to meet our renewable energy targets. Electricity generation from renewables in Scotland was at a record high in 2012, providing an estimated 38.7% of gross annual electricity demand. We are also making good progress towards our renewable heat target, with 3.8% of heat demand in Scotland coming from renewables in 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T16:57:50.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283032,"EventID":"S4W-13995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T16:57:51.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T14:21:36.413","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has made a forecast of how much renewable energy England would purchase from an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"The amount of renewable energy purchased from Scottish generators in the event of a vote for independence will, as now, be determined by a regulated market which is aimed at ensuring secure and sustainable supplies of power at an affordable cost to consumers. There is no question that renewable energy generated in Scotland will continue to prove vital in meeting renewable obligations across the UK. By way of example, Scottish generators in 2011-12 produced almost four times as many Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) than would have been required to meet the size of the supplier obligations in Scotland. The majority of these Scottish ROCs will have been used to comply with the renewables obligation covering England and Wales.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T16:57:51.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283033,"EventID":"S4W-13996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T16:57:51.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T14:21:36.413","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the expected energy output is of tidal turbines in the next five years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not set electricity targets in terms of the output of specific technologies. We expect and want a wide range of renewable technologies to be developed to ensure we have a balanced electricity mix.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T16:57:51.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283034,"EventID":"S4W-13997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T16:57:51.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T14:21:36.413","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland would be a net importer of energy, and, if so, what form of energy.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland has long been a net exporter of electricity, with net exports of between 14% and 26% of total generation in each year from 2000 to 2011. We would expect this to remain the case in the event of a vote for independence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T16:57:51.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283035,"EventID":"S4W-13998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T16:57:51.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T14:21:36.413","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that having more than 15 to 20% of energy supplied to the national grid from wind farms would create instability in the system.","AnswerText":"Evidence provided by National Grid to the recent Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee inquiry into the Scottish Government’s renewable energy targets suggests that higher levels of penetration will not present an insurmountable challenge to grid system operation.\r\nThis view is consistent with the findings a review by the UK Energy Research Centre of over 200 studies into the impacts of renewables generation on the electricity network, available online at: \r\nhttp://www.ukerc.ac.uk/Downloads/PDF/06/0604Intermittency/0604IntermittencyReport.pdf \r\nIn addition, we consider that advances in grid technology and management techniques, together with increased interconnection and developments in energy storage will allow for greater levels of generation from wind and other sources of renewable energy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T16:57:51.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283036,"EventID":"S4W-13999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T16:57:52.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T14:21:36.413","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland would need to import energy from England and, if so, what form of energy.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland has long been a net exporter of electricity, with net exports of between 14% and 26% of total generation in each year from 2000 to 2011. We would expect this to remain the case in the event of a vote for independence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T16:57:52.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283037,"EventID":"S4W-14000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-27T16:57:52.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T14:21:36.413","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the efficacy of renewable energy and what contingency plans it has in case of a shortfall in energy from renewables.","AnswerText":"Renewable energy now provides more than a third of Scotland’s gross annual electricity demand. Our draft Electricity Generation Policy Statement sets out our approach to deliver the equivalent of at least 100% of gross electricity consumption from renewables by 2020 as part of a wider, balanced electricity mix incorporating a minimum of 2.5 GW of thermal generation progressively fitted with Carbon Capture and Storage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-25T16:57:52.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283038,"EventID":"S4W-14004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T14:12:05.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T15:46:18.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many visitors there have been to (a) Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, (b) Pentland Hills Regional Park, (c) Edinburgh Castle, (d) the National Museum of Scotland, (e) the National Gallery of Scotland, (f) Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and (g) the Burrell Collection in each year since 1999 and (i) Cairngorms National Park and (ii) Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park in each year since 2002.\r\n","AnswerText":"The visitor figures for the following organisations - Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park; Edinburgh Castle; National Museum of Scotland; National Gallery of Scotland; Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Burrell Collection, for the years requested, can be found in the following table:\r\nOrganisation\r\n1999-2000\r\n2000-2001\r\n2001-2002\r\n2002-2003\r\nClyde Muirshiel Regional Park\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1,332,250\r\nEdinburgh Castle\r\n1,209,962\r\n1,203,203\r\n1,126,680\r\n1,148,139\r\nNational Museum of Scotland\r\n854,300\r\n1,111,426\r\n1,252,167\r\n1,333,621\r\nNational Galleries of Scotland\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nScottish National Gallery (incorporating RSA)\r\n454,643\r\n443,834\r\n480,008\r\n368,754\r\nScottish National Portrait Gallery*\r\n177,920\r\n179,904\r\n180,306\r\n186,548\r\nScottish National Gallery of Modern Art (1 and 2)\r\n346,124\r\n443,836\r\n269,430\r\n300,779\r\nKelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum**\r\n1,051,050\r\n1,003,169\r\n1,031,138\r\n955,671\r\nBurrell Collection\r\n285,089\r\n294,434\r\n323,279\r\n236,609\r\n\r\nOrganisation\r\n2003-2004\r\n2004-2005\r\n2005-2006\r\n2006-2007\r\nClyde Muirshiel Regional Park\r\n1,500,000\r\n1,500,000\r\n1,500,000\r\n1,500,000\r\nEdinburgh Castle\r\n1,131,880\r\n1,226,311\r\n1,176,159\r\n1,213,571\r\nNational Museum of Scotland\r\n1,298,733\r\n1,455,814\r\n1,586,906\r\n1,421,903\r\nNational Galleries of Scotland\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nScottish National Gallery (incorporating RSA)\r\n692,090\r\n768,322\r\n755,304\r\n938,168\r\nScottish National Portrait Gallery*\r\n163,407\r\n169,065\r\n172,357\r\n196,310\r\nScottish National Gallery of Modern Art (1 and 2)\r\n315,370\r\n301,756\r\n363,232\r\n342,893\r\nKelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum**\r\n370,428\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1,867,192\r\nBurrell Collection\r\n217,084\r\n310,276\r\n228,007\r\n203,903\r\n\r\nOrganisation\r\n2007-2008\r\n2008-2009\r\n2009-2010\r\n2010-2011\r\nClyde Muirshiel Regional Park\r\n1,500,000\r\n1,400,000\r\n1,450,000\r\n1,500,000\r\nEdinburgh Castle\r\n1,249,326\r\n1,119,752\r\n1,196,608\r\n1,197,941\r\nNational Museum of Scotland\r\n1,471,079\r\n1,154,386\r\n1,264,994\r\n1,318,147\r\nNational Galleries of Scotland\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nScottish National Gallery (incorporating RSA)\r\n947,242\r\n836,527\r\n913,314\r\n979,012\r\nScottish National Portrait Gallery*\r\n216,187\r\n219,111\r\n17,139\r\n0\r\nScottish National Gallery of Modern Art (1 and 2)\r\n305,430\r\n295,506\r\n290,751\r\n296,416\r\nKelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum**\r\n2,232,475\r\n1,445,098\r\n1,368,096\r\n1,070,521\r\nBurrell Collection\r\n192,551\r\n202,750\r\n203,153\r\n187,756\r\n\r\nOrganisation\r\n2011-2012\r\n2012-2013\r\nClyde Muirshiel Regional Park\r\n1,500,000\r\n1,500,000\r\nEdinburgh Castle\r\n1,314,975\r\n1,240,940\r\nNational Museum of Scotland\r\n2,478,406\r\n2,471,762\r\nNational Galleries of Scotland\r\n \r\n \r\nScottish National Gallery (incorporating RSA)\r\n897,014\r\n804,914\r\nScottish National Portrait Gallery*\r\n164,757\r\n214,959\r\nScottish National Gallery of Modern Art (1 and 2)\r\n315,292\r\n233,672\r\nKelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum**\r\n981,787\r\n1,037,594\r\nBurrell Collection\r\n192,762\r\n182,983\r\nNotes:\r\n*SNPG closed for refurbishment April 2009 - November 2011\r\n**Kelvingrove closed for refurbishment 2003 - July 2006.\r\nPentland Hills Regional Park\r\nRather than annual visitor numbers, The Park have numbers from periodic visitor surveys, the most recent of which dates back to 2006. Previous surveys were carried out in 1999 and 1993. The results of the 2006 survey estimated between 470,000 and 570,000 visitors annually.\r\nCairngorms National Park\r\nThe park estimates that they have had 14.53 million visitors over the period 2003-2013.\r\nLoch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park\r\nThe Park estimate that they receive 4 million visitors per annum, which would equate to 40 million visitors over the 10 years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T14:12:06.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283039,"EventID":"S4W-14005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T14:12:06.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T15:46:18.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has invested in (a) Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, (b) Pentland Hills Regional Park, (c) Edinburgh Castle, (d) the National Museum of Scotland, (e) the National Gallery of Scotland, (f) Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and (g) the Burrell Collection in each year since 1999 and (i) Cairngorms National Park and (ii) Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park in each year since 2002.\r\n","AnswerText":"The level of investment in the following organisations – Edinburgh Castle; National Museum of Scotland; National Galleries of Scotland and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, for the years requested, can be found in the following table:\r\nOrganisation\r\n2000-2001\r\n2001-2002\r\n2002-2003\r\n2003-2004\r\n2004-2005\r\nEdinburgh Castle*\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCapital\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n£273,034\r\nMaintenance\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n£643,041\r\nNational Museum of Scotland\r\n£13,300,000\r\n£16,100,000\r\n£16,600,000\r\n£18,100,000\r\n£21,000,000\r\nNational Galleries of Scotland\r\n£11,600,000\r\n£18,200,000\r\n£15,300,000\r\n£11,900,000\r\n£18,100,000\r\nKelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum\r\n \r\n \r\n£3,000,000\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nOrganisation\r\n2005-2006\r\n2006-2007\r\n2007-2008\r\n2008-2009\r\n2009-2010\r\nEdinburgh Castle*\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCapital\r\n£322,358\r\n£844,556\r\n£1,841,279\r\n£446,914\r\n£60,177\r\nMaintenance\r\n£593,689\r\n£602,029\r\n£485,083\r\n£523,918\r\n£489,379\r\nNational Museum of Scotland\r\n£24,000,000\r\n£23,800,000\r\n£24,700,000\r\n£26,800,000\r\n£26,500,000\r\nNational Galleries of Scotland\r\n£12,100,000\r\n£12,400,000\r\n£12,700,000\r\n£21,000,000\r\n£21,000,000\r\nKelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nOrganisation\r\n2010-2011\r\n2011-2012\r\n2012-2013\r\nEdinburgh Castle*\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCapital\r\n£108,719\r\n£253,364\r\n£119,005\r\nMaintenance\r\n£419,646\r\n£530,827\r\n£444,981\r\nNational Museum of Scotland\r\n£27,700,000\r\n£22,700,000\r\n£22,600,000\r\nNational Galleries of Scotland\r\n£24,200,000\r\n£14,200,000\r\n£13,300,000\r\nKelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nNote: *Edinburgh Castle - Due to a change in accounting heads it has only been possible to provide comparable information from 2004-2005.\r\nThe Scottish Government has not provided any investment in the Burrell Collection in the years stated.\r\nThe level of investment in the Cairngorms National Park Authority and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, for the years requested, can be found in the following table:\r\nOrganisation\r\n2003-2004\r\n2004-2005\r\n2005-2006\r\n2006-2007\r\n2007-2008\r\nCairngorms National Park\r\n£1,926,000\r\n£3,111,000\r\n£4,188,000\r\n£4,446,000\r\n£4,548,000\r\nLoch Lomond and Trossachs\r\n£5,232,000\r\n£5,667,000\r\n£5,778,000\r\n£7,068,000\r\n£6,673,000\r\n\r\nOrganisation\r\n2008-2009\r\n2009-2010\r\n2010-2011\r\n2011-2012\r\n2012-2013\r\nCairngorms National Park\r\n£4,546,000\r\n£4,805,000\r\n£5,357,000\r\n£5,153,000\r\n£6,282,000\r\nLoch Lomond and Trossachs\r\n£6,940,000\r\n£7,376,000\r\n£7,802,000\r\n£7,189,000\r\n£9,511,000\r\n\r\nRegional Parks do not receive direct funding from the Scottish Government. However, they do receive financial support in the form of grants paid via other public bodies/public sector organisations. Further information on this is provided in the background note.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T14:12:06.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283040,"EventID":"S4W-14006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T14:12:07.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T17:31:17.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on fish stocks being fed meals derived from pork and poultry products.","AnswerText":"Aquaculture is a key food production sector for Scotland. The Scottish Government is supportive of industry’s use of sustainable sources of raw materials in fish feed which optimise fish welfare and maintains the high quality of its products. The farmed salmon sector in Scotland does not currently use poultry or porcine derived products as raw ingredients in the feed fed to its fish.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T14:12:07.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283041,"EventID":"S4W-14007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T14:12:07.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T17:31:17.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to restrict sales of caffeinated energy drinks to children.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has no plans to restrict the sales of caffeinated energy drinks to children. The FSA is not aware of any evidence of a direct long term link between caffeine consumption and altered behaviour to support legislation in this area.\r\nThe FSA will continue to monitor any new emerging scientific evidence in this area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T14:12:07.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283042,"EventID":"S4W-14008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T14:12:08.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T17:31:17.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) manufacturers and (b) retailers about the potential impact on child health of caffeinated energy drinks.\r\n","AnswerText":"As the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is not aware of a direct, long term link between caffeine consumption and altered behaviour in children or adverse long term effects, it has not specifically engaged with manufacturers or retailers on this topic. However, the FSA has discussed changes in food labelling requirements for caffeinated products with manufacturers and retailers.\r\nThe British Soft Drinks Association Code of Practice on High Caffeine Content Soft Drink recommends additional labelling on high caffeine energy drinks and recommends that such drinks should not be advertised, marketed or promoted to those under the age of 16.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T14:12:08.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283043,"EventID":"S4W-14009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T14:12:09.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T17:31:17.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what advice it has sought since 2011 about the potential impact on child health of caffeinated energy drinks.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency has not sought specific advice since 2011 about the potential impact on child health of caffeinated energy drinks. Previous scientific advice was that there is no evidence of a direct, long term link between caffeine consumption and adverse long term effects.\r\nWe are aware that the European Food Safety Authority is currently reviewing the existing scientific data on the potential link between caffeine intakes from all sources and possible adverse health effects in specific population groups including children. This work is expected to be completed by the end of 2013.\r\nThe Food Standards Agency will continue to monitor developments in this area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T14:12:09.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283044,"EventID":"S4W-14011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T14:12:10.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T08:26:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government under what circumstances the Scottish Ambulance Service charges patients for journeys.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government fully funds the Scottish Ambulance Service to deliver its core responsibilities in support of NHSScotland. These responsibilities include the Accident & Emergency (999) Service, the Air Ambulance Service and the Patient Transport Service. This means transporting patients to, from, and between NHS Healthcare facilities and providing the clinical care and support required on that journey.\r\nThe Scottish Ambulance Service is permitted to generate income by operating in a private capacity as long as this does not impact adversely on the delivery of their core responsibilities. Under these circumstances they would therefore be providing care and / or undertaking journeys that do not fall within their core NHS responsibilities. Examples of when this could happen include:\r\nJourneys between two private residences or facilities, for example from a private residence to a Nursing Home or between two Nursing Homes.\r\nIf the journey was to provide a service for an NHS Trust in England, for example transporting a non-Scottish resident home or to an English healthcare facility.\r\nProviding medical cover at a private event, for example football matches, music festivals and other privately organised events.\r\nUnder these examples there are likely to be very few occasions where a patient is charged by the Scottish Ambulance Service, rather the cost is likely to be charged to a local authority, an NHS Trust in England or the organisation running the private event. However patients, or their families or carers, are free to ask the Scottish Ambulance Service to undertake journeys in a private capacity should they wish to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T14:12:10.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283045,"EventID":"S4W-14012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T14:12:11.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T08:26:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is aware of reports that the Scottish Ambulance Service may charge a pregnant woman £30 for a journey in the case of false labour.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service have assured me that they would not charge any pregnant woman for a journey in the case of false labour. Should any member have evidence of this happening, I would welcome the details in order that this can be fully investigated.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T14:12:11.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283046,"EventID":"S4W-14028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T14:12:11.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T11:43:30.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the Third Sector budget was reduced in the 2012-13 Spring Budget Revision.\r\n","AnswerText":"The purpose of the Spring Budget Revision is to amend the Budget (Scotland) Act 2012, which authorises the Scottish Government’s spending plans for the financial year 2012-13.\r\nThere was a delay completing the procurement of fund management arrangements for the successor to the Enterprise Growth Fund resulting in an underspend of £5 million. The project is now in progress with budget allocation expected to be fully committed going forward.\r\nThere was also a transfer of £1 million to the Justice budget for the Reducing Re-Offending Change Fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T14:12:11.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283047,"EventID":"S4W-14029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T14:12:12.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T11:43:54.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to persuade children to choose nutritious foods during school lunch breaks.","AnswerText":"The “Nutritional Requirements for Food and Drink in Schools (Scotland) Regulations 2008” (the Regs) set high standards that all food and drink provided in schools must meet. This ensures that pupils are offered healthy, balanced and nutritious food during lunch break and at other times of the school day, allowing them to try new foods and develop healthy eating habits from a young age.\r\nThe Health and Wellbeing experiences and outcomes within Curriculum for Excellence are part of a package of measures aimed at educating children and young people about health and wellbeing in its widest sense. This helps to ensure that our children and young people are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to make better food choices both at school and home.\r\nWe are also taking action to further encourage and support children and young people to make healthier choices when they choose to buy their lunch outwith school. The Scottish Government has set up a working group to develop a new Beyond the School Gate toolkit by the end of the summer to give local authorities and other key stakeholders guidance on what they can do to promote a healthier food environment around schools.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T14:12:12.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283048,"EventID":"S4W-14037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T14:12:12.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T11:43:30.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact will be of changes to the Third Sector budget in the 2012-13 Spring Budget Revision.\r\n","AnswerText":"The £1 million transfer to the Justice budget for the Reducing Re-Offending Change Fund was a planned reallocation of funds. The Reducing Reoffending Change Fund has two key aims:\r\nTo provide offenders with substantial one-to-one support through evidence- based mentoring schemes\r\nTo promote strong, equal partnership working between third and public sector organisations.\r\nThe £5 million transfer was redeployed to other purposes within the overall Scottish Government budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T14:12:12.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283049,"EventID":"S4W-14038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T14:12:13.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T11:43:30.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of how the (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13 Third Sector budget was spent, including amounts received by each organisation funded.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table breaks down funding for third sector intermediaries (largely grant funding), third sector funds (spend), business support contracts and support for third sector events and initiatives, which represents the major part of the third sector budget. Individual recipient awards for a number of third sector funds have already been published. Some funds were specific one-off commitments such as the Scottish Investment Fund.\r\nThe table captures the major part of the third sector budget, but does not comprise a comprehensive list of every direct payment.\r\nThe table does include funding which has been transferred to other Scottish Government Directorates under the Autumn and Spring Budget Review process to support third sector purposes.\r\n \r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nTotals\r\nThird Sector Intermediaries and Related Activities\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nScottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO)\r\n£1,189,374.00\r\n£1,210,000.00\r\n£1,476,211.00\r\n£3,875,585.00\r\nAssociation of Chief Officers of Voluntary Organistions (ACOSVO)\r\n£99,000.00\r\n£60,000.00\r\n£120,000.00\r\n£279,000.00\r\nVolunteer Development Scotland\r\n£1,428,475.00\r\n£909,890.00\r\n£914,580.00\r\n£3,252,945.00\r\nDevelopment Trusts Association Scotland\r\n£85,000.00\r\n£150,000.00\r\n£150,000.00\r\n£385,000.00\r\nVoluntary Action Scotland\r\n£104,500.00\r\n£265,500.00\r\n£272,823.00\r\n£642,823.00\r\nSenscot\r\n£106,457.00\r\n \r\n£17,795.00\r\n£124,252.00\r\nScottish Social Enterprise Coalition\r\n£135,300.00\r\n \r\n \r\n£135,300.00\r\nSocial Firms Scotland\r\n£84,600.00\r\n \r\n£16,339.00\r\n£100,939.00\r\nSupporting Social Enterprise Alliance (Senscot, Social Enterprise Scotland, Social Firms Scotland)\r\n \r\n£445,000.00\r\n£330,000.00\r\n£775,000.00\r\nThird Sector Interfaces\r\n£6,074,396.00\r\n£8,010,000.00\r\n£8,236,866.00\r\n£22,321,262.00\r\nSocial Enterprise Academy\r\n£285,000.00\r\n£280,000.00\r\n£320,000.00\r\n£885,000.00\r\nScottish Community Alliance\r\n \r\n \r\n£50,000.00\r\n£50,000.00\r\nQuality Scotland\r\n \r\n \r\n£30,350.00\r\n£30,350.00\r\nProject Scotland\r\n \r\n£2,880.00\r\n \r\n£2,880.00\r\nVolunteer Development East Lothian\r\n \r\n£31,916.00\r\n \r\n£31,916.00\r\nEvaluation Support Scotland\r\n£80,000.00\r\n£80,000.00\r\n£158,000.00\r\n£318,000.00\r\nInternational Network of Street Papers\r\n£10,000.00\r\n£10,000.00\r\n \r\n£20,000.00\r\nBarnardos/Voluntary Action Scotland/Improvement Sevice - Getting it Right for Every Child - National Project\r\n \r\n \r\n£25,000.00\r\n£25,000.00\r\nRoyal College of General Practitioners Scotland with Assist Social Capital/International Futures Form\r\n \r\n \r\n£74,722.00\r\n£74,722.00\r\nCouncil for Ethnic Minority Voluntary Organisations (CEMVO)\r\n£90,623.00\r\n \r\n \r\n£90,623.00\r\nFirstport\r\n£178,000.00\r\n \r\n \r\n£178,000.00\r\nThird Sector Funds\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nScottish Investment Fund\r\n£14,800,000.00\r\n£3,000,000.00\r\n \r\n£17,800,000.00\r\nSocial Investment Scotland\r\n£386,500.00\r\n£385,000.00\r\n£385,000.00\r\n£1,156,500.00\r\nThird Sector Enterprise Fund\r\n£6,326,713.00\r\n \r\n \r\n£6,326,713.00\r\nThird Sector Credit Union Fund\r\n£81,403.00\r\n \r\n \r\n£81,403.00\r\nSocial Entrepreneurs Fund\r\n£562,000.00\r\n£500,000.00\r\n£500,000.00\r\n£1,562,000.00\r\nThird Sector Enterprise Growth Fund\r\n \r\n£6,332,092.00\r\n£85,592.00\r\n£6,417,684.00\r\nVoluntary Action Fund\r\n£1,248,000.00\r\n£1,260,000.00\r\n£1,250,000.00\r\n£3,758,000.00\r\nInternational Social Enterprise Programme\r\n \r\n \r\n£90,000.00\r\n£90,000.00\r\nCommunity Jobs Scotland Fund\r\n \r\n \r\n£511,000.00\r\n£511,000.00\r\nBusiness Support Contracts\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPWC PSP Contract\r\n£122,617.00\r\n£105,019.00\r\n \r\n£227,636.00\r\nProvision of Support to Equalities Focussed Third Sector Organisations\r\n£47,250.00\r\n \r\n \r\n£47,250.00\r\nReady for Business (2)\r\n \r\n \r\n£1,099,250.00\r\n£1,099,250.00\r\nJust Enterprise\r\n \r\n£1,072,539.00\r\n£1,213,382.00\r\n£2,285,921.00\r\nPublic Social Partnerships (PSP)\r\n \r\n \r\n£90,996.00\r\n£90,996.00\r\nLongitudinal Study\r\n£41,525.00\r\n£41,775.00\r\n£37,875.00\r\n£121,175.00\r\nRealise Mentoring\r\n£83,197.00\r\n \r\n \r\n£83,197.00\r\nSupport for Third Sector Events and Initiatives\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nReady for Business (1)\r\n£73,000.00\r\n£9,800.00\r\n \r\n£82,800.00\r\nCommunity Enterprise in Scotland (CEiS) Conferen","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T14:12:13.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283050,"EventID":"S4W-14041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T14:12:13.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T11:43:30.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what savings the Strategic Forum made in 2012-13, also broken down by (a) organisation and (b) measure taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the bodies within the Strategic Forum. l shall ask the Chief Executives to write to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T14:12:13.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283051,"EventID":"S4W-14043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T14:12:14.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T11:43:30.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the decision was taken to support the buyout of the Scottish Public Pensions Agency building; what savings will result, and over what time period.\r\n","AnswerText":"The decision was taken to support the Scottish Public Pensions Agency lease buyout on 30th January 2013.\r\nThis will realise immediate annual cash saving of £648,452 on rental costs. In the medium to long term this will make an expected saving, at net present value, of £1.01 million by 2022 and £10.15M by 2042.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T14:12:14.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283052,"EventID":"S4W-14046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T14:12:14.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T11:43:30.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many public sector data centres there are and how many have been (a) established and (b) closed in each of the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"John McClelland’s Review of ICT Infrastructure in the Public Sector in Scotland published in June 2011 estimated that within the public sector in Scotland there were more than 120 data centres and cost circa £275 million to build and maintain. These figures were based upon evidence obtained through two surveys which were undertaken in 2010 by Scottish Government Procurement and Grant Thornton on behalf of the local authorities. The survey rates were 48% and the results extrapolated to give the figures used in the report.\r\nScotland’s Digital Future: Delivery of Public Services published in September 2012 included an action to develop a strategy for consolidation and reuse of world-class data centres available in the public and private sectors across Scotland. The Scottish Government is currently engaging with interested parties and collecting information to inform this strategy which we expect to be published later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T14:12:14.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283053,"EventID":"S4W-14048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T14:12:15.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T11:43:30.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost has been of establishing public sector data centres in each of the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14046 on 19 April 2013 All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T14:12:15.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283054,"EventID":"S4W-14050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T14:12:15.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T11:43:30.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the total running costs have been for public sector data centres in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14046 on 19 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T14:12:15.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283055,"EventID":"S4W-14052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T14:12:15.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T13:43:58.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that people with sleep apnoea are diagnosed timeously. \r\n","AnswerText":"A key way of delivering safe, effective and person centred services is through the implementation of clinical standards. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) Guideline 73 on the Management of Sleep Apnoea/Hypopnoea in Adults, provides clinicians in NHSScotland with evidence based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of obstructive sleep apnoea.\r\nThe National Advisory Group (NAG) for Respiratory Managed Clinical Networks (MCNs) is working with the Sleep Studies Working Group to identify issues in sleep services and potential solutions. As a result of this work a request has been submitted to Healthcare Improvement Scotland to seek an update of the current SIGN Guideline 73.\r\nThe working group is also in the process of piloting sleep studies referral guidance for GPs within five NHS Boards. GPs are being encouraged to complete the referral guidance which provides secondary care clinicians with valuable information prior to an individual’s out-patient review.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government has recently provided funding to the NAG to support the development and dissemination of “Sleep Disordered Breathing Guidance for Primary Care”.\r\nAll of this work will help to ensure that patients with sleep disorders including sleep apnoea are identified, assessed, diagnosed and appropriately referred for treatment and long-term management.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T14:12:16.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283077,"EventID":"S4W-14014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T17:01:25.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T10:45:31.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13606 by Humza Yousaf on 27 March 2013, how many civil servants are permitted to engage in dialogue with government officials from (a) Qatar and (b) Argentina.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials engage with officials from these countries on the basis of policy need.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T17:01:25.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283078,"EventID":"S4W-14015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T17:01:26.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T10:45:31.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13606 by Humza Yousaf on 27 March 2013, what grades of civil servants are permitted to engage in dialogue with government officials from (a) Qatar and (b) Argentina.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials engage with officials from these countries on the basis of policy need rather than grade.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T17:01:26.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283079,"EventID":"S4W-14016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T17:01:26.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T10:45:31.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13606 by Humza Yousaf on 27 March 2013, whether one of its officials keeps track of all engagements between Scottish Government officials and government officials from (a) Qatar and (b) Argentina.","AnswerText":"Officials from respective policy areas are responsible for keeping a record of engagement between Scottish Government officials and officials from other countries in accordance with the values set out in the Civil Service Code.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T17:01:26.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283080,"EventID":"S4W-14017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T17:01:27.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T10:45:31.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13606 by Humza Yousaf on 27 March 2013, whether there is policy guidance that officials are obliged to follow when engaged in dialogue with government officials from (a) Qatar and (b) Argentina and, if so, whether it will publish such guidance.","AnswerText":"Officials are required to adhere to the Civil Service Code when engaging with government officials from other countries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T17:01:27.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283081,"EventID":"S4W-14018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T17:01:27.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T10:45:31.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13606 by Humza Yousaf on 27 March 2013, how ministers are informed of dialogue between Scottish Government officials and government officials from (a) Qatar and (b) Argentina.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials engage with Ministers on a regular basis. As part of this process, officials update Ministers on their engagement and dialogue with officials from other countries, in accordance with the Civil Service Code.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T17:01:27.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283082,"EventID":"S4W-14019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T17:01:28.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T10:45:31.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13606 by Humza Yousaf on 27 March 2013, what topics have been presented to or summarised for ministers as a result of dialogue between Scottish Government officials and government officials from (a) Qatar and (b) Argentina.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government places a high value on its relationships with other countries and engages with government officials from other countries on a number of areas of mutual interest. For example, the topics summarised for Ministers on Qatar include official to officials’ dialogue on trade and investment, Scotland’s energy and climate justice policies, planned visits to the Gulf region, proposed inward visits, opportunities for cultural exchange and other topics of mutual interest. Due to the high number of topics presented/summarised, a full break down could only be obtained at a disproportionate cost.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T17:01:28.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283083,"EventID":"S4W-14020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T17:01:28.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T10:45:31.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13606 by Humza Yousaf on 27 March 2013, within what parameters its officials are expected to work when engaged in dialogue with government officials from (a) Qatar and (b) Argentina.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-14016, S4W-14017 and S4W-14018 on 25 April 2013. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T17:01:28.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283084,"EventID":"S4W-14021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T17:01:28.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T10:45:31.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13606 by Humza Yousaf on 27 March 2013, whether, in the last three months, it has issued new guidance to its officials with responsibilities for dialogue with government officials from (a) Qatar and (b) Argentina.\r\n","AnswerText":"No new guidance has been published. I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-14016, S4W-14017 and S4W-14018 on 25 April 2013. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T17:01:28.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283085,"EventID":"S4W-14022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T17:01:29.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T10:45:31.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13606 by Humza Yousaf on 27 March 2013, how ministers ensure that dialogue between Scottish Government officials and government officials from (a) Qatar and (b) Argentina reflect ministerial policy.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14018 on 25 April 2013. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T17:01:29.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283086,"EventID":"S4W-14023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T17:01:29.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T10:45:31.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13606 by Humza Yousaf on 27 March 2013, whether ministers discuss with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office dialogue between Scottish Government officials and government officials from (a) Qatar and (b) Argentina.","AnswerText":"There has been no recent contact with Foreign and Commonwealth Ministers on Scottish Government officials’ contact with these two countries but the Scottish Government engages in regular dialogue with the UK Government. A Memorandum of Understanding is in place to facilitate this interaction.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T17:01:29.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283087,"EventID":"S4W-14024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T17:01:30.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T10:45:31.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13606 by Humza Yousaf on 27 March 2013, how ministers will report to the Parliament on dialogue between Scottish Government officials and government officials from (a) Qatar and (b) Argentina.","AnswerText":"The parliamentary process provides mechanisms through which the Parliament can request information about the Scottish Government’s engagement with these countries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T17:01:30.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283088,"EventID":"S4W-14025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T17:01:31.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T10:45:31.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13606 by Humza Yousaf on 27 March 2013, whether it will provide a summary of the engagement in the last six months between its officials and government officials from (a) Qatar and (b) Argentina.\r\n","AnswerText":"Due to the potential high number of engagements across the Scottish Government officials and government officials from (a) Qatar and (b) Argentina, a full break down of engagements in the last six months and could only be obtained at a disproportionate cost. In addition, I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14019 on 25 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T17:01:31.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283089,"EventID":"S4W-14027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T17:01:31.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T11:14:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which NHS boards routinely offer patients a choice of (a) hospital and (b) consultant on referral for treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The offering of appointments is an operational matter for individual NHS boards based on where their services are provided for example a specific service may only be available in one hospital or at a regional service. However in offering patients appointment choices we expect Boards to take account of Scottish Government guidance on both waiting times and good practice booking.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T17:01:31.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283090,"EventID":"S4W-14063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T17:01:32.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T14:56:49.807","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the appropriateness of the (a) Chief Executive and (b) Medical Director of NHS Tayside sitting on the board of Health Improvement Scotland. \r\n","AnswerText":"As stated in Parliament on 26 February 2013, serving members of staff of a NHS board will in future not be appointed as board members of a scrutiny body (Healthcare Improvement Scotland or the Care Inspectorate).\r\nThe arrangements for the appointment of the chief executive of NHS Tayside as a member of the board of Healthcare Improvement Scotland were made prior to this announcement and in accordance with the rules governing Public Appointments, prior to this announcement. The Medical Director of NHS Tayside is not a member of the board of Healthcare Improvement Scotland.\r\nAll members of NHS boards are expected carry out their responsibilities in line with the board member’s Code of Conduct surrounding any potential conflicts of interest and any conflict of interests would be recorded on the Register of Interests. Further details on these can be found on the Healthcare Improvement Scotland website via the following link:\r\nhttp://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/about_us/our_board.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T17:01:32.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283091,"EventID":"S4W-14064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-03-28T17:01:33.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T16:07:35.613","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Help to Buy equity loan scheme announced by the UK Government; whether it plans to introduce a similar scheme in Scotland, and when it will announce how it will use the Barnett consequentials arising from the scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The majority of the consequentials funding has come to the Scottish Government in the form of loans, without any details about the terms and conditions of their use having thus far been provided by the Treasury. Decisions will be taken about how these consequentials are deployed in due course, taking into account the overall financial position.\r\nThe Scottish Government is already supporting the housebuilding industry in Scotland through a range of measures, sustaining and creating jobs and helping people into home-ownership where it is sensible and sustainable. Those measures include an investment of £20 million this financial year to support shared equity schemes, which forms part of an overall three year housing supply investment of £860 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T17:01:33.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283101,"EventID":"S4W-14030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:48.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T11:55:29.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many graduates from Aberdeen Dental School have gained a vocational training placement in each of the last five years and how many (a) gained full time employment and (b) remained in the Aberdeen area on completion.\r\n","AnswerText":"The first dental students to graduate from the Aberdeen Dental School did so in June 2012, and all 13 graduates gained vocational training places in Scotland; 5 in Grampian, 6 in the Highlands and Islands, and two in the West of Scotland. As none have yet completed their vocational training, no data on their retention in Scotland is available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:48.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283102,"EventID":"S4W-14033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:49.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T11:55:29.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many dental practices in the Aberdeen area have been registered to offer vocational training placements for graduates from Aberdeen Dental School in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under European Economic Area (EEA) and UK employment law provisions in relation to open competition any UK or EEA dental graduate who meets the eligibility criteria can apply for vocational training placements. On that basis it would be illegal to arrange recruitment into vocational training places based on the location of the graduates school, it follows that there are no dental practices in the Aberdeen area with such an arrangement.\r\nIt is NHS Education for Scotland which co-ordinates the selection of dental practices that will offer vocational training places to dental graduates, and monitors how these arrangements operate. Currently, there are eight dental practices in the Aberdeen area that offer vocational training places.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:49.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283103,"EventID":"S4W-14034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:49.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T11:55:29.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding has been provided to dental practices in the Aberdeen area that offer vocational training placements for graduates from Aberdeen Dental School in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14033 on 23 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:49.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283104,"EventID":"S4W-14035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:49.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T11:55:29.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how vocational training placements for graduates from Aberdeen Dental School are monitored (a) in the Aberdeen area and (b) across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Education for Scotland (NES) is responsible for arranging and monitoring vocational training placements across Scotland, and does so in co-operation with Scottish health boards. Vocational training placements and the development of graduates is monitored by a national protocol which is used throughout the country. Vocational training practices are monitored by NES appointed vocational training advisers, who also support the trainer in the development of the vocational trainee.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:49.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283105,"EventID":"S4W-14053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:50.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T14:02:08.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the data used in the sea lice dispersal model for Loch Linnhe was not made available prior to being published in the Journal of Fish Diseases and on what date Marine Scotland Science received the data.\r\n","AnswerText":"At no point during this project’s progression have data been withheld. Marine Scotland Science received the information by 30 October 2012 and further work on the model using this information is being carried out, given the dispersal modelling still has a year to run.\r\nThe paper, published in the journal of Fish Diseases, aims to present the approach and scientific principles relevant to the project and to ensure the modelling methods and procedures are assessed by peer review, to give confidence that the work is deploying a scientifically valid methodology.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:50.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283106,"EventID":"S4W-14054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:50.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T14:02:08.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its policy on the publication of sea lice data was influenced by the 2012 study by Jensen et al on sea lice and salmon farming that was published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.","AnswerText":"While the Scottish Government continue to welcome all scientific consideration, including the study by Jensen et al, the Scottish Government’s clear preference has always been, and continues to be, to deliver necessary improvements in data availability through voluntary means, both in terms of sea lice data and other data requirements going forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:50.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283107,"EventID":"S4W-14055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:51.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T14:02:08.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what arrangements it has in place with the salmon farming industry for the provision of sea lice data for the purpose of scientific research and whether these will be extended to include weekly counts of sea lice at each farm.\r\n","AnswerText":"As indicated during stage 2 of the Bill, the Scottish Government has a commitment from the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation to provide Marine Scotland with access to sea lice information at farm management area level to support defined areas of research of benefit to our understanding of how to best support the sustainable development of Scotland’s aquaculture sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:51.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283108,"EventID":"S4W-14057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:51.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T14:02:08.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether arrangements are in place to (a) retain and (b) make available sea lice data that it has gathered for (i) scientific and (ii) academic research.\r\n","AnswerText":"All of the primary data is owned and retained by private third parties. Marine Scotland Scientists will retain sea lice data or access to the data that has been used to publish research results in line with scientific professional practice which is to be able to revisit, confirm or extend the original analysis. Availability will be through the requirements of all public authorities carrying out scientific research. This is covered by Freedom of Information legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:51.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283109,"EventID":"S4W-14059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:52.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T14:02:08.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to prevent the publication of sea lice data being published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.\r\n","AnswerText":"No. The content of publications is determined by scientific needs. The Ministerial Group on Sustainable Aquaculture Working Group on Science and Research will take forward discussion of how best to coordinate and maximise the impact of resources deployed on research in the aquaculture sector to benefit the industry, academic community and to support policy development and regulatory functions of Scottish Government and its agencies. This will provide a useful platform for discussion of knowledge exchange, while respecting commercial sensitivities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:52.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283110,"EventID":"S4W-14060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:52.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T14:02:08.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to impose conditions that would limit the use of sea lice data for scientific purposes.\r\n","AnswerText":"No. Data or information released by the Scottish Government would have no conditions’ limiting its use.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:52.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283111,"EventID":"S4W-14067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:52.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T16:19:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has explored the possibility of Highlands and Islands Enterprise supplying a European Fisheries Fund bridging loan when payment schedules are disrupted.","AnswerText":"Discussions regularly take place with the Enterprise Networks regarding the delivery of the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) programme in Scotland, which already operates with match funding through the Scottish Government and the enterprise networks.\r\nHighlands and Islands Enterprise have no plans to establish bridging loan arrangements for EFF beneficiaries. A bridging loan from a public body would constitute a State aid with grant equivalence which would count towards the aid awarded to the applicant, and therefore reduce overall assistance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:52.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283112,"EventID":"S4W-14072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:53.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-29T09:21:21.19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to local authorities on the planning of places at nursery schools for three-year-olds.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are currently required to deliver 475 hours per year of pre-school education to three and four year olds. It is the responsibility of local authorities to ensure that all eligible children are offered a pre-school place.\r\nThe Provision of School Education for Children Under School Age (Prescribed Children) (Scotland) Order 2002 sets out the term from which children can take up their funded place, depending on when in the calendar year their 3rd birthday falls.\r\nGuidance on pre-school education provided under Section 34 of the Standards in Scotland’s Schools Etc. Act 2000 will be updated to reflect changes arising from the Children and Young People Bill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:53.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283113,"EventID":"S4W-14073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:53.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-29T09:21:21.19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many parents do not obtain a place for their child at the nursery school of their (a) first and (b) second choice.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:53.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283114,"EventID":"S4W-14074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:53.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-29T09:21:21.19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many parents do not obtain a place for their child at a nursery school in the first (a) three, (b) six and (c) nine months of their entitlement due to a lack of available places.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities are under a statutory duty to secure a place for all prescribed children, where parents wish to have a place for their child, in accordance with where their third birthday falls.\r\nThe Scottish Government monitors registration of those eligible children through the annual national Statistical Bulletin on Statistics for Schools in Scotland. This showed in December 2012 that registration for the pre-school entitlement was 96% of eligible children.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:53.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283115,"EventID":"S4W-14075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:54.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-29T16:59:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the maximum size for composite classes in primary schools is determined.","AnswerText":"The maximum size for composite classes in primary schools (25) is specified in Appendix 2.9 of the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers’ Handbook of Conditions of Service which can be viewed at:\r\nhttp://www.snct.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=Appendix_2.9.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:54.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283116,"EventID":"S4W-14084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:54.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-02T10:55:42.207","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which contracts for which it has issued invitations to tender will contain community benefit clauses.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government have implemented community benefit clauses in various contracts, however we do not currently have a central record containing information on community benefit clauses used in individual contracts.\r\nWe intend to use the forthcoming Procurement Reform Bill to introduce a statutory requirement that public sector bodies include community benefit clauses in all new major public contracts and that those in receipt of major public contracts publish their commitments and target updates on training, apprenticeships and performance.\r\nWhen implementing the Procurement Reform Bill, the Scottish Government intend to hold a record of community benefit information in order to identify which major Scottish Government contracts contain community benefit clauses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:54.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283117,"EventID":"S4W-14085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:55.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-02T10:55:42.207","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) which and (b) what percentage of its (i) currently allocated contracts and (ii) contracts allocated in the last six years contain or have contained community benefit clauses.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government have implemented community benefit clauses in various contracts. For example, the Scottish Government’s Ready for Business programme is a public social partnership pilot which aims to support social enterprises to increase their trading with commercial businesses through the delivery of goods and services.\r\nThe Scottish Government do not currently have a central record containing information on community benefit clauses used in individual contracts, or the percentage of contracts containing community benefit clauses. \r\nWe intend to use the forthcoming Procurement Reform Bill to introduce a statutory requirement that public sector bodies include community benefit clauses in all new major public contracts and that those in receipt of major public contracts publish their commitments and target updates on training, apprenticeships and performance. \r\nWhen implementing the Procurement Reform Bill, the Scottish Government intends to hold a record of community benefit information in order to identify which major Scottish Government contracts contain community benefit clauses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:55.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283118,"EventID":"S4W-14086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:55.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-02T10:55:42.207","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the average percentage of its contract clauses that community benefit clauses represent.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has implemented community benefit clauses in various contracts, however we do not currently have a central record containing information on the average percentage of contract clauses that community benefit clauses represent.\r\nWe intend to use the forthcoming Procurement Reform Bill to introduce a statutory requirement that public sector bodies include community benefit clauses in all new major public contracts and that those in receipt of major public contracts publish their commitments and target updates on training, apprenticeships and performance. \r\nIt would not be the intention to hold a record of the average percentage of contract clauses that community benefit clauses represent.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:55.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283119,"EventID":"S4W-14087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:55.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-02T11:33:52.957","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13660 by Keith Brown on 27 March 2013, what the increased cost to CalMac Ferries Ltd will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13660 on 27 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:55.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283120,"EventID":"S4W-14088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:56.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-02T11:35:18.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13661 by Keith Brown on 27 March 2013, how many staff who received a voluntary severance package had an employment contract with Argyll Ferries Ltd.\r\n","AnswerText":"One member of staff who had an employment contract with Argyll Ferries Ltd took the voluntary severance package.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:56.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283121,"EventID":"S4W-14089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:56.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-02T11:35:18.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13662 by Keith Brown on 27 March 2013, what provisions there are to ensure that vessels are able to operate safely in the weather conditions that can be anticipated on the Firth of Clyde.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Masters operate the vessels in accordance with the Safety Management Certificates issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, taking cognisance of any individual limitations expressed therein. In addition, Argyll Ferries Ltd have safety management systems which provide further guidance on actions to be taken, or factors to be considered, in various circumstances, including adverse weather.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:56.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283122,"EventID":"S4W-14091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T13:57:56.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-02T11:59:00.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the final report by MVA Consultancy on the removal of road equivalent tariff from commercial vehicles in the Western Isles will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are finalising publication arrangements, and anticipate that the final report into the post-RET commercial vehicle fares impact study will be published shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:57:56.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283123,"EventID":"S4W-14099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T15:21:26.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-02T14:05:16.69","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it regulates laser eye surgery in the independent sector.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not regulate laser eye surgery in the independent sector. Laser eye surgery undertaken in high street laser clinics is a private arrangement between the patient and the optical practice concerned.\r\nDoctors are required to be registered with the General Medical Council. A doctor that performs a laser eye surgery procedure will therefore be subject to regulation by the General Medical Council. Regulation of medical professionals is a reserved matter to the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T15:21:26.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283124,"EventID":"S4W-14100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-02T15:21:29.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-02T14:05:16.69","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the Department of Health regarding the regulation of laser eye surgery in the independent sector.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had no recent discussions with the Department of Health regarding the regulation of laser eye surgery in the independent sector.\r\nDoctors are required to be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). A doctor that performs a laser eye surgery procedure will therefore be subject to regulation by the GMC. Regulation of medical professionals is a reserved matter to the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T15:21:29.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283140,"EventID":"S4W-13961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:10.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:18:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to maximise the available resources to improve the outcomes for vulnerable young children and what steps it has taken to improve the system of data collection for measuring their (a) educational and (b) social outcomes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Getting it Right for Every Child programme aims to improve outcomes for all children and young people. It does this by providing a common framework, practice model and language to deliver a co-ordinated approach which is appropriate, proportionate and timely and has the child at the centre. It involves reducing duplication and streamlining processes which will maximise available resources.\r\nThe Scottish Government manages three data collections in which vulnerable young children in Scotland can be identified and their outcomes measured.\r\n(a) Educational Outcomes\r\n1. The Scottish Government currently collects data via local authorities on attainment, attendance and exclusion rates in school and for all young children (ages 5-11) in Scotland which are published annually.\r\nSummary statistics for attainment, leaver destinations and healthy living: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/06/4917/0\r\nAttendance and Absence in Scottish Schools: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/12/06114834/0\r\n2. A linked report to this dataset reports on these outcomes for Looked After Children:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Children/EducOutcomesLAC\r\n(b) Social Outcomes\r\n3. The Scottish Government, Growing Up in Scotland (GUS) survey collects data on over 10,000 children in Scotland from birth and the data has been analysed by different family demographics such as low income households or families who live in deprived areas. Data is reported on and published measuring cognitive, social, emotional and behavioural development, physical and mental health and wellbeing outcomes for children aged 0-8 years.\r\nhttp://www.growingupinscotland.org.uk/\r\nThe Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill proposes duties on relevant authorities in each Community Planning Partnership area to report on progress in improving outcomes for all children. The Scottish Government will be working with partners to identify how best existing data can be used to inform the reports which might be expected and whether other sources of data collection might also be used to inform these reports.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:11.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283141,"EventID":"S4W-13962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:11.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:18:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to change the focus on educational attainment in measuring outcomes for looked-after children.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to achieving positive outcomes for our looked after children. In 2011 we published Educational Outcomes for Scotland’s Looked After Children 2009-10 which, for the first time linked data for looked after children provided by local authority social work services departments with educational data provided by publicly funded schools, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and Skills Development Scotland (SDS).\r\nThe Curriculum for Excellence assessment approaches of sharing standards and developing quality assurance and, moderation approaches between teachers and authorities, as well as using Continuous Professional Development, will support the delivery of improvements in pupils’ educational outcomes including outcomes for looked-after children.\r\nThe Scottish Government and its partners are currently developing the Senior Phase Benchmarking Tool to help local authorities and schools to analyse, compare and improve the performance of pupils in the senior phase of Curriculum for Excellence. This will support efforts to drive up attainment and tackle disadvantage including improving outcomes for looked-after children.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:11.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283142,"EventID":"S4W-13963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:11.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:18:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it can establish a national process for defining and measuring outcomes for young people.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Performance Framework (NPF) and the Single Outcome Agreements (SOAs) are the two processes where outcomes for young people are defined and measured.\r\nThe Scottish Government has defined, under The National Performance Framework http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Performance/purposestratobjs, a set of the high level outcomes for children and young people: \r\nNational Outcome 4 – Our Young People are successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Performance/scotPerforms/outcome/youngpeople\r\nNational Outcome 5 – Our Children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Performance/scotPerforms/outcome/children\r\nNational Outcome 8 – We have improved the life chances for children, young people and families at risk\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Performance/scotPerforms/outcome/childfamilies\r\nBeneath each of these outcomes are a set of national Indicators which are used to measure progress towards outcomes. These are reported annually at the following website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Performance/scotPerforms\r\nThe Scottish Government, in conjunction with its children and young people stakeholders, has developed a menu of local outcome indicators which enable local measurement of these national outcomes for reporting and management purposes. Community Partnership Partnerships (CPP) use their annual SOA reports to report on progress towards national outcomes using a list of relevant indicators selected from the menu, together with any additional evidence.\r\nThe Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill proposes duties on service providers in each CPP to report jointly on outcomes. We will be developing guidance for service providers on reporting on outcomes which will complement NPF outcomes and SOA process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:11.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283143,"EventID":"S4W-13964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:11.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:18:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the number of young people leaving care has increased since August 2010, broken down by those (a) with and (b) without a Pathway Plan and those (i) with and (ii) without a Pathway Coordinator.\r\n","AnswerText":"The overall number of children people ceasing to be looked after has increased by 5% between 2009-2010 and 2011-2012:\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n\r\nTotal children ceasing to be looked after\r\n4,504\r\n4,611\r\n4,768\r\nTotal beyond minimum school leaving age (so eligible for a Pathway Plan and Pathway Coordinator), of whom:\r\n1,450\r\n1,355\r\n1,336\r\nNumber With a Pathway Plan\r\n745\r\n774\r\n974\r\nNumber With a Pathway Coordinator\r\n450\r\n965\r\n974\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Children/PubChildrenLookedAfter\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:11.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283144,"EventID":"S4W-13965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:12.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-26T15:18:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the outcomes have been of the national managed clinical networks in the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information about the work of individual National Managed Clinical Networks is available on the NHS National Services Division website:\r\nhttp://www.nsd.scot.nhs.uk/services/nmcn/index.html\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:12.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283145,"EventID":"S4W-14013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:12.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T10:39:27.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what local authorities will use in place of the eCare programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The transition from the national “one size fits all” approach of eCare, to locally led initiatives, has resulted in the seven local authorities involved migrating on to a range of locally developed innovative solutions. These provide more extensive information sharing capabilities than was available previously.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:12.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283146,"EventID":"S4W-14068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:12.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T16:54:48.133","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will respond to reports that the recent bad weather is having a negative impact on seabird populations ahead of the breeding season.","AnswerText":"I recognise that the recent spell of unusually bad weather has had a negative impact on Scotland’s wildlife including seabirds and also on livestock. There have been reports of groups of seabirds, such as puffins, being washed ashore on the East Coast of Scotland. This puffin “wreck” is indicative of difficulties faced by seabirds in sourcing food in periods of severe weather.\r\nScottish Natural Heritage (SNH) have advised that the impact of recent bad weather on seabird populations will not be known until after the forthcoming breeding season. SNH, in conjunction with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and other organisations, participate in the Seabird Monitoring Programme which collects sample data on breeding numbers and breeding success of 26 species of seabird that regularly breed in Britain and Ireland to enable their conservation status to be assessed. \r\nResults of the Seabird Monitoring Programme can be found on the JNCC web site;\r\nhttp://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-3201.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:12.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283147,"EventID":"S4W-14069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:13.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T16:54:48.133","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the proposed network of marine protected areas will have on the recovery of sandeels.","AnswerText":"Protected areas can help conserve the current populations of sandeels by protecting the sources of sandeel in Scottish waters.\r\nFour inshore and offshore MPA proposals for sandeels have been identified and were included in the Report to Parliament in December 2012 in recognition of the importance of preserving the species in its own right but also given the importance of sandeels for key seabird species. Scottish National Heritage and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee have advised that the objectives for the MPA proposals should be to conserve sandeel. Evidence suggests that sandeel are not in decline in these areas because few are activities taking place likely to affect their conservation status. Populations of sandeel are also not considered to be in decline because of existing fisheries measures to protect sandeel, such as the measures that span the marine waters of the Forth, and the relatively quick turnover of sandeels.\r\nCertain areas of the sea act as sources for populations of species. These sources add new individuals to increase the population numbers of the species. The role of the MPA network for sandeels is to protect sources for sandeel which supply young sandeel to other sandeel grounds around Scotland, thus promoting the health of the overall population. The MPA proposals for sandeels that were reported on in 2012 represent such sources of sandeel.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:13.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283148,"EventID":"S4W-14070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:13.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T16:54:48.133","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the proposed network of marine protected areas will protect sandeels in the River Forth.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14069 on 16 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:13.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283149,"EventID":"S4W-14071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:13.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-28T16:54:48.133","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will reconsider the inclusion of sites to protect seabird foraging areas in the proposed network of marine protected areas to provide resilience against extreme weather events.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is already a range of work ongoing to identify seabird foraging areas for possible inclusion in the Scottish MPA network either as Nature Conservation MPAs designated under national legislation or marine Special Protected Areas (SPAs) designated under the EU Birds Directive.\r\n\r\nThe Report to Parliament on progress on identifying an MPA network was laid in Parliament on 14 December 2012, and was accompanied by Scottish Natural Heritage and Joint Nature Conservation Committee’s detailed scientific network advice. Both of these documents, which can be found on the Marine Scotland website, highlights six proposals for black guillemot, all of which contain areas used for foraging.\r\n\r\nThe report also highlighted that work is ongoing to identify SPAs at sea for other species of seabirds. This will include areas used by seabirds for foraging. Both the new Nature Conservation MPAs and the additional marine SPAs are intended to complement existing SPAs, 31 of which were extended into the marine environment in 2009 and already provide some foraging areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:13.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283150,"EventID":"S4W-14076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:14.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-31T17:47:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the operational arrangements for the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The arrangements for managing the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund will be published in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:14.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283151,"EventID":"S4W-14077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:14.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-31T17:47:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the qualifying criteria for the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"The arrangements for managing the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund will be published in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:14.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283152,"EventID":"S4W-14078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:14.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-31T17:47:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the remit of the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund will be and whether it will include medicines for rare cancers.","AnswerText":"The arrangements for managing the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund will be published in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:14.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283153,"EventID":"S4W-14079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:15.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-31T17:47:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the interim findings of the review of the individual patient treatment request process conducted by Professor Charles Swainson.\r\n","AnswerText":"The outcomes of the independent review of Access to New Medicines will be published in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:15.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283154,"EventID":"S4W-14080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:15.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-31T17:47:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the review of the individual patient treatment request process conducted by Professor Bill Scott.\r\n","AnswerText":"The outcomes of the independent review of Access to New Medicines will be published in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:15.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283155,"EventID":"S4W-14081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:15.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-31T17:47:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the findings of the review by Professor Philip Routledge of the Scottish Medicines Consortium's new medicines assessment process.","AnswerText":"The outcomes of the independent review of Access to New Medicines will be published in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:15.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283156,"EventID":"S4W-14083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:16.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-31T17:47:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funds will be available for the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund as a result of the decision to fund Ivacaftor for cystic fibrosis patients with the G551D gene mutation who have not had a lung transplant from the fund.","AnswerText":"£21.7 million has been allocated to the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund for the period 1 March 2013 to 31 March 2014. These funds will support all medicines within the scope of the Rare Conditions Medicines Fund, including Ivacaftor.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:16.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283157,"EventID":"S4W-14092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:16.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-02T12:07:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many people resident in Scotland have become residents in care homes in England in each year since 1999 and at what cost.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for individual local authorities in Scotland. The information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:16.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283158,"EventID":"S4W-14093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:16.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-02T12:07:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the National Forum of Drug-related Deaths' recommendation in 2011 to urgently update the 2007 Drug misuse and dependence: UK guidelines on clinical management, what (a) discussions it has had with or (b) recommendations it has made to the Department of Health.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has committed to revise the 2006 National Quality Standards for Substance Misuse Services through the development of an Alcohol and Drug Quality Improvement Framework. This Quality Improvement Framework is the focus of the next stage of delivery in the Road to Recovery Strategy and builds on recommendations within the Quality Alcohol Treatment and Support Report, making sure quality is embedded across all services in Scotland: quality in the provision of care, treatment and recovery services; and quality in the data that will evidence the medium and long term outcomes of people in recovery. The Quality Improvement Framework will drive further improvements setting standards of care, which will be measured by quality indicators of recovery.\r\nQuality standards, improved data and evidence, and planning and reporting requirements will all contribute to an effective Recovery Orientated System of Care delivering an integrated approach to service planning, commissioning, design and delivery focused on individual needs.\r\nThe Chief Medical Officer, Sir Harry Burns, is currently leading an independent expert group to gather evidence on opiate replacement therapies used to treat people with drug addiction in Scotland and the practice and availability of community and residential rehabilitation. The group is due to report its findings in the next few months.\r\nThe work on the National Quality Standards, the findings of the Independent Expert Group and the on-going advice of the National Forum on Drug-Related Deaths, will further inform the Scottish Government’s thinking on any updates to the Drug Misuse and Dependence: UK guidelines on Clinical Management in line with recovery. Until all of this work is concluded, the Scottish Government has not held any discussions with, or has made any recommendations to the Department of Health in relation to the guidelines.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:16.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283159,"EventID":"S4W-14094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:17.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-02T12:07:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that evidence-based guidelines from the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) allow for best practice to be implemented across the country.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) provides robust, evidence based clinical practice guidelines for NHSScotland. These provide the evidence base for NHS boards to identify and implement the best practice locally, it is the responsibility of NHS boards, who are responsible for the planning and provision of services to meet the needs of their population, to audit and monitor the implementation of these guidelines.\r\nSIGN guidelines are derived from a systematic review of the scientific literature and are designed as a vehicle for accelerating the translation of new knowledge into action to meet our aim of reducing variations in practice, and improving patient-important outcomes. All SIGN guidelines are independently reviewed by specialist referees prior to publication and there are a number of opportunities for interested parties to get involved during the development phase.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:17.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283160,"EventID":"S4W-14095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:17.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-02T12:07:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will request that the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) prepare an evidence-based guideline on recovery from opiate drug addiction in line with the outputs of the independent expert group on opiate replacement therapies.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to improving all aspects of quality in how drug treatment is delivered in Scotland.\r\nThe Chief Medical Officer, Sir Harry Burns, is currently leading an independent expert group to gather evidence on opiate replacement therapies used to treat people with drug addiction in Scotland (announced in October 2012). The Group is due to report its findings in the next few months.\r\nAny individual or group can propose a SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidance Network) guideline at any time: http://www.sign.ac.uk/about/introduction.html. For a topic to be suitable for the development of a SIGN guideline there must be evidence of variation in practice which affects patient outcomes and a strong research base providing evidence of effective practice. In addition, the potential benefit to patients must be sufficient to justify the resources invested in the development and implementation of a SIGN guideline. A decision on whether SIGN should be asked to consider a guideline on recovery from opiate drug addiction will be made following the report from the independent expert group.\r\nThe Scottish Government has also committed to revise the 2006 National Quality Standards for Substance Misuse Services through the development of an Alcohol and Drug Quality Improvement Framework. This Quality Improvement Framework is the focus of the next stage of delivery of the Road to Recovery Strategy and builds on recommendations within the Quality Alcohol Treatment and Support Report (2011) - making sure quality is embedded across all services in Scotland: quality in the provision of care, treatment and recovery services; and quality in the data that will evidence the medium and long term outcomes of people in recovery. The Quality Improvement Framework will drive further improvements setting standards of care, which will be measured by quality indicators of recovery. \r\nQuality standards, improved data and evidence, and planning and reporting requirements will all contribute to an effective Recovery Orientated System of Care delivering an integrated approach to service planning, commissioning, design and delivery focused on individual needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:17.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283161,"EventID":"S4W-14096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:17.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-02T12:07:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to increase access to buprenorphine, as recommended by the National Forum on Drug-related Deaths in 2011.","AnswerText":"Decisions on the type of treatment for problem drug use are for professionals, in discussion with their clients to agree upon within the context of long term recovery.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s national drugs strategy the Road to Recovery is clear; that substitute prescribing such as buprenorphine, is one of a number of methods of drug treatment in a package of care, treatment and recovery that can be offered to individuals to help them recover from problem drug use.\r\nSteps are in place to improve all aspect of quality in how drug treatment is delivered. The Chief Medical Officer, Sir Harry Burns, is currently leading an independent expert group to gather evidence on opiate replacement therapies used to treat people with drug addiction in Scotland and the practice and availability of community and residential rehabilitation. The group is due to report its findings in the next few months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:17.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283162,"EventID":"S4W-14097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:18.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-02T12:07:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken since 2011 to supply written information for people receiving treatment for drug addiction to ensure informed patient choice on all treatment options across each NHS board.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s national drugs strategy, The Road to Recovery, published in 2008 and re-affirmed with cross-party support by this Parliament in 2012, still stands strong as the key over-arching policy document for the delivery of recovery-focused support and treatment in Scotland. The strategy is underpinned by key guidance contained in the UK Guidelines on Clinical Management for Drug Misuse and Dependence (2007) and the Scottish Advisory Committee on Drugs Misuse (SACDM) Essential Care report (2008) which advocate for the provision of evidence-based, holistic and recovery-focused support where the individual has a say in their treatment options and associated recovery pathway.\r\nIn 2010, the NHS Healthcare Quality Strategy was published as a new approach to making our NHS even better, now and in the future, by building on a firm foundation of quality services, dedicated staff and strong values. The strategy is focused on three key Quality Ambitions to ensure that our NHS is safe, effective and person-centred. \r\nMoreover, delivering on a key commitment within Changing Scotland’s Relationship with Alcohol: A Framework for Action, The Quality Alcohol Treatment and Support report (QATS) report, published in March 2011:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/21111515/0,\r\nbuilds on existing guidance contained both within the Alcohol Problems Support and Treatment Framework (2002) and the SACDM Essential Care report (2008). While focused on alcohol interventions, the QATS report sets out recommendations and expectations for the delivery of treatment and support in the wider addictions field. This is in line with the integrated way in which the majority of treatment services in Scotland are delivered to support people to recover, irrespective of the substance involved.\r\nThe QATS report contains 14 key recommendations targeted at Scottish Government; Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) and treatment services with the aim of improving the quality of service delivery to better support and empower people to recover.\r\nTo build on this work, Scottish Government officials are progressing with the development of a drug and alcohol Quality Improvement Framework for services in Scotland. This quality improvement framework is the focus of the next stage of delivery of The Road to Recovery strategy, and builds on recommendations within the Quality Alcohol Treatment and Support Report (2011) - making sure quality is embedded across all services in Scotland: quality in the provision of care, treatment and recovery services; and quality in the data that will evidence the medium and long term outcomes of people in recovery. The Quality Improvement Framework will drive further improvements setting standards of care, which will be measured by quality indicators of recovery. \r\n\r\nThe Scottish Government is working with third sector organisations across Scotland including the Scottish Drugs Forum, the Scottish Recovery Consortium and the Scottish Families Affected by Drugs, to ensure that the views of service users and their families are heard and listened to, in the development of quality services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:18.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283163,"EventID":"S4W-14098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:18.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-02T12:07:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the percentage of opioid drug users in treatment in Scotland is lower than in (a) England and (b) other European countries and, if so, what analysis it has made of the reasons for this.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is not possible from the data currently available to make direct comparisons between the percentage of people with opioid addiction in drug treatment in Scotland compared to England and other European countries.\r\nThe Scottish Government continues to work closely with the UK Focal Point on Drugs and the European Monitoring Centre on Drugs and Drug Addiction to ensure that Scotland’s position in relation to the rest of the UK and other countries can be analysed and monitored.\r\nThe Chief Medical Officer, Sir Harry Burns, is currently leading an independent expert group to gather evidence on opiate replacement therapies used to treat people with drug addiction. The group is due to report its findings in the next few months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:18.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283164,"EventID":"S4W-14102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:18.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-02T15:43:54.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what responsibility private landlords have for the conduct of their tenants.","AnswerText":"Under Part 7 of the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 a local authority may serve an antisocial behaviour notice on landlords where an occupant or visitor to a house let by the landlord engages in antisocial behaviour at or in the locality of the house. The notice will specify actions the landlord must take to address the antisocial behaviour.\r\nFrom 1 May 2013 landlords will have a legal duty to provide new tenants with an information pack. The pack includes information for tenants and landlords on their respective obligations in relation to the conduct of tenancies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:18.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283165,"EventID":"S4W-14103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:19.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-02T15:43:54.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action can be taken against a private landlord who refuses to deal with an antisocial tenant.","AnswerText":"Under Part 7 of the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 local authorities have powers to serve an antisocial behaviour notice (ASBN) on a private landlord where an occupant or visitor to a house they let engages in antisocial behaviour at or in the locality of the house. The notice specifies actions the landlord must take to address the antisocial behaviour.\r\nLocal authorities must also have regard to antisocial behaviour by the landlord, the tenant, or at the property where an antisocial behaviour order has been served, for the purposes of landlord registration. Where evidence relating to antisocial behaviour results in a landlord being found not to be fit and proper, this may result in a landlord being refused registration, or having their registration revoked.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:19.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283166,"EventID":"S4W-14104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:19.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-02T15:43:54.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what requirement there is for tenancy agreements between private landlords and tenants to make reference to the behaviour of the tenant.","AnswerText":"There is no statutory requirement for a tenancy agreement to make reference to the behaviour of the tenant. It is for the landlord and tenant to be satisfied as to what the specific terms of a tenancy agreement are. \r\nLandlords are responsible for the property which they let, including for the conduct of the tenant. Local authorities have powers to serve an antisocial behaviour notice (ASBN) on a private landlord if they fail to take action where an occupant or visitor to a house they let engages in antisocial behaviour at or in the locality of the house.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:19.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283167,"EventID":"S4W-14106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:19.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-03T09:57:03.85","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what provision has been planned for people travelling between the rail and bus stations at the new Galashiels public transport interchange.","AnswerText":"In preparation for the return of rail services to the central Scottish Borders, a new Transport Interchange will be delivered in Galashiels by Scottish Borders Council that will fully integrate train, bus, taxi, car, cycling and pedestrians.\r\nFurther information can be found at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotborders.gov.uk/info/209/regeneration_and_town_centre_management/476/galashiels_inner_relief_road_and_traffic_management/5.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:19.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283168,"EventID":"S4W-14107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:20.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-03T11:19:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people were (a) arrested for breach of the peace between 29 March and 1 April 2013 and (b) convicted of breach of the peace on 2 and 3 April 2013 and how many of these convictions were announced via news releases from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) does not hold information on numbers of accused persons arrested for any charge. The information requested in part (a) of the question is therefore not available from COPFS.\r\nIn relation to part (b) of the question information held on the COPFS database shows that a total of 13 people were convicted of a charge of breach of the peace on \r\n2 and 3 April 2013. There were no news releases issued from COPFS in relation to any of these convictions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:20.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283169,"EventID":"S4W-14108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:20.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-03T11:28:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government about upgrading the A1.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has held no recent discussions with the UK Government on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:20.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283170,"EventID":"S4W-14109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:21.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-03T11:28:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to upgrade the A1.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to fully dual the A1. Our analysis shows the route enjoys a safe and efficient operation and experiences few journey time reliability issues. As such, the key objective for the route is to promote a continuing reduction in accident rates and with this in mind we will continue to look at ways to improve and upgrade the A1.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:21.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283171,"EventID":"S4W-14110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:21.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-03T11:43:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what process it followed to appoint the chairs of regional college boards and how the vacancies for these posts were advertised. \r\n","AnswerText":"The posts of chairs of regional college boards are proposed in the Post-16 Education (Scotland) Bill and, as such, do not yet exist.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:21.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283172,"EventID":"S4W-14112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:21.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-03T11:43:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it took to ensure that it followed each of the seven principles set out by the Committee on Standards in Public Life when appointing the chairs of regional college boards.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14110 on 23 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:21.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283173,"EventID":"S4W-14113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T14:16:22.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-03T12:27:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to enable people with restricted vision to access computer aids for visually impaired people.","AnswerText":"There is a range of services available to support and assist people with a visual impairment to access computer aids.\r\nThe Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, as amended, places duties on education authorities to identify, plan, make provision for and review the additional support needs of their pupils. A child or young person with restricted vision could have their needs assessed to consider the support that is required to help them with their learning.\r\nThe Student Awards Agency for Scotland administers the Disabled Student’s Allowance which provides support to students with disabilities studying a course of higher education. Students with a disability such as visual impairments may be eligible to apply for the allowance while on their course to help with the cost of equipment to help them study.\r\nIt is for local authorities to assess and decide what services and support to provide to their local population, using their eligibility criteria.\r\nHowever, the Scottish Government issued guidance on the Provision of Equipment and Adaptations in 2009. The guidance states that “The ability to read and write is seen as a basic human right. For individuals with a sensory impairment or communication needs, access to equipment to enable them to achieve or maintain this function should be given a high priority.”\r\nTo enable the delivery of a person centred, outcomes focused advice and service provision, it is essential that equipment (including sensory impairment equipment) is incorporated into mainstream community care and children’s services.\r\nThe Scottish Government has very recently issued a draft Scottish sensory impairment strategy for consultation. The draft strategy can be found on the Scottish Government website at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/04/2067.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T14:16:22.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283176,"EventID":"S4W-14117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-03T15:07:01.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-03T14:39:43.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13464 by Margaret Burgess on 27 March 2013, whether it will provide the information broken down by postcode area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the relative costs of housebuilding cannot be provided by postcode, because the volume of information is not sufficient for meaningful sub-analysis at this level.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T15:07:02.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283185,"EventID":"S4W-14101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T11:58:49.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-02T14:15:33.91","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contingencies are in place to assist people stranded overnight in Dunoon without accommodation due to ferry services being suspended as a result of adverse weather.\r\n","AnswerText":"SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT\r\nWRITTEN ANSWER\r\n25 April 2013\r\nIndex Heading: Transport Scotland\r\nDavid Stewart (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what contingencies are in place to assist people stranded overnight in Dunoon without accommodation due to ferry services being suspended as a result of adverse weather.\r\n(S4W-14101)\r\nKeith Brown: On 3 April the Scottish Government announced a new arrangement whereby dedicated replacement buses for AFL passengers will now operate between Argyll Ferries’ terminals at each town centre, when both its ships are off for prolonged periods, using Western Ferries’ service. This arrangement went live on 9 April 2013 and should ensure that no foot passengers are stranded at either Dunoon or Gourock.\r\nBoth the Argyll Ferries Limited service and the Western Ferries (Clyde) service operate late into the evening, every night of the week.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T11:58:49.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283186,"EventID":"S4W-14105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T11:58:50.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-02T19:53:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who will benefit from the social wage and how. \r\n","AnswerText":"Through the Social Wage we have defended and extended key core universal services, rights and benefits to deliver the social and economic circumstances for everyone to benefit.\r\nKey commitments include: the removal of prescription charges, benefitting every Scottish citizen and potentially saving those with long term illnesses around £104 per year; free eye examinations, benefiting every Scottish citizen and having delivered almost two million examinations in 2011-12; free personal care, benefitting over 77,000 older, vulnerable people in our society; council tax freeze, benefitting over 1.8 million homes; sustainable domestic water charges benefitting all Scottish households on a public water supply; free university tuition, saving students around £27,000 a year compared to the cost of the studying in England; concessionary travel to help older and disabled people in Scotland; the abolition of bridge tolls; legislating through the Children and Young People Bill to deliver an increase to 600 hours of free, flexible early learning and childcare to around 120,000 children across Scotland; and the implementation of a Scottish Living Wage for the duration of this Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T11:58:50.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283187,"EventID":"S4W-14118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T11:58:50.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-03T15:11:05.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had regarding the recent increase in the price of student bus tickets in Aberdeen.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not been involved in any discussions, although I understand that First Aberdeen met student representatives on 10 April 2013 to discuss their concerns.\r\nBus fares and tickets are a matter for individual operators, who use their own commercial judgement as to the fare structure to be applied, taking into account factors such as costs, patronage and other sources of funding. \r\nThe Scottish Government provides annual grants to the bus industry through Bus Service Operators Grant, currently totalling £50 million a year, aimed at helping keep fares at affordable levels and enabling bus operators to run services that might not otherwise be commercially viable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T11:58:50.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283188,"EventID":"S4W-14119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T11:58:51.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-03T16:08:37.923","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to address the reported shortage of social housing in Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerText":"A three-year delegated housing supply budget (through to March 2015) of £181.138 million was issued to Glasgow City Council through the Transfer of Management and Development Funding. This enables Glasgow City Council to take the lead in devising a locally led programme of social and affordable housing developments, based on the priorities identified within its local housing strategies and strategic housing investment plans.\r\nThe Scottish Government is providing further support through the Glasgow Housing Association new build reprovisioning programme, in which all of the homes will be for social rent in Glasgow.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government recently approved five Glasgow housing developments under the Greener Homes Innovation Scheme, which will provide a mix of social and affordable housing developments across the city.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T11:58:51.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283189,"EventID":"S4W-14120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T11:58:51.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-03T16:08:37.923","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the legal status is of a home report.","AnswerText":"The legal requirement for a Home Report is set out in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 and the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 (Prescribed Documents) Regulations 2008 set out what the Home Report must contain.\r\nThe Home Report legislation also makes local authority trading standards the enforcing body for the legislation and gives situations where a buyer can seek redress against a surveyor. These include where the buyer suffers a material loss as a result of a failure to prepare a survey report with reasonable skill and care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T11:58:51.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283190,"EventID":"S4W-14121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T11:58:51.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-03T17:00:03.647","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it became aware of reports regarding the mislabelling of fish in the retail sector and what action it took.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 28 February 2013 I asked Seafish to write to retailers and processors reminding them of the need to maintain the highest level of labelling standards, and Seafish did so on 12 March 2013. Seafood substitution was discussed with the major supermarkets at the Scottish Groceries Retail Forum on 27 February 2013, where industry was reminded of their responsibilities to ensure that food and food products are correctly labelled, and do not mislead consumers. \r\nThe Scottish Government was informed by the Food Standards Agency on 5 March 2013 about specific reports regarding the mislabelling of fish in the retail sector. The report presented in the press was referencing results from a local survey undertaken by local authorities in the west of Scotland during 2008.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T11:58:51.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283194,"EventID":"S4W-14122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:11:57.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-03T16:11:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings it has had and with whom regarding the appointment of a mediator for talks on international fish quotas since November 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I first suggested the idea of an international mediator in January 2013 in recognition of the fact that the current approach to the mackerel negotiations, clearly isn’t working. I had initial discussions with Maria Damanaki and Simon Coveney at the January Fisheries Council meeting and subsequently have written to them both setting out my thinking in more detail. The European Commission has held a technical (official level) meeting to discuss the idea further and this was attended by a senior Marine Scotland official. I have also written to Richard Benyon and Michelle O’Neill to outline my idea and ask for their support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:11:57.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283195,"EventID":"S4W-14123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:11:58.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-03T16:11:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who is involved in the appointment of a mediator for talks on international fish quota.","AnswerText":"The mackerel talks consist of four parties, the EU, represented by the European Commission, Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. All parties will need to agree to a mediator being appointed and who that mediator might be.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:11:58.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283196,"EventID":"S4W-14124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:11:58.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-03T16:11:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had in 2013 with the Scottish pelagic fleet and its representatives regarding the appointment of a mediator for international fishing talks.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have regular meetings with the pelagic industry and the processors, as well as ongoing discussions about how best to find a solution to the mackerel crisis. I have discussed this issue directly with Ian Gatt, chief executive of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association, and will be meeting him again at the end of April 2013 to discuss the issue further.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:11:58.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283197,"EventID":"S4W-14125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:11:58.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T10:23:17.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when further details of the improvement partnership programme announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 27 March 2013 will be available; which stakeholders will participate, and how schools wanting to participate (a) can apply and (b) will be chosen.\r\n","AnswerText":"Full details concerning this programme will be available to all schools and local authorities by end June 2013. Between now and then Education Scotland will be working with key stakeholders including Association of Directors of Education in Scotland and School Leaders Scotland to work out the details including how to apply and criteria to be applied.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:11:58.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283198,"EventID":"S4W-14127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:11:59.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T10:23:17.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how long it expects relationships between schools established under the improvement partnership programme announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 27 March 2013 to last and how it will determine whether a relationship is successful.\r\n","AnswerText":"Each improvement partnership will be tailored to individual circumstances. It is expected that some of these relationships will be over the longer-term, in some cases six months to a year or more. National criteria for success will be developed by key stakeholders before the end of June 2013. These will be augmented by local criteria for success negotiated as part of each partnership.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:11:59.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283199,"EventID":"S4W-14128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:11:59.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T10:23:17.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date it will publish the consultation paper on class sizes and teacher numbers announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 27 March 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working with the Convention Of Scottish Local Authorities, with a view to issuing a joint consultation paper within the coming weeks. No date has been fixed for the publication.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:11:59.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283200,"EventID":"S4W-14129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:11:59.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T10:23:17.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how much it will cost and (b) who it will work with to develop the senior phase benchmarking tool announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 27 March 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The development of the Senior Phase Benchmarking Tool is estimated to cost £0.7 million over the three financial years 2011-12 to 2014-15. The tool will be launched in August 2014.\r\nThe tool is being developed through a project-based partnership involving the Scottish Government, local authorities, secondary schools, national education agencies and other partners including teachers and unions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:11:59.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283201,"EventID":"S4W-14130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:12:00.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T10:23:17.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it will cost Education Scotland to develop the website with schools data for parents, which was announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 27 March 2013, and whether it will be developed in-house.\r\n","AnswerText":"Education Scotland are about to start scoping the work and finalising the requirements. After this phase is complete, it will be possible to estimate costs. The existing websites, Parent Zone and Scottish Schools Online are currently managed and developed in-house by education Scotland. It is likely that the most cost-effective approach for this new development would be to build upon the existing functionality. The first meeting to discuss the scope and requirements was held on Tuesday 16 April 2013.\r\nThe new website will be developed to reflect the views parents provided into during the consultation on the School Handbook legislation. This highlighted that parents want a richer mix of information about their own school, and education in Scotland, rather than just a list of statistics.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:12:00.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283202,"EventID":"S4W-14131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:12:01.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T10:23:17.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it will cost \"to improve the quality of information going to parents about Curriculum for Excellence\" and “produce a new publication to be provided to every parent in Scotland” as announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 27 March 2013.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is continually looking at ways to respond to requests to improve information and engagement with parents on Curriculum for Excellence. In response to direct feedback from parents, a new leaflet for parents is being developed in partnership with the National Parent Forum of Scotland. Final costs for this are not yet available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:12:01.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283203,"EventID":"S4W-14132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:12:01.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T10:23:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the comment by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 27 March 2013 that “education is almost fully devolved”, whether it will confirm what aspects are reserved.","AnswerText":"Reserved aspects of education relate research councils and some other sources of university research funding such as the National Academies and the Technology Strategy Board, and UK government departments, some immigration matters are also reserved including student visa policy.","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2015-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283204,"EventID":"S4W-14133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-02T11:12:34.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T11:00:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will review the powers available to local authorities to deal with dilapidated properties before they become dangerous.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government intends to improve existing cost recovery powers in the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 for local authorities when dealing with dangerous and defective buildings. Proposals will form part of the upcoming consultation on the Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill.","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283205,"EventID":"S4W-14134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:12:02.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T11:00:51.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to local authorities that are required to take action against commercial property owners because of properties falling into disrepair.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are provided with a range of powers to help them deal with defective buildings. These powers generally require “the owner” to bring the building into a reasonable state of repair having regard to its age, type and location and apply to all tenure types.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:12:02.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283206,"EventID":"S4W-14135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:12:03.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T11:00:51.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures are in place to support intervention by local authorities in relation to dilapidated properties and their owners to prevent buildings deteriorating into a dangerous condition.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities have a range of powers available to help them deal with defective buildings. The Scottish Government intends to improve existing cost recovery powers in the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 and proposals will form part of the upcoming consultation on the Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:12:03.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283207,"EventID":"S4W-14136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:12:03.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T11:00:51.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding is available to (a) local authorities and (b) community groups to invest in town and village centres.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have responsibility for delivering local economic development and local regeneration. It is the responsibility of each local authority to allocate the total financial resources available to it on the basis of local needs and priorities.\r\nIn February 2013, we announced a £2 million fund for housing providers, whether public or private, to encourage the development of affordable housing in vacant town centre properties. We are currently finalising the criteria for this fund.\r\nThere are a range of Scottish Government funds to support community organisations, including those working in town and village centres. We are currently mapping what Scottish Government funding is available to support communities and we intend to publish this on our webpages later this year. There are also many other organisations that offer funding support for communities, including BIG Lottery, the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:12:03.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283208,"EventID":"S4W-14137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:12:03.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T11:00:51.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to extend the availability of the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund to all local authorities.","AnswerText":"As signalled in the Regeneration Strategy the Scottish Government and Convention Of Scottish Local Authorities are currently conducting a review of the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund. The review is likely to conclude in summer 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:12:03.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283209,"EventID":"S4W-14138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:12:05.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T11:00:51.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the report of the national review of town centres.","AnswerText":"The External Advisory Group of the Town Centre Review, established in September 2012, are currently considering their recommendations. We expect to receive the report in May 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:12:05.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283210,"EventID":"S4W-14139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:12:05.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T11:57:09.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide financial assistance to farmers for the purchase of extra feed as a result of the recent bad weather conditions.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 1 May 2013, the Scottish Government announced a £6 million package of aid for farmers affected by the bad weather of 2012 and 2013, in particular the heavy snow of March 2013. A government industry group, chaired by the governments, Chief Agricultural Officer, met on 7 May 2013 to consider the eligibility criteria and the detail of the payments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:12:05.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283211,"EventID":"S4W-14140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:12:05.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T11:57:09.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what emotional support it is providing to farmers who have been adversely affected by the recent bad weather conditions.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have spoken to many farmers and know the problems this has caused in terms of devastating livestock losses, crops not harvested or not planted and increased feed requirements at a time of rising prices. The Scottish Government has already acted swiftly to provide assistance and we have given £50,000 in support to the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI: http://www.rsabi.org.uk/) which provides financial assistance, support and advice in confidence to those people who have worked in Scotland in land-based occupations and who are suffering hardship.\r\nI continue to listen carefully to the industry as the scale of the problem is being assessed and I consider what further help can be given to those worst affected. My officials are working on ways to provide more help to farmers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:12:05.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283212,"EventID":"S4W-14141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:12:06.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T11:57:09.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it will provide to farmers for the removal of animals that died as a result of the recent bad weather conditions. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is providing £500,000 financial aid to farmers for the collection of fallen stock that have died as a result of the severe weather. This will be distributed to all farmers in Scotland through the National Fallen Stock Company.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:12:06.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283213,"EventID":"S4W-14142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:12:06.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T11:57:09.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it will offer to farmers facing financial difficulties as a result of the recent bad weather conditions.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provided £500,000 support to farmers to assist with fallen stock costs and, on 1 May 2013, I announced a £6 million aid package to further support the industry recover from the recent extreme weather and other factors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:12:06.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283214,"EventID":"S4W-14143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:12:06.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T11:57:09.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many meetings it has had in the last year with and (b) what support it offers to the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution.\r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minister and I met with the RSABI chief executive and chairman as recently as the National Farmers Union Scotland Annual General Meeting in February 2013, when we awarded the RSABI a £50,000 grant to support the great work that it does. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:12:06.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283215,"EventID":"S4W-14145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:12:07.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T12:15:27.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13200 by Michael Matheson on 5 March 2013, what restrictions relating to new medicines apply to ulipristal acetate that are additional to the restriction removed on 9 November 2012 and under what conditions it can be made available without prescription.","AnswerText":"Ulipristal acetate is licensed as an emergency hormonal contraception. For this indication it is a prescription only medicine. The usual route for obtaining the medicine is via prescription from a qualified prescriber.\r\nExceptionally, it may be possible for ulipristal acetate to be obtained through a patient group direction (PGD) facility where such a direction has been put in place by a NHS board.\r\nIt is for NHS boards to determine when to establish a PGD and for what service. Scottish Government does not hold information on NHS board PGDs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:12:07.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283216,"EventID":"S4W-14146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:12:07.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T12:47:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people given a custodial sentence in cases involving domestic violence received a sentence of (a) up to three and (b) between three and six months in 2011-12.","AnswerText":"The data held on the Scottish Government Court Proceedings Database shows that there were 382 people given a custodial sentence of up to three months and 490 with a sentence of over three months to six months for cases where the main charge had a domestic abuse aggravator recorded in the financial year 2011-12.\r\nRecording of offence aggravators has been improving over time and it is deemed that recording has only reached a sufficient level of consistency in the past three years from 2009-10. Any comparison of trends of aggravator information made over time should be made with caution. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:12:07.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283217,"EventID":"S4W-14147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-04T15:12:07.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T12:47:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people were (a) prosecuted and (b) convicted in cases involving domestic violence in 2011-12, broken down by manner of disposal.","AnswerText":"The data held on the Scottish Government Court Proceedings Database shows that 10,499 people were prosecuted where the main offence had a domestic abuse aggravator recorded in the financial year 2011-12. Of these 8,869 were convicted which consisted of the following disposal types: 1,104 Custody; 2,253 Community Sentence; 2,683 Monetary; 2,739 Admonished; 77 Absolute discharge; 13 Other disposal types.\r\nRecording of offence aggravators has been improving over time and it is deemed that recording has only reached a sufficient level of consistency in the past three years from 2009-10. Any comparison of trends of aggravator information made over time should be made with caution.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T15:12:07.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283223,"EventID":"S4W-14150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:06.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T15:41:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the safeguarding of a protected species in an EU designated special protection area or access on a path through a breeding area has priority.","AnswerText":"Access rights under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 extend to nature reserves and other conservation areas (including Special Protection Areas). The Scottish Outdoor Access Code provides detailed guidance on the responsibilities of those exercising access rights and of those managing land and water.\r\nThe National Access Forum (as established by Scottish Natural Heritage to advise on national issues linked to Scottish access rights) has drawn up additional guidance on managing access with dogs in protected areas to safeguard breeding birds. This is available via the following web link:\r\nhttp://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/B1012165.pdf\r\nIf necessary, access rights may be subject to modification for reasons which include satisfying the requirements of relevant EU Directives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:07.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283224,"EventID":"S4W-14151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:07.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T16:01:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been (a) prosecuted, (b) fined and (c) imprisoned under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 for taking, disturbing or harming a freshwater pearl mussel.","AnswerText":"The freshwater pearl mussel was given legal protection when it was added to Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA) in 1991. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) is responsible for holding records for prosecutions in relation to freshwater pearl mussels under the WCA dating from 2002, though there have been no such prosecutions since then. Records held by the Scottish Government on cases involving offences under Schedule 5 of the WCA do not identify the species concerned.\r\nThere have been two cases reported to COPFS in relation to offences involving freshwater pearl mussels under the WCA since 2002. In one of those cases there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the individual reported.\r\nThe other case proceeded by way of prosecution under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005, Regulation 5 and 40(1)(a) and the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 Section 20(3)(a) which also recognised the damage to the Freshwater Pearl Mussels. This case resulted in fines being imposed on two individuals and a company, totalling £15,000.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:07.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283225,"EventID":"S4W-14152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:08.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T16:01:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many licences have been obtained to sell freshwater pearls from Scottish rivers in each of the last 14 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Antique freshwater pearl mussel. Licences issued for sale of pearls between 1999-2011:\r\nYear\r\nAntique freshwater pearl mussel licences issued\r\n(To sell/jewellery trade) under Section 16(4) (b) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.\r\n1999\r\nThe Scottish Government does not hold this information\r\n2000\r\nThe Scottish Government does not hold this information\r\n2001\r\n0\r\n2002\r\n1\r\n2003\r\n1\r\n2004\r\n1 \r\n2005\r\n1\r\n2006\r\n11\r\n2007\r\n6  \r\n2008\r\n11\r\n2009\r\n11\r\n2010\r\n18\r\n2011\r\n21*\r\n2012\r\n8 \r\n2013\r\n2  (as of 1st April 2013)\r\n* The Scottish Government issued 11 licences to sell freshwater pearls in 2011. This relates to freshwater pearls taken before 1998, when freshwater pearl mussels were not protected. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) were given the responsibility for the licensing of the sale of pearls from freshwater pearl mussels on 1 July 2011. SNH issued a further 10 licences in 2011, giving a total of 21 for that year. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:08.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283226,"EventID":"S4W-14153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:08.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T16:01:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action is being taken to ensure that the freshwater pearl mussel is protected while hydroelectric schemes are being developed in rivers with pearl mussel colonies.\r\n","AnswerText":"In their responses to planning and Controlled Activities Regulation licence applications, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) seek pre-construction surveys and also a construction method statement.\r\nIn addition, SNH and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have produced joint good practice guidance for hydro construction; and SNH recently held two Sharing Good Practice (SGP) Events aimed at both regulators and developers.\r\nhttp://www.scottishrenewables.com/publications/hydro-construction-guide-good-practice/\r\nA further SGP event is scheduled for June on “Upland Tracks and Renewable Energy Development” and the associated good practice guidance on constructed tracks in the uplands is currently being revised in consultation with SEPA. The event is focused on discussing the key natural heritage impacts arising from the construction, maintenance and after-use of track developments, and highlighting the potential disturbance to fish and invertebrate species, including freshwater pearl mussels, in areas where access tracks cross rivers and streams.\r\nMore generally, SNH has also published guidance on how best to protect freshwater pearl mussels to help inform those considering river engineering works. This is available on their website at:\r\nhttp://www.snh.gov.uk/publications-data-and-research/publications/search-the-catalogue/publication-detail/?id=1519.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:08.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283227,"EventID":"S4W-14154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:09.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T16:01:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action is being taken to identify sites for a reintroduction programme for the freshwater pearl mussel.","AnswerText":"As part of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan for freshwater pearl mussels, a trial reintroduction to two tributaries of rivers in the Cairngorms took place in 2005. The freshwater pearl mussel was subsequently included in the Species Action Framework and during the period 2007-12 further action was taken to look at potential reintroduction to distinct catchments from which the species had been lost. Following research work that identified a number of potential reintroduction sites, and examined the species’ genetic diversity, a reintroduction programme was finalised.\r\nA further reintroduction took place in Argyll during 2011. Follow up monitoring demonstrated disappointing results with poor recruitment in the Cairngorms, although there appears to have been better results in Argyll. The reasons for the different results are not clear. Further monitoring is scheduled to take place during 2013 at all three reintroduction sites which will inform further potential reintroductions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:09.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283228,"EventID":"S4W-14155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:10.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T16:01:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many freshwater pearl mussel sites have been found to be criminally damaged in each of the last 14 years.","AnswerText":"There have been 72 suspected criminal incidents involving damage to Freshwater Pearl Mussel sites in Scotland over the past 14 years.\r\nThese have been recorded by Scottish Natural Heritage and the National Wildlife Crime Unit on a yearly basis as shown in the following table.\r\nYear\r\nNumber of suspected criminal incidents\r\n1999\r\n2\r\n2000\r\n7\r\n2001\r\n1\r\n2002\r\n1\r\n2003\r\n2\r\n2004\r\n2\r\n2005\r\n3\r\n2006\r\n6\r\n2007\r\n3\r\n2008\r\n14\r\n2009\r\n13\r\n2010\r\n12\r\n2011\r\n4\r\n2012\r\n2\r\nThe relevant offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is:\r\nSection 9(4)(a) - intentionally or recklessly damaging, destroying or obstructing access to any structure or place which any wild animal included in Schedule 5 uses for shelter or protection.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:10.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283229,"EventID":"S4W-14156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:10.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T16:01:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action is being taken to assess the freshwater pearl mussel populations in non-designated rivers.","AnswerText":"The first national survey of freshwater pearl mussel populations was commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage and undertaken by Cosgrove and Young in 1997. A repeat national survey, which includes all known non-designated rivers with pearl mussel populations, has recently started. Fieldwork is taking place in 2013 and 2014, and the final report is due to be submitted to Scottish Natural Heritage in early 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:10.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283230,"EventID":"S4W-14157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:11.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T17:13:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its evaluation of the Community Jobs Scotland programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The evaluation of Community Jobs Scotland will be published during summer 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:11.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283231,"EventID":"S4W-14158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:12.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T17:13:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the membership is of the Community Jobs Scotland Advisory Group.","AnswerText":"Membership of the Community Jobs Scotland Advisory Group is comprised of representatives of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Skills Development Scotland, the Department of Work and Pensions and the Scottish Local Authority Economic Development group.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:12.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283232,"EventID":"S4W-14159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:12.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T17:13:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the Opportunities for All budget is for (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15, showing how much has been allocated in each year; to what it has been allocated, and how much has not been allocated.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has identified significant resources to fulfil our Opportunities for All commitment to guarantee all 16-19 year olds an offer of a place in education or training, including prioritising college places and Modern Apprenticeships for young people\r\nThe £30 million Opportunities for All budget allocation for financial years 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 is set out in the following table:\r\n \r\n2012-13\r\n£18,000,000\r\n2013-14\r\n£6,000,000\r\n2014-15\r\n£6,000,000\r\nTargeted ERI\r\n£500,000\r\n£500,000\r\n£500,000\r\nCommunity Jobs Scotland\r\n£5,350,000\r\n£4,000,000\r\n£1,750,000\r\nSocial Enterprise & Third Sector Challenge Fund\r\n£3,027,282\r\n \r\n \r\nLocal Authorities\r\n£9,000,000\r\n \r\n \r\nTotal allocated (to date)\r\n£17,877,282\r\n£4,500,000\r\n£2,250,000\r\n \r\nOther specific Scottish Government finance that supports the implementation of our Opportunities for All commitment includes the following Level 4 budget lines:\r\n \r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14\r\n2014-15\r\nInspiring Scotland's 14-19 year olds\r\n4,000,000\r\n4,000,000\r\n4,000,000\r\nSupporting Post-16 Transitions Towards Employment\r\n5,800,000\r\n5,328,000\r\n4,828,000\r\nEducation Maintenance Allowance \r\n31,600,000\r\n31,600,000\r\n31,600,000\r\nCommunity Jobs Scotland\r\n4,000,000\r\n2,000,000\r\n2,100,000\r\nIn addition, as part of our all-Government, all-Scotland response to assist all young people into employment, other funding will be allocated in 2013-14 and 2014-15 from, for example £25 million European structural funds and £15 million from Scottish Government to support employer recruitment incentives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:12.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283233,"EventID":"S4W-14160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:12.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T18:10:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people in each NHS board area have multiple sclerosis.","AnswerText":"Information does not allow explicit identification of the prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) within each NHS board.\r\nInformation is available on the number of people who have been given a new diagnosis of MS in the past two years and is contained within the Multiple Sclerosis register which is available at: http://www.msr.scot.nhs.uk/Reports/Main.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:12.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283234,"EventID":"S4W-14161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:13.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T18:10:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people in each NHS board area have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the last three years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish MS Register was launched in January 2010 with the aim of collecting information on all people registered in Scotland by a Consultant Neurologist receiving a new diagnosis of MS. The purpose of collecting this data is to provide information on the incidence rate of MS in Scotland (i.e. all new cases of MS diagnosed from January 2010 onwards).\r\nThe following table shows the number of people recorded  with a new diagnosis of MS in Scotland in 2010 and 2011, reported by NHS board to the MS Register.\r\nYear of Diagnosis\r\nNHS Board\r\n2010 Count\r\n2011 Count\r\nAyrshire and Arran \r\n17\r\n27\r\nBorders\r\n6\r\n6\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n12\r\n17\r\nFife\r\n29\r\n25\r\nForth Valley\r\n17\r\n23\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n98\r\n90\r\nGrampian\r\n54\r\n49\r\nHighland\r\n26\r\n19\r\nLanarkshire\r\n46\r\n22\r\nLothian\r\n59\r\n54\r\nOrkney\r\n5\r\n5\r\nShetland\r\n4\r\n6\r\nTayside\r\n40\r\n42\r\nWestern Isles\r\n5\r\n4\r\nSource: ISD Scotland.\r\nThe MS Register does not include people who are diagnosed in a Paediatric Hospital. The Scottish MS Register Steering Group is currently working closely with services to improve the quality and accuracy of the data. It is intended that the 2012 data will be published in September 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:13.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283235,"EventID":"S4W-14162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:13.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T18:10:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to support people with multiple sclerosis.","AnswerText":"Our top priority for people with MS is to ensure that the Neurological Standards published by Healthcare Improvement Scotland are implemented, they offer the best mechanism for achieving safe, effective and person centred care.\r\nThe standards will help ensure people get the earliest and most appropriate treatment locally, but with access to specialist services when needed. That’s why we previously provided boards with £1.2million, to develop improvement groups as the main vehicles to take them forward.\r\nProgress is being monitored by the National Neurological Advisory Group. We will continue to work with NHS boards and the third sector to improve services for people with MS in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:13.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283236,"EventID":"S4W-14163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:13.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T18:10:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has invested in research into multiple sclerosis and what developments have been made since May 2007.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government supports research in Scotland through the Chief Scientist Office (CSO). Since May 2007, the CSO has awarded £450,000 in direct funding to six research studies investigating multiple sclerosis.\r\nThe CSO also supports research infrastructure across NHSScotland, but the level of such infrastructure investment into specific conditions is not held centrally. Developments made from directly funded studies are publicised on the CSO website (cso.scot.nhs.uk), other developments made within the field will be disseminated by publication in the relevant medical journals. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:13.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283237,"EventID":"S4W-14164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:14.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T18:51:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether all police officers had Police Service of Scotland warrant cards on 1 April 2013 and, if not, how many and what percentage of officers did not and what the implications are for these officers.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Police Service of Scotland. Scottish Ministers do not hold this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:14.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283238,"EventID":"S4W-14166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:14.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T18:51:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether all police officers had Police Service of Scotland authorisation cards to carry CS incapacitant spray on 1 April 2013 and, if not, how many and what percentage of officers did not and what the implications are for these officers.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Police Service of Scotland. Scottish Ministers do not hold this information. However, transitional provisions under the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 make clear that any authorisation granted by a Scottish chief officer in exercise of powers in relation to the carrying of CS spray remains valid.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:14.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283239,"EventID":"S4W-14168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:14.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T18:51:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether all authorised firearms officers had Police Service of Scotland authorisation cards to carry firearms on 1 April 2013 and, if not, how many and what percentage of officers did not and what the implications are for these officers.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Police Service of Scotland. Scottish Ministers do not hold this information. However transitional provisions under the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 make clear that any authorisation granted by a Scottish chief officer in exercise of powers in relation to the carrying of firearms remains valid.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:14.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283240,"EventID":"S4W-14170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:15.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T18:51:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Police Service of Scotland warrant cards contain images such as a security hologram to prevent forgeries and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Police Service of Scotland. Scottish Ministers do not hold this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:15.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283241,"EventID":"S4W-14173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:15.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-05T10:04:59.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the value was in 2012-13 of funds subsumed into the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund and how much is available to the voluntary sector from the fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The value in 2012-13 of the three predecessor funds to the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund was £13.85 million. £30 million is being provided to the voluntary sector over the next two years, with £20 million being provided through the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund and a further £10 million through Strategic Funding Partnerships.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:15.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283242,"EventID":"S4W-14174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:15.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-05T10:04:59.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it was made aware of possible delays in 2013-14 Third Sector Early Intervention Fund awards to voluntary groups and by what means.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government made the decision to reschedule the announcement of the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund in late March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:15.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283243,"EventID":"S4W-14175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:16.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-05T10:04:59.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what involvement ministers and officials have had in the selection of organisations to be funded from the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Third Sector Early Intervention Fund was managed by BIG in Scotland, the non-lottery arm of the Big Lottery, who made funding decisions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:16.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283244,"EventID":"S4W-14176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:16.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-05T10:04:59.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with the Big Lottery Fund Scotland regarding the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund (TSEIF) since it became aware that TSEIF awards would be delayed.\r\n","AnswerText":"BIG in Scotland and the Scottish Government have had regular contact since BIG was awarded the contract to manage the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund in November 2012, including in the period following the Scottish Government’s decision to reschedule the announcement of the outcome of the Fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:16.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283245,"EventID":"S4W-14177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:17.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-05T10:04:59.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the eligibility criteria will be for funding via strategic funding partnerships; what body will administer such funding, and what form the application process will take.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government invited organisations which satisfied one or more of the following criteria in to discussions about establishing Strategic Funding Partnerships:\r\nThe organisation is unique in the services it delivers and loss of these services would have an unacceptable impact;\r\nThe service the organisation provides is a key part of the Scottish Governments national support for delivery; \r\nThe organisation’s service is important in ensuring equality of access to support.\r\nThere is no application process. The Scottish Government has approached key organisations. The Scottish Government will administer Strategic Funding Partnerships.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:17.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283246,"EventID":"S4W-14178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:17.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-05T10:04:59.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the timescale will be for (a) applications for and (b) awards of funding via strategic funding partnerships.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has already contacted relevant organisations to begin discussions about creating Strategic Funding Partnerships. Grant letters will be issued to organisations entering Strategic Funding Partnerships with the Scottish Government on conclusion of these discussions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:17.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283247,"EventID":"S4W-14179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:17.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-05T10:04:59.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what involvement ministers and officials will have in awarding funding through strategic funding partnerships.","AnswerText":"Ministers agreed the organisations to be invited to discuss Strategic Funding Partnerships. Discussions with individual organisations are being taken forward by relevant officials.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:17.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283248,"EventID":"S4W-14180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:18.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-05T10:04:59.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding will be made available for strategic funding partnerships and what the (a) maximum and (b) minimum award will be.","AnswerText":"£10 million has been made available over the next two years for Strategic Funding Partnerships. No maximum or minimum award has been set.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:18.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283249,"EventID":"S4W-14181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:18.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-05T10:04:59.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether funding for strategic funding partnerships is new money.","AnswerText":"This is additional funding for the third sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:18.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283250,"EventID":"S4W-14182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:18.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-05T10:04:59.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether successful applicants to the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund will be eligible to apply for funding via strategic funding partnerships.","AnswerText":"The Third Sector Early Intervention Fund (TSEIF) and Strategic Funding Partnerships are designed to provide a coherent package of support to deliver key outcomes for children, young people and the families and communities who support them across Scotland. In order to support as many organisations in the third sector as possible, organisations which successfully applied to the TSEIF have not been approached about Strategic Funding Partnerships.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:18.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283251,"EventID":"S4W-14183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:19.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-05T10:04:59.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether funding via strategic funding partnerships will place restrictions on applications for or awards under other (a) government or (b) non-government funding streams.","AnswerText":"No.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:19.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283252,"EventID":"S4W-14184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-05T14:49:19.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-05T10:04:59.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to ensure that applicants to the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund and organisations eligible for funding via strategic funding partnerships are informed about the process and any developments.","AnswerText":"The Minister for Children and Young People announced the outcomes of both the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund and Strategic Funding Partnerships on 18 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T14:49:19.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283259,"EventID":"S4W-14171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-08T13:51:00.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-05T09:53:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13443 by Michael Matheson on 13 March 2013, what assessment it has made of the potential improvements to sexual health services that could be achieved through enabling access to ulipristal acetate through pharmacies.","AnswerText":"A small expert group is currently being set up to look at the provision of ulipristal acetate in Scotland. This group will consider the available evidence and make recommendations based on this evidence on the provision of ulipristal acetate in Scotland. This will include consideration of access to ulipristal acetate via community pharmacies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T13:51:00.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283260,"EventID":"S4W-14172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-08T13:51:00.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-05T09:53:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13443 by Michael Matheson on 13 March 2013, whether it plans to update the community pharmacy public health service for emergency hormonal contraception in light of recommendations by Community Pharmacy Scotland.","AnswerText":"A small expert group is currently being set up to consider the provision of ulipristal acetate in Scotland. This group will consider the available evidence and make recommendations based on this evidence. This will include consideration of access to ulipristal acetate via community pharmacies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T13:51:00.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283261,"EventID":"S4W-14185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-08T13:51:01.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-05T11:05:50.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what economic sectors it is exploring to identify additional policies and proposals for the second report on proposals and policies.","AnswerText":"The draft second report on proposals and policies for meeting Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets set out measures in a broad range of sectors across Scotland’s economy. The Scottish Government is considering the recommendations that have been made in relation to all of these sectors as part of Parliament’s scrutiny of the draft report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T13:51:01.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283262,"EventID":"S4W-14186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-08T13:51:02.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-05T11:05:50.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date the EU's climate change targets for 2020 will be increased.","AnswerText":"Future EU climate change policy is a matter for the Member States of the European Union and only as an Independent member state would the Scottish Government be able to directly speak to and have a vote on proposals within the EU negotiations at European Environment Council. The Scottish Government, under current constitutional arrangements, continues to advocate that the EU strengthen its 2020 climate change target as soon as possible and will continue to encourage the UK Government and other member states to argue for increased ambition. At the UNFCCC Conference in Doha in December 2012, the EU Commissioner for Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard, stated that the EU may be on course to achieve a 27% reduction in emissions, despite the current target of just 20% by 2020.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T13:51:02.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283263,"EventID":"S4W-14187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-08T13:51:03.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-05T11:05:50.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which proposals from the draft Second Report on Proposals and Policies officials are reviewing with a view to turning them into firm policies.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is reviewing the entire draft second report on proposals and policies in light of the recommendations that were made during the 60-day period for Parliamentary consideration. We Will respond to those representations when we publish the final version of the Second Report on Proposals and Policies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T13:51:03.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283264,"EventID":"S4W-14188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-08T13:51:04.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-05T11:05:50.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the final version of the Second Report on Proposals and Policies.","AnswerText":"A publication date has not yet been set for the final version of the draft second report on proposals and policies. The Scottish Government is working to complete and publish the final report as soon as reasonably practicable taking into account representations made during the Parliamentary scrutiny of the draft report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T13:51:04.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283265,"EventID":"S4W-14189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-08T13:51:04.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-05T11:05:50.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Minister for Environment and Climate Change last met other ministers to discuss emissions reductions in their portfolio areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have on-going dialogue concerning emissions reduction with my ministerial colleagues. The development of the draft second climate change Report on Proposals and Policies and our strategy for a low carbon Scotland has been discussed at two meetings of the Cabinet in January 2013, formal bilateral meetings with fellow ministers and their officials as well as during informal discussions with ministerial colleagues. In addition joint Ministerial meetings are held on a weekly basis and RPP2 has been discussed on several such occasions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T13:51:04.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283266,"EventID":"S4W-14190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-08T13:51:05.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-05T11:05:50.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment last met other cabinet secretaries to discuss climate change emissions reductions in their portfolio areas.","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment led discussion about emissions reduction, and specifically the draft second report on proposals and policies, at two meetings of the Scottish Cabinet in January 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T13:51:05.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283267,"EventID":"S4W-14191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-08T13:51:06.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-05T11:05:50.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Emissions Reduction Programme Board has met since 11  December 2012 and whether it has discussed, or plans to discuss, the Second Report on Proposals and Policies in 2013.","AnswerText":"The Emissions Reduction Programme Board last met on 28 February 2013. The Second Report on Proposals and Policies is, and will continue to be, a key focus for board discussions.\r\nNotes of board meetings, and carbon reduction activity reports outlining activity in the main sectors delivering reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, are available on the Scottish Government website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T13:51:06.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283275,"EventID":"S4W-14148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:07.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T15:38:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to issue further guidance to accompany the carbon calculator to assist planning officers evaluate the values entered in the calculator.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are two active strands of work developing further guidance at the moment. These are:\r\n1. To amend the sampling requirements so developers would use nationally derived estimates of bulk density and total carbon within the Carbon Calculator as default value. Work is ongoing with meetings held between Scottish Government, Scottich Renewables, SEPA and SNH with a view to changing the sampling requirements as part of the “Guidance - DEVELOPMENTS ON PEATLAND: SITE SURVEYS”. A copy of this document is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/917/0120462.pdf. \r\n2. Revision to the “Good Practice During Wind Farm Construction Guidance” are planned and this will include a new section dedicated to developments on peat. This will take relevant parts from a number of guidance documents and summarise them in one area for ease of reference and use. The Good Practice During Wind Farm Construction working group (SEPA, SNH, Scottish Renewables, Forestry Commission Scotland) meet to discuss this issue to progress the new draft.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:07.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283276,"EventID":"S4W-14149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:08.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-04T15:38:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to (a) investigate further or (b) enable further research into the impact of distance from drainage features on peat in relation to the carbon calculator.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes, a project proposal which includes looking into this issue has been prepared by ClimateXChange. The proposal, including detailed scope and project timescales, is currently under consideration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:08.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283277,"EventID":"S4W-14192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:08.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T15:35:33.857","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the reasons are for the reported increase since 2009 in the number of children attending school who have (a) additional support needs, (b) autism, (c) a speech and language disorder and (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties.\r\n","AnswerText":"Prior to 2010, only pupils with Co-ordinated Support Plans, Individual Education Programmes or who were attending a special school were recorded as having additional support needs. However, in 2010 this was extended to include anyone receiving additional support, regardless of whether it was under a formal plan. This has led to a large increase in the number of pupils recorded with additional support needs since 2010.\r\nWhile factors for the increase include growing public and professional awareness, improved diagnosis, and wider diagnostic criteria, it is believed that better recording in schools is the primary reason for an increase in the prevalence of pupils who have additional support needs; autism; a speech and language disorder; and social and emotional behavioural difficulties.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:08.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283278,"EventID":"S4W-14196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:09.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T16:03:27.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether section 120 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 has been commenced and, if not, when it plans to lay an order to commence the section.\r\n","AnswerText":"Section 120 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 came into force on 1 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:09.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283279,"EventID":"S4W-14197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:09.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T16:24:19.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to promote equal pay across the country.","AnswerText":"One of the strategic aims of the Scottish Government’s public sector pay policy is to ensure that pay is fair and non-discriminatory and to protect jobs and services.  All public bodies covered by this policy are expected to review their pay systems annually and carry out an equality impact assessment of their reward policies and practices every three years.\r\nTo ensure the implementation of the Public Sector Equality Duty in the Equality Act 2010 is as effective as possible, the Scottish Government introduced a specific duty that places a requirement on relevant public authorities to publish gender pay gap information and a duty to publish statements on equal pay, etc.\r\nOne of the main causes of the pay gap is occupational segregation and the Scottish Government is also taking forward the recommendations made at last year’s Women’s Employment Summit and within the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Tapping All Our Talents report, via its Cross-Directorate Occupational Segregation Working Group. \r\nAlso since 2001, the Scottish Government has funded and been an active partner in the Close the Gap project. Other current Close the Gap partners are Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and the STUC.\r\nThe project raises awareness about the gender pay gap and its various causes and encourages action by employees and employers to tackle the causes and close the gap. It works with companies and organisations across the key sectors in the Government’s Economic Strategy, and the public sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:09.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283280,"EventID":"S4W-14198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:10.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T15:31:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its plans are for cultural development in the Highlands and Islands following the closure of Hi-Arts; what assistance it is providing to the employees to find new employment, and what action it can take to minimise the impact on cultural development in the Highlands and Islands.\r\n","AnswerText":"Funding for individual organisations is a matter for Creative Scotland and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and both remain committed to supporting arts and creativity to benefit communities across the Highlands and Islands. I am confident that the arts in the Highlands and Islands will continue to flourish with continuing support from public funds.\r\nIt is hoped that HI-Arts staff will find new posts with other arts organisations, but if this is not possible, both Skills Development Scotland and Job Centre Plus are offering support to the employees facing redundancy.\r\nI wrote to Mr Gibson last month to provide further context about the closure, including information about how many of the activities previously supported by HI-Arts are now free-standing and that its work in creating networks has been increasingly successful.\r\nBoth the Highlands and Argyll and Bute are part of the Creative Scotland Place Partnership programme, which is an innovative strategic partnership focussed on deciding priorities for development and investment in the culture sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:10.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283281,"EventID":"S4W-14201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:10.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T22:52:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which England-based wholesaler it has contracted to provide wigs and other hairpieces for people with hair loss arising from cancer and alopecia; whether this wholesaler will provide salon, measuring, fitting and associated services; how many salons in Scotland have been affected by this decision, and how many providers in Scotland will face closure as a consequence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. NHS National Procurement, a division of NHS National Services Scotland advises that the new contract for the supply of Wigs and Associated Services, starting on 1 June 2013, has been put in place with six suppliers. These are A&A Studios, Dimples, Healthcare Europe, Holms of Greenock, LA Hair Solutions and Parrucche, of which Dimples is based in Manchester, England, and the remaining five suppliers based in Scotland.\r\nAll successful suppliers are required to provide a range of facilities to meet the needs of NHSScotland and to provide this service either through their own premises, or through agents on their behalf, or a mixture of both, with all the tendered premises assessed by NHSScotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:10.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283282,"EventID":"S4W-14205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:10.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T22:52:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Supply of Wigs Investigation Group Scotland has reported and, if so, whether it will publish the group's report.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Supply of Wigs Investigation Group Scotland (SWIGS) was a short life working group established by the then Scottish Executive in 2006 to look in to the provision of wigs in Scotland.\r\nSWIGS recommended an increase from two to four basic wigs for patients and funds were provided to NHS boards to help meet additional costs. NHS boards received a total sum of £1.260 million in 2008-09 and £0.798 million in 2009-10 on a recurring basis which was subsumed within NHS boards’ general allocations from 2010-11 onwards, including an uplift of 2.75% within 2010-11.\r\nWorking as an independent group, SWIGS subsequently prepared updated guidance which it was agreed to issue to NHS boards. This most recent advice was issued in 2011 and is available on the Scotland’s Health On the Web (SHOW) website:\r\nhttp://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/sehd/publications/DC20111102wigs.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:10.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283283,"EventID":"S4W-14207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:11.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T22:52:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent consultations it has had with the medical consultants who diagnose and treat patients with hair loss about the implications of an England-based wholesaler being awarded the contract to provide wigs and other hairpieces.\r\n","AnswerText":"National Procurement, a division of NHS National Services Scotland advises that it has undertaken a full tender process involving a Commodity Advisory Panel (CAP) which comprises of clinical staff appointed by NHSScotland:including Consultant Dermatologist, Oncology, MacMillan and Cancer Care Nurse Specialists, Surgical Appliance Officers and Prostheses Advisor and Service Managers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:11.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283284,"EventID":"S4W-14208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:11.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T09:48:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it assesses the (a) site and (b) cumulative environmental impacts for proposals for woodland expansion on agricultural land.\r\n","AnswerText":"Proposals for woodland expansion on agricultural land are considered under the Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (Scotland) Regulations 1999. The regulations provide a structured approach to evaluating environmental impacts to ensure that potential impacts are adequately assessed. Forestry projects are also assessed to ensure they meet the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard. \r\nThe potential cumulative effect of proposals are accounted for in two ways, firstly by considering the cumulative effect of different types of environmental impacts associated with the project and secondly by including any other forestry projects that have been carried out on adjacent land (including that on land in different ownerships) to a proposed project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:11.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283285,"EventID":"S4W-14209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:11.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T09:48:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that any significant environmental effects that may arise as a result of woodland expansion projects on agricultural land are adequately assessed and considered before development consent is issued.\r\n","AnswerText":"Proposals for woodland expansion on agricultural land are considered under the Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (Scotland) Regulations 1999. The regulations provide a structured approach to evaluating environmental impacts to ensure that potential impacts are adequately assessed. Forestry projects are also assessed to ensure they meet the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard.\r\nProposals for woodland creation must submit an application with details of the project for a formal opinion under Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 to Forestry Commission Scotland who will carry out a screening exercise to decide whether or not a project is likely to have significant effects on the environment. In reaching a decision on proposals, Forestry Commission Scotland will seek the views of relevant statutory authorities, such as Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, National Parks and local authorities.\r\nIf Forestry Commission Scotland’s opinion is that the proposed project will have a significant impact on the environment, then an application for consent will be required before the project can begin. Any such application for consent must include an Environmental Statement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:11.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283286,"EventID":"S4W-14210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:12.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T09:48:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) agriculture and (b) forestry projects there have been since 2008 in relation to which significant environmental effects occurred but no environmental impact assessment was required.\r\n","AnswerText":"a) We are not aware of any agriculture projects since 2008 where significant environmental effects occurred but no environmental impact assessment was required.\r\nThe Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture)(Scotland) Regulations 2006 came into force in Scotland on 1 January 2007 and constrain operations to carry out intensive agricultural operations on uncultivated or semi-natural land, or large scale restructuring projects on agricultural land, where the result would have a significant impact on the environment. Agricultural area office staff receives many informal requests for advice regarding activity that may require an EIA. If it is decided that operations could have significant environmental effects (established during the screening process) a scoping meeting is held to establish the information required in the Environmental Statement. The application is then made available to the public. In practise few agricultural EIA applications go to the Environmental Statement stage. This is because:\r\nThe principles of EIA are enshrined in Cross Compliance, which is the minimum standard of regulatory compliance all farmers must adhere to in order to receive their basic subsidy payment;\r\nMuch of the land that would be considered appropriate to improve has been improved during the last century, often receiving support from agricultural grant in previous decades;\r\nThe remaining land, which includes all semi-natural habitats (unimproved grass, heath, moorland, scrub and wetlands) and environmental designations is largely uneconomic to improve.\r\nb) We are not aware of any forestry projects since 2008 in relation to which significant environmental effects occurred but no environmental impacts assessment was required.\r\nAll forestry projects that could potentially result in significant environmental impacts are assessed under the Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (Scotland) Regulations 1999. Where it is found that a project could result in significant environmental impacts a full application for consent, involving the preparation of an Environmental Statement, would be required. The findings of the Environmental Statement are then assessed by Forestry Commission Scotland together with comments from statutory and non-statutory consultees. In assessing the project and consultees comments the Forestry Commission Scotland would only grant consent where they were confident the project would not have a significant impact on the environment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:12.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283287,"EventID":"S4W-14211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:12.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T09:48:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that an assessment is carried out on all projects likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of their nature, size or location.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are statutory provisions in place which require that an Environmental Impact Assessment must be undertaken for certain projects likely to have a significant effect on the environment before a development consent can be granted. It is a matter for the consenting authority in each individual case to ensure that the requirements of all relevant legislation are met.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:12.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283288,"EventID":"S4W-14212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:12.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T09:48:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many environmental impact assessments were carried out under the (a) Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (Scotland) Regulations 1999, (b) Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2000, (c) Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) (Scotland) Regulations 2006, (d) Environmental Impact Assessment (Uncultivated Land and Semi-Natural Areas) (Scotland) Regulations 2002, (e) Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 and (f) Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999 in each of the last five years for which information is available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) undertaken in respect of the above statutory EIA regimes is as follows:\r\nYear\r\nForestry\r\nElectricity Works\r\nAgriculture\r\nPlanning\r\n1999 EIA Regulations1\r\n2008\r\n2\r\n8\r\n0\r\n107\r\n5\r\n2009\r\n1\r\n17\r\n1\r\n113\r\n3\r\n2010\r\n4\r\n9\r\n0\r\n91\r\n1\r\n2011\r\n1\r\n17\r\n0\r\n160\r\n1\r\n2012\r\n1\r\n15\r\n0\r\n195\r\n0\r\nThe Environmental Impact Assessment (Uncultivated Land and Semi-Natural Areas) (Scotland) Regulations 2002 were revoked in 2006 by The Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) (Scotland) Regulations, figures for which are provided above.\r\n1 Excludes figures in respect of the Planning EIA regime, which are listed separately.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:12.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283289,"EventID":"S4W-14213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:13.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T10:45:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Skills Development Scotland has appointed all regional employability partners under the Employability Fund programme; what assessments were carried out by prospective training providers, and whether all Employability Fund contracts were started on 1 April 2013.","AnswerText":"I will ask the chief executive of Skills Development Scotland to write to you on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:13.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283290,"EventID":"S4W-14217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:13.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T10:45:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its policy is in relation to nursery provision in public sector workplaces.","AnswerText":"The provision of a nursery service, whether in a public, private or third sector workplace is the responsibility of the individual employer and not Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:13.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283291,"EventID":"S4W-14218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:13.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T10:45:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its policy is in relation to nursery provision for NHS staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS staff and all parents should have access to high-quality and affordable childcare services which match children’s needs and parents working patterns.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:13.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283292,"EventID":"S4W-14219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:13.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T10:45:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has discussed with NHS Lothian the current and the future provision of nursery care for NHS staff in Lothian.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware that NHS Lothian has reviewed nursery provision across all NHS Lothian sites.\r\nWhilst the Scottish Government welcomes employers providing family friendly work practices, any decisions to provide nursery care for the staff in NHS Lothian are entirely for the NHS board to take, as the relevant employer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:13.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283293,"EventID":"S4W-14220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:14.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T10:45:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the proposal to close nursery care provision at St John's Hospital in Livingston.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a decision for the NHS board as the relevant employer.\r\nNHS Lothian took the decision on 2 May to discontinue the provision of nursery services at St John’s Hospital when the last child based there has moved to \r\npre-school education.\r\nThe board has a wide range of family friendly policies and will fully support staff who experience any difficulties in finding alternative childcare arrangements, including flexibility around working times.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:14.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283294,"EventID":"S4W-14221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:14.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T10:45:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it is providing to people affected by the so-called bedroom tax.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4O-01947 on 21 March 2013 which is available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/OfficialReport.aspx\r\n and to Bedroom Tax (Emergency Legislation) on 27 March 2013 which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=7893&mode=html#iob_71862.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:14.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283295,"EventID":"S4W-14222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:14.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T10:45:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to provide the same support to local authority and housing association tenants affected by the so-called bedroom tax.","AnswerText":"Yes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:14.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283296,"EventID":"S4W-14223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:15.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T10:45:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to prevent evictions arising as a result of the so-called bedroom tax.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-12541 on 25 February, S4W-13016 on 5 March 2013, S4O-01947 on 21 March and ‘Bedroom Tax (Emergency Legislation) on 27 March. All answers to parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website. The search facility for written questions can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx, \r\nthe search for oral questions can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/OfficialReport.aspx \r\nand the emergency question can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=7893&mode=html#iob_71862.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:15.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283297,"EventID":"S4W-14224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:15.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T10:45:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to cover any arrears accrued as a result of the so-called bedroom tax.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the Bedroom Tax (Emergency Legislation) on 27 March 2013, which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=7893&mode=html#iob_71862.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:15.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283298,"EventID":"S4W-14225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:15.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T10:45:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to build one and two bedroomed houses for rent.","AnswerText":"In May 2012, we introduced a new three year resource planning system to enable councils to plan the delivery of affordable housing more efficiently and effectively. This new approach has enabled each council to bring forward strategic local programmes of social and affordable housing based on local needs, identified through the Housing Needs and Demand Assessment and Local Housing Strategy Councils will therefore decide upon the size and tenure of housing required to help satisfy these local needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:15.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283299,"EventID":"S4W-14226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-09T14:09:16.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T10:58:40.057","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether, in light of reported concerns, it will bring forward a report on the operation of offences under section 11 of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012 in advance of the completion of the review period.\r\n","AnswerText":"Section 11 of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012 requires Scottish Ministers, after having consulted such persons as they consider appropriate, to lay a report before Parliament on the operation of the offences at Sections 1 and 6 of the Act covering the period from 1 March 2012 until 1 August 2014. The Act requires the report to be laid no later than 12 months after the end of that period and the Government will bring forward a report in time to meet those statutory requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:09:16.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283309,"EventID":"S4O-01985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:39.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T12:04:24.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Aberdeenshire Council regarding education issues.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:39.763","MeetingDate":"2013-04-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283310,"EventID":"S4O-01986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:40.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T12:04:25.2","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last held a joint meeting with the principals of Motherwell, Coatbridge and Cumbernauld colleges and what was discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:40.137","MeetingDate":"2013-04-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283311,"EventID":"S4O-01987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:40.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T12:04:25.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it will give to Glasgow City Council to help raise levels of educational attainment.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:40.463","MeetingDate":"2013-04-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283312,"EventID":"S4O-01988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:40.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-10T10:06:56.92","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it will provide to maintain and improve the fabric of West College Scotland's campuses once the merger takes effect.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:40.777","MeetingDate":"2013-04-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283313,"EventID":"S4O-01989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:41.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T12:04:25.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on increasing and diversifying the levels of physical education in schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:41.073","MeetingDate":"2013-04-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283314,"EventID":"S4O-01990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:41.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T12:04:26.263","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made with college regionalisation.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:41.417","MeetingDate":"2013-04-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283315,"EventID":"S4O-01991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:41.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T12:04:26.7","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with other administrations regarding their education systems and the lessons that can be learned.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:41.697","MeetingDate":"2013-04-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283316,"EventID":"S4O-01992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:42.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T12:04:27.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it gives to prisoners wanting to study for educational qualifications.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:42.057","MeetingDate":"2013-04-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283317,"EventID":"S4O-01993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:42.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T14:27:52.063","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that local authorities meet their duty to ensure the safety of pupils travelling between home and school.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:42.383","MeetingDate":"2013-04-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283318,"EventID":"S4O-01995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:42.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T12:04:28.18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is monitoring the introduction of the Employability Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:42.977","MeetingDate":"2013-04-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283319,"EventID":"S4O-01996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:43.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T12:04:28.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidelines are in place to ensure that schools are properly maintained, including with regard to their heating and ventilation.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:43.273","MeetingDate":"2013-04-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283320,"EventID":"S4O-01997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:43.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T12:04:29.18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the objectives are of the ongoing college merger process.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:43.663","MeetingDate":"2013-04-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283321,"EventID":"S4O-01998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:44.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T12:04:29.443","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support is available to ensure that the university, college and SME sectors in Scotland are well placed to take advantage of the opportunities under the EU’s Horizon 2020 funding programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:44.02","MeetingDate":"2013-04-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283322,"EventID":"S4O-01999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:44.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T12:04:29.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what educational programmes there are to help schools tackle sectarianism.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:44.333","MeetingDate":"2013-04-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283323,"EventID":"S4O-02000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:44.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-10T11:44:09.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many part-time students have enrolled in colleges in Fife since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:44.66","MeetingDate":"2013-04-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283324,"EventID":"S4O-02001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:44.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T12:04:30.443","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the Student Awards Agency for Scotland will pay claimants promptly in the next academic year.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:44.99","MeetingDate":"2013-04-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283325,"EventID":"S4O-02002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:45.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T12:04:31.02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on allowing disabled children to attend primary schools outwith their catchment area.","AnswerText":"Education authorities’ decisions on school placement for children and young people with additional support needs, including those with disabilities, should be taken in light of the individual needs of the child or young person concerned.\r\nThe Additional Support for Learning Act contains a range of provisions relating to placing requests enabling parents of children with additional support needs to request that their child be educated in a school other than the catchment area school.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:45.55","MeetingDate":"2013-04-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283326,"EventID":"S4O-02003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:46.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-10T10:02:56.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of UCAS.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials meet with UCAS on a regular basis to discuss a range of issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:46.253","MeetingDate":"2013-04-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283327,"EventID":"S4O-02004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:46.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T12:04:31.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making toward meeting its target for modern apprenticeships.","AnswerText":"I am delighted to announce that, once again, this Government has not only met, but has surpassed the challenging target we set ourselves to deliver 25,000 Modern Apprenticeship opportunities in each year of the current Parliament.\r\nIn fact, in 2012-13 the Scottish Government, through Skills Development Scotland, has supported 25,691 individuals into apprenticeships across a broad range of sectors and more than 80 job roles.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:46.597","MeetingDate":"2013-04-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283328,"EventID":"S4O-02005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:46.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T12:04:52.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made toward justice for victims of historic child abuse following the first InterAction meeting.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:46.94","MeetingDate":"2013-04-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283329,"EventID":"S4O-02006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:47.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T12:04:52.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to ensure that people have access to regular and reliable local bus services.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:47.25","MeetingDate":"2013-04-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283330,"EventID":"S4O-02007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:47.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T11:01:16.7","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support local authorities in the north east to deal with the aftermath of recent flooding.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:47.61","MeetingDate":"2013-04-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283331,"EventID":"S4O-02008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:48.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-10T11:16:04.257","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to reform planning laws so that local authorities have the power to reject planning applications for certain retail units on the grounds of overprovision.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:48.06","MeetingDate":"2013-04-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283332,"EventID":"S4O-02009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:48.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-10T11:49:21.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to deal with reported rising levels of economic inactivity among women.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:48.403","MeetingDate":"2013-04-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283333,"EventID":"S4O-02010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:48.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T12:04:54.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to protect golden eagles.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:48.717","MeetingDate":"2013-04-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283334,"EventID":"S4O-02011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:49.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-10T11:52:10.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of increased levels of measles reported in Europe and the current outbreak in Wales, what steps it has taken to ensure that an outbreak does not occur in Scotland.  \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:49.03","MeetingDate":"2013-04-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283335,"EventID":"S4O-02012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:49.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T12:04:55.137","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent analysis it has carried out on the affordability of pension and social welfare costs in Scotland and the rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:49.403","MeetingDate":"2013-04-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283336,"EventID":"S4O-02013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:49.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-10T11:45:58.283","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Ministry of Defence regarding test drilling for oil off the Ayrshire coast.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:49.717","MeetingDate":"2013-04-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283337,"EventID":"S4O-02014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T14:17:49.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-08T12:04:55.653","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to improve the fatal accident inquiry system.","AnswerText":"I gave an undertaking to the Justice Committee in January 2012 that a Bill would be brought forward within the lifetime of this Parliament to implement the reforms suggested by Lord Cullen in his Review of the Legislation on Fatal Accident Inquiries. But reform of the wider civil justice system recommended by the Scottish Civil Courts Review led by Lord Gill must take precedence.\r\nSome of the principal recommendations of Lord Cullen’s Review were addressed to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS). These have largely been implemented already, in particular, the establishment of the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit which now investigates all non-criminal deaths which are reported to COPFS, liaises with Crown Counsel and conducts Fatal Accident Inquiries.\r\nThe Unit has also assumed responsibility for COPFS policy on deaths and for liaison with external agencies. SFIU is a specialist and dedicated unit within COPFS which investigates deaths.\r\nI would be happy to meet the member to discuss her specific concerns about the system of fatal accident inquiries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T14:17:49.997","MeetingDate":"2013-04-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283339,"EventID":"S4W-14235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-10T15:34:53.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-10T13:58:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the level of housing benefit expenditure for which it is responsible has been in (a) cash and (b) real terms in each year since 2002-03, and what information it has on how this compares with similar housing benefit expenditure in (a) England, (b) Wales and (c) London for the same period.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T15:34:53.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283345,"EventID":"S4W-14232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-11T13:53:52.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T16:36:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To  ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of Alopecia Help and Support Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have no record of any recent meetings with representatives of Alopecia Help and Support Scotland although there have been meetings with officials in the past and via the previous Supply of Wigs Investigation Group Scotland group.\r\nThe Scottish Government recognises the important role that third sector organisations have in supporting people living with a range of long term conditions and would be happy to receive a request to meet with stakeholders on appropriate issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T13:53:52.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283346,"EventID":"S4W-14233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-11T13:53:53.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T16:36:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met the chief executives of NHS boards to discuss the needs of (a) children, (b) young adults and (c) adults who experience hair loss as a result of their treatment for (i) cancer and (ii) other conditions.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of NHS boards to plan and deliver healthcare services to meet the assessed needs of their resident populations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T13:53:53.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283347,"EventID":"S4W-14234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-11T13:53:54.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T16:36:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings it has had since 2007 with salon providers of services to patients who experience hair loss as a result of their treatment for (a) cancer and (b) other conditions.\r\n","AnswerText":"Planning and delivery of healthcare services to meet the assessed needs of their resident populations is a matter for NHS boards. National Procurement (NP), a division of NHS National Services Scotland is the centre of procurement expertise for health established as part of the wider procurement reform activity across the Scottish Public Sector. Further information about NP is available from their website - www.nhsscotlandprocurement.scot.nhs.uk/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T13:53:54.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283348,"EventID":"S4W-14236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-11T13:53:54.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-10T15:49:20.673","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of freedom of information requests it received in (a) 2013, (b) 2012 and (c) 2011 was responded to fully within 20 days.","AnswerText":"The percentage of FOI requests answered within 20 working days in 2013 is 79%, as at 18 April 2013. The percentages for 2011 and 2012 are published in the FOI Annual Reports for 2011 and 2012 on the Scottish Government website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Information/FOI/Reporting.\r\nIn 2006, the last full year of the previous administration, 61% of responses were issued within 20 working days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T13:53:54.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283349,"EventID":"S4W-14237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-11T13:53:54.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-10T15:40:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to the effect on the Scottish oil industry of the renewable targets in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no renewable targets in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T13:53:54.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283350,"EventID":"S4W-14238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-11T13:53:54.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-11T09:30:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the affordability of housing benefit in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s view is that housing benefit would be affordable in an independent Scotland and would be more affordable than the housing benefit expenditure for Great Britain. Over the decade from 2001-02 to 2011-12, in inflation-adjusted terms, the growth of housing benefit was significantly lower in Scotland (at 21%) than in Great Britain as a whole (53%).\r\nHousing benefit in an independent Scotland would form part of a national social protection system. Scotland’s Balance Sheet, published on 14th April 2013, shows that in 2011-12, social protection expenditure was equivalent to 14.4% of GDP. This is lower than the equivalent UK figure of 15.9%. In addition, spending on social protection in Scotland, as a share of the economy, has been lower than in the UK for the last five years, and is also lower than in the majority of other EU-15 countries.\r\nIn an independent Scotland a social protection system could be implemented which is appropriate to the needs of the Scottish people, achieving greater efficiency and improving affordability.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T13:53:54.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283361,"EventID":"S4W-14239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-12T13:56:18.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-11T15:07:56.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its guidance principle, Respect for Human Rights, as set out in its document, Working with China, what discussions it (a) has had and (b) plans with the Chinese Government regarding reports of people being forced into so-called organ harvesting in China.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to engaging the Chinese Government on human rights and this is articulated in Working with China: A Five Year Strategy for Engagement between Scotland and the People’s Republic of China, published in December 2012. We fully support action to combat the commercialisation of organs, tissues and cells and the trafficking of people for organ donation, all of which are illegal in the UK. We support the Declaration of Istanbul, which encourages all countries to draw up legal and professional frameworks to govern organ donation and transplantation activities. We understand that the Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission is in the process of developing and implementing a nationwide system for voluntary organ donation, supported by a new national database.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T13:56:18.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283362,"EventID":"S4W-14240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-12T13:56:19.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-11T15:07:56.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its aim for universities and further education establishments to develop more long-term, sustainable partnerships in China, as set out in its document, Working with China, what action it (a) has taken and (b) plans to ensure that medical courses in higher education institutions cover international aspects of medical ethics, including the reports of people being forced into so-called organ harvesting in China.\r\n","AnswerText":"Whilst the Scottish Government does not have a locus to intervene in the course content of higher education institutions, we fully support action to combat the commercialisation of organs, tissues and cells and the trafficking of people for organ donation, all of which are illegal in the UK. We support the Declaration of Istanbul, which encourages all countries to draw up legal and professional frameworks to govern organ donation and transplantation activities. We understand that the Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission is in the process of developing and implementing a nationwide system for voluntary organ donation, supported by a new national database.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T13:56:19.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283363,"EventID":"S4W-14241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-12T13:56:19.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-11T18:58:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the marketing contract for its Greener Scotland policy was put out to tender; which companies submitted bids and what their registered addresses are; which company secured the contract, and what the value is of the contract.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following answer was corrected on 15 May 2013\r\n John Swinney: The Scottish Government’s greener marketing campaigns help change behaviours which impact on carbon emissions. This, in turn, helps Scotland achieve its climate change targets of a 42 per cent reduction in CO2 by 2020 and an 80% reduction by 2050.\r\nCampaign results include:\r\n76 per cent of those who saw the Travel & Transport campaign were willing to leave their car for shorter journeys.\r\n95 per cent of those who interacted with the Eat In Season campaign went on to cook or eat in season food.\r\nThe Scottish Government has tendered contracts for a number of marketing services to deliver the campaigns. \r\nThese are Marketing Communications, Public Relations, Research and Direct Marketing.\r\nThe following table gives the information requested.\r\nType of Contract (Service)\r\nDate of Invitation toTender\r\nBids Submitted (Successful Bidder in Bold)\r\nRegistered Address\r\nValue\r\nPublic Relations\r\nApril 24, 2012\r\nLeith/Stripe\r\n37 The Shore \r\nEdinburgh \r\nEH6 6QU\r\n£375,610\r\n \r\n \r\nBIG Partnership\r\n5 Park Circus Pl\r\nGlasgow\r\nG3 6AH\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nConsolidated PR\r\n22 Endell Street\r\nLondon\r\nWC2H 9AD\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nWeber Shandwick\r\n84 Eccleston Sq\r\nLondon\r\nSW1V 1PX\r\n \r\nMarketing Communicat-ions\r\nJune 2, 2010\r\nStory UK Ltd.\r\nQuay House\r\n142 Commercial St.\r\nEdinburgh\r\nEH6 6LB\r\n£2,863,045\r\n \r\n \r\nMerle Agency\r\n14 Elliot Place\r\nSkypark 3\r\nGlasgow\r\nG3 6EQ\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nThe Leith/\r\nTangible Group Ltd.\r\n37 The Shore\r\nEdinburgh\r\nEH6 6QU\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNewhaven Communication Ltd/\r\nHush Communications\r\n77 Montgomery Street\r\nEdinburgh\r\nEH7 5HZ\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nThe Union Advertising Agency Ltd.\r\n1 Rutland Court\r\nEdinburgh\r\nEH3 8EY\r\n \r\nResearch\r\nJuly 23, 2010\r\nTNS UK Ltd.\r\nTNS House\r\nWestgate\r\nLondon\r\nW5 1UA\r\n£413,220\r\n \r\n \r\nProgressive\r\nHBJ Gateway\r\nExchange Tower\r\n19 Canning Street\r\nEdinburgh\r\nEH3 8EH\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nIFF Research\r\nChart House\r\n16 Chart Street\r\nLondon\r\nN1 6DD\r\n \r\nDirect Marketing\r\nAugust 13, 2010\r\nThe Leith Agency/Tangible Group Ltd.\r\n37 The Shore\r\nEdinburgh\r\nEH6 6QU\r\n£560,000\r\n \r\n \r\nStory UK Ltd.\r\nQuay House\r\n142 Commercial St.\r\nEdinburgh\r\nEH6 6LB\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nThe Union Advertising Agency Ltd.\r\n1 Rutland Court\r\nEdinburgh\r\nEH3 8EY\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nRAPP Limited\r\n1 Riverside Manbre Rd\r\nLondon\r\nW6 9WA\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNewhaven Communication Ltd/\r\nHush Communications\r\n77 Montgomery Street\r\nEdinburgh\r\nEH7 5HZ\r\n \r\n \r\nPublished details of Scottish Government marketing spend can be found here: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/Directorates/Communications/advertising-marketing/spend\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T13:56:19.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283364,"EventID":"S4W-14244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-12T13:56:20.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-11T19:15:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on whether NHS Counter Fraud Services is carrying out investigations regarding the State Hospital and what the nature is of the investigations.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government understands that the State Hospital have undertaken an internal investigation into anonymous allegations made to NHS Counter Fraud Services. The outcome of the investigation will be reported to the State Hospital Audit Committee.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T13:56:20.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283365,"EventID":"S4W-14245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-12T13:56:20.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-11T19:15:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether internal auditors at the State Hospital have been asked to investigate issues raised by the non-executive directors of the board regarding decisions made by the senior management team.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government understands that the State Hospital have asked their internal auditors to report on three anonymous allegations made to NHS Counter Fraud Services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T13:56:20.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283366,"EventID":"S4W-14246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-12T13:56:21.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-11T19:15:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any member of the State Hospital's senior management team has had enhancements to their salary in the last two years and, if so, for what reason, and whether these were backdated.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government understands that in June 2012 members of the State Hospital senior management team received a recruitment and retention premium as part of their remuneration package.\r\nDue to an oversight, payment of the premium was not made at the time it was due. Therefore, this resulted in a back payment being made.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T13:56:21.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283367,"EventID":"S4W-14247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-12T13:56:21.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-11T22:06:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to local authorities about the system of application for becoming a foster carer.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities are responsible for having foster carer procedures in place which will be inspected against National Care Standards by the Care Inspectorate. The Care Inspectorate is responsible for the registration and inspection of foster care services.\r\nStandard 5 states that “you know you will be fully assessed by the agency before being accepted as a foster carer” and Standard 6 states that “you can be confident that the agency treats applications to become a foster carer fairly and without unnecessary delay.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T13:56:21.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283368,"EventID":"S4W-14248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-12T13:56:22.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-11T22:06:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there are key national eligibility criteria for determining the suitability of applicants to become foster carers.","AnswerText":"There are no key national eligibility criteria for determining the suitability of applicants to become foster carers. Guidance on the Looked After Children (Regulations) no longer specifies the categories of people with whom a child may be fostered. Applications to foster may come from a wide range of different family structures and many authorities make a point of reflecting this openness in recruiting new carers. Each case will be assessed on its own merits.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T13:56:22.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283369,"EventID":"S4W-14249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-12T13:56:22.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-11T22:06:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it monitors the performance of local authorities in dealing with applications to become a foster carer.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Care Inspectorate are responsible for inspecting foster care services against national care standards which cover recruitment, assessment and approval of foster carers. As part of those duties they examine the processes and practices of dealing with applications to foster. This includes formal processes and support.\r\nThe Care Inspectorate in their holistic inspection of children’s services consider the outcomes for children who are assessed as requiring fostering services which includes how local authorities commission fostering services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T13:56:22.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283370,"EventID":"S4W-14250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-12T13:56:23.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-11T22:06:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how long an applicant should expect to wait for an application to become a foster carer to be determined by a local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"National Care Standard 6 against which foster care agencies are inspected, states that applicants should be made aware that the assessment will be completed within 6 months from the date of receipt of their application unless unforeseen circumstances prevent this.\r\nIt further states that prospective foster carers will receive regular feedback on the progress of their application (at least once a month) and that there are clear indications given of any work that is needed to further the process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T13:56:23.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283371,"EventID":"S4W-14251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-12T13:56:23.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-11T22:06:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many foster carers there are in each local authority area and, of these, how many were approved in each of the last two years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Neither the Scottish Government nor the Care Inspectorate collect information on numbers of foster carers broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T13:56:23.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283372,"EventID":"S4W-14252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-12T13:56:24.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-11T22:06:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many applications to become foster carers in each of the last two years were determined in less than a year, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally by the Scottish Government or Care Inspectorate. However as part of the inspection process the Care Inspectorate seeks feedback from foster carers on their experience of the service and the support they receive from the agency, whether local authority based or independent.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T13:56:24.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283373,"EventID":"S4W-14253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-12T13:56:24.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-11T22:22:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has given to the advice services that are assisting people effected by the recent welfare changes, broken down by (a) year and (b) service provider.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13907 on 26 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T13:56:24.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283374,"EventID":"S4W-14254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-12T13:56:25.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-11T22:22:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has received in Barnett consequentials from the UK Government to fund the advice services that are assisting people effected by the recent welfare changes.\r\n","AnswerText":"Barnett consequentials accrue to the Scottish Block as a whole and it is for Scottish Ministers to decide how to allocate the total resources available to them across devolved spending programmes.\r\nThe Scottish Government received £3.4 million in Barnett consequentials over 2013-14 and 2014-15 as a result of additional UK spending on advisory services, which adds to the total budget available to the Scottish Government in these years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T13:56:25.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283375,"EventID":"S4W-14255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-12T13:56:25.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-12T09:59:36.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the arrangements for sending waste from nuclear reactors to England for storage will remain in place if Scotland becomes independent and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The management of radioactive waste is a devolved matter and, as such, is already the responsibility of the Scottish Ministers. The management of spent nuclear fuel and other nuclear materials is reserved to the UK Government.\r\nRadioactive waste is not sent to England for storage. Spent nuclear fuels and other nuclear materials that are not classified as waste, are currently sent to Sellafield for reprocessing or storage in accordance with UK Government policy.\r\nAfter a vote for independence on 18 September 2014, it will be in the interests of both Scotland and the rest of the UK for the legacy of nuclear waste to be dealt with in a responsible way that protects the integrity of our environment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T13:56:25.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283376,"EventID":"S4W-14256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-12T13:56:26.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-12T10:26:07.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much each local authority collected through the 2012-13 business rate incentivisation scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"How much each local authority collected in non domestic rates in 2012-13 will not be known until the final 2012-13 audited non domestic rate income returns are received in February 2014.\r\nThe Scottish Government is actively working jointly with COSLA and local government to review the BRIS targets for 2012-13 taking into account the latest business rates returns.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T13:56:26.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283377,"EventID":"S4W-14257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-12T13:56:26.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-12T10:26:07.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which local authorities exceeded their 2012-13 annual business rates' target.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14256 on 19 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s Website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T13:56:26.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283378,"EventID":"S4W-14258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-12T13:56:26.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-12T10:26:07.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much each local authority will receive in additional income as a result of the 2012-13 business rate incentivisation scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14256 on 19 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s Website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T13:56:26.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283379,"EventID":"S4W-14259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-12T13:56:27.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-12T11:43:41.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Scotland would have to pay toward continuing to store the waste from its nuclear reactors that is currently stored in England if Scotland became independent and, if so, how much, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14255 on 7 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T13:56:27.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283380,"EventID":"S4W-14260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-12T13:56:27.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-12T11:43:41.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the waste from Scotland’s nuclear reactors that is currently stored in England would be returned if Scotland became independent and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14255 on 7 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-26T13:56:27.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283386,"EventID":"S4W-14261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-15T14:07:59.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-12T15:12:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government on proposals to devolve responsibility for the operation and administration of employment tribunals and when such discussions will be concluded.","AnswerText":"The UK Government has been considering the transfer of the administration of  reserved tribunals to the Scottish Ministers. In his response to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice’s letter of 12 October 2012, the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice indicated that he would be in a position to provide an update on this issue shortly. We are still awaiting the UK Government’s update.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-29T14:07:59.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283387,"EventID":"S4W-14262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-15T14:07:59.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-12T15:12:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-08944 and S4W-08941 by Roseanna Cunningham on 15 August 2012, what progress has been made on the transfer of the administration of employment tribunals.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Government has been considering the transfer of the administration of reserved tribunals to the Scottish Ministers. In his response to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice’s letter of 12 October 2012, the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice indicated that he would be in a position to provide an update on this issue shortly. We are still awaiting the UK Government’s update.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-29T14:07:59.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283388,"EventID":"S4W-14263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-15T14:08:00.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T09:51:18.353","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the research it commissioned on the impact of removing road equivalent tariff for commercial vehicles on routes between the mainland and the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree was completed and on what date it will publish the findings.\r\n","AnswerText":"Over the last few months we have engaged closely with the study consultants and with Steering Group members on the final report into the post-RET commercial vehicle fares impact study. We are finalising publication arrangements, and anticipate that the report will be published shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-29T14:08:00.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283389,"EventID":"S4W-14270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-15T14:08:00.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T11:33:10.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Argyll Ferries Ltd's replacement bus service is a result of a variation of contract and, if so, whether it will provide details of the variation, including the cost.","AnswerText":"The new replacement bus service is currently operating ahead of a formal contract variation to the public services contract between Argyll Ferries Limited (AFL) and the Scottish Ministers.\r\nArgyll Ferries Limited will be tendering for the replacement bus service including the costs of the arrangement and will formally submit a contract variation once this has been completed.\r\nAlthough a formal variation has not yet been received, Scottish Ministers in agreement with all parties, AFL and Western Ferries (Clyde) Limited, wanted to deliver this contingency arrangement as soon as possible to ensure that disruption to the communities of Gourock and Dunoon were kept to a minimum during occasions of adverse weather.\r\nAll contract variations in respect of this service are published by Transport Scotland at:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/water/ferries/subsidised/gourock-dunoon. \r\nThe contract variation, once submitted will have an impact on the level of subsidy given by Scottish Ministers. The Scottish Government agreed to fund 90% costs of the replacement bus service and AFL will contribute the remaining 10% of costs. As the cost of the service will be paid at the end of each financial year the precise costs of this new arrangement are not yet known. In any case it is difficult to estimate the cost given it is dependent on future weather conditions and any consequential disruption to the town centre service. Budgetary provision has been set aside to cover the cost of the new arrangement. The cost of the contract variation is commercially sensitive and therefore will not be published.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-29T14:08:00.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283390,"EventID":"S4T-00304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-15T13:00:59.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T15:38:42.7","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the report, Shaping Scotland's Court Services.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-29T13:00:59.687","MeetingDate":"2013-04-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283391,"EventID":"S4T-00311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-15T13:01:05.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T11:48:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will update legislation and guidance to ensure that ashes are always treated appropriately following cremation.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-29T13:01:05.817","MeetingDate":"2013-04-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283392,"EventID":"S4F-01298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-15T13:00:25.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T09:25:11.14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-29T13:00:25.18","MeetingDate":"2013-04-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283393,"EventID":"S4F-01299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-15T13:00:25.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T09:48:16.01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-29T13:00:25.82","MeetingDate":"2013-04-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283394,"EventID":"S4F-01301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-15T13:00:26.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T10:40:30.733","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government will take to address the delay in implementing the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-29T13:00:26.837","MeetingDate":"2013-04-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283395,"EventID":"S4F-01302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-15T13:00:27.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T10:53:01.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-29T13:00:27.21","MeetingDate":"2013-04-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283396,"EventID":"S4F-01311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-15T13:00:30.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T11:52:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Government has made of Scotland’s public finances.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-29T13:00:30.517","MeetingDate":"2013-04-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283397,"EventID":"S4F-01312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-15T13:00:30.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T11:55:43.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress has been made on changes to the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-29T13:00:30.843","MeetingDate":"2013-04-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283398,"EventID":"S4W-14001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-15T16:56:56.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T15:15:34.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it was decided that the Forth Estuary Transport Authority will not be able to bid for the new contracts for the Forth Road Bridge and the new crossing on the basis that it will no longer exist when the new contracts start; when the call for tenders will be issued, and what the timescale is for the assessment process.\r\n","AnswerText":"Various options were considered, including some which would have involved the Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA) having responsibility for managing and maintaining both the existing Forth Road Bridge and the new crossing, but none in respect of FETA were considered feasible. There was insufficient evidence to support Value for Money focus within FETA, and therefore no mechanism to extrapolate how FETA would achieve Value for Money in a twin bridge strategy. Also, while the FETA 2002 Order provided FETA with borrowing powers, it would have needed a new mechanism for repaying a loan if it had prepared a bid which proved unsuccessful.\r\nIf FETA had used state funding to finance a tender bid (as they are fully funded by the Scottish Government) then this would very likely have constituted State Aid. In general, the European Commission considers State Aid to have a damaging effect on competition and therefore takes a serious view of aid given in contravention of the State Aid rules.\r\nIf the option of FETA being able to bid had been deemed feasible legislation would have been required in order to give them that power.\r\nSubject to Parliament’s approval of the Bill and Royal Assent, Transport Scotland expects to issue tender documents for the twin Bridge Operating Company Contract in autumn 2013, with contract award by December 2014, and commencement by July 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-29T16:56:56.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283399,"EventID":"S4W-14002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-15T16:56:57.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T15:15:34.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has sought legal advice on breaches of state aid rules in relation to the contracts for the Forth Road Bridge and the new crossing and what its position is on expanding the Forth Estuary Transport Authority so that it can manage both bridges.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government draws on oral and written legal advice as appropriate from its lawyers, from Counsel, from external solicitors and from Law Officers. However, other than in exceptional circumstances, the Scottish Government does not comment on the source of such advice, and the content of any legal advice remains confidential. Only the European Commission (or European Courts if needed) can provide a definitive position on matters of State Aid.\r\nTo permit statutory responsibility for managing and maintaining the new Forth Crossing to be delegated to FETA by Scottish Ministers, a comprehensive redrawing of its functions would first have been necessary as that power is not contained in the 2002 Order that establishes FETA. There would have been a serious risk that delegating the functions to FETA would have been perceived as being uncompetitive as the market had not been tested. Without testing the market, value for money cannot be demonstrated. Conversely, the Forth Road Bridge Bill offers certainty of tenure for all existing FETA staff, and indeed the prospect of cost efficient job opportunities for new staff.\r\nThe Explanatory Notes to the Bill explain that Scottish Ministers’ preferred option is for the implementation of a twin bridge maintenance strategy with a single Forth Bridge Operating Company. The Notes also explain that Ministers rejected the option to involve FETA in operating both Road Bridges. As the new route is a motorway and the new bridge is a wholly different type, a substantial and unforeseen burden would have been placed on the Board, which had not been established for this purpose.\r\nFurther information is available within the Explanatory Notes, and Transport Scotland’s formal response to the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee Report on the Bill, and Stage 1 Debate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-29T16:56:57.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283400,"EventID":"S4W-14003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-15T16:56:57.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-03-27T15:15:34.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the Forth Road Bridge could accommodate non-motorway traffic, farm vehicles, learner drivers and abnormal loads once the new crossing is operational.\r\n","AnswerText":"The purpose of the Forth Road Bridge Bill is to pave the way for the most cost-effective and co-ordinated approach to the management and maintenance of the Forth Road Bridge (FRB) and Forth Replacement Crossing. It does not revisit the provisions and commitments arising from the Forth Replacement Crossing Act, nor does it alter the proposed new role of the FRB as a dedicated public transport corridor.\r\nHowever, as I said during the Stage 1 debate on the Bill, the Scottish Government shall write to the Infrastructure and Investment Committee, and to Mr Stewart himself on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-29T16:56:57.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283401,"EventID":"S4W-14271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-15T16:56:57.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T13:59:55.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-13253 and S4W-13767 by Paul Wheelhouse on 11 March 2013 and 15 April 2013 respectively, when it issued the notice to quit to the Raasay Crofters Association. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Notice to quit was issued to the Raasay Crofters Association on 1 November 2011. The dates given in S4W-13767 and S4W-13769 are incorrect and should read 1 November 2011. I apologise for this error.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-29T16:56:57.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283402,"EventID":"S4W-14272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-15T16:56:58.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T14:26:35.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many children attending school have had additional support needs in each year since 2002.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of pupils in publicly funded schools in Scotland with an additional support need recorded, by year, from 2002, is given in the following table:\r\nIt should be noted that over the last 11 years there have been substantial changes in the legislation and the recording practices around the collection of information on pupils with additional support needs. This means that the large changes in the number of pupils with additional support needs reflect more complete recording of pupils with additional support needs and a wider designation of those needs, rather than a real increase in the number of pupils requiring additional support\r\nYear\r\nPupils with Additional Support Needs\r\n2002\r\n28,732\r\n2003\r\n30,946\r\n2004\r\n32,752\r\n2005\r\n34,680\r\n2006\r\n36,148\r\n2007\r\n36,542\r\n2008\r\n38,716\r\n2009\r\n44,177\r\n2010\r\n69,587\r\n2011\r\n98,523\r\n2012\r\n118,034\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-29T16:56:58.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":true},{"UniqueID":283411,"EventID":"S4W-14279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-16T13:54:49.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T14:32:55.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on NHS (a) Lanarkshire and (b) Borders referring some people attending accident and emergency departments to their GP.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Health boards do not re-direct patients away from A&E. Medical staff offer the option to be treated at the hospital or go back to their GP, based on their professional clinical judgement.\r\nUnder the “Reducing A&E Attendances (T10) HEAT” Target, the Scottish Government Policy is to reduce the numbers of people attending A&E Departments in order to improve the quality of patient care and to promote patient safety.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:54:49.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283412,"EventID":"S4W-14280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-16T13:54:50.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T14:32:55.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which NHS boards refer some people attending accident and emergency departments to their GP; when this policy was introduced, and how many people have been affected.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14279 on 30 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:54:50.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283413,"EventID":"S4W-14281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-16T13:54:51.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T14:32:55.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which NHS boards plan to introduce a policy of referring some people attending accident and emergency departments to their GP.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14279 on 30 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:54:51.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283414,"EventID":"S4W-14282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-16T13:54:51.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T14:32:55.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that out-of-hours primary care services are working effectively, in light of reports of people attending accident and emergency departments without serious complaints.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government believes that out-of-hours primary care services are working effectively in Scotland. However, there are a range of reasons why people choose to attend an Accident and Emergency Department. We are developing a national framework on directing people towards appropriate services.\r\nThis is supported by broader work by the Unscheduled Care Expert Group on communication and engagement with the public, including recommendations on how all aspects of the system, including out-of-hours Primary Care Services can be provided and what the role of the proposed 111 number should be in supporting access.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T13:54:51.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283424,"EventID":"S4W-14287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-16T16:50:27.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-16T14:11:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many one-bedroom properties there are, also broken down by tenure, and how many of these are allocated to people deemed to be homeless.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are an estimated 312,000 one bedroom properties in Scotland, 165,000 of which are in the social rented sector. The following table provides a further breakdown by tenure.\r\nAn estimated 20,000 one-bedroom properties become available for let each year in the social rented sector. In 2011-12, it is estimated that 9,120 of these properties were allocated as permanent lets to people deemed to be homeless. It is estimated that a further 760 homeless households took up one bedroom lets in the private rented sector.\r\nInformation on the allocation of one bedroom properties to homeless households is only available for housing association/Co-Ops, from the SCORE data collection. The estimates for local authorities and the private rented sector are derived by applying the same rate of one bedroom allocations as a proportion of all allocations to homeless households, as recorded for housing associations/Co-Ops in SCORE.\r\n \r\nLocal\r\nAuthority\r\nHousing\r\nAssociation\r\n/Co-op\r\nPrivate\r\nRented\r\nSector\r\nOwner\r\nOccupier\r\nSocial\r\nRented\r\nSector\r\nTotal\r\nOne bedroom stock1 \r\n75,000\r\n90,000\r\n65,000\r\n82,000\r\n165,000\r\nOne bedroom stock becoming available to rent/buy during twelve month period2\r\n10,000\r\n10,000\r\n30,000\r\n10,000\r\n20,000\r\nNumber of one bedroom properties allocated to homeless households during 2011-123\r\n(5,320)4\r\n3800\r\n(760)4\r\n0\r\n9,120\r\n\r\nNotes/Sources:\r\n1. Social Rented Sector Stock Statistics (SG & SHR) and Scottish Household Survey 2011\r\n2. Scottish Household Survey 2011 - Churn Rate\r\n3. SG Homelessness HL1 Data 2011/12 combined with SG SCORE data for Housing Associations and Co-Ops\r\n4. Applying same SCORE rate as for housing associations/Co-Ops allocation rate\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T16:50:27.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283425,"EventID":"S4W-14288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-16T16:50:28.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-16T14:51:50.89","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13897 by Nicola Sturgeon on 16 April 2013, whether it will provide a list of each helpline it supports that is operated by a private company and the name of each operating company.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-04-30T16:50:28.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283431,"EventID":"S4W-14300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T11:41:44.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T11:29:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its decision is regarding the recommendations made in the Scottish Court Services recent paper, Shaping Scotland's Court Services.","AnswerText":"I will be informing the Scottish Court Service (SCS) and the Lord President later today that the Scottish Government has accepted the recommendations as set out in the report, Shaping Scotland’s Court Services.\r\nIn terms of the recommendations relating to court closures, this will require statutory orders to be made and then laid in the Scottish Parliament. My decision initiates the next step of the process which requires the consent of both the Lord President and the SCS before the Orders can be made.\r\nOverall, I believe that these proposals are proportionate and that they are justified based on the analysis supplied on savings and impact on access to justice. I believe that the recommendations are consistent with our wider reform plans, and that there is no obvious way that SCS could make comparable savings with less impact on efficiency and access.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T11:41:44.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283441,"EventID":"S4W-14265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T15:56:47.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T10:03:55.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the environmental effects that arise from forestry and agricultural projects are adequately assessed.","AnswerText":"Forestry projects are considered under the Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (Scotland) Regulations 1999. The regulations provide a structured approach to evaluating environmental impacts to ensure that potential environmental impacts are adequately assessed. Forestry projects are also assessed to ensure they meet the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard.\r\nThe Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 came into force in Scotland on 1 January 2007 and constrain operations to carry out “intensive” agricultural operations on uncultivated or semi-natural land, or large scale restructuring projects on agricultural land, where the result would have a “significant” impact on the environment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T15:56:47.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283442,"EventID":"S4W-14266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T15:56:48.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T10:03:55.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that those undertaking agricultural or forestry projects that may give rise to significant environmental effects are aware of the potential requirement to undertake an environmental impact assessment.","AnswerText":"For Forestry, the potential requirement of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is central to the information we provide to those carrying out forestry projects. This information is available on the Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) website and from local FCS offices. As part of the normal application process for forestry proposals FCS consider whether they need to be assessed under EIA (Forestry) regulations.\r\nFor agricultural projects, there is advice and guidance on the Scottish Government farming web pages which details the EIA requirements. However, due to a number of circumstances there are relatively few applications annually:\r\nThe principles of EIA are enshrined in Cross Compliance, which is the minimum standard of regulatory compliance all farmers must adhere to, in order to receive their basic subsidy payment;\r\nMuch of the land that would be considered appropriate to improve has been improved during the last century, often receiving support from agricultural grant;\r\nThe remaining land, which includes all semi-natural habitats (unimproved grass, heath, moorland, scrub and wetlands) and environmental designations is uneconomic to improve and the level of awareness of EIA requirements amongst farmers is considered to be high.\r\nGenerally, there are few opportunities for farmers to improve semi-natural habitats. Those that wish to do so apply through the formal process.\r\nAll of the Cross Compliance regulations and requirements, along with the specific EIA information, is also on the Scottish Government Website, and available from local agricultural area offices.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T15:56:48.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283443,"EventID":"S4W-14267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T15:56:48.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T10:03:55.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that the cumulative effect of projects are taken into account when considering the need for environmental impact assessment of agricultural and forestry projects.","AnswerText":"In terms of Forestry projects, the potential cumulative effect of projects are accounted for in two ways, firstly by considering the cumulative effect of different types of environmental impacts associated with the project and secondly by including any other forestry projects that have been carried out on adjacent land (including that on land in different ownerships) to a proposed project.\r\nFor agricultural operations, there are national and local records kept on the number and location of applications. Given the stringent nature of the Cross Compliance implications, and the farming industry’s awareness of these regulations, there are only a small number of applications a year. Therefore it is considered unlikely that there should be any negative cumulative effects in relation to these specific applications and operations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T15:56:48.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283444,"EventID":"S4W-14268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T15:56:48.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T10:03:55.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that consultation is carried out with the public affected or likely to be affected by agricultural or forestry projects for which environmental impact assessments are required.","AnswerText":"For forestry projects, details are made available to the public through the public register of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). Once an Environmental Statement is received details of the application for consent are published in local newspapers inviting comments from the public. Details are also provided to Statutory Consultees such as relevant countryside bodies and local authorities.  The public and Statutory Consultees have 28 days to submit comments on the project and Environmental Statement.\r\nIn terms of agricultural operations covered by the EIA regulations, when an application is received the statutory consultees must be consulted, on both the level of detail required for the full application (Environmental Statement) and the potential environmental impacts. Thereafter, the application is made available to the public via the public register.\r\nAgricultural area office staff receives many informal requests regarding activity that may require an EIA during the course of their duties. In addition, it should also be noted that area staff carry out numerous land inspections under Cross Compliance.\r\nMembers of the public that are concerned about agricultural activity that is considered to damage the environment can report these operations to the local agricultural office and the issue will be investigated.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T15:56:49.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283445,"EventID":"S4W-14269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T15:56:49.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T10:03:55.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that any significant environmental effects that might result from the construction of tracks for (a) agricultural, (b) forestry and (c) other purposes are considered before construction takes place.\r\n","AnswerText":"Where new development is proposed, including the construction of tracks, this must be considered in light of statutory provisions on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which requires an assessment of the likely significant effects of certain projects on the environment, before development consent can be granted.\r\nTracks constructed for agricultural or forestry purposes benefit from permitted development rights, meaning that a planning application and specific consent are not required provided certain criteria, set out in legislation, are met. Tracks constructed for other purposes require planning consent to be obtained from the relevant planning authority.\r\nWhere a track intended for agriculture purposes requires an EIA, it no longer benefits from permitted development rights and a full planning application would need to be submitted to the planning authority and the environmental assessment taken fully into account. \r\nTracks for forestry purposes are subject to consideration by the Forestry Commission Scotland under specific provisions contained within the Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (Scotland) Regulations 1999.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T15:56:49.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283446,"EventID":"S4W-14289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T15:56:49.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-16T15:10:32.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether matters otherwise protected by data protection legislation are regarded as being in the public domain once they have been discussed in an open civil court hearing.  \r\n","AnswerText":"The Data Protection Act applies to the processing of personal data. It cannot be assumed that personal data can be disclosed once it has been discussed in an open civil court hearing.\r\nOrganisations subject to the Act have certain obligations when deciding how and why personal data is processed. The Act does contain a number of exemptions from the general processing requirements, to accommodate particular circumstances.\r\nIf an exemption applies, then organisations may be permitted to disclose personal data to third parties. However, each individual case has to be considered on the detailed facts and circumstances, including the purposes for which the data is to be processed. Interpretation of the detailed requirements of the Act and any decision on processing in any particular case is a matter for the organisation holding the data.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T15:56:49.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283447,"EventID":"S4W-14291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T15:56:49.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T09:23:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4T-00311 by Michael Matheson on 16 April 2013 (Official Report, c.18528), what the (a) role and (b) remit will be of the independent commission to examine the policies and practices that are in place for handling ashes and cremated remains.\r\n","AnswerText":"The role of the commission will be to ensure that a consistent approach to the treatment of ashes can be put in place across Scotland. The specific remit of the commission will be refined by the commission chair.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T15:56:49.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283448,"EventID":"S4W-14292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T15:56:50.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T09:23:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4T-00311 by Michael Matheson on 16 April 2013 (Official Report, c.18528), how parents affected by (a) neonatal and (b) stillborn baby death will be represented on the independent commission to examine the policies and practices that are in place for handling ashes and cremated remains.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is in the process of establishing the membership of the commission. We have committed to ensure that parents who have been affected will be represented.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T15:56:50.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283449,"EventID":"S4W-14293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T15:56:50.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T09:23:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4T-00311 by Michael Matheson on 16 April 2013 (Official Report, c.18528), whether the independent commission to examine the policies and practices that are in place for handling ashes and cremated remains will have powers to call witnesses under oath.\r\n","AnswerText":"The commission will not be a statutory body and will not investigate specific incidents or allegations. The commission will not therefore need evidence to be submitted under oath.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T15:56:50.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283450,"EventID":"S4W-14294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T15:56:50.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T09:23:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4T-00311 by Michael Matheson on 16 April 2013 (Official Report, c.18528), whether the independent commission to examine the policies and practices that are in place for handling ashes and cremated remains will review the practices of (a) undertakers, (b) hospitals and (c) crematoria both in private and public.\r\n","AnswerText":"The commission will be tasked with examining all relevant policies and procedures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T15:56:50.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283451,"EventID":"S4W-14295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T15:56:51.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T09:23:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4T-00311 by Michael Matheson on 16 April 2013 (Official Report, c.18528), (a) when and (b) to whom the independent commission to examine the policies and practices that are in place for handling ashes and cremated remains will report.\r\n","AnswerText":"The commission will produce recommendations by the end of the 2013 and will report to Scottish Ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T15:56:51.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283452,"EventID":"S4W-14296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T15:56:51.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T09:23:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4T-00311 by Michael Matheson on 16 April 2013 (Official Report, c.18528), whether it will invite Dame Elish Angiolini to participate in the independent commission to examine the policies and practices that are in place for handling ashes and cremated remains and, if so, what role it will ask her to take.\r\n","AnswerText":"Dame Elish has confirmed her on-going commitment to her investigation into the former practice at Mortonhall crematorium. This, alongside other pre-existing commitments, prevents Dame Elish from direct participation in the Commission.\r\nHowever, Dame Elish has agreed that her investigation will work closely with the Commission.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T15:56:51.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283453,"EventID":"S4W-14297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T15:56:51.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T11:26:34.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding is available to community transport organisations serving rural areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities are provided with resources for community transport services as part of the local government block finance settlement each year. The resources are not ring fenced, allowing local authorities flexibility to decide local priorities and allocate funding accordingly.\r\nCommunity transport operators can claim Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) in respect of mileage travelled by community transport services that are registered local services or operating under a section 19 permit to carry specific groups of passengers. Changes made to BSOG from April 2012 provide more funding for longer routes, which benefits rural services in particular. £50 million is available for the grant scheme in 2013-14.\r\nCommunity transport providers who operate registered local bus services can receive fare reimbursement under the National Concessionary Travel Scheme for passengers using a National Entitlement Card. The reimbursement of fares in 2013-2014 is 60% of the adult single fare.\r\nFunding has been provided to the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP) to assist with the creation and development of Community Rail Partnerships (CRPs) in Scotland. Once established, CRPs will have access to project funding managed by ACoRP and designed to encourage match funding from other sources.\r\nThe current LEADER programme provides funding for a wide range of community projects in rural areas. Twenty four community transport projects across Scotland have been funded under the LEADER programme since 2008.\r\nWe are providing £45,000 per year in both 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 to the Community Transport Association to help develop the community transport sector in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T15:56:51.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283454,"EventID":"S4W-14298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T15:56:52.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T11:26:34.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding has been provided in each year since 2008 to support community transport organisations serving rural areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer question S4W-14297 on 25 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nIn addition, grant totalling £324,207 has been provided through the LEADER programme for rural community transport projects since 2008, with further funding expected to be claimed in 2013. Total grant provided by year was:\r\n2008 - £26,980\r\n2009 - £29,188\r\n2010 - £108,322\r\n2011 - £74,256\r\n2012 - £58,521\r\n2013 - £26,940.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T15:56:52.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283455,"EventID":"S4W-14299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T15:56:52.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T11:26:34.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which NHS boards fund community transport organisations to deliver non-emergency patient transport; what funding it has provided in this regard, and how many passenger journeys have taken place in each year since 2008.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T15:56:52.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283456,"EventID":"S4W-14301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T15:56:52.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T11:46:23.273","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the timescale is for ministers to respond to letters from MSPs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The target time for ministerial replies to all correspondence is 20 working days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T15:56:52.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Joe FitzPatrick","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283457,"EventID":"S4O-02015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:39.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T12:10:22.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact will be of Daktari Diagnostics locating its manufacturing site in Inverness.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:40.01","MeetingDate":"2013-04-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283458,"EventID":"S4O-02016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:40.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T11:41:05.927","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it calculates future oil revenues.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:40.37","MeetingDate":"2013-04-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283459,"EventID":"S4O-02018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:40.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T12:10:23.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what can be done to boost employment opportunities in Dumfries and Galloway.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:40.697","MeetingDate":"2013-04-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283460,"EventID":"S4O-02019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:40.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-16T10:15:52.333","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what financial support it has provided to the Stirling area over the last four years to promote and deliver events connected with the Year of Homecoming and the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, and how much it will provide in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:40.993","MeetingDate":"2013-04-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283461,"EventID":"S4O-02020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:41.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T12:10:23.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Orkney Islands Council and other stakeholders about the implications of Ortak going into administration.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:41.383","MeetingDate":"2013-04-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283462,"EventID":"S4O-02021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:41.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T10:02:08.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making in taking forward the business rates incentivisation scheme.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:41.803","MeetingDate":"2013-04-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283463,"EventID":"S4O-02022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:42.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-16T13:30:39.923","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met South Lanarkshire Council and what was discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:42.273","MeetingDate":"2013-04-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283464,"EventID":"S4O-02023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:44.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T12:10:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what basis the share of UK debt to be assigned to an independent Scotland should be calculated.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:44.253","MeetingDate":"2013-04-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283465,"EventID":"S4O-02024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:44.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T11:18:01.247","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on opencast restoration.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:44.533","MeetingDate":"2013-04-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283466,"EventID":"S4O-02025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:44.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T12:10:25.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides for community business initiatives in Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:44.83","MeetingDate":"2013-04-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283467,"EventID":"S4O-02026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:45.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T12:10:25.353","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many Scottish civil service jobs have been transferred to or created in Dundee since May 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:45.127","MeetingDate":"2013-04-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283468,"EventID":"S4O-02027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:45.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-16T12:47:30.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to increase recruitment into the energy sector.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:45.41","MeetingDate":"2013-04-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283469,"EventID":"S4O-02028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:45.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-16T15:27:58.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the tax revenue in Scotland was estimated to be in 2011-12.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:45.703","MeetingDate":"2013-04-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283470,"EventID":"S4O-02030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:45.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T09:36:19.223","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has in relation to dealing with dangerous and defective buildings.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:45.97","MeetingDate":"2013-04-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283471,"EventID":"S4O-02031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:46.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T12:10:26.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the 2 Sisters Food Group following its acquisition of the UK division of the Vion Food Group, in light of the impact on employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:46.313","MeetingDate":"2013-04-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283472,"EventID":"S4O-02032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:46.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T10:58:10.443","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made on increasing employment opportunities in the west of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:46.627","MeetingDate":"2013-04-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283473,"EventID":"S4O-02033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T12:10:27.133","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what share of the Scottish economy pension and welfare costs account for and how this compares with their share of the UK economy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government published Scotland’s Balance Sheet on 14 April. This shows that, in 2011-12, social protection expenditure, which includes pension and welfare costs, was equivalent to 14.4% of GDP. This is lower than the equivalent UK figure of 15.9%.\r\nIn addition, spending on social protection in Scotland, as a share of the economy, has been lower than in the UK for the last five years, and is also lower than in the majority of other EU-15 countries.\r\nThese figures clearly show that welfare and pensions would be more affordable in Scotland if we had full responsibility for our economy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:47.017","MeetingDate":"2013-04-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283474,"EventID":"S4O-02034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:47.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-16T17:52:38.947","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is aware of any increase in borrowing by financial institutions to provide support to small businesses.","AnswerText":"The National Loan Guarantee Scheme (NLGS) and the Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS) provide cheap loans to the real economy, including to SME’s.\r\nUnder the NLGS over 28,000 cheaper loans worth over £4.8bn have already been offered to businesses across the UK.\r\nThe Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS) was launched to boost bank lending to UK households and non-financial businesses. The scheme is designed to reduce the funding costs of banks and provide them a strong incentive to increase their lending. Forty banks have signed to the Funding for Lending Scheme up so far, representing 82% of the eligible stock of lending. Thirteen banks have borrowed £13.8 billion of funds from the Bank up to end of December.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:47.297","MeetingDate":"2013-04-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283475,"EventID":"S4O-02035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:47.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T11:56:12.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on repeat prescription charges.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:47.593","MeetingDate":"2013-04-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283476,"EventID":"S4O-02036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:47.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T12:10:50.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it evaluates the throughcare and support given to prisoners.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:47.983","MeetingDate":"2013-04-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283477,"EventID":"S4O-02037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:48.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T15:05:28.307","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the Electoral Commission regarding campaign funding and donations in relation to the independence referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:48.293","MeetingDate":"2013-04-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283478,"EventID":"S4O-02038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:48.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T12:10:53.177","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is planning additional measures to tackle youth unemployment and promote apprenticeship opportunities.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:48.607","MeetingDate":"2013-04-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283479,"EventID":"S4O-02039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:49.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T12:10:53.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent representations it has made to the European Commission regarding the cod recovery plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:49.027","MeetingDate":"2013-04-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283480,"EventID":"S4O-02040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:49.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T11:36:49.85","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with NHS Lothian regarding the board's investigation of readmission rates.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:49.37","MeetingDate":"2013-04-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283481,"EventID":"S4O-02041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:49.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T12:10:55.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it is providing to cattle and sheep farmers in light of reported difficulties in these sectors.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:49.7","MeetingDate":"2013-04-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283482,"EventID":"S4O-02042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:49.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T10:20:05.443","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports access to education and training for women of all ages in South Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"This Government invests around £2 billion each year in colleges and universities. In particular included in that amount is significant and specific funding to support the development in the South of Scotland of the Scottish Borders Campus in Galashiels and the Crichton Campus in Dumfries. The priority attached by the college sector to the education and training of women is reflected in a substantially higher number of enrolments by women than by men, and in the majority of learning opportunities being offered on a part-time basis. To better meet the needs of college regions, we asked the Funding Council to consider a number of priorities in applying the additional £61 million funding recently announced.\r\nWe have also committed £250,000 over the next two years to CareerWISE Scotland, which was announced at the Women's Employment Summit in September 2012. This will deliver tangible improvements in the position of women in science and engineering careers by seeking to change the actions of schools, teachers and employers. With regard to Modern Apprenticeships in 2011-12, 43% of MA starts were woman compared with 27% in 2008-09. The number of MA starts in the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway in 2011-12 has increased to 1357 from previous years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:49.993","MeetingDate":"2013-04-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283483,"EventID":"S4O-02043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:50.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T12:10:56.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact has been of Public Contracts Scotland's national advertising portal.\r\n","AnswerText":"SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT\r\nORAL ANSWER\r\n25 April 2013\r\nIndex Heading: Finance\r\nNigel Don (Angus North and Mearns) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government what the impact has been of Public Contracts Scotland's national advertising portal.\r\n(S4O-02043)\r\nNicola Sturgeon: Scotland’s public bodies spend over £9 billion each year on procurement and the Public Contracts Scotland service has had a significant impact in opening up opportunities in this area, especially to small and medium enterprises in Scotland. Statistics from PCS indicate that last year 82% of suppliers that were awarded contracts were SMEs and that 80% were Scottish-based companies.\r\nThese statistics illustrate the importance of public sector procurement to Scottish businesses and play an important role in building a wealthier and more successful nation.\r\nPCS has streamlined the bidding process for low value contracts, considerably easing the administrative burden of doing business with the public sector, and has opened up access to sub-contract opportunities on large scale contracts by enabling prime contractors to advertise these opportunities to benefit suppliers further down the supply chain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:50.277","MeetingDate":"2013-04-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283484,"EventID":"S4O-02044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T13:59:50.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T12:10:56.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many convictions there have been under the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012.","AnswerText":"Between 1 March and 31 December 2012, proceedings in relation to 64 charges had been concluded under section 1 of the Offensive Behaviour and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012. Fifty four charges were convicted (84%). During the same time period, proceedings in relation to four charges had been concluded under section 6 of the Act, with 1 charge convicted (25%).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T13:59:50.587","MeetingDate":"2013-04-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283490,"EventID":"S4W-14273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T16:46:12.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T14:27:21.413","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether access to child and adolescent mental health services is available for children in kinship care on the same priority basis as for those in foster care.","AnswerText":"Children and young people who are referred to CAMHS are assessed on their clinical needs. At assessment they will be seen by a multidisciplinary team which includes a number of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and occupational therapists.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T16:46:12.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283491,"EventID":"S4W-14274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T16:46:13.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T14:27:21.413","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that children in kinship care have access to respite services.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is providing over £13 million for short breaks between 2010-15 to be channelled through the voluntary sector. Organisations such as CHILDREN 1st, Geeza Break and Kinship for the Future North who support Kinship Carers have benefitted from this fund. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T16:46:13.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283492,"EventID":"S4W-14275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T16:46:13.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T14:27:21.413","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what financial support is provided to kinship carers.\r\n","AnswerText":"Kinship carers of children who are looked after are entitled to financial support from the responsible local authority. A number of local authorities also offer allowances to kinship carers of non-looked after children and those on a section 11 order of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 (e.g Residence Order).\r\nThe level of kinship care payments are the responsibility of local authorities. The Scottish Government is committed to working with local authorities to ensure that kinship carers receive the support they need.\r\nThe Scottish Government is currently reviewing financial support to kinship carers with a view to tailoring support and tackling inconsistencies across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T16:46:13.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283493,"EventID":"S4W-14276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T16:46:14.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T14:27:21.413","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is parity in financial support for kinship and foster carers and, if not, when there will be.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not set the level of payments to either kinship carers or foster carers. Payments are the responsibility of local authorities. However, the Scottish Government recognises that financial support needs to be more consistent, if it is to be fair and is currently reviewing financial support to kinship carers with an aim to publish its findings by autumn 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T16:46:14.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283494,"EventID":"S4W-14277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T16:46:14.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T14:27:21.413","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many foster carers there are, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Neither the Scottish Government nor the Care Inspectorate collects information on numbers of foster carers broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T16:46:14.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283495,"EventID":"S4W-14278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T16:46:15.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-15T14:27:21.413","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which provisions in the forthcoming Children and Young People Bill will help kinship carers.","AnswerText":"The Children and Young People Bill will:\r\n\r\nProvide enhanced support to kinship carers who obtain an order under section 11(1) of the 1995 Act (which will be deemed a “kinship care order”).\r\nPlace a duty on local authorities to ensure that families in the early stages of distress who seek help are provided with appropriate forms of intervention (for example, family group conferencing or support with substance misuse). This will provide more help for those carers who accept long term caring responsibilities for a child This will be available where a child’s wellbeing would be at risk of being impaired and where appropriate, it can be used to promote the role of a kinship carer; and\r\nPlace a duty on local authorities to provide a minimum of 600 hours early learning and childcare to three and four year olds, looked after two year olds and two year olds subject to a kinship care order.\r\nThe Children and Young People Bill was introduced to Parliament on 18 April. The Bill and accompanying documents have been published on the Scottish Parliament website:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/62233.aspx\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Young-People/legislation/impact.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T16:46:15.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283496,"EventID":"S4W-14302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T16:46:15.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T14:43:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is a legal impediment to North Lanarkshire Council re-establishing a direct labour organisation and, if so, whether the Scottish Government can remove it and would do so if requested.","AnswerText":"In 1998 the then Secretary of State for Scotland made a Direction under Section 19B of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 after a £4.5 million trading deficit was uncovered in North Lanarkshire Council’s Building and Roads Services Direct Labour Organisations (DLOs). The Direction was varied in 1999 and lifted by the then Scottish Executive on 24 August 2001.\r\nAll DLOs are subject to legal controls. For instance, section 10 of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 places requirements on local authorities about the revenues of their trading operations.\r\nIf North Lanarkshire Council considers that it faces particular legal impediments which prevent it re-establishing a DLO, ministers would consider the case on its merits, once we have seen the details, including the Council’s understanding of those impediments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T16:46:15.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283497,"EventID":"S4W-14303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T16:46:16.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T15:08:48.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what update it can provide on the review of vitamin D by the (a) Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition and (b) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.","AnswerText":"The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) Vitamin D Working Group held its eighth meeting in February this year, with the next scheduled for15 May 2013. It is anticipated that a draft report will be available for public consultation in March 2014, with the final report likely to be published in December 2014. Minutes of all SACN working group meetings are available on the SACN website at:\r\nhttp://www.sacn.gov.uk/meetings/working_groups/vitamin/28032012.html.\r\nThe National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has now set the scope for developing public health guidance on the implementation of existing recommendations to prevent vitamin D deficiency. The draft guidance is due to be issued for consultation in December 2013 with publication of the final guidance in June 2014. Further details, including the scope of the guidance, are available on the NICE website at: http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/index.jsp?action=byID&o=13795.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T16:46:16.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283498,"EventID":"S4W-14304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T16:46:16.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T15:08:48.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what representations it has made to the (a) Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition and (b) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to ensure that the relevance of Scotland's high latitude is considered in the review of vitamin D.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials from the Food Standards Agency in Scotland (FSAS) attend the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) Vitamin D Working Group meetings on behalf of the Scottish Government to ensure Scottish interests are fully represented. In doing so, the FSAS ensures that relevant research on vitamin D which relates specifically to the Scottish population is considered as part of the review.\r\nThe National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is developing public health guidance on the implementation of existing recommendations to prevent vitamin D deficiency. In doing so, NICE do not intend to look at the relative contributions of cutaneous vitamin D synthesis to vitamin D status in the UK population as this issue is being considered as part of the SACN review on vitamin D. SACN is a stakeholder in the development of this guidance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T16:46:16.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283499,"EventID":"S4W-14305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T16:46:16.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T15:08:48.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a cost-benefit analysis of interventions to reduce vitamin D deficiency in the population will form part of the review by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition.","AnswerText":"The remit of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) Vitamin D Working Group is to review the Dietary Reference Values for vitamin D intake and make recommendations. In doing so, the review is considering the clinical evidence on vitamin D and will not include any cost-benefit analysis. The full terms of reference for the group are available on the SACN website at:\r\nhttp://www.sacn.gov.uk/meetings/working_groups/vitamin/index.html.\r\nIn developing its guidance on the implementation of existing recommendations to prevent vitamin D deficiency, NICE will be considering the cost effectiveness of interventions to increase awareness and implementation of existing guidance on vitamin D amongst both health professionals and at-risk groups. Further details regarding the scope of the guidance are available at:\r\nhttp://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/index.jsp?action=byID&o=13795.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T16:46:16.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283500,"EventID":"S4W-14306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T16:46:17.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T15:51:59.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the value was of contracts awarded through Public Contracts Scotland to (a) Scotland-based and (b) international small or medium-sized companies in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is not possible to calculate the value of contracts awarded via Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) because at the time of the publication of the award notice only an estimated value or range of values is provided by the contracting authority. In addition, many contracts are multi-supplier agreements, often frameworks arrangements, and it is not possible at the point of contract award to calculate how any estimated contract value will be divided between the participating suppliers over the course of the contact.\r\nHowever, information from the Scottish Procurement Information Hub (the Hub) indicates that the value of spend with Scottish-based small and medium-sized companies per financial year is £2.63 billion in 2010-11, and £2.68 billion in 2011-12. A further £1.1 billion was spent in each of the financial years above with Small and Medium Enterprises located elsewhere in the UK. Figures for 2012-13 are not yet available.\r\nAll Hub figures quoted above are based on data where both the employee numbers and region of the supplier are known. The Hub does not classify regions outside the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T16:46:17.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283501,"EventID":"S4W-14307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T16:46:17.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T15:51:59.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many contracts were awarded to Scotland-based small or medium-sized companies through Public Contracts Scotland in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012, also broken down by (i) micro-, (ii) small and (iii) medium-sized companies and expressed as a percentage of the total number.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following table:\r\n\r\nCalendar Year 2010*\r\nCalendar Year 2011\r\nCalendar Year 2012\r\n**Scotland-based Micro (1-9 employees)\r\n181 (14%)\r\n1,789 (21%)\r\n3,456 (26%)\r\nScotland-based Small (10-49 employees)\r\n274 (22%)\r\n2.233 (27%)\r\n3,592 (27%)\r\nScotland-based Medium (50-249 employees)\r\n244 (19%)\r\n1,394 (17%)\r\n1,932 (15%)\r\nTotal Scotland-based SMEs (less than 250 employees)\r\n699 (55%)\r\n5,416 (65%)\r\n8,980 (68%)\r\nNotes:\r\n*2010 figures are for October to December only as this is when reporting functionality on the size and location of suppliers became available in Public Contract Scotland.\r\n**Scotland-based and employee numbers according to the supplier registrations on Public Contracts Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T16:46:17.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283502,"EventID":"S4W-14308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T16:46:17.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T15:51:59.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of the suppliers awarded contracts through Public Contracts Scotland in 2012 were Scottish owned.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information. Suppliers registering on Public Contracts Scotland are required to provide their address, but they are not required to provide any information on the registered office or the ownership of the company.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T16:46:17.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283503,"EventID":"S4W-14309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-17T16:46:18.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T15:51:59.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of contracts were awarded to supported businesses through Public Contracts Scotland in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested by the member is set out in the following table:\r\n\r\n2010*\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nNumber of Supported Businesses** awarded contracts via PCS\r\n1\r\n7\r\n10\r\nTotal number of suppliers awarded contracts via PCS\r\n1,252\r\n8,329\r\n13,308\r\nPercentage of Supported Businesses awarded contracts as a percentage of all suppliers awarded contracts  via PCS\r\n0.08%\r\n0.08%\r\n0.1%\r\n* 2010 figures are for October to December only as this is when supported business reporting functionality became available in Public Contract Scotland (PCS).\r\n** Supported business classification based upon supplier registrations on PCS.\r\nA new Scottish Government reserved framework  for supported businesses became effective in September 2012. To date (22 April 2013), 52 contracts have been placed by 17 different public bodies under the framework with a value of around £180,000. Due to the date of the framework’s implementation many of these will not be captured in the table.\r\nThe PCS statistics do not include any public contracts placed with supported businesses outwith the PCS portal. Much of the economic activity for supported businesses comes directly from their partner local authority e.g. Glasgow City Council and Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries (RSBi). This can be substantial and is not competed through PCS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-01T16:46:18.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283514,"EventID":"S4W-14310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:43.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T17:32:26.133","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the Chief Executive of NHS Scotland sought to amend the Audit Scotland report, Management of patients on NHS waiting lists, as reported in the Sunday Herald on 31 March 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is an agreed protocol between Audit Scotland and the Scottish Government covering the arrangements for carrying out and clearing performance audit reports undertaken on behalf of the Auditor General for Scotland (AGS) which are published as part of the Scottish Public Finance Manual. The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that all relevant parties in the Scottish Government and Audit Scotland are aware of the arrangements for carrying out performance audits undertaken on behalf of the AGS and clearing draft reports.\r\nThe protocol states that in relation to the draft report/key messages:\r\n“The project manager sends a copy of the key messages document and draft report to all project advisory group members, including the SG representative, for comment.”\r\nFor formal clearance of the report, the protocol says:\r\n“The AGS sends a formal letter and a copy of the report to the relevant Accountable Officer. The AGS’s letter specifies the date when comments are due back (this is three weeks from the date of the letter) and asks for confirmation of the factual accuracy of the report and any other comments on the presentation and conclusions.”\r\nWhile the Scottish Government can provide comment on the draft report, the final decision on what to include in the report is solely the responsibility of Audit Scotland. The comments provided were in line with standard procedures where Audit Scotland asked for comments on the draft report. In the interest of accuracy, Audit Scotland accepted a number of points raised and amended the final report accordingly, in exactly the same way as has been done on many other occasions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:43.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283515,"EventID":"S4W-14311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:44.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T17:32:26.133","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the Chief Executive of NHS Scotland asked Audit Scotland to add “helpful” points to the report, Management of patients on NHS waiting lists, as reported in the Sunday Herald on 31 March 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is an agreed protocol between Audit Scotland and the Scottish Government covering the arrangements for carrying out and clearing performance audit reports undertaken on behalf of the Auditor General for Scotland (AGS) which are published as part of the Scottish Public Finance Manual. The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that all relevant parties in the Scottish Government and Audit Scotland are aware of the arrangements for carrying out performance audits undertaken on behalf of the AGS and clearing draft reports.\r\nThe protocol states that in relation to the draft report/key messages:\r\n“The project manager sends a copy of the key messages document and draft report to all project advisory group members, including the SG representative, for comment.”\r\nFor formal clearance of the report, the protocol says:\r\n“The AGS sends a formal letter and a copy of the report to the relevant Accountable Officer. The AGS’s letter specifies the date when comments are due back (this is three weeks from the date of the letter) and asks for confirmation of the factual accuracy of the report and any other comments on the presentation and conclusions.”\r\nWhile the Scottish Government can provide comment on the draft report, the final decision on what to include in the report is solely the responsibility of Audit Scotland. The comments provided were in line with standard procedures where Audit Scotland asked for comments on the draft report. In the interest of accuracy, Audit Scotland accepted a number of points raised and amended the final report accordingly, in exactly the same way as has been done on many other occasions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:44.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283516,"EventID":"S4W-14312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:45.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T17:32:26.133","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of its media and communications staff work (a) in and (b) with its health and social care directorate and what the total salary costs are.\r\n","AnswerText":"Currently 14.1 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) communications staff supports the work of Health Ministers and the Director General Health and Social Care/Chief Executive of NHSScotland, who is responsible for seven Directorates in the Scottish Government. There is no Directorate for Health and Social Care. Of these FTE, 10.1 work in the Communications Directorate, while a further four work in other directorates.\r\nThese staff work on media, digital and stakeholder communications, including communications with the 132,000 staff working in NHSScotland and the 700 staff in the Scottish Government's health directorates. They also deliver the Scottish Government's public health campaigns, including Detect Cancer Early and Organ Donation. In addition to health policy, staff also work on the Commonwealth Games and sport policy.\r\nThe total 2012-13 annual staffing cost, (which covers salary and employer costs; e.g. pensions and NI, and the cost of employing any secondees) was £809,000.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:45.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283517,"EventID":"S4W-14313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:45.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T17:36:55.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider establishing a national register of implants in light of the reported problems with hip replacements, PIP breast implants and transvaginal mesh implants.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials are working with colleagues in National Services Scotland to identify options for implementing an implant register starting with hip replacements and which could be used for a range of implants.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:45.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283518,"EventID":"S4W-14314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:46.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T17:36:55.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS National Procurement supplies the NHS with transvaginal mesh implants and, if so, how it sources them.\r\n","AnswerText":"National Procurement, which is part of NHS National Services Scotland, has confirmed that it supplies some transvaginal mesh devices to health boards through the National Distribution Centre. These devices are not included in a national contract but are supplied in response to catalogue requests from NHS boards for specific makes and type of device.\r\nAs the value and volume of products supplied through National Procurement is relatively low there are no plans to move this to a National Contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:46.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283519,"EventID":"S4W-14315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:47.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T17:36:55.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many transvaginal mesh implant procedures the NHS has carried out in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"Please note that specific coding for transvaginal mesh implant procedures was introduced in 2006. Annually complete data is only available since 2007-08.\r\n\r\nNumber of transvaginal mesh implant procedures performed in NHS hospitals in Scotland.\r\nFinancial years ending 31st March 2008 to 2012\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYear\r\n\r\n\r\nNumber of Procedures\r\n\r\n2007-2008\r\n\r\n\r\n248\r\n\r\n2008-2009\r\n\r\n\r\n357\r\n\r\n2009-2010\r\n\r\n\r\n374\r\n\r\n2010-2011\r\n\r\n\r\n410\r\n\r\n2011-2012\r\n\r\n\r\n324\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSource: ISD SMR01 linked catalogue\r\nExcludes an estimated 2 % of procedures which were carried out on behalf of the NHS by independent providers\r\n\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:47.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283520,"EventID":"S4W-14316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:47.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T17:36:55.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many surgeons carry out transvaginal mesh procedures, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:47.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283521,"EventID":"S4W-14317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:48.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T17:39:41.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has met or had discussions or correspondence with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency about transvaginal mesh products and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials are in regular contact with colleagues in the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA’s) about a range of issues including transvaginal meshes. This topic has been the subject of discussions at the MHRA’s Committee on the Safety of Devices, committee papers are available from the following website:\r\nhttp://www.mhra.gov.uk/Committees/Devices/index.htm\r\nIn addition to discussions within the last month, there was also discussion in November 2012 when the University of York Health Economics Consortium produced its report on Summaries of the Safety/Adverse Effects of Vaginal Tapes/Slings/Meshes for Stress Urinary Incontinence and Prolapse which is available at the following web-site: \r\nhttp://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/Generalsafetyinformationandadvice/Product-specificinformationandadvice/Product-specificinformationandadvice%E2%80%93M%E2%80%93T/Vaginalmeshforpelvicorganprolapse/\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:48.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283522,"EventID":"S4W-14318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:48.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T17:39:41.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many clinicians working in Scotland have complained to (a) it and (b) the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency about transvaginal mesh products.","AnswerText":"Two clinicians working in Scotland have reported adverse incidents about transvaginal mesh products to the Incident Reporting and Investigation Centre of Health Facilities Scotland, which is part of NHS National Services Scotland.\r\nNo information is held on the number of clinicians in Scotland who have reported adverse incidents or concerns about transvaginal meshes to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:48.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283523,"EventID":"S4W-14319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:49.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T17:39:41.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has received a medical alert about transvaginal mesh products.","AnswerText":"The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) has not issued any medical device alert on transvaginal mesh products. However, MHRA commissioned the University of York Health Economics Consortium to conduct a systematic review of the available literature.\r\nThe report of the review together with advice and information for patients and clinicians was published on 22 November 2012 and is available at the following website:\r\nhttp://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/Generalsafetyinformationandadvice/Product-specificinformationandadvice/Product-specificinformationandadvice%E2%80%93M%E2%80%93T/Vaginalmeshforpelvicorganprolapse/\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:49.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283524,"EventID":"S4W-14320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:49.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T17:39:41.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the known side-effects are of transvaginal mesh implants and how many women have been affected by such side-effects in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The most frequently reported side effects have included mesh exposure, pain, sexual problems, mesh erosion and occasionally injury to nearby organs such as the bladder or bowel.\r\nInformation is not held centrally on the number of women who have been affected by side effects.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:49.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283525,"EventID":"S4W-14321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:50.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T17:43:38.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish Ambulance Service has used (a) private and (b) voluntary sector transport in place of ambulances or patient transport since 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service have advised that they do not use private ambulance services, or other private sector transport (including taxis), in place of ambulances or patient transport.\r\nThe Scottish Ambulance Service has a Memorandum of Understanding with the British Red Cross Society (BRCS), which helps the Service respond to patient needs, for example, during adverse weather. The BRCS make ambulance vehicles available should these be required. The Service also works with the BRCS during periods of anticipated high demand, such as the festive period and other key dates during the year such as pay days. This arrangement delivers an additional layer of resilience and support at times of peak demand.\r\nThe Service works with approximately 200 volunteer car drivers across the country, who undertake patient transport journeys where this is clinically appropriate, particularly in remote and rural areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:50.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283526,"EventID":"S4W-14322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:51.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T17:43:38.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether (a) any NHS board and (b) the Scottish Ambulance Service has contracts with community transport providers and, if so, what (i) the value of those contracts are and (ii) services are provided.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:51.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283527,"EventID":"S4W-14323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:51.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T17:43:38.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) patient transport and (b) ambulance journeys have been made in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ambulance Service activity is published annually in the Information Services Division (ISD) Scotland Cost Book and this can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Finance/Costs/\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:51.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283528,"EventID":"S4W-14325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:52.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T17:43:38.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish Ambulance Service plans to reduce the number of patient transport (a) vehicles and (b) staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of their Patient Transport Service Improvement Programme - which includes investment in new technology, training and staff development - the Scottish Ambulance Service expect that staff numbers are likely to reduce by around 60 and the Patient Transport Service fleet will reduce by around 33 vehicles. All of the staff reductions will be secured by retirement, leavers or redeployment within the service.\r\nI expect the Scottish Ambulance Service to ensure they deliver a consistent, high quality patient transport service for patients, and a service that is demand responsive and person centred. Any efficiencies that are secured through the better use of technology, improved planning and enhanced co-ordination will be reinvested in front-line care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:52.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283529,"EventID":"S4W-14326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:52.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-17T17:43:38.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patient transport vehicles are not in use and awaiting repair.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Scottish Ambulance Service, the information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:52.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283530,"EventID":"S4W-14327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:53.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T09:29:11.387","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether two student associations can continue to exist under the regionalisation of Aberdeen and Banff and Buchan colleges.\r\n","AnswerText":"The provisions of the Education Act 1994 rightly do not allow for there to be separate student associations representing different college campuses because it would undermine effective and coherent student representation.\r\nHowever it is of course open to student associations, in devising their own structures and procedures, to put in place arrangements to ensure students at different campuses are fairly represented.\r\nWe also amended the Post-16 Education (Scotland) Bill at stage 3 to provide that all colleges and universities, as part of the criteria they must meet to be eligible for public funding, must have suitable arrangements to seek to ensure the interests of students are represented by a students’ association.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:53.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283531,"EventID":"S4W-14328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:53.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T09:29:11.387","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consultations it has carried out on the existence of student associations under new regional colleges and with what outcomes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has carried out two public consultations on all aspects of college reform and regionalisation which includes the existence of student associations in merged colleges.\r\nI lodged an amendment to the Post-16 Education (Scotland) Bill at stage 3 to provide that all colleges and universities, as part of the criteria they must meet to be eligible for public funding, must have suitable arrangements to seek to ensure the interests of students are represented by a students’ association.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:53.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283532,"EventID":"S4W-14329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:54.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T09:38:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether grants for new-build croft houses have been undersubscribed in each year since 2005 and, if so, by how much, broken down by area; what the reasons are, and what it is doing to encourage applications.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Croft House Grant Scheme opened to applications on 1 January 2005 and provides grants for new houses and the rebuilding and renovation of existing croft houses in the crofting areas of Scotland.\r\nThe grant scheme has been undersubscribed in relation to the available budget in each year of the scheme.\r\nYear\r\nBudget\r\nActual\r\nVariance\r\n2005-06\r\n£2, 000, 000\r\n£570,329\r\n(£1,367,633)\r\n2006-07\r\n£1, 600, 000\r\n£1,188,044\r\n(£411,956)\r\n2007-08\r\n£2, 545, 000\r\n£1,687,092\r\n(£857, 908)\r\n2008-09\r\n£3, 300, 000\r\n£2,014,323\r\n(£1,285,677)\r\n2009-10\r\n£2, 035, 000\r\n£1,740,678\r\n(£294,322)\r\n2010-11\r\n£2, 894, 000\r\n£1,569,567\r\n(£1,324,433)\r\n2011-12\r\n£1, 840, 000\r\n£1,276,441\r\n(£563,560)\r\n2012-13\r\n£1, 389, 000\r\n£1,365,956 \r\n(£23,044)\r\n \r\nExpenditure amounts are not recorded by geographical area on SG’s financial accounting system. However over the past three years approvals in each geographical area have averaged:\r\nArea\r\nPercentage\r\nHigh Priority\r\n70%\r\nStandard\r\n27%\r\nLow\r\n3%\r\nTotal\r\n100%\r\n \r\nThe Croft House Grant Scheme (CHGS), and it’s forerunner, the Croft Building Grant and Loan Scheme (CBGLS), has operated since 1911 throughout the crofting areas of Scotland and is well known to potential applicants and stakeholder organisations. Scheme guidance and application forms are available throughout the Scottish Government’s Rural Payments and Inspection Division offices located throughout the Highland and Islands and also available for download from the Scottish Government’s internet site. Within the Crofting Services section of the Crofting Commission’s website there is a reference to the CHGS Scheme, referring enquiries to the CHGS Team in Tiree.\r\nUnder the Croft House Grant Scheme, no application has been rejected on the basis of limited budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:54.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283533,"EventID":"S4W-14330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:54.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T09:38:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to increase the grants for new-build croft houses to a maximum of £50,000 per application to encourage more building.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no current plans for the rates of assistance offered by the Croft House Grant Scheme to be increased.\r\nAt current rates the annual budget for the Croft House Grant Scheme is sufficient to enable between 120 and 130 croft housing units to be assisted annually.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:54.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283534,"EventID":"S4W-14331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:55.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T09:38:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the availability of self-build mortgages and what it is doing to encourage more banks to offer them.\r\n","AnswerText":"Margaret Burgess: The Scottish Government recognises the important role that self build plays in Scotland’s housing supply system, particularly in rural and island communities. Officials have discussed the extent to which lending for self build is available with representatives of the Council of Mortgage Lenders and individual lenders on various occasions and will continue to seek to encourage support for self build activity in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:55.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283535,"EventID":"S4W-14332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:55.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T09:38:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) what the status is of and (b) when it will respond to the proposal for an enhanced crofting counties agricultural grant scheme submitted by a group including the Crofting Commission.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government received revised proposals from the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Crofting’s Working Group on 22 March 2013.\r\nThe Scottish Government is seeking views on future design of support for crofting through the recently released public consultation on the design of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) for 2014-20 and welcomes the submission made by the Cross Party Group on Crofting’s Working Group and engagement by the Working Group as we consider the future shape of SRDP. The proposals received from the working group will be given full consideration as part of the public consultation.\r\nOfficials will enter into further discussions with the Working Group after that public consultation process concludes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:55.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283536,"EventID":"S4W-14333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:56.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T09:38:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to carry out an empirical analysis of the economic impact of crofting and, if so, what the role of Highlands and Islands Enterprise will be.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is required, by section 51 of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, to report, once every four years, to the Scottish Parliament on the economic condition of crofting.\r\nCopies of the Scottish Government’s Report to Parliament on the Economic Condition of Crofting 2007-2010 are available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. Number 52273).\r\nThe Scottish Government’s Report to Parliament on the Economic Condition of Crofting 2011-2014 will be laid before the Scottish Parliament by 1 January 2015. A view on who will be involved in the production of the report will be taken nearer the time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:56.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283537,"EventID":"S4W-14334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:56.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T09:38:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the status is of the crofting development budget that was given to Highlands and Islands Enterprise and what the spend was in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Highlands and Islands Enterprise. I will ask its chief executive to reply to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:56.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283538,"EventID":"S4W-14335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:56.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T09:38:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the agricultural census will collect information on the number of registered crofters, the scale of crofting, numbers of livestock, area cropped and other such data and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government collects information from agricultural holdings in Scotland in its annual agricultural census which covers detailed information on crops and livestock.\r\nThe census also collects information on any owned or “rented in” areas that are registered with the Crofting Commission. However, for most agricultural holdings, anything more detailed (e.g., the distribution of crops and livestock) cannot be accurately attributed to these crofting areas.\r\nThis is because the information collected on crops and livestock relates to the total area on the holding and crofts usually account for one or more components (or land parcels) within that total area.\r\nIn addition to this, there are numerous crofts that are registered with the Crofting Commission, but are either not returning a census form, or not reporting any Crofting Commission area on their census return.\r\nTo collect crop and livestock data specifically for croft areas using the census would require sending thousands of additional census forms to crofters every year which would present them with an unacceptable and disproportionate data burden.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:56.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283539,"EventID":"S4W-14336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:57.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T10:07:26.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on each action listed in Annex B of Buses for Scotland, Progress Through Partnership.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has delivered on nearly all of the commitments listed in Annex B of Buses for Scotland Progress Through Partnership, principally through the development and publication of suite of guidance including Park & Ride for Buses, Bus Punctuality Improvement Partnerships and Progress Through Partnership. These are available at:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/publications.\r\nTraining in safe and fuel efficient driving is provided as part of normal training by bigger operators, who make this available to smaller operators.\r\nSpecific public inquiry timings were not set for the Traffic Commissioner decisions but the Commissioner now makes annual reports to ministers regarding her devolved responsibilities. These are available via the Transport Scotland website:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/public-transport/buses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:57.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283540,"EventID":"S4W-14337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:57.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T10:07:26.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Buses for Scotland, Progress Through Partnership Forum last met; what was discussed, and who attended.","AnswerText":"The Buses for Scotland Progress Through Partnership Forum last met on 11 March 2008. The meeting was chaired by Stewart Stevenson MSP, the then Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change. The meeting discussed Bus Route Development Grant, partnerships, park and ride, bus enforcement and integrated ticketing.\r\nThose who attended were:\r\nJohn Swinney MSP\r\nCabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth\r\nJoan Aitken\r\nCommissioner for Scottish Traffic Area\r\nRobert Booth\r\nExecutive Director, Glasgow City Council\r\nCouncillor Brian Collins\r\nChair, SWESTRANS\r\nJohn Elliot CEO\r\nPassengers’ View Scotland\r\nJohn Ewing Director\r\nTransport Directorate, Scottish Government\r\nJim Grieve\r\nHead of Transport, City of Edinburgh Council\r\nGordon Hanning\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nCouncillor Alison Hay\r\nCOSLA - Environment, Sustainability and Community Safety\r\nJim Lee MD\r\nTravel Dundee\r\nMoir Lockhead\r\nCEO, First Group\r\nDavid Patel\r\nDepute Director, Transport Directorate, Scottish Government\r\nDouglas Paterson\r\nCEO, Aberdeen City Council\r\nCouncillor Steven Purcell\r\nLeader of Glasgow City Council\r\nNeil Renilson\r\nCEO, Lothian Buses\r\nCouncillor Anne Robertson\r\nLeader, Aberdeenshire Council\r\nMarjory Rodger\r\nDirector of Government Relations, CPT\r\nBrian Souter\r\nCEO, Stagecoach Group\r\nAlex Stephen\r\nCEO, Dundee City Council\r\nStephen Tetlow\r\nCEO, VOSA\r\nCouncillor Alistair Watson\r\nChair, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport\r\nCouncillor Phil Wheeler\r\nConvener, Edinburgh Council Transport Committee\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:57.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283541,"EventID":"S4W-14338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T13:53:57.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T10:07:26.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Buses for Scotland, Progress Through Partnership Forum will next meet; what will be discussed, and who will be invited to attend.","AnswerText":"The Buses for Scotland Progress Through Partnership Forum last met on 11 March 2008 and no further meetings are planned.\r\nThe Bus Stakeholder Group was established in April 2012 as a consultative body to take forward bus policy development and implementation with key stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T13:53:57.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283550,"EventID":"S4W-14340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T16:46:26.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T11:25:24.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people in the NHS Grampian area have been screened for bowel cancer in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The number and percentage of eligible men and women in the NHS Grampian area who have taken part in the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme over the last three years is provided in the following table. \r\nNHS Grampian\r\n2010\r\n2011*\r\n2012\r\nMales\r\n23,339 (55.7%)\r\n21,108 (57%)\r\nThese data are not available yet\r\nFemales\r\n26,605 (63.1%)\r\n24,309 (65.1%)\r\nThese data are not available yet\r\nNotes:\r\n*includes published data to October 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T16:46:26.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283551,"EventID":"S4W-14341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T16:46:26.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T11:25:24.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many uneaten hospital meals have been disposed of by NHS Grampian in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not centrally held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T16:46:26.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283552,"EventID":"S4W-14342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T16:46:27.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T11:25:24.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much on average NHS Grampian has spent on hospital food per patient per day in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not centrally held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T16:46:27.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283553,"EventID":"S4W-14344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T16:46:27.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T14:25:00.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13809 by Nicola Sturgeon on 18 April 2013, what the names are of the independent advisers on pensions from whom advice has been sought by officials.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have engaged Deloitte to provide actuarial support in the analysis of the UK Government's plans to reform state pensions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T16:46:27.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283554,"EventID":"S4W-14345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T16:46:27.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T14:21:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it costs school pupils to apply for college and university courses through UCAS.\r\n","AnswerText":"For the 2013 application cycle, the UCAS application fee is £12 for those applying for only one course or £23 for those applying to between 2 and 5 course choices.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T16:46:27.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283555,"EventID":"S4W-14346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T16:46:27.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T14:21:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the charge for school pupils to apply for college or university courses through UCAS impacts on poorer students and families.\r\n","AnswerText":"UCAS is a charity, non-profit distributing and as such the modest charge is designed to cover the cost of operating and maintaining the system. School pupils apply through their schools rather than direct to UCAS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T16:46:28.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283556,"EventID":"S4W-14347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T16:46:28.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T14:21:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the charge for school pupils to apply for college and university courses through UCAS last increased and whether it will increase in the future.\r\n","AnswerText":"UCAS is an independent UK Charity and avoids increasing fees whenever possible. The UCAS application fee for between two and five course choices increased from £22 in the 2012 cycle to £23 in current 2013 cycle.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T16:46:28.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283557,"EventID":"S4W-14348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T16:46:28.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T14:53:00.84","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government with which stakeholders it has shared the results of the study into closed containment by the Improved Containment Working Group and whether it will publish the group's report.\r\n","AnswerText":"Impacts of open pen freshwater aquaculture production on wild fisheries was published on the Scottish Government website on Wednesday 24 October 2012 and is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/10/5393.\r\nThe authors, Homarus Ltd, consulted a wide range of stakeholders including farmed salmon and rainbow trout businesses, fisheries trusts, District Salmon Fishery Boards and scientists during the study. A full list of consultees is published in Annex 2 of the report. \r\nA pre-publication workshop was held on 19 July 2012 to discuss the main findings of the report. Invitees included representatives of farmed Atlantic salmon businesses, Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, British Trout Association, Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland, Association of Salmon Fishery Boards, Scottish Environment Link, Scottish Association of Marine Science, Seafood Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Aquaculture Research Forum, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The Crown Estate, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Marine Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T16:46:28.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283558,"EventID":"S4W-14349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-18T16:46:28.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T16:07:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will take action in response to the closure of Vion's Welsh Country Foods abattoir and processing unit in Anglesey in light of the number of farmers in Scotland who send lambs to the facility for processing.","AnswerText":"We are currently discussing with the industry further opportunities to increase the amount of lamb processed within Scotland, but continue to be constrained by the Scottish industry losing approximately £1 million per annum in levies through the current arrangements. In the meantime, we will continue to do all we can to support the sector, such as through our Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation Grant scheme, which has committed over £7 million to the red meat sector since 2008.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-02T16:46:28.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283564,"EventID":"S4W-14343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-19T13:46:11.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T12:34:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4F-01301 by Alex Salmond on 18 April 2013 (Official Report, c.18734), how much it has paid the Big Lottery Fund to administer the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will pay BIG in Scotland £789,212 to manage the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund over the three year life of the contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T13:46:11.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283565,"EventID":"S4W-14350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-19T13:46:12.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T16:17:52.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has received complaints about the Director of Delivery of NHS Health Scotland and, if so, how many.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no records of having received a complaint about the Director of Delivery of NHS Health Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T13:46:12.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283566,"EventID":"S4W-14351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-19T13:46:13.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T16:17:52.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many voluntary redundancy packages have been agreed with NHS Health Scotland staff in the last two years.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2011-12, 11 people left NHS Health Scotland via voluntary redundancy and 6 via early retirement, which they applied for via the open voluntary redundancy scheme.\r\nIn 2012-13, 4 people left NHS Health Scotland via voluntary redundancy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T13:46:13.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283567,"EventID":"S4W-14352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-19T13:46:14.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T16:17:52.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers it appropriate for directors of quangos to tweet ministers about confidential discussions that they are having with civil servants.  \r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers encourage and welcome all forms of communication with them, including from board members and staff of public bodies. Public body board members are required to act, at all times with integrity and propriety, in accordance with the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000. The Scottish Government expects public body staff to adhere to the same principles. This is made clear in the public bodies’ guidance on the Scottish Government website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T13:46:14.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283568,"EventID":"S4W-14353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-19T13:46:14.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T16:37:37.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13804 by Alex Neil on 15 April 2013, whether recommendations in reports have been amended prior to publication following input from NHS boards in the areas inspected.\r\n","AnswerText":"All inspection reports produced by the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate may have requirements and recommendations. NHS boards are invited to review draft inspection reports to check for factual accuracy. Any factual accuracy amendments that are accepted will lead Healthcare Improvement Scotland to correct the report. If necessary, they may reflect the correction in the requirements and recommendations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T13:46:14.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283569,"EventID":"S4W-14354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-19T13:46:15.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T16:37:37.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13802 by Alex Neil on 15 April 2013, how many inspectors in the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate have the Regulation of Care Award.","AnswerText":"There are no inspectors in the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate with the Regulation of Care Award. The Regulation of Care Award is a qualification required by inspectors regulating social care services. This qualification is not required for inspectors working in healthcare services.\r\nAll Healthcare Improvement Scotland inspectors are appropriately qualified. Inspectors in the programme of inspections for the care for older people all have a clinical qualification and inspectors working with the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) are required to have qualifications in health, public health and environmental health.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T13:46:15.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283570,"EventID":"S4W-14355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-19T13:46:16.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T16:37:37.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13803 by Alex Neil on 15 April 2013, how many of the 14 advertised roles were for inspectors and when the vacancies arose.","AnswerText":"There were nine Inspector roles advertised in financial year 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013. Three were advertised in June 2012 and six advertised in March 2013. All were advertised internally and externally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T13:46:16.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283571,"EventID":"S4W-14356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-19T13:46:17.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-18T16:37:37.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13807 by Alex Neil on 15 April 2013, in what way the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate, as part of a special health board, can be considered to be independent of the Scottish Government.","AnswerText":"Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) is not a special health board. HIS was set up under the terms of the Public Services Reform Act (2010) as a health body, independent of the organisations it inspects (both NHS and non NHS) and reports independently of Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T13:46:17.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283572,"EventID":"S4W-14357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-19T13:46:17.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-19T10:26:24.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it will provide toward the new ferry service between Campbeltown and Ardrossan and whether it will publish the (a) timetable and (b) fare structure.\r\n","AnswerText":"An Investment Plan providing the estimated funding required for all of our short term proposals was set out in the Ferries Plan, published on 19 December 2012. The actual level of funding required for the new service between Campbeltown and Ardrossan is being finalised to reflect the published timetables agreed by the community.\r\nThe timetable and fares structure was published on CalMac’s website on 19 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T13:46:17.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283573,"EventID":"S4W-14358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-19T13:46:18.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-19T11:28:39.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to protect young carers from any negative impact of the recent welfare reforms.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are doing all we can to mitigate the worst impacts of these reforms on people and organisations across Scotland. This includes: providing £7.9 million for organisations to give advice and support to those affected; an additional £9.2 million for the new Scottish Welfare Fund, giving a total Fund of £33 million; and providing, with our partners in local government, a total of £40 million to protect people in Scotland from the UK Government’s 10% cut in Council Tax Benefit. \r\nThe Scottish Government also works with a range of organisations to help better understand the impact of the UK Government’s reforms of the welfare system on different groups in Scotland. Carers Scotland are represented on our Welfare Reform Scrutiny Group. \r\nThe Scottish Government recognises the important role of carers, including young carers in Scotland and we continue to provide substantial funding to a range of National Carers Organisations to ensure they get the support they need. This includes providing around £4 million between 2008 and 2015 through the implementation of Getting it Right for Young Carers Strategy. Organisations supporting young carers are also benefitting through our investment of over £13 million between 2010-2015 for short breaks for both carers and young carers.\r\nIn addition, part of the £28.9 million to NHS boards for their Carer Information Strategies between, 2008-2015 is supporting young carer services in a variety of ways.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T13:46:18.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283574,"EventID":"S4W-14359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-19T15:44:21.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-19T11:50:29.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on delivering the 2007 SNP manifesto commitment to reduce train journey times between Edinburgh and Inverness by 45 minutes.","AnswerText":"The long-term goal of the project, which is due to be completed by 2025, seeks to achieve a journey time of 2 hours 45 minutes between Inverness and the Central Belt with an average journey time of 3 hours and an hourly service. The aim is that these measures will encourage a modal shift for both passengers and freight.\r\nThe first phase of the Highland Main Line improvements has been completed delivering 2 extra trains each way per day from December 2011 and journey time improvements of up to 18 minutes from December 2012. Network Rail are expected to deliver a report on proposals for phase 2 by summer 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T15:44:21.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283575,"EventID":"S4W-14360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-19T15:44:22.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-19T11:50:29.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there has been an increase from nine to eleven trains per day on long distance services on the Highland main line, as indicated in the SNP 2011 manifesto.\r\n","AnswerText":"The first phase of the Highland Main Line improvements has been completed, introducing two additional services each way, to increase the number of trains per day from nine to eleven from December 2011 and providing journey time improvements of up to 18 minutes from December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T15:44:22.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283576,"EventID":"S4W-14361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-19T15:44:23.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-19T11:50:29.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on increasing and speeding up rail connections between Aberdeen, Inverness, Dundee, Stirling, Perth and the central belt, as indicated in the SNP 2011 manifesto.\r\n","AnswerText":"The winter 2012 timetable which came into effect on 9 December 2012 delivered a number of service enhancements to several stations on the Aberdeen-Fife-Edinburgh corridor. These included additional calls at Aberdeen, Portlethen, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, Perth and Edinburgh. In addition, the timetable also delivered journey time reductions of up to 18 minutes on some services between Inverness and the Central Belt as part of the Highland Main Line project.\r\nTransport Scotland is continuing to work closely with Network Rail to deliver phase one of the Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Improvements Project between 2014 and 2019. Phase one is expected to deliver new stations at Dalcross and Kintore and extra services into each city. \r\nThe Highland Main Line, Aberdeen to Inverness and the Aberdeen to Central Belt Rail Improvements Projects are listed in the Government’s Infrastructure Investment Plan, which was republished earlier this year and states that these important projects will be completed in phases between 2014 and 2030.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T15:44:23.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283577,"EventID":"S4W-14364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-19T15:44:23.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-19T14:41:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost to the NHS has been of providing wigs and other hairpieces in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\nNational Procurement, a division of NHS National Services Scotland, has advised that the contract value for the supply of wigs and associated services is as follows:\r\nContract Year\r\nTotal\r\n2006-07\r\n£959,935.95\r\n2007-08\r\n£883,959.58\r\n2008-09\r\n£1,021,912.56\r\n2009-10\r\n£1,472,595.93\r\n2010-11\r\n£1,589,673.58\r\n2011-12\r\n£1,723,157.31\r\nSource: NHS National Procurement\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T15:44:23.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283578,"EventID":"S4W-14365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-19T15:44:23.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-19T14:41:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many children have received wigs from the NHS in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. National Procurement, a division of NHS National Services Scotland, has advised that children’s and adults’ wigs are recorded using the same codes. The total number of wigs purchased by Contract year is available in the following table:\r\nContract Year\r\nNumber of Wigs\r\n2006-07\r\n7,884\r\n2007-08\r\n7,560\r\n2008-09\r\n7,655\r\n2009-10\r\n11,278\r\n2010-11\r\n11,357\r\n2011-12\r\n11,466\r\nSource: NHS National Procurement\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T15:44:23.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283579,"EventID":"S4W-14366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-19T15:44:24.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-19T14:41:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many adult wigs the NHS has provided in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14365 on 30 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T15:44:24.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283580,"EventID":"S4W-14367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-19T15:44:24.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-19T15:10:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average time is between a doctor prescribing a hairpiece and the patient receiving it.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T15:44:24.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283581,"EventID":"S4W-14368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-19T15:44:24.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-19T15:10:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what companies have been awarded NHS contracts to provide hairpieces since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nNational Procurement, a division of NHS National Services Scotland, has advised that the last three Contract awards for the supply of wigs and hairpieces were as follows:\r\nFrom 1 December 2006 to 30 November 2009, SFD001 Wigs Contract suppliers were A&A Studios, Holms of Greenock, Turvey and Sturrocks \r\nFrom 1 December 2009 to 31 May 2013, NP506/09 (SFD001) Wigs Contract suppliers were A&A Studios, Holms of Greenock, LA Hair Solutions and Turvey. \r\nFrom 1 June 2013 to 31 May 2015, NP506/13 Wigs Contract suppliers are A&A Studios, Dimples, Healthcare Europe, Holms of Greenock, LA Hair Solutions and Parrucche.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T15:44:24.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283582,"EventID":"S4W-14369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-19T15:44:24.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-19T15:10:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many nurses were on the Commodities Advisory Panel for the most recent award of contracts to provide hairpieces for NHS patients.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nNational Procurement, a division of NHS National Services Scotland, has advised that the Commodity Advisory Panel has the following designations as members:\r\nBusiness Manager\r\nClinical Manager\r\nConsultant Dermatologist\r\nHead of Nursing (Oncology & Haematology)\r\nMacMillan Clinical Nurse\r\nNurse Consultant Cancer\r\nNurse Practitioner\r\nNursing Auxiliary\r\nProstheses Nurse Advisor\r\nSenior Charge Nurse\r\nService Manager Head and Neck Directorate \r\nTwo Surgical Appliance Officers\r\nNursing Sister\r\nHead of Service Assistive Technology\r\nTwo Strategic Sourcing Officers \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T15:44:25.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283583,"EventID":"S4W-14370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-19T15:44:25.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-19T15:10:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures the veracity of statements made by companies bidding for supply contracts.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government, prior to awarding contracts, engages with existing or previous customers of the bidding companies to obtain information on past performance. This engagement covers information provided by the bidding companies. In addition, the Scottish Government can access other information and tools to support the assessment of bidding companies. For example, we can obtain information regarding the financial standing of the firm from independent sources.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T15:44:25.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283584,"EventID":"S4W-14371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-19T15:44:25.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-19T15:10:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what actions it can take if a bidder has made a false or misleading claim in a tender document.","AnswerText":"If a bidder has made a false or misleading claim in a tender document, it can result in the bidder being excluded from the procurement process or the termination of any subsequent contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-03T15:44:25.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283586,"EventID":"S4W-14379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T10:14:31.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T10:02:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what payments it has made to HM Revenue and Customs in relation to implementing the financial provisions of the Scotland Act 2012.","AnswerText":"During the period from October 2012 to March 2013, £165,141 has been incurred on the Scottish Rate of Income Tax implementation project, and £18,153 has been incurred on the Stamp Duty Land Tax “switch off” project. Payment of these sums was made on 19 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T10:14:31.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283602,"EventID":"S4W-14283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T14:16:19.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-16T13:20:47.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12972 by Alex Neil on 7 March 2013, whether it considers that the Scottish Ambulance Service should publish the report into the investigation of claims of bullying and intimidation at the Scottish Ambulance Academy.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Ambulance Service. The Scottish Ambulance Service has indicated they will of course be happy to discuss any general employee conduct issues with Ms Baillie.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T14:16:19.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283603,"EventID":"S4W-14284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T14:16:19.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-16T13:20:47.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12971 by Alex Neil on 7 March 2013, whether it is aware of the decision of the Scottish Ambulance Service not to publish the report of the investigation and, if so, what its position is on this matter.","AnswerText":"The report of the investigation into allegations of bullying at the Scottish Ambulance Service National Headquarters is published on the board’s website. It is available in the board’s January papers section at:\r\nhttp://www.scottishambulance.com/TheService/PapersList.aspx?Month=January.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T14:16:19.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283604,"EventID":"S4W-14285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T14:16:20.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-16T13:20:47.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12975 by Alex Neil on 7 March 2013, whether the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has decided whether further action will be taken in relation to the Elsie Inglis Care Home.","AnswerText":"Police Scotland have confirmed that a report was submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) on 27 December 2012 following the investigation into the Elsie Inglis Care Home. It will be for the COPFS to decide if any further action is required and Police in Edinburgh await their direction.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T14:16:20.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283605,"EventID":"S4W-14286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T14:16:20.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-16T13:20:47.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13201 by Alex Neil on 7 March 2013, whether Health Protection Scotland has produced board, hospitals and ward prevalence information on norovirus.","AnswerText":"Health Protection Scotland have provided the information you requested. This was enclosed in my letter to the member dated 24 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T14:16:20.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283606,"EventID":"S4W-14372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T14:16:21.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-19T16:02:03.177","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures are in place to ensure the (a) propriety and (b) professionalism of all parties in the tender process for the procurement of NHS hairpieces.","AnswerText":"National Procurement, a division of NHS National Services Scotland, had advised that the latest contract for Wigs and Associated Services was tendered in line with the standard National Procurement process that is based on the Scottish Government Procurement Journey, which incorporates the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T14:16:21.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283607,"EventID":"S4W-14373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T14:16:21.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-19T16:02:03.177","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures a seamless transition for patients requiring hairpieces when there is a change in supplier.","AnswerText":"National Procurement, a division of NHS National Services Scotland has advised that the Wigs and Associated Services contract was awarded in April 2013, with a commencement date of 1 June 2013. The current contract runs to 31 May 2013 and of the four incumbent suppliers, three have been awarded to the new contract, along with three new suppliers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T14:16:21.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283608,"EventID":"S4W-14374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T14:16:22.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-19T16:02:03.177","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that patients receiving chemotherapy are measured for wigs and have them provided within three weeks of starting chemotherapy and that this timescale is not disrupted by any change in supplier.","AnswerText":"The implementation of the new Wigs and Associated Services Contract is the responsibility of the NHS boards, they will monitor the performance of each of the suppliers against the contract terms and conditions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T14:16:22.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283609,"EventID":"S4W-14375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T14:16:22.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T09:52:09.477","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been convicted of (a) possession of, (b) supply of and (c) possession with intent to supply cannabis, in each of the last five years, broken down by age group.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table:\r\n\r\nPeople with a charge proved for possession and supply of cannabis1,2, by age group, 2006-07 to 2011-12\r\n\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nPossession of drugs:\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nUnder 21\r\n255\r\n183\r\n146\r\n161\r\n198\r\n126\r\n21-30\r\n574\r\n448\r\n384\r\n478\r\n576\r\n487\r\nOver 30\r\n480\r\n352\r\n358\r\n448\r\n563\r\n516\r\nSupply, possession w.i. to supply etc of drugs:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nUnder 21\r\n60\r\n37\r\n34\r\n41\r\n39\r\n43\r\n21-30\r\n122\r\n87\r\n123\r\n142\r\n124\r\n137\r\nOver 30\r\n112\r\n112\r\n127\r\n141\r\n173\r\n172\r\nTotal\r\n1,603\r\n1,219\r\n1,172\r\n1,411\r\n1,673\r\n1,481\r\n1. Where main charge.\r\n2. The Criminal History System, from which these data are derived, contains an offence modifier code for a crime or offence which provides additional information for the specific incident as opposed to the actual charge. This code has been used here to identify the type of drug involved in drugs possession offences, however it should be noted that only around half the records on the CHS for drugs offences contain details of the drug(s) involved.\r\n\r\nSource: Scottish Government Courts Proceedings data\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T14:16:22.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283610,"EventID":"S4W-14376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T14:16:23.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T09:52:09.477","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been convicted for allowing the (a) production, (b) supply and (c) smoking of cannabis on their premises.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table.\r\n\r\nPeople with a charge proved for cannabis offences under Section 8 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 19711,2, 2006-07 to 2011-12\r\nSection\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nSection 8(A)\r\n2\r\n1\r\n2\r\n2\r\n6\r\n3\r\nSection 8(D)\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n2\r\nTotal\r\n3\r\n1\r\n2\r\n2\r\n7\r\n5\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Where main charge.\r\n2. The Criminal History System, from which these data are derived, contains an offence modifier code for a crime or offence which provides additional information for the specific incident as opposed to the actual charge. This code has been used here to identify the type of drug involved in drugs possession offences, however it should be noted that only around half the records on the CHS for drugs offences contain details of the drug(s) involved.\r\nSource: Scottish Government Courts Proceedings data.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T14:16:23.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283611,"EventID":"S4W-14377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T14:16:23.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T09:52:09.477","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have received a (a) custodial sentence, (b) non-custodial sentence and (c) fine for (i) possession of cannabis, (ii) supply of cannabis and (iii) possession of cannabis with intent to supply, in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table.\r\nPeople with a charge proved for possession and supply of cannabis1,2, by disposal, \r\n2006-07 to 2011-12\r\nMain result of proceedings\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nPossession of drugs:\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nCustody\r\n22\r\n18\r\n19\r\n38\r\n30\r\n25\r\nCommunity sentence\r\n63\r\n56\r\n60\r\n60\r\n52\r\n81\r\nMonetary\r\n947\r\n747\r\n637\r\n776\r\n996\r\n794\r\nOther\r\n277\r\n162\r\n172\r\n213\r\n259\r\n229\r\nSupply, possession w.i. to supply etc of drugs:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCustody\r\n78\r\n72\r\n93\r\n121\r\n139\r\n135\r\nCommunity sentence\r\n123\r\n92\r\n118\r\n132\r\n143\r\n155\r\nMonetary\r\n76\r\n56\r\n55\r\n57\r\n47\r\n54\r\nOther\r\n17\r\n16\r\n18\r\n14\r\n7\r\n8\r\nTotal\r\n1,603\r\n1,219\r\n1,172\r\n1,411\r\n1,673\r\n1,481\r\n1. Where main charge.\r\n2. The Criminal History System, from which these data are derived, contains an offence modifier code for a crime or offence which provides additional information for the specific incident as opposed to the actual charge. This code has been used here to identify the type of drug involved in drugs possession offences, however it should be noted that only around half the records on the CHS for drugs offences contain details of the drug(s) involved.\r\n\r\nSource: Scottish Government Courts Proceedings data\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T14:16:23.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283612,"EventID":"S4W-14378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T14:16:23.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T09:52:09.477","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cannabis plants have been recovered in drug seizures by the police in each of the last five years.  \r\n","AnswerText":"Roseanna Cunningham: Information on the number of cannabis plants seized by Scottish police forces in Scotland in 2010-11 and 2011-12 is available from the Drug Seizures by Scottish Police Forces, 2011-12 statistical bulletin, which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/DrugSeizures.\r\nThere was a break in the series and as a result, there are no drug seizures data available for the three year period 2007-08 to 2009-10.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T14:16:23.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283613,"EventID":"S4W-14381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T14:16:24.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T11:15:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the Governance for Railway Investment Projects (GRIP) stage 3 report on the Aberdeen to Inverness rail improvement project.","AnswerText":"Following the publication of Network Rail’s Strategic Business Plan for the 2014 – 2019 rail investment priorities at the beginning of the year, it is continuing to undertake detailed development work on the Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Improvements Project to determine the track and signalling required to deliver enhanced commuter services and new stations as specified in the Scottish Ministers High Level Output Specification.\r\nAs a result of the detailed work required, Network Rail’s GRIP 3 (Options Selection) Report is now scheduled to be published this summer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T14:16:24.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283614,"EventID":"S4T-00319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T12:44:54.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T10:44:30.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the Federation of Master Builders' latest State of Trade Survey.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T12:44:54.407","MeetingDate":"2013-04-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283615,"EventID":"S4T-00324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T12:44:58.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T11:40:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support will be given to families and communities affected by the liquidation of Scottish Coal.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T12:44:58.603","MeetingDate":"2013-04-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283616,"EventID":"S4F-01313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T12:44:20.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-19T15:27:34.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T12:44:20.333","MeetingDate":"2013-04-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283617,"EventID":"S4F-01314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T12:44:20.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T10:00:00.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what discussion the Scottish Government has had with or representations it has made to Ofgem regarding the proposed new tariff comparison rate.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T12:44:20.817","MeetingDate":"2013-04-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283618,"EventID":"S4F-01315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T12:44:21.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T10:23:30.773","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T12:44:21.113","MeetingDate":"2013-04-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283619,"EventID":"S4F-01316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T12:44:22.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T10:30:54.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government’s position is on reports that nurses spend around 279,000 hours a week on non-essential paperwork. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T12:44:22.317","MeetingDate":"2013-04-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283620,"EventID":"S4F-01317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T12:44:22.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T10:31:34.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the recent report by the Treasury regarding Scottish banknotes in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T12:44:23.003","MeetingDate":"2013-04-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283621,"EventID":"S4F-01323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T13:00:14.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T11:06:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the implications are for scientific evidence in courts following the appeal court ruling in the Kimberley Hainey case.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T13:00:14.547","MeetingDate":"2013-04-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283622,"EventID":"S4W-14362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T16:54:07.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-19T13:21:20.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether pensions paid in Scotland by the Ministry of Defence will be guaranteed to be paid at the same level as in the rest of the UK if Scotland decides to leave the UK.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is unequivocal in its support of veterans, and fully recognises and acknowledges the huge debt that Scotland owes to the servicemen and women of many nationalities who have trained and fought together as part of the UK military. All pension rights and entitlements which have been accrued will continue to be fully protected and accessible under independence, including those currently paid by the Ministry of Defence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T16:54:08.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283623,"EventID":"S4W-14382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T16:54:08.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T15:07:43.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the total value was of contracts awarded through Public Contracts Scotland in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"At the time of publication of the award notice by public bodies, using Public Contracts Scotland only an estimated value, or range of values, is provided by the contracting authority. Additionally, there is no legal requirement for public bodies to publish award notices for contracts that are not subject to the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2012.\r\nDetails of the total estimated value of award notices published during calendar years 2010-12 are shown below. Where a range of values has been provided by the contracting authority, the higher value has been used.\r\n2010 - £4.5 billion\r\n2011 - £6.9 billion\r\n2012 - £6.1 billion\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T16:54:08.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283624,"EventID":"S4W-14383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-22T16:54:09.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T15:56:36.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the value was of contracts awarded through Public Contracts Scotland to (a) medium-, (b) small- and (c) micro-sized Scotland-based companies in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is not possible to calculate the value of contracts awarded to Scottish-based medium, small and micro-sized companies through Public Contracts Scotland (PCS), because many of the contracts awarded are multi-supplier contracts or framework arrangements. It is not therefore possible, at the point of publication of an award notice by a public body, to calculate how any total contract value will be divided between the participating suppliers over the course of the contact. Additionally, at the time of the publication of the award notice on Public Contracts Scotland only an estimated value or range of values is provided by the contracting authority.\r\nHowever, information from the Scottish Procurement Information Hub (The Hub) indicates that the value of spend with Scottish-based, micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) per financial year was:\r\nFinancial Year\r\nValue Spend\r\nMicro (1-9 employees)\r\n£394m\r\nSmall (10-49 employees)\r\n£778m\r\nMedium (50-249 employees)\r\n£1,460m\r\nSME Total \r\n£2.63bn\r\n\r\nFinancial Year\r\nValue Spend\r\nMicro (19 employees)\r\n£401m\r\nSmall (10- 49 employees\r\n£835m\r\nMedium (50-249 employees)\r\n£1,448m\r\nSME Total \r\n £2.68bn\r\nFigures for 2012-13 are not yet available.\r\nAll Hub figures quoted above are based on data where both the employee numbers and region of the supplier are known. The Hub does not classify regions outside the UK. It is likely that those many of those suppliers where employee numbers are not known are SMEs, meaning that the SME figures shown are likely to be understated.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-07T16:54:09.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283630,"EventID":"S4W-14384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-23T09:11:41.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T08:34:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its consultation on the future use of resources in light of the announcement by the UK Government of its closure of the Independent Living Fund from 31 March 2015.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will publish its consultation on the future use of resources following the announcement by the UK Government to close the Independent Living Fund. Once there has been a decision by the Administrative Court in England, regarding the Judicial Review brought by five individuals claiming that the Department for Work and Pension’s consultation was unlawful. They have called for the decision to close the Independent Living Fund to be quashed.\r\nAt present, judgement has been reserved and following on from any decision, I will have to consider the best course of action. The judgement has the potential to greatly vary the landscape in relation to the future of the Independent Living Fund and its closure. Any decision made by the Court is likely to have a direct impact in Scotland and on our proposed consultation and I want to ensure that we consult at the right time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T09:11:41.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283631,"EventID":"S4W-14385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-23T14:06:17.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T09:50:05.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will make an assessment of the value for money for (a) taxpayers, (b) passengers and (c) businesses of the 2012-18 Northern Isles ferry contract.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland’s contract management team regularly monitors and assesses the efficiency of all aspects of the operation of the Northern Isles ferry services contract.\r\nIn addition to the routine contract management arrangements, in the event of any particular problems arising then additional, specific scrutiny will be brought to bear. Following the recent mechanical breakdown affecting the MV Hamnavoe, I have asked for a full report on the circumstances and the operator’s response.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:06:18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283632,"EventID":"S4W-14386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-23T14:06:18.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T09:50:05.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) passengers and (b) vehicles have travelled on each Northern Isles ferry route in each month since January 2012.","AnswerText":"Detailed spread sheets setting out the passenger and vehicle carryings for each of the Northern Isles routes, by month, since January 2012 have been lodged with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54911.\r\nIn this context, “vehicles” refers to cars, coaches, car towing vehicles, midis (small coaches), motorcycles and motorhomes. The only vehicles not included are commercial vans which are charged on the basis of the metres that they take up on the vessels and are therefore recorded separately in freight metre statistics.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:06:18.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283633,"EventID":"S4W-14387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-23T14:06:19.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T09:50:05.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings (a) ministers and (b) Transport Scotland officials have had with representatives of (i) private companies and (ii) trade unions regarding the proposals in the final ferries plan.","AnswerText":"During the Ferries Review period, Ministers and Transport Scotland officials met with Trade Union bodies and private companies to discuss future ferries policy in Scotland. In addition, the STUC were members of the Ferries Review Steering Group, and all ferry operators in Scotland were invited to join a ferries review operators group. Input from the trade unions and private companies as well as from a number of key stakeholders, including publicly owned ferry operators, local authorities, regional transport partnerships and enterprise companies, informed the drafting of the final Ferries Plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:06:19.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283634,"EventID":"S4W-14388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-23T14:06:19.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T09:50:05.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the estimated annual expenditure on Northern Isles ferry services will be in each year to 2025, broken down by (a) public subsidy, (b) vessel procurement, (c) infrastructure investment, (d) leasing and chartering costs, (e) vessel maintenance costs and (f) infrastructure maintenance costs.","AnswerText":"The current Northern Isles ferry services contract runs from 2012 to 2018. We therefore have no estimated cost figures beyond 2018.\r\nThere has been a change to the overall cost of the six year Northern Isles ferry services contract. When the service was tendered the contract price, as reflected in Serco’s bid, was £243 million. Following a process with HMRC, Serco have since been advised of their election into the tonnage tax regime, effective from the date they began operating the Northern Isles services on 5 July 2012. As the effect of this has been to reduce the cost of vessel leasing, the six year contract cost is therefore reduced to £223 million. This sum still represents the largest six year subsidy ever provided for ferry services to the Northern Isles.\r\nThe contract year of the Scottish Government contract with Serco NorthLink runs from July to July. After the first nine months of year one, current projections suggest that there will likely be an additional subsidy spend of £1 million. This is largely due to increases in the price of marine fuel. Clearly, neither the ferry operator nor the Scottish Government have any influence over global oil prices. These increases indicate the scale of the costs related to supporting our lifeline ferry services. Given this additional subsidy requirement is paid for by the Scottish Government, it illustrates our continuing commitment towards our island and remote rural communities.\r\nInfrastructure investment costs do not form part of the Northern Isles ferry services contract. Vessel leasing, chartering and maintenance costs are included in the overall subsidy figure. We do not provide a further breakdown of the subsidy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:06:19.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283635,"EventID":"S4W-14389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-23T14:06:19.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T09:50:05.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the estimated annual expenditure on Clyde and Hebrides ferry services will be in each year to 2025, broken down by (a) public subsidy, (b) vessel procurement, (c) infrastructure investment, (d) leasing and chartering costs, (e) vessel maintenance costs and (f) infrastructure maintenance costs.","AnswerText":"As noted in the Ferries Plan, published on 19 December 2012, our projected spend for ferry services in 2013-14 is £116.3 million and this is expected to increase year on year, reflecting increases in costs and the cost of implementing the service improvements and investment projects set out in the Plan. Estimated funding required for the service improvements and, vessel replacement and harbour projects detailed is also provided in the Ferries Plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:06:19.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283636,"EventID":"S4W-14390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-23T14:06:20.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T09:50:05.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the forthcoming EU procurement directive in relation to ferry services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is responsible for implementing the forthcoming EU procurement directives, once adopted, into Scots law. We will consult our stakeholders to ensure that our implementing regulations are clear, workable and promote the achievement of wider social and environmental benefits through procurement activity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:06:20.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283637,"EventID":"S4W-14391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-23T14:06:20.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T09:50:05.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the (a) UK Government and (b) European Commission regarding the requirement to re-tender ferry services every six years and when such discussions will next take place.","AnswerText":"I have had a number of discussions with the UK Government regarding the maximum length of ferry services contracts, the most recent taking place on Tuesday 7 May when I raised the issue with Stephen Hammond MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Transport.\r\nHaving written to Commissioner Kallas in March 2011 I also had an exchange of letters, in May/June 2012, with Commissioner Almunia on the subject. I subsequently met with DG Move officials in October 2012. Following this, my discussed this matter with Commission officials in November 2012.\r\nWe anticipate clarification of the Commission’s position on the length of future ferry service contracts later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:06:20.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283638,"EventID":"S4W-14392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-23T14:06:20.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T09:50:05.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will conduct the first review of the impact of the road equivalent tariff on ferry (a) passengers and (b) services.","AnswerText":"Halcrow Group Limited published their Assessment of the Impacts of the Road Equivalent Tariff Pilot in July 2011, which fully evaluated the impacts of RET on services to the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree. The report stated that passenger traffic increased by 20% and car traffic by 31% over the period of the pilot.\r\nA copy of the report can be found here - http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/files/documents/water/ferries/Assessment_of_the_Impacts_of_the_RET_Pilot_-_Final_Report.pdf. \r\nRET is now a permanent feature on routes to the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree. A further RET pilot was rolled out to Islay, Colonsay and Gigha in October 2012, and will be rolled out to Arran in October 2014. RET will then be rolled out to the remaining Clyde and Hebrides islands within the term of this Parliament.\r\nWe will continue to monitor and evaluate the pilots as RET is rolled out across Scotland’s ferry network.\r\nThe latest finalised figures show that the Scottish Government provided £72.4 million in 2011-12 to support Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) including the services to the Western Isles. This is considerably higher than the amount paid in the first full financial year of the CHFS contract in 2007-08 of £58.0 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:06:20.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283639,"EventID":"S4W-14393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-23T14:06:21.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T10:18:04.413","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many freedom of information requests regarding its engagement with the Royal Family it has received in each year since 2007 and how many times the information was (a) released without objection, (b) released on review, (c) released following a decision by the Scottish Information Commissioner and (d) not released.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:06:21.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283640,"EventID":"S4W-14396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-23T14:06:21.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T11:36:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what systems Police Scotland will use to monitor and record shotgun and other firearm licensing.","AnswerText":"Shotgun and firearm licensing is an operational matter for the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland. At present, applications and certificates continue to be monitored and recorded using systems developed by the previous eight police forces. These systems remain robust and fit for purpose. I understand that the Police Service of Scotland aims to introduce a single, national firearm licensing system in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:06:21.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283641,"EventID":"S4W-14397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-23T14:06:22.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T11:36:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of reasons given in applications for shotgun and other firearm certificates for each year for which information is available.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. The administration of shotgun and firearm certificates is an operational matter for the Police Service of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T14:06:22.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283665,"EventID":"S4W-14399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-23T16:58:12.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T14:34:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13134 by Alex Neil on 5 March 2013, whether it will provide the information broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on patients resident in Scotland who were treated in hospitals in England for each financial year from 1999-00 to 2011-12 has been provided. This information is for all inpatients and day cases (elective and emergency admissions).\r\nInformation on the cost is not collected centrally.\r\nCount of Finished Admission Episodes 1,2,3 carried out in an English NHS hospital for inpatient and day case patients whose NHS Board of Residence is in Scotland, by NHS board of Residence; financial years 1999-00 to 2011-12.\r\nSource: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre\r\n1. All in-patient and day case admissions are included, elective and emergency.\r\n2. Activity in English NHS hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector is included.\r\n3. A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of inpatient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. FAEs are counted against the year in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of in-patients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year.\r\nNHS Board of Residence\r\n1999-00\r\n2000-01\r\n2001-02\r\n2002-03\r\n2003-04\r\n2004-05\r\n2005-06\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nArgyll and Clyde \r\n \r\n319\r\n338\r\n338\r\n365\r\n353\r\n407\r\n435\r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\nAyrshire and Arran \r\n \r\n283\r\n297\r\n310\r\n329\r\n344\r\n348\r\n351\r\n364\r\n379\r\n343\r\n334\r\n340\r\nBorders \r\n \r\n525\r\n523\r\n467\r\n543\r\n518\r\n570\r\n557\r\n704\r\n603\r\n596\r\n647\r\n530\r\nDumfries and Galloway \r\n \r\n1,337\r\n1,288\r\n1,339\r\n1,773\r\n2,007\r\n1,955\r\n1,773\r\n1,684\r\n1,715\r\n2,004\r\n2,378\r\n2,120\r\nFife \r\n \r\n289\r\n246\r\n272\r\n293\r\n315\r\n391\r\n455\r\n364\r\n389\r\n458\r\n352\r\n370\r\nForth Valley \r\n \r\n206\r\n191\r\n180\r\n182\r\n231\r\n228\r\n241\r\n229\r\n268\r\n286\r\n256\r\n232\r\nGrampian  \r\n \r\n509\r\n448\r\n566\r\n600\r\n580\r\n624\r\n697\r\n731\r\n609\r\n605\r\n551\r\n550\r\nGreater Glasgow \r\n \r\n657\r\n677\r\n703\r\n779\r\n796\r\n800\r\n748\r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n1,021\r\n933\r\n1,016\r\n981\r\n1,037\r\nHighland \r\n \r\n156\r\n190\r\n211\r\n187\r\n240\r\n223\r\n282\r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\nHighland (including Argyll and Bute)\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n420\r\n415\r\n370\r\n412\r\n382\r\nLanarkshire \r\n \r\n342\r\n372\r\n389\r\n403\r\n417\r\n449\r\n552\r\n512\r\n504\r\n487\r\n504\r\n524\r\nLothian \r\n \r\n653\r\n613\r\n658\r\n671\r\n725\r\n832\r\n897\r\n876\r\n961\r\n935\r\n880\r\n982\r\nOrkney \r\n \r\n16\r\n18\r\n10\r\n16\r\n10\r\n15\r\n14\r\n14\r\n20\r\n27\r\n23\r\n19\r\nShetland \r\n \r\n25\r\n20\r\n16\r\n24\r\n17\r\n16\r\n29\r\n25\r\n33\r\n23\r\n27\r\n23\r\nTayside \r\n \r\n362\r\n308\r\n336\r\n300\r\n361\r\n460\r\n425\r\n336\r\n423\r\n435\r\n379\r\n408\r\nWestern Isles \r\n \r\n22\r\n18\r\n21\r\n34\r\n23\r\n17\r\n21\r\n35\r\n30\r\n35\r\n32\r\n17\r\nNot known\r\n5,377\r\n66\r\n42\r\n35\r\n49\r\n61\r\n43\r\n41\r\n56\r\n44\r\n51\r\n55\r\n40\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T16:58:12.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283666,"EventID":"S4W-14400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-23T16:58:14.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T14:50:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it  promotes investment in the private rented sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government plans to publish a new Strategy for the private rented sector on 30 May 2013. Our key aims for the sector include improving quality and encouraging sustainable growth.\r\nImplementation of the strategy will build on our work over the past five years to create a more effective regulatory format for the sector and engage with potential investors to encourage new investment in housing supply across all tenures, including the private rented sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T16:58:14.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283667,"EventID":"S4W-14401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-23T16:58:15.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T14:50:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to implement any of the recommendations set out in the report, Review of the barriers to institutional investment in private rented homes, and, if so, which.\r\n","AnswerText":"Development of the new Strategy for the private rented sector in Scotland has been influenced by the content of this report by Sir Adrian Montague.\r\nIn implementing the actions within the Strategy, we will discuss with stakeholders the relevance of the recommendations to the Scottish context and how any opportunities for growth might be realised.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T16:58:15.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283668,"EventID":"S4W-14402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-23T16:58:16.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T14:50:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the recommendations set out in the report, Review of the barriers to institutional investment in private rented homes, regarding (a) allowing local authorities flexibility in the planning system to plan for and enable developments of privately rented homes including waiving affordable housing requirements on new developments of homes specifically for private rent, (b) setting up a task force to encourage and support build-to-let investment from the private sector and to develop voluntary standards that future landlords would meet and tenants could expect and (c) allocating some of the redundant, formerly used public sector land and buildings for build-to-let development.\r\n","AnswerText":"Development of the new Strategy for the private rented sector in Scotland has been influenced by the content of Sir Adrian Montague’s report, Review of the Barriers to Institutional Investment in Private Rented Homes.\r\nIn implementing the actions within the forthcoming Strategy for the private rented sector, we will discuss with stakeholders the relevance of recommendations to the Scottish context and how any opportunities for growth might be realised.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T16:58:16.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283669,"EventID":"S4W-14404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-23T16:58:17.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T14:50:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will promote the debt guarantee scheme for the private rented sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"The guarantee scheme for the private rented sector is administered by the UK Government. Initial scheme rules have been published and the Scottish Government has drawn these to the attention of various parties, including private landlords and the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations.\r\nOnce further detail is provided by the UK Government on how and when individual landlords can apply to the scheme, the Scottish Government will notify landlords and other relevant bodies in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T16:58:17.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283670,"EventID":"S4W-14405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-23T16:58:19.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T15:12:52.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of lambs raised in Scotland was slaughtered in abattoirs in Scotland in the last year for which information is available.","AnswerText":"In 2012 just under 54 percent of the lambs born and raised in Scotland were processed in abattoirs in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T16:58:19.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283671,"EventID":"S4W-14406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-23T16:58:20.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T15:12:52.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many abattoirs have closed since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"According to information provided by the Food Standards Agency, Scotland, 14 abattoirs have closed since 2007.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T16:58:20.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283672,"EventID":"S4W-14407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-23T16:58:21.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T15:12:52.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to abattoirs to ensure their continued operation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Support for new and existing abattoirs and other meat processing plants is potentially available through the Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation Grant Scheme. Projects have to be financially viable and are assessed against criteria established to ensure deliverability and value for money. Funding for existing abattoirs is targeted at upgrading or expansion of facilities and cannot be provided to cover on-going operational costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-08T16:58:21.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283681,"EventID":"S4O-02045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:42.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T12:03:46.54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment has had with the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities about action to reduce carbon emissions from transport.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:42.403","MeetingDate":"2013-05-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283682,"EventID":"S4O-02046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:42.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T16:24:45.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will bring forward proposals to amend the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 to allow owner-occupier decrofting.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:42.76","MeetingDate":"2013-05-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283683,"EventID":"S4O-02047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:43.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T12:03:48.6","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment has had with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing regarding establishing melanoma screening programmes for people working in agriculture.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:43.307","MeetingDate":"2013-05-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283684,"EventID":"S4O-02048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:43.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T12:03:49.223","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to safeguard the health of the bee population.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:43.62","MeetingDate":"2013-05-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283685,"EventID":"S4O-02049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:44.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T11:22:05.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on ash dieback in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:44.073","MeetingDate":"2013-05-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283686,"EventID":"S4O-02050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:44.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T12:03:51.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to reduce carbon emissions in Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:44.413","MeetingDate":"2013-05-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283687,"EventID":"S4O-02052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:44.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T12:03:52.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the soft fruit industry regarding the damage that drosophila suzukii, or the Asian fly, could have on crops.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials have actively participated in the Collaborative Working Group between UK Plant Health Authorities and the UK Horticulture and Soft Fruit Industry. The aim of the group is to share knowledge and to facilitate preparedness of the soft fruit sector in relation to this pest. The group has met eight times since May 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:44.79","MeetingDate":"2013-05-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283688,"EventID":"S4O-02053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:45.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T16:41:04.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to stop the spread of the Schmallenberg virus.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Schmallenberg virus is transmitted by insects and its spread cannot be prevented until a vaccine is available. However, the Scottish Government is funding enhanced surveillance and delivery of guidance to veterinary practices and, together with the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency, is providing information that will help animal keepers take precautions, such as delaying the start of tupping.\r\nThe UK Government, which is responsible for veterinary medicine, hopes that a vaccine will be available prior to the next sheep breeding season, possibly by the early summer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:45.367","MeetingDate":"2013-05-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283689,"EventID":"S4O-02054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:45.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T12:03:53.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what fishery protection services Marine Scotland provides to the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"Marine Scotland operates the UK’s Fisheries Monitoring Centre and routinely deploys its aircraft on fisheries surveillance around the UK. \r\nIn the last financial year, and for the first time, Scotland’s Marine Protection Vessels were also chartered for ad hoc patrols of English waters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:45.897","MeetingDate":"2013-05-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283690,"EventID":"S4O-02055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:46.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T10:55:57.443","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to reduce the number of police officers in order to meet budget savings targets.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:46.303","MeetingDate":"2013-05-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283691,"EventID":"S4O-02056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:46.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T12:04:05.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the Lord Advocate’s opinion is on whether an independent Scotland would have to apply to join NATO as a new state.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:46.99","MeetingDate":"2013-05-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283692,"EventID":"S4O-02057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:47.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T12:04:05.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support Dumfries and Galloway has received from the CashBack for Communities scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:47.38","MeetingDate":"2013-05-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283693,"EventID":"S4O-02058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:47.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T12:04:06.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many quad bikes have been seized by police under the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:47.753","MeetingDate":"2013-05-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283694,"EventID":"S4O-02061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:48.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T10:55:52.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to prevent the backfilling of civilian staff posts by police officers.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:48.113","MeetingDate":"2013-05-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283695,"EventID":"S4O-02062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:48.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T12:04:08.273","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on seizing illegal drugs.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:48.47","MeetingDate":"2013-05-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283696,"EventID":"S4O-02063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:48.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T16:46:56.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what account it took of the local economy as well as access to justice in reaching the decision to close Stonehaven Sheriff Court.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:48.86","MeetingDate":"2013-05-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283697,"EventID":"S4O-02064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:49.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T12:04:09.24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many men were convicted of kerb crawling under the Prostitution (Public Places) (Scotland) Act 2007 in the last year for which information is available.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:49.343","MeetingDate":"2013-05-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283698,"EventID":"S4O-02065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:50.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T12:04:31.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact it expects the increase in air passenger duty to have on the coming tourist season.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:50.11","MeetingDate":"2013-05-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283699,"EventID":"S4O-02066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:50.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T11:39:30.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will introduce regulations to the effect that charges other than rent and a limited refundable deposit may not be levied on tenants.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:50.467","MeetingDate":"2013-05-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283700,"EventID":"S4O-02067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:50.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T12:04:32.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how businesses in cities can benefit from being part of a business improvement district.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:50.843","MeetingDate":"2013-05-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283701,"EventID":"S4O-02068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:51.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T12:04:32.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what emphasis it places on its work on equality.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:51.153","MeetingDate":"2013-05-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283702,"EventID":"S4O-02069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:51.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T12:04:33.247","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the statement in the Electoral Commission advice on spending limits for the referendum on independence for Scotland that “It is clearly important that the campaign rules should not encourage perceptions of unfairness that could damage voters’ trust in the referendum process or result.”","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:51.483","MeetingDate":"2013-05-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283703,"EventID":"S4O-02070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:51.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T12:04:33.997","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports manufacturing.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:51.887","MeetingDate":"2013-05-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283704,"EventID":"S4O-02071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:52.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T11:22:49.203","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:52.183","MeetingDate":"2013-05-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283705,"EventID":"S4O-02072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:52.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T12:04:35.057","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made in the teaching provision of modern languages in primary schools.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:52.51","MeetingDate":"2013-05-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283706,"EventID":"S4O-02073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:52.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T10:01:41.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to increase the routine use of Gaelic across all its services.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:52.993","MeetingDate":"2013-05-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283707,"EventID":"S4O-02074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:50:53.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T12:04:35.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what benefits the Scottish Funding Council's investment in technology innovation centres in Edinburgh and Glasgow will bring to the life sciences industry.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:50:53.4","MeetingDate":"2013-05-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283708,"EventID":"S4O-02051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:51:06.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-22T12:03:51.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it is providing to farmers adversely affected by the recent cold weather.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:51:06.29","MeetingDate":"2013-05-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283709,"EventID":"S4W-14394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:13.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T11:31:46.677","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the level of neonicotinoids found in flowers in gardens treated with these chemicals compares with those found in crops treated with them.\r\n","AnswerText":"We do not collect data on the level of neonicotinoids in gardens.\r\nThe Scientific Advice for Scottish Agriculture undertake a regular survey on pesticide use on crops grown in Scotland but this does not cover amateur use.\r\nThis week’s decision in Europe will mean that amateur use of products containing imidacloprid, thiamethoxam or clothiandrin will not be allowed after 1 December 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:13.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283710,"EventID":"S4W-14395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:14.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T11:31:46.677","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether neonicotinoid  use in gardens is harming (a) pollinators and (b) the environment.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14394 on 7 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:14.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283711,"EventID":"S4W-14398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:14.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T14:27:24.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4T-00324 by Fergus Ewing on 23 April 2013 (Official Report, c.18813), what the timescale is for implementing the Scottish Mines Restoration Trust.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Mines Restoration Trust was officially registered as a company on 16 April 2013.\r\nThe first meeting of the trust will take place on 7 May 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:14.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283712,"EventID":"S4W-14408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:15.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T15:34:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-13559 and S4W-13887 by Fergus Ewing on 20 March 2013 and 22 April 2013 respectively, whether it will state what estimate it has made of net jobs for each project receiving funding support from the Renewable Energy Investment Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"Investment decisions by REIF are made following consideration of a range of commercially sensitive information and analysis. This includes the net jobs estimated for each project which will not be divulged on a project by project basis but will form part of the evaluation of REIF after its initial three years of operation. For project deals completed, the intention is that the level of investment and investment leveraged will be made publicly available with the agreement of co-investors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:15.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283713,"EventID":"S4W-14409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:15.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T15:34:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-13555 and S4W-13888 on 20 March 2013 and 22 April 2013 respectively, whether it will set out the details of the outcome of the economic assessment for each project supported by the Renewable Energy Investment Fund.","AnswerText":"Investment decisions by REIF are made following consideration of a range of commercially sensitive information and analysis. The economic assessment is part of the investment decision making and due diligence process, the details of which are not disclosed due to commercial considerations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:15.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283714,"EventID":"S4W-14410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:15.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T15:34:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13555 by Fergus Ewing on 22 March 2013, whether it will provide details of the outcome of the economic assessment of each project receiving support from the Renewable Energy Investment Fund.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14409 on 8 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:15.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283715,"EventID":"S4W-14411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:16.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T15:34:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13889 by Fergus Ewing on 22 April 2013, whether it will provide an estimate of the date on which it will make available the names of the three recipients of support from the Renewable Energy Investment Fund.","AnswerText":"The details of the first recipients of investment from REIF should be announced within the next few weeks\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:16.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283716,"EventID":"S4W-14412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:16.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T15:34:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13890 by Fergus Ewing on 22 April 2013, whether ministers have seen the economic assessments for each project supported by the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund and, if so, whether they will seek their publication by the relevant agencies.","AnswerText":"The economic impact assessments relating to projects supported by the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund (N-RIF) are undertaken independently of Scottish Ministers. The economic impact assessments are held by Scottish Enterprise or Highlands and Islands Enterprise and are available through written request to the appropriate Chief Executive, with relevant provisions made for the protection of commercially sensitive information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:16.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283717,"EventID":"S4W-14413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:16.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T16:39:22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many public toilets have been closed in each local authority area in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally by the Scottish Government. The provision of public toilets is a matter for local authorities as independent corporate bodies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:16.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283718,"EventID":"S4W-14414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:17.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T17:03:33.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the findings of the assessment it carried out of the effects of the recent reduction on further education college budgets on (a) disabled people, (b) people with additional support requirements and (c) people entering college not directly from secondary school.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is continuing to fund the college sector in a way which maintains the number of full-time equivalent student places. It is for each college itself to decide which courses to offer within the overall level of activity it agrees with the Scottish Funding Council. However we have made clear in guidance to the council that we expect colleges to continue to provide a balanced portfolio of courses which responds strategically to the different groups of learners in their region.\r\nIt has been absolutely necessary to ask colleges to prioritise young people to protect them from the long-term damage of unemployment. However, to ensure continued emphasis on other learners, we have made clear our expectation that colleges should use a substantial proportion of the recently-announced additional £61 million for the sector on courses for older learners (including part-time provision).\r\nIn the case of students with learning disabilities, I have asked the Funding Council to work with ENABLE, the Scottish Consortium for Learning Disabilities and other partners to identify the best means of securing improvements in the number completing courses. I have further asked that the Funding Council develop guidance for the sector on improving the employability of this group of students. We recognise that some non-recognised qualifications have value as an access route or to meet the needs of people with disabilities, and we have asked the Funding Council to protect such provision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:17.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283719,"EventID":"S4W-14415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:17.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T17:03:33.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there has been a reduction in the number of people with learning difficulties entering further education since 2007 and, if so, what its position is on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our position has been to encourage the college sector to offer courses which have the best prospect of leading to a job either directly, or after further learning at a higher level. That applies regardless of whether or not the student has learning difficulties.\r\nThe full-time equivalent number of students receiving learning support in 2006-07 was 20,429, a figure which has since risen significantly to 25,077 in 2011-12. Measuring student numbers as ‘full-time equivalent’ reflects the level of activity which colleges channel towards each learner, which may differ significantly from person to person.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:17.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283720,"EventID":"S4W-14416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:18.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T17:15:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of NHS staff in England and Wales receiving their pay rise in April 2013, for what reason NHS workers in Scotland will not receive their 1% pay rise until May 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"Although the NHS Pay Circular covering Agenda for Change staff in England has been issued, there are many staff there who will not receive their pay award until May or even June.\r\nThe NHS Scotland pay award is different from that in England. We are protecting family incomes for the lowest paid by providing an increase of £250 a year for those paid less than £21,000 and also continue our commitment to the Scottish Living Wage. This requires us to produce a Scotland specific pay circular and instructions.\r\nWe are working in partnership with trade unions and NHS boards to ensure that NHS Scotland staff receive their pay award as quickly as possible. The pay increase will be backdated to 1 April this year, so no staff will lose out.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:18.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283721,"EventID":"S4W-14417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:18.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T18:01:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people are registered with the chronic medication service, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of people registered with the Chronic Medication Service (CMS), by NHS board, is set out in the following table:\r\nCMS registrations by board, as at 29 April 2013:\r\nNHS Board\r\nTotal\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n24,773\r\nNHS Borders\r\n6,122\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n8,581\r\nNHS Fife\r\n18,214\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n15,639\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n30,137\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n72,191\r\nNHS Highland\r\n15,892\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n35,047\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n37,507\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n501\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n452\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n21,082\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n441\r\nScotland Total\r\n286,579\r\nSource: NHS National Services Scotland, Practitioner Services Division.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:18.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283722,"EventID":"S4W-14418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:19.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T18:01:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people who are registered with the chronic medication service have asthma, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Disease-specific information is not recorded for registration purposes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:19.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283723,"EventID":"S4W-14419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:19.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T18:01:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many pharmacists are trained to offer the chronic medication service, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Chronic Medication Service (CMS) is offered in some 1,240 community pharmacies across the 14 territorial health boards in Scotland.\r\nAll qualified pharmacists in Scotland are trained to provide the key aspects of pharmaceutical care that underpin the CMS. Pharmacists are the experts in medicines and their undergraduate education prepares them to become healthcare professionals who have a strong grounding in the practice of pharmaceutical care which supports them in delivering pharmaceutical services such as the CMS.\r\nCMS formalises the role of community pharmacists in supporting patients with long term conditions. It improves the patient’s care through a systematic approach to their pharmaceutical care, makes better use of the pharmacist’s skills and expertise to improve the patient’s understanding of their medicines, and helps maximise the clinical outcomes from their therapy. CMS also facilitates and supports the pharmacist’s role as defined by the professional body.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:19.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283724,"EventID":"S4W-14420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:20.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-23T18:01:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the annual cost is of providing the chronic medication service.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is not possible to identify the discrete cost of providing the chronic medication service. The chronic medication service is operationally integrated within the way in which community pharmacists deliver NHS pharmaceutical services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:20.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283725,"EventID":"S4W-14421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:21.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T09:11:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether vocational training for dentists following graduation is compulsory for employment in the NHS.","AnswerText":"There are several ways that a graduate dentist may gain employment within the NHSScotland without having to undertake vocational training (VT). Individuals can work within the NHSScotland as an assistant in the delivery of NHS General Dental Services (GDS) for an indefinite period.\r\nIt is also possible for a dentist to be employed in the community or hospital dental services. And, where a dentist wishes to work in the Salaried Service, a requirement if they wish to become a principal within the GDS, they may apply for a VT number through the VT Equivalence Panel, by demonstrating that their skills and experience equate to one year of VT.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:21.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283726,"EventID":"S4W-14422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:21.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T09:11:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is a shortfall in vocational training places for dentists graduating in 2013-14 and, if so, of how many places.","AnswerText":"As the final number of Scottish dental school graduates will not be known until 28 May 2013, it remains uncertain how many dental vocational training places (DVT) will be required to meet our commitment to match DVT places to Scottish dental school graduate output.\r\nThere are 140 DVT places currently available and from current projections that seek to match expected dental graduates to DVT places(subject to the outcome of their final exams and individual choices on where to pursue their careers), some 41 Scottish dental students who have registered an interest in a DVT place in Scotland have not yet been matched to a placement. Some of this number may also have applied elsewhere and have not yet notified NHS Education for Scotland (NES) of their withdrawal from the Scottish system.\r\nNES is currently in the course of a second round of recruitment to increase the availability of DVT places within dental practices.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:21.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283727,"EventID":"S4W-14423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:22.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T09:11:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many dentistry students are expected to graduate in 2013.","AnswerText":"It is anticipated that up to 175 students are expected to graduate from Scottish dental schools.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:22.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283728,"EventID":"S4W-14424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:22.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T09:11:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many dentistry vocational trainers are available for graduates in 2013.","AnswerText":"There are currently 140 dentistry vocational training (DVT) places available in Scotland, and NHS Education for Scotland is in the process of seeking additional dental practices willing to provide DVT in 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:22.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283729,"EventID":"S4W-14425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:23.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T09:11:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a graduate dentist who is unable to secure a vocational training place is required to repay their dental bursary.","AnswerText":"Dentists in receipt of the dental bursary and unable to secure a vocational training (VT) place on graduation have a number of options, including deferring NHS dental work in Scotland for a year following graduation, or securing employment as an assistant in an independent practice which provides General Dental Services (GDS).\r\nA dentist who is unable to secure a VT place following graduation will not therefore be required to repay their dental bursary, provided they did not turn down a VT place on geographical grounds, and they begin NHS dental work within one year of graduation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:23.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283730,"EventID":"S4W-14426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:23.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T09:11:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to ensure that every graduate dentist has access to a vocational training place.","AnswerText":"We are aware of a potential mismatch between Scottish dental school graduates and availability of vocational training (VT) placements, and are actively exploring through NHS Education for Scotland several options to increase VT capacity in Scotland, including:\r\nthe initiation of a further recruitment drive of dental practice trainers (DVT);\r\ncontacting clinical leads in the salaried dental service in each of the territorial health boards to determine the extent of capacity;\r\ndetermining capacity within the hospital dental service;\r\nthe relaxation of current criteria requirements in aspects of the recruitment of DVTs which will not affect the quality and development of the training provided.\r\nAs dental students are about to sit their finals, the overall supply and demand position remains fluid at this time and we will have a clearer picture on this issue by end May 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:23.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283731,"EventID":"S4W-14427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:24.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T09:22:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many full-time students from the country's most deprived areas, and who started their course over the last three years, would have been eligible to pay the graduate endowment fee.\r\n","AnswerText":"In order to provide an answer we would need to look at the circumstances of every full-time student in Scotland and apply these to the old eligibility criteria for the graduate endowment. This is not something we routinely do and is therefore not information that we hold centrally.\r\nThe 5th report following the abolition of the Graduate Endowment was placed before Parliament on 4 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:24.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283732,"EventID":"S4W-14428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:24.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T09:27:41.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason GP practices do not have the same statutory equality duties as NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS health boards and special health boards are public authorities listed in Schedule 19 to the Equality Act 2010 (“the Act\"). As such they are subject to the general public sector equality duty in section 149(1) of the Act and the specific duties laid down in the Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012.\r\nGP practices are not listed in Schedule 19 to the Act but, insofar as they exercise public functions, they must under section 149(2) of the Act have due regard to the matters in section 149(1) in carrying out those functions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:24.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283733,"EventID":"S4W-14429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T13:53:24.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T11:48:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13857 by Keith Brown on 18 April 2013, what its position is on whether each of the vessels operating on the route provide a reliable service; what provisions of the contract those that it considers unreliable to be in breach of, and for what reason it plans to replace the reliable vessels.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland officials regularly meet with Argyll Ferries Limited to monitor and receive performance updates on the service. The two passenger vessels which operate between Gourock and Dunoon town centres currently have a very high technical reliability rate. However, the two vessels have proved to be susceptible to disruption and cancellations during bad weather and in particular during the severe weather experienced this March 2013.\r\nIt has been recognised that the performance of the service is below the reasonable expectation of the local communities. As a consequence Scottish Ministers and Argyll Ferries Limited are currently in the process of searching for replacement vessel options.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T13:53:24.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283742,"EventID":"S4W-14430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:06.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:14:53.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to research the effects on children of being exposed to the promotion of drink and retail food establishments in films and on TV.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have no plans at present to commission any research which specifically looks at the effects on children of exposure to the promotion of drink and retail food establishments in films and on TV.\r\nThere is a lot of existing academic research conducted here and abroad which looks at the effects of marketing through film, TV and other media in relation to the purchase and consumption of food and drink. We continue to ensure that such research, where relevant, is used to inform policy on how we can best protect dietary health through the responsible marketing of food and drink.\r\nUnder the Scotland Act 1998, all broadcast marketing is reserved to Westminster.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:06.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283743,"EventID":"S4W-14431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:07.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:16:49.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent advice it has received regarding the level of MMR vaccination that is required to provide population cover.\r\n","AnswerText":"Currently, MMR vaccination uptake rates in Scotland are very high, with rates reaching 97.1% in children up to the age of five years. This figure exceeds the World Health Organisation target of 95%.\r\nSince the introduction of the MMR vaccination in 1988 the uptake rates in Scotland on average did not drop below around 85%. Although the risk level is significantly lower in Scotland than in Wales or England, Health Protection Scotland (HPS) has further assessed the risks in Scotland including an analysis of work already carried out by NHS boards over the last 18 months. An HPS risk assessment at that time recognised the need for some action to target 10-17 year olds and NHS Boards were asked to vaccinate on an opportunistic basis when visiting secondary schools to deliver the existing S3 booster. This action, along with our childhood immunisation uptake rates, have placed us in a better position than other parts of the UK.\r\nAverage susceptibility rates are also very low in Scotland. However, evidence has shown that there are likely to be some pockets of coterminous small areas, particularly in urban areas, where susceptibility in 10-17 year olds may be higher. The catch up campaign for the MMR vaccine announced on 25 April is therefore a precautionary measure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:07.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283744,"EventID":"S4W-14432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:07.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:16:49.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government in which years since 1999  the level of MMR vaccination required to provide population cover has been reached (a) nationally and (b) in Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation category (i) 4 and (ii) 5 areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of the childhood immunisation programme, children are routinely offered one dose of MMR vaccine at around 12 to 13 months of age, and a second dose from three years four months of age. The level of uptake of MMR vaccine required for population cover (herd immunity) is 95%.\r\nUptake rates are shown in the information provided for the answer to question \r\nS4W-14433 on 9 May 2013. These figures show:\r\nUptake of one dose of MMR vaccine by 24 months of age in Scotland reached 95% for the first time in 2012 (Table 1).\r\nUptake of one dose of MMR by five years of age in Scotland exceeded 95% in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Uptake rates at five years of age are available from 2006 (Table 2a).\r\nUptake of the second dose of MMR by five years of age has been below 95% since monitoring at this stage began in 2006 (Table 2b).\r\nUptake rates by 24 months of age by Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) quintile are available from 2006 and are shown in Table 4 of PQ answer S4W-14433. SIMD quintile 1 relates to the most deprived areas and SIMD quintile 5 relates to the least deprived areas. Uptake rates in SIMD quintile 4 exceeded 95% in 2012. Uptake rates exceeded 95% in SIMD quintile 5 (least deprived) in 2011 and 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:07.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283745,"EventID":"S4W-14433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:08.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:16:49.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the uptake rate for the MMR (a) 1 and (b) 2 booster has been in each year since 1999, broken down by (i) NHS board, (ii) council ward, (iii) Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation category and (iv) birth cohort.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of the childhood immunisation programme, children are routinely offered one dose of MMR vaccine at around 12 to 13 months of age, and a second dose from three years four months of age.\r\nMMR vaccine uptake rates by birth cohort are monitored at 24 months, five years and six years of age and are available on the ISD website. The most recent uptake information can be accessed at: \r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Child-Health/Publications/2013-03-22/2013-03-22-Immunisation-Report.pdf?82683962584\r\n(i) Trends in uptake rates by annual birth cohort are published in a series of tables at Scotland level and for each NHS Board. The following tables have been collated from the published information on the ISD website as follows:\r\nTable 1: Uptake rates of the one dose of MMR vaccine by 24 months of age, by NHS board, 1999-2012\r\nTable 2: Uptake rates of (a) one dose and (b) the second dose of MMR vaccine by five years of age, by NHS Board, 2006-2012. Note that uptake rates by five years of age have been monitored since 2006\r\nTable 3: Uptake rates of (a) one dose and (b) the second dose of MMR vaccine by six years of age, by NHS Board, 1999-2012\r\n(ii) Information on uptake of one dose of MMR vaccine by five years of age by council ward is published under the Health topic and Immunisation sub-topic section on the Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics website at:\r\nhttp://www.sns.gov.uk/\r\nData are available for years 2008 to 2011. Information for 2012 is due to be added to the Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics website by the end of May 2013. Due to the small geographical areas presented, where appropriate the uptake rates on the Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics website have been subject to disclosure control methods to maintain confidentiality and make sure information on a particular individual or household is not revealed.\r\niii) Information on uptake rates of one dose of MMR vaccine by 24 months of age by Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) quintile is available for years 2006 to 2012 and is shown in the following table.\r\nTable 4: Uptake rates of one dose of MMR vaccine by 24 months of age by SIMD quintile1, 2006-12:\r\nSIMD quintile\r\n2006\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\n5 (least deprived)\r\n93.0\r\n\r\n93.0\r\n\r\n93.1\r\n\r\n94.9\r\n\r\n94.4\r\n\r\n95.5\r\n\r\n95.8\r\n\r\n4\r\n92.7\r\n\r\n92.7\r\n\r\n92.7\r\n\r\n93.8\r\n\r\n93.6\r\n\r\n94.6\r\n\r\n95.2\r\n\r\n3\r\n92.1\r\n\r\n92.0\r\n\r\n92.2\r\n\r\n93.7\r\n\r\n93.6\r\n\r\n94.0\r\n\r\n94.9\r\n\r\n2\r\n92.1\r\n\r\n92.0\r\n\r\n92.0\r\n\r\n93.8\r\n\r\n92.8\r\n\r\n93.7\r\n\r\n94.9\r\n\r\n1 (most deprived)\r\n91.1\r\n\r\n91.1\r\n\r\n90.6\r\n\r\n92.4\r\n\r\n92.2\r\n\r\n92.7\r\n\r\n94.6\r\n\r\nSource: SIRS, ISD Scotland. \r\nRef:  IR2013-00678.\r\nNote: 1. The figures are based on SIMD 2006 for years 2006 - 2008, SIMD 2009 for years 2009 - 2011 and SIMD 2012 for year 2012.\r\n(iv) Uptake rates are collated and reported by birth cohort. For example, annual uptake rates reported for 2012 relate to three annual birth cohorts as follows:\r\n(a) Uptake rates by 24 months of age relate to children born January to December 2010\r\n(b) Uptake rates by five years of age relate to children born January to December 2007\r\n(c) Uptake rates by six years of age relate to children born January to December 2006\r\nThis information is provided in part (i) above.\r\nTable 1: Uptake rates of one dose of MMR vaccine (MMR1) by 24 months of age, by NHS Board\r\nChildren reaching 24 months of age in calendar years 1999 to 2012\r\nNHS Board\r\n1999\r\n2000\r\n2001\r\n2002\r\n2003\r\n2004\r\n2005\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n93.4\r\n93.7\r\n87.9\r\n87.5\r\n85.8\r\n87.9\r\n89.7\r\nBorders\r\n92.0\r\n93.2\r\n89.9\r\n87.2\r\n88.1\r\n90.4\r\n90.6\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n92.9\r\n96.1\r\n93.8\r\n93.7\r\n90.4\r\n93.3\r\n94.2\r\nFife\r\n92.7\r\n92.7\r\n87.4\r\n87.2\r\n87.8\r\n88.7\r\n89.6\r\nForth Valley\r\n93.9\r\n95.2\r\n90.6\r\n90.8\r\n88.6\r\n90.5\r\n90.7\r\nGrampian\r\n92.4\r\n93.8\r\n90.2\r\n88.3\r\n85.7\r\n88.0\r\n90.5\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde1\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nGreater Glasgow (pre 2006)1\r\n93.0\r\n92.7\r\n86.3\r\n86.0\r\n86.0\r\n87.1\r\n89.5\r\nHighland1\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nHighland (pre 2006)1\r\n88.0\r\n86.2\r\n79.1\r\n80.5\r\n78.8\r\n81.8\r\n83.3\r\nLanarkshire\r\n92.4\r\n93.8\r\n89.1\r\n88.1","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:08.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283746,"EventID":"S4W-14434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:09.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:16:49.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many children in each year since 1999 have (a) not received the MMR vaccine, (b) received one injection of MMR vaccine only and (c) been vaccinated separately against measles, mumps or rubella.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of the childhood immunisation programme, two doses of MMR vaccine are routinely offered to children by five years of age (one dose at around 12 to 13 months of age, and a second dose from three years four months of age). Table 1 shows the number and percentage of children by doses received by five years of age. MMR vaccine uptake rates by five years of age have been monitored since 2006. Uptake rates by six years of age are also published and the available information is shown in Table 2. Information is not centrally available on the number and percentage of children vaccinated separately against measles, mumps or rubella.\r\nTable 1: Uptake rates of MMR vaccine by five years of age in Scotland\r\n \r\n \r\nUnvaccinated\r\nMMR Dose 1\r\nMMR Dose 2\r\nYear\r\nNumber of children in cohort\r\nNumber\r\n%\r\nNumber\r\n%\r\nNumber\r\n%\r\n2006\r\n53,113\r\n3,293\r\n6.2\r\n49,820\r\n93.8\r\n44,562\r\n83.9\r\n2007\r\n52,215\r\n2,944\r\n5.6\r\n49,271\r\n94.4\r\n43,590\r\n83.5\r\n2008\r\n53,569\r\n2,716\r\n5.1\r\n50,853\r\n94.9\r\n45,558\r\n85.0\r\n2009\r\n55,213\r\n2,136\r\n3.9\r\n53,077\r\n96.1\r\n49,227\r\n89.2\r\n2010\r\n55,477\r\n2,193\r\n4.0\r\n53,284\r\n96.0\r\n49,926\r\n90.0\r\n2011\r\n56,701\r\n2,049\r\n3.6\r\n54,652\r\n96.4\r\n50,816\r\n89.6\r\n2012\r\n58,474\r\n1,822\r\n3.1\r\n56,652\r\n96.9\r\n53,706\r\n91.8\r\nSource: SIRS, ISD Scotland.\r\nRef: IR2013-00677.\r\n\r\nTable 2: Uptake rates of MMR vaccine by six years of age in Scotland\r\n \r\n \r\nUnvaccinated\r\nMMR Dose 1\r\nMMR Dose 2\r\nYear\r\nNumber of children in cohort\r\nNumber\r\n%\r\nNumber\r\n%\r\nNumber\r\n%\r\n1999\r\n62,185\r\n..\r\n..\r\n..\r\n..\r\n56,434\r\n90.8\r\n2000\r\n60,995\r\n..\r\n..\r\n..\r\n..\r\n54,891\r\n90.0\r\n2001\r\n59,244\r\n..\r\n..\r\n..\r\n..\r\n52,312\r\n88.3\r\n2002\r\n58,460\r\n..\r\n..\r\n..\r\n..\r\n52,856\r\n90.4\r\n2003\r\n59,034\r\n..\r\n..\r\n..\r\n..\r\n53,308\r\n90.3\r\n2004\r\n57,735\r\n..\r\n..\r\n..\r\n..\r\n52,248\r\n90.5\r\n2005\r\n55,788\r\n..\r\n..\r\n..\r\n..\r\n49,205\r\n88.2\r\n2006\r\n54,611\r\n3,440\r\n6.3\r\n51,171\r\n93.7\r\n48,276\r\n88.4\r\n2007\r\n53,644\r\n3,334\r\n6.2\r\n50,310\r\n93.8\r\n47,674\r\n88.9\r\n2008\r\n52,940\r\n3,063\r\n5.8\r\n49,877\r\n94.2\r\n47,467\r\n89.7\r\n2009\r\n53,751\r\n2,586\r\n4.8\r\n51,165\r\n95.2\r\n48,986\r\n91.1\r\n2010\r\n55,328\r\n2,203\r\n4.0\r\n53,125\r\n96.0\r\n51,310\r\n92.7\r\n2011\r\n55,708\r\n2,246\r\n4.0\r\n53,462\r\n96.0\r\n51,707\r\n92.8\r\n2012\r\n57,050\r\n2,161\r\n3.8\r\n54,889\r\n96.2\r\n53,028\r\n93.0\r\nNot available. Uptake rates of the first dose of MMR vaccine by six years of age have been monitored since 2006.\r\nSource: SIRS, ISD Scotland.\r\nRef: IR2013-00677.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:09.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283747,"EventID":"S4W-14435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:09.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:16:49.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in the light of the increase in cases of measles in Wales, whether it will carry out a campaign to encourage the uptake of the MMR vaccine for children and young adults who have not received it.\r\n","AnswerText":"In light of the significant circulation of measles in Wales and England, it was announced on 25 April 2013 that children aged 10–17 years will be offered a further opportunity to be vaccinated over the next few weeks. This will complement the continuation of the current activity by NHS boards of offering MMR vaccine to unimmunised and partially immunised children in the appointments given to them for receiving other immunisations.\r\nWe will be supporting this activity with a communications campaign and will be encouraging parents to take up vaccination if their children are not protected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:09.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283748,"EventID":"S4W-14436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:10.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:16:49.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide (a) universities and (b) colleges with resources to encourage the uptake of the MMR vaccine among students who have not received it.\r\n","AnswerText":"Given the difficulties in systematically reaching young adults aged 18 – 24, it is recommended that existing practice continues whereby the MMR vaccine continues to be available opportunistically for those who seek it or where there is a public health need e.g. travel.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:10.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283749,"EventID":"S4W-14437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:11.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:16:49.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what records are kept regarding the immunisation status of children enrolling at (a) nursery and (b) primary school.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Scotland has comprehensive vaccination data from the routine immunisation programmes, primarily through pre-school vaccinations recorded on the Scottish Immunisation and Recall System (SIRS). These data are linked to primary and secondary school attendance through the CHSP School system which is used to record immunisations given through school-based immunisation programmes such as HPV vaccinations. Nursery attendance is not recorded on CHSP School or SIRS. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:11.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283750,"EventID":"S4W-14439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:12.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:16:49.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S3W-18595 by Shona Robison on 15 December 2008, how many of the previously unvaccinated children have since been administered the MMR vaccine.\r\n","AnswerText":"Among the 57,050 children reaching six years of age in 2012, 52,021 (91.2%) had received one dose of the MMR vaccine and 5,029 (8.8%) were unvaccinated when they reached 24 months of age in 2008. Of the 5,029 children who were unvaccinated by 24 months of age, 2868 had received one dose of the MMR vaccine and 2147 had received the second dose of the MMR vaccine by six years of age.\r\nUptake rates for the entire cohort of 57,050 children in Scotland reaching six years of age in 2012 were 96.2% for one dose of the MMR vaccine and 93.0% for the second dose of the MMR vaccine.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:12.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283751,"EventID":"S4W-14448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:13.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:18:48.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many drug treatment and testing orders were (a) made and (b) completed in each year from 2007 to 2012, also broken down by (i) criminal justice and (ii) alcohol and drug partnership area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Figures on drug treatment and testing orders commenced and the numbers terminated/completed by local authority and community justice authority area are available online at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/Datasets/DTTOs.\r\nFigures on DTTOs are compiled from returns from local authorities and do not relate directly to alcohol and drug partnership areas. However, the majority of alcohol and drug partnership areas are coterminous with local authority areas and figures for these areas can be derived from the published figures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:13.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283752,"EventID":"S4W-14450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:13.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:18:48.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research into (a) suicide and (b) self-harm it has funded since the introduction of the Choose Life initiative.","AnswerText":"The following is a list of published research on suicide and self harm which has been funded or part funded by the Scottish Government since the launch of Choose Life in 2002. The list includes research funded by the Choose Life programme, which is fully funded by the Scottish Government; and research about projects related to, but not solely about, prevention of suicide and self-harm.\r\nConfidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness (on-going)\r\nhttp://www.hqip.org.uk/national-confidential-inquiry-into-suicide-and-homicide/\r\nSuicide and Suicidal Behaviour: Establishing the Territory for a Series of Research Reviews (2004)\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004/10/20090/45184\r\nEvaluation of Phase 1 of Choose Life (2006)\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/09/06094657/0\r\nThe Epidemiology of Suicide in Scotland 1989-2004: An Examination of Temporal Trends and Risk Factors at National and Local Levels (2007)\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/03/01145422/20\r\nRisk and Protective Factors for Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour: A Literature Review (2008)\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/11/28141444/0\r\nEffectiveness of Interventions to Prevent Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour: A Systematic Review (2008)\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/01/08094005/0\r\nEvaluation of Phase 2 of Choose Life (2010)\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/03/30174735/0\r\nScottish Suicide Information Database\r\nReport 2011:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Public-Health/Publications/2011-12-20/2011-12-20-Suicide-Report.pdf \r\nReport 2012:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Public-Health/Publications/2012-12-18/2012-12-18-ScotSID-2012-Report.pdf \r\nEvaluation of the Breathing Space Telephone Advice Line and Signposting Service for People Experiencing Low Mood or Depression\r\nChristine Sheehy et al. 2006\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/114404/0027945.pdf\r\nAn in-depth qualitative exploration of the links between self-harm and attempted suicide in young people\r\nDawn Griesbach et al. 2007.\r\nhttp://griesbach-research.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/FINAL-REPORT-JUL07.pdf\r\nThe Use and Impact of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) in Scotland: An Evaluation\r\nRona Dolev et al. 2008\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/223482/0060182.pdf\r\nBreathing Space Telephone Advice Line: Omnibus Survey Evaluation of Public Awareness (2009)\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/01/30112003/0\r\nImpact evaluation of the Choose Life training programme\r\nDawn Griesbach et al. 2011\r\nhttp://www.healthscotland.com/uploads/documents/17217-ChooseLifeImpactEvaluation.pdf\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government commissioned Professor Stephen Platt of the University of Edinburgh to undertake research on Development of a Framework to Capture and Monitor Trends in Completed Suicide and its Determinants in Scotland, 1979-2010. This is currently unpublished.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:13.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283753,"EventID":"S4W-14451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:14.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:18:48.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to promote the use of (a) postcards and (b) text messages as methods of providing support to people at risk of suicide and self-harm.","AnswerText":"NHS Health Scotland’s Choose Life programme produces a range of resources for local areas and organisations to use, either internally with their work force or for their work force to give to people who are vulnerable to suicide or their family and friends. For example, the new Police Scotland is planning to issue the Choose Life key message card to all its staff so that they can refer to them and give them to members of the public as and when appropriate.\r\nThe resources are regularly updated and research undertaken to ensure that they are relevant and accessible to their intended audiences. Materials are distributed free in Scotland on request.\r\nThese include the following resources - the numbers give the monthly average distribution:\r\nChoose Life – Don’t Hide It Pocket Card – 800 \r\nChoose Life “Read Between the Lines” Key Message Card – 1,200\r\nChoose Life Card – 170\r\nRead Between the Lines Posters, 4 types – 3,000\r\nAfter a Suicide Mental Health Booklet – 120\r\nThe Art of Conversation, full A4 document – 400\r\nThe Art of Conversation Summary – 3,300\r\nAs part of its awareness-raising activity, the Breathing Space telephone advice line for people experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety, has distributed postcards (“Help a friend stay in the game”) developed by Choose Life, at various Scottish Premier League football games.\r\nBreathing Space pocket cards and other ambient materials are distributed throughout the country, both direct by Breathing Space and via its various partner organisations such as Choose Life, Scottish Huntington’s Association; Veterans 1st point; Royal National Institute for the Blind; Deafblind Scotland; and MacMillan Cancer Support – this information is specific to Breathing Space as a phone and web based service for people experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.\r\nChoose Life materials signpost people to help available from Samaritans and Breathing Space. Samaritans use text messages – among other methods - to support people who contact them.\r\nUnder the new Future programme at NHS24 there are plans to introduce a text messaging service – at a time to be confirmed - to support people experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety. NHS24 also have plans for an email service to complement this, again at a time to be confirmed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:14.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283754,"EventID":"S4W-14452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:14.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:19:04.763","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps HM Inspectorate of Education takes to review and report on the adequacy and implementation of anti-bullying strategies and policies in every school that it inspects.","AnswerText":"Education Scotland is strongly committed to ensuring “zero tolerance” to bullying in Scottish schools.\r\nSchools’ approaches to meeting the pastoral needs of children and young people are looked at in all school inspections. This includes evaluating how well schools deal with any bullying, and ensure safe use of the internet.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:14.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283755,"EventID":"S4W-14453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:15.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:19:04.763","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the NHSScotland Resource Allocation Committee has access to primary care data that allow it to advise on the application of differential funding at a primary care level that reflects health inequalities.","AnswerText":"The allocation formula developed by the NHS Scotland Resource Allocation Committee (NRAC) was designed to allocate funds to health boards for hospital and community health services and prescribing. The formula was derived using data relating to the utilisation of hospital and community health services and drugs dispensed by community pharmacists. The NRAC committee ceased to exist once its final report and recommendations were submitted, and the formula is now maintained by the Technical Advisory Group on Resource Allocation (TAGRA). The work of TAGRA is published at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.tagra.scot.nhs.uk/index.html.\r\nThe funds for the provision of General Medical Services (primary care) are allocated according to the General Medical Services Statement of Financial Entitlements. The latest version is available via the following link:\r\nhttp://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/pca/PCA2012(M)13letter.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:15.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283756,"EventID":"S4W-14454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:15.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:20:53.013","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the (a) MedTech, (b) medicines and (c) digital health innovation health partnership will hold its first meeting.\r\n","AnswerText":"The first meeting of the MedTech Health Innovation Partnership (HIP) took place on 1 April 2013.\r\nThe Medicines Strategic Engagement Group (the equivalent of a medicines HIP) will meet on 15 May.\r\nThe Innovation Partnership Board (IPB) is expected to consider proposals for the Digital Health Innovation Partnership at its next meeting in June 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:15.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283757,"EventID":"S4W-14455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:16.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:20:53.013","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the remit of the (a) MedTech, (b) medicines and (c) digital health innovation health partnership will be finalised.\r\n","AnswerText":"The remit of the MedTech Health Innovation Partnership (HIP) has been finalised and will be made available on http://home.scotland.gov.uk/home.\r\nThe equivalent group for medicines is the Medicines Strategic Engagement Group, the remit of which has been drafted and will be agreed at its 15 May meeting.\r\nThe Innovation Partnership Board (IPB) is expected to consider final proposals for the Digital Health Innovation Partnership at its next meeting in June 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:16.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283758,"EventID":"S4W-14456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:17.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:20:53.013","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government to whom the (a) MedTech, (b) medicines and (c) digital health innovation health partnership will report.\r\n","AnswerText":"The MedTech Health Innovation Partnership (HIP), the Medicines Strategic Engagement Group (the equivalent of a medicines HIP) and the Digital Health Innovation Partnership will all report to the Innovation Partnership Board (IPB).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:17.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283759,"EventID":"S4W-14457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:18.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:20:53.013","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the strategic engagement group will hold its first meeting.\r\n","AnswerText":"The strategic engagement group is due to hold its first meeting on 15 May 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:18.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283760,"EventID":"S4W-14458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:18.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:20:53.013","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the remit of the strategic engagement group will be finalised.","AnswerText":"The remit of the strategic engagement group will be finalised soon after the first meeting of the group which is due to be held on 15 May 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:18.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283761,"EventID":"S4W-14459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:19.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:20:53.013","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which officials will attend the strategic engagement group as (a) members and (b) observers.","AnswerText":"Membership of the strategic engagement group is still to be finalised.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:19.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283762,"EventID":"S4W-14460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:19.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:22:13.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when each NHS board will have identified a senior executive board member with lead responsibility for innovation, technology and products; what selection criteria will be used; to whom they will be responsible, and what input (a) NHS Research Scotland, (b) Scottish Enterprise, (c) Life Sciences Scotland, (d) officials, (e) the strategic engagement group, (f) health innovation partnerships and (g) the Life Sciences Advisory Board will have in the selection process.","AnswerText":"All NHS boards are being asked to identify an executive lead for innovation, where one does not already exist. It is the decision of boards which senior colleague they appoint to the innovation role. There are no plans to ask Boards to seek input to the selection process from outside groups.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:19.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283763,"EventID":"S4W-14469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:20.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:22:42.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the proposed national review group on metrics and milestones on innovation in the NHS will (a) have its membership agreed and (b) first meet.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Innovation Partnership Board Measures Group met for the first time on 12 February 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:20.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283764,"EventID":"S4W-14471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:20.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:22:42.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the proposed NHS innovative technology awards will be held.\r\n","AnswerText":"A Health Innovation Fair for Scotland is being planned. The proposed NHS innovation awards will be included in the Fair’s programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:20.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283765,"EventID":"S4W-14472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:21.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:23:21.67","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the proposed health innovation research advisory group will hold its first meeting; what its remit will be; when its membership will be finalised, and which officials will attend as (a) members and (b) observers.","AnswerText":"The Health Informatics Research Advisory Group met for the first time on 23 January 2013. Its remit is to consider, what are the opportunities in Scotland: \r\nTo become world-leading in health and biomedical informatics research; to identify obstacles to the use of electronic health records for research in Scotland, and to develop solutions; to inform the development of the Scottish Government’s strategies for e-health and cross-sectoral data linkage; to advise the Chief Scientist Office on its strategy for supporting electronic health records research; to monitor developments in health informatics research infrastructure in the UK and internationally, and identify opportunities for Scottish involvement and to consider what investments would be most effective in enhancing Scotland’s capability for research using electronic health records.\r\nThe group’s membership includes experts in health informatics research from Scotland and elsewhere in the UK and the following officials: Mr Derek Feeley, Director General of the Health and Social Care Directorate, Dr Roger Halliday, Chief Statistician, Professor Andrew Morris, Chief Scientist, and Dr Peter Craig from the Chief Scientist Office. Advice from other experts will be sought as required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:21.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283766,"EventID":"S4W-14476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:21.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T15:43:22.303","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many petrol stations have closed since 2007, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally by the Scottish Government.\r\nThe DECC-commissioned report “Study of the UK petroleum retail market”, published in December 2012, indicates that there were 892 petrol stations in Scotland at year-end 2011. During the period between 2001 to 2011, there was a 24% reduction in the number of petrol filling stations in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:21.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283767,"EventID":"S4W-14477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:22.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T15:43:22.303","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support is available to rural communities that wish to take control of their local petrol station.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Land Fund is an initiative being delivered in partnership between BIG Lottery Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. It is a £6 million, 3-year commitment aimed at giving local people in rural communities the tools and resources to successfully fulfil their aspirations of owning their own land and land assets. Grants will be made to rural communities (settlements with a population of less than 10,000).\r\nHighlands and Islands Enterprise would also consider rural petrol stations in a similar manner to any other community asset acquisition project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:22.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283768,"EventID":"S4W-14478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:22.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T15:43:22.303","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many petrol stations that received funding from the Rural Petrol Station Grant Scheme between 1998 and 2008 are still open, also broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:22.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283769,"EventID":"S4W-14479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-24T17:01:23.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T15:43:22.303","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many grants (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) Highlands and Islands Enterprise have given to rural petrol stations since 2008.","AnswerText":"The administration of grants to support rural petrol stations is an operational matter for Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Enterprise. I will ask their chief executives to write to you in this regard.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-09T17:01:23.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283777,"EventID":"S4W-14441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T14:14:13.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:17:51.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to each of the nine recommendations in the Report on Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Humans in 2011 by National Services Scotland, the Scottish Medicines Consortium and the Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group (SAPG) leads on a variety of programmes and work streams to deliver on the recommendations contained within the report on Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Humans in 2011.\r\nThe report was discussed at the Group’s February 2013 meeting and it was agreed that SAPG would work in collaboration with its stakeholders to take the recommendations forward as part of its 2013-14 programme of work.\r\nFurther details on work around the recommendations contained in the report are provided in the annex to this letter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T14:14:13.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283778,"EventID":"S4W-14443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T14:14:14.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:17:51.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether data from boarding out is made available to Health Improvement Scotland (a) routinely and regularly, (b) only on request and (c) as part of the self-assessment before announced inspections.\r\n","AnswerText":"Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) would routinely ask for this information on arrival at the hospital being inspected. This provides inspectors with a current list of patients that, if necessary they can look at further to assess suitability, i.e. cognitive ability, and time moved etc.\r\nBoarding information is considered on the day of the inspection so that it is considered in a timely manner. If it had been submitted in advance as part of the self-assessment process, it would be out of date by the time of the inspection. HIS is currently exploring opportunities to further enhance the data and intelligence it collects and receives to support and underpin inspections.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T14:14:14.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283779,"EventID":"S4W-14444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T14:14:16.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:17:51.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the report, Reduced Mortality with Hospital Pay for Performance in England, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in November 2013, which suggests that payments for performance made to clinical teams for investment purposes achieve significantly better outcomes.\r\n","AnswerText":"Whilst the conclusions of the report on Reduced Mortality with Hospital Pay for Performance in England are interesting, the Scottish Government has no plans to introduce pay for performance at the clinical team level. The research findings in this area are mixed and we would need much more compelling evidence that financial incentives alone contribute to reduced mortality.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T14:14:16.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283780,"EventID":"S4W-14445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T14:14:17.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:17:51.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the new rules introduced by the Department of Health in April 2013 that place a legal duty on employers in the NHS to ensure that all doctors employed can speak a \"necessary level of English\",  will be applied in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The new rules being introduced by the Department of Health in April 2013 do not extend to Scotland where NHSScotland boards have responsibility for recruitment. Patient safety is a top priority and it is important that those who are providing care and treatment have the ability to communicate effectively.\r\nIn order for doctors to provide primary medical services in Scotland they are required to be on a health board’s performers list and each board has a statutory duty to maintain their own list.\r\nA board can refuse to admit an applicant if it is not satisfied that an applicant has the knowledge of English which, in the interests of the applicant and of patients who may receive primary medical services from the applicant, is necessary for performing primary medical services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T14:14:17.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283781,"EventID":"S4W-14446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T14:14:18.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:17:51.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the findings in the Royal College of Physicians report, Hospital workforce: fit for the future, that 37% of medical registrars reported that their workload was unmanageable, 59% said it was heavy and a substantial proportion said that their training was highly variable and too often compromised by a heavy workload.\r\n","AnswerText":"We welcome the Royal College of Physicians report as it provides further context and information towards our understanding of the many factors that impact on the provision of high quality, safe and effective care in our health services.\r\nWe are determined to continue to build upon Scotland’s excellent record in delivering safe and effective care services, in line with the ambitions of the Healthcare Quality Strategy and the 2020 Vision. Effective partnership working is integral to the success of our ambitions and to this end, we have instigated a series of regular meetings with the Royal Colleges, and the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges in Scotland to ensure we address such issues collaboratively. This engagement includes meetings with Dr Neil Dewhurst, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.\r\nThere is a great deal of activity already underway in Scotland to address the issues highlighted within this report. In March 2013, we announced £50 million will be invested over the next three years as part of our Unscheduled Care Action Plan to help meet the growing demand on accident and emergency and other unscheduled care services, and there will be further investment in frontline staff. An expert group is now making sure that the best medical, nursing and other advice is contributing to the delivery of the action plan, and each health board has been asked to produce its own local version of the action plan to deal with the pressure points each faces.\r\nWe are also aware that that there are difficulties in recruiting to some medical specialities and welcome the launch, on 1 May, of the Strategy for the Recruitment and Retention of Trainess in Scotland, as this will enable NHSScotland to better understand career choices that medical trainees make, and thus consider ways to tackle recruitment and retention issues in a more systematic way.\r\nWe acknowledge that doctors in training posts make a substantial and valuable contribution to the delivery of patient care, including within out of hours care. It is NHS Education for Scotland(NES) which has responsibility for ensuring that all training programmes are delivered in such a way as to meet GMC quality standards. The GMC surveys all doctors in training on an annual basis, and this survey includes the collection of information on working hours, workload and work intensity, and the impact on training. NES also collects a wide range of additional information on the quality of training, and undertakes regular visits to training units to meet with trainees and trainers. Where NES identifies concerns about the quality of training, it works with health boards to put in place action plans to address these. All of this work is reported annually to the GMC, which has responsibility for approving training programmes across the UK.\r\nWe also await the recommendations from Prof. David Greenaway’s independent Shape of Training review, due later this year, as that is likely to lead to fundamental changes in the future shape of medical training across the UK. This will require careful scrutiny to understand the impact on Scotland’s health services of any change to future medical training programmes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T14:14:19.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283782,"EventID":"S4W-14447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T14:14:20.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T13:17:51.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that the paperwork being introduced to deliver its Getting It Right For Every Child policy will be available in digital form in light of the closure of its eCare programme.","AnswerText":"The Data Sharing Technologies Board, established by the Scottish Government with delivery partners including local authorities and the NHS, is supporting the development of local digital information sharing systems which support local needs, priorities and processes.\r\nThese developments are being informed by the work of the best practice information sharing group for children and young people on the local implementation of the GIRFEC approach.\r\nWork is progressing to agree national minimum data sets in respect of a child's plan, wellbeing concern and chronology. This will produce a standard form of information, which will have the potential to be shared and understood across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T14:14:20.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283783,"EventID":"S4W-14480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T10:10:42.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T16:02:33.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Scottish Canals has published its consultation report and finalised heritage strategy, as indicated in its Draft Heritage Strategy 2013-38 and, if so, where the documents can be accessed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Canals published its Heritage Strategy and the associated consultation report on 6 May 2013. Both can be accessed at:\r\nhttp://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/history--heritage. The proposed publication date of the report and strategy was originally on 31 January 2013. This publication date was initially delayed because of an extension to the public consultation period and subsequently in order to take account of Scottish Canals’ new vision, Safeguarding our Heritage - Building our Future, which it published on 24 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T10:10:42.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283784,"EventID":"S4W-14481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T10:10:42.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T16:02:33.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Scottish Canals' five year plan has been finalised.","AnswerText":"Yes. This forms part of its published Heritage Strategy available at:\r\nhttp://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/history--heritage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T10:10:42.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283785,"EventID":"S4W-14482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T10:10:43.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T16:02:33.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the 20 specific objectives for the period 2013 to 2018 listed in Scottish Canals' Draft Heritage Strategy 2013-38 have been agreed.","AnswerText":"Yes. They are all included in the published Heritage Strategy available at: http://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/history--heritage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T10:10:43.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283786,"EventID":"S4W-14483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T10:10:44.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-24T16:02:33.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which of the key actions listed under Scottish Canals' 2013-2018 objectives in its Draft Heritage Strategy 2013-38 have commenced; when they commenced, and what the timetable is for the remaining key actions.","AnswerText":"There were over 60 key actions linked to the 20 objectives identified in the draft Heritage Strategy. Scottish Canals have commenced preliminary work on key actions under 12 of the objectives. A revised timetable for the key actions is contained within the published Strategy which takes account of priorities identified during the consultation. I have asked the Chief Executive of Scottish Canals to write to the member providing full details of progress to date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T10:10:44.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283787,"EventID":"S4W-14495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T10:10:44.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T11:46:40.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve cervical cancer prevention and will take in the next 12 months.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Cervical Screening Programme invites all women aged 20 – 60 for screening every three years. Screening has been shown to be the best way to prevent cervical cancer. The Scottish Government is supporting NHS Boards to increase uptake of the screening programme through informed consent.\r\nAll young women are now offered the HPV vaccination which protects them against 70% of all high risk types of HPV. Vaccine uptake is high with 82.8% of girls in S2 in school year 2011-12 completing the three dose course of HPV immunisations by the end of the school year. 91.7% had received two doses and 93.1% had received one dose. \r\nAlthough the Detect Cancer Early Programme, which aims to increase the number of cancers detected at an early stage of the disease, will initially concentrate on lung, bowel and breast cancer, it is fully expected to raise awareness of all cancers amongst the public, health practitioners and crucially save more lives each year. Whilst not directed at cervical cancer specifically, we anticipate benefits to other groups of people as general awareness raising initiatives result in earlier presentation, referral and assessment for all those with a possibility of cancer.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government will continue to work with GPs to promote earlier referral or investigation of patients who might have cancer. To support GPs in Scotland to refer patients with suspected cancer, including cervical, as early as possible, the Scottish Government published referral guidance in 2007 called the “Scottish Executive health Department Letter (2007) 9: Scottish Referral Guidelines for Suspected Cancer”. In early 2009, the guidelines were shortened into a user friendly version for quick reference. All GPs across NHS Scotland were sent a copy of this guidance, which is available on the Scottish Government website: \r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/quickreferenceguide/suspectedcancer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T10:10:44.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283788,"EventID":"S4W-14496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T10:10:44.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T11:46:40.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to improve awareness of the importance of cervical cancer screening among (a) women over 50, (b) black and minority ethnic women and (c) women in work.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards have the responsibility for publicising screening within their local area and working closely within their communities to increase screening uptake. GPs also play a pivotal role in highlighting the benefits and risks of cervical screening to their patients.\r\nIn 2009 the Breast and Cervical National Advisory Group commissioned NHS Health Scotland to undertake research with women into the reasons for non-uptake of the cervical screening invitation. The results of this work were used to develop an engagement and communications strategy to support the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme. This strategy considered a series of recommendations to improve uptake of cervical screening and to make screening a more consistently positive experience for all eligible women. To help address low uptake a new suite of information leaflets was developed in August 2010. Nationally, the information we provide is key to allowing women to make an informed choice. Women are involved in the design of the information leaflets, which are promoted in healthcare and community settings, including GP surgeries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T10:10:44.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283789,"EventID":"S4W-14497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T10:10:45.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T11:46:40.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will direct NHS boards to introduce a targeted approach in order to improve the uptake of cervical screening.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Cervical Screening Programme is a whole population screening programme and there are no plans to change this.\r\nNHS boards have responsibility for publicising screening within their local area and working closely within their communities to increase screening uptake. NHS boards do currently monitor uptake within their populations and put in place measure to address low uptake. Targeted communications to specific groups of the population have been developed nationally and are promoted in healthcare and community settings, including GP surgeries.\r\nGPs also play a pivotal role in highlighting the benefits and potential risks of cervical screening to their patients and are incentivised, under the Quality and Outcomes Framework, to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T10:10:45.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283790,"EventID":"S4W-14505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T14:31:24.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T14:26:13.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made following publication of the Review of Proposals to Improve Arrangements for Independent Monitoring of Prisons.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will publish its response to Professor Coyle’s review on 26 April 2013. The decision has been made that HM Chief Inspector of Prisons will oversee four prison monitors who will be supported by Lay Monitors. The prison monitors will be further supported by an Advisory Group which will be made up of key stakeholders from the justice sector. This Group will provide guidance on monitoring, appointments and training.\r\nThe legislative process to transfer and modify the existing prison visiting committee statutory powers, as well as amendments to the Prison Rules, will be made through a Section 14 Order under the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010. The Parliamentary process and transition from prison visiting committees to independent monitors will take a number of months to complete. We anticipate the transition and introduction of the new independent monitoring service to be completed by autumn 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T14:31:24.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283791,"EventID":"S4W-14518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T15:55:47.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T15:52:24.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what targets it expects Registers of Scotland to achieve in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have set the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland the financial targets of achieving:\r\nA 3% cash-releasing efficiency saving; and an increase in Register of Scotland’s commercial income of 5%. In addition, the Keeper has set the following service standards:\r\nRegister of Scotland’s Service Standards 2013-14\r\nWhere it is in the Keeper’s power, legally appropriate and not subject to an individual agreement with the applicant:\r\n1\r\nRecord new Land Register applications on the application record \r\nWithin 1 working day\r\n2\r\nProcess ARTL applications\r\nWithin 24 hours\r\n3\r\nProcess CAJR applications\r\nWithin 3 working days\r\n4\r\nProcess Crofting Register applications\r\nWithin 3 working days\r\n5\r\nProcess Sasines applications\r\nWithin 20 working days\r\n6\r\nRegister Dealings of Whole (DW’s)\r\n\r\nThose DWs that are dependent on prior or same date First Registrations and TPs will be delivered to their Service Standards. \r\nWithin 30 working days\r\n7\r\nRegister Standard First Registrations (FR)\r\n\r\nThose FRs that have had pre-work carried out.\r\nWithin 40 working days\r\n8\r\nRegister Other First Registrations\r\n\r\nThose FRs that have had no pre-work carried out. Those FRs that are dependent on TP applications will be delivered to their Service Standard.\r\nWithin 6 months\r\n9\r\nRegister pre-31 December 2012 Transfer of Parts by 30 September 2013\r\n\r\nThis target is carried forward from the 2012-15 Corporate Plan\r\n10\r\nRegister Transfer of Parts from 1 October 2013\r\n \r\nWithin 9 months\r\n11\r\nProcess customer enquiries\r\nWithin 5 working days\r\n12\r\nIncrease our Public Service Quality Index rating from 72 to 74.\r\n\r\n13\r\nComplete 98.5% or more of registrations, over a 12 month rolling period, without corrective action.\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T15:55:47.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283792,"EventID":"S4W-14485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:01:51.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T11:39:01.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) Shelter, (b) the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and (c) COSLA on implementing the underoccupancy penalty and when.\r\n","AnswerText":"Shelter and the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations are members of the joint Scottish Government COSLA Housing Benefit Reform Stakeholder Advisory Group. The under occupancy penalty has been a focus of the work of the Group which has met 14 times since autumn 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:01:52.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283793,"EventID":"S4W-14486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:01:56.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T11:39:01.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Minister for Housing and Welfare last met a UK Government minister regarding welfare reform and what was discussed.","AnswerText":"The Minister for Housing and Welfare met with Lord Freud, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Welfare Reform, on 6 March 2013. The discussion focused on the under-occupancy deductions to housing benefit for social sector tenants.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:01:56.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283794,"EventID":"S4W-14487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:01:59.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T11:39:01.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the letter published in The Herald on 23 April 2013 from a group of academics calling on it to mitigate the impact of the underoccupancy penalty.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is doing all it can, within the current constitutional settlement, to mitigate the worst impacts of the UK Government cuts and changes to the welfare system.\r\nWe are taking action and investing more to support people and organisations across Scotland. This includes: providing £7.9 million for advice and support services, of which £2.5 million is directly for social landlords to help those affected by the bedroom tax; an additional £9.2 million for the new Scottish Welfare Fund, giving a total Fund of £33 million, allowing us to award an extra 5,600 Community Care Grants and an additional 100,000 Crisis Grants; and we have also provided, with our partners in local government, a total of £40 million in 2013-14 to ensure that around 560,000 people in Scotland who previously received Council Tax Benefit are protected from the UK Government’s 10% cut in funding for successor arrangements. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:01:59.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283795,"EventID":"S4W-14488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:02:01.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T11:39:01.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost is of rehousing a homeless (a) family of 2 adults and 2 children and (b) single adult.\r\n","AnswerText":"The costs involved in rehousing homeless households are variable, depending on a range of individual and local circumstances. It is not possible for the Scottish Government to produce definitive national figures on such costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:02:01.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283796,"EventID":"S4W-14489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:02:05.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T11:39:01.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many claims were made for (a) community care grants and (b) crisis loans in 2012-13 and to what value, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"We do not have any information about the number of claims for community care grants, and crisis loans in 2012-2013. Information on the number of claims for community care grants and crisis loans for previous years has been published by the Department for Work and Pensions on its webpages at:\r\nhttp://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130107093842/http://www.dwp.gov.uk/local-authority-staff/social-fund-reform/localisation-data/ \r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:02:05.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283797,"EventID":"S4W-14490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:02:09.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T11:39:01.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many claims it estimates will be made for (a) community care and (b) crisis grants in 2013-14, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have not made any estimate of how many claims will be made for community care grants or crisis grants in 2013-14 at local authority level.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:02:09.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283798,"EventID":"S4W-14491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:02:11.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T11:39:01.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on what budget has been allocated for (a) community care and (b) crisis grants in 2013-14, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information has been published on our webpages:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/welfarereform/scottishwelfarefund/background.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:02:11.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283799,"EventID":"S4W-14492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:02:13.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T11:39:01.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with COSLA about council tax rebates for 2014-15.","AnswerText":"Discussions between COSLA and the Scottish Government regarding council tax support for 2014-15 are on-going.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:02:13.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283800,"EventID":"S4W-14493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:02:16.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T11:39:01.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will fully fund council tax support for 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerText":"No decisions have been made on how future support for council tax will be provided, as the introduction of Universal Credit will fundamentally affect how support may be provided.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:02:16.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283801,"EventID":"S4W-14494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:02:19.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T11:39:01.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to restructure the council tax and, if so, whether it will increase the top band rates.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government considers the council tax to be unfair and have committed to freezing the tax for the duration of this Parliament to support hard pressed households. We will consult with others to produce a fairer local tax based on ability to pay later in this Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:02:19.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283802,"EventID":"S4W-14498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:02:22.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T13:17:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on employment in the companies based in Scotland supplying the offshore oil and gas industry, what discussions it has had with UK Government ministers and officials regarding the implications for the safety inspection regime of the planned restructuring of the Health and Safety Executive and whether it has a policy on safety in the oil and gas sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"The recent reorganisation of the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Energy Division is an internal issue for the HSE. The Scottish Government has not had discussions with UK Ministers and officials in respect of this. The Scottish Government is assured that the current offshore inspectorate regime is not compromised by the recent reorganisation in HSE.\r\nThe regulation of workplace health and safety is currently reserved to the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:02:22.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283803,"EventID":"S4W-14499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:02:24.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T13:17:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on employment in the companies based in Scotland supplying the offshore oil and gas industry, what discussions it has had with UK Government ministers and officials regarding the implications for the safety inspection regime of the Health and Safety Executive’s planned closure of its Offshore Safety Division.\r\n","AnswerText":"Health and safety legislation is reserved to the UK Parliament. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the UK Department for Work and Pensions.\r\nThe recent reorganisation of the HSE’s Energy Division is an internal issue for that organisation. The Scottish Government has not had discussions with UK Ministers and officials on the planned closure of its Offshore Safety Division. The Scottish Government is assured that the current offshore inspectorate regime is not compromised by the recent reorganisation in HSE.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:02:24.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283804,"EventID":"S4W-14500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:02:26.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T13:17:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on employment in the companies based in Scotland supplying the offshore oil and gas industry, what discussions it has had with UK Government ministers and officials regarding the implications for the safety inspection regime of the Health and Safety Executive’s plan to transfer specialist offshore safety inspectors to a new energy division overseeing the safety regime in mines, gas and pipeline industries in addition to the offshore industry.","AnswerText":"Health and safety legislation is reserved to the UK Parliament. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the UK Department for Work and Pensions.\r\nThe recent reorganisation of the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Energy Division is an internal issue for that organisation. The Scottish Government has not had discussions with UK Ministers and officials on the HSE’s internal restructuring plans. The Scottish Government is assured that there will be no effect to the safety regimes in mines, gas and pipeline industries in addition to the offshore oil and gas industry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:02:26.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283805,"EventID":"S4W-14501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:02:28.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T13:17:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on employment in the companies based in Scotland supplying the offshore oil and gas industry, when it was first informed by the UK Government of the intention to restructure the Health and Safety Executive and what its assessment is of the impact on the safety regime protecting the workforce based in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) created a new Energy Division on 1 April 2013. This is an internal reorganisation and the Scottish Government was not notified in advance. HSE has stated that it is its intention to increase its offshore inspectorate and is seeking to recruit staff. The Scottish Government is assured that the current offshore inspectorate regime is not compromised by the recent reorganisation in HSE.\r\nThe regulation of workplace health and safety is currently reserved to the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:02:29.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283806,"EventID":"S4W-14503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:02:31.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T13:17:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on employment in the companies based in Scotland supplying the offshore oil and gas industry, whether it can take steps to ensure that the offshore safety regime takes account of the recommendations in Lord Cullen's report, The Public Inquiry into the Piper Alpha Disaster.","AnswerText":"Health and safety legislation is reserved to the UK Parliament. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the UK Department for Work and Pensions.\r\nLord Cullen’s Inquiry into the Piper Alpha disaster led to the establishment of the HSE as the new regulatory authority for the industry through the creation of its Offshore Safety Division. This regime is a world-class regulatory regime, with its approach now being adopted in Europe. In addition to membership of industry groups the HSE are also embedded as consultees in the processes, operation and planning of offshore oil and gas industry and in the energy sector.\r\nContact between Scottish Ministers and the HSE is maintained through the membership of different industry groups.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:02:31.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283807,"EventID":"S4W-14504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:02:35.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T13:17:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on employment in the companies based in Scotland supplying the offshore oil and gas industry, what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the publication of a draft EU directive on safety in the offshore oil and gas sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"Fergus Ewing: The Scottish Government believes that the UK already has a robust, proven national regime already in place and does not believe that there would be added value from another layer of regulation. We shared the UK Government’s concern that a proposal in the form of a Regulation may require significant amendment of existing national legislation which mirrors any provisions of the Regulation. The Scottish Government has worked closely with the UK Government on this important issue to ensure that there is a resolution that enhances the North Sea already high safety standards and benefits the UK industry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:02:35.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283808,"EventID":"S4W-14512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:02:39.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T15:10:26.93","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is increasing opportunities for school children to take part in sport and physical education as part of the Commonwealth Games legacy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that by 2014 all pupils across Scotland receive at least two hours of PE in primary schools and at least two periods of PE in secondary schools in S1-S4. We are supporting local authorities and schools to achieve the target with an additional £5.8 million funding over 2012-13 and 2013-14 through a programme jointly managed by Sportscotland and Education Scotland.\r\nDelivering this entitlement across Scotland will be a tangible and enduring legacy for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and adds to our already significant investment into providing opportunities for children to get involved in a wide range of sport and physical activities through our Active Schools programme. Last year the Active Schools programme provided almost 5 million opportunities for young people to take part in sport and physical activities. The programme receives up to £13 million each year from sportscotland.\r\nWe are currently developing a Scottish Government Youth Sport Strategy to be launched later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:02:39.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283809,"EventID":"S4W-14513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:02:42.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T15:10:26.93","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has provided to the Active Schools initiative in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The level of investment that sportscotland invest in Active Schools is £11,925,900 for each of the years 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14.\r\nThe commitment to deliver Active Schools is integral to the Partnership Agreement between sportscotland and each local authority and I have asked the chief executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, to write to you outlining this support in further detail.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:02:42.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283810,"EventID":"S4W-14514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:02:44.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T15:44:21.663","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what its timescale is to provide a response to a written question and when it will provide a response to question S4W-13657, which was lodged on 13 March 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to question S4W-13657, published on 8 May 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:02:44.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Stewart","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283811,"EventID":"S4W-14515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:02:50.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T15:49:17.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the reduction in funding for the HI-Arts agency, how will it ensure that there is a consistent and properly informed support mechanism for culture across the Highlands and Islands.\r\n","AnswerText":"Funding for individual organisations is a matter for Creative Scotland and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and both remain committed to supporting arts and creativity to benefit communities across the Highlands and Islands. I am confident that the arts in the Highlands and Islands will continue to flourish with continuing support from public funds.\r\nI have asked Iain Munro, Interim Chief Executive of Creative Scotland, the national agency for the arts, screen and creative industries, to write to the member. Further information about Creative Scotland’s activities is available at:\r\nhttp://www.creativescotland.co.uk/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:02:50.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283812,"EventID":"S4W-14516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:02:56.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T15:49:17.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent assessment  it has made of the effectiveness of the HI-Arts agency.\r\n","AnswerText":"Assessment of those individual organisations which are funded or part-funded by Creative Scotland and Highlands and Islands Enterprise is a matter for them as funders. I have asked Iain Munro, Interim Chief Executive of Creative Scotland, the national agency for the arts, screen and creative industries, to write to the member. Further information about Creative Scotland’s activities is available at: http://www.creativescotland.co.uk/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:02:56.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283813,"EventID":"S4W-14517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-25T17:03:00.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T15:49:17.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason funding for the HI-Arts agency has been reduced in 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"Funding for individual organisations is a matter for Creative Scotland and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and both remain committed to supporting arts and creativity to benefit communities across the Highlands and Islands. I am confident that the arts in the Highlands and Islands will continue to flourish with continuing support from public funds.\r\nI have asked Iain Munro, Interim Chief Executive of Creative Scotland, the national agency for the arts, screen and creative industries, to write to the member. Further information about Creative Scotland’s activities is available at:\r\nhttp://www.creativescotland.co.uk/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-10T17:03:00.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283818,"EventID":"S4W-14506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:52:54.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T14:58:06.63","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether consideration of housing needs will form part of the integration of health and social care.","AnswerText":"We recognise the important role of housing in improving outcomes, particularly for people with long term conditions and complex needs and to support independent living in the community. Legislation will be introduced to Parliament before summer, that will place health boards and local authorities under a duty to work in collaboration with key stakeholders to plan and deliver nationally agreed outcomes, and we would expect these to include the housing sector.\r\nNational guidance on the development of strategic commissioning plans for health and social care includes a requirement for local partnerships to ensure that the housing sector is included in the planning process. The Housing Contribution Statement is a key part of the strategic commissioning plan. It provides a clear basis to strengthen links between housing and health and social care, and will also help local partnerships to make best use of housing services, such as adaptations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:52:54.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283819,"EventID":"S4W-14507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:52:55.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T14:58:06.63","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions (a) officials and (b) ministers have had with housing associations about the integration of health and social care.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ministers and officials have regular meetings with housing associations and their representative bodies to discuss a range of issues, including the integration of health and social care and the housing sector’s role and contribution to its objectives of supporting independent living.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:52:55.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283820,"EventID":"S4W-14508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:52:55.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T14:58:06.63","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to encourage third sector partnerships to help integrate services for adults with learning difficulties.","AnswerText":"Legislation will be introduced to Parliament before summer, that will place health boards and local authorities under a duty to work in collaboration with key stakeholders to plan and deliver nationally agreed outcomes, and we would expect these to include the third sector.\r\nThe integration of health and social care will facilitate integration of commissioning budgets for adult services. This will create a single commissioning budget from which partners will commission improved outcomes for adult health and social care, including integrated services for people with learning disabilities. Local partnerships will be developed to meet local needs and will include third sector organisations, where appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:52:55.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283821,"EventID":"S4W-14509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:52:56.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T14:58:06.63","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many people with learning difficulties have dementia.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:52:56.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283822,"EventID":"S4W-14510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:52:57.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T14:58:06.63","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what services are provided specifically for people with learning difficulties who have dementia.","AnswerText":"Everyone with dementia, including those with learning difficulties are entitled to receive care, treatment and support in line with the Standards of Care for Dementia in Scotland (2011). People with dementia and a learning difficulty should receive a multi-disciplinary assessment of their care needs, including attention to removing any barriers to effective communication between the person with dementia and service providers. The Promoting Excellence dementia skills framework, which is designed to help services meet the dementia standards, requires staff working at “Enhanced” level and above to understand the potential impact of a diagnosis of dementia on people with learning difficulties.\r\nThe new national HEAT target on post-diagnostic support provides the commitment that all people newly diagnosed with dementia from 1 April 2013, including those with a learning difficulty, will receive a minimum of a year’s worth of detailed and personalised care, treatment and support, coordinated by a link worker.\r\nPeople with learning disabilities have a higher risk of developing dementia compared to the general population, with a significantly increased risk for people with Down syndrome and at a much earlier age. As part of the second National Dementia Strategy, to be published in June 2013, we intend to undertake a specific piece of work looking at the need for national action around linkages between dementia and other disabilities and chronic conditions; and the need for national action around early onset dementia.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:52:57.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283823,"EventID":"S4W-14511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:52:57.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T14:58:06.63","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people are in hospital who have no requirement for continuing medical care, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of patients medically fit for discharge, but who are delayed awaiting the next stage of their care, is published in a quarterly census.\r\nFigures from the January 2013 Delayed Discharge quarterly census are available on the NHS Information Services Division website at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Health-and-Social-Community-Care/Publications/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:52:57.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283824,"EventID":"S4W-14519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:52:58.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T16:44:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many civil servants are paid over £142,257.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has two permanent employees paid more than £142,257.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:52:58.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283825,"EventID":"S4W-14520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:52:58.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T16:44:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many entries there are in the crofting register.\r\n","AnswerText":"As of 30 April 2013, one croft and five common grazings are registered in the Crofting Register. In addition to the one croft already registered, the Crofting Commission is currently processing a further nine applications. \r\nUntil 30 November 2010, crofts registered on a voluntary basis benefit from a 22% cost reduction when registered as a group of 10 or more crofts from a crofting township or when all of the crofts in a township with less than 10 crofts are registered jointly.\r\nThe Crofting Commission has issued draft registration packs to around 150 grazings committees. In addition to the five common grazings currently registered, Registers of Scotland have the forms which should permit a further eight grazings to be registered shortly.\r\nThe Crofting Commission and Registers of Scotland have planned further events to raise awareness of the Register. Awareness sessions are planned for Shetland and Caithness in early June 2013 and others will follow. Registers of Scotland has also arranged to take part in a number of events with the Scottish Crofting Federation over the summer, commencing in late May at the Dingwall Sheep Show. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:52:58.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283826,"EventID":"S4W-14521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:52:59.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T16:44:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether common grazings will be treated as crofts in their own right in terms of the crofting register.","AnswerText":"Common grazings and crofts will be registered separately in the Crofting Register. The entry for a common grazings will contain a cross-reference to the entry for the individual crofts which have rights on the common grazings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:52:59.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283827,"EventID":"S4W-14522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:52:59.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T16:44:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information will be required by the crofting register in terms of common grazings.\r\n","AnswerText":"Comprehensive guidance notes and application forms are available on the Registers of Scotland website (www.ros.gov.uk/crofting register/) for applicants for registration. Key information includes a plan showing the extent of the common grazings and information on the parties who have a share in the grazings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:52:59.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283828,"EventID":"S4W-14523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:53:00.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T16:44:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason sublets of crofts will not be included in the crofting register.\r\n","AnswerText":"Those who may apply to register a croft are listed in section 4(3) of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, namely the owner, landlord or tenant of a tenanted croft, or an owner-occupier crofter. These were discussed at stage 2 of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill on 9 June 2010. The guiding principle was that the applicant for a regulatory change would be responsible for first registration, with subsequent registrations being carried out by the beneficiary of a regulatory application.\r\nSubtenants of crofts under section 27(2), or those with short leases under section 29A, of the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993 as amended are not covered by the definition of “crofters”. Each of these leases may only be put in place with the consent of the Crofting Commission, and it is the responsibility of the tenant or owner-occupier crofter to seek the Commission’s consent.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:53:00.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283829,"EventID":"S4W-14524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:53:01.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T16:44:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the first purchase of a tenanted croft will be registered in the crofting register.","AnswerText":"According to current crofting legislation, crofts are expected to be registered following purchase when the first regulatory action takes place and the need for registration when regulatory action takes place will become mandatory from 1 December 2013. However, there is nothing to prevent registration of any croft on a voluntary basis and, indeed, until 30 November 2013 crofters can benefit from a 22% discount in the fee if registering as a group of 10 or more crofts from a township, or where all of the crofts in a township with fewer than 10 crofts register as a group.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:53:01.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283830,"EventID":"S4W-14525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:53:01.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T16:44:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what alternative insecticides are available to treat oilseed rape if neonicotinoids are banned.","AnswerText":"The European Commission’s restrictions would apply from 1 December 2013 to three out five neonicotinoids currently being used in agriculture. One neonicotinoid, thiacloprid is currently authorised for use on oilseed rape but is not included in the Commission’s restrictions, and could still be used on oilseed rape.\r\nSeveral other products are also available for use on oilseed rape. Currently over 100 products are approved for oilseed rape, these are mainly pyrethroids, but also carbamates, pyridine and oxadiazine compounds. All of these alternatives are contact insecticides, applied as foliar sprays rather than systemic insecticides applied as seed treatments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:53:01.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283831,"EventID":"S4W-14526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:53:02.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T09:57:34.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation report, Managing the Social Risks of Public Spending Cuts in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Joseph Rowntree Foundation report addresses issues that are key to improving local outcomes, and is a welcome contribution to the debate. These issues are being addressed throughout the Scottish Government’s policy-making, budgeting, data provision and collaboration with delivery partners, through taking a broad outcomes-based approach at national and local levels. All public services across Scotland are aligned with a single framework, the Scottish Government’s Purpose and National Outcomes, which provides a clear vision of the kind of Scotland we want to see, covering all aspects of a successful and flourishing society. The Scottish Government and local government are committed to delivering the reforms recommended by the Christie Commission, particularly around prevention, and have agreed the Statement of Ambition for strengthening Community Planning. The Single Outcome Agreements currently under development, focusing on key policy priorities and a clear understanding of place, will support local decision-making that can explicitly consider the full impact of decisions on all citizens, as advocated by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in its report. This is supported by the work of the joint Scottish Government, COSLA and Improvement Service working group on Improving Evidence and Data.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:53:02.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283832,"EventID":"S4W-14527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:53:02.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T09:57:34.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider developing a social risk impact assessment model to complement the process of equality impact assessments.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14526 on 10 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:53:02.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283833,"EventID":"S4W-14528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:53:03.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T09:58:18.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the March 2013 Oil and Gas Analytical Bulletin used the last two years’ oil price-per-barrel to forecast an average price of $113 per barrel over the next five years and whether it is aware of any other (a) governments, (b) agencies, (c) businesses and (d) independent organisations that (i) use the same methodology and (ii) have forecast the same average price and, if so, which.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government Oil and Gas Analytical bulletin summarises a range of forecasts for future oil prices, and provides projections of North Sea tax revenue under a number of different price assumptions. An oil price of $113 per barrel is used in scenarios 2-4 to model an outcome where recent price levels are maintained in future years but fall in real terms. As outlined in the bulletin, this value is consistent with the price forecasts produced by a range of external organisations such as; the US Energy Information Administration, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research the Economist Intelligence Unit and the Ernst and Young ITEM Club.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:53:03.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283834,"EventID":"S4W-14530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:53:03.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T10:12:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Scottish Court Service on the establishment of purpose-built justice centres as recommended in the report, Shaping Scotland’s Court Services; what the timescale is for their establishment, and when it will be able to provide more details on their facilities and functions.","AnswerText":"The SCS published, Shaping Scotland’s Court Services: The Scottish Court Service response to the consultation and recommendations for a future court structure in Scotland on 9 April 2013. Its proposals are designed to deliver a more sustainable courts estate with a smaller group of buildings with improved services, facilities and technologies for court users in the short to medium term. Its longer term vision for the courts service in Scotland includes Justice Centres which it envisages will provide the full range of specialist support services, complementing the existing high quality courts in many of Scotland’s cities. The report identifies the Borders, Fife, Lanarkshire and Highland as areas where they could be located. \r\nFurther details about justice centres are a matter for the SCS. The SCS has had an initial discussion with Scottish Borders Council who are supportive of finding a long term solution that meets the needs of the Scottish Borders and they intend to commence the initial feasibility work in the Borders and other areas during the course of this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:53:03.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283835,"EventID":"S4W-14553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:53:04.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:46:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-14016 and S4W-13606 by Humza Yousaf on 25 April 2013 and 27 March 2013 respectively, for what reasons the relevant policy officials could not provide their records of engagement with officials and ministers from the Government of Argentina in order to answer question S4W-13606.","AnswerText":"Over the last 12 months there have been no meetings between Scottish Government Ministers or officials, or ministers and officials from the Government of Argentina. However, Scottish Government officials held a courtesy meeting with the Culture Minister of Santa Fe province, Ms Chiqui Gonzalez on 6 December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:53:04.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283836,"EventID":"S4W-14554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:53:04.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:46:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14017 by Humza Yousaf on 25 April 2013, whether ministers have provided specific guidance to officials, in addition to the Civil Service Code, on dealing with ministers and officials from the Government of Argentina.","AnswerText":"Ministers have provided no specific guidance to officials in addition to the Civil Service Code on dealing with ministers and officials from Government of Argentina.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:53:04.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283837,"EventID":"S4W-14555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:53:05.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:46:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14020 by Humza Yousaf on 25 April 2013, whether ministers have set out parameters for officials to limit the topics that can be discussed in dealing with ministers and officials of the Government of Argentina.","AnswerText":"Ministers have not set out parameters for officials to limit the topics that can be discussed in dealing with Ministers and officials of the Government of Argentina.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:53:05.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283838,"EventID":"S4W-14556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:53:05.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:46:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14018 by Humza Yousaf on 25 April 2013, whether ministers have been updated on dialogue between Scottish Government officials and officials and ministers of the Government of Argentina in the last six months.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14553 on 10 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:53:05.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283839,"EventID":"S4W-14557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:53:06.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:46:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14019 by Humza Yousaf on 25 April 2013, for what reasons no summary of the discussions between its officials and the Government of Argentina was provided in the answer.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14553 on 10 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:53:06.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283840,"EventID":"S4W-14558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:53:06.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:46:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14022 by Humza Yousaf on 25 April 2013, what its policy objectives are for officials dealing with the Government of Argentina.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s international priorities are set out in Scotland’s International Framework which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0040/00405438.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:53:06.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283841,"EventID":"S4W-14559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:53:06.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:46:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14024 by Humza Yousaf on 25 April 2013, what documents it has published in the last 12 months that include reference to engagement with the Government of Argentina and how many of those included a ministerial foreword.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not published any documents in the last 12 months that include specific reference to engagement with the Government of Argentina.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:53:06.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283842,"EventID":"S4W-14560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:53:07.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:46:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14024 by Humza Yousaf on 25 April 2013, on what occasions in the last 12 months ministers have reported to the Parliament on their engagement with the Government of Argentina.","AnswerText":"Information pertaining to ministers’ reports to Parliament, forms part of the Parliamentary Record which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/OfficialReport.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:53:07.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283843,"EventID":"S4W-14561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:53:07.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:46:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14024 by Humza Yousaf on 25 April 2013, what benefits have arisen from its engagement with the Government of Argentina in the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14553 on 10 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:53:07.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283844,"EventID":"S4W-14568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:53:08.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T12:06:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government further to the answer to question S4W-12316 by Richard Lochhead on 25 January 2013, whether it has received the UK Advisory Committee on Pesticide’s advice.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes, the Scottish Government has received ACP’s advice and it helped inform the Government’s position, which I announced on 28 April 2013, on the European Commission’s restrictions on neonicotinoids.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:53:08.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283845,"EventID":"S4W-14569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:53:08.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T12:06:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-12317 and S4W-12330 by Richard Lochhead on 25 January 2013, whether it will review its responses, in particular its comment that “studies conducted under realistic field conditions have not identified any unacceptable risk at field population level”, in light of the House of Commons' Environmental Audit Committee report, Pollinators and Pesticides, which was published on 5 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The science in relation to neonicotinoids and bees in field conditions is still very unclear. However, on 28 April 2013, whilst supporting a precautionary approach and Europe’s proposed restrictions for the use of neonicotinoids, I said that given the lack of conclusive evidence, research will need to be undertaken to give us the clarity we seek.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:53:08.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283846,"EventID":"S4W-14571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:53:09.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T12:06:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on a moratorium on the use of pesticides containing neonicotinoids, in light of the House of Commons' Environmental Audit Committee report, Pollinators and Pesticides, which was published on 5 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government adopted a precautionary approach and supported restrictions to neonicotinoid use, whilst allowing further research to be undertaken to clarify whether these neonicotinoids harm bees in the field.\r\nThe European Appeals Committee met on 29 April 2013 to discuss proposals for EU-wide restrictions on the use of certain neonicotinoids, and while they did not reach a qualified majority decision for or against their introduction, the European Commission will nevertheless support restrictions which will come into force on 1 December 2013.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:53:09.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283847,"EventID":"S4W-14572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-26T15:53:09.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T13:47:44.133","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on how many occasions Historic Scotland has provided advice to a planning authority on an application for renewal of planning consent that has differed from the advice given on the original application.\r\n","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland, acting on behalf of Scottish Ministers, considers all planning applications notified to them on their particular merits, bearing in mind the relevant planning policies and the individual circumstances of each case.\r\nIn the majority of circumstances planning authorities will be responsible for determining renewal applications. Where appropriate the local authority will notify these applications to Historic Scotland, as they do with other types of planning application, at which point the agency will scrutinise them in the usual manner as set out above. It should be noted that not every application that seeks to renew permission is described as such, for example an application may refer to amending a condition on an earlier permission that specified the time period for works to start rather than stating it is to renew permission.\r\nHistoric Scotland does not and, because of the different ways they are described, cannot record planning permission renewals in such a way that they are easily separated from other types of notification. It is, therefore, not possible to provide information on how many renewal applications have been received and how these were handled in the context of the agency’s previous advice. This would mean searching every planning permission notification received (around 1,000 notifications per year) and checking with the local planning authorities concerned that they were indeed renewals. Therefore, the information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-13T15:53:09.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283867,"EventID":"S4T-00328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T12:56:31.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T09:33:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the engine failure of the MV Hamnavoe, what contingency plans are in place to maintain the lifeline ferry service on the Pentland Firth.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T12:56:31.483","MeetingDate":"2013-04-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283868,"EventID":"S4T-00329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T12:56:31.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T09:58:34.65","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the Supreme Court ruling on the Salvesen v Riddell case.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T12:56:31.827","MeetingDate":"2013-04-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283883,"EventID":"S4F-01330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T12:55:47.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T15:24:05.077","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T12:55:47.64","MeetingDate":"2013-05-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283884,"EventID":"S4F-01332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T12:55:49.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T09:45:35.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T12:55:49.03","MeetingDate":"2013-05-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283885,"EventID":"S4F-01339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T12:55:51.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T11:04:55.173","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government is doing to increase the uptake of foreign languages in secondary schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T12:55:51.477","MeetingDate":"2013-05-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283886,"EventID":"S4F-01341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T12:55:52.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T11:15:51.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T12:55:52.74","MeetingDate":"2013-05-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283887,"EventID":"S4F-01345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T12:55:53.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T11:35:52.733","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what discussions the Scottish Government has had with the European Commission regarding an opt-out from pensions regulations should Scotland become independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T12:55:53.91","MeetingDate":"2013-05-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283888,"EventID":"S4F-01351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T12:55:55.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T11:40:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how communities are benefiting from proceeds of crime.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T12:55:55.533","MeetingDate":"2013-05-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283889,"EventID":"S4W-14533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:49:33.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:11:46.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13930 by John Swinney on 24 April 2013, for what reason it did not publish the evidence that it received from the regulators and governments of other countries in preparing the report.\r\n","AnswerText":"The evidence from regulators and governments underpins the Report and is in the public domain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:49:33.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283890,"EventID":"S4W-14534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:49:35.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:11:46.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13931 by John Swinney on 25 April 2013, whether it will publish a summary of each response from the regulators that it consulted.\r\n","AnswerText":"The evidence from the regulators underpins the report and is in the public domain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:49:35.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283891,"EventID":"S4W-14535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:49:37.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:11:46.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13932 by John Swinney on 25 April 2013, for what reason it did not publish the evidence that it received from the business organisations that it consulted.\r\n","AnswerText":"The evidence from business organisations underpins the Report and is in the public domain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:49:37.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283892,"EventID":"S4W-14536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:49:39.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:11:46.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13932 by John Swinney on 25 April 2013, for what reason it did not consult any businesses that are subject to regulation in preparing the report.\r\n","AnswerText":"By consulting organisations that represent businesses in Scotland, we sought to gain evidence that spanned across a number of business interests to capture a wider range of views.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:49:39.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283893,"EventID":"S4W-14537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:49:41.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:11:46.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13933 by John Swinney on 25 April 2013, what evidence it has received to suggest that its proposed regulatory structure would reduce parcel delivery charges to the Highlands and Islands and when it will consult parcel delivery companies on the possible impact of the proposed structure.\r\n","AnswerText":"A Scottish regulator, focused on the specific circumstances and geography of Scotland, opens up new opportunities to better meet the needs of the Scottish people. The work on a combined economic regulator is on-going, and engagement with key stakeholders will continue to be an important part of that work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:49:41.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283894,"EventID":"S4W-14539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:49:43.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:11:46.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13934 by John Swinney on 25 April 2013, whether (a) Croatia, (b) Finland and (c) Ireland was selected for inclusion in Table A2 and, if so, whether this was prior to its assessment of that country's regulatory costs and staff numbers.\r\n","AnswerText":"Finland, Croatia and Ireland were all included in table A2. They were selected for inclusion based on having a similar population size to Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:49:43.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283895,"EventID":"S4W-14540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:49:45.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:11:46.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13937 by John Swinney on 25 April 2013, whether it will publish a summary of each response from the regulators that it consulted.\r\n","AnswerText":"The evidence from the regulators underpins the report and is in the public domain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:49:45.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283896,"EventID":"S4W-14541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:49:47.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:11:46.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13938 by John Swinney on 23 April 2013, whether it held meetings with the (a) Netherlands Competition Authority and (b) Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and, if so, (i) where and (ii) when.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials met with officials from The Netherlands Competition Authority in The Hague on 3 December 2012. A teleconference was held with the officials from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in Scottish Government premises in Scotland on 6 December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:49:47.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283897,"EventID":"S4W-14542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:49:48.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:11:46.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13939 by John Swinney on 25 April 2013, when its meeting with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) was held; what topics were discussed, and whether these included discussions on the theoretical joint governance of the CAA between an independent Scotland and the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"The meeting between Scottish Government officials and the Civil Aviation Authority took place on 7 January 2013. Topics of discussion were the functions of the CAA.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:49:48.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283898,"EventID":"S4W-14543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:49:49.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:11:46.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13939 by John Swinney on 25 April 2013, with which organisations it has discussed theoretical joint governance arrangements for the Civil Aviation Authority between an independent Scotland and the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"No discussions have as yet taken place on theoretical joint governance arrangements of the CAA between an independent Scotland and the rest of the UK. Engagement with key stakeholders will continue to be an important part of the Scottish Government’s work going forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:49:49.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283899,"EventID":"S4W-14544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:49:51.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:11:46.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13939 by John Swinney on 25 April 2013,  what topics were discussed during its meeting with the New Zealand Commerce Commission and where this meeting was held.\r\n","AnswerText":"The meeting was held in Scottish Government premises in Scotland. The role, functions and logistics of operating the New Zealand Commerce Commission were discussed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:49:51.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283900,"EventID":"S4W-14546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:49:52.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:11:46.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to questions S4W-13941 and S4W-13942 by John Swinney on 23 April 2013, whether it will publish (a) the material on health and safety regulation and (b) its conclusion on what it considers the best option for the function of competition appeals and, if so, whether this will be prior to the publication of the white paper.\r\n","AnswerText":"The powers gained by independence will ensure Scots’ vision for a better Scotland will be realised. The Government will continue to show how Scotland can achieve more as an independent country in a range of papers, speeches and events ahead of the referendum on 18 September 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:49:52.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283901,"EventID":"S4W-14548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:49:54.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:11:46.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13943 by John Swinney on 23 April 2013, for what reason it has not published its dialogue with the governments and regulators of Australia and New Zealand used to underpin the report.\r\n","AnswerText":"The discussions with the regulators and governments underpins the Report and is in the public domain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:49:54.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283902,"EventID":"S4W-14549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:49:55.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:11:46.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13944 by John Swinney on 23 April 2013, whether it plans to meet the chair designate.\r\n","AnswerText":"Plans are in place for a meeting with the chief executive designate and thereafter with the chair designate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:49:55.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283903,"EventID":"S4W-14550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:49:56.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:11:46.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13945 by John Swinney on 23 April 2013, whether it will publish the information that it received from each regulator that it used to make its calculation in the report.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information used to underpin the calculation in the report is available from the relevant regulatory bodies and is already in the public domain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:49:56.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283904,"EventID":"S4W-14551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:49:58.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:11:46.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13946 by John Swinney on 23 April 2013, whether it plans to publish further information on the funding of regulation and the extent of industry contributions and, if so, whether this will be prior to the publication of the white paper.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the funding of UK regulatory bodies and industry contributions is already in the public domain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:49:58.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283905,"EventID":"S4W-14552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:49:59.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T11:11:46.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13948 by John Swinney on 23 April 2013, whether it will publish the calculation that it used to generate the figure of £10 million referred to in the report.\r\n","AnswerText":"The calculation referred to in the footnote on page 24 of the Report draws on the figures on operating expenditure per head included in Figure A2 on page 20.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:49:59.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283906,"EventID":"S4W-14562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:50:00.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T12:00:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the staff response to Healthcare Improvement Scotland's recent survey of how staff perceived the performance of the organisation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) staff survey and responses to it were intended for internal use and reference and as such there was no intention to publish the results. The key themes of the survey have been shared with the HIS Partnership Forum and Corporate Management Team and will be incorporated into the Staff Governance Action Plan for 2013-14. All HIS staff will be fully engaged in the implementation of the Staff Governance Action Plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:50:00.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283907,"EventID":"S4W-14563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:50:03.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T12:00:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps are being taken to  encourage \"behavioural improvement\" as set out in the minutes of Healthcare Improvement Scotland's Staff Governance Committee meeting of 26 March 2013 and whether this relates to accusations of workplace bullying.\r\n","AnswerText":"This statement relates to work required to further embed the values and behaviours’ of Healthcare Improvement Scotland which are aligned to the 2020 Workforce Vision and does not relate to accusations of workplace bullying. Mechanisms are being put in place to ensure consistent cascading of information; further develop leadership and management and in engaging staff in difficult times and this will be reflected in the organisation’s Staff Governance Action Plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:50:03.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283908,"EventID":"S4W-14564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:50:05.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T12:00:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what is meant by \"there is still a long way to go\", \"significant issues remaining include treating everybody with respect\" and \"variable experiences of leadership\" as set out in the minutes of Healthcare Improvement Scotland's Staff Governance Committee meeting of 26 March 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"Healthcare Improvement Scotland is a relatively new organisation which has gone through significant change and restructure over the past 18 months. Some staff have experienced a period of uncertainty as they move into new structures and teams and have experienced changes in leadership and management reporting lines. Since the staff survey took place, support has been provided for new teams to help them build team relationships and support leaders and managers in taking forward their new teams. These statements reflect a culture of transparency and a strong commitment to improving internal ways of working.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:50:05.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283909,"EventID":"S4W-14566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:50:07.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T12:00:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the concern about \"transparency of communications\" as set out in the minutes of Healthcare Improvement Scotland's Staff Governance Committee meeting of 26 March 2013 applies internally as well as to external relations.\r\n","AnswerText":"Like many organisations, Healthcare Improvement Scotland regularly survey staff to improve the way they work. The last survey, which was conducted in December 2012 shows improved scores in all areas. Some staff made comment around improving internal communications, which the organisation is taking seriously and working to ensure information is cascaded in a timely and consistent way.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:50:07.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283910,"EventID":"S4W-14567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:50:09.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T12:00:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government where the proposed away day for the executive team of Healthcare Improvement Scotland will be held; at what cost, and who will attend.","AnswerText":"Five members of the Healthcare Improvement Scotland Executive Team met on 9 April 2013 at the Scottish Health Service Centre, an NHSScotland resource which is part of National Services Scotland. The cost was £277.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:50:09.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283911,"EventID":"S4W-14574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:50:11.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T16:40:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish an implementation timeframe for the Mental Health Strategy for Scotland: 2012-2015.","AnswerText":"We have already or are in the process of setting up a number of Implementation and Monitoring Groups which will oversee delivery of the commitments in the Strategy and developing consensus about future developments.\r\nEach of the groups is responsible for monitoring progress, identifying barriers to implementation, providing advice on delivery and ensuring that the commitments are met. They will also have a role in considering the agenda for the end of the Strategy period. The groups are:\r\nMental Health Delivery Team -  overall deliver of the Strategy and Data and Knowledge (Commitments 1, 14, 26, 27, 28 and 36)\r\nPsychological Therapies (Commitment 13)\r\nChild and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Commitments 7-12)\r\nPrimary Care and Common Mental Health Problems (Commitments 6, 15-22)\r\nRights, Recovery, Families and Carers, Peer to Peer and Employability (Commitments 2-5 and 29)\r\nCommunity, Inpatient and Crisis Services (Commitments 23-25)\r\nThis approach is a flexible one which allows us to bring in different expertise across the timeframe of delivery of the Strategy. Some of the commitments are relatively easy to map out at this stage e.g. commissioning a review, but others are more developmental and implementation will depend on what emerges from the early stages of the work e.g. development of learning disability child and adolescent mental health services.\r\nWe will be updating the Mental Health Strategy pages on the Scottish Government website to include information about the Implementation and Monitoring Groups, their membership and meetings, and about progress on each of the commitments.  In addition, we intend to hold an annual stakeholder engagement event where stakeholders who are not involved directly in the Implementation and Monitoring Groups can hear in more detail about delivery of the commitments, and have an opportunity to comment and provide feedback.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:50:11.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283912,"EventID":"S4W-14575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:50:14.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T16:40:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will report on progress toward achieving the 2014 HEAT target on accessing psychological therapies.","AnswerText":"In preparation for reporting on the Psychological Therapies HEAT Target, ISD Scotland are collecting data on a monthly basis from NHS boards. Currently boards are at different stages in the format and completeness of the data they are able to report on, although all boards are working hard to have systems in place.\r\nWe will make the first publication reporting on progress towards the target later this year, when we expect the data will be of sufficient quality and sufficiently consistent and complete to allow meaningful interpretation and comparison.\r\nWork is ongoing to ensure that NHS boards have the right measures in place to deliver, in a manner which ensures not only achieving the waiting time target, which is in itself important, but also puts in place sustainable service improvement and benefit to patients. This involves work around a number of areas, including capacity, information systems and service redesign.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:50:14.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283913,"EventID":"S4W-14576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:50:15.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T16:40:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has achieved the HEAT target of 26 weeks from referral to treatment for specialist child and adolescent mental health services from March 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on patients who started treatment within 26 weeks at Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) Services is published quarterly at the link http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Waiting-Times/Publications/. The latest publication includes information to December 2012.\r\nMarch data is being collated by ISD and will be included in the quarterly publication (January 2013 – March 2013) that is published on 28 May 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:50:15.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283914,"EventID":"S4W-14577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:50:17.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T16:40:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish guidance evidencing what works in employability for people with mental illness, as set out in Commitment 29 of the Mental Health Strategy for Scotland: 2012-2015.","AnswerText":"The implementation group established to oversee delivery of this commitment will have its first meeting in June. The group will be responsible for a number of commitments including employability and will continue to build on work developing an established base of evidence around the different elements of employability and their suitability for mental health provision at varying levels of need.\r\nThe group will be focusing not simply on what works but on developing the evidence for individuals across the spectrum of mental health and wellbeing. This work is being carried out with a wide range of stakeholders across the statutory and voluntary sector.\r\nThe guidance which will set out the evidence base and identify good practice will be published on completion of that work. We will be updating the Mental Health Strategy pages on the Scottish Government website to include information about Implementation and progress on each of the Strategy commitments, including commitment 29.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:50:17.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283915,"EventID":"S4W-14578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:50:19.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T11:11:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date the Scottish Prison Service will launch its piloting of mobile phone blocking technology and which two prisons have been chosen for the pilot.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“We are not currently able to provide a definitive date for the introduction of this technology, but it is our intention to have the two pilots in place during the current financial year”.\r\nWe have not definitely identified the two sites we will use but for security reasons it would not be our intention to publicly announce those sites.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:50:19.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283916,"EventID":"S4W-14579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:50:21.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T11:11:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what company the Scottish Prison Service has selected to provide the technology for its mobile phone blocking pilot and what others were considered in the selection process.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“The procurement process for blocking equipment has not yet begun. The type of equipment to be used will be subject to a Memorandum of Understanding with OFCOM and telephone operatives. When this has been concluded it would be intention to either procure in conjunction with the National Offender Management Service and the Ministry of Justice framework agreements or advertise these requirements via the Public Contracts Scotland Web Portal.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:50:21.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283917,"EventID":"S4W-14582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T14:50:23.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T12:01:47.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason arable land at Knocknagael is being sold for housing development rather than agricultural purposes.","AnswerText":"Under the Scottish Public Finance Manual Guidelines on the Disposal of Property, Plant and Equipment the Scottish Government is required to dispose of assets which are surplus to requirements as soon as possible, usually within three years and for the best price reasonably obtainable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T14:50:23.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283918,"EventID":"S4W-14583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T17:08:46.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T15:30:29.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the finding of the report, Unburnable carbon 2013: Wasted capital and stranded assets, that between 60 and 80% of coal, oil and gas reserves of publicly listed companies are unburnable if the world is to have a chance of not exceeding a rise in global average temperature of more than 2°C.","AnswerText":"Scotland needs a balanced energy policy. We believe that through our strong promotion of Carbon Capture and Storage and the continued potential of our onshore and offshore renewables sector, the Scottish Government is taking the necessary steps to meet our ambitious climate change targets in our continuing transition to a low carbon economy.\r\nThe committee on climate change has stated that a minimum Scottish contribution to the required global effort is broadly characterised by our meeting Scotland's statutory greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.  \r\nThe draft second Report on Proposals and Policies (RPP2) clearly shows that together all of the policies and proposals described would allow us to exceed each annual target from 2013 -2027.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T17:08:46.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283919,"EventID":"S4W-14584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-29T17:08:46.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T15:30:29.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government about offering rebates on energy bills in exchange for local unconventional fossil fuel extraction developments.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government have had no discussions with the UK Government on these matters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-14T17:08:46.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283933,"EventID":"S4W-14573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-30T13:56:43.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-26T16:29:04.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to extend access to superfast broadband to those urban areas that do not have it.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has committed over £240 million of public funding to the Step Change 2015 programme, which will deliver a step change in next generation broadband connectivity to those areas where the market will currently not go.\r\nWe are also collaborating with Scotland's seven cities through the Scottish Cities Alliance. Digital connectivity is a key priority of the Alliance and we are working collectively to deliver world class digital connectivity, capacity and usage across the cities and their regions and improved mobile coverage along our main transport links.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-15T13:56:43.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283934,"EventID":"S4W-14591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-30T13:56:44.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T16:41:06.947","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is applying the precautionary principle in relation to the licensing of plant protection products containing neonicotinoids.\r\n","AnswerText":"In my announcement on 28 April 2013 I supported proposals to restrict neonicotinoid use in Europe, whilst highlighting the need for further research to give us the clarity we need on this difficult issue. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-15T13:56:44.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283935,"EventID":"S4W-14592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-30T13:56:44.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-30T11:42:28.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has had with (a) the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers, (b) COSLA, (c) local authorities and (d) teaching unions on the impact of the most recent changes to the terms and conditions of short-term supply teachers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT), which comprises membership from the Scottish Government, local authorities and Teacher organisations, has responsibility for the pay and terms and conditions for all teachers including those undertaking short-term supply. The Scottish Government is fully engaged in all SNCT discussions and as such meets regularly with representatives from COSLA, local authorities and the teacher unions.\r\nThe Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has separately met with all partners of the SNCT to discuss a range of issues including short-term supply.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-15T13:56:44.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283936,"EventID":"S4W-14593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-30T13:56:45.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-30T11:42:28.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on resolving the reported shortage of short-term supply teachers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is continuing to work within the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers to monitor issues relating to supply staff.\r\nThe numbers of teachers trained each year includes an allowance to ensure that there is a pool of supply teachers from which schools can draw as necessary. The Scottish Government recommended an increase in student teacher intake numbers in the primary sector by 300 for academic year 2012-13. Those teachers will enter the workforce in August 2013.\r\nIn addition the teacher workforce planning advisory group, which comprises local authorities, CoSLA, teacher unions, the teacher education universities and other relevant stakeholders, has considered the evidence of statistical modelling and other indicators related to teacher employment and agreed unanimously in December 2012 that student teacher intake numbers in the primary sector should increase again in 2013. The Scottish Government issued guidance to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) that a further increase of 370 should be made for academic year 2013-14. The SFC Circular of 27 February 2013 (SFC/02/2013) confirms that increase. The group also agreed that a thorough review should be conducted of the arrangements used to influence the number of students in each of the secondary subjects and this work is currently underway.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-15T13:56:45.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283937,"EventID":"S4W-14594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-30T13:56:45.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-30T11:42:28.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has made or will make of the impact of the most recent changes to the terms and conditions of short-term supply teachers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT), which comprises membership from the Scottish Government, local authorities and teacher organisations, has undertaken three surveys to analyse the impact of the changes. The SNCT is currently discussing the issue and the Scottish Government is fully engaged in those discussions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-15T13:56:45.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283938,"EventID":"S4W-14595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-30T13:56:45.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-30T11:58:13.803","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown by local authority of the £46 million in funding to support capital projects announced in its news release of 19 December 2012, Swinney delivers on jobs and growth.","AnswerText":"The £46 million additional capital funding provided to local authorities was made up of £1.3 million in 2012-13 and £44.9 million in 2013-14. The distribution of these sums to local authorities which was agreed with COSLA, was set out and published in the Local Government Finance Circular 1/2013 dated 7 February 2013 at Annexes J and K respectively. This document can be accessed via the following link:\r\nLocalGovernmentFinanceCircular1/2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-15T13:56:45.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283939,"EventID":"S4W-14596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-30T13:56:46.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-30T11:58:13.803","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown by (a) funding amount and (b) status of the (i) housing, (ii) transport and regeneration, (iii) further and higher education, (iv) economic development, (v) health maintenance, (vi) maintenance of the justice system estate, (vii) forestry, national parks and tourism and (viii) culture and heritage projects that have received funding from the £205 million announced in the news release of 19 December 2012, Swinney delivers on jobs and growth.","AnswerText":"The information relating to part (a) has already been published but has been included in the following table together with the information relating to part (b). Where status is defined as completed, the funding allocated for that project has been fully utilised. Where status is defined as in progress, the project will commence construction in 2013-14:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2012-13 (£M)\r\n2013-14 (£M)\r\n2014-15 (£M)\r\nTOTAL (£M)\r\nSTATUS\r\nLOCAL GOVERNMENT TOTAL 1\r\n1.30\r\n44.90\r\n\r\n46.20\r\n\r\nTrunk Road maintenance\r\n5.00\r\n5.00\r\n\r\n10.00\r\nIn Construction\r\nGreat Glen cycle route\r\n\r\n1.60\r\n1.00\r\n2.60\r\nIn Progress\r\nOban to Appin cycle route\r\n\r\n0.40\r\n\r\n0.40\r\nIn Progress\r\nAccess to stations\r\n\r\n0.50\r\n\r\n0.50\r\nIn Progress\r\nCycle parking at schools\r\n\r\n0.20\r\n0.20\r\n0.40\r\nIn Progress\r\nCycling infrastructure projects total \r\n\r\n2.70\r\n1.20\r\n3.90\r\n\r\nTarbert Loch Fyne (works to pier for new hybrid vessel), Kerrera 2\r\n0.20\r\n1.85\r\n\r\n2.05\r\nIn Progress\r\nTobermory (slipway improvements) 3\r\n0.60\r\n\r\n\r\n0.60\r\nIn Progress\r\nFerry port infrastructure total \r\n0.80\r\n1.85\r\n\r\n2.65\r\n\r\nScottish Canals: contribution to proposed Pinkston Paddlesports Centre with Glasgow City Council and sportscotland.\r\n0.25\r\n0.75\r\n\r\n1.00\r\nIn Construction\r\nScottish canals: Bowling Harbour regeneration\r\n0.10\r\n0.90\r\n\r\n1.00\r\nIn Construction\r\nScottish canals: public realm and accessibility\r\n0.35\r\n0.75\r\n\r\n1.10\r\nIn Construction\r\nLiving on Water initiative-provision of residential moorings with facilities to permit implementation of floating villages at Firhill and Grangemouth and other locations across the Lowlands Canals\r\n0.50\r\n0.55\r\n\r\n1.05\r\nIn Construction\r\nScottish canals: new footbridge at Spiers Wharf\r\n\r\n0.25\r\n\r\n0.25\r\nIn Progress\r\nScottish canals: Great Glen Canoe Trail 4\r\n0.13\r\n\r\n\r\n0.13\r\nIn Construction\r\nScottish canals: camping strategy along Caledonian canal 4\r\n\r\n0.10\r\n\r\n0.10\r\nIn Construction\r\nCanal infrastructure projects: Regeneration and Tourism total\r\n1.33\r\n3.30\r\n\r\n4.63\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2012-13 (£M)\r\n2013-14 (£M)\r\n2014-15 (£M)\r\nTOTAL (£M)\r\nSTATUS\r\nTRANSPORT TOTAL\r\n7.13\r\n12.85\r\n1.20\r\n21.18\r\n\r\nHIE-Dingwall Business Park\r\n\r\n0.25\r\n\r\n0.25\r\nIn Progress\r\nHIE-Proposed investment in specific business expansion, job creation and export markets 5\r\n0.40\r\n\r\n\r\n0.40\r\nIn Construction\r\nHIE-Sandbank Business Park, Dunoon \r\n\r\n0.50\r\n\r\n0.50\r\nIn Progress\r\nHIE-Kintyre House, Campbeltown\r\n\r\n0.50\r\n\r\n0.50\r\nIn Progress\r\nHIE-Development Site on Bute\r\n\r\n0.50\r\n\r\n0.50\r\nIn Progress\r\nHIE-Raasay Outdoor Centre\r\n0.29\r\n0.11\r\n\r\n0.40\r\nIn Construction\r\nHIE-Kinloch Lodge Limited\r\n0.20\r\n0.02\r\n\r\n0.22\r\nIn Construction\r\nHIE-Ullapool Harbour Trust-provision of units at Morefield\r\n0.10\r\n0.09\r\n\r\n0.19\r\nIn Construction\r\nHIE-Funding for multi user access\r\n\r\n0.35\r\n\r\n0.35\r\nIn Progress\r\nHIE-Kishorn Plant-master planning application & initial enabling works\r\n\r\n0.30\r\n\r\n0.30\r\nIn Progress\r\nHIE-Inverness Airport Business Park\r\n\r\n0.25\r\n\r\n0.25\r\nIn Progress\r\nAdditional HIE investment 6\r\n2.70\r\n\r\n\r\n2.70\r\nIn Progress\r\nHighland and Islands Enterprise: economic development projects total\r\n3.69\r\n2.87\r\n\r\n6.56\r\n\r\nScottish Enterprise-International Technology and Renewable Energy Zone\r\n2.45\r\n\r\n\r\n2.45\r\nCompleted\r\nScottish Enterprise-flexible workspaces, Seabraes Yard, Dundee\r\n1.45\r\n\r\n\r\n1.45\r\nCompleted\r\nScottish Enterprise-National Renewables Infrastructure Fund site assembly, Rosyth\r\n0.50\r\n\r\n\r\n0.50\r\nCompleted\r\nScottish Enterprise-Economic Development Projects total\r\n4.40\r\n\r\n\r\n4.40\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2012-13 (£M)\r\n2013-14 (£M)\r\n2014-15 (£M)\r\nTOTAL (£M)\r\nSTATUS\r\nENTERPRISE TOTAL\r\n8.09\r\n2.87\r\n\r\n10.96\r\n\r\nLong distance paths (Great Glen Way)\r\n\r\n1.00\r\n\r\n1.00\r\nIn Procurement\r\nLong distance paths (West Highland Way)\r\n\r\n0.75\r\n\r\n0.75\r\nIn Progress\r\nSlope Stability (Glenrigh, A82 south of Fort William)\r\n\r\n0.50\r\n\r\n0.50\r\nIn Procurement\r\nCapital Buildings Refurbishment (mechanical engineering workshops)\r\n\r\n0.60\r\n\r\n0.60\r\nIn Procurement\r\nCapital Buildings Refurbishment (Aberfoyle Office including Biomass)\r\n\r\n0.30\r\n\r\n0.30\r\nIn Procurement\r\nForestry projects: access, road infrastructure and buildings refur","AnswerDate":"2013-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-15T13:56:46.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283940,"EventID":"S4W-14597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-30T13:56:46.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-30T12:00:37.02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many Schedule 1 bird licences were issued by Scottish Natural Heritage in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012 and to what organisations.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) issued Schedule 1 licences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as follows: \r\n2010 - 587 Schedule 1 licences (485 licences and 102 subsequent amendments).\r\n2011 - 548 Schedule 1 licences (487 Licences and 65 subsequent amendments).\r\n2012 - 639 Schedule 1 licences (518 Licences and 121 subsequent amendments).\r\nThe licences are for purposes including ringing birds, visiting nests and monitoring to gather data on breeding performance as well as for photography and surveys to inform potential developments (e.g. windfarms).\r\nLicences are issued to individuals rather than organisations. However, these licences include those issued to staff from SNH, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Forestry Commission as well as members of Raptor Study Groups and numerous Environmental Consultancies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-15T13:56:46.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283969,"EventID":"S4W-14598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-04-30T16:59:22.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-30T15:53:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date it will introduce the proposed Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government intends to consult on a draft Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill in late summer. The Scottish Government intends to introduce the Bill to the Scottish Parliament in this parliamentary session and will set out the detail of its future legislative plans in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-15T16:59:22.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283982,"EventID":"S4W-14587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T13:42:31.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T16:17:18.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that the public is aware of (a) any health risk associated with and (b) all areas that may be affected by combined storm overflows so that they do not bathe in or near them.\r\n","AnswerText":"Waters with substantial numbers of bathers are designated under Bathing Waters legislation. All designated bathing waters have a profile, identifying risks to water quality, which is published on SEPA’s website, with summaries on information signs at bathing water locations. An electronic signage network at 23 sites across Scotland displays real-time predictions of bathing water quality during the bathing water season, 1 June to 15 September. Daily forecasts are also displayed on the SEPA website, by smartphone application and via Beachline services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T13:42:31.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283983,"EventID":"S4W-14589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T13:42:31.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T16:17:18.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of areas affected by combined storm overflows to prevent them being used for recreational purposes.","AnswerText":"Recreational use of waters that may be affected intermittently by combined sewer overflows is not prohibited. However, action is being taken through Scottish Water’s investment programme and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency’s licensing regime to reduce the number of combined sewer overflows and the numbers of times they overflow. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T13:42:32.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283984,"EventID":"S4W-14590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T13:42:32.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T16:17:18.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had in the last two years with (a) Scottish Water, (b) the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and (c) local authorities in connection with public health issues related to discharges from combined storm overflows.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government, SEPA and Scottish Water hold regular discussions on the improvements that Scottish Water is making to waste water treatment with a view to improving the protection of bathing waters. Reducing the number of combined storm overflows and reducing the frequency of spills into bathing waters are important objectives of Scottish Water’s investment programme.\r\nThe Scottish Government and local authorities receive weekly updates from SEPA on water quality at Scotland’s designated bathing waters during the bathing water season, 1 June to 15 September, and discuss bathing water improvement with SEPA periodically throughout the year. The Government has written to all local authorities informing them of their legal obligations to protect public health, which include: providing information on short term pollution impacts under regulation 8 and actions required during abnormal situations under regulation 13 of the Bathing Water (Scotland) Regulations 2008.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T13:42:32.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283985,"EventID":"S4W-14599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T13:42:32.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-30T16:59:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it can provide examples of “cross-border schemes with Ireland” as referred to by a Scottish Government spokesman in a report in the The Herald on 26 April 2013.","AnswerText":"The ICAS report “Scotland’s Pensions Future: What Pensions Arrangements Would Scotland Need?”, on page 17 footnote 22, provides the example of the implementation of EU Directive 2003/41/EC (IORP) and the operation of cross-border pensions schemes between the UK and Ireland and states:\r\n“Prior to the Pensions (IORP) Directive, employers with subsidiaries in other member states (other than those with subsidiaries in the Republic of Ireland which received a level of exclusion due to a reciprocal agreement between the UK and Ireland) were required to establish separate schemes in each member state in which a subsidiary was based. The Pensions (IORP) Directive enabled, for the first time, companies operating in a number of member states to consolidate their pension arrangements in one member state. During the consultation process for the UK’s implementing legislation, the impact of the Directive’s cross-border funding requirements on existing UK/Irish cross-border schemes was considered. The Commission refused to exclude existing cross-border schemes operating in the UK and the Republic of Ireland from the scope of the obligations under the Directive, though ultimately the UK implementing legislation provided for a three year grace period for existing cross-border schemes to reach full funding levels.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T13:42:32.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283986,"EventID":"S4W-14600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T13:42:33.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-30T16:59:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what pension scheme management companies it has consulted regarding the effect that Scottish independence would have on their funding arrangements in light of EU regulations requiring the full funding of cross-border pension schemes.","AnswerText":"We are engaging with key participants from providers, trustees and employers on this and other issues of importance to business in the independence debate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T13:42:33.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283987,"EventID":"S4W-14601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T13:42:33.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-30T16:59:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the cross-border management of pension schemes in the event of Scottish independence.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government would welcome discussions with the UK Government on a range of issues relating to Scottish independence, including the operation of cross-border pension schemes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T13:42:33.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283988,"EventID":"S4W-14602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T13:42:34.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-30T16:59:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to withdraw from the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) in the event of Scottish independence and, if so, whether it would negotiate a division of PPF levies accumulated since its establishment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The current rights and entitlements under UK-wide schemes, such as the PPF which is funded by levies on the industry, will continue as will the protection that the Fund affords to current pension scheme members and pensioners in Scotland. It is a requirement of the EU Directive 2003/41/EC Institutions for Occupational Retirement Provision (IORP) (Article 17c) that each Member State must provide a guarantee fund equating to one third of the required solvency margin. An independent Scotland will continue to comply with this EU regulation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T13:42:34.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283989,"EventID":"S4W-14603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T13:42:34.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-30T16:59:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in the event of Scottish independence, whether it would guarantee benefits accrued after independence by pension schemes that are currently part of UK pension schemes and, if so, on what terms.","AnswerText":"All pensions’ rights and entitlements which have been accrued will continue to be fully protected and accessible under independence, including private, public and state pensions. There is no rationale as to why in an independent Scotland the provision for and payment of private pensions would be otherwise.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T13:42:34.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283990,"EventID":"S4W-14604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T13:42:34.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T10:39:46.477","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many employees of each NHS board are suspended from work for a period greater than one month.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. This is a matter for NHS Boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T13:42:34.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283991,"EventID":"S4W-14605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T13:42:35.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T10:39:46.477","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of its civil servants are suspended from work for a period greater than one month.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are currently no civil servants who have been suspended for a period greater than one month.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T13:42:35.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283992,"EventID":"S4W-14606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T13:42:35.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T10:39:46.477","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many employees of maintained schools are suspended from work for a period greater than one month.\r\n","AnswerText":"Recruitment and deployment of staff in local authority schools in Scotland are matters for local authority employers to determine and as such the Scottish Government does not collate this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T13:42:35.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283993,"EventID":"S4W-14615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T14:48:00.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T14:43:15.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will (a) allocate the financial transactions' Barnett consequentials that it has been allocated and (b) manage the £54.8 million reduction in its 2013-14 resource DEL budget arising from the 2013 UK Budget.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Budget 2013 and the UK Government’s Help to Buy initiative have generated financial transactions consequentials for Scotland of £109 million in 2013-14 and £157.5 million in 2014-15. There are also financial transactions consequentials of £24.3 million available in 2014-15 as a result of the UK Autumn Statement on 5 December 2012. All of these financial transactions consequentials are only available to the Scottish Government to support loans and equity investment, with a requirement to repay funding to the Exchequer in future years. This is not normal capital expenditure which can be allocated to directly support the social housing sector.\r\nI can confirm to Parliament that the Scottish Government will allocate all of these financial transactions consequentials, amounting to £290.8 million over two years, to measures that will provide substantial further support to the housing sector. As part of this approach, I can confirm that the Scottish Government will allocate significant additional funding to support shared equity schemes in Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government will work with stakeholders to determine arrangements for the operation of these schemes, ahead of a further announcement in the course of May.\r\nIn addition, I confirm to Parliament that funding for the sector will be further boosted by the allocation of an additional £20 million capital grant funding for the affordable housing supply programme in 2014-15. This will be funded through available Capital DEL consequentials, generated by the Autumn Statement 2012 but not yet allocated by the Scottish Government.\r\nFinally, I confirm to Parliament that the Scottish Government will minimise the impact of the £54.8 million reduction in its 2013-14 Resource DEL budget on frontline public services and public sector employment in Scotland, by adopting the following approach.\r\nUnder existing spending plans for 2013-14, £12 million of loans finance that is being made available through the Warm Homes Fund and open market shared equity scheme is being supported through the Scottish Government’s Capital DEL budget. The allocation of financial transaction consequentials to these schemes will enable the Government to reduce the level of planned switch between Resource and Capital budgets in the Housing portfolio by £12 million.\r\nI will utilise £10 million of Barnett consequentials received in the UK Autumn Statement 2012. I had intended utilising this sum to boost college funds but I have been able to provide for this through an allocation to the Scottish Funding Council of emerging 2012-13 underspend to the college sector in academic year 2013-14.\r\nI can also confirm to Parliament that, as a result of the reform of police and fire services, the Scottish Government will gain access in 2013-14 to a share of accumulated police reserves estimated to amount to between £20 and £30 million, which will accrue to the Scottish Government Resource DEL Budget.\r\nBetween them, these three steps will almost fully offset the cut that has been made in the Scottish Government Resource DEL budget in 2013-14, without detriment to existing programmes and spending plans.\r\nAdjustments to budgets will be given effect in the normal way through in-year budget revisions.\r\nI also confirm that local government has not been required to make any contribution to the reduction in the budget that we have faced.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T14:48:01.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283997,"EventID":"S4O-02075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:43.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T12:19:53.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made with the Detect Cancer Early Programme.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:43.543","MeetingDate":"2013-05-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283998,"EventID":"S4O-02076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:44.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T10:12:54.763","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that the health and wellbeing needs of adults with learning difficulties are taken into account when service redesign is being proposed at a local level.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:44.04","MeetingDate":"2013-05-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":283999,"EventID":"S4O-02077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:44.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-30T11:07:23.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent assessment has been made of dementia services in NHS Shetland and the availability and retention of staff to deliver these. ","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:44.76","MeetingDate":"2013-05-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284000,"EventID":"S4O-02078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:45.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-30T14:32:44.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of Healthcare Improvement Scotland and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:45.367","MeetingDate":"2013-05-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284001,"EventID":"S4O-02079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:45.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-30T15:36:01.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it provides care and support for stroke patients.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:45.99","MeetingDate":"2013-05-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284002,"EventID":"S4O-02080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:46.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T12:19:57.353","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it oversees the application process for community pharmacies.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:46.833","MeetingDate":"2013-05-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284003,"EventID":"S4O-02081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:47.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T10:55:21.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact will be of the shingles vaccination programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:47.8","MeetingDate":"2013-05-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284004,"EventID":"S4O-02083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:48.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T11:57:52.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will make statutory a universal entitlement to services from health visitors.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:48.58","MeetingDate":"2013-05-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284005,"EventID":"S4O-02084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:49.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T12:19:59.007","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with NHS Lothian regarding the maximum level of daily fines that the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh can impose on its maintenance contractor, Consort Healthcare.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:49.25","MeetingDate":"2013-05-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284006,"EventID":"S4O-02085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:50.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T12:19:59.223","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve the treatment of type 2 diabetes.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:50.327","MeetingDate":"2013-05-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284007,"EventID":"S4O-02086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:50.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T12:19:59.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its plans are for the provision of dentistry in NHS Grampian.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:50.64","MeetingDate":"2013-05-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284008,"EventID":"S4O-02087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:51.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T12:20:00.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent progress there has been with the review of the individual patient treatment request process.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:51.107","MeetingDate":"2013-05-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284009,"EventID":"S4O-02088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:51.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T12:20:01.19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action the NHS is taking to improve its services for users of British Sign Language.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:51.687","MeetingDate":"2013-05-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284010,"EventID":"S4O-02089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:52.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T11:55:31.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is reducing the health impacts of poor air quality in cities.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:52.713","MeetingDate":"2013-05-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284011,"EventID":"S4O-02090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:53.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T12:20:01.673","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met NHS Lanarkshire and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers and Government officials regularly meet with representatives of all NHS boards, including NHS Lanarkshire, to discuss matters of interest to local people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:53.697","MeetingDate":"2013-05-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284012,"EventID":"S4O-02091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:55.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T09:38:23.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it expects the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency to rule on the licensing of electronic cigarettes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has set up an expert group to look at both market and scientific research on nicotine products and is expected to publish its findings in June 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:55.04","MeetingDate":"2013-05-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284013,"EventID":"S4O-02092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:55.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T12:20:02.673","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the recent MS Society report, A lottery of treatment and care – MS services across Scotland and the UK.","AnswerText":"We welcome the MS Society’s latest report. We want to work collaboratively with the third sector to ensure that everyone with MS in Scotland is able to access the care and support that they need.\r\nThe report identifies the improvements that have been made in recent years such as the implementation of the neurological standards. It also highlights areas in need of further attention, an example being access to medicines. This is why I have asked officials to explore how we can identify any barriers to medicines and what action can be taken to remove them.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:55.727","MeetingDate":"2013-05-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284014,"EventID":"S4O-02093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:56.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T09:18:41.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support is available for people with MS who are seeking specialist physiotherapy.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is for individual NHS boards to determine the number of dedicated physiotherapists they require to support people with multiple sclerosis (MS) based on local priorities and clinical need. However, Healthcare Improvement Scotland has in place clinical standards for Neurological Health Services. Standard 14 includes access to specialist MS services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:56.537","MeetingDate":"2013-05-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284015,"EventID":"S4O-02094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:57.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-30T14:16:02.043","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proposals it has for maternity provision in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Service change proposals are matters for NHS boards, in line with national policies and guidelines. There are currently no formal proposals to change the provision of maternity services in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:57.207","MeetingDate":"2013-05-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284016,"EventID":"S4O-02096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:57.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T12:21:02.263","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Justice last met the Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:57.613","MeetingDate":"2013-05-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284017,"EventID":"S4O-02097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:57.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T12:21:02.483","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will cap the cost of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route project at the current estimate.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:57.987","MeetingDate":"2013-05-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284018,"EventID":"S4O-02098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:58.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T11:51:39.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports bus services.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:58.58","MeetingDate":"2013-05-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284019,"EventID":"S4O-02099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:59.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-30T15:20:06.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle air pollution in cities.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:06:59.127","MeetingDate":"2013-05-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284020,"EventID":"S4O-02100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:06:59.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T12:21:03.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on comments by the Chairman of the Yes Scotland campaign that a separate Scottish currency would give “more flexibility, more freedom” and “a wider range of economic levers” than its plans for a currency union.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:07:00","MeetingDate":"2013-05-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284021,"EventID":"S4O-02101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:07:00.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T12:21:03.433","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to OKI Electric's plans to reduce the size of its workforce at its Cumbernauld plant by around half.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:07:00.64","MeetingDate":"2013-05-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284022,"EventID":"S4O-02103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:07:01.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T09:02:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding devolving air passenger duty.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:07:01.577","MeetingDate":"2013-05-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284023,"EventID":"S4O-02104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T15:07:02.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-29T12:21:04.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the impact on jobs and communities, what input it has into consultations on Post Office closures.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the importance of post offices to Scottish communities and local economies. However, any changes to the Post Office network are the responsibility of the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T15:07:02.463","MeetingDate":"2013-05-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284024,"EventID":"S4W-14607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T17:03:18.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T12:56:11.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to tackle child obesity in the Rutherglen constituency.  \r\n","AnswerText":"The Government Obesity strategy “Preventing Overweight and Obesity in Scotland: A Route Map Towards Healthy Weight” sets out our long term commitment to tackling overweight and obesity. For Children this includes action on diet, physical activity and behaviour change which involves the parents and carers as well as the children themselves.\r\nLocally the Government has supported the health board to undertake child healthy weight interventions and enabled organisations to increase opportunities for children to get involved in sport and physical activity through active schools but also through funding from Cashback for Communities. Further opportunities for physical activity, has also been provided by a number of improvements to the local cycle network. The Healthy Living Award and the Scottish Grocers Federation Healthy Living Programmes both supported by the Government are increasing the opportunities for local people to access healthy food.\r\nNationally, the Government continues to develop preventative measures including the Maternal and Infant Nutritional Framework for Action, which looks at the nutrition of mothers before and during pregnancy, supports and promotes the benefits of breastfeeding and the importance of a healthy diet throughout early childhood. This is further supported by the National Parenting Strategy, which acknowledges that supporting parents is key to achieving a change in children’s nutrition.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T17:03:18.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284025,"EventID":"S4W-14608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T17:03:19.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T13:26:36.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to write off the student debt of graduates of universities in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Access to student loans is a key part of how students in Scotland support themselves. The Scottish Government has no plans to change that, however we are committed to ensuring that the amount of debt accrued remains manageable and that we do not, for example, ask our students to take on loans to pay tuition fees.\r\nBeyond that, we are not resourced to make amends for the historical mistakes of previous administrations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T17:03:19.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284026,"EventID":"S4W-14609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T17:03:19.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T13:29:30.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what projects it is funding to tackle racism in schools, broken down by funding amount.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are providing £400,000 over financial years 2012-15 to Show Racism the Red Card and Youth Development and Employment Support, however, the specific amounts for work in schools cannot be identified as the work of these organisations cut across many areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T17:03:19.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284027,"EventID":"S4W-14611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T17:03:20.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T14:12:07.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to reduce health inequalities in the Rutherglen constituency.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed through its strategy Equally Well to reducing those avoidable inequalities in health that exist across Scotland.\r\nWithin the Rutherglen constituency area, the Government is involved in a range of initiatives with a number of organisations that help to provide necessary local support that enable individuals to make informed choices, to support a healthier lifestyle. Examples include Keep Well, the Healthy Living Award, Cashback for Communities and Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland’s Partnership Drug Initiative.\r\nThe Government is also taking steps to highlight the importance of health inequalities and the expectation that they will be tackled at a local level. Health inequalities have therefore been made one of the key national priorities for new Single Outcome Agreements (SOAs) where the aim should be to achieve transformational, not incremental performance improvement. SOAs encourage partners to develop a shared understanding of their area’s needs and develop local solutions for local priorities.\r\nAt the root of health inequalities are income inequalities and the Government is active in supporting people on low incomes through initiatives such as restoring the UK Government  cut in Council Tax Benefit and wider activities as part of the social wage such as free prescriptions, free nursery places and free personal care for the elderly. We are concerned that these commitments are being undermined by the UK Government’s cuts which also risk undermining the long term approach we are taking to tackling the causes of poverty, through early intervention and prevention and we condemn the actions taken on Welfare taken by the UK Government and would seek that these decisions are taken by the Scottish Parliament to better protect the people of Rutherglen and Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T17:03:20.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284034,"EventID":"S4W-14610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T17:03:20.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T13:43:12.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) what its position is on and (b) whether it plans to review the defence of provocation in relation to adultery.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Law Commission has begun a review of the law of homicide, which will encompass a general review of the defences of provocation, self-defence, coercion and necessity as well as a comprehensive examination of the required mental element for the crime of homicide. Further information may be found at: http://www.scotlawcom.gov.uk/law-reform-projects/homicide/ \r\nThe Scottish Government will give any recommendations very careful consideration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T17:03:20.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284035,"EventID":"S4W-14612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T17:03:20.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T14:31:50.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether prostate cancer is included in the early detection strategy and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Detect Cancer Early Programme aims to increase the proportion of cancers detected at the early stage of disease. Although directed at lung, breast and colorectal cancers in the first instance, early diagnosis and high quality treatment and care for all patients with cancer is a top priority. It is anticipated that the programme will benefit people with other types of cancer as general awareness raising initiatives are expected to result in earlier presentation, referral and assessment for all those with a possibility of cancer.\r\nColorectal, lung and breast cancer represent 45 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in Scotland per year. To allow the early stages of the programme to be appropriately managed and be the most effective, a decision was taken to focus on these three cancers initially. This will enable the greatest impact both in terms of patient numbers and in tackling cancer in areas of deprivation where survival has historically been poorest. It will be easier to demonstrate shifts in outcomes and in population attitudes by choosing the high incidence tumour types as the initial focus, it is anticipated that this will identify best practice and build momentum for the programme that will then facilitate roll out to other tumour types.\r\nOnce the initial phase of the Detect Cancer Early Programme is completed, consideration will be given to which other cancers need to be tackled in a similar way.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T17:03:20.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284036,"EventID":"S4W-14613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T17:03:21.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T14:31:50.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve awareness of prostate cancer to promote early detection.","AnswerText":"The Detect Cancer Early Programme aims to increase the proportion of cancers detected at the early stage of disease. Although the Detect Cancer Early Programme focuses on breast, lung and colorectal cancers, an initial priming phase of campaigning included raising awareness of a suite of body changes that could indicate cancer. The priming and ongoing campaign messages aim to create more confidence about cancer and its treatment and encourage people to present early to their GP with any changes in their body. In this way, it is anticipated that there will be increased awareness of symptoms and signs of cancer types additional to lung, breast and colorectal, including prostate, amongst the general public and clinicians.\r\nAdditional tumour groups, including prostate cancer, will be considered by the DCE Programme Board in due course and an option appraisal process is currently being explored.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T17:03:21.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284037,"EventID":"S4W-14614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T17:03:21.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T14:31:50.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it is giving to investment in robotic surgery.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Planning Forum has established a sub-group with the remit, “to look at the case for robot-assisted prostate cancer surgery in Scotland and consider whether the evidence is sufficiently robust to take forward implementation in Scotland in a planned and co-ordinated way” and to report its findings and recommendations by late spring 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T17:03:21.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284038,"EventID":"S4W-14617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T17:03:22.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T15:27:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contracts it has awarded to (a) Kier Group, (b) Royal BAM Group or (c) Ferrovial or subsidiaries in each year since 2007, broken down by value, and what information it has on any other public sector contracts awarded.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not awarded any contracts to Kier Group, Royal BAM Group or Ferrovial or its subsidiaries since 2007.\r\nWe do not hold information centrally on all of the contracts awarded by public bodies in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T17:03:22.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284039,"EventID":"S4W-14619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T17:03:22.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T15:27:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken, or is taking, to ensure that companies involved in, or known to have been involved in, blacklisting are not awarded public sector contracts.","AnswerText":"We have invited the trade unions to work with us on the development of guidance for public bodies on addressing the issue of blacklisting in future procurement processes and public contracts. We are exploring the potential for asking additional questions of suppliers at the selection stage of a procurement exercise and holding suppliers to account through revised terms and conditions of contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T17:03:22.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284040,"EventID":"S4W-14620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T17:03:22.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T15:27:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10879 by John Swinney on 18 December 2012, what efforts it has made to contact trade unions with a view to considering strategies to ensure that companies involved in blacklisting (a) are not and (b) cannot be awarded public sector contracts.","AnswerText":"We have invited trade unions to work with us on the development of guidance for public bodies on addressing the issue of blacklisting in future procurement processes and public contracts. Invitations were sent on 4 April 2013 to trade unions, including those which raised the issue of blacklisting in their responses to the consultation on the Procurement Reform Bill. An initial draft of the guidance was circulated to trade unions on 9 May 2013; we have convened a meeting to seek their input.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T17:03:22.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284041,"EventID":"S4W-14621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T17:03:23.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T15:27:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11742 by John Swinney on 18 December 2012, whether it will commission a public inquiry into blacklisting in Scotland following publication of the House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee report, Blacklisting in Employment: Interim Report.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have read the Scottish Affairs Committee’s Interim Report with interest and note that it intends to continue its rigorous investigations. It is appropriate for the Scottish Affairs Committee to conduct and conclude their inquiry into this issue as matters of employment law are reserved to the UK Government. Once the report is completed we will give consideration to the merits of a public inquiry at that time. We look forward to the final report from the Committee.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T17:03:23.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284042,"EventID":"S4W-14622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-01T17:03:23.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T15:27:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-01964 by Nicola Sturgeon on 27 March 2013, when it will decide what measures it can include in the forthcoming Procurement Reform Bill to address the issue of blacklisting.","AnswerText":"We remain in the process of considering the content for the Procurement Reform Bill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-16T17:03:23.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284053,"EventID":"S4W-14616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-02T14:06:36.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T15:07:37.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money is available from Skills Development Scotland and Scottish Enterprise to provide training and retraining for those employees affected by the liquidation of Scottish Coal.","AnswerText":"Through our Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative, we took immediate action to provide help and support for the individuals of Scottish Coal and Castlebridge Plant who were made redundant on 19 April 2013.\r\nWe held four PACE Redundancy Support Events in Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, Alloa and Fife which almost 200 former employees attended and completed registration forms and where PACE Partners were available to provide advice and guidance on areas such as career development and training opportunities.\r\nAll individuals who have been made redundant will have access to training opportunities through our Employability Fund, the total budget for which stands at £52 million for this current 2013-14 financial year.\r\nWe are currently working urgently with administrators KPMG and Scottish Coal to clarify the actual position in terms of employees’ certification and we will of course work with local and national partners and potential employers to maximise employment opportunities for those individuals affected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-17T14:06:36.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284054,"EventID":"S4W-14623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-02T14:06:37.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T16:30:23.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14313 by Alex Neil on 30 April 2013, when the implant register will be in place and whether it will specifically include (a) PIP breast and (b) transvaginal mesh implants.\r\n","AnswerText":"The scope and timescale for implementation forms part of the consideration by officials, including colleagues from NHS National Services Scotland, Information Services Division, of options for an implant register.\r\nThis is currently ongoing in consultation with clinicians and the working group of patients and officials which is being established following my recent meeting with you and the women affected by transvaginal meshes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-17T14:06:37.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284055,"EventID":"S4W-14625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-02T14:06:38.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T16:30:23.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14315 by Alex Neil on 30 April 2013, how many patients were diagnosed with acidovorans following the procedure.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-17T14:06:38.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284056,"EventID":"S4W-14626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-02T14:06:38.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T16:30:23.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14314 by Alex Neil on 30 April 2013, how many transvaginal mesh devices have been supplied to each NHS board in each year since 2007-08, broken down by (a) manufacturer and (b) type of device.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of transvaginal meshes supplied by National Procurement is given in the following table by NHS board and product.\r\n\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\nNHS Fife\r\nNHS Highland\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nNHS Tayside\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\nTotal\r\nDevice TVT 830041\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2009-2010\r\n0\r\n0\r\n4\r\n0\r\n14\r\n0\r\n2\r\n20\r\n2010-2011\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\n3\r\n7\r\n2011-2012\r\n0\r\n0\r\n4\r\n0\r\n12\r\n0\r\n4\r\n20\r\n2012-2013\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\n8\r\n0\r\n0\r\n10\r\nGynecare TVT Obturator System\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2009-2010\r\n8\r\n82\r\n0\r\n0\r\n55\r\n0\r\n57\r\n202\r\n2010-2011\r\n57\r\n130\r\n5\r\n29\r\n54\r\n0\r\n53\r\n328\r\n2011-2012\r\n31\r\n100\r\n47\r\n73\r\n48\r\n25\r\n1\r\n325\r\n2012-2013\r\n21\r\n98\r\n28\r\n75\r\n56\r\n42\r\n0\r\n320\r\nGyncare TVT Abbrevo\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2009-2010\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2010-2011\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2011-2012\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2012-2013\r\n18\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n29\r\n47\r\n1. Information was provided by NHS National Services Scotland: National Procurement (NP) where devices were supplied by NP to NHS boards in response to catalogue requests.\r\n2. The manufacturer of all three devices is Johnson and Johnson.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-17T14:06:38.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284057,"EventID":"S4W-14627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-02T14:06:39.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T16:30:23.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14315 by Alex Neil on 30 April 2013, how many of the procedures were carried out by independent providers, broken down by provider.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is provided in the following table:\r\nNumber of transvaginal mesh implant procedures performed by independent providers on behalf of the NHS in Scotland.\r\nYear\r\nProvider\r\nNumber of procedures\r\n2007-2008\r\nCarrick Glen Hospital\r\n5\r\n2008-2009\r\nCarrick Glen Hospital\r\n19\r\n \r\nRoss Hall Hospital\r\n*\r\n \r\nGlasgow Nuffield Hospital\r\n*\r\n2009-2010\r\nCarrick Glen Hospital\r\n6\r\n \r\nMurrayfield Hospital\r\n*\r\n2010-2011\r\n-\r\n-\r\n2011-2012\r\nRoss Hall Hospital\r\n*\r\nSource: NHS: National Services Scotland: Information Service Division (ISD) SMR01 linked catalogue.\r\n* Some values have been suppressed due to the potential risk of disclosure and to help maintain patient confidentiality. For further guidance see ISD’s Statistical Disclosure Control Protocol ISD's Statistical Disclosure Control Protocol. \r\n- denotes zero (0)\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-17T14:06:39.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284063,"EventID":"S4W-14484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-02T16:21:26.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-25T11:19:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12773 by Alasdair Allan on 2 April 2013, whether it will continue to publish similar reports to measure if the strategy is delivering improvement against the outcomes and priorities it identified in the plan, as agreed by the Parliament in motion S4M-04313, and, if so, how reguarly it will do so.\r\n","AnswerText":"Bòrd na Gàidhlig will continue to produce progress reports on the National Gaelic Language Plan on a quarterly basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-17T16:21:26.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284064,"EventID":"S4W-14630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-02T16:21:26.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T12:06:51.483","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recent sandstorms and forecast persistant rain, what assistance it will give to Moray Council to help clear up and what its position is on whether clearing drains and gullies should be considered a priority measure as a contingency against flooding.\r\n","AnswerText":"As yet, Moray Council has not submitted an application for any additional funding following the recent storms.\r\nThe Scottish Government is providing local government in Scotland with over £10.3 billion in 2013-14. Moray Council’s needs-based share of this total amounts to £181.6 million and the vast majority of this funding, including the funding for flood prevention contingency measures, is being provided by means of a block grant. It is the responsibility of each local authority to allocate the total financial resources available to it on the basis of local needs and priorities, having first fulfilled its statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities including the Scottish Government’s key strategic objectives.\r\nThe clearance of road drains and gullies in Moray is a matter for the local authority, the trunk roads authority or operating company as appropriate. However, in the case of land drainage, this is usually a matter for the relevant landowner and, where this involves dredging or clearing watercourses and ditches, they should contact the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency for advice in case this requires an application for an authorisation under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-17T16:21:26.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284065,"EventID":"S4W-14631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-02T16:21:27.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T12:35:04.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4F-00845 by Alex Salmond on 13 September 2012 (Official Report, c. 11413), on what date it will publish its estimate of the climate impact of its policy on air passenger duty.\r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minister has confirmed that, as part of the detailed consideration of a replacement to the UK Government's Air Passenger Duty, the Scottish Government will conduct analysis on the environmental impact of proposals. That will be undertaken and the results will be made available in due course\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-17T16:21:27.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284066,"EventID":"S4W-14632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-02T16:21:27.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T13:15:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the NHS workforce planning tools are used by all NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerText":"A suite of nursing and midwifery Workload tools has been developed covering 95% of all service areas within NHS Scotland. Speciality-specific Workload tools have been used by all territorial boards; the Neonatal and SCAMPS™(Paediatric) tools are used on a twice daily basis by every relevant unit in NHS Scotland. The majority of NHS boards are also involved when piloting and developing a tool.\r\nAs of April 2013, all NHS boards are expected to use the workload tools to inform local nursing and midwifery workforce planning. The application of the workload tools is mandatory to support evidence based decisions in relation to Nursing and Midwifery establishments and should form part of a broader approach that incorporates professional judgement and quality measures. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-17T16:21:27.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284067,"EventID":"S4W-14633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-02T16:21:27.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T13:15:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what role staff representatives played in the development of the NHS workforce planning tools.\r\n","AnswerText":"Representatives from the Royal College of Nursing Scotland, Royal College of Midwifery, UNISON and Unite have been involved with the development of the workload tools since their inception and continue to be represented on the Nursing and Midwifery Workload and Workforce Planning Programme National Steering Group. \r\nShort life working groups, including practitioners and staff representatives from the relevant specialties, have been formed to inform the development of each speciality specific workload tool. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-17T16:21:27.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284068,"EventID":"S4W-14634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-02T16:21:28.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T13:15:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that the NHS maintains its level of (a) quality and (b) service provision.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is taking a number of steps to ensure that the NHS maintains its level of (a) quality and (b) service provision. \r\nThe Healthcare Quality Strategy for Scotland is our means to achieve care that is safer, more effective and more person-centred. We are protecting the health budget and investing in the NHS workforce and facilities. We want to support staff caring directly for patients to lead the improvement in quality, and we have recently announced that the successful Scottish Patient Safety Programme will be extended to primary care. \r\nWe will be bringing forward legislation to integrate adult health and social care, and over £50 million is being invested to transform unscheduled care in Scotland. \r\nTo ensure we have the right number of staff and the right mix of skills in place we worked with staff representatives to develop workforce planning tools that are now mandatory for NHS boards. We have recently announced the development of a new bed planning tool which will help ensure that hospitals and communities have the right beds in the right place to treat patients as Scotland’s health service faces the challenge of an ageing population.\r\nWe also remain committed to minimum unit pricing for alcohol. We believe this policy, agreed by Parliament, backed by expert opinion and now vindicated by the recent court ruling, is the most effective pricing measure to address the availability of the high-strength low-cost alcohol that is doing so much damage to our communities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-17T16:21:28.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284069,"EventID":"S4W-14635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-02T16:21:28.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T15:27:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when local taxation was last discussed at the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"The current council tax system is unfair, which is why the Scottish Government has frozen the tax at 2007-08 levels.\r\nThis policy has proved overwhelmingly popular with people across Scotland. We are committed to continuing the freeze for the duration of this Parliament, by which time the policy will have saved the average household around £1,200.\r\nWe will consult with others to produce a fairer local tax based on ability to pay later in this Parliament. \r\nThe Scottish Cabinet routinely discusses issues of importance to the people of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-17T16:21:28.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284070,"EventID":"S4W-14636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-02T16:21:28.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T15:27:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth last reported to the Cabinet on local taxation.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14635 on 17 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-17T16:21:28.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284071,"EventID":"S4W-14638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-02T16:21:29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T15:27:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government with whom it is consulting on developing a form of local taxation based on the ability to pay and what it considers to be affordable types of such taxation.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14635 on 17 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-17T16:21:29.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284072,"EventID":"S4F-01356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-02T16:43:00.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T12:42:16.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.  \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-17T16:43:00.327","MeetingDate":"2013-05-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284073,"EventID":"S4F-01364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-02T16:45:07.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T14:25:53.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the implications for Scotland are of the Queen’s Speech.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-17T16:45:07.35","MeetingDate":"2013-05-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284074,"EventID":"S4F-01367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-02T16:43:04.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T14:29:20.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the reported comments of the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing that “we are still going to need the same number of beds, the same number of hospitals, the same number of doctors and nurses just to stand still” in relation to an ageing population reflect Scottish Government policy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-17T16:43:04.397","MeetingDate":"2013-05-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284075,"EventID":"S4F-01368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-02T16:43:04.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T14:47:37.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-17T16:43:04.96","MeetingDate":"2013-05-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284076,"EventID":"S4F-01369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-02T16:43:05.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T15:17:34.4","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-17T16:43:05.333","MeetingDate":"2013-05-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284077,"EventID":"S4F-01370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-02T16:43:05.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T15:52:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the recent Foreign Affairs Committee report on the consequences of Scottish independence. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-17T16:43:05.677","MeetingDate":"2013-05-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284085,"EventID":"S4W-14646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:04.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T16:10:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02044 by Roseanna Cunningham on 25 April 2013, how many of the people convicted plead guilty prior to trial.\r\n","AnswerText":"Of the 55 convictions under the Offensive Behaviour and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012, as at 31 December 2012, 44 arose from a plea of guilty. The available information does not record whether the guilty pleas were tendered prior to or during trial.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:04.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284086,"EventID":"S4W-14647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:05.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T16:10:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02044 by Roseanna Cunningham on 25 April 2013, how many of the convictions were for (a) violent and (b) non-violent offences.\r\n","AnswerText":"A conviction for “offensive behaviour at regulated football matches”, under section 1 of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012, may be for threatening behaviour as well as hateful or other offensive behaviour which may incite public disorder. A conviction may therefore include violent behaviour but if violent behaviour was involved then a person may be charged with other offences.\r\nThe information provided in response to S4O-02044 on convictions under the Act is derived from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service’s live operational case management system, which is specifically designed to receive criminal reports from the police and other specialist reporting agencies and to manage these cases for prosecution purposes. The information held on the system is structured for these operational needs, rather than for statistical reporting or research purposes, and it is not possible from the case management system to provide the information requested as convictions are not split up or recorded in such a way.\r\nThe Government will publish this month the first annual statistics and analysis of offences committed under the Act from its coming into force until 31 March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:05.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284087,"EventID":"S4W-14648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:05.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T16:10:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02044 by Roseanna Cunningham on 25 April 2013, how many of the convictions were for the use of language deemed (a) sectarian or (b) otherwise offensive.\r\n","AnswerText":"A conviction for “offensive behaviour at regulated football matches”, under section 1 of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012, may be for threatening, hateful or other offensive behaviour which may incite public disorder. Hateful behaviour includes expressing hatred of, or stirring up hatred against, individuals or groups of persons based on their actual or presumed religion, nationality and ethnic or national origins.\r\nThe information provided in response to S4O-02044 on convictions under the Act is derived from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service’s live operational case management system, which is specifically designed to receive criminal reports from the police and other specialist reporting agencies and to manage these cases for prosecution purposes. The information held on the system is structured for these operational needs, rather than for statistical reporting or research purposes, and it is not possible from the case management system to provide the information requested as charges are not split up or recorded in such a way.\r\nThe Government will publish this month the first annual statistics and analysis of offences committed under the Act from its coming into force until 31 March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:05.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284088,"EventID":"S4W-14649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:05.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T16:10:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02044 by Roseanna Cunningham on 25 April 2013, how many of the people charged were subsequently tried and what the conviction rate was.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest available statistics on convictions under the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012 remain those reported in response to S4O-02044. However, the Government will publish this month the first annual statistics and analysis of offences committed under the Act from its coming into force until 31 March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:05.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284089,"EventID":"S4W-14650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:06.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T16:10:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S40-02044 by Roseanna Cunningham on 25 April 2013, how many of the people convicted could not have been charged under legislation in place prior to the commencement of the Offensive Behaviour and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not, and never has been, held centrally for this or other legislation. Under Scots law, the choice of the appropriate charges to bring forward in each case is a matter for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, in accordance with the Lord Advocate’s guidelines on prosecution.\r\nThe guidelines can be found at -\r\nhttp://www.copfs.gov.uk/images/Documents/Prosecution_Policy_Guidance/Lord_Advocates_Guidelines/Lord%20Advocates%20Guidelines%20-%20The%20Offensive%20Behaviour%20at%20Football%20and%20Threatening%20Communications%20Scotland%20Act%202012.PDF.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:06.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284090,"EventID":"S4W-14651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:06.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T16:10:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02044 by Roseanna Cunningham on 25 April 2013, whether the conviction under section 6 was for the use of language deemed (a) sectarian or (b) otherwise offensive.\r\n","AnswerText":"A conviction for the offence of “threatening communications”, under section 6 of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012, may be for the communication of material which threatens serious violence or threatening material intended to stir up hatred on religious grounds. The conviction referred to related to a threat of serious violence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:06.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284091,"EventID":"S4W-14654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:06.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T16:17:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what PFI projects there are in Fife and what the (a) estimated capital value and (b) annual revenue cost is and what percentage of Fife Council spend the revenue cost represents.","AnswerText":"The information relating to (a) and (b) is available from the Scottish Government website under ‘PPP/PFI Projects (operational) by way of the following link: www.scotland.gov.uk.\r\nInformation relating to Local Government revenue expenditure is also available from the Scottish Government website under Scottish Local Government Financial Statistics by way of the following link: www.scotland.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:06.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284092,"EventID":"S4W-14668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:07.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T11:03:08.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14226 by Roseanna Cunningham on 3 May 2013, whether it will provide the information that was requested and confirm whether it will bring forward a report before the completion of the review period; whether the legislation forbids it from producing such a report, and what its position is on how offences under section (a) 1 and (b) 6 of the Act are being dealt with.\r\n","AnswerText":"Section 11 of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012 contained an express provision requiring the Government to report to Parliament on the operation of the legislation after two full football seasons. Work on the evidence necessary to inform the report to Parliament has already begun.\r\nThe legislation does not prevent the production of an earlier report but the Government remains of the view that the original legislative provision as agreed by Parliament is the most appropriate review mechanism.\r\nThe way in which the offences under sections 1 and 6 are being dealt with is primarily an operational matter for the police, but the Government will publish this month the first annual statistics and analysis of the offences committed under the Act over the first year of its operation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:07.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284093,"EventID":"S4W-14670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:07.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:11:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11911 by John Swinney on 17 January 2013, who it plans to consult; what the timescale is, and what models it has considered as possible replacements for the council tax.","AnswerText":"The current Council Tax system is unfair, which is why the Scottish Government has frozen the tax at 2007-08 levels.\r\nThat policy has proved overwhelmingly popular with people across Scotland. We are committed to continuing the freeze for the duration of this Parliament, by which time the policy will have saved the average household around £1,200.\r\nWe will consult with others to produce a fairer local tax based on ability to pay later in this Parliament. All potential alternative proposals which meet this criteria will be considered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:07.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284094,"EventID":"S4W-14671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:07.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:57:03.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is a standard minimum nurse-to-patient ratio and, if so, whether this is statutory.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no regulations or Scottish Government guidelines on minimum nurse to patient or nurse to healthcare assistant ratios, or use of minimum staffing ratios. \r\nGuidelines were issued to NHS boards in Scotland regarding the use of the national nursing and midwifery workload and workforce planning tools (CEL 32/2012). These tools are nationally validated and statistically robust and are used to derive the nursing number for each clinical area as appropriate through measurement of the actual workload, as part of a broader approach incorporating nurses’ professional judgement with quality measures. From April 2013, all NHS boards are expected to use the tools to inform local nursing and midwifery planning.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:07.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284095,"EventID":"S4W-14672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:08.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:57:03.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the nurse-to-patient ratio is.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not centrally held. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:08.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284096,"EventID":"S4W-14673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:09.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:57:03.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much compensation the NHS has paid to claimants in each year since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"The total amount spent by NHSScotland on clinical negligence claims since 2007-08 is detailed in the following table:\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n£m\r\n2008-09\r\n£m\r\n2009-10\r\n£m\r\n2010-11\r\n£m\r\n2011-12\r\n£m\r\n2012-13\r\n£m\r\nNHSScotland\r\n18.9\r\n28.4\r\n31.1\r\n60.7\r\n29.2\r\n35.0\r\nFluctuations in the sums paid from year to year are due to the number of high value settlements occurring in any one year. These tend to relate to birth cases where the sums paid can be substantial. In 2010-11 there were 25 claims paid that were in excess of £1 million compared to 16 in 2009-10.\r\n\r\n\r\nSCOTTISH GOVERNMENT\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:09.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284097,"EventID":"S4W-14674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:09.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:57:03.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on whether reductions in the number of NHS staff since 2007-08 have had an impact on levels of bullying and harassment.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2007-08 there has been an increase in the number of NHS Scotland staff.\r\nIn September 2007 there were 131,094.8 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) staff (154,180 headcount) working in NHS Scotland, which has risen to 132,541.5 WTE (155,781 headcount) staff in December 2012, an increase of 1,446.7 WTE staff (1,601 headcount).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:09.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284098,"EventID":"S4W-14675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:10.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:57:03.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how will it ensure that staff reductions in the NHS do not lead to higher mortality rates.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are now 5,829 more people working in the NHS (excluding GPs and GDPs) than when the SNP came to Government. This represents an increase of 3.9%.\r\nThe Scottish Patient Safety Programme was launched in January 2008 and now has an aim to reduce hospital mortality by 20% by 2015. Scotland is the first country in the world to implement a national patient safety programme across the whole healthcare systems.\r\nFigures show that acute hospital mortality across Scotland continues to reduce by 12.4% since 2007. That equates to around 8,500 fewer than expected deaths, a result of our robust safety system working.\r\nFurther information regarding NHS mortality rates can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Quality-Indicators/Publications/2013-02-26/2013-02-26-HSMR-Summary.pdf?94044131041 \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:10.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284099,"EventID":"S4W-14676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:11.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:57:03.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the skills mix of nursing teams is appropriate to providing high standards of quality patient care.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has worked with NHS Scotland to develop a suite of workload measurement tools which help ensure the most efficient and effective use of the nursing and midwifery resource.\r\nAs of April 2013, all NHS boards are expected to use the workload tools to inform local nursing and midwifery workforce planning as part of a broader approach that incorporates professional judgement and quality measures. Skill mix is one of the considerations that is taken into account when applying the workload tools. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:11.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284100,"EventID":"S4W-14677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:11.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:57:03.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the expected demand for qualified nurses in the NHS is for (a) 2013 to 2018 and (b) 2019 to 2023, also broken down by specialism.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards are asked to provide workforce projections on an annual basis, therefore, projected demands for qualified nurses in the NHS for (a) 2013 to 2018 and (b) 2019 to 2023 are not available.\r\nProjections for 2013-14 should be submitted to the Scottish Government by 28 June 2013, and will be published at the end of August 2013. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:11.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284101,"EventID":"S4W-14679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:12.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T13:00:35.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the NHS has standards in place for the prevention of complications linked to diabetes.","AnswerText":"SIGN Guideline 116: Management of Diabetes makes it clear that all people with diabetes should be encouraged to work towards optimising their glycaemic control to reduce the risk of diabetes related complications.\r\nWe expect all people with diabetes to have the risk factors for complications assessed and recorded on a regular basis by the team responsible for their diabetes care.\r\nThese assessments include checks on; blood glucose, blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels; eye and foot screening, kidney function tests and weight recording. Individuals are also provided with tailored information and advice on how to manage their diabetes effectively.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:12.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284102,"EventID":"S4W-14680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:13.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T13:00:35.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is making people with diabetes aware of the risks of foot ulcers and leg amputation.","AnswerText":"Our Scottish Diabetes Foot Action Group (SDFAG) is working closely with Diabetes UK to raise public awareness of foot complications for people with diabetes through the “Put Feet First” campaign.\r\nDuring the foot screening process, clinicians are expected to make the patient aware of the risk factors that contribute to ulceration and amputation and provide information tailored to the patient’s individual need. This advice is also emphasised through appropriate written information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:13.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284103,"EventID":"S4W-14681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:13.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T13:00:35.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have experienced foot complications as a result of diabetes in each year since 2008-09.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Diabetes Survey collates data submitted by all 14 NHS Scotland Boards on the number of people with diabetes.\r\nThe 2011 report can be found at: http://www.diabetesinscotland.org.uk/Publications/SDS%202011.pdf\r\nInformation in the report (Table 69) reported that in Scotland\r\nPercentage of people with diabetes (type 1 and type 2 combined) who had a record of ever having had a foot ulcer was:\r\nYear\r\n% of people with diabetes\r\n2011\r\n4.3 %\r\n2010\r\n4.4 %\r\n2009 \r\n4.3 %\r\n2008 \r\n4.6 %\r\nInformation in the report (Table 71) reported that in Scotland\r\nPercentage of people with diabetes (type 1 and type 2 combined) who had a record of ever having had a lower limb amputation,\r\nYear\r\n% of people with diabetes\r\n2011 \r\n0.6%\r\n2010 \r\n0.5 %\r\n2009 \r\n0.5 %\r\n2008 \r\n0.5 %\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:13.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284104,"EventID":"S4W-14682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:14.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T13:00:35.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is a compulsory foot check for people with diabetes.","AnswerText":"We expect clinicians to adhere to relevant clinical standards and guidelines when planning an individual’s diabetes care.\r\nSIGN Guideline 116: Management of Diabetes makes it clear that all patients with diabetes should be screened in a timely manner to assess their risk of developing a foot ulcer. This is supported by the inclusion of a diabetes foot screening indicator in the new Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF) 2012-13.\r\nThis will ensure that all people with diabetes have their feet checked and foot risk score recorded as an integral part of their diabetes care and will reduce the number of lower limb amputations. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:14.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284105,"EventID":"S4W-14683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:14.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T13:00:35.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been spent on foot ulcer- and diabetes-related amputations in each year since 2008-09.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nNHS boards are expected to plan, fund and deliver services to meet the needs of their local populations and the totality of a person’s healthcare needs rather than on an individual condition basis. Accurate estimates for the overall cost of foot ulcer and diabetes related amputations are therefore difficult to establish due to the involvement of numerous disciplines as well as the variable social and rehabilitation costs associated with amputations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:14.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284106,"EventID":"S4W-14684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T14:15:15.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T13:00:35.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what is being done to eradicate the preventable cases of diabetes-related amputation.","AnswerText":"Through the work of the Scottish Diabetes Group, we have supported the introduction of a foot risk stratification system.\r\nThis allows clinicians to assess the major risk factors which may lead to foot ulceration, record them appropriately to calculate a foot risk score and then arrange for the appropriate treatment to be provided. This system of risk stratification ensures that all patients who are at risk of developing a foot ulcer (which if left untreated can lead to amputations), will receive the most appropriate treatment in a timely manner.\r\nWork is progressing through our Scottish Diabetes Foot Action Group to improve access to multidisciplinary foot care, provide structured education for all people with foot complications and raise awareness with staff in hospitals to the importance of foot care for in-patients with diabetes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T14:15:15.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284108,"EventID":"S4W-14639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:46:56.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T16:06:57.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its air quality standard objectives, whether it plans to hold discussions with the UK Government regarding the recent Supreme Court ruling that the UK has failed to deliver improvements in air quality in the appropriate timescale.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is in regular contact with the UK Government and other devolved administrations as we pursue a shared goal of improving air quality. We are committed to improving air quality across Scotland and have seen significant reductions in pollution emissions over recent decades through tighter industrial regulation, improved fuel quality, cleaner vehicles and an increased focus on sustainable transport.\r\nTogether with the other UK administrations we have produced the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which sets out our air quality policy framework and vision to 2050. In addition, Scotland's National Transport Strategy includes amongst its three strategic outcomes a commitment to improve air quality.\r\nThe Scottish Government, in partnership with Transport Scotland, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, local authorities and others is working on a range of measures to ensure full compliance as soon as possible. These measures are set out in detail in the UK's application to the Commission for a time extension on nitrogen dioxide limit values.\r\nThe whole of Scotland is expected to comply with these limit values by 2015, based on a combination of current and planned measures, with the exception of one road stretch, the missing link of the M8 between Newhouse and Baillieston to the east of Glasgow. Within the Glasgow city area, there are expected to be no exceedences of the Limit Values by 2015. This road is due to be upgraded to motorway, with Transport Scotland estimating completion in 2017-18. Once the upgrade is complete, emissions along this road will also comply with the limit values.\r\nWe are meeting both domestic and European air quality targets across most of Scotland, although there are still localised hotspots of poorer air quality in a number of urban areas. We recognise that we must build on achievements to date and continue to take action to improve air quality. Where appropriate local authorities have developed local air quality management areas to address localised issues and are required to submit and annual report on progress to the Scottish Government.\r\nFinancial support from the Scottish Government is available to councils across Scotland to support air quality monitoring and specific actions to support these plans.\r\nFife Council has received financial and practical support from the Scottish Government to help develop and implement the air quality action plan in the Cupar Air Quality Management Area. We will continue to liaise closely with the council as this work progresses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:46:56.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284109,"EventID":"S4W-14640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:46:57.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T16:06:57.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it expects to meet its air quality standard objectives and what information it has on how this compares to those set by the (a) UK and (b) EU.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14639 on 16 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:46:57.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284110,"EventID":"S4W-14641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:46:57.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T16:06:57.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it plans to take to improve air quality and whether it will provide additional assistance to local authorities to help them meet air quality standards.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14639 on 16 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:46:57.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284111,"EventID":"S4W-14643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:46:57.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T16:06:57.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will commission an audit of local authority air quality action plans in order to establish whether their air pollution targets are being met.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14639 on 16 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:46:57.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284112,"EventID":"S4W-14644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:46:58.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T16:06:57.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it expects each air quality management area to be no longer required.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14639 on 16 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:46:58.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284113,"EventID":"S4W-14645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:46:58.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T16:06:57.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it is providing to Fife Council to address pollution in Cupar's air quality management areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14639 on 16 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:46:58.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284114,"EventID":"S4W-14656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:46:58.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T17:14:27.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on population trends in mountain hares over recent decades.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Gamebag Census data for mountain hare compiled by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust shows no significant trend in the data between 1961 and 2009, despite marked cyclical fluctuations which are known to exist in around half of mountain hare populations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:46:58.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284115,"EventID":"S4W-14657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:46:59.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T17:14:27.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many mountain hares are killed annually and what proportion of the national population this represents.","AnswerText":"A report commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage in 2006 indicated that a minimum of 24,529 mountain hares are controlled annually (mainly by shooting) on Scottish estates. This represents 7% of the 1995 published Scottish population estimate of 350,000. However, the population estimate is subject to error, and so accounting for this uncertainty, the reported level of cull would lie in the range of 3.5 to 14% of the total population. Scottish Natural Heritage are planning to undertake further studies to determine the population level either later in the current year or in the next financial year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:46:59.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284116,"EventID":"S4W-14658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:46:59.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T17:14:27.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reasons mountain hares are shot on and around sporting estates.","AnswerText":"A report commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage in 2006 on the control of mountain hares on Scottish estates, indicated that 73% of mountain hares that were controlled (24 529 in total that year) were killed by being shot. Among those that were shot, 32% of mountain hares were shot for the purposes of tick control to prevent the spread of disease. A further 41% were shot for sporting purposes through a combination of informal and commercial shooting. The remaining 27% were snared for the purposes of tick control, or for the protection of crops, or forests.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:46:59.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284117,"EventID":"S4W-14659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:46:59.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T17:14:27.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what scientific evidence it has linking disease impacts on game birds to numbers or densities of mountain hares.","AnswerText":"The scientific evidence on this subject was reviewed in a 2009 paper in the Journal of Applied Ecology \"Culling wildlife hosts to control disease: mountain hares, red grouse and louping ill virus\" by A Harrison et al. The authors concluded that there is no compelling evidence to suggest culling mountain hares might increase red grouse densities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:46:59.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284118,"EventID":"S4W-14660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:47:00.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T17:14:27.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what evidence there is of compliance with the mountain hare closed season under the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011.","AnswerText":"There is no current evidence of non-compliance with the mountain hare closed season. To date, there have, therefore, been no prosecutions for non-compliance, and there have been 10 licence applications to date for shooting hares during the closed season.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:47:00.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284119,"EventID":"S4W-14661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:47:00.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T17:14:27.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce further regulation relating to the culling of mountain hares.\r\n","AnswerText":"As there has been no evidence of non-compliance in respect of the mountain hare closed season, the Scottish Government has no plans at present to introduce further regulation on this subject. However, the Scottish Government remains vigilant regarding all forms of wildlife crime and should action prove necessary we will not hesitate to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:47:00.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284120,"EventID":"S4W-14662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:47:00.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T17:14:27.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it produces on the sustainable culling of mountain hares.","AnswerText":"The Scottish government has not issued guidance on the sustainable culling of the mountain hare as the only published information on the population level of the species is an estimate of 350,000 which dates from 1995 and is subject to a 50% margin of error. Further studies are therefore required to determine the population level and to provide a more accurate assessment of the number of mountain hares in Scotland; and Scottish Natural Heritage are planning to carry these out either later in the current or in the next financial year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:47:00.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284121,"EventID":"S4W-14663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:47:01.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T17:27:42.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the Scottish Mines Restoration Trust will engage with communities situated next to opencast coal mining sites.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Mines Restoration Trust is an independent body and not part of the Scottish Government. We understand, however, that the Trust will ensure that a permanent community representative is appointed to their board. As each site is unique, bespoke solutions will be required and each site the Trust considers will need local knowledge, input and agreement from local community representatives as part of the working groups set up for each site.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:47:01.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284122,"EventID":"S4W-14664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:47:01.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T17:27:42.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what effect the creation of the Scottish Mines Restoration Trust will have on existing planning obligations placed on coal mining companies.","AnswerText":"The Trust is not expected to have a direct effect on planning obligations but the Trust will instead when approached, be expected to prioritise and facilitate action on restoration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:47:01.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284123,"EventID":"S4W-14665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:47:01.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T17:27:42.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what sources of funding will exist for the Scottish Mines Restoration Trust.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Mines Restoration Trust (SMRT) is an independent body and not part of the Scottish Government. Therefore, the funding sources are a matter for the board of SMRT.\r\nCoal operators are responsible for the restoration of their respective open cast sites. However, we recognise that these tasks are complex, and the Trust will work with the Scottish Government and its agencies, coal operators, local councils, landowners, communities, and environmental bodies to facilitate the responsible restoration of open cast sites.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:47:01.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284124,"EventID":"S4W-14666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:47:02.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T17:27:42.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the liquidation of Scottish Coal will have on any applications by the company for coal extraction that are in the planning system.","AnswerText":"The determination of planning applications by Scottish Coal for opencast coal extraction is a matter for discussion between the individual planning authorities and Scottish Coals’ liquidators.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:47:02.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284125,"EventID":"S4W-14667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:47:02.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-02T17:27:42.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions ministers have had with Hargreaves Services Plc about the formation of the Scottish Mines Restoration Trust.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has talked with a range of stakeholders across the coal industry in the development stages of the Scottish Mines Restoration Trust (SMRT) including local authority planning officials, landowners, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and representatives of the coal industry including Hargreaves who were involved in the initial formation of the SMRT and but no longer play a part in the body going forward.\r\nOptions for funding the trust are possible from a variety of sources including coal operators and the coal industry itself, and Hargreaves have been the first coal operator to contribute to the funding of the trust providing £1.1 million. The SMRT is an independent body and not part of the Scottish Government.\r\nIt is not the responsibility of the SMRT to restore open cast mines. Coal operators will still be responsible for the restoration of their respective open cast sites. However these tasks are often complex and the trust will work with coal operators, local councils, landowners, communities, and environmental bodies to facilitate the responsible restoration of open cast sites.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:47:02.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284126,"EventID":"S4W-14685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:47:02.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T13:19:39.07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that there is a sufficient number of radiographers available to each NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14689 on 20 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/58157.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:47:02.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284127,"EventID":"S4W-14686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:47:03.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T13:19:39.07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) radiographers and (b) vacancies for radiographers there are in each NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested on how many (a) radiographers and (b) vacancies for radiographers there are in each NHS board can be found through the following web links:\r\nNumber of radiographers by NHS board:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/publications/2013-02-26/AHP_Staff_D2012.xls?93440754\r\nNumber of vacancies for radiographers by NHS board:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2013-02-26/AHP_vacancies_D2012.xls\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:47:03.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284128,"EventID":"S4W-14688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:47:03.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T13:19:39.07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people are expected to complete training in radiography in (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Higher Education Statistics Authority produces statistics for students in higher education institutions. The latest information for Scotland is for the academic year 2011-12. Data for academic year 2012-13 will be available in 2014.\r\nIn 2011-12, 120 students (rounded to the nearest 5) obtained a higher education qualification in Radiography.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:47:03.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284129,"EventID":"S4W-14689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:47:04.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T13:19:39.07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what strategy the NHS has for the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of radiographers and training people in radiography.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards are required annually to provide workforce projections for all staff groups including radiographers. The workforce projections are used to identify supply and demand requirements across NHSScotland and also to inform education needs. NHS boards are also required to publish their workforce plans on an annual basis.\r\nThe Scottish Government expects all NHS boards to have robust processes in place to ensure the provision of safe, effective and high quality patient care which is delivered by the right professional at the right time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:47:04.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284130,"EventID":"S4W-14690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:47:04.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T13:30:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13398 by John Swinney on 11 March 2013, if it is unable to produce a fair local tax based on ability to pay whether it will consider a revaluation of council tax bands.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to consider a revaluation of council tax bands.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:47:04.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284131,"EventID":"S4W-14691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:47:05.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T14:09:39.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many calls have been received by the National Confidential Alert Line and, of these, how many have had substantive action taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Confidential Alert Line has received 53 calls in its first month since launching on 2 April 2013. 34 of these calls were from individuals who identified themselves as working for NHSScotland and 19 were from NHS workers from other parts of the UK.\r\nOf the calls from Scotland 23 were from individuals raising concerns about patient safety or malpractice and 11 were about private or contractual matters.\r\nDue to the confidential nature of the Alert Line, and to avoid potential identification of individuals, we will not be advised of the actions taken in regard to each call.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:47:05.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284132,"EventID":"S4W-14692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:47:05.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T14:09:39.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what has been done to publicise the National Confidential Alert Line to NHS staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"5,000 posters and 158,000 credit card flyers promoting the National Confidential Alert Line were issued to all Health Boards in Scotland in March 2013. This followed a letter from Derek Feeley, Director General for Health and Social Care and Chief Executive of NHS Scotland, issued on 15 March 2013 to all NHS Boards, highlighting the launch of the Alert Line, its purpose, and requesting Health Boards appropriately display posters and distribute business card to members of staff.\r\nIn the coming months we will be providing information about the Alert Line on staff pay slips, making sure that all NHSScotland employees are aware of this important resource.\r\nThe Alert Line is also promoted on the NHS Staff Governance website and we are planning further promotion throughout the year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:47:05.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284133,"EventID":"S4W-14693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:47:06.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T14:36:32.927","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what neurorehabilitation services are available, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data on neurorehabilitation services broken down by individual NHS board is not held centrally. Information for condition specific services is not recorded.\r\nWhile policies, frameworks and resources are provided by the Scottish Government, individual boards are responsible for planning services in their area. This includes securing the range of staff to deliver services to make sure the services meet the needs of patients.\r\nStandard 4.6 of the Neurological Standards states that NHS boards should provide designated rehabilitation services specifically for people with neurological symptoms.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:47:06.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284134,"EventID":"S4W-14694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:47:06.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T14:36:32.927","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans there are to increase the number of NHS neurorehabilitation services.\r\n","AnswerText":"While policies, frameworks and resources are provided by the Scottish Government, individual NHS boards are responsible for planning services in their area and for securing the staff (including specialisms) to deliver them. It is for NHS boards to determine their workforce requirements, including training, based on the clinical needs and services developments in their area.\r\nOur priority for people living with neurological conditions is to ensure that the Neurological Standards published by Healthcare Improvement Scotland are implemented, they offer the best mechanism for achieving safe, effective and person centred care. \r\nThe standards will help ensure people get the earliest and most appropriate treatment locally, but with access to specialist services when needed. That’s why we previously provided boards with £1.2million, to develop improvement groups as the main vehicles to take them forward.\r\nStandard 4.6 of the states that NHS boards should provide designated rehabilitation services specifically for people with neurological symptoms.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:47:06.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284135,"EventID":"S4W-14695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-03T15:47:07.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T14:36:32.927","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much was spent on neurorehabilitation services in the last year for which information is available, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information is not recorded for specific conditions and services.\r\nThe Scottish Health Service Costs (the Costs Book) is the only source of published cost information for NHSScotland. This provides a detailed analysis of how board operating costs reported in board annual accounts, have been spent on patient care within NHS Scotland. \r\nThe Costs Book is published on the ISD website: http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Finance/Costs/\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-20T15:47:07.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284137,"EventID":"S4T-00341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T09:42:35.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T13:41:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to address the recent emergence of a new strain of Clostridium difficile.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T09:42:35.71","MeetingDate":"2013-05-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284151,"EventID":"S4W-14227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T14:29:39.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T16:36:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14201 by Alex Neil on 1 May 2013, what information it has on whether each supplier has (a) met Maggie's Centre representatives and (b) considered the requirements of a patient-centred approach for people who experience hair loss as a result of cancer treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"National Procurement, a division of NHS Services Scotland, advise that they do not hold information about supplier meetings with Maggie’s Centre representatives as this was not part of the tender process, but it will be developed if required by NHS boards as the contract is rolled out.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T14:29:39.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284152,"EventID":"S4W-14228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T14:29:41.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T16:36:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14201 by Alex Neil on 1 May 2013, what reassurances it has received from each supplier regarding their (a) services and (b) support for patients.\r\n","AnswerText":"National Procurement, a division of NHS National Services Scotland advise that the tender for the contract required suppliers to meet minimum standards as agreed by the Commodity Advisory Panel.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T14:29:41.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284153,"EventID":"S4W-14229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T14:29:41.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T16:36:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14201 by Alex Neil on 1 May 2013, whether each supplier provides wigs and other hairpieces for patients from ethnic minorities who experience hair loss as a result of cancer treatment. \r\n","AnswerText":"National Procurement, a division of NHS National Services Scotland advise that contract suppliers source and provide a variety of wigs designed to meet patient requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T14:29:42.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284154,"EventID":"S4W-14230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T14:29:43.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T16:36:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14201 by Alex Neil on 1 May 2013, whether it is aware of concerns expressed by parents of children who have experienced hair loss as a result of cancer treatment whose children have been denied wigs that match their ethnicity requirements and, if so, what discussion it had with each supplier regarding this.\r\n","AnswerText":"National Procurement, a division of NHS National Services Scotland advise that they are not aware of any such issues. They have not been approached either by contract suppliers, NHS boards, or patients and carers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T14:29:43.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284155,"EventID":"S4W-14231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T14:29:44.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-04-09T16:36:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14201 by Alex Neil on 1 May 2013, what assessment was made of the impact on employment on other Scotland-based suppliers prior to signing the agreement with the supplier, Dimples.\r\n","AnswerText":"National Procurement, a division of NHS National Services Scotland, advise that the supplier Dimples will initially be operating through two agents in Glasgow, with the potential to add more agents to service the contract if required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T14:29:44.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284156,"EventID":"S4W-14628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T14:29:46.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T17:00:54.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to conduct an audit of the number of local authorities taking a three-year approach to funding voluntary sector organisations and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"I am committed to considering the questions and points that were raised on the frequency of three year funding during the debate on Funding to the Voluntary Sector that was held on 1 May.\r\nMy officials are in discussions and once that is complete I will be in a position to advise Parliament how the Scottish Government intends to address the issue of evidence gathering.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T14:29:46.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284157,"EventID":"S4W-14629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T14:29:47.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-01T17:00:54.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has undertaken or plans to undertake a review of how many refuges for vulnerable women and children will not be considered exempt accommodation under the new universal credit and benefit cap rules.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has been working with COSLA and providers of housing support to assess the exact number of Supported Accommodation in Scotland that will not be covered under the Department for Work and Pension’s (DWP’s) definition of Supported Exempt Accommodation.\r\nScottish Ministers have pressed DWP to resolve the anomalous situation whereby some Support Accommodation in Scotland will not be included in the Supported Exempt Accommodation definition and will therefore be subject to measures such as the benefit cap and under-occupancy deductions.\r\nDWP has written to the Scottish Government, acknowledging that this situation was unintentional, and committing to seek a resolution subject to not increasing current expenditure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T14:29:47.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284158,"EventID":"S4W-14696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T14:29:49.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T16:15:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it decides how the CashBack for Communities scheme funds are distributed and what three projects have been given the most money in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the inception of the hugely successful CashBack for Communities Programme in 2007, over £50 million recovered from proceeds of crime has been invested or fully committed in the Programme to directly benefit over 600,000 young people and generating over 11,000 young person volunteers who are now putting something back into their communities.\r\nCashBack for Communities delivers a wide range of projects through Scotland’s leading sporting, arts, business, community and youth associations to support a wide range of youth work, sporting, cultural, educational, and mentoring activities and projects and community sporting facilities that benefit young people and their communities throughout every local authority area in Scotland.\r\nAn overview and breakdown for monies invested between 2007 and 2012 has been published at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/17141/cashback/CashBack-Finance\r\nYear-end figures for financial year 2012-13 will be published in due course.\r\nThe three organisations whose projects received the most money in each year since 2007 are shown in the following table:\r\n2008-09\r\nProject\r\nFunding\r\nYouthLink Scotland \r\n£3,198,531 \r\nScottish Football Association\r\n£520,646\r\nScottish Sports Futures\r\n£312,553 \r\n2009-10\r\nProject\r\nFunding\r\nSportscotland (sport facilities)\r\n£1,445,133 \r\nYouthLink Scotland\r\n£1,200,429 \r\nScottish Football Association\r\n£863,666 \r\n2010-11\r\nProject\r\nFunding\r\nYouthLink Scotland\r\n£1,481,740 \r\nScottish Football Association\r\n£1,038,687 \r\nScottish Rugby Union\r\n£461,900 \r\n\r\n\r\n2011-12\r\nProject\r\nFunding\r\nYouthLink Scotland\r\n£2,013,657 \r\nCreative Scotland\r\n£1,006,999 \r\nSportscotland (sport facilities)\r\n£942,241 \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T14:29:49.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284159,"EventID":"S4W-14697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T14:29:50.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T16:15:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria or points systems are used regarding the distribution of the CashBack for Communities scheme funds.","AnswerText":"Since the inception of the hugely successful CashBack for Communities Programme in 2007, over £50 million recovered from proceeds of crime has been invested or fully committed in the Programme to directly benefit over 600,000 young people and generating over 11,000 young person volunteers who are now putting something back into their communities.\r\nCashBack for Communities delivers a wide range of projects through Scotland’s leading sporting, arts, business, community and youth associations to support a wide range of youth work, sporting, cultural, educational, and mentoring activities and projects and community sporting facilities that benefit young people between the ages of 10 and 25, and their communities throughout every local authority area in Scotland.\r\nThe key factors that we take into account are that projects must deliver outcomes that build better, safer, healthier communities, improve facilities and run projects that simply would not have existed otherwise. That gives our young people positive, purposeful and constructive opportunities to contribute to Scottish society.\r\nThey key criteria for CashBack activities are that they should be: \r\n\r\nPositive - broadly defined as wholesome, healthy, fun, active, engaging etc;\r\nOpen to all - accessible, well-advertised, free of charge, of interest to all ages, to both boys and girls, ethnic minorities and young people with disabilities;\r\nDevelopmental - changing behaviours and attitudes; developing personal and physical skills; and\r\nSustainable - providing medium and long term benefits, as well as short term benefits, and linking into mainstream funding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T14:29:51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284160,"EventID":"S4W-14698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T14:29:52.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T16:15:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money has been distributed through the CashBack for Communities scheme in each year since 2007, broken down by area.","AnswerText":"Since the inception of the hugely successful CashBack for Communities Programme in 2007, over £50 million recovered from proceeds of crime has been invested or fully committed in the Programme to directly benefit over 600,000 young people and generating over 11,000 young person volunteers who are now putting something back into their communities.\r\nCashBack delivers a wide range of projects through Scotland’s leading sporting, arts, business, community and youth associations to support a wide range of youth work, sporting, cultural, educational, and mentoring activities and projects and community sporting facilities that benefit young people and their communities throughout Scotland.\r\nAll 32 local authorities have benefited from monies distributed through the CashBack for Communities scheme. An overview and breakdown for monies invested between 2007 and 2012 has been published at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/17141/cashback/CashBack-Finance\r\nYear-end figures for financial year 2012-13 will be published in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T14:29:52.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284161,"EventID":"S4W-14699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T14:29:55.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T16:15:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how Shetland has benefited from money distributed through the Cashback for Communities Programme in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14698 on 21 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T14:29:55.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284162,"EventID":"S4W-14721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T14:29:56.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T12:02:36.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recent development of a vaccine against Clostridium bolteae, which is common in autistic children, what consideration it is giving to offering the vaccine to autistic schoolchildren.","AnswerText":"This vaccine has not yet had any preclinical or human trials, which would be needed to establish its efficacy and safety. Should these be completed satisfactorily, the vaccine would then be considered for licensing by the European Medicines Agency. If granted a licence the possible use of the vaccine would be considered by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. This is standard procedure for the introduction of all vaccines.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T14:29:56.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":true},{"UniqueID":284163,"EventID":"S4W-14729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T14:38:18.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T14:28:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will announce the outcome of its parallel streams of work on an historic environment strategy and the future of Historic Scotland and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce that I am today publishing the business case for the merger of Historic Scotland and RCAHMS and that I intend to establish the merged body as a non-departmental public body and make provisions for it to apply for charitable status in line with Scotland’s National Collections.\r\nI am also publishing a draft Strategy for Scotland’s Historic Environment. This is a strategy for Scotland and seeks to establish a common shared direction for the varied organisations and individuals who play a role in caring for our historic environment. The new body will have a key role in leading and enabling its delivery \r\nI am today launching a joint consultation covering both the strategy and the establishment of the proposed new body. The published documents are available at: www.scotland.gov.uk/HEstrategy_merger\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T14:38:18.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284164,"EventID":"S4W-14734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T15:33:28.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T15:29:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what legislative consent motions it will lodge in connection with the UK Government's legislative programme as announced in the Queen’s Speech on 8 May 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"In accordance with the Sewel Convention, the UK Parliament does not legislate with regard to devolved matters in Scotland without the consent of the Scottish Parliament.\r\nThis is an important part of devolution, as it acknowledges the special constitutional position of the Scottish Parliament and the democratic mandate conferred on this Parliament by the people of Scotland. In the view of the Scottish Government, the Sewel Convention will remain an essential part of the constitution of the UK for as long as the UK Parliament retains its current powers and functions in relation to Scotland.\r\nIn the normal course of business, legislation on devolved matters should be scrutinised and determined in the Scottish Parliament. There may however be situations in which it is helpful and appropriate for legislation dealing with devolved matters to be taken forward at Westminster. \r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to assessing opportunities of this kind on their merits and to working closely and constructively with the UK Government, on a case by case basis, to deliver legislation which best meets Scotland’s needs. The Scottish Government is equally committed to working with the UK Government to pursue opportunities to extend devolved competence.\r\nThe formal consent of the Scottish Parliament is required in relation to all proposals for Westminster primary legislation on devolved matters, including alterations to devolved competence, in accordance with Chapter 9B of Standing Orders.\r\nWithin the legislative programme announced today by the UK Government, we have identified potential opportunities to legislate for the benefit of Scotland on matters that are within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament or which alter legislative or executive competence.\r\nThe UK bills which we currently expect to give rise to Legislative Consent Motions in the Scottish Parliament cover: \r\nAnti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill – a Bill which will include a wide range of reforms to policing and the introduction of a number of antisocial behaviour measures, reforms to alcohol and licensing, dangerous dogs, firearms, and extradition law amongst other provisions. The Bill mostly relates to England, but some provisions do extend to Scotland in reserved areas such as the firearms offence changes. The parts of the Bill that extend to Scotland in devolved areas relate to the Police Negotiating Board, dangerous dogs and witness protection.\r\nCare Bill – The provisions of this Bill aim to address adult care in England. It does not generally extend to Scotland but will require legislative consent for provisions relating to cross-border placements and the establishment of the Health Research Authority.\r\nWater Bill – A Bill generally legislating for England and Wales and which will contain provisions for establishing water market competition (similar to that established in Scotland by the 2008 Act), Ofwat and sewerage. A technical LCM will be required for provisions on sewerage licencing and the River Esk. \r\nThe Scottish Government will, in due course, lodge memoranda and motions for these bills, once they have been introduced in the UK Parliament. It will then be for the Scottish Parliament to determine whether to give or withhold consent.\r\nIt is possible that further opportunities to legislate for Scotland by means of Legislative Consent Motion may occur in connection with other UK bills, including Private Member’s bills. Any additional proposals of this kind, together with any relevant amendments to the Government bills listed above, will be drawn to the attention of the Parliament as they arise, in line with the requirements of Standing Orders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T15:33:28.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Joe FitzPatrick","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284171,"EventID":"S4W-14710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T16:56:31.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T11:27:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14615 by John Swinney on 2 May 2013, how it will “provide substantial further support to the housing sector”.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will make further announcements on the allocation of financial transactions consequentials in the course of May.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T16:56:31.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284172,"EventID":"S4W-14711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T16:56:31.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T11:27:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14615 by John Swinney on 2 May 2013, how much the “significant additional funding to support shared equity schemes” will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14710 on 17 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T16:56:31.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284173,"EventID":"S4W-14712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T16:56:32.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T11:27:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14615 by John Swinney on 2 May 2013, on what it will spend the £12 million reduction in the level of planned switch between the resource and capital budgets in the housing portfolio.\r\n","AnswerText":"As set out in the response to S4W-14615, the three measures described will allow the Scottish Government to almost fully offset the £54.8 million cut that has been made in the Scottish Government Resource DEL budget in 2013-14, without detriment to existing programmes and spending plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T16:56:32.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284174,"EventID":"S4W-14713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T16:56:33.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T11:27:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14615 by John Swinney on 2 May 2013, whether the £10 million additional funding for the further education sector that it announced on 6 February 2013 (Official Report c. 16478) will no longer be spent in that area and, if so, where this will now be allocated.\r\n","AnswerText":"The commitment to provide an additional £10 million funding for the college sector has been maintained. As set out in response to S4W-14615, rather than funding this from Barnett consequentials in 2013-14, an additional £10 million in funding has been passed to the Scottish Funding Council in 2012-13 for deployment in the college sector in 2013-14. This enables the Government to address the £54.8 million cut the UK Government has made to the Scottish Government’s resource budget in 2013-14 whilst still delivering in full the commitment to the £522 million funding floor for the sector announced on 6 February.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T16:56:33.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284175,"EventID":"S4W-14714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T16:56:33.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T11:27:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14615 by John Swinney on 2 May 2013, for what reason there is an “emerging 2012-13 underspend to the college sector” and what correspondence the Cabinet Secretary for (a) Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth and (b) Education and Lifelong Learning has had with the Scottish Funding Council regarding this.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no underspend in the college sector in 2012-13. £10 million in emerging underspend elsewhere in Scottish Government has been redirected as additional funding to the sector through the Scottish Funding Council.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T16:56:33.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284176,"EventID":"S4W-14717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T16:56:34.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T11:27:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14615 by John Swinney on 2 May 2013, on what it will spend the “accumulated police reserves\" and what discussions it has had with Police Scotland regarding their allocation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Accumulated police reserves in the region of £20 to £30 million will accrue to the Scottish Government Resource Department of Employment and Learning(DEL) budget. As set out in response to S4W-14615, this will help the Scottish Government to minimise the impact of the £54.8 million reduction in its 2013-14 Resource DEL budget. The reallocation of police reserves is part of an agreement between the Scottish Government and COSLA around the sharing of uncommitted resources which have been generated as a result of accumulated underspends by the former police joint boards. The agreement also provides that funding for any commitments that carry forward to the Scottish Police Authority in 2013-14 will be met in full so there will be no impact on the budget of the new body. Discussions around the treatment of reserves have been held with the Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T16:56:34.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284177,"EventID":"S4W-14719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T16:56:35.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T11:27:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14615 by John Swinney on 2 May 2013, for what reason the information was provided in response to a Scottish Government-inspired question and what consideration it gave to providing a ministerial statement.\r\n","AnswerText":"The inspired parliamentary question was considered the most appropriate way of advising Parliament of the decision over how to allocate available financial transaction consequentials. As noted in response to S4W-14615 further detail on the deployment of the financial transaction consequentials will be announced over the course of May.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T16:56:35.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284178,"EventID":"S4W-14720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T16:56:35.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T11:27:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14615 by John Swinney on 2 May 2013, whether  it will make a ministerial statement on the shared equity schemes and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14710 on 17 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T16:56:35.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284179,"EventID":"S4W-14722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T16:56:36.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T12:43:26.787","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of the companies bidding for Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route contracts are headquartered in (a) Scotland and (b) the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"The contract for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and Balmedie to Tipperty attracted strong interest from major UK and European companies. Of the 29 different companies in four consortia invited to bid 16 are headquartered in the UK, another eight have offices in the UK, and 15 have offices in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T16:56:36.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284180,"EventID":"S4W-14724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T16:56:37.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T12:43:26.787","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many of the companies bidding for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route pay full UK tax on their UK business.","AnswerText":"All bidders have been required to sign an undertaking that they have not been convicted for any offences, including that of revenue fraud. There is no evidence to suggest bidder’s failure to pay the required UK tax on their business.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T16:56:37.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284181,"EventID":"S4W-14725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T16:56:38.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T12:43:26.787","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the contracts for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will ensure that the successful bidders will (a) not make use of tax avoidance practices, (b) pay at least a living wage to all employees, (c) use local staff and raw materials where possible and (d) demonstrate a commitment to sustainable construction practices.\r\n","AnswerText":"The contract will oblige the successful bidder to comply with all legislation including that relating to taxation, including a requirement to pay at least the standard benchmark.\r\nIt will also stipulate levels of training and employment opportunities for apprentices, graduates and the long term unemployed. All vacancies will be advertised in local job centres and sub-contracts to be tendered advertised in Public Contracts Scotland thus maximising the opportunity for local employment and for local companies.\r\nIn addition, the successful bidder will be required to provide a clear demonstration of how he will maximise the delivery of sustainable solutions following best practice for this critical project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T16:56:38.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284182,"EventID":"S4W-14726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T16:56:38.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T12:52:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Glasgow City Council regarding the council's commitment to roll out free public wi-fi.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has regular discussions on digital infrastructure issues with Glasgow City Council, along with the other Scottish cities, through the Scottish Cities Alliance. Delivering world-class digital connectivity in Scotland’s cities is a shared objective and collaboration is underway on a number of projects in Glasgow.\r\nThe commitment to roll out free public wi-fi is a key component of the Council’s Digital Glasgow Strategy and Scottish Government officials have provided advice and participated in initial market testing sessions on proposed solutions. Glasgow City Council is now preparing to launch a procurement process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T16:56:38.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284183,"EventID":"S4W-14727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T16:56:39.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T14:17:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the council tax freeze has saved the average band D household in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"Over the six year period the council tax freeze will have been in place (2008-14), the average Band D household in Scotland will have benefited from cumulative savings of almost £690. The following table sets out how much the average Band D household within each local authority area will have saved.\r\nLocal Authority Area\r\nAverage Band D saving from the council tax freeze (£)\r\n(2008-09 to 2012-14)*\r\nAberdeen City \r\n717\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n693\r\nAngus\r\n656\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n675\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n697\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n632\r\nDundee City \r\n735\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n731\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n688\r\nEast Lothian\r\n670\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n656\r\nEdinburgh, City of \r\n679\r\nEilean Siar\r\n625\r\nFalkirk\r\n656\r\nFife\r\n671\r\nGlasgow City \r\n720\r\nHighland\r\n693\r\nInverclyde\r\n725\r\nMidlothian\r\n742\r\nMoray\r\n694\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n687\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n682\r\nOrkney\r\n636\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n687\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n702\r\nScottish Borders\r\n651\r\nShetland Islands\r\n649\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n690\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n671\r\nStirling\r\n706\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n712\r\nWest Lothian\r\n693\r\nNote: *Derived from CTAXBASE and CTAS statistical returns and\r\nassume 3.0% growth in council tax each year.\r\nFigures show effects on bills – the figures do not take account of council tax benefit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T16:56:40.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284184,"EventID":"S4W-14730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T16:56:41.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T14:38:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-14177 to S4W-14184 by Aileen Campbell on 3 May 2013, whether it will publish the list of applicants to the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund (TSEIF), broken down by those (a) receiving funding under the TSEIF, (b) whose application was unsuccessful but who have been selected as strategic partners and (c) who are not receiving funding and have not been selected as strategic partners.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details of organisations receiving funding through TSEIF have been published on the Big in Scotland website. This information can be found at: http://bigblogscotland.org.uk/2013/04/18/tseifawards/.\r\n\r\nOn 21 May 2013 I announced details of the Third Sector Strategic Funding Partnerships. These details have been published on the Scottish Government website and can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Young-People/Early-Years-and-Family.\r\n\r\nWe have no plans to publish a list of organisations who were unsuccessful in their application to TSEIF and who are not in a strategic funding partnership.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T16:56:41.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284185,"EventID":"S4W-14731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T16:56:42.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T14:38:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-14177 to S4W-14184 by Aileen Campbell on 3 May 2013, how much funding each organisation is to receive via strategic funding partnerships.","AnswerText":"Following the announcement I made on 21 May 2013, these details have been published on the Scottish Government website and can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Young-People/Early-Years-and-Family.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T16:56:42.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284186,"EventID":"S4W-14732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T16:56:42.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T15:15:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many reprimands have been issued to each NHS board for poor hygiene practices in the last four years. \r\n","AnswerText":"No formal reprimands have been issued by the Scottish Government to any NHS Board for poor hand hygiene compliance in the past four years.\r\nInfection prevention and control measures, including hand hygiene, are discussed when the Cabinet Secretary, Director General Health and Scottish Government officials meet with NHS board Chairs and Chief Executives. These meetings provide an opportunity for the Scottish Government to seek assurances from NHS boards that the highest standards of hygiene are being maintained to protect patients, staff and the public.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T16:56:43.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284187,"EventID":"S4W-14733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-07T16:56:43.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T15:15:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many NHS staff have been reprimanded for poor hygiene practices in the last four years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. It is a matter for individual NHS boards to consider any disciplinary measures in relation to NHS Staff who are not compliant with hand hygiene practices.\r\nLatest hand hygiene figures show that national hand hygiene compliance by NHS staff remains consistently high at 95%. However, there is no room for complacency and all NHS chief executives should continue to ensure a culture of zero tolerance by all NHS staff towards non hand hygiene compliance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-21T16:56:43.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284188,"EventID":"S4O-02105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:39.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:17:48.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Aberdeen City Council about cultural issues.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:40.217","MeetingDate":"2013-05-15T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284189,"EventID":"S4O-02106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:41.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T13:31:15.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what projects it is funding to promote social, cultural and business links with Poland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:41.23","MeetingDate":"2013-05-15T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284190,"EventID":"S4O-02107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:41.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T10:40:29.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what practical support it can provide to Scottish charities wishing to carry out development and assistance work overseas.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:41.81","MeetingDate":"2013-05-15T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284191,"EventID":"S4O-02108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:42.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:17:49.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its plans are to recognise and promote Scotland’s cultural achievers locally.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:42.213","MeetingDate":"2013-05-15T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284192,"EventID":"S4O-02109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:43.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T11:34:39.383","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the results were of the recent ministerial visits to North America.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:43.243","MeetingDate":"2013-05-15T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284193,"EventID":"S4O-02110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:43.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T17:11:46.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the benefits are of celebrating creative places across the country.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:43.9","MeetingDate":"2013-05-15T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284194,"EventID":"S4O-02111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:44.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T17:28:37.663","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what regular contact it has with member states of the Commonwealth of Nations.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:44.257","MeetingDate":"2013-05-15T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284195,"EventID":"S4O-02112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:45.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T11:35:01.683","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is working with the Kurdistan Regional Government to strengthen links between Scotland and Kurdistan.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:45.037","MeetingDate":"2013-05-15T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284196,"EventID":"S4O-02113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:45.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T17:34:26.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme Open Fund will be.","AnswerText":"The Open Fund is a major component in the development of the nationwide Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Culture Programme. It received a fantastic response and I am delighted by the incredible enthusiasm that has been shown by cultural organisations and individuals throughout the nation.\r\nThe Culture Programme will significantly enhance the Games experience for all of Scotland’s communities, spectators and visitors, as well as present the best of Scotland’s culture alongside that of the Commonwealth.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:46.223","MeetingDate":"2013-05-15T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284197,"EventID":"S4O-02114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:46.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:17:56.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with the Aberdeen and Dundee bids for UK City of Culture 2017.","AnswerText":"I am delighted that both Dundee and Aberdeen have bid to be the UK City of Culture 2017 which reflects the strength of arts and culture in the cities. However, as this is a UK Government scheme, the Scottish Government has not been involved in the bidding process.\r\nIn November last year my officials met with Aberdeen City Council and their intention to bid for UK City of Culture status was discussed, and last month I wrote in response to correspondence from Councillor Ken Guild of Dundee City Council stating my support for the scheme and wishing both cities every success with the bid process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:47.003","MeetingDate":"2013-05-15T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284198,"EventID":"S4O-02115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:47.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:18:23.65","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions ministers have had with local authorities regarding the condition of the road network.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:47.627","MeetingDate":"2013-05-15T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284199,"EventID":"S4O-02116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:48.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:18:25.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14615 by John Swinney on 2 May 2013, how the £290.8 million to support the housing sector will be allocated.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:48.44","MeetingDate":"2013-05-15T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284200,"EventID":"S4O-02117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:49.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:18:26.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what help is available for local traders to ensure that local communities thrive.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:49.623","MeetingDate":"2013-05-15T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284201,"EventID":"S4O-02118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:50.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:18:27.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on implementing Scotland's Digital Future: Infrastructure Action Plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:50.513","MeetingDate":"2013-05-15T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284202,"EventID":"S4O-02119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:50.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:18:28.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the works associated with the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme will impact on services from Croy railway station.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:51.013","MeetingDate":"2013-05-15T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284203,"EventID":"S4O-02121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:51.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:18:28.86","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the measures outlined in the proposed Bus Regulation (Scotland) Bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:51.277","MeetingDate":"2013-05-15T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284204,"EventID":"S4O-02122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:52.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T11:17:57.477","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what approach it anticipates taking to the Airport Commission's inquiry into airport capacity in the UK.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:52.917","MeetingDate":"2013-05-15T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284205,"EventID":"S4O-02123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:53.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:18:31.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it is giving local authorities to improve access to affordable housing.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:53.617","MeetingDate":"2013-05-15T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284206,"EventID":"S4O-02124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:53.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:18:32.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to prevent tenants and landlords from being exploited by unregulated letting agents.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:53.913","MeetingDate":"2013-05-15T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284207,"EventID":"S4O-02125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:54.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:18:54.443","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to combat antisocial behaviour.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:54.773","MeetingDate":"2013-05-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284208,"EventID":"S4O-02126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:55.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:18:55.177","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to understand and deal with the increase in the number of schoolchildren with additional support needs.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:55.427","MeetingDate":"2013-05-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":true},{"UniqueID":284209,"EventID":"S4O-02127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:56.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:18:55.49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with NHS Lanarkshire regarding the unscheduled care action plan.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:56.55","MeetingDate":"2013-05-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284210,"EventID":"S4O-02129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:56.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:18:56.083","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what improvements have been made to dental services in NHS Ayrshire and Arran since May 2007. ","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:56.77","MeetingDate":"2013-05-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284211,"EventID":"S4O-02130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:57.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:18:56.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the process is to appeal a historic finding of the Lands Tribunal for Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:57.703","MeetingDate":"2013-05-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284212,"EventID":"S4O-02131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:58.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:18:57.223","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the consultants’ report to the Intergovernmental Scottish Islands Renewables Steering Group.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:58.827","MeetingDate":"2013-05-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284213,"EventID":"S4O-02132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:59.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T11:05:29.773","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with NHS Scotland regarding the decision to cancel the Dunfermline-based Sheds Hairdressing’s contract to provide hairpieces.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:59.187","MeetingDate":"2013-05-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284214,"EventID":"S4O-02133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:59.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:18:57.987","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what procedures are in place for funeral directors to attain and retain their accreditation.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:59.623","MeetingDate":"2013-05-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284215,"EventID":"S4O-02134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T12:27:59.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-03T12:18:58.877","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the Save the Children report, State of the World’s Mothers, 2013, will have on its early years strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T12:27:59.843","MeetingDate":"2013-05-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284232,"EventID":"S4W-14700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:45.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T09:23:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has offered to provide a wheelchair lift for any suppliers of hairpieces.","AnswerText":"National Procurement, a division of NHS National Services Scotland, advise that the new contract for wigs and associated services was tendered on the basis that suppliers and the agents must meet essential features for their premises. It is the responsibility of those tendering to ensure that these features are met.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:58:45.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284233,"EventID":"S4W-14701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:46.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T09:23:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS Fife will have access to an agency in Fife supplying services related to hairpieces from 1 June 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"National Procurement, a division of NHS National Services Scotland, advise that under the new contract for wigs and associated hairpieces from 1 June 2013, there will be one agent located within Fife, namely Sutherlands Hair and Beauty based in Newport-on-Tay.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:58:46.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284234,"EventID":"S4W-14702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:46.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T09:23:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it assists patients to deal with the issues involved when there is a change in hairpiece supplier.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for National Procurement, a division of NHS National Services Scotland, which advise that the NP506 wigs contract must be tendered in line with EU Procurement Legislation timescales, and will be re-tendered at least every four years with the possibility of a change of supplier(s) after every tender. \r\nFor the latest contract, three of the four incumbent suppliers will continue on to the new contract, along with three new suppliers. Additionally, agents of the unsuccessful incumbent supplier may have the opportunity to become an agent for one of the successful suppliers to aid continuity of service. NHS Health boards will be involved with patients regarding any change to their supplier.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:58:46.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284235,"EventID":"S4W-14703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:47.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T09:23:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14374 by Alex Neil on 1 May 2013, what consideration it has given to stipulating in the contract that all chemotherapy patients and people with alopecia must have services related to hairpieces provided within a reasonable travelling distance and what it defines as a reasonable travelling distance.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for National Procurement, a division of NHS National Services Scotland, who advise that the new Wigs and associated services contract was awarded to an increased number of suppliers, with a view to improving the coverage of NHS Health boards through local premises of either contract suppliers, or their agents. As the contract suppliers are Small Medium Enterprises, there is no guarantee that premises will be available within a specified distance, hence the use of agents for this contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:58:47.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284236,"EventID":"S4W-14704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:47.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T09:23:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what emergency measures it will take to ensure the continued provision of NHS services to hairpiece users when a supplier has gone into liquidation.\r\n","AnswerText":"National Procurement, a division of NHS National Services Scotland, advise that under the current Wigs contract which expires on 31 May 2013, there were three suppliers that were able to provide services in place of Turvey’s, with one of those suppliers buying over the business to ensure that open orders/prescriptions are fulfilled. As of 1 June 2013, under the NP506/13 Contract, there will be a further three new suppliers able to provide these services in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:58:47.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284237,"EventID":"S4W-14705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:48.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T09:23:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14373 by Alex Neil on 1 May 2013, how it monitors service provision during the transition from one contract provider to another and whether it will report on any issues identified.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for National Procurement, a division of NHS National Services Scotland, who advise that NHS health boards will provide patients with the options available to them about supplier provision and any issues will be fed back to National Procurement. \r\nNational Procurement has also developed an online patient survey to allow patient feedback to be gathered about supplier performance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:58:48.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284238,"EventID":"S4W-14706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:48.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T09:23:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14370 by Alex Neil on 29 April 2013, how it made an assessment of patients' views when developing the tender documents for the supply of hairpieces.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. National Procurement, a division of NHS National Services Scotland, advise that the commodity advisory panel for the contract included representatives from oncology and dermatology services who helped shape the contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:58:49.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284239,"EventID":"S4W-14707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:49.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T09:23:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what weighting it gave to the provision of modern, well-decorated premises and access for disabled people when evaluating salon providers of hairpieces.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for National Procurement, a division of NHS National Services Scotland, who advise that the NP506/13 Contract was awarded against the criteria of Cost, Quality of Premises and Health Board coverage.\r\nThe Quality of Premises criteria are based on a pass/fail against the essential features of the premises within the Invitation to Tender (ITT) response. Those premises that met the essential features at the paper submission stage were visited by NHS boards to ensure that they met these features and were also scored against the features. The Quality of Premises evaluation comprised 20% of the overall tender score.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:58:49.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284240,"EventID":"S4W-14708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:50.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T09:23:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has given to NHS boards on the provision of hairpieces and related services.","AnswerText":"The most recent Scottish Government guidance relating to the provision of wigs, which is still extant, is contained at Annex A of NHS Circular PCA (P)7 M3 (2008). This was published in March 2008 and is available online at: \r\nhttp://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/pca/PCA2008(P)07(M)03.pdf.\r\nIn addition to this, wig prescribing guidance was issued to NHS board chief executives in November 2011, which was produced as a result of the work of the Supply of Wigs Investigation Group Scotland:\r\nhttp://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/sehd/publications/DC20111102wigs.pdf\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:58:50.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284241,"EventID":"S4W-14709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:50.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T09:23:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the standards of services that are required from each provider of hairpieces.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. National Procurement, a division of NHS National Services Scotland, advise that the Minimum Standard Customer Service expected from each contract supplier was stated within the NP506/13 Wigs Contract. These are:\r\nPatients given friendly welcome to the premises\r\nPatients treated with respect and courtesy at all times\r\nPatients given sufficient time to make wig selection\r\nPatients shown sufficient range of wigs\r\nKnowledgeable and appropriately trained staff\r\nStaff able to style and cut wigs\r\nEmpathetic staff with good listening skills\r\nSufficient information given to patients at the time of consultation/fitting\r\nSufficient information regarding care of wigs given to patients to take with them.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:58:51.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284242,"EventID":"S4W-14735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:51.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T16:17:41.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has had discussions with Camelot regarding (a) how a national lottery could operate and (b) whether people in Scotland could participate in national lottery games for the rest of the UK if Scotland became independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"To date there have been no discussions with Camelot about the operation of the National Lottery. An independent Scotland would continue to have a lottery and lottery infrastructure. Decisions about any changes to the national lottery following independence would be a matter for the respective governments to agree.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:58:51.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284243,"EventID":"S4W-14736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:52.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T16:29:30.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what training is provided to sheriffs regarding sentencing in cases when pedestrians or cyclists are killed by cars.\r\n","AnswerText":"Judicial training is the responsibility of the Lord President under the terms of the Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008.\r\nThe Judicial Institute for Scotland was formed on 1 January 2013 to replace the Judicial Studies Committee and has the day-to-day responsibility for implementing judicial training under the overall supervision of the Lord President. The guiding philosophy of the Judicial Institute is to provide judicial training that is judge-led, judge-devised and judge-delivered. Training covers a range of general areas including, amongst other matters, sentencing and the criminal law.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:58:52.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284244,"EventID":"S4W-14737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:53.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T16:44:53.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what lessons it has learned from providing over £200,000 in funding to the Scottish-Islamic Foundation, which has been wound up.\r\n","AnswerText":"Funding allocated to the Scottish Islamic Foundation resulted in a series of events in March and April 2010 to help tackle Islamaphobia by celebrating Muslim culture, challenging stereotypes and promoting community cohesion. A proportion of the total allocated funding was withheld and recalled as the Scottish Islamic Foundation was unable to deliver all of its agreed outcomes. This was done in accordance with standard procedures, which the Scottish Government continues to follow.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:58:53.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284245,"EventID":"S4W-14738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:54.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T16:44:53.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what conditions it has attached to its funding to the Scottish Asian Women's Association.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not provide core or project funding to the Scottish Asian Women’s Association. Funding was made available solely for the purpose of the launch event for the Association, due to the links it will help establish, not just with Scottish Asian women, with whom there are unique challenges inherent in making connections, but also wider representatives of Scottish civic life and industry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:58:54.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284246,"EventID":"S4W-14739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:54.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T16:44:53.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it took the political affiliation of the founder of the Scottish Asian Women’s Association into consideration when deciding to provide funding to it.","AnswerText":"No. The occasion was considered to be beneficial to both Scottish Asian women and other representatives of Scottish civic life and industry, enabling the development of new and existing links between organisations and individuals. The organisation received cross party support at this year’s SAWA awards in March.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:58:54.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284247,"EventID":"S4W-14740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:55.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T16:44:53.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to bring forward legislation on the introduction of plain packaging on cigarettes and, if so, what the timetable is.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will await the UK Government and the other Devolved Administrations’ responses to the UK wide consultation before deciding on the most appropriate legislative option for introducing the standardised packaging of tobacco products.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:58:55.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284248,"EventID":"S4W-14741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:56.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T16:40:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10983 by Kenny MacAskill on 21 November 2012, how many (a) liabilities in relation to tribunals and (b) complaints against serving officers were taken over, broken down by transferring authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold any data on the number of tribunals and complaints that transferred over to the Scottish Police Authority and the Police Service of Scotland, as they were transferred under the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Supplementary, Transitional, Transitory and Saving Provisions) Order 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:58:56.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284249,"EventID":"S4W-14743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:57.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T17:53:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what fines it has levied on Serco Northlink per (a) day and (b) route in relation to the MV Hamnavoe engine failure on 25 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14746 on 22 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at;\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:58:57.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284250,"EventID":"S4W-14744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:57.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T17:53:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what subsidy it has paid to Serco Northlink per (a) day and (b) route since the MV Hamnavoe engine failure on 25 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14746 on 22 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:58:58.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284251,"EventID":"S4W-14745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:58.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T17:53:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what subsidy Serco Northlink receives per (a) day and (b) route when all its routes are operating normally.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14746 on 22 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:58:58.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284252,"EventID":"S4W-14746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:59.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T17:53:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the difference is between (a) fines levied and (b) subsidy paid per day to Serco Northlink before and after the MV Helliar was commissioned to cover the Stromness to Scrabster route.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the terms of the Public Service Contract between Scottish Ministers and Serco Ltd, in respect of the Northern Isles Ferry Service, the subsidy for providing this service, is paid monthly and not daily. The subsidy provided is not split between the routes which Serco NorthLink operate. The grant payment is therefore paid to cover all the services combined.\r\nUnder the terms of the contract, Serco NorthLink are required to pay a penalty whenever the services do not run according to schedule other than in cases where this is due to a relief event. This breakdown of the MV Hamnavoe is not considered to be a relief event and will result in a fixed penalty to Serco NorthLink of £7,732 per return sailing missed. Discussions are ongoing with the operator in respect of what penalties should be imposed following the introduction of the freighter service.\r\nThe six year cost of the Scottish Government contract with Serco Northlink is £223 million. The sums paid in subsidy will vary in each year of the contract and from month to month in accordance with the provisions in the contract, particularly in relation to penalties payable to the Scottish Government and provisions in relation to any increased fuel costs payable to Serco Northlink. Serco are paid monthly in arrears.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:58:59.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284253,"EventID":"S4W-14747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:58:59.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T17:53:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions took place between ministers, Transport Scotland and Serco Northlink (a) prior to and (b) after 25 April 2013 to consider what modifications would be necessary to harbours at Stromness and Scrabster to enable the MV Hellier to operate on this route.","AnswerText":"There were no discussions prior to 25 April 2013 between Transport Scotland and Serco Northlink to consider modifications at Stromness or Scrabster harbours.\r\nFollowing the unforeseen mechanical engine failure of the MV Hamnavoe, Serco Northlink took immediate and proactive action to bring one of their freight vessels into service on the Scrabster to Stromness route.\r\nSerco Northlink worked in conjunction with the Scrabster Harbour Trust to make alterations to the Queen Elizabeth Berth that have since allowed the freight vessel, MV Helliar, to operate. This service commenced operating on the Scrabster to Stromness route from 2 May 2013. During the period from 25 April 2013 to 2 May 2013 Serco Northlink kept both myself and Transport Scotland officials fully appraised of the modification works at the Queen Elizabeth Berth, Scrabster.\r\nThe MV Helliar has been operating two return sailings each day on a broadly similar timetable to the scheduled service. The timetable was established through discussion with local hauliers and it provides a major increase in freight and vehicle carrying capacity across the Pentland Firth.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:59:00.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284254,"EventID":"S4W-14748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:59:00.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T17:53:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the response by Serco Northlink to the MV Hamnavoe engine failure and subsequent loss of a lifeline service between Stromness and Scrabster.\r\n","AnswerText":"Following the unforeseen engine failure of the MV Hamnavoe, Serco Northlink immediately informed the Scottish Government and put in place its contingency plans to minimise disruption to ferry users travelling to Orkney.\r\nThe Scottish Government believes that Serco Northlink has adopted all necessary measures to ensure those intending to travel to Orkney are able to do so.\r\nThe MV Hamnavoe was sent to the Babcock Marine port wet basin at Rosyth where engineers worked round the clock to complete the necessary repairs. Currently, the MV Hamnavoe is scheduled to be back in service by Thursday 23 May 2013.\r\nBoth the Scottish Government and Serco Northlink have been highly proactive in letting the general public know that, with the contingency arrangements in place, Orkney is very much open for business and accessible to those wishing to travel.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:59:00.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284255,"EventID":"S4W-14749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:59:01.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T17:53:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the contingency plans put in place to deal with the loss of MV Hamnavoe from the Stromness to Scrabster route were adequate.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government believes that the contingency arrangements, put in place, and acted upon, by Serco Northlink, were sufficient following, the unforeseen breakdown of the MV Hamnavoe.\r\nWe continue to communicate with Serco Northlink to ensure that all efforts are being taken to minimise any disruption to passenger, vehicle and freight traffic between Orkney and the Scottish mainland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:59:01.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284256,"EventID":"S4W-14750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:59:01.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-07T17:53:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to discuss with Serco Northlink improvements to contingency plans for dealing with unplanned technical failures that affect the ferries that they operate.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government supports and requires the contingency arrangements that are put in place by Serco Northlink for dealing with any unplanned technical failures that affects the ferries that they operate.\r\nFollowing the mechanical failure of the MV Hamnavoe on 24 April 2013, Serco Northlink immediately moved to communicate directly with booked customers and provide, or help to identify, alternative travel arrangements for any passengers affected.\r\nSerco are continuing to work in cooperation with other ferry operators to arrange alternative options for travel. They are confident that the expected level of demand can be met through Pentland Ferries and have arranged for courtesy travel between the ports where the Pentland Ferries’ berths and the ports of Scrabster and Stromness. Serco staff are available to help all passengers to book alternative options. Serco’s alternative Kirkwall-Aberdeen service is operating as normal.\r\nIn addition, Serco took swift action to bring one of their freight vessels into service on the Scrabster-Stromness route. The MV Heliar now operates two return sailings each day on a broadly similar timetable to the scheduled service. The timetable was established through discussion with local hauliers and it provides a major increase in freight and vehicle carrying capacity across the Pentland Firth.\r\nNotwithstanding this, we will, as always, seek to learn lessons from the situation. Both Serco Northlink and the Scottish Government will be speaking to key stakeholders to deliver further improvements to contingency plans for the future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:59:01.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284257,"EventID":"S4W-14751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T13:59:02.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T11:54:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the comments by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth to the Finance Committee on 1 May 2013 regarding the creation of an “independent forecasting body that can provide independent assessment to the Government and the Parliament” (Official Report, c. 2574), what (a) the timescale is, (b) work has been carried out and (c) consultation he has had with the Office of Budget Reponsibility in relation to the creation of such a body.\r\n","AnswerText":"As I made clear on 31 October 2012 in responding to oral question S4O-01401, the Scottish Government recognises that a robust fiscal framework is vital to the long term sustainability of the public finances. That is why the Scottish Government agreed in principle in February 2010 to the creation of a Fiscal Policy Commission alongside moves toward greater fiscal autonomy.\r\nIn that context, I have indicated that I intend that an independent verification function should be put in place to provide an assessment of tax forecasts before implementation in 2015 of the taxes to be devolved under the Scotland Act. Consideration is being given to how best to achieve this. The views of the Fiscal Commission Working Group are being sought.\r\nScottish Government officials have regular discussions with the Office for Budget Responsibility around Scottish forecasting issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T13:59:02.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284265,"EventID":"S4W-14754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T17:05:51.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T11:59:48.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) Avondale Advanced Waste Treatment and (b) Falkirk Council regarding the proposed closure of the Avondale Material Recycling Facility site in Polmont.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and its partners continue to work with the operators of the Avondale advanced waste treatment facility and affected councils, including Falkirk Council, with regards to the potential closure of the plant.\r\nOur immediate focus is to secure positive outcomes both for Avondale’s employees and their families and for those councils who currently have recycling and disposal contracts with Avondale.\r\nWe are also helping the company explore longer term actions to maintain a presence and employment at the facility.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T17:05:51.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284266,"EventID":"S4W-14755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T17:05:52.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T11:59:48.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports that there has been an increase in imports of New Zealand lamb and that this is having a negative impact on the market in Scotland, whether it has made representations to the (a) UK Government and (b) European Commission to ask for stricter import (i) tariffs and (ii) quotas to be introduced. \r\n","AnswerText":"Latest figures from the European Commission’s Taxation and Customs show that New Zealand useage of their sheep meat quota in 2012 was well below 100 per cent for the third consecutive year. While New Zealand lamb imports to the UK have increased in the first three months of 2013, compared to 2012 levels, industry insiders anticipate that New Zealand will again fail to take up its full quota allocation this year. Meanwhile, the Scottish Government continues to support the Scottish industry through additional funding to Quality Meat Scotland to market the Scotch brand.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T17:05:52.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284267,"EventID":"S4W-14756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T17:05:52.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T11:59:48.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the European Commission regarding a review of the electronic sheep tagging regulation, EC21/2004.\r\n","AnswerText":"I met with Commission officials on the 16 December 2011 and wrote to Commissioner Dalli on 31 January 2012. The Commission and the Commissioner were both clear in their responses that a review of the legislation was not imminent and that any future review had to be evidence based. To inform a future review we are collecting evidence through the ScotEID Research Pilot. This and other evidence will be analysed by the Centre of Expertise on Animal Disease Outbreaks and then shared with the Commission.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T17:05:52.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284268,"EventID":"S4W-14758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T17:05:53.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T11:59:48.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on reports that the World Wildlife Fund for Nature plans to withdraw from regional advisory councils.\r\n","AnswerText":"Any withdrawal of the WWF from the Regional Advisory Councils would be regrettable as they play an important role in encouraging more sustainable fisheries. However, we have been assured by WWF that it is strongly committed to stakeholder engagement when it comes to managing fisheries and is keen to see enhanced stakeholder involvement and regionalisation delivered under the reformed Common Fisheries Policy and that WWF remains strongly committed to being represented on the RACs. It is of course a matter for WWF and others to decide how best to deploy their resources.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T17:05:53.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284269,"EventID":"S4W-14759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T17:05:54.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T14:22:15.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average salary of GPs has been in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The average gross earnings, expenses and income for GPs are published annually by the Office of Manpower Economics. The latest figures and historical figures can be accessed via this link:\r\nhttp://www.ome.uk.com/DDRB_Reports.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T17:05:54.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284270,"EventID":"S4W-14760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T17:05:54.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T14:22:15.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the NHS will save by awarding GPs a lower salary increase than that announced by the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerText":"General practitioners in Scotland will see 1.25% uplift to the GMS contract, which includes a one per cent increase in salary, in line with Scottish Government Pay Policy. The pay increase for GPs in Scotland has been calculated based on their salaries, using information they have provided for the year ending April 2011.\r\nFor GPs this means an increase in funding of around £8 million for all GP practices across Scotland. In addition to this the equivalent of £10.5 million has been transferred from QOF (Quality Outcomes Framework) points into core (contract) thereby increasing the stability of practice income, a key issue for GPs during the 2013-14 contract negotiations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T17:05:54.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284271,"EventID":"S4W-14761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T17:05:55.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T14:22:15.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce a regional pay differential for NHS staff. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is opposed to the UK Government policy known as “market facing pay”. John Swinney made clear our opposition when he met with Treasury Ministers and the Finance Ministers of the other devolved administrations on 5 March last year, and it is a position we have reiterated in various contexts since. There are therefore no plans to introduce regional pay differentials for staff in NHSScotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T17:05:55.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284272,"EventID":"S4W-14762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T17:05:55.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T14:22:15.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether, in an independent Scotland, it would introduce lower pay rates for all NHS staff in relation to the rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"No.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T17:05:55.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284273,"EventID":"S4W-14763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T17:05:56.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T14:22:15.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether, in an independent Scotland, it would (a) continue to seek recommendations from the independent review bodies for NHS staff or (b) set up a separate Scottish review body.","AnswerText":"The NHS pay review bodies provide valuable independent advice to Scottish Ministers on pay for NHSScotland staff. With independence we will maintain such independent pay advice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T17:05:56.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284274,"EventID":"S4W-14764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T17:05:56.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T14:22:34.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what financial and governance examination it has carried out of the takeover by Mears of Independent Living Services.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not undertaken any financial and governance examination of the takeover by Mears of Independent Living Services.\r\nHowever, the Care Inspectorate would require information from Mears before registering the service as a care provider. The Care Inspectorate is entitled to ask for information about governance and financial matters before registering a service under both the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 and accompanying regulations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T17:05:56.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284275,"EventID":"S4W-14765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T17:05:56.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T14:22:49.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether shops that sell tobacco must display a copy of their registration.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no requirement within the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 for retailers to display a certificate of registration. The advice to retailers selling tobacco is that they do not need to display the certificate but it should be retained and kept available for inspection purposes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T17:05:56.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284276,"EventID":"S4W-14766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T17:05:57.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T14:23:44.54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to modify the new death certification process following the recent pilot exercise.\r\n","AnswerText":"Rather than recommend modifications to the overall process, the test site evaluation highlighted a number of practical issues that could be addressed prior to national implementation in order to make the agreed process run more smoothly.\r\nThese issues were mainly related to improving the content and transfer of any required data at different points in the process. They were subsequently discussed by the collective stakeholders who comprise the Death Certification National Advisory Group.\r\nA small panel of key implementation bodies has been established, and work is progressing to address the points raised in advance of the planned national implementation date of April 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T17:05:57.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284277,"EventID":"S4W-14767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T17:05:58.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T14:23:44.54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made toward establishing a digital version of the new death certification process.\r\n","AnswerText":"The overall death certification process spans different sectors and organisations including the National Health Service Scotland, National Records Scotland and private funeral director businesses. It will also dovetail with new death certification systems being introduced elsewhere in the UK. Integrating the many IT systems, as well as ensuring every relevant individual has access to the necessary hardware, is a significant challenge and therefore remains an area for development in the future.\r\nIn the meantime, however, Scottish Government and the key implementing organisations are jointly liaising with each other and other key groups to ensure that the transfer of any necessary information can be carried out efficiently and securely.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T17:05:58.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284278,"EventID":"S4W-14768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T17:05:58.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T14:23:44.54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether a digital version of the new death certification system will assist in eliminating any minor errors that were identified in the pilot exercise.\r\n","AnswerText":"The overall death certification process spans different sectors and organisations including the National Health Service Scotland, National Records Scotland and private funeral director businesses. It will also dovetail with new death certification systems being introduced elsewhere in the UK. Integrating the many IT systems, as well as ensuring every relevant individual has access to the necessary hardware is a significant challenge.\r\nThe new death certification system will strengthen quality assurance and improve the accuracy of the Medical Certificates of Cause of Death (Form 11). A key component of the Medical Reviewers’ role will therefore be to discuss, support and, when appropriate, explain the significance of achieving high levels of accuracy with certifying doctors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T17:05:58.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284279,"EventID":"S4W-14769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T17:05:58.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T14:23:44.54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether issues regarding recording ethnicity were identified in the pilot exercise for the new death certification process.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ethnicity is not recorded on the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (Form 11) and therefore did not form any part of the test sites or their evaluation.\r\nSince 1 January 2012, however, the ethnic group of a deceased person has been recorded as part of the subsequent death registration process, with the consent of the informant.\r\nOver the first six months of 2012, 96.4% of informants provided this information, as publicised at the Ethnic and Health Research Conference in Edinburgh in November 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T17:05:58.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284280,"EventID":"S4W-14770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T17:05:59.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T14:23:59.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it does not agree with the latest (a) recommendation of the independent pay review body and (b) decision of the UK Government regarding GP salaries.\r\n","AnswerText":"It was not possible to accept the recommendations whilst also adhering to the Scottish Government Public Pay Policy. The uplift we have agreed is fair to GPs and affordable to Scotland where we have a negotiated contract with GPs, not an imposed one.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T17:05:59.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284281,"EventID":"S4W-14772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T17:05:59.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T14:37:00.54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the annual running cost is for each hospital in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.","AnswerText":"This information is available on the NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) Information Services Division (ISD) website. The most up to date figures available are for the financial year 2011-12. These are reproduced in the following table:\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Hospitals: Total Expenditure 2011-12\r\n£000s\r\nWest Hospitals\r\n277,672\r\nGlasgow Royal Infirmary\r\n250,812\r\nSouthern General (SGH)\r\n201,537\r\nRoyal Alexandra Hospital\r\n142,488\r\nInverclyde Royal Hospital\r\n81,300\r\nVictoria Infirmary, Glasgow\r\n58,880\r\nVale of Leven, Alexandria\r\n31,152\r\nRHSC, Yorkhill\r\n111,229\r\nGlasgow Dental Hospital\r\n14,376\r\nStobhill ACH\r\n59,857\r\nVictoria ACH\r\n67,723\r\nWESTMARC (SGH)\r\n15,889\r\nMansionhouse Unit\r\n10,792\r\nLightburn\r\n4,937\r\nMearnskirk Hospital\r\n4,391\r\nBirdston Nursing Home\r\n3,889\r\nDumbarton Joint\r\n2,667\r\nThistle Cambuslang Nursing Home\r\n434\r\nGartnavel Royal, Glasgow\r\n25,847\r\nLeverndale, Glasgow\r\n23,673\r\nStobhill - GGPCD\r\n31,695\r\nRavenscraig, Greenock\r\n10,055\r\nDykebar, Paisley\r\n18,791\r\nParkhead\r\n10,079\r\nSGH - GGPCD\r\n6,544\r\nRuchill - GGPCD\r\n3,486\r\nGGPCD LD Partnership\r\n5,138\r\nOvertoun Court\r\n2,569\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T17:05:59.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284282,"EventID":"S4W-14773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T17:05:59.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T14:37:00.54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last discussed the forthcoming clinical services review with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.\r\n","AnswerText":"Both Ministers and Scottish Government officials regularly discuss matters of local importance, including the forthcoming clinical services review, with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T17:05:59.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284283,"EventID":"S4W-14774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T17:06:00.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T14:37:59.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average scheduled journey time on ScotRail services between (a) Glasgow and Aberdeen, (b) Edinburgh and Aberdeen, (c) Aberdeen and Inverness, (d) Glasgow and Edinburgh via Falkirk, (e) Glasgow and Inverness and (f) Edinburgh and Inverness (i) was in 2007 and (ii) is in 2013.","AnswerText":"The attached table provides comparison data for journey times across the Scottish rail network:\r\nRoute\r\nAverage Journey Time (S4W-14774)\r\nShortest Journey Time (S4W-14775)\r\nLongest Journey Time (S4W-14776)\r\n2007\r\n2013\r\nMon-Sat\r\nSunday\r\nMon-Sat\r\nSunday\r\n2007\r\n2013\r\n2007\r\n2013\r\nGlasgow to Aberdeen\r\n155\r\n162\r\n160\r\n164\r\n148\r\n151\r\n169\r\n177\r\nAberdeen to Glasgow \r\n157\r\n165\r\n159\r\n164\r\n153\r\n152\r\n173\r\n181\r\nEdinburgh to Aberdeen\r\n151\r\n150\r\n146\r\n156\r\n145\r\n138\r\n160\r\n170\r\nAberdeen to Edinburgh\r\n152\r\n149\r\n148\r\n151\r\n144\r\n140\r\n166\r\n164\r\nAberdeen to Inverness\r\n136\r\n137\r\n136\r\n135\r\n128\r\n129\r\n145\r\n147\r\nInverness to Aberdeen\r\n135\r\n134\r\n136\r\n132\r\n131\r\n128\r\n141\r\n145\r\nGlasgow Queen St. to Edinburgh\r\n52\r\n53\r\n51\r\n52\r\n49\r\n48\r\n59\r\n59\r\nEdinburgh to Glasgow Queen St.\r\n51\r\n55\r\n52\r\n52\r\n50\r\n49\r\n62\r\n58\r\nGlasgow to Inverness\r\n201\r\n198\r\n195\r\n192\r\n190\r\n185\r\n203\r\n198\r\nInverness to Glasgow\r\n205\r\n204\r\n202\r\n195\r\n200\r\n193\r\n207\r\n208\r\nEdinburgh to Inverness\r\n210\r\n224\r\n204\r\n203\r\n202\r\n195\r\n224\r\n214\r\nInverness to Edinburgh\r\n209\r\n212\r\n210\r\n200\r\n196\r\n192\r\n225\r\n221\r\nJourney times on the Glasgow to Aberdeen route have increased since 2007 due to increased interaction with other operators, both passenger and freight. However, several ScotRail services now make additional calls on the route, providing enhanced connectivity for passengers.\r\n\r\nThe improvement in journey times between Edinburgh and Aberdeen is attributable to the Edinburgh Fife Aberdeen project, sponsored by Scottish Ministers and delivered in 2008.\r\nA slight increase in average journey times between Aberdeen and Inverness is attributed to the provision of an extra service since 2008. However, the timetable has been continually developed to provide a reliable and robust service for passengers. A program of enhancements for this route is currently in development for delivery between 2014 and 2019.\r\nAn improvement in journey times between the Central belt and Inverness has been delivered through Phase 1 of the Highland Mainline improvement project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T17:06:00.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284284,"EventID":"S4W-14775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T17:06:00.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T14:37:59.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the shortest scheduled journey time on ScotRail services between (a) Glasgow and Aberdeen, (b) Edinburgh and Aberdeen, (c) Aberdeen and Inverness, (d) Glasgow and Edinburgh via Falkirk, (e) Glasgow and Inverness and (f) Edinburgh and Inverness (i) was in 2007 and (ii) is in 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14774 on 22 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T17:06:00.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284285,"EventID":"S4W-14776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-08T17:06:00.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T14:37:59.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the longest scheduled journey time on ScotRail services between (a) Glasgow and Aberdeen, (b) Edinburgh and Aberdeen, (c) Aberdeen and Inverness, (d) Glasgow and Edinburgh via Falkirk, (e) Glasgow and Inverness and (f) Edinburgh and Inverness (i) was in 2007 and (ii) is in 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14774 on 22 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-22T17:06:00.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284286,"EventID":"S4W-14781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-09T09:46:02.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T08:49:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to publish the Scottish banking strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"Sustainable, Responsible Banking: A Strategy for Scotland has been published today on the Scottish Government website at:\r\n(http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/05/3325), a copy has been placed in the Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre (bib 54940). Scottish ministers recognise the vital contribution that the banking sector makes to Scotland’s economy and to its society. The strategy sets out the principles that the Scottish Government believes should apply to banks and banking practice in Scotland. It also contains a number of areas in which the Scottish Government, working with the banks and others will take action to implement these principles and to restore the fundamental principles of probity, prudence and trust to banking in Scotland.\r\nIt therefore explores the following key areas: \r\nThe economic and social importance of banks \r\nCultural change \r\nProfessionalism and standards \r\nCompetition and diversity and \r\nAccess to finance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-23T09:46:02.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284287,"EventID":"S4W-14771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-09T14:00:03.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T14:29:32.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any of the concerns that were raised in evidence to the Health and Sport Committee in session 3 by (a) religious groups and (b) other organisations when considering the Certification of Death (Scotland) Bill were subsequently proved correct and, if so, whether these have been resolved.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the passing of the Certification of Death (Scotland) Act 2011 at the beginning of Session 4, we have established the Death Certification National Advisory Group, which includes representation from all key organisations with an interest in this work. The Group has been instrumental in ensuring that any issues such organisations may have can be discussed and resolved. The process has led to a continual refinement of the new process over the implementation development period.\r\nA concern that was raised early in Session 3 related to the possibility of the new review procedures causing significant delay to funerals. The Act therefore contains provisions which allow for an ‘expedited procedure’, whereby reviews can be conducted in parallel with the registration process in certain circumstances. We have now progressed to ensuring that this expedited procedure will be applied consistently across the country. The Death Certification National Advisory Group, which includes representation from both the Muslim Council of Scotland and the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities, has discussed this matter on more than one occasion. As a result, we are confident that the required consistency will be achieved through Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s delivery model. This includes Medical Reviewers located regionally with opportunities for peer review, working to agreed guidance, and under the direct management of one national Senior Medical Reviewer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-23T14:00:03.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284288,"EventID":"S4W-14780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-09T14:00:04.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T17:19:09.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many (a) grocery, (b) butcher, (c) baker, (d) fishmonger, (e) newsagent, (f) confectionery and (g) tobacco retail outlets there are, also broken down by the number of wholesalers.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data on business sites by industrial sector are available from the Inter-Departmental Business Register (IDBR). The IDBR, maintained by the Office for National Statistics, is a database of all enterprises registered for VAT and or PAYE, covering 99 per cent of economic activity in the UK. Those excluded are small businesses with no employees and an annual turnover below the VAT threshold (£73,000 as at March 2012).\r\nBusiness sites are categorised on the IDBR according to the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC). It is not possible to obtain figures for the exact categories requested due to the SIC structure. The data in the following table are the closest SIC equivalents and are provided from the latest year from which data are available. \r\nTable 1: Business sites in selected codes (SIC2007), Scotland, March 2012\r\nSIC 2007 code\r\nDescription\r\n2012\r\n46310\r\nWholesale of fruit and vegetables\r\n175\r\n46320\r\nWholesale of meat and meat products\r\n150\r\n46350\r\nWholesale of tobacco products\r\n5\r\n46360\r\nWholesale of sugar and chocolate and sugar confectionary\r\n50\r\n46380\r\nWholesale of other food; including fish;, crustaceans and molluscs\r\n270\r\n47210\r\nRetail sale of fruit and vegetables in specialised stores\r\n375\r\n47220\r\nRetail sale of meat and meat products in specialised stores\r\n695\r\n47230\r\nRetail sale of fish; crustaceans and molluscs in specialised stores\r\n240\r\n47240\r\nRetail sale of bread; cakes; flour confectionary and sugar confectionary in specialised stores\r\n895\r\n47260\r\nRetail sale of tobacco products in specialised stores\r\n205\r\n47620\r\nRetail sale of newspapers and stationery in specialised stores\r\n655\r\nSource: Inter-Departmental Business Register (IDBR), Office for National Statistics\r\nNotes: Business site counts are rounded to the nearest 5.\r\n           Business sites are the individual sites within an enterprise i.e. every shop, branch, office.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-23T14:00:04.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284289,"EventID":"S4W-14788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-09T14:00:04.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T10:44:21.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14357 by Keith Brown on 29 April 2013, when it expects its calculation of the level of funding to be published and whether services on the route will not be cancelled if there are breakdowns in the network that necessitate a cascading of other services.\r\n","AnswerText":"We do not publish the levels of subsidy required for individual routes, this information is considered to be commercially sensitive.\r\nIt will be for the operator to make decisions about how vessels will be deployed in the event of breakdowns within the network.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-23T14:00:04.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284290,"EventID":"S4W-14789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-09T14:00:04.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T10:56:25.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact funding for a neuromuscular care advisor post in the north of Scotland will have on direct care and support for people affected by neuromuscular conditions.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2011, Ministers made a public commitment to neuromuscular diseases by issuing a joint statement in response to a report published by the Scottish Muscle Network (SMN), (commissioned by the Scottish Government), and the Mackie Report (compiled by the Muscular Dystrophy Cross Party Group). One of the key issues highlighted was access to neuromuscular care advisors (NCAs). We provided funding for three NCAs for a two year pilot project.\r\nThere are three NCAs, one in each of the Regional Planning Group Areas: West of Scotland, North of Scotland and the South East and Tayside.\r\nThe North of Scotland area has reported that the impact of this post in the short term, will be a smooth pathway for paediatric and adult neuromuscular patients, with supported access to services and advice. In the longer term, it will deliver a comprehensive map of services and pathways in each board within the North of Scotland area.\r\nNHS National Services Division (NSD) will evaluate the three NCA posts. An interim report to the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorate (SGHSC) is due in September 2013, with a final report 12 months later.\r\nThe Regional Planning Groups, the SMN, SGHSC Directorate and NSD are working in collaboration to agree a national approach to the evaluation process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-23T14:00:04.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284291,"EventID":"S4W-14790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-09T14:00:05.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T11:13:59.613","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government under what circumstances parole board decisions can be challenged, and by whom.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no statutory right to appeal a decision of the Parole Board. However, in common with other public bodies, the lawfulness of a Parole Board decision may be challenged by way of a judicial review by a party with sufficient title and interest to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-23T14:00:05.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284292,"EventID":"S4W-14791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-09T14:00:05.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T11:52:16.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14147 by Kenny MacAskill on 2 May 2013, how many of those (a) accused and (b) convicted in 2011-12 where the main offence had a domestic abuse aggravator were (i) male and (ii) female and how many cases involved a same-sex partner, also broken down by disposal type.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides the available information.\r\nPeople proceeded against in Scottish courts for offences with a domestic abuse aggravator recorded by gender, 2011-12\r\n\r\nGender of Accused\r\n\r\nResult\r\nMale\r\nFemale\r\nTotal\r\nAll proceeded against\r\n9,300\r\n1,199\r\n10,499\r\nResults of Convictions\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCustody\r\n1,079\r\n25\r\n1,104\r\nCommunity sentence\r\n2,082\r\n171\r\n2,253\r\nMonetary\r\n2,470\r\n213\r\n2,683\r\nAdmonished\r\n2,229\r\n510\r\n2,739\r\nAbsolute discharge\r\n45\r\n32\r\n77\r\nOther\r\n12\r\n1\r\n13\r\nTotal Convicted\r\n7,917\r\n952\r\n8,869\r\nInformation on the relationships of the persons proceeded against for offences with a domestic abuse aggravator is not held centrally.\r\nSource: Scottish Government Court Proceedings Database.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-23T14:00:05.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284293,"EventID":"S4W-14794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-09T14:00:05.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T11:52:16.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14146 by Kenny MacAskill on 2 May 2013, how many of those given a custodial sentence in 2011-12 of up to (a) three and (b) six months where the main offence had a domestic abuse aggravator were (i) male and (ii) female and how many cases involved a same-sex partner.","AnswerText":"The data held on the Scottish Government Court Proceedings Database shows that there were 382 people (373 Male, 9 Female) given a custodial sentence of up to three months and 490 (483 Male, 7 Female) with a sentence of over three months to six months for cases where the main charge had a domestic abuse aggravator recorded in the financial year 2011-12.\r\nInformation on the relationships of the persons proceeded against for offences with a domestic abuse aggravator is not held centrally.\r\nSource: Scottish Government Court Proceedings Database.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-23T14:00:05.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284294,"EventID":"S4W-14796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-09T14:00:05.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T12:03:33.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the use of hyperbaric chambers for emergencies in each year since 2003, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The information available is provided in the following tables:\r\nTable 1: Divers from each NHS Board treated at Aberdeen hyperbaric chamber from 2003 to 2012\r\nBoard Area\r\n2003-09\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBorders\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n8\r\n1\r\n\r\n1\r\nFife\r\n10\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nForth Valley\r\n6\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\nGrampian\r\n24\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\nHighland\r\n5\r\n1\r\n\r\n1\r\nLanarkshire\r\n6\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLothian\r\n20\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\nOrkney\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\nShetland\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTayside\r\n6\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWestern Isles\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOther UK\r\n32\r\n6\r\n6\r\n1\r\nOutwith UK\r\n1\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\nTOTAL\r\n121\r\n13\r\n7\r\n4\r\nNote: a breakdown of divers treated by NHS board for the years 2003 to 2009 is not centrally held.\r\nTable 2: Divers from each NHS Board treated at Oban hyperbaric chamber from 2003 to 2012\r\nBoard Area\r\n2003-09\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBorders\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n10\r\n2\r\n\r\n1\r\nFife\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nForth Valley\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGrampian\r\n2\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\nHighland\r\n12\r\n2\r\n3\r\n\r\nLanarkshire\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLothian\r\n9\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\nOrkney\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nShetland\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTayside\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n2\r\nWestern Isles\r\n5\r\n4\r\n\r\n\r\nOther UK\r\n57\r\n1\r\n4\r\n3\r\nOutwith UK\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\nNot known/Missing\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\nTOTAL\r\n101\r\n13\r\n8\r\n6\r\nNote: a breakdown of divers treated by NHS board for the years 2003 to 2009 is not centrally held.\r\nTable 3: Divers from each NHS Board treated at Orkney hyperbaric chamber from 2003 to 2012\r\nBoard Area\r\n2003-09\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBorders\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFife\r\n3\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nForth Valley\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGrampian\r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\n\r\nHighland\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLanarkshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLothian\r\n6\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOrkney\r\n8\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\nShetland\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTayside\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWestern Isles\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOther UK\r\n99\r\n10\r\n14\r\n12\r\nOutwith UK\r\n18\r\n4\r\n2\r\n1\r\nTOTAL\r\n139\r\n16\r\n19\r\n14\r\nNote: a breakdown of divers treated by NHS board for the years 2003 to 2009 is not centrally held.\r\nTable 4: Divers from each NHS Board treated at Millport hyperbaric chamber from 2003 to 2012\r\nBoard Area\r\n2003-09\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n4\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBorders\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n2\r\n2\r\n\r\n1\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n23\r\n1\r\n\r\n1\r\nFife\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nForth Valley\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGrampian\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\nHighland\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLanarkshire\r\n6\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\nLothian\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOrkney\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nShetland\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTayside\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWestern Isles\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOther UK\r\n20\r\n\r\n1\r\n1\r\nOutwith UK\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNot Known/Missing\r\n9\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTOTAL\r\n68\r\n3\r\n2\r\n4\r\nNote: a breakdown of divers treated by NHS board for the years 2003 to 2009 is not centrally held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-23T14:00:05.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284295,"EventID":"S4W-14779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-09T14:00:34.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T16:17:03.077","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, further to the answer to question S4W-13992 by Linda Fabiani on 8 May 2013, what provisions are put in place for BSL and other interpretation for formal business outwith the parliamentary complex and Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerText":"When members of the public book tickets to observe a formal committee meeting held outwith the Parliamentary complex and Edinburgh, they are asked whether they have any specific access requirements. Similarly, when witnesses are invited to give evidence to a committee, they are asked to contact the clerks to discuss any requirements they might have whether in relation to accessing the venue or participating in proceedings. If people request BSL or other interpretation provisions, we will accommodate any such requests where possible. If a committee holds an informal event where people are asked to book in advance to attend, they will also be asked if they have any specific requirements. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-23T14:00:34.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Stewart ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284319,"EventID":"S4W-14797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-09T16:54:21.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T13:05:54.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recourse there is for prospective tenants faced with a premium that contravenes the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984.","AnswerText":"Any person who requires payment of such a premium, and any person who receives the premium, is guilty of an offence under section 82 of the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984 (as amended by section 32 of the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011).\r\nProspective tenants may opt to approach a housing advice provider, or seek independent legal advice. In addition, a prospective tenant can report the proposed charging of such a premium to their local authority. This can be taken into account in establishing whether a landlord is a ‘fit and proper person’ to let property. If a letting agent in Scotland proposes the charging of such a premium, and is a member of a professional body, then a prospective tenant may also report this to that professional body.\r\nThe Scottish Government consulted on regulation of the Letting Agent Industry as part of gathering views on a consultative strategy for the private rented sector in 2012. Further regulation of the industry received broad support. The Scottish Government plans to launch the final strategy for the private rented sector in May 2013. The strategy will outline our plans for future action in this area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-23T16:54:22.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284320,"EventID":"S4W-14798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-09T16:54:22.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T13:05:54.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the enforcement body is for breaches of the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984 with regard to the charging of premiums.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no single enforcement body for such breaches. Any person who requires payment of such a premium, and any person who receives the premium, is guilty of an offence under section 82 of the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984 (as amended by section 32 of the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011).\r\nShould a person believe that they have been charged a premium prohibited by the 1984 Act, or have been asked to pay one, they can report this to their local authority, and this can be taken into account for the purposes of the Landlord Registration ‘fit and proper person’ test. They can also seek to reclaim any premium fees charged through the courts.\r\nTenants or prospective tenants asked to pay such a premium may opt to approach a housing advice provider, or seek independent legal advice. In addition, if a letting agent in Scotland proposes the charging of such a premium, and is a member of a professional body, then a tenant or prospective tenant may also report this to that professional body.\r\nThe Scottish Government consulted on regulation of the Letting Agent industry as part of gathering views on a consultative strategy for the private rented sector in 2012. Further regulation of the industry received broad support. The Scottish Government plans to launch the final strategy for the private rented sector at the end of May 2013. The strategy will outline our plans for future action in this area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-23T16:54:22.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284321,"EventID":"S4W-14799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-09T16:54:22.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T13:05:54.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will monitor enforcement of the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984 with regard to the offence of charging an illegal tenancy premium.","AnswerText":"It is for landlords and letting agents acting on their behalf to comply with section 82 of the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984 (as amended by section 32 of the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011).\r\nThe Scottish Government will continue to work closely with consumer advice providers and stakeholders such as Shelter to assess compliance with the law.\r\nThe Scottish Government plans to launch a new Strategy for the private rented sector at the end of May 2013. This will set out our plans for regulating the letting agent sector in future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-23T16:54:22.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284322,"EventID":"S4W-14800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-09T16:54:22.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T13:18:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13033 by Margaret Burgess on 5 March 2013, what its position is on the findings of the Institute of Fiscal Studies report, Child and working-age poverty in Northern Ireland from 2010 to 2020, and whether it considers that these suggest that the number of children in Scotland who will be deemed to be in poverty by 2020 might be higher than originally forecast.\r\n","AnswerText":"The recent report published by the Institute for Fiscal Studies included projections for the percentage of children in poverty in Scotland from 2011-12 to 2020-21. This shows that the percentage of children in relative income poverty before housing costs is projected to increase from 17.6% of children to 22.7% of children, this implies an increase of around 50,000 children living in poverty by 2020-21. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-23T16:54:22.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284323,"EventID":"S4W-14806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-09T16:54:22.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T15:05:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-14329 and S4W-14332 by Paul Wheelhouse on 1 May 2013, how many of the applications were accepted after being refused at the initial stage and, of these, on how many occasions the acceptance followed a change being made to the original application.\r\n","AnswerText":"The purpose of the Croft House Grant Scheme is to facilitate the productive use of croft land through improving and maintaining the standards of crofter housing with the aim of attracting and retaining people in the more remote areas of the Highlands and Islands. Crofts may be put to a number of uses, but the Scottish Government maintains that it must be put to active use by the crofter.\r\nIn 2012 the scheme received 102 applications. 29 applications were initially refused. Seven of these were subsequently approved following a review process in which additional plans were submitted. In each of these seven cases, insufficient or no croft use had been proposed within the original application.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-23T16:54:22.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284324,"EventID":"S4W-14824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-09T16:54:23.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T15:58:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the damage caused by the landslip on the A68 at Blainslie south of Lauder will be repaired.\r\n","AnswerText":"The works contract for repairing the damage caused by the landslip on the A68 trunk road at Blainslie, South of Lauder, should be awarded by the end of May. Works should be completed during the summer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-23T16:54:23.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284327,"EventID":"S4W-14801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:36.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T13:58:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding and how many personnel it provides to tackle wildlife crime.\r\n","AnswerText":"Police reform has delivered an enhanced structure for wildlife crime officers in Scotland which involves 14 Wildlife Crime Liaison Officers, a Sergeant as a National Coordinator and a Portfolio Lead at Superintendent level. This structure will deliver better coordination and communication. Ultimately however, it is a matter for the Chief Constable to allocate and prioritise resources in relation to operational policing needs.\r\nThe Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Scotland delivered £200,000 to wildlife crime projects, via Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), looking specifically at prevention, intelligence and enforcement. This 2 year funded project ended in 2011 but currently SNH are looking to fund further projects through their grant in aid schemes and this will also be advertised by PAW Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government also part-fund the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) and funding for 2013-14 in the sum of £45,000 was confirmed this year. Additionally, a Scottish Investigative Support Officer post in the NWCU has been funded by Scottish Government, SNH and Police Scotland with a key focus on both Raptor and Freshwater Pearl Mussel Persecution as key Scottish priorities.\r\nThe Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) created a team of specialist Wildlife and Environmental prosecutors in August 2011. The benefits that this specialism has brought include improved consistency, close working relationships with specialist investigators, early intervention in complex cases, improved reporting of wildlife crime to COPFS and the improving quality of prosecutions.\r\nIn the Scottish Government the management of wildlife crime policy and PAW Scotland is dealt with by 1.5 full time equivalent (FTE) staff in the Environment and Forestry Directorate.\r\nThe Agriculture, Food and Rural Communities (AFRC) Directorate complete approximately 1200 land based and often remote, inspections each year. Inspectors are aware of wildlife legislation and suspected incidents of wildlife crime are forwarded to wildlife crime officers.\r\nMarine Scotland has 103 Marine Enforcement Officers who have compliance monitoring and enforcement obligations and certain statutory responsibilities for marine nature conservation issues. Marine Scotland also has three patrol vessels and two fixed wing surveillance aircraft, one of which has recently been equipped to carry out bird survey work.\r\nSNH have lead contacts in their seven operational areas within Scotland who have a coordinating role for the local involvement in combatting wildlife crime. They work closely with the police and the network of area officers whose field staff are in regular contact with land managers. Centrally there are between 1 and 2 FTE posts whose work can touch on wildlife crime.\r\nAs wildlife crime issues can surface anywhere as field staff or others go about their day-to-day activities, it is not possible to estimate the full resource in this area that may be deployed at any given time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:37.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284328,"EventID":"S4W-14802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:38.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T13:58:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures are in place to ensure the enforcement of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in terms of protection for the freshwater pearl mussel.","AnswerText":"A range of measures are in place to tackle crime affecting the freshwater pearl mussel. The Scottish Investigative Support Officer (SISO) of the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) is active in identifying intelligence and raising awareness of intelligence opportunities that may lead towards enforcement action.\r\nIn 2012 the SISO led an operation to explore whether the jewellery trade was an outlet for illegally acquired freshwater pearls. Results indicated that the pearls were going elsewhere, hence further work, in partnership with UK Border Force, is being undertaken to explore whether the pearls are bound for overseas’ markets.\r\nIn conjunction with PAW Scotland organisations, agreements have been reached whereby landowners, ghillies, bailiffs and gamekeepers working land adjoining pearl mussel rivers, will report suspicious behaviour to the NWCU.\r\nThe Scottish Government has funded ongoing research into forensic techniques, including DNA and stable isotopes, which it is hoped will greatly assist the Police in pearl mussel crime investigations.\r\nPolice Scotland and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency are working together to ensure any case of river works or pollution that disturb freshwater mussels are fully investigated and, where sufficient evidence exists, reported to the Crown Office. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) will be undertaking a survey of a number of pearl mussel rivers in 2013-14 and any information regarding potential criminality will be forwarded to Police Scotland for consideration.\r\nSNH has secured European funding for three years for a seasonal staff member to deliver education, patrol rivers and liaise with the community regarding the protection of pearl mussels. It is anticipated that this position will work closely with the SISO and Police Scotland regarding intelligence and enforcement opportunities. SNH, NWCU and Police Scotland are also working together to distribute awareness raising material to relevant divisional wildlife crime liaison officers across North and West Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:38.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284329,"EventID":"S4W-14803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:38.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T13:58:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures are included in the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill to protect the freshwater pearl mussel from (a) pollution and (b) illegal fishing.","AnswerText":"The Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill does not contain any specific measures to protect Freshwater Pearl Mussels (FWPM).\r\nThe Freshwater Pearl Mussel is protected as follows:\r\n(a) Under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011, developers must obtain all relevant consents and local planning authorities must consult relevant regulatory bodies prior to any authorisation being granted for development where there is the potential to cause significant adverse effects to the water environment and its ecology such as the FWPM, including building or other engineering works, water abstractions or the discharges of pollutants.\r\n(b), The freshwater pearl mussel has been protected from illegal fishing for pearls since 1991, when it was added to Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:38.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284330,"EventID":"S4W-14804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:39.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T13:58:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is undertaking to ensure enforcement of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 in order to protect freshwater pearl mussel beds in rivers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Agriculture)(Scotland) Regulations 2006 came into force in Scotland on 1 January 2007 and constrain operations to carry out intensive agricultural operations on uncultivated or semi-natural land, or large scale restructuring projects on agricultural land, where the result would have a significant impact on the environment.\r\nFreshwater pearl mussels are filter feeders and are therefore vulnerable to water pollution and the siltation of rivers. Projects which are covered by the EIA (Agriculture) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 and which could impact upon populations of freshwater pearl mussels include drainage works and the modification of watercourses.\r\nEIA screening decisions on these types of projects are taken by rural payments and Inspections Division Area Offices who also carry out farm visits with land managers to check whether proposed activities fall within the EIA Regulation. Where activities are within the scope of the regulation they proceed to a formal screening which is recorded on the Scottish Government EIA register. The screening decision may require an Environmental Statement (full EIA) to be carried out. When this is submitted the project may be approved or rejected depending upon the impact identified.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:39.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284331,"EventID":"S4W-14805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:39.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T13:58:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure (a) effective consultation with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage and (b) that proper consents and licences are obtained prior to development work on rivers containing the freshwater pearl mussel.","AnswerText":"The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011, introduced by the Scottish Government, requires that both local planning authorities consult relevant regulatory bodies, and that developers obtain all relevant consents, prior to the authorisation of or the carrying out of development work in rivers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:39.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284332,"EventID":"S4W-14807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:39.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T15:08:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the frequency is for cleaning audits in hospital wards in NHS Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"The NHSScotland National Cleaning Services Specification (NCSS) published on Health Facilities Scotland website sets out the requirements for the frequency and method of cleaning by domestic and estates staff in NHSScotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:39.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284333,"EventID":"S4W-14808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:39.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T15:08:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria are used by managers when cleaning audits are carried out in hospital wards in NHS Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"The criteria used by managers is set out in the NHSScotland National Cleaning Services Specification(NCSS) published on Health Facilities Scotland website which sets out the requirements for the frequency and method of cleaning by domestic and estates staff.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:39.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284334,"EventID":"S4W-14809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:39.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T15:08:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) full-time and (b) part-time nurses have been employed by NHS Lanarkshire in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"The information requested on how many (a) full-time and (b) part-time nurses have been employed by NHS Lanarkshire in each year since 2007 is available in the following tables.\r\nWhole Time Equivalent (WTE) of nurses employed by NHS Lanarkshire in each year since 2007\r\nCensus date\r\nTotal\r\nWhole time\r\nPart time\r\n30 September 2007\r\n4,426.1\r\n2,955.0\r\n1,471.1\r\n30 September 2008\r\n4,459.2\r\n3,022.0\r\n1,437.2\r\n30 September 2009\r\n4,649.2\r\n3,192.0\r\n1,457.2\r\n30 September 2010\r\n4,639.8\r\n3,151.0\r\n1,488.8\r\n30 September 2011\r\n4,491.2\r\n3,034.0\r\n1,457.2\r\n30 September 2012\r\n4,532.3\r\n3,044.0\r\n1,488.3\r\nSource: Scottish Workforce Information Standard System (SWISS)\r\n\r\nHeadcount of nurses employed by NHS Lanarkshire in each year since 2007\r\nCensus date\r\nTotal\r\nWhole Time\r\nPart time\r\n30 September 2007\r\n5,069.0\r\n2,955.0\r\n2,129.0\r\n30 September 2008\r\n5,083.0\r\n3,021.0\r\n2,085.0\r\n30 September 2009\r\n5,274.0\r\n3,192.0\r\n2,106.0\r\n30 September 2010\r\n5,269.0\r\n3,151.0\r\n2,147.0\r\n30 September 2011\r\n5,077.0\r\n3,034.0\r\n2,070.0\r\n30 Septmber 2012\r\n5,114.0\r\n3,044.0\r\n2,096.0\r\nSource: Scottish Workforce Information Standard System (SWISS).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:40.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284335,"EventID":"S4W-14810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:40.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T15:08:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) domestic cleaning staff and (b) outside cleaning contractors have been employed by NHS Lanarkshire in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"Information on how many (a) domestic cleaning staff and (b) outside cleaning contractors have been employed by NHS Lanarkshire in each year since 2007 is not held centrally.\r\nHowever, information showing the headcount and whole time equivalent of domestic staff, including domestic cleaning staff, directly employed by NHS boards at 30 September is collected. Data for the years 2007 to 2012 are presented in the following table.\r\nNHS directly employed domestic staff in NHS Lanarkshire from September 2007 to September 2012\r\nCensus date\r\nHeadcount\r\nWTE\r\n30 September 2007\r\n479.0\r\n246.3\r\n30 September 2008\r\n489.0\r\n254.8\r\n30 September 2009\r\n500.0\r\n259.0\r\n30 September 2010\r\n532.0\r\n279.2\r\n30 September 2011\r\n557.0\r\n286.6\r\n30 September 2012\r\n566.0\r\n288.9\r\nSource: Scottish Workforce Information Standard System (SWISS).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:40.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284336,"EventID":"S4W-14811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:40.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T15:08:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02044 by Roseanna Cunningham on 25 April 2013, what percentage of convictions was for (a) religiously aggravated offending and (b) violent crime carried out at football grounds in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information provided in response to S4O-02044 on convictions under the Act was derived from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service’s (COPFS’s) live operational case management system, which is specifically designed to receive criminal reports from the police and other specialist reporting agencies and to manage these cases for prosecution purposes. The information held on the system is structured for these operational needs, rather than for statistical reporting or research purposes.\r\nFor the time period requested in the question, the official source of information on convictions of religiously aggravated offences in Scotland is the Scottish Government Criminal Proceedings database. The information held in this database is published as National Statistics on an annual basis with the next publication currently due to be published in November 2013. The current publication, providing information up to end March 2012, can be found here:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PubCriminalProceedings. \r\nIt should be noted that the Act came into force on 1 March 2012. As such, from the Scottish Government Criminal Proceedings database, there were no convictions under the Act during 2010-11. There were only two convictions during 2011-12, in the one month of the Act coming into force. Neither of the convictions in 2011-12 were religiously aggravated.\r\nIn response to part (b) and as noted in the answer to question S4W-14647 on 7 June 2013, it is not possible to break down the number of convictions that included violent crimes carried out at football grounds.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:40.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284337,"EventID":"S4W-14812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:40.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T15:08:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the activities of the Football Co-ordination Unit Scotland are limited to (a) football stadia or (b) locations in close proximity to football stadia.\r\n","AnswerText":"The remit of the Football Co-ordination Unit for Scotland is to promote and coordinate a consistent and effective approach to the policing of football across Scotland to tackle football related violence and disorder. Its responsibilities include supporting post match investigations into football related violence and disorder and supporting investigations into football related hate crime, including on the internet. Its activities are not confined to football stadia and nearby locations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:40.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284338,"EventID":"S4W-14813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:40.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T15:08:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02044 by Roseanna Cunningham on 25 April 2013, whether there is an up-to-date database of religiously aggravated offences.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information provided in response to S4O-02044 on convictions under the Act was derived from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service’s live operational case management system, which is specifically designed to receive criminal reports from the police and other specialist reporting agencies and to manage these cases for prosecution purposes. The information held on the system is structured for these operational needs, rather than for statistical reporting or research purposes.\r\nThe official source of information on convictions of religiously aggravated offences in Scotland is the Scottish Government Criminal Proceedings database. The information held in this database is published as National Statistics on an annual basis with the next publication currently due to be published in November 2013. The current publication, providing information up to end March 2012, can be found here:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PubCriminalProceedings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:40.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284339,"EventID":"S4W-14814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:40.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T15:40:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will put in place a transparent framework for monitoring the volume and structure of new supply output of affordable housing, as suggested in A Housing Report for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"We publish the approvals, starts and completions for the Affordable Housing Supply Programme as part of the quarterly housing statistics and we will continue to do this. We are also happy to meet with stakeholders to reassure them that our programme to deliver 30,000 homes over the lifetime of this parliament is currently on track. For example, all of the approvals we plan to make through the three year Resource Planning Assumptions to local authorities are expected to complete by March 2015.\r\nAnnual Outturn Reports have been published on the Scottish Government website since 2008-09. Please see link below to the outturn report for 2011-12:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/investment/ahip/AHSP2011-12Report\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:40.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284340,"EventID":"S4W-14815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:43.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T15:40:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on developing new private finance options for the next three years to complement grant funding and facilitate the building of social rented housing.\r\n","AnswerText":"Current rounds of the Scottish Government’s award-winning National Housing Trust (NHT) initiative for local authorities and developers are supporting delivery of over 1,000 new affordable homes with 13 developers across 10 local authorities, as set out in the table below. Further local variants of the NHT model are in development.\r\nCouncil\r\nUnits\r\nAberdeen City\r\n85\r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\n422\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n28\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n69\r\nDundee\r\n114\r\nFalkirk\r\n27\r\nFife \r\n62\r\nHighland\r\n135\r\nScottish Borders \r\n50\r\nStirling\r\n16\r\nTotal\r\n1008\r\nThe Scottish Government is also encouraging and supporting the development of a range of other approaches to private finance by the housing association sector and prospective new investors. These include the introduction of bond finance, recycling Housing Association Grant and equity investment. Taken together these innovations are supporting the provision of new housing supply across a range of tenures including social rent.\r\nA total of 1,900 affordable homes have been approved so far from innovative approaches to housing investment, with more units in the pipeline.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:43.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284341,"EventID":"S4W-14816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:43.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T15:40:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-1817 by Margaret Burgess on 20 February 2013, whether it is now in a position to provide a timescale for its response to its consultation on the right to buy.\r\n","AnswerText":"While timescales can be subject to change, a policy announcement on right to buy is expected before the end of June 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:43.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284342,"EventID":"S4W-14817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:43.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T15:40:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much (a) specialist housing for older people or (b) housing built to wheelchair standard will be provided as part of the 2012-13 to 2014-15 Affordable Housing Supply Programme.","AnswerText":"In May 2012, we introduced a new three year resource planning system to enable councils to plan the delivery of affordable housing more efficiently and effectively. This new approach has enabled each council to bring forward strategic local programmes of social and affordable housing based on local needs, identified through the Housing Needs and Demand Assessment and Local Housing Strategy. Councils will therefore decide upon the size and type of housing required to help satisfy these local needs.\r\nFor the period 1 April 2012 to 31 December 2012, a total of 309 specialist housing units for older people were provided. During the same period, a total of 61 wheelchair units were provided. Housing statistics covering the whole of 2012-13 are not due to be published until 4 June 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:43.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284343,"EventID":"S4W-14818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:44.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T15:40:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to make funding available to help private landlords to improve their properties.\r\n","AnswerText":"Owners of private property, including private landlords, are primarily responsible under the terms of their title deeds for meeting the cost of any work needed to improve their property. Local authorities have broad discretionary powers to assist owners who need help to improve their properties. Scottish Government funding to help private sector landlords improve the energy efficiency of their properties is available through both SME (small and medium enterprise) Loans and Green Homes Cashback schemes offered through Home Energy Scotland who can be contacted on 0800 512 012. In addition we recently announced our Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland Schemes which will use £79 million of our funding and leverage in energy company funding to support energy efficiency measures to fuel poor areas and households to create potential funding of £200 million for energy efficiency measures in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:44.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284344,"EventID":"S4W-14819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:44.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T15:40:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what courses of action are available to registered social landlords when tenants exhibit persistent antisocial or threatening behaviour toward neighbours.","AnswerText":"Registered Social Landlords, working with their partners, such as local authorities and the police, can use a range of powers to tackle persistent antisocial behaviour. These powers can be targeted at the person exhibiting the behaviour, their premises, or other places and can include anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs), closure orders, dispersal notices, seizure of vehicles that are being used antisocially, and Fixed Penalty Notices for antisocial behaviour.\r\nIn cases of persistent antisocial or threatening behaviour Registered Social Landlords have powers to:\r\nApply to the courts for an ASBO; serve a notice on a tenant converting the tenancy to a Short Scottish Secure Tenancy, where the tenant or a member of the tenant’s household is subject to an ASBO and raise proceedings in court for recovery of possession of the tenancy, the grounds for which include cases where the tenant or their household have behaved antisocially to neighbours.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:44.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284345,"EventID":"S4W-14820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:44.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T15:40:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether registered social landlords are able to evict tenants who have been imprisoned as a result of antisocial or threatening behaviour and, if so, what steps they are required to take to do so.\r\n","AnswerText":"Social landlords must obtain a court order before evicting a tenant. They can obtain an order on various grounds, which include (amongst others) that the tenant has behaved antisocially towards neighbours or been imprisoned for an offence committed in the locality of the house.\r\nFurther information around raising proceedings in court for recovery of possession of a tenancy is set out in Section 14 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001:\r\nhttp://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2001/10/section/14.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:44.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284346,"EventID":"S4W-14821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:44.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T15:40:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what responsibilities local authorities have to rehouse people leaving prison after serving a sentence for antisocial or threatening behaviour.","AnswerText":"If someone considers that they are homeless when released from prison after serving a sentence for antisocial behaviour, they can apply to a local authority for assistance.\r\nThe local authority will then determine whether or not the applicant is homeless and whether or not they are intentionally or unintentionally homeless. If found to be intentionally homeless then they will be entitled to temporary accommodation for a period and provided with advice and assistance to enable them to secure accommodation. If found to be unintentionally homeless then they will be entitled to settled accommodation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:44.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284347,"EventID":"S4W-14822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:45.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T15:40:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how people can appeal a judgement of the Scottish Housing Regulator in relation to a complaint against a registered social landlord.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR). The question has been passed to the SHR who will reply in writing to you directly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:45.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284348,"EventID":"S4W-14823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:45.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T15:40:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the report, Impact of the Removal of RET from Commercial Vehicles on the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree.","AnswerText":"The findings of the report are currently being considered. The report will inform the terms of reference for a comprehensive review of commercial vehicle fares across the ferry network subsidised by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:45.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284349,"EventID":"S4W-14825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:45.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T16:28:22.323","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many measles cases there are and how many cases have been recorded in each year since 2007-08, broken down by NHS board area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following tables provide data on laboratory confirmed measles cases recorded in Scotland each year from 2007 to date, broken down by NHS board area.\r\nNHS Board\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\nLaboratory confirmed cases\r\nProbable cases\r\nLaboratory confirmed cases\r\nProbable cases\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n0\r\n0\r\n4\r\n5\r\nBorders\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nFife\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nForth Valley\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n3\r\n0\r\n15\r\n9\r\nGrampian\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nHighland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n7\r\n0\r\nLanarkshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\nLothian\r\n0\r\n0\r\n24\r\n2\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nWestern Isles\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNot known\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nAll Scotland\r\n4\r\n0\r\n53\r\n17\r\n\r\nNHS Board\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\nLaboratory confirmed cases\r\nProbable cases\r\nLaboratory confirmed cases\r\nProbable cases\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n3\r\n0\r\n5\r\n1\r\nBorders\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n4\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nFife\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nForth Valley\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nGrampian\r\n3\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nHighland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nLanarkshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nLothian\r\n2\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nWestern Isles\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNot known\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nAll Scotland\r\n17\r\n0\r\n10\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\nNHS Board\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nLaboratory confirmed cases\r\nProbable cases\r\nLaboratory confirmed cases\r\nProbable cases\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nBorders\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n0\r\n0\r\n9\r\n7\r\nFife\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nForth Valley\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n1\r\n1\r\n7\r\n9\r\nGrampian\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\nHighland\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nLanarkshire\r\n1\r\n0\r\n6\r\n7\r\nLothian\r\n15\r\n0\r\n4\r\n0\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n3\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nWestern Isles\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNot known\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nAll Scotland\r\n24\r\n1\r\n28\r\n23\r\n\r\nNHS Board\r\n2013*\r\nLaboratory confirmed cases\r\nProbable cases\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n6\r\n0\r\nBorders\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFife\r\n10\r\n0\r\nForth Valley\r\n0\r\n0\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n10\r\n<5\r\nGrampian\r\n0\r\n0\r\nHighland\r\n0\r\n0\r\nLanarkshire\r\n<5\r\n0\r\nLothian\r\n<5\r\n0\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n<5\r\n0\r\nWestern Isles\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNot known\r\n0\r\n0\r\nAll Scotland\r\n33\r\n<5\r\nNotes:\r\n*data for 2013 is up until 17 May 2013\r\nLaboratory confirmed cases - is a case which has been diagnosed clinically, \r\na sample has been taken and it has tested positive.\r\nProbable cases - is a case which has been diagnosed clinically and which is epidemiologically\r\nlinked to a laboratory confirmed case, but for which no sample was taken and no test result is available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:45.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284350,"EventID":"S4W-14826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:46.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T16:29:20.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on cancer patients going elsewhere in the UK for treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"Centrally National Services Division (NSD), a Division of NHS National Services Scotland (NSS), manages the funding of cross border specialist healthcare services on behalf of NHS Scotland.\r\nThe number of cancer referrals going elsewhere in the UK to access treatment is small and mainly relate to those patients with eye tumours accessing low intensity proton beam radiotherapy at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Trust.\r\nThere is also a shared cross-border process in place for all other cancer referrals to access other specialist cancer treatment elsewhere in the UK.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not collect information on patients who relocate to England to seek alternative cancer treatment without referral.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:46.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284351,"EventID":"S4W-14827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:47.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T16:29:20.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve follow-up care for cancer patients.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is launching the “Transforming Care after Treatment Programme” soon. The overall aim is to ensure that people diagnosed with cancer are prepared for and supported to live with the consequences of the diagnosis and its treatment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:47.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284352,"EventID":"S4W-14828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:47.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T16:29:20.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many oncologists have resigned for reasons other than retirement in the last 12 months.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHSScotland staff data are held in the Scottish Workforce Information Standard System (SWISS). The “Reason for Leaving” field is not mandatory and therefore is not reliably populated.\r\nInformation on how many oncologists have resigned for reasons other than retirement in the last 12 months is therefore not available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:47.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284353,"EventID":"S4W-14833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:47.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T17:20:29.297","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what community benefit clauses have been implemented as part of the Forth Replacement Crossing project. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Forth Replacement Crossing is the first contract in Scotland to include a requirement for subcontracts to be tendered to be advertised on the Public Contracts Scotland website and requires all positions to be advertised in local job centres.\r\nThe Principal Contract will deliver an annual average of 45 vocational training positions, 21 professional body training places and 46 positions for the long term unemployed, as well as further scope to maximise modern apprenticeship opportunities every year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:47.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284354,"EventID":"S4W-14834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:48.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T17:20:29.297","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what key performance indicators have been built into the procurement contracts used for the Forth Replacement Crossing project.","AnswerText":"There are 26 key performance indicators in the Forth Replacement Crossing Principal Contract. These are grouped as follows:\r\nEmbodied Carbon-1\r\nProject Planning and Compliance-5\r\nSupervision and Quality Control-5\r\nRecord Keeping-5\r\nTraining-5\r\nWider Social Responsibility-5\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:48.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284355,"EventID":"S4W-14846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:48.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T16:39:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which journeys on (a) CalMac and (b) Northlink ferries were cancelled due to (i) weather conditions and (ii) engine failure in each year since 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is provided in table form. Neither CalMac Ferries Limited, nor previously Northlink specifically identify engine failures and any such incidents of engine failure are included in the figures provided for technical cancellations.\r\nCalMac\r\nScheduled Sailings\r\nWeather Cancellations\r\nTechnical Cancellations\r\n2009-2010\r\n131,532\r\n1560\r\n177\r\n2010-2011\r\n131,421\r\n2040\r\n244\r\n2011-2012\r\n131,518\r\n2646\r\n416\r\n\r\nNorthLink\r\n(until\r\n05-07-2012)\r\nScheduled Sailings\r\nWeather Cancellations\r\nTechnical Cancellations\r\n2009-2010\r\n3,253\r\n56\r\n2\r\n2010-2011\r\n3,307\r\n52\r\n8\r\n2011-2012\r\n3,334\r\n95\r\n8\r\n\r\nSerco Northlink performance figures.\r\nSerco NorthLink\r\n(since 06-07-2012)\r\nScheduled Sailings\r\nWeather Cancellations\r\nEngine Failure\r\n2012\r\n1656\r\n38\r\n0\r\n2013 \r\n(as at 19-05-13)\r\n992\r\n35\r\n100\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:48.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284356,"EventID":"S4W-14847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:48.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T10:51:47.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the level three funding streams for each Scottish Funding Council (a) further and (b) higher education programme (i) have been in each year since 2006, and (ii) will be in each of the next two years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The level three funding streams for the Scottish Funding Council’s (SFC) further and higher education programmes are publicly available through the Scottish Budget documents from 2006 onwards:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/Finance/18127/Documents\r\nInformation is also provided on adjustments to the SFC’s further education programme by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning’s letter to the Education and Culture Committee on 23 October 2012.\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/S4_LocalGovernmentandRegenerationCommittee/Meeting%20Papers/EC_Meeting_papers_20121023.pdf\r\nThe Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth also gave a commitment to provide additional funding for the SFC FE programme during his 2013-14 budget announcement, on 6 February 2013.\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=7732\r\nThe answer to question S4W-14615 on 2 May 2013 makes clear that the £10 million of additional college funding for 2013-14, announced on 6 February 2013, has now been found from 2012-13 Scottish Government underspend, full details of which will be published within the Scottish Government accounts in due course.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:49.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284357,"EventID":"S4W-14848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T13:25:49.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T10:51:47.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) college and (b) university students it has paid the tuition fees for in each year since 2005-06.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of students whose tuition fees were paid in full by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland. Students who received part payment of fees (such as the fee differential for students with previous study prior to the fees increase in 2006-07) are not included: \r\nAcademic session\r\nCollege\r\nUniversity\r\n2005-06\r\n      22,170 \r\n      86,330 \r\n2006-07\r\n      22,420 \r\n      87,135 \r\n2007-08\r\n      22,305 \r\n      87,585 \r\n2008-09\r\n      22,920 \r\n      88,970 \r\n2009-10\r\n      24,690 \r\n      92,565 \r\n2010-11\r\n      26,190 \r\n      93,045 \r\n2011-12\r\n      27,110 \r\n      93,495 \r\nNote: Student numbers in this table have been rounded up or down to the nearest 5 (e.g. 1, 2 round to 0; 3, 4 round to 5). \r\nInformation on number of students awarded tuition fees for 2012-13 will be published in October in the National Statistics publication Higher Education Student Support in Scotland 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T13:25:49.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284365,"EventID":"S4W-14835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T16:07:24.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T17:25:30.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many apprenticeships have been created as part of the Forth Replacement Crossing project.\r\n","AnswerText":"As of 31 January 2013, the Forth Replacement Crossing project has delivered 46 vocational training positions including 14 modern apprenticeships, 44 professional body training places and 70 long term unemployed positions. These opportunities and the scope for modern apprenticeship opportunities will increase as work on site progresses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T16:07:24.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284366,"EventID":"S4W-14836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T16:07:24.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T17:25:30.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether minimum employment standards were included in the invitation to tender process for the Forth Replacement Crossing project and, if so, what standards.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Principal Contractor is contractually obliged to pay wage rates and observe conditions of labour, which are not lower than those established for the trade or industry where the work is carried out.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T16:07:24.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284367,"EventID":"S4W-14837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T16:07:24.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T17:25:30.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether all workers on the Forth Replacement Crossing project are employed according to nationally agreed terms and conditions.","AnswerText":"The Principal Contractor is contractually obliged to pay wage rates and observe conditions of labour, which are not lower than those established for the trade or industry where the work is carried out.\r\nRecruitment and conditions of employment are an operational matter for the contractors. This information is not held by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T16:07:24.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284368,"EventID":"S4W-14838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T16:07:24.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T17:25:30.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what national agreements are in force for workers on the Forth Replacement Crossing project.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14837 on 28 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T16:07:24.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284369,"EventID":"S4W-14839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T16:07:24.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T17:25:30.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people are employed on the Forth Replacement Crossing project, also broken down by (a) contractor and (b) subcontractor.","AnswerText":"(a) The average number of staff on site in April 2013 was 737. The number of staff on site varies depending on the stage of the works and is expected to reach the previous peak of 1200 later in 2013.\r\n(b) The staffing of all subcontracts for additional supply of services and materials by the main Forth Replacement Crossing contractors are a wholly commercial matter for the contractor and subcontractor.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T16:07:24.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284370,"EventID":"S4W-14841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T16:07:24.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T17:25:30.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the value is of each (a) contract and (b) subcontract awarded as part of the Forth Replacement Crossing project.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Principal Contract to build the new bridge and connecting roads was awarded to the Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors (FCBC) consortium with a successful tender price of £790 million.\r\nThe contract to install elements of the project’s Intelligent Transport System (ITS) on the M90 in Fife was awarded to John Graham (Dromore) Ltd, with a successful tender price of £12.9 million.\r\nThe contract to upgrade M9 Junction 1a at Kirkliston was awarded to a consortium between John Sisk and Roadbridge with a successful tender price of £25.6 million.\r\nThe contract to build the Forth Replacement Crossing Contact and Education Centre and Traffic Scotland Control Centre was awarded to Dawn Construction Ltd with a successful tender price of £3 million.\r\nThe following service and advance works contracts were also awarded by Transport Scotland: \r\nArchaeology-Headland Archaelolgy-Tender Value: £248,190\r\nCivil and Electrical Work for Radar - John Graham (Dromore) Ltd - Tender Value: £126,291\r\nReplacement Badger Sett Contract - Three Shires Ltd - Tender Value: £13,367.60\r\nCompetition for Supply of Plant Material - Johnsons of Whixley Limited - Tender Value: £229,900.\r\nInsurance Advisory Services - Heath Lambert Ltd - Contract Value: £279,000 \r\nFee Audit Commission - Deloitte LLP - Contract Value: £59,000\r\nThe award of all further subcontracts for additional supply of services and materials by the main Forth Replacement Crossing contractors are a wholly commercial matter for the firms themselves.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T16:07:24.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284371,"EventID":"S4W-14842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T16:07:25.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T17:25:30.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is aware of any incidences of so-called bogus self-employment among construction workers employed on the Forth Replacement Crossing project and, if so, what steps it has taken to prevent this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is not aware of any incidences of so-called bogus self-employment on the Forth Replacement Crossing Project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T16:07:25.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284372,"EventID":"S4W-14844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T16:07:25.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T17:25:30.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many temporary and agency workers have been employed on the Forth Replacement Crossing project.","AnswerText":"Recruitment and conditions of employment are an operational matter for the contractors. This information is not held by the Scottish Government.\r\nNo agency or temporary workers are employed by the Transport Scotland led Employer’s Delivery Team.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T16:07:25.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284373,"EventID":"S4W-14845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T16:07:25.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T17:25:30.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Transport Scotland includes adherence to the Register of Qualified Steelwork Contractors Scheme for Bridgeworks in its procurement processes and, if so, when it introduced this and for what reason.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland does include adherence to the Register for Qualified Steelwork Contractors Scheme for Bridgeworks or equivalent in its procurement processes. This was introduced progressively during 2010 as part of continuing dialogue and specification development with the Highways Agency, although it does not yet form part of the specification for highway works.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T16:07:25.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284374,"EventID":"S4W-14865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T16:07:25.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T12:51:23.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14306 by Nicola Sturgeon on 26 April 2013, what spend with Scotland-based small and medium-sized companies for (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12 was with (i) medium, (ii) small and (iii) micro-sized companies.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information from the Scottish Procurement Information Hub (the Hub) indicates that the value of spend with Scottish based Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) per financial year was:\r\nFinancial year 2010-11\r\nMicro (1-9 employees)\r\n£394 million\r\nSmall (10-49 employees)\r\n£778 million\r\nMedium (50-249 employees)\r\n£1,460 million\r\n\r\nFinancial Year 2011-12\r\nMicro (1-9 employees)\r\n£401 million\r\nSmall (10-49 employees)\r\n£835 million\r\nMedium (50-249 employees)\r\n£1,448 million\r\n\r\nAll Hub figures quoted above are based on data where both the number of employees and region of the supplier are known.\r\nIt is likely that many of those suppliers where employee numbers are not known are SMEs, meaning that the SME figures shown are likely to be understated.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T16:07:25.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284375,"EventID":"S4W-14866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T16:07:25.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T12:51:23.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on procurement with (a) medium, (b) small and (c) micro-sized companies in the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information from the Scottish Procurement Information Hub (the Hub) indicates that the value of spend by Scottish Government Core Departments with medium, small and micro sized companies in the last five years was:\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nTotal SG Spend\r\n£153m\r\n£197m\r\n£231m\r\n£181m\r\n£155m\r\nTotal SG Spend where supplier size known\r\n£142m\r\n£188m\r\n£219m\r\n£171m\r\n£143m\r\nMicro \r\n(<9 employees)\r\n£7m\r\n£10m\r\n£7m\r\n£8m\r\n£7m\r\n5%\r\n5%\r\n3%\r\n5%\r\n5%\r\nSmall (10 – 49\r\nEmployees)\r\n£13m\r\n£15m\r\n£15m\r\n£12m\r\n£11m\r\n9%\r\n8%\r\n7%\r\n7%\r\n8%\r\nMedium (50 – 249\r\nemployees) \r\n£28m\r\n£45m\r\n£41m\r\n£41m\r\n£32m\r\n20%\r\n24%\r\n19%\r\n24%\r\n23%\r\n% suppliers where employees numbers known\r\n87.5%\r\n88.7%\r\n89.7%\r\n89.6%\r\n87.8%\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T16:07:25.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284376,"EventID":"S4W-14867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T16:07:25.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T12:51:23.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to public sector bodies on including community benefit clauses in procurement tenders and contracts.","AnswerText":"A Scottish Procurement Policy Note (SPPN) along with a report and guidance on Community Benefits in Public Procurement (CBIP) were published by the Scottish Government, in partnership with COSLA in February 2008.\r\nIn addition to this we have useful information available to public sector bodies on the Scottish Government website www.scotland.gov.uk/procurement, including guidance from Construction Skills and Ready for Business.\r\nOver the last two years the Scottish Government has also promoted this guidance through Marrakech Task Force training events and the Developing Markets contract. This has enabled us to promote the use of CBIP to over 300 buyers across the wider public sector in Scotland including: Central Government, agencies and Non-Departmental Public Bodies, higher and further education institutes, local authorities, and the NHS. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T16:07:25.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284377,"EventID":"S4W-14868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T16:07:26.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T12:51:23.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14085 by Nicola Sturgeon on 25 April 2013, whether it plans to ask public sector bodies to keep a record of community benefit information.\r\n","AnswerText":"We intend to use the forthcoming Procurement Reform Bill to introduce a statutory requirement that public sector bodies include community benefit clauses in all new major public contracts and that those in receipt of major public contracts publish details of the community benefits these requirements have achieved.\r\nRegarding records management, public sector organisations in Scotland are subject to the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. Sections 60 & 62 of the Act refer to the Scottish Ministers’ Code of Practice on Records Management by Scottish Public Authorities, which gives guidance on records management which the Scottish public sector should adhere to. \r\nFurthermore, the Public Records (Scotland) Act 2011 makes provision about the management of public records by named public authorities. The Act complements the existing code of practice and comes in to force in 2013.\r\nThe Scottish Government also reports to the Public Audit Committee on a six monthly basis on how major capital projects are contributing to local economic development, including community benefits. The latest report can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/Finance/18232/12271/PACDecember2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T16:07:26.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284378,"EventID":"S4W-14869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T16:07:26.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T13:39:20.277","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to support people of a central and eastern European Roma background living in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is fully committed to supporting our most vulnerable communities. To this end we are delivering several measures to support people of a central and eastern European Roma background living in Scotland.\r\nDuring 2012-15 we are providing funding of £255,000 to the Govanhill Law Centre to deliver a project which provides advice and legal representation focusing largely on the Roma Community. During the same period we are providing £180,000 to Crossroads Youth and Community Association to take forward their Govanhill Together project which promotes cohesion and opportunity by providing one to one advocacy and support particularly for members of the Czech and Slovak Roma communities.\r\nIn addition to this, on 18 June 2012, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Michael Russell MSP, met with Stephen Curran, Glasgow City Council’s Executive Member for Education and Young People and assured him that the Scottish Government will do all it can to assist them undertake further work into identifying key concerns for Glasgow with regards to the education of children from the Roma community.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T16:07:26.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284379,"EventID":"S4W-14879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T16:07:26.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T14:38:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people (a) over and (b) under 18 have received NHS speech and language therapy for stammering in each year since 2010, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information is not held centrally to enable us to identify the specific issue for which people are referred for speech and language therapy or to distinguish between those under and over 18.\r\nThe number of people referred to NHS speech and language therapy services in the period April 2011 – March 2012 is set out in the following table:\r\nNHS Board\r\nTotal Attendances\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n4,738\r\nNHS Borders\r\n2,661\r\nNHS Fife\r\n12,458\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n14,016\r\nNHS Highland\r\n621\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n15,571\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n2,604\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n157\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n4,293\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n14,852\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n3,461\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n729\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n364\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T16:07:26.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284380,"EventID":"S4W-14881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T16:07:26.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T14:46:45.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it will provide to west coast prawn fishermen who face a reduction in income due to reduced days at sea in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has listened carefully and responded to fishermen’s concerns about the number of days at sea that will be available to inshore prawn fishermen in 2013. As a result, days at sea allocations for west coast prawn vessels will be equivalent to 95% or more of the hours spent at sea on the west coast in 2009-2011.\r\nTo assist skippers the Government has offered fishing vessels an option in 2013 to participate in a range of publicly funded marine science initiatives identified by Marine Scotland that will improve inshore fisheries and marine science on the west coast. Representatives of 21 vessels have applied for this work.\r\nWe fully expects that the allocations agreed this year should allow us to return effort limits to normal levels in 2014-15, but this will depend on effort uptake in 2013-14.\r\nWe have also initiated discussions with the European Commission officials seeking the exemption from the effort limits of the cod plan for inshore prawn vessels that can document very low cod catches. The Scottish Government cannot itself exempt vessels: this can only be achieved by the European Commission making a proposal to the Council of Ministers. The Government is therefore working with the Commission to seek an agreement about the types of documentation that can be agreed as being satisfactory for the purposes of verifying very low catches of cod. The Government will also discuss the terms of an application for exemption with representatives of the fishing industry prior to its submission.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T16:07:26.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284381,"EventID":"S4W-14882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T16:07:27.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T14:46:45.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making in persuading the European Commission to exempt from the cod recovery plan boats that can document low catches of cod.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14881 on 16 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T16:07:27.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284382,"EventID":"S4W-14883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-10T16:07:27.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T14:46:45.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish whether it can guarantee that west coast prawn fishermen will have their days at sea allocation returned to previous levels in 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14881 on 16 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-28T16:07:27.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284389,"EventID":"S4W-14787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T14:02:50.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T10:27:30.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-05467 by Bruce Crawford on 5 March 2012, whether it will provide an update of its estimate of Scotland's share of the cost of (a) operating and (b) replacing the Trident system.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government estimates that, based on 2011-12 UK defence spending figures and on UK Ministers’ statement that in-service costs for Trident are around 5 to 6% of the total defence budget, Scotland’s 8.4% population share of operating costs for the Trident nuclear weapons system is around £170 million per annum.\r\nIn addition to those operating costs, the Scottish Government estimates that Scotland’s population share of the replacement costs for the UK Government’s nuclear deterrent programme, outlined most recently in The United Kingdom’s Future Nuclear Deterrent: 2012 Update to Parliament, is between £1.26 and £1.68 billion at 2006-07 prices. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T14:02:50.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284390,"EventID":"S4W-14872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T14:02:50.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T14:27:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to protect the economy of the Highlands and Islands from the impact of the reductions in pay of up to 25% recently proposed by CalMac Ferries Ltd for its shore-based employees.\r\n","AnswerText":"Whilst this is a matter between the employer and the unions, we would urge CalMac Ferries Ltd to continue with their negotiations to seek an early resolution to avoid any impact on ferry services and the economy of the Highlands and Islands.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T14:02:50.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284391,"EventID":"S4W-14873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T14:02:50.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T14:27:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on proposals by CalMac Ferries Ltd to reduce the pay of its shore-based employees by up to 25%, given its operational efficiency rates of over 99% and pre-tax profit of £4.1million. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14872 on 23 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T14:02:50.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284392,"EventID":"S4W-14874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T14:02:50.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T14:27:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Transport Scotland relating to proposals by CalMac Ferries Ltd to reduce the pay of its shore-based employees by up to 25%, and what the outcome was.\r\n","AnswerText":"Whilst this is a matter between the employer and the unions, Ministers have been kept informed of progress with the negotiations by their officials in Transport Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T14:02:50.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284393,"EventID":"S4W-14875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T14:02:50.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T14:27:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Transport Scotland recommended that CalMac Ferries Ltd propose reductions in pay of up to 25% for its shore-based staff and, if so, what its position is on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"No. This is a matter for CalMac Ferries Ltd.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T14:02:51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284394,"EventID":"S4W-14877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T14:02:51.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T14:27:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking, in light of the First Minister's remarks to the 2013 STUC congress that “trade unions are important partners for the Scottish Government”, to work in partnership with the relevant unions with regard to proposals by CalMac Ferries Ltd to reduce the pay of its shore-based employees by up to 25%.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14872 on 23 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T14:02:51.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284395,"EventID":"S4W-14878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T14:02:51.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T14:27:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether savings made by CalMac Ferries Ltd as a result of its proposed 25% pay reduction for shore-based staff would be subject to the clawback mechanism in its contract for running the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services.\r\n","AnswerText":"No.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T14:02:51.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284396,"EventID":"S4W-14884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T14:02:51.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T15:03:57.137","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much offshore renewable development will be required after 2020 to meet its ambition of having a largely-decarbonised electricity supply by 2030.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government, like the rest of the UK and EU neighbours has not set electricity targets beyond 2020 in terms of specific fuel mixes.\r\nDecarbonisation will be achieved through a range of policies and be dependent upon a number of factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Scottish Government.\r\nWe believe that offshore renewable energy has the potential to make a significant contribution to a decarbonised electricity supply but it is too early to indicate what that contribution will be.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T14:02:51.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284397,"EventID":"S4W-14885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T14:02:51.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T15:03:57.137","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it follows the UK emissions performance standard (EPS); how it will ensure that this will help it meet its 2030 target, and what consideration it has given to adopting its own EPS.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of the draft Electricity Generation Policy Statement published in March 2012, the Scottish Government informally consulted on the possibility of a distinct Scottish Emissions Performance Standard (EPS). Responses indicated a range of views with industry being supportive of a UK-wide level to ensure a consistent regulatory approach and promote investor confidence in a UK-wide electricity market, while Non-Governmental Organisation’s favoured a Scottish specific EPS at a lower level gradually reducing over time.\r\nBased on the overriding objective of providing a consistent regulatory regime, which does not dis-incentivise investment in clean thermal generation in Scotland, we have agreed to the UK-wide application of the Emissions Performance Standard.\r\nWhile the Emissions Performance Standard is a useful tool we are clear that on its own it will not deliver the Scottish Government’s 2030 decarbonisation target and should be seen in the context of wider policies and powers. Our current consenting policy on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) already imposes conditions for progressively fitting CCS to all coal and gas thermal plants following successful demonstration at commercial scale. The delivery of our 100% renewable electricity target together with developments in grid technology and storage and progress in demand reduction and energy efficiency will also play a crucial role in the delivery of our long-term decarbonisation target.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T14:02:51.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284398,"EventID":"S4W-14887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T14:02:52.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T15:37:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the consultants’ report to the Intergovernmental Scottish Islands Renewables Steering Group.","AnswerText":"The report, entitled the Scottish Islands Renewables Project – Final Report, will be published on 15 May 2013. Copies have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54946) and it is available at:\r\nhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scottish-islands-renewable-project-final-report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T14:02:52.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284399,"EventID":"S4W-14888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T14:02:52.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T16:07:36.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-14535 and S4W-14540 by John Swinney on 3 May 2013, whether the evidence from (a) business organisations and (b) regulators regarding the section on page (i) 12 of the report that reads, “the development of this approach has been tested through discussions with UK regulators, experts, consumer groups and business organisations” and (ii) 13 of the report that reads, “our discussions with stakeholders have indicated that an extended transition should be avoided” is in the public domain and, if so, where.\r\n","AnswerText":"The substance of the discussions we held with business organisations and regulators informed the paper Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland, which is in the public domain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T14:02:52.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284400,"EventID":"S4W-14890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T14:02:52.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T08:53:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when cervical cancer screening will be included in the Detect Cancer Early Programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Detect Cancer Early Programme aims to increase the proportion of cancers detected at the early stage of disease. Although directed at lung, breast and colorectal cancers in the first instance, early diagnosis and high quality treatment and care for all patients with cancer is a top priority. It is anticipated that the programme will benefit people with other types of cancer as general awareness raising initiatives are expected to result in earlier presentation, referral and assessment for all those with a possibility of cancer.\r\nColorectal, lung and breast cancer represent 45 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in Scotland per year. To allow the early stages of the programme to be appropriately managed and be the most effective, a decision was taken to focus on these three cancers initially. This will enable the greatest impact both in terms of patient numbers and in tackling cancer in areas of deprivation where survival has historically been poorest. It will be easier to demonstrate shifts in outcomes and in population attitudes by choosing the high incidence tumour types as the initial focus - it is anticipated that this will identify best practice and build momentum for the programme that will then facilitate roll out to other tumour types.\r\nThe priming and on-going campaign messages aim to create more confidence about cancer and its treatment and encourage people to present early to their GP with any changes in their body. In this way, it is anticipated that there will be increased awareness of screening programme availability and of symptoms and signs of cancer types additional to lung, breast and colorectal.\r\nOnce the initial phase of the Detect Cancer Early Programme is completed, consideration will be given to which other cancer types need to be tackled in a similar way.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T14:02:52.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284401,"EventID":"S4W-14891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T14:02:52.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T08:53:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps are being taken to raise awareness of the symptoms of cervical cancer.\r\n","AnswerText":"Through the Detect Cancer Early Programme, the Scottish Government raises public awareness of both screening programmes and the early signs and symptoms of cancer to encourage people to seek help earlier.\r\nAlthough the Detect Cancer Early Programme will initially concentrate on lung, bowel and breast cancer, this initiative is fully expected to raise awareness of all cancers amongst the public and health practitioners, and crucially, save more lives every year. Also as part of the Detect Cancer Early Programme, the Scottish Government  will be working with GPs to promote earlier referral or investigation of patients who might have cancer.\r\nCervical Screening Awareness Week (9-15 June 2013) will provide further opportunities to raise awareness of the importance of cervical screening. We plan to work with Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to increase public awareness about cervical screening and the importance of early detection.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T14:02:52.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284402,"EventID":"S4W-14892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T14:02:52.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T08:53:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to work with Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to develop communications to improve cervical screening uptake.\r\n","AnswerText":"I recently met with the Director of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, where their involvement in developing and delivering key messages about cervical screening were welcomed. In December 2012, the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) recommended that the upper and lower age limits of screening should be changed. The Scottish Government has accepted these recommendations, which will be implemented in 2015. We will involve Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust in delivering messages about these changes.\r\nCervical Screening Awareness Week (9-15 June) will provide further opportunities to raise awareness of the importance of cervical screening. We will work with Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust in helping to deliver messages about cervical screening and the importance of early detection.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T14:02:52.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284403,"EventID":"S4T-00352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T12:53:00.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T11:30:20.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that North Sea oil and gas production will continue for the rest of the century.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T12:53:00.227","MeetingDate":"2013-05-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284404,"EventID":"S4F-01375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T12:53:32.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T15:39:54.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T12:53:32.37","MeetingDate":"2013-05-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284405,"EventID":"S4F-01377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T12:53:32.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T09:00:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is on the use of electronic tagging of offenders as an alternative to short-term sentences.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T12:53:32.947","MeetingDate":"2013-05-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284406,"EventID":"S4F-01380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T12:53:33.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T09:57:24.467","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T12:53:33.9","MeetingDate":"2013-05-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284407,"EventID":"S4F-01381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T12:53:34.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T10:33:36.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what discussions the Scottish Government is having with local authorities regarding access to Gaelic medium schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T12:53:34.133","MeetingDate":"2013-05-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284408,"EventID":"S4F-01387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T12:53:35.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T11:39:36.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what discussions the Scottish Government has had with Vattenfall regarding its investment in offshore wind energy projects.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T12:53:35.6","MeetingDate":"2013-05-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284409,"EventID":"S4F-01388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T12:53:35.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T11:55:24.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Government is taking to tackle bullying in the NHS.  \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T12:53:35.833","MeetingDate":"2013-05-16T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284415,"EventID":"S4W-14893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T16:57:26.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T11:39:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on reports that homeowners are facing increased charges because of the requirement for factors to comply with the Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011 created a statutory framework to provide increased protection for homeowners who use the services of a property factor.\r\nThere is no statutory requirement for any additional costs arising from compliance with the legislation to be passed on to clients. Any decision to do so would be for the individual business concerned, mindful of the expectations of the factors’ code of conduct in relation to the transparency of billing.\r\nThe requirements of regulation are not expected to create a significant burden for property factors who already follow good practice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T16:57:26.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284416,"EventID":"S4W-14894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T16:57:26.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T13:28:13.483","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what statutory obligations there are for (a) it and (b) its bodies in relation to delivering sustainable (i) development and (ii) economic growth.\r\n","AnswerText":"As set out in the Government Economic Strategy (GES), the Scottish Government’s Purpose is to focus government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth. The priorities in our GES continue to inform our policy and spending decisions in order to support the recovery, employment and sustainable economic growth throughout Scotland.\r\nUnder the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 it is the duty of every public body and office-holder, in exercising any functions, to further the conservation of biodiversity so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions. Section 44 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act places duties on public bodies, including the Scottish Government, relating to climate change including a duty that in exercising its functions a public body must act in a way that it considers most sustainable. The Act also requires that net levels of Scottish greenhouse gas emissions are reduced from a 1990-1995 baseline by at least 42% in 2020 and 80% by 2050. Also Sections 32 (1)(a) and (b) the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 places specific duties on each public body listed in schedule 8 to the Act to publish a statement of the steps that it has taken during the financial year to promote and increase sustainable growth through the exercise of its functions and to improve efficiency, effectiveness and economy in the exercises of its functions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T16:57:26.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284417,"EventID":"S4W-14895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T16:57:26.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T13:39:26.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many Police Scotland (a) officers and (b) staff will be deployed at the G8 summit in Northern Ireland and who will pay the cost of their deployment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of Police Scotland officers and staff to be deployed at the G8 summit is an operational matter for the Chief Constable and the Scottish Government does not hold this information. Arrangements will be put in place for the Scottish Police Authority to be reimbursed for the costs of this deployment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T16:57:26.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284418,"EventID":"S4W-14896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T16:57:26.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T13:39:26.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what types of specialist Police Scotland (a) officers and (b) staff will be deployed at the G8 summit in Northern Ireland.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Chief Constable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T16:57:26.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284419,"EventID":"S4W-14898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T16:57:26.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T13:39:26.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the costs of back-filling for the Police Scotland (a) officers and (b) staff deployed at the G8 summit in Northern Ireland will be met in full and, if so, by whom.\r\n","AnswerText":"Arrangements will be put in place for the Scottish Police Authority to be reimbursed for the cost of officers and staff deployed at the G8 summit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T16:57:26.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284420,"EventID":"S4W-14899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T16:57:26.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T13:39:26.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assurances it can give that (a) efficient policing and (b) the safety of communities will not be compromised as a result of Police Scotland officers and staff being deployed at the G8 summit in Northern Ireland.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Chief Constable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T16:57:26.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284421,"EventID":"S4W-14900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T16:57:27.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T13:39:26.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Police Scotland helicopter will be deployed to the G8 summit in Northern Ireland.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Chief Constable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T16:57:27.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284422,"EventID":"S4W-14901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T16:57:27.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T13:39:26.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Police Scotland officers deployed at the G8 summit in Northern Ireland will be using armoured vehicles and, if so, who owns those vehicles.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Chief Constable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T16:57:27.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284423,"EventID":"S4W-14902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T16:57:27.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T13:39:26.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether armoured vehicles have been stored at the Scottish Police College in the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Chief Constable. The Scottish Government does not hold this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T16:57:27.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284424,"EventID":"S4W-14903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T16:57:27.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T13:39:26.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an assessment has been made of any reputational damage to Police Scotland of (a) storing armoured vehicles at the Scottish Police College and (b) having officers and staff deployed in armoured vehicles.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Chief Constable. The Scottish Government does not hold this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T16:57:27.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284425,"EventID":"S4W-14904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T16:57:27.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T13:39:26.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many armoured vehicles Police Scotland owns.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Chief Constable. The Scottish Government does not hold this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T16:57:27.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284426,"EventID":"S4W-14905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T16:57:27.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T13:39:26.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Police Scotland and its predecessors has/have bought additional equipment for the G8 summit in Northern Ireland and, if so, what equipment; who sanctioned the purchase; what the cost was, and who the suppliers were. ","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Chief Constable. The Scottish Government does not hold this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T16:57:27.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284427,"EventID":"S4W-14906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T16:57:27.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T13:39:26.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assurances it can give about the safety of Police Scotland officers and staff (a) travelling to and from and (b) while on deployment at the G8 summit in Northern Ireland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government understands that all UK forces providing Mutual Aid to G8 have undergone training on the different policing tactics used in Northern Ireland. Further information on this is an operational matter for the Chief constable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T16:57:27.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284428,"EventID":"S4W-14907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T16:57:28.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T13:39:26.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assurances it can give that Police Scotland officers and staff will have adequate radio communications while travelling to and from and while on deployment at the G8 summit in Northern Ireland.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Chief Constable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T16:57:28.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284429,"EventID":"S4W-14908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T16:57:28.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T13:39:26.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what additional training Police Scotland officers to be deployed at the G8 summit in Northern Ireland have been given and by whom.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government understands that all UK forces providing Mutual Aid to G8 have undergone training on the different policing tactics used in Northern Ireland. Further information on this is an operational matter for the Chief constable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T16:57:28.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284430,"EventID":"S4W-14909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T16:57:28.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T13:39:26.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government under whose direction Police Scotland (a) officers and (b) staff deployed at the G8 summit in Northern Ireland will work.","AnswerText":"Policing of the G8 Summit will be under the direction and control of PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggot.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T16:57:28.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284431,"EventID":"S4W-14910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T16:57:28.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T13:39:26.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assurances it can give that Police Scotland officers and staff will not be subject to any operational direction by, nor participate in joint patrols with, (a) the UK military and (b) private security firms while deployed at the G8 summit in Northern Ireland.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Chief Constable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T16:57:28.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284432,"EventID":"S4W-14912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T16:57:28.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T13:39:26.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assurances it can give that Police Scotland officers and staff deployed at the G8 summit in Northern Ireland will not be subject to litigation due to any lack of knowledge of Northern Irish law.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Chief Constable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T16:57:28.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284433,"EventID":"S4W-14913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T16:57:28.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T13:39:26.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assurances it can give that the safety of Police Scotland officers and staff deployed at the G8 summit in Northern Ireland will not be compromised if the threat level increases.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government understands that the Scottish Police Federation met the Association of Chief Police Officers to ensure relevant training and risk assessments are carried out to protect their members. Further information on this is an operational matter for the Chief constable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T16:57:28.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284434,"EventID":"S4W-14914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T16:57:28.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T13:39:26.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government about policing the G8 summit in Northern Ireland.","AnswerText":"Officials had discussions with their counterparts about the mechanism for reimbursing the SPA for the cost of the deployment of Police Scotland officers and staff at the G8 Summit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T16:57:29.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284435,"EventID":"S4W-14915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-13T16:57:29.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T15:57:28.497","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Expert Working Group on Welfare and Constitutional Reform has assessed the commitments on welfare reform made by the Deputy First Minister in her speech of 13 May 2013, The Benefits and Possibilities of Independence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The remit of the Expert Working Group on Welfare is to review and provide assurance on work undertaken by the Scottish Government on, the cost of benefit payments in an independent Scotland upon independence and the delivery of those payments in an independent Scotland.\r\nThe group will also offer views on immediate priorities for change.\r\nThe group will submit their report to Scottish Ministers at the end of May 2013 and it will be published shortly thereafter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-29T16:57:29.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284436,"EventID":"S4W-14916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T13:52:29.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T17:16:06.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings it has had with the Royal Sun Alliance Group since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government records show one meeting took place with Scottish Executive officials and Royal and Sun Alliance on 14 July 2006.\r\nDetails of all ministerial engagements are published in arrears on the Scottish Government website and can be accessed using the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/14944/Events-Engagements/MinisterialEngagements. These records show from 2008, no Ministerial meetings had taken place with Royal Sun Alliance Group.\r\nWe have been unable to find any further records of other ministerial or official meetings during the requested time period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T13:52:29.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284437,"EventID":"S4W-14917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T13:52:29.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T17:16:06.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what  role it has with regard to professional indemnity insurance for the legal profession.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have no role regarding professional indemnity insurance for the legal profession. The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 sets out provisions for professional indemnity for solicitors and former solicitors. It states that it is the responsibility of the Law Society of Scotland with the concurrence of the Lord President to make rules in this regard.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T13:52:29.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284438,"EventID":"S4W-14918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T13:52:29.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T17:16:06.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many companies provide professional indemnity insurance for the legal profession.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Law Society of Scotland. The Scottish Government does not hold the information requested centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T13:52:29.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284439,"EventID":"S4W-14919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T13:52:30.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T17:16:06.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the findings of the 2009 Report to Scottish Legal Complaints Commission on the Master Policy and Guarantee Fund Research.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is entirely a matter for the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission and the Law Society of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T13:52:30.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284440,"EventID":"S4W-14920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T13:52:30.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T17:16:06.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Law Society of Scotland’s master policy for the provision of professional indemnity insurance arrangements.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Solicitors(Scotland) Act 1980 sets out provisions in respect of the Guarantee Fund and professional indemnity and that it is the responsibility of the Law Society of Scotland. Scottish Ministers have no locus in these matters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T13:52:30.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284441,"EventID":"S4W-14921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T13:52:30.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T17:16:06.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has had meetings with the Law Society of Scotland regarding professional indemnity insurance arrangements and the role of Royal Sun Alliance in this matter and, if so, (a) when these took place and (b) who attended.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have no record meetings of that nature between the Scottish Government and the Law Society of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T13:52:30.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284442,"EventID":"S4W-14922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T13:52:30.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T10:03:51.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will seek a draft opinion on an independent Scotland’s credit rating from a credit rating agency and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"Given our position of relative financial strength we have every confidence in securing a top credit rating for an independent Scotland - almost two thirds of countries with an AAA rating are small countries with a population of less than 10 million.\r\nSG believes the macro-economic framework set out by the Fiscal Commission Working Group would provide a stable basis for Scotland and rUK in the best interests of both, and, combined with Scotland’s economic strengths and natural resources, and the responsible record of the Scottish Government, would make an independent Scotland attractive to lenders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T13:52:30.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284443,"EventID":"S4W-14923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T13:52:31.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T10:03:51.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its analysis is of the views of respondents outlined in paragraphs 2.6 to 2.11 of the UK Government publication, The Scotland Act 2012: summary of responses to the consultation on Scottish Government bond issuance, in relation to the rate at which an independent Scotland could borrow money.\r\n","AnswerText":"We assume that the question relates to the publication by HM Treasury on 13 May 2013 of a summary of responses to its consultation on bond issuance by the Scottish Government, which closed approximately eight months ago. The Scottish Government believes that it should have powers to raise funding through issuing bonds if this is the appropriate choice in the circumstances. Of those respondents expressing a view more agreed with the Scottish Government’s position than disagreed. We see no reason for the UK Government to seek to prevent the Scottish Government borrowing through these means. Local authorities and a range of public bodies such as Transport for London have such powers at present.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T13:52:31.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284444,"EventID":"S4W-14925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T13:52:31.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T10:25:55.413","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S3W-10807 and S3W-10809 by Shona Robison on 25 March 2008, what autism research projects the Chief Scientist Office has funded in the last five years.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office has funded three autism research studies since 2008. These studies have been based in the University of Glasgow and University of Aberdeen, the funding awarded to the studies amounts to £320,000. Of these studies two were based in Aberdeen, both looked at Autism and Reactive Attachment Disorder, with the other study, based in Glasgow, looking at the role of particular genes in autism.\r\nThe Chief Scientist Office (CSO) has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health and healthcare needs in Scotland. CSO responds primarily to requests for funding research proposals initiated by the research community in Scotland. CSO would consider an application for further research on Autism. As with all research funded by the CSO it would have to be led by a researcher based in a Scottish University or NHS organisation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T13:52:31.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":true},{"UniqueID":284456,"EventID":"S4W-14782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:05:58.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T16:36:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on setting up the 33 proposed nature conservation marine protected areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"I reported progress on the development of a Scottish Network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to Parliament in December 2012, based on the scientific advice to the Scottish Government from Scottish Natural Heritage and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.\r\nThe progress report included 33 proposals for both inshore and offshore MPAs. It is my intention to consult on all 33 proposals in a public consultation this summer in which views will be sought from all interested parties.\r\nThe network currently includes 45 Special Protection Areas for seabirds, 46 Special Areas of Conservation and 61 Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Scottish waters and another eight fisheries management measures contribute to the wider aims of a MPA network. Scottish Natural Heritage and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee are also progressing work to complete the identification of Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas in the marine environment to deliver our obligations under European legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:05:58.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284457,"EventID":"S4W-14783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:05:58.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T16:36:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to include dolphins and killer whales in the remit of the proposed marine protected areas.","AnswerText":"The Guidelines for selecting and developing MPAs list the species and habitats for which the Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies’ have recommended that MPAs are an appropriate conservation measure. Risso's dolphin, and White-beaked dolphin are included. Search locations have been identified for these species and Scottish Natural Heritage is completing their assessment on these locations.\r\nThere are no plans to include killer whale in any proposed MPA as the current evidence suggests they are highly migratory and not therefore considered suitable for spatial protection in addition to their existing species protection under the EU Habitats Directive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:05:58.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284458,"EventID":"S4W-14784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:05:59.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T16:36:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on developing search locations for (a) minke whales, (b) Risso’s dolphins and (c) white-beaked dolphins in marine protected areas.","AnswerText":"For Minke whale there are two search locations, Southern Trench and Skye to Mull.\r\nFor Risso's dolphin there is one search location, Eye Peninsula to Butt of Lewis. And for White-beaked dolphin there is also one search location, Southern Trench.\r\nHabitat modelling is currently underway and will inform the detailed application of the Marine Protected Areas(MPAs) selection guidelines in due course for each of these search locations. Scottish Natural Heritage will then provide formal advice on whether these areas should be recommended as MPA proposals. Should additional evidence suggest any additional places be deemed critical habitats for these cetacean species, consideration will be given to identifying additional MPA search locations for assessment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:05:59.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284459,"EventID":"S4W-14785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:05:59.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-08T16:36:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has considered developing wider marine spatial planning for the protection of all species of whales and dolphins.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government considers the protection of all cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), wherever they are found in waters around Scotland, a high priority. They already have strict protection under the EU Habitats Directive and it is an offence to deliberately or recklessly capture, injure, kill or disturb any whale dolphin or porpoise.\r\nIn addition to this overall protection, the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 presents an opportunity to develop a world class network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and this process includes consideration of key locations for cetaceans in line with the MPA guidelines published in March 2011. We appreciate that these species need to be adequately protected and they are still very much under consideration for inclusion in the MPA network.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:05:59.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284460,"EventID":"S4W-14926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:05:59.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T10:30:31.967","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the written national guidance on Gaelic medium education referred to in paragraph 2.2.4 of the 2011 HMIE Report, Gaelic Education: Building on the successes, addressing the barriers.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to the Supplementary question given to S4O-02073 on 2 May 2013. The answer to the oral parliamentary question is available on the parliaments website, the official report can be viewed at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=8118.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:05:59.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284461,"EventID":"S4W-14927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:05:59.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T10:30:31.967","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the priority given to early years development in the National Gaelic Language Plan 2012-17, what plans it has to address the reported lack of qualified staff available for Gaelic pre-school education.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working closely with Bòrd na Gàidhlig to identify key action areas. Bòrd na Gàidhlig has established a Gaelic Early Years Working Group to develop a strategy for Gaelic early years. The group will provide a report and recommendations later this year which will address this issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:05:59.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284462,"EventID":"S4W-14928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:05:59.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T10:30:31.967","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its plans are for the long-term future of the birth to three sector in Gaelic.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government wants to see this sector expand. Bòrd na Gidhlig has established a Gaelic Early Years Strategy Group and the group is expected to provide a report and recommendations later this year. The group has noted the recent early years progress in terms of support for and growth in the Gaelic early years sector and will want to see an expansion of provision and stronger links between Gaelic in the home and Gaelic in early years centres in the years ahead. The Scottish Government will carefully examine the group’s findings and work with Bòrd na Gidhlig to support and develop the birth to three sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:05:59.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284463,"EventID":"S4W-14930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:05:59.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T10:59:53.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on reports that, by March 2013, only three NHS boards could ensure that 25% of people under 18 with type 1 diabetes had access to insulin pump therapy and, in light of it buying 558 insulin pumps toward the end of 2012, what the reasons are for any discrepancies or inequities of access and what steps it is taking to support NHS boards that have not achieved the access to insulin pump therapy target for under 18s.\r\n","AnswerText":"Although we welcome the progress that has been made, it is disappointing that not all boards have yet met our commitment. However, we remain absolutely determined to ensure that 25 per cent of people under 18 with type 1 diabetes have access to insulin pump therapy as quickly and as safely as possible.\r\nBoards have reported that they are working to support a number of different aspects of their insulin pump services in order to meet our ambitious commitment. This work has included: in some cases establishing, from scratch, an insulin pump service, ensuring staff are in place and that they have the skills and experience to deliver a safe and effective service and ensuring patients, who for personal reasons have chosen not to take advantage of a pump, are fully aware of the benefits of pump therapy.\r\nAll boards have action plans in place that are updated regularly to ensure that they are able to safely meet our commitment as soon as possible.\r\nIn order to support boards further in achieving our goal, we are providing an additional £3 million worth of insulin pumps and consumables to boards, on top of the £2.5 million that was provided in 2012.\r\nFurthermore, we have established a new support team of diabetes experts. The team will provide specialist advice and training for local staff with tailored improvement packages. This will help to address local needs by helping boards to safely increase the capacity and expertise of their insulin pump services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:05:59.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284464,"EventID":"S4W-14931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:06:00.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T11:22:08.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that it is using all the powers available to it to ensure year-on-year emissions reductions in the (a) housing and (b) transport sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"The draft Second Report on Proposals and Policies sets out a package of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the targets set under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. The report details contributions from across the Scottish economy, including from the housing and transport sectors, and summarises the analysis that has been undertaken to develop those proposals and policies.\r\nFor housing, these include the Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland which will refurbish Scotland’s homes to make them more energy efficient, proposals for developing minimum standards of energy efficiency for private sector housing and social housing, and working with stakeholders to transform both the financial and new build markets through programmes such as the Greener Homes Innovation Scheme.\r\nFor transport, these include initiatives to promote adoption of low carbon vehicles; to promote behavioural change and modal shift to active travel and public transport; and to promote sustainable communities. To achieve this, we are working in partnership with a range of public and private organisations whilst continuing to invest in improvements to public transport infrastructure – for example the Borders Railway, scheduled to open in 2015, is expected to take 60,000 peak trips off roads in the Scottish Borders and Midlothian each year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:06:00.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284465,"EventID":"S4W-14947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:06:00.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T11:42:57.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times the Employability Forum has met in the last 12 months; who attended each meeting, and what was discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The inaugural meeting of the reconstituted Scottish Employability Forum (SEF) took place on 31 January 2013. The SEF will meet bi-annually and the next meeting will take place on 5 September 2013.\r\nThe list of forum members and record of the discussion that took place, during the first meeting, are available on the Employability in Scotland website. \r\nhttp://www.employabilityinscotland.com/employability/scottish-employability-forum\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:06:00.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284466,"EventID":"S4W-14948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:06:00.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T11:42:57.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) apprenticeships and (b) work placements it has taken on over the last 12 months, broken down by directorate.\r\n","AnswerText":"During the financial year 1 April 2012 - 31 March 2013 the Scottish Government delivered 196 opportunities for unemployed young people which included the employment of 64 new Modern Apprentices, 7 Get Ready for Work Training Placements, 105 student placements and mentoring* of 20 disadvantaged young people as follows:\r\nDirectorate/\r\nAgency\r\nDirectorate\r\nModern Apprenticeship\r\nGet Ready For Work Placement\r\nStudent Placement \r\nMentoring\r\nDG Enterprise, Environment & Digital\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND RURAL COMMUNITIES\r\n5\r\n0\r\n3\r\n\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR BUSINESS\r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\n\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR CHIEF ECONOMIST\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR DIGITAL\r\n1\r\n0\r\n3\r\n\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE\r\n0\r\n1\r\n3\r\n\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTRY\r\n1\r\n0\r\n4\r\n\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR MARINE SCOTLAND\r\n0\r\n0\r\n14\r\n\r\nENTERPRISE, ENVIRONMENT & DIGITAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n\r\nDG Finance\r\nFINANCE DIRECTORATE\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n\r\nSCOTTISH PROCUREMENT AND COMMERCIAL DIRECTORATE\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n\r\nDG Governance & Communities\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR HOUSING, REGENERATION AND WELFARE\r\n0\r\n0\r\n4\r\n\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR HOUSING, REGENERATION, THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES AND SPORT\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR HR AND ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT\r\n5\r\n0\r\n6\r\n\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR LEGAL SERVICES (SOLICITOR TO THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT)\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITIES\r\n0\r\n0\r\n3\r\n\r\nISIS INFORMATION SERVICES & INFORMATION SYSTEMS\r\n1\r\n0\r\n6\r\n\r\nDG Health & Social Care\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER AND PUBLIC HEALTH\r\n0\r\n0\r\n3\r\n\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES\r\n1\r\n0\r\n2\r\n\r\nTHE QUALITY UNIT\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n\r\nDG Learning & Justice\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR EMPLOYABILITY, SKILLS AND LIFELONG LEARNING\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR JUSTICE\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\n\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR SAFER COMMUNITIES\r\n3\r\n1\r\n13\r\n\r\nLEARNING & JUSTICE\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n\r\nPOLICE : TRANSITION AND STRATEGY UNIT\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n\r\nDG Strategy & External Affairs\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\n\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR CULTURE AND HERITAGE\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS\r\n0\r\n0\r\n6\r\n\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR STRATEGY AND CONSTITUTION\r\n0\r\n0\r\n6\r\n\r\nMINISTERIAL PRIVATE OFFICES\r\n2\r\n0\r\n1\r\n\r\nAccountant in Bankruptcy\r\nCASE OPERATIONS\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n\r\nEducation Scotland\r\nDIRECTORATE D\r\n3\r\n0\r\n0\r\n\r\nNational Records of Scotland\r\nCORPORATE SERVICES\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n\r\nDEMOGRAPHY\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n\r\nOffice of the Scottish Charity Regulator\r\nOSCR\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n\r\nStudent Awards Agency for Scotland\r\nSAAS\r\n25\r\n0\r\n7\r\n\r\nScottish Public Pensions Agency\r\nSPPA\r\n3\r\n0\r\n0\r\n\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nTRANSPORT  DIRECTORATE\r\n1\r\n0\r\n7\r\n\r\n \r\n64\r\n7\r\n105\r\n20*\r\n\r\n\r\n* unable to breakdown by area\r\n\r\nModern Apprentices are employed to permanent roles as vacancies arise and the distribution across the organisation will change year on year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:06:00.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284467,"EventID":"S4W-14950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:06:00.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T11:42:57.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) college placements and (b) training opportunities have been established by the Energy Skills Partnership, broken down by participating college.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Energy Skills Partnership has supported the following training opportunities at participating colleges:\r\nCollege\r\nEnergy Skills\r\nChallenge Fund\r\nLow Carbon Skills Fund\r\nESP Industry led CPD\r\nWork Readiness\r\n(enhanced programmes for existing students)\r\nBuilding Capability and Capacity (college staff development)\r\nTotal\r\nAberdeen\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n1\r\nAdam Smith\r\n353\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n353\r\nAngus\r\n10\r\n\r\n50\r\n\r\n\r\n60\r\nAyr\r\n12\r\n\r\n40\r\n\r\n3\r\n55\r\nBanff and Buchan\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n1\r\nCardonald\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n4\r\n4\r\nCarnegie\r\n9\r\n4\r\n \r\n11\r\n11\r\n35\r\nCity of Glasgow\r\n\r\n\r\n10\r\n\r\n\r\n10\r\nCumbernauld\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n39\r\n1\r\n40\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n20\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n3\r\n23\r\nDundee\r\n57\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n8\r\n65\r\nEdinburgh\r\n54\r\n9\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n64\r\nForth Valley\r\n28\r\n\r\n30\r\n\r\n9\r\n67\r\nInverness\r\n\r\n1\r\n68\r\n\r\n\r\n69\r\nJames Watt\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n15\r\n1\r\n16\r\nKilmarnock\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n4\r\n6\r\n10\r\nMotherwell\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n9\r\n2\r\n11\r\nNorth Glasgow\r\n\r\n7\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n7\r\nNorth Highland\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n6\r\n6\r\nReid Kerr\r\n\r\n1\r\n127\r\n4\r\n15\r\n147\r\nStow\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n14\r\n2\r\n16\r\nAnniesland \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n48\r\n\r\n48\r\nTOTAL\r\n543\r\n22\r\n325\r\n145\r\n73\r\n1108\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:06:00.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284468,"EventID":"S4W-14951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:06:00.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T11:42:57.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that modern apprenticeships are shaped and influenced by growth sectors\r\n","AnswerText":"Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are responsible for developing Modern Apprenticeship (MA) Frameworks and the underpinning National Occupational Standards (NOS) to meet the needs of their respective industries. MA Frameworks are approved for delivery in Scotland by the independent Modern Apprenticeship Group (MAG) which encourages SSCs to present robust frameworks, for which there is evidence of demand and which respond to the needs of their sectors.\r\nSkills Development Scotland (SDS) is responsible for contracting for the delivery of Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland. SDS works closely with SSCs to articulate demand from employers and industry experts through Skills Investment Plans (SIPs). SIPs provide information on the skills demands from growth sectors as set out in the Government Economic Strategy. This includes demand for and uptake of MAs, and as a result SIPs are one of the pieces of evidence used to inform the SDS contracting strategy for MAs. MA Frameworks which support growth sectors are prioritised within the SDS contracting strategy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:06:00.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284469,"EventID":"S4W-14952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:06:01.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T11:42:57.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what  meetings the Minister for Youth Employment has had with sector skills councils, broken down by (a) date, (b) issues discussed and (c) attendees.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Minister for Youth Employment has had meetings with Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) as follows:\r\n8 March 2012 – Improve (Jack Matthews, Kelvin Thomson), People 1st (Brian Wisdom, David Allen) and SEMTA (Brian Humphrey) (also attending was Simon Perryman of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills) - to discuss how the work being taken forward by these SSCs could contribute to the Scottish Government’s youth employment agenda.\r\n19 April 2012 – Construction Skills (Graeme Ogilvie) – to discuss the possibility of joint-investment in the construction sector.\r\n14 June 2012 – Asset Skills (Tim Pogson) (also attending was Najimee Parveen of Path Scotland) – to discuss a proposal to address under-representation of BME individuals in National Training Programmes.\r\n16 August 2012 – SEMTA (Brian Humphrey, James Lynch, Stewart McKinley) – at the inaugural meeting of the Forum for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Skills (FAMES), also attended by representatives of some 16 companies form the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector, Scottish Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland – to discuss proposals for the Forum and skills issues in the sector.\r\n13 December 2012 – Creative and Cultural Skills (Ronnie Gurr and Norah Campbell) – to discuss apprenticeships in their sector. (The Minister also launched CC Skills’ National Skills Academy on 1 November 2012).\r\nIn addition, the following SSCs were amongst the organisations represented at the National Economic Forum meeting which the Minister attended on 1 February 2012 to discuss the Scottish Government’s strategic priorities on youth employment: \r\nConstruction Skills (Graeme Ogilvie);\r\nEnergy and Utility Skills (Jim Brown); and\r\nImprove (Kelvin Thomson).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:06:01.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284470,"EventID":"S4W-14953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:06:01.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T11:42:57.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the capital investment programme supports the employment of young people.\r\n","AnswerText":"Over the spending review period (2012-13 to 2014-15) the Scottish Government will support investment of more than £10 billion through the capital budget, revenue-financed investment through the Non Profit Distributing pipeline, Regulatory Asset Base rail enhancements, capital receipts and switching more than £700 million from resource into capital budget.\r\nProjects that will provide opportunities for young people include:\r\n\r\nThe Forth Replacement Crossing which, at its peak, will directly support 1,200 jobs. Each year this will deliver 45 vocational training positions, 21 professional body training places and 46 positions for the long term unemployed, as well as providing further scope to maximise Modern Apprenticeship opportunities once onsite construction begins. To date, 110 places for training and the long-term unemployed have been generated by the construction.\r\n\r\nThe New South Glasgow Hospitals which, at its peak, will support 1,500 jobs on site. This project incorporated a number of key economic targets into the project delivery, with a particular focus on targeted training and recruitment. The project set a target of 250 new recruits, including 88 apprentices. To date, the project has delivered 190 new entrants, including 54 apprenticeships. The project has also supported over 140 work placements for young people and has dedicated engagement programmes with local primary and secondary schools.\r\n\r\nThe Scottish Futures Trust promotes a consistent community benefits approach across the £2.5 billion Non-Profit Distributing (NPD) projects pipeline and hub programme. Each standalone NPD procurement includes a community benefit clause seeking commitment to training and development. The Scotland-wide hub programme includes firm requirements and key performance indicators for delivering training opportunities in each of the five hub territories. Using construction industry guidance, the NPD and hub programme should deliver 713 work placements for teenagers aged between 16 to 19, and 327 new apprentice starts.\r\n\r\nScotland’s Schools for the Future Building Programme is estimated to support around 1,500 jobs at any one time throughout the duration of the programme. The schools will provide significant employment opportunities across Scotland both during the building phase and throughout their lifetime.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:06:01.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284471,"EventID":"S4W-14954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:06:01.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T11:42:57.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-07726 by Angela Constance on 20 June 2012, how many job opportunities were (a) created and (b) filled by the Social Enterprise and Third Sector Challenge Fund and how many people were still in employment (i) three, (ii) six and (iii) 12 months after receiving support from the fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Social Enterprise and Third Sector Challenge Fund was delivered via 24 organisations and offered participants a range of opportunities varying from short term training to longer term supported employment.\r\nThe final date for participant entry to the programme was agreed as 31 March 2013 and to that point SDS has a confirmed number of participants as 1,619.\r\nScottish Government agreed an extension of up to 8 weeks, beyond 31 March, in which milestones and outcomes could be claimed. As a result final figures for the number of positive outcomes will not be available until, at least, the beginning of June 2013.\r\nDue to the original Scottish Government requirement, to pay the entire fund to Providers by 31 March 2013, payments were available to claim four weeks after the young person was employed. Figures for sustainment at three, six and 12 months will, therefore, be unavailable.\r\nHowever, the Social Enterprise and Third Sector Challenge Fund has been subject to external evaluation by TERU (the Training and Employment Research Unit at Glasgow University) and this report will be complete by early June, once final figures have been confirmed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:06:01.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284472,"EventID":"S4W-14956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:06:01.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T11:42:57.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many one-to-one interviews Skills Development Scotland has carried out with young people categorised as amber by the My World of Work initiative.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Skills Development Scotland and they have been asked to respond directly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:06:01.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284473,"EventID":"S4W-14957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:06:02.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T11:42:57.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many contact centres are operated by Skills Development Scotland and how many centres there will be in 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Skills Development Scotland and they have been asked to respond directly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:06:02.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284474,"EventID":"S4W-14958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:06:02.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T11:42:57.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many Employment Recruitment Incentive payments were issued in 2011-12. ","AnswerText":"I can confirm that in year one there were 6,985 claims for payment made through the targeted ERI scheme.\r\nPlease note the distinction between claims for payment and individual starts. Some of those claims Skills Development Scotland received in 2011-12 will have been for young people who started on the programme later in 2010-11. The claims by employers on behalf of those recruited through the scheme can often be made some time after the individual has started work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:06:02.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284475,"EventID":"S4W-14959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:06:02.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T11:42:57.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) care-leavers, (b) former young offenders and (c) young carers were employed with the support of Employment Recruitment Incentive payments in 2011-12 and how many of them are still in work.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13575 on 23 March 2013 where I stated that Skills Development Scotland are unable to share a disaggregated figure as the overall number of individuals supported within these groups is small. I can confirm that in 2011-2012, the number of individuals who were supported through the Employer Recruitment Incentive was 6,985. The ERI in 2011-12 was not an incentive targeted at these groups specifically. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:06:02.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284476,"EventID":"S4W-14960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:06:02.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T11:16:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the capital spending has been in the (a) DD2, (b) EH14 and (c) FK9 postcode area since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held by postcode.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:06:02.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284477,"EventID":"S4W-14963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:06:02.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T12:15:11.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many young people received a loan from the Scottish Investment Bank’s revolving loan fund in 2012-13 and how much it lent to young people in total.\r\n","AnswerText":"During 2012-13, the revolving loan fund distributed a total of £1,387,294 to 482 young people. This supported 402 businesses to start or grow across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:06:02.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284478,"EventID":"S4W-14964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:06:03.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T12:15:11.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the full-time equivalent figure is for Skills Development Scotland staff in schools.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Skills Development Scotland and they have been asked to respond directly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:06:03.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284479,"EventID":"S4W-14965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:06:03.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T12:15:11.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to the Flexible Training initiative and how many places it funds.","AnswerText":"The Flexible Training Opportunities programme gives Scottish businesses with up to 100 employees the opportunity to apply for up to £5,000 towards employee training costs. Funding is available for up to 10 employees per business with Skills Development Scotland refunding 50% of each episode of employee training up to a maximum of £500 for each training episode. We have asked SDS to provide 7,000 individual training opportunities in 2013-14 through the Flexible Training Opportunities programme.\r\nIn addition, to support the transition to a low carbon economy, the Low Carbon Skills Fund gives Scottish businesses with up to 250 employees the opportunity to apply for up to £12,500 towards employee training costs. Funding is available for up to 25 episodes of training per business with SDS refunding 50% of eligible training costs up to a maximum of £500 per episode. Eligible training includes:\r\nRenewable energy, low carbon technologies and microgeneration\r\nEnergy efficiency, environmental and clean technologies\r\nWaste management and re-use\r\nReducing carbon in supply and energy management.\r\nWe have asked SDS to provide at least 500 episodes of training in 2013-14 through the Low Carbon Skills Fund Programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:06:03.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284480,"EventID":"S4W-14966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:06:03.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T12:15:11.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether everyone aged 16 to 19 is guaranteed a place in education, employment or training.","AnswerText":"Opportunities for All is our explicit commitment to offer a place in learning or training to every 16-19 year old in Scotland who is not currently in employment, education or training.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:06:03.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284481,"EventID":"S4W-14967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:06:03.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T14:55:12.303","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statement by Richard Lochhead on 12 March 2013 (Official Report, c. 17558), how many meetings of the Still Hungry for Success working group have been held; who attended; what issues were discussed, and what future meetings are planned.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Still Hungry for Success working group met for the first time on 14 March 2013 and again on 8 May 2013\r\nThe following table shows working group membership and attendance \r\nName\r\nOrganisation\r\n14 March 2013\r\n8 May 2013\r\nHugh Fraser (chair)\r\nAssociation of Directors of Education Scotland (ADES)\r\nattended\r\nattended\r\nBill Kennedy\r\nAssociation of Service Solutions in Scotland (ASSIST)\r\nattended\r\nattended\r\nJackie Brock\r\nChildren in Scotland\r\nattended\r\napologies\r\nHeather Peace\r\nFood Standards Agency\r\nattended\r\nattended\r\nAndrew Kennedy\r\nAssociation of Public Service Excellence\r\nattended\r\nattended\r\nJulia McCreadie\r\nCordia\r\nattended\r\nattended\r\nLisa Pierotti\r\nGlasgow CC (Secondary HT)\r\nattended\r\napologies\r\nTania Mackie\r\nHighland Council (Primary HT)\r\nattended\r\nattended\r\nShirley Beattie\r\nEducation Scotland\r\nattended\r\napologies\r\nLesley Kirkwood\r\nEducation Scotland\r\napologies\r\nattended\r\nKathy Cameron\r\nConvention of Scottish Local Authorities\r\nattended\r\nattended\r\nJames Withers\r\nScotland Food and Drink\r\napologies\r\napologies\r\nClaire Hislop\r\nNHS Health Scotland\r\nattended\r\nattended\r\nVeronica McAleaney\r\nScottish Govt Procurement Policy\r\nattended\r\nattended\r\nHugh Carr\r\nScotland Excel\r\nnot yet a member\r\nattended\r\nIain Ellis\r\nNational Parents Forum\r\nnot yet a member\r\nattended\r\nBill Scott-Watson\r\nScottish Govt Learning\r\nattended\r\nattended\r\nLyndsey Fogg\r\nScottish Govt Learning\r\nattended\r\nattended\r\nRobin Gourlay\r\nScottish Govt Food and Drink\r\nattended\r\nattended\r\n\r\nAt the first meeting the group discussed progress since Hungry for Success launched in 2003, existing successes, challenges and barriers in relation to school food provision and education.\r\nAt the second meeting, following informal consultation by group members with their stakeholder groups, discussion centred on the potential structure and scope of the guidance document.\r\nThe working group plan to meet again on 5 June, 14 August and 5 September.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:06:03.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284482,"EventID":"S4W-14968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-14T17:06:03.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T14:55:12.303","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many ministerial journeys of (a) one to two miles and (b) one mile and under have been completed (i) by car, (ii) on foot, (iii) on bicycle and (iv) using public transport since 2007 and what impact it expects its recently launched campaign, Not Far? Leave the Car, to have on such journeys.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested at point (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) could only be obtained at disproportionate costs. \r\nThe recently launched Active Travel campaign aims to encourage the Scottish public to reduce the number of short journeys made by car. The campaign raises awareness of the benefits of walking and cycling in terms of wellbeing, environment and financial cost.\r\nThe Scottish Government continually looks for ways to minimise the use of cars for official journeys and Ministers take their responsibility to travel sustainably very seriously and aim to use more sustainable forms of transport whenever possible.\r\nWhere practicable, Ministers are encouraged to use public transport or walk to their engagements.\r\nYou may be interested to know that all Ministerial journeys by Car and public transport are published on the Scottish Government Website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-30T17:06:03.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284503,"EventID":"S4O-02155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:40:43.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T12:10:57.99","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last had discussions with relevant officials concerning flooding in Fife.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:40:43.973","MeetingDate":"2013-05-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284504,"EventID":"S4O-02156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:40:44.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T12:10:58.193","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the UK Fuel Poverty Monitor 2013.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:40:44.787","MeetingDate":"2013-05-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284505,"EventID":"S4O-02157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:40:44.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T12:10:58.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent action it has taken to support the Scottish film and TV industry.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:40:44.94","MeetingDate":"2013-05-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284506,"EventID":"S4O-02158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:40:45.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T12:10:58.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what help is available to local authorities and social housing agencies to build new homes.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:40:45.707","MeetingDate":"2013-05-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284507,"EventID":"S4O-02160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:40:45.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T12:10:58.91","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to encourage a mutual, co-operative or not-for-dividend organisation to bid for the Scottish rail passenger franchise.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:40:45.877","MeetingDate":"2013-05-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284508,"EventID":"S4O-02161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:40:46.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T12:10:59.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether private landlords had lodged all eligible deposits with tenant deposit schemes by the deadline of 15 May 2013.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:40:46.673","MeetingDate":"2013-05-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284509,"EventID":"S4O-02162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:40:47.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T12:10:59.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action is being taken to assess the health implications of waste incineration.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:40:47.453","MeetingDate":"2013-05-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284510,"EventID":"S4O-02163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:40:48.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T12:10:59.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what level it plans to reduce corporation tax to in the event of Scotland becoming independent.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:40:48.06","MeetingDate":"2013-05-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284511,"EventID":"S4O-02164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:40:48.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T12:10:59.58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of its transport budget is spent on infrastructure to increase walking and cycling rates.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:40:48.233","MeetingDate":"2013-05-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284512,"EventID":"S4O-02135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:41:12.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T12:10:12.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports Gaelic further and higher education.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:41:12.727","MeetingDate":"2013-05-22T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284513,"EventID":"S4O-02136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:41:12.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T14:52:38.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what additional support it will provide to HMYOI Polmont and Education Scotland, following the decision to increase access, quality and consistency of teaching for inmates as a result of the report on HMYOI Polmont in February 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:41:12.9","MeetingDate":"2013-05-22T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284514,"EventID":"S4O-02137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:41:13.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T16:16:15.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to encourage over-25s who are unemployed to pursue further education.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:41:13.07","MeetingDate":"2013-05-22T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284515,"EventID":"S4O-02138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:41:13.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T10:24:52.877","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what flexibility there is in the curriculum for excellence to reflect evolving situations in society.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:41:13.243","MeetingDate":"2013-05-22T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284516,"EventID":"S4O-02141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:41:13.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T10:14:07.41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many further education students with learning difficulties have taken up supported employment after completing their course, in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:41:13.413","MeetingDate":"2013-05-22T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284517,"EventID":"S4O-02142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:41:13.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T12:10:19.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria are used when selecting set Scottish texts for the new national qualifications for English.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:41:13.587","MeetingDate":"2013-05-22T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284518,"EventID":"S4O-02143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:41:14.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T12:10:19.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made with the Educational Psychologists Workforce Planning Group.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:41:14.023","MeetingDate":"2013-05-22T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284519,"EventID":"S4O-02144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:41:14.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T12:10:19.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it seeks to support vulnerable children and their families.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:41:14.223","MeetingDate":"2013-05-22T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284520,"EventID":"S4O-02145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:41:14.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T09:42:31.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to local authorities in relation to providing partnership funding for nursery places.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:41:14.46","MeetingDate":"2013-05-22T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284521,"EventID":"S4O-02146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:41:14.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T12:10:20.093","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether concerns have been expressed about the new materials that have been provided to teachers to support the new national qualifications.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:41:14.63","MeetingDate":"2013-05-22T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284522,"EventID":"S4O-02147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:41:14.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T12:10:20.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the provision of outdoor sports facilities with all-weather surfaces in the grounds of secondary schools.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:41:14.863","MeetingDate":"2013-05-22T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284523,"EventID":"S4O-02150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:41:15.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T12:10:20.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many more 16 to 24-year-olds are employed on zero-hour contracts than in 2007.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:41:15.053","MeetingDate":"2013-05-22T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284524,"EventID":"S4O-02151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:41:15.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T11:22:35.803","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reasons schools continue to report problems in the recruitment of supply teachers.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:41:15.27","MeetingDate":"2013-05-22T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284525,"EventID":"S4O-02152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:41:15.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T12:10:21.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with universities and colleges regarding demand from international students for courses that develop skills for the oil and gas sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:41:15.443","MeetingDate":"2013-05-22T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284526,"EventID":"S4O-02153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:41:15.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-13T12:10:22.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the curriculum for excellence will equip young people to continue their education through Energy Skills Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Subjects which support pathways into energy sector careers, including mathematics, sciences and technologies, have a strong place within Curriculum for Excellence. Every young person will have opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills in these subjects up to S3, and we continue to see good uptake in STEM subjects during S4-S6.\r\nEnergy Skills Scotland will work with industry to build on this learning to attract and support young people into careers in the energy sector. As part of a co-ordinated long-term plan for better industry engagement with the education system, Energy Skills Scotland will facilitate partnership with schools and colleges to help ensure talent continues to enter the sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:41:15.643","MeetingDate":"2013-05-22T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284534,"EventID":"S4W-14857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:49.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T11:29:13.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who will be responsible for implementing recommendations made by the commission to examine the policies and practices in place for handling ashes and cremated remains.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Commission has been asked to report to Scottish Government by the end of 2013. Responsibility for implementing its recommendations will depend on the detail of each recommendation.\r\nRecommendations around professional guidance or practice may be for Scottish Government, Cremation Authorities or for professional bodies.\r\nRecommendations about legislation, however, will be for the Scottish Government to take forward in the first instance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:50.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284535,"EventID":"S4W-14858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:51.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T11:29:13.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether individual cases will be considered by the commission to examine the policies and practices in place for handling ashes and cremated remains.","AnswerText":"The investigation of specific incidents or allegations relating to any particular cremation or crematorium remains the responsibility of the relevant cremation authority or, if applicable, the police or Procurator Fiscal service.\r\nThe Commission has now issued a public call for written submissions from any interested parties. The Commission understands that individuals responding to this call for submissions may wish to set out their own personal experiences in order to provide context to their comments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:51.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284536,"EventID":"S4W-14859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:51.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T11:29:13.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the projected cost is of the commission to examine the policies and practices in place for handling ashes and cremated remains.\r\n","AnswerText":"SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT\r\nWRITTEN ANSWER\r\n30 May 2013\r\nIndex Heading: Health and Social Care\r\nJackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what the projected cost is of the commission to examine the policies and practices in place for handling ashes and cremated remains.\r\n(S4W-14859)\r\nMichael Matheson: As the main costs will relate to the reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred by Commission members, it is not possible to provide a more definite projected cost at this time.\r\nOur expectation is that the costs incurred will not exceed £100k. These costs will be met by Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:51.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284537,"EventID":"S4W-14860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:52.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T11:29:13.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it will not establish a public inquiry into the retention of baby ashes by crematoria.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is important we learn lessons quickly to ensure no bereaved parent or relative ever again goes through the additional distress caused by this type of experience.\r\nA full public inquiry would be likely to take several years to complete its work, which would delay indefinitely current plans to update existing burial and cremation legislation and might also possibly delay the implementation of any new guidance.\r\nThe Infant Cremation Commission, by contrast, will report its recommendations by the end of this year, ensuring that the lessons learned can inform the development of any new guidance as soon as is possible, as well as influence the upcoming legislation development.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:52.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284538,"EventID":"S4W-14861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:52.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T11:29:13.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether witnesses involved in the retention of baby ashes by crematoria will be compelled to appear before the commission to examine the policies and practices in place for handling ashes and cremated remains.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is not expected that the Commission will need to compel witnesses to give evidence. All key stakeholder organisations involved in the management of crematoria and the handling of cremations are represented on the Commission and have accepted the remit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:52.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284539,"EventID":"S4W-14862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:53.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T11:29:13.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what legislation applies to the disposal of ashes at crematoria.\r\n","AnswerText":"The principal legislation which applies to the disposal of ashes at crematoria is the Cremation (Scotland) Regulations 1935. Specifically, Regulation 17 sets out the legal requirements when disposing of ashes following a cremation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:53.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284540,"EventID":"S4W-14863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:53.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T11:29:13.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is considering prosecutions in relation to the inappropriate disposal of baby ashes at crematoria.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service have not received any criminal reports regarding the inappropriate disposal of baby ashes in any crematoria.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:53.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284541,"EventID":"S4W-14864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:53.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T11:29:13.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any recommendations arising from the commission to examine the policies and practices in place for handling ashes and cremated remains will have legislative underpinning.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Commission’s remit includes considering existing legislation, with particular reference to the Cremation Act 1902 and the Cremation (Scotland) Regulations 1935, in order to identify gaps, inconsistencies and weaknesses and to make recommendations on what issues should be addressed in future legislation.\r\nThe Government has already committed to updating existing burial and cremation legislation. That work is due to commence next year and will be informed by the Commission’s findings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:53.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284542,"EventID":"S4W-14935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:54.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T10:25:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what numerical formula it uses to calculate the road equivalent tariff and when it was first used.","AnswerText":"The road equivalent tariff (RET) formula for a car is a fixed element of £5.00 plus a rate of £0.80 per mile. For foot passengers the RET fare is a fixed element of £2.00 plus £0.13 per mile. \r\nThis current formula was first used for the roll out of RET to Islay, Colonsay and Gigha in October 2012. The intention is to update the formula annually in line with the cost of travel and to apply the formula at the start of each summer timetable period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:54.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284543,"EventID":"S4W-14936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:55.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T10:25:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) car, (b) passenger, (c) driver and (d) pence per mile fares it uses to calculate the road equivalent tariff.\r\n","AnswerText":"The road equivalent tariff (RET) fare for a car is calculated by a fixed element of £5.00 plus a rate per mile of £0.80.\r\nA driver and any passengers will be charged as foot passengers. For foot passengers the RET fare is a fixed element of £2.00 plus £0.13 per mile.\r\nThe fixed cost element of the fare is designed to offset the elements on each route such as the costs of maintaining harbour infrastructure at each end of the route and the cost of maintaining the vessel.\r\nAs noted in the Ferries Plan, published in December 2012, the RET formula will be updated annually in line with the cost of travel.\r\nThe Scottish Ferry Services: Ferries Plan (2013 – 2022) can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/strategy-and-research/publications-and-consultations/j254579-00.htm.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:55.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284544,"EventID":"S4W-14937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:55.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T10:25:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on what the 10 most commonly driven cars in Scotland are, expressed as a percentage, and how much it costs per mile to drive them.","AnswerText":"No information is held by the Scottish Government on the most commonly driven cars or the associated cost per mile to drive them.\r\nInformation on the 10 most popular new cars sold is available from Table 1.11 of Scottish Transport Statistics No 31: 2012 Edition. This table can be accessed by following the attached link:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/strategy-and-research/publications-and-consultations/j251205-026.htm.\r\nInformation on vehicle running costs by type and size of engine is available from the RAC and is provided in the following link:\r\nhttp://www.emmerson-hill.co.uk/downloads/Motoring_Costs_April_2012.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:55.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284545,"EventID":"S4W-14938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:56.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T10:25:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the equivalent road distance is, expressed in miles, for each ferry crossing used in road equivalent tariff calculations.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following table.\r\nRoutes\r\nMiles\r\nTayinloan - Gigha\r\n2.5\r\nUig (Skye) - Tarbert (Harris)/Lochmaddy (North Uist)\r\n29.2\r\nKennacraig - Islay\r\n32.3\r\nOban - Colonsay\r\n36.6\r\nUllapool - Stornoway (Lewis)\r\n52.2\r\nOban - Coll/Tiree\r\n59.7\r\nOban - Castlebay (Barra)/Lochboisdale (South Uist)\r\nN/A*\r\n\r\nNote: *For this route the mileage was not used to calculate the fare level, which would have resulted in higher fare levels.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:56.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284546,"EventID":"S4W-14939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:56.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T10:25:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it received the Advertising Standards Authority findings relating to the road equivalent tariff (RET) and when CalMac Ferries Ltd's additional clarifying information about RET was or will be made publically available in CalMac Ferries Ltd's advertising.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland and CalMac Ferries Limited corresponded with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) regarding CalMac’s advertising of RET between March and May 2013.\r\nASA wrote to CalMac on the 15 March 2013. The case was transferred to Transport Scotland who replied to ASA on 16 April. ASA responded with recommendations on 8 May 2013.\r\nFollowing the ASA recommendations, CalMac Ferries Limited made ASA aware of their plans and updated their website and templates for printed versions of the Explore magazine. These updates provided more explanatory information about RET to CalMac’s customers. \r\nASA replied to CalMac, copying in Transport Scotland, on 13 May confirming that they will close their file on the complaint following the completion of the planned changes. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:56.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284547,"EventID":"S4W-14940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:56.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T10:25:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the fixed element of the road equivalent tariff formula costs each driver on each crossing and how much the annual fixed costs are that this element is aimed at offsetting.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14936 on 31 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:56.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284548,"EventID":"S4W-14941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:56.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T10:25:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it calculates the drivers' fare element of the road equivalent tariff that is based on \"other public transport modes in Scotland\", given that individual bus and train fares can vary considerably.","AnswerText":"Halcrow Group Limited’s “Phase 1 Stage 2 Report” published in February 2008, calculated the average cost per mile of travelling by rail and bus on different routes across Scotland. A copy of the report can be accessed through the following link http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/935/0061364.pdf.\r\nThe report recommended a foot passenger fare of a fixed element of £2.00 plus a rate per mile of £0.10. The rate per mile was updated to £0.13 in October 2012 to reflect the then current cost of travel.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:56.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284549,"EventID":"S4W-14942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:57.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T10:25:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Advertising Standards Authority regarding its findings in relation to Calmac Ferries Ltd.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14939 on 31 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:57.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284550,"EventID":"S4W-14943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:57.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T10:25:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the prices calculated for the road equivalent tariff are equivalent to driving the same distance by road and, if not, whether it will rename the road equivalent tariff accordingly.\r\n","AnswerText":"RET is a distance based fares structure, which underpins the Scottish Government’s commitment to providing one single overarching fares policy across ferry services subsidised by the Scottish Government.\r\nFares are set using a fixed element, reflecting the fixed costs that exist on each route, and a variable rate per mile. There are no plans to rename the scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:57.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284551,"EventID":"S4W-14944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:57.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T10:25:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what independent advisors have been involved in the (a) creation and (b) calculation of the road equivalent tariff scheme.","AnswerText":"Halcrow Group Ltd and MVA Consultancy Ltd have been involved in providing independent advice to the Scottish Government in the creation and calculation of the RET scheme. \r\nHalcrow Group Ltd were commissioned by the Scottish Government and prepared the following reports:\r\nRoad Equivalent Tariff Study – Stage 1 Phase 1 Report – October 2007\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/935/0061363.pdf\r\nRoad Equivalent Tariff Study – Stage 1 Phase 2 Report – February 2008\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/935/0061364.pdf \r\nRoad Equivalent Tariff Study – Stage 1 Phase 3 Report – Impact Analysis – February 2008\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/935/0061365.pdf\r\nRoad Equivalent Tariff Study – Stage 1 Phase 4 Report – Pilot Study – February 2008\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/935/0061366.pdf\r\nAssessment of the Road Equivalent Tariff Pilot – July 2011\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/files/documents/water/ferries/Assessment_of_the_Impacts_of_the_RET_Pilot_-_Final_Report.pdf \r\nMVA Consultancy Ltd were commissioned by Scottish Government and prepared the following report;\r\nImpact of the Removal of RET Fares from Commercial Vehicles on The Western Isles, Coll and Tiree – May 2013\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/strategy-and-research/publications-and-consultations/j264768-00.htm.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:57.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284552,"EventID":"S4W-14945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:57.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T10:25:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it monitors the (a) fairness, (b) usage and (c) success of the road equivalent tariff scheme and how regularly.\r\n","AnswerText":"Substantial monitoring and evaluation was carried out by independent consultants Halcrow Group Limited during the period of the Road Equivalent Tariff pilot in the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree. Halcrow produced their ‘Assessment of the Impacts of the Road Equivalent Tariff Pilot’ report in July 2011. That report was published by Transport Scotland and a copy of the report can be accessed by following the attached link\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/files/documents/water/ferries/Assessment_of_the_Impacts_of_the_RET_Pilot_-_Final_Report.pdf \r\nA further independent report produced by MVA Consultancy Ltd on the ‘Impact of the Removal of RET Fares from Commercial Vehicles on The Western Isles, Coll and Tiree’ was published by Transport Scotland in April 2013 and can be accessed by following the attached link\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/strategy-and-research/publications-and-consultations/j264768-00.htm \r\nRET has been made a permanent feature on services to the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree, and a further RET pilot was rolled out on services to Islay, Colonsay and Gigha in October 2012. Evaluation of this pilot will take place prior to the roll-out of RET to Arran in October 2014, and to all West Coast and Clyde islands within the term of this Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:57.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284553,"EventID":"S4W-14946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:58.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T10:25:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many road equivalent tariff fares have been collected on each ferry route in each year since the scheme began.","AnswerText":"Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) for all carrying types was introduced as a pilot on routes to the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree on 19 October 2008. RET for larger commercial vehicles was however, withdrawn from April 2012. RET was continued for passengers, cars, small commercial vehicles and coaches on this route on a permanent basis. RET was rolled out as a pilot to Islay, Colonsay and Gigha from October 2012.\r\nThe annual carrying statistics split by passenger and type of vehicle on a route by route basis are available on the CalMac Ferries Limited website. The information can be accessed by following the attached link \r\nhttp://www.calmac.co.uk/corporate-calmac/carrying-statistics.htm.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:58.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284554,"EventID":"S4W-14969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:58.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T15:44:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria apply for the appointment of a chairperson to a NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The criteria for appointing a chairperson to an NHS board varies depending on the challenges and needs of the recruiting board. The skills of leadership, organisational change, strategy development and improvement alongside ensuring effective Performance are most commonly used as the basis of assessment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:58.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284555,"EventID":"S4W-14970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:58.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T15:44:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is a requirement for someone to live or work in a NHS board area in order to be appointed as chairperson of that board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes. All territorial NHS boards require applicants to live or work within the NHS Board Area. Special Health Boards require applicants to live or work within Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:58.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284556,"EventID":"S4W-14971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:59.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T15:44:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing knew the current chairperson of NHS Lothian prior to his appointment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The first contact I had with Mr Houston was during the process of finalising my decision on the appointment of the new Chairperson of NHS Lothian.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:59.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284557,"EventID":"S4W-14972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T13:59:59.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T15:44:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what specific knowledge and understanding of the NHS the current chairperson of NHS Lothian has.","AnswerText":"During the appointment process Mr Houston had to demonstrate an understanding of what the residents of Edinburgh and the Lothians expect of Lothian NHS Board. Mr Houston is currently undertaking a full induction programme that will see him meet senior Scottish Government officials, board members and senior management within NHS Lothian.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T13:59:59.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284558,"EventID":"S4W-14973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:00.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T16:09:17.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to ensure that primary school pupils are encouraged to (a) learn and (b) enjoy maths and sciences.\r\n","AnswerText":"One of the design principles of Curriculum for Excellence is that young people experience challenge and enjoyment in their learning, across all subjects. Teaching approaches for both science and maths will enable learning that is both stimulating and engaging. Education Scotland are working with a range of partners and teachers from across Scotland to support this by developing resources and facilitating sharing of practice.\r\n\r\nThese resources include STEM Central, which offers learner journeys based in real-life contexts for primary teachers to draw on. The Scottish Government is also supporting the Scottish Schools Education Research Centre (SSERC) to deliver a programme for primary teachers which will develop their confidence and skills in teaching science through practical lessons.\r\n\r\nEducation Scotland published a Scottish Survey of Literacy and Numeracy (SSLN) Professional Learning Resource in October 2012. It provided details of learners’ strengths and areas for improvement in numeracy from the sample survey results, and associated advice and guidance to inform teaching practice. This was followed by the delivery of SSLN Improving Numeracy engagement days during February and March 2013, with an event on developing local authority numeracy strategies taking place in June.\r\n\r\nThe use of real-life contexts in learning helps enthuse learners about STEM career pathways, and the STEM Central resource offers a section on careers to help teachers build their own awareness of the types of jobs available. The direct engagement of industry and other partners with schools also helps to raise learners’ awareness of relevant careers. This includes the STEMNET STEM Ambassador programme which provides opportunities for young people to hear directly from those working in STEM jobs.\r\n\r\n\r\nSCOTTISH GOVERNMENT\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:00.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284559,"EventID":"S4W-14974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:01.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T16:09:17.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it assesses the success of the STEM Ambassadors programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The STEM Ambassadors programme is funded by the UK Government and run by STEMNET, a UK-wide charity that promotes STEM to schools. Four organisations in Scotland – Science Connects, Global Science, Dundee Science Centre and a UHI/HIE partnership – are contracted by STEMNET to run the STEM Ambassador programme in Scotland. As an initiative that encourages scientists and engineers to work with schools, the STEM Ambassadors scheme is to be welcomed. However, questions relating to its performance are a matter for STEMNET and not the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:01.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284560,"EventID":"S4W-14975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:01.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T16:09:17.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to encourage primary school pupils to be enthusiastic about careers in science and maths.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14973 on 28 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:01.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284561,"EventID":"S4W-14976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:01.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T16:09:17.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider deploying more STEM Ambassadors to younger children at primary schools.","AnswerText":"It is up to individual schools to take up the offer of assistance from volunteer STEM Ambassadors. The STEM Ambassadors programme is run by STEMNET, not the Scottish Government. Questions about how the scheme operates are therefore a matter for STEMNET.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:01.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284562,"EventID":"S4W-14977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:01.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T16:09:17.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to meet the target of a 50% increase in the value of international exports by 2017.","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Trade and Investment Strategy outlines the priorities to be pursued to deliver this ambitious target and government agencies are working closely with industry to understand their own export ambitions.\r\nScottish Development International (SDI) have increased their support to companies and are working with key partners to encourage companies to raise their ambition levels to achieve their full potential and deliver more for Scotland’s economy. This included support to over 2,090 Scottish companies, an increase of 52% from \r\n2011-12.\r\nSDI have also expanded their overseas presence in key markets including China, India, Norway and Brazil. Some of our major exporters are foreign owned companies and attracting strategic inward investment remains critical to our success. Scotland remains an attractive location for inward investors as noted in the Ernst & Young Attractiveness Survey, where Scotland has been ranked in the top two locations within the UK in three of the past five years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:02.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284563,"EventID":"S4W-14978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:02.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T17:32:11.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14017 by Humza Yousaf on 25 April 2013, whether ministers have provided specific guidance to officials on dealing with ministers and officials from the Government of Qatar in addition to the Civil Service Code and, if so, whether such guidance includes reference to the imprisonment of the poet, Mohammed al-Ajami.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer back to my answer to question S4W-14017. Officials adhere to the Civil Service Code when engaging with government officials from other countries. No specific guidance to officials on dealing with ministers and officials from the Government of Qatar and reference to the imprisonment of the poet, Mohammed al-Ajami has been issued. \r\nThe Scottish Government’s International Framework recognises that, as a good global citizen, Scotland has a strong and enduring commitment to securing democracy, the rule of law and fundamental human rights across the world. We expect all states to comply with international and human rights law, and we condemn human rights abuses wherever they occur.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:02.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284564,"EventID":"S4W-14979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:02.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T17:32:11.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14020 by Humza Yousaf on 25 April 2013, whether ministers have set out parameters to officials on discussion of the imprisonment of the poet, Mohammed al-Ajami, with ministers and officials from the Government of Qatar.\r\n","AnswerText":"No parameters have been set out by Ministers for officials regarding their discussion of the imprisonment of the poet, Mohammed al-Ajami with ministers and officials from the Government of Qatar. The Scottish Government’s International Framework recognises that, as a good global citizen, Scotland has a strong and enduring commitment to securing democracy, the rule of law and fundamental human rights across the world. We expect all states to comply with international and human rights law, and we condemn human rights abuses wherever they occur.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:02.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284565,"EventID":"S4W-14980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:02.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T17:32:11.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14018 by Humza Yousaf on 25 April 2013, whether ministers have been updated on dialogue between Scottish Government officials and officials and ministers from the Government of Qatar in the last six months and, if so, whether such updates have included discussion of the imprisonment of the poet, Mohammed al-Ajami.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials from the Scottish Government were in contact with officials and ministers from the Government of Qatar in November and December 2012 to make the necessary logistical arrangements for the Minister’s meeting with His Excellency Mr Khalid Rashid Al-Mansouri KCVO, Qatar Embassy in London. Following this, officials have been in contact with the Qatar Embassy in London in April and May. The focus of these discussions has been the preparations for the Minister’s attendance at the Doha Form 20 – 22 May. No updates have included reference to the imprisonment of poet, Mohammed al-Ajami.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:02.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284566,"EventID":"S4W-14981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:03.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T17:32:11.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14019 by Humza Yousaf on 25 April 2013, whether the imprisonment of the poet, Mohammed al-Ajami, has arisen in dialogue with the Government of Qatar.","AnswerText":"Further to the answer to S4W-14019 I can confirm that the imprisonment of the poet, Mohammed al-Ajami has not arisen in dialogue with the Government of Qatar.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:03.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284567,"EventID":"S4W-14982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:03.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T17:32:11.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14021 by Humza Yousaf on 25 April 2013, whether it will consider new guidance for officials dealing with the Government of Qatar to encourage discussion of the imprisonment of the poet, Mohammed al-Ajami.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have no plans to issue new guidance at this stage for officials dealing with the Government of Qatar to encourage discussion of the imprisonment of the poet, Mohammed al-Ajami.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s International Framework recognises that, as a good global citizen, Scotland has a strong and enduring commitment to securing democracy, the rule of law and fundamental human rights across the world. We expect all states to comply with international and human rights law, and we condemn human rights abuses wherever they occur.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:03.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284568,"EventID":"S4W-14983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:04.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T17:40:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will implement the decision of the Office for National Statistics to reclassify colleges as part of central government in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"UK Government Ministers have insisted that we must begin implementing the ONS decision with effect from 1 April 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:04.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284569,"EventID":"S4W-14984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:04.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T17:40:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has carried out of the implications for the post-16 reform programme following implementation of the decision of the Office for National Statistics to reclassify colleges as part of central government in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Implementation of the decision to reclassify colleges will not begin until 1 April 2014.\r\nThe ONS’ decision itself does not compromise our ambitions for reform as set out in “Putting Learners at the Centre” in 2011. Nor does the decision affect the rationale for, or ability of, colleges to merge. Ministers therefore remain committed to working with colleges to secure the changes needed to support our learners, employers and economy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:04.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284570,"EventID":"S4W-14985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:05.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T17:40:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what communications and discussions it has had with the college sector on the decision of the Office for National Statistics to reclassify colleges as part of central government since October 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"Colleges were notified of the change in 2010. Since then Scottish Ministers have been raising objections with HM Treasury on the basis for the decision, the timing of implementation and the scope for mitigating the implications.\r\nThe Cabinet Secretaries for Education and Lifelong Learning and Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth held a positive and constructive meeting with college Chairs and Principals on 13 May to discuss the impact of reclassification.\r\nThe Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning met with the Regional Leads on 14 May. A Project Team has also been established and met with the college Finance Directors on 23 May.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:05.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284571,"EventID":"S4W-14991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:05.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T17:40:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the implications are for (a) borrowing by the college sector, (b) learners, (c) planned capital programmes in the college sector, (d) procurement in the college sector, (e) charitable status in the college sector, (f) college governance, (g) access to the European Social Fund, (h) capital funding and investment, (i) commercial income, (j) UK-wide activity, (k) international activity, (l) cash reserves and (m) colleges that are not incorporated as a result of the decision of the Office for National Statistics to reclassify colleges as part of central government in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The implications of the decision of the Office for National Statistics to reclassify colleges as part of central government in Scotland are as follows;\r\n(a) Borrowing - Consolidated Budgeting Guidance, available at:\r\nhttp://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/consolidated_budgeting_guidance_201314.pdf\r\nsets out the treatment of borrowing for central government sponsored bodies at chapter 9. Scottish Ministers are committed to working with colleges to minimise the impact on Scottish budgets from this change whilst maintaining any planned investment funded from borrowing.\r\n(b) Learners – none. We set out our ambitions for improving the Post 16 education system for our learners in 2011 through ‘Putting Learners at the Centre’. Those ambitions remain following reclassification.\r\n(c) Planned Capital Programmes in the college sector – Ministers are committed to working with colleges to maintain their current capital investment plans. Ministers have already taken steps to mitigate any risks to the affordability of the three college NPD projects, by ensuring the continued use of accumulated reserves for the purpose defined within their business cases. \r\n(d) Procurement – none. We do not expect reclassification to have an impact on procurement. Colleges are already subject to EU Procurement Directives and would continue to be so when reclassified as central government bodies.\r\n(e) Charitable status – none. Reclassification will have no impact on the charitable status of the affected colleges.\r\n(f) College governance – none. Existing arrangements and our plans set out in the Post-16 Education (Scotland) Bill currently before the Scottish Parliament are unaffected by reclassification. \r\n(g) Access to European Structural Funds (ESF) – none. We do not expect reclassification to have an impact on colleges’ ability to access ESF. \r\n(h) Capital funding and investment – none. Ministers will maintain previously announced levels of capital funding and investment to colleges.\r\n(i) Commercial income – none. Reclassification does not impact on colleges’ ability to secure commercial income.\r\n(j) UK wide activity – none. We do not expect reclassification to have an impact on UK wide activity undertaken by the affected colleges.\r\n(k) International activity – none. We do not expect reclassification to have an impact on international activity undertaken by the affected colleges.\r\n(l) Reserves - Consolidated Budgeting Guidance sets out the treatment of reserves for central government sponsored bodies at chapter 9. Ministers are committed to working with colleges to find ways of mitigating the impact of the change on deployment of reserves.\r\n(m) Unincorporated colleges – none. The ONS classification decision relates only to incorporated colleges.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:05.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284572,"EventID":"S4W-14998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:05.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-14T17:40:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce legislation to reverse the decision of the Office for National Statistics to reclassify colleges as part of central government in Scotland and what the reasons are for its decision on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"Legislation is not required and to introduce legislation would not be compatible with our policy priorities.\r\nThe successful outcomes delivered by our colleges are founded on a partnership between Government and colleges. That partnership has its roots in existing governance arrangements – themselves the cause of reclassification. We have no plans to weaken that relationship between Government and the college sector.\r\nWe are creating strong regional institutions of influence, increasingly collaborating across the public and private sectors. Our current plans to strengthen governance complement this new regional structure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:05.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284573,"EventID":"S4W-14999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:05.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T09:21:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether National Express Dundee has introduced a commercial smart ticket and, if so, what the uptake is.","AnswerText":"National Express Dundee, in partnership with Transport Scotland, Dundee City Council and Dundee College has introduced a Smart ticketing product which allows students to use part of their bursary to pay for city-wide bus travel. The product is currently in use by around 85 students and the college anticipate a significant take up by the August/ September student intake. As a result of the success of this project, National Express Dundee have plans to release a range of commercial Smart ticketing products.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:05.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284574,"EventID":"S4W-15000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:06.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T09:21:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a timescale has been agreed to migrate the Orkney smart ticket to ITSO and, if so, what progress has been made toward an integrated product for bus and ferry services.\r\n","AnswerText":"No timescale has been agreed at present. Transport Scotland continue to seek a suitable opportunity to instigate a project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:07.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284575,"EventID":"S4W-15001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:07.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T09:21:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the pilot smart ticket for school transport in West and East Lothian has been introduced.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland is currently working with both local authorities and First Group to develop the system. It is anticipated that this project will be completed in the first half of 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:07.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284576,"EventID":"S4W-15002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:07.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T09:21:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is an agreed timescale for moving the young persons' bus concession scheme to a smart platform.","AnswerText":"A Smart ticket product has been created and a small pilot group is being developed. Transport Scotland is engaging with vendors and operators to update operator’s ticketing infrastructure in order to facilitate operation of the product, with a view to start delivery in the early part of 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:07.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284577,"EventID":"S4W-15003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:07.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T09:21:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the pilot smart ticket in North Lanarkshire, Glasgow city and Renfrewshire has been introduced through Action for Jobs - Supporting Young Scots into Work.","AnswerText":"A pilot Smart ticket has not yet been introduced, Transport Scotland is currently working with a system supplier to develop the technology needed for Local Authorities to update National Entitlement Cards with appropriate ticket products, with a view to partial delivery in the early part of 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:07.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284578,"EventID":"S4W-15004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:08.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T09:21:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress Strathclyde Partnership for Transport is making on introducing an integrated ticket product across subway, bus and train services.\r\n","AnswerText":"At present Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) is developing a Smart product for use on the Glasgow Subway. This project is at an advanced stage with the system expected to go live later this year. No further details of SPT plans for bus or rail are presently available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:08.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284579,"EventID":"S4W-15005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:08.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T10:50:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what processes must be followed before opencast coal developers can begin extracting coal.","AnswerText":"On a site for the working of minerals of over 2 hectares, pre-application consultation for a period of 12 weeks would be required before a planning application could be submitted and considered by a planning authority.\r\nEnvironmental impact assessment is mandatory for opencast mines of over 25 hectares. Below 25 hectares but where screened in for environmental impact assessment, it may be necessary to submit an environmental statement supporting a planning application.\r\nPlanning permission from the planning authority is required before opencast coal operators can begin extracting coal. Neighbour notification and public advertisement of the application is normally part of the process to be followed.\r\nFor an opencast coal site boundary falling within 500 metres from the edge of an existing community or sensitive establishment, the application would be notified to Scottish Ministers if the authority is minded to grant planning permission. Ministers would then decide whether to call the application in for their own determination.  Ministers exercise this power sparingly and only where the proposal raises issues of national interest.\r\nNormally a bond to ensure that site restoration can be properly financed, is secured by legal agreement before planning permission is discharged.\r\nA licence from the Coal Authority is required for the mining of coal or for the digging and carrying away of coal during non-coal mining related activities (incidental coal).\r\nIt may be the case that a Controlled Activities Licence from SEPA is required to protect the water environment where diversion of, discharge to, or abstraction from a watercourse is involved. Other processes and consents would engage as necessary depending on the natural and built heritage or other characteristics of the site.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:08.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284580,"EventID":"S4W-15006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:08.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T10:50:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what powers exist to prevent opencast coal developers from beginning work without planning permission being in place.","AnswerText":"Planning enforcement is the responsibility of the relevant planning authority. Under planning legislation a range of powers, including planning contravention notices, temporary stop notices, stop notices and enforcement notices exist for planning authorities to deploy in order to prevent developers from beginning or continuing work, all as set out in Scottish Government Planning Circular 10/2009.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:08.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284581,"EventID":"S4W-15007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:08.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T10:50:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what powers exist to prevent opencast coal developers from continuing to dig for coal when they are in breach of planning regulations and local authority stop notices.\r\n","AnswerText":"Sections 144A to 144D of the 1997 Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act (introduced by the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006) allow a planning authority to issue a temporary stop notice which takes effect immediately it is issued and, unlike a stop notice, does not require the accompanying issue of an enforcement notice.\r\nA notice requiring a retrospective planning application may be issued where development requiring planning permission is involved.\r\nWhere a temporary stop notice or stop notice has not been complied with, a person breaching the notice may be liable to prosecution for a fine of up to £20,000 on conviction.\r\nAdditionally, I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15006 on 28 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:08.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284582,"EventID":"S4W-15008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:09.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T10:50:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is aware of the work being carried out by an opencast coal developer at the Five Sisters area of West Calder.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s Planning and Architecture Division and, through its executive agency Historic Scotland, is aware of works being carried out at the Five Sisters bing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:09.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284583,"EventID":"S4W-15009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:09.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T10:50:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the opencast work being carried out in the Five Sisters area of West Calder.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s position is that under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, its executive agency Historic Scotland wrote to the company carrying out the unauthorised opencast work on 8 May 2013 to halt all works within the Five Sisters scheduled area. Additional planning and enforcement issues are a matter for West Lothian Council.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:09.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284584,"EventID":"S4W-15010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:09.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T10:50:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to consider the coordination of regulators in relation to the opencast work being carried out at the Five Sisters area of West Calder.\r\n","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland; the Scottish Government’s executive agency charged with safeguarding the nation’s historic environment is currently working with West Lothian Council, the Police, SEPA, and the Coal Authority to ensure a coordinated approach to the range of compliance issues at the Five Sisters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:09.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284585,"EventID":"S4W-15011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:09.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T10:51:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many in (a) higher and (b) further education institutions are employed on zero-hour contracts.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information. \r\nOur further and higher education institutions are independent institutions with responsibility for their own staffing, admissions, subject provision, curriculum and research.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:09.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284586,"EventID":"S4W-15012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:09.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T10:51:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the (a) higher and (b) further education sector regarding the use of zero-hour contracts.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government meets with the further and higher education sectors on a regular basis to discuss a number of issues.\r\nWe are unaware of any specific discussions with the sectors on the use of zero-hour contracts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:09.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284587,"EventID":"S4W-15013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:10.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T10:51:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether zero-hour contracts are being used in the public sector other than in further and higher education.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not employ staff on zero hours contracts. Information as regards to other public sector organisations’ use of zero hours contracts is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:10.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284588,"EventID":"S4W-15014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:10.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T10:51:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the use of zero-hour contracts in the public sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15013 on 29 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:10.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284589,"EventID":"S4W-15015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T14:00:10.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T10:51:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to (a) end or (b) reduce the use of zero-hour contracts in the public sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15013 on 29 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T14:00:10.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284598,"EventID":"S4W-15016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:51.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T11:00:07.63","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13913 by Derek Mackay on 18 April 2013, what changes have been made to (a) the issuing of planning and energy consents and (b) monitoring and enforcement to ensure that the freshwater pearl mussel is protected from the environmental impacts of development.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government online renewables planning advice on hydro schemes (last updated in July 2012) states that:\r\n“Planning authorities should generally encourage developers to appoint Ecological Clerks of Works to ensure that agreed designs and construction techniques are followed following planning approval.”\r\nNo other specific changes have been made to (a) planning and energy consents, or (b) monitoring or enforcement.\r\nIt is routine practice where a hydro scheme requires an environmental impact assessment, that the Environmental Statement (ES) should state whether or not appropriately qualified environmental scientists or ecologists are to be used as Clerks of Works or in other roles during construction to provide specialist advice. Details of emergency procedures to be provided could be identified in the ES.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:51.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284599,"EventID":"S4W-15017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:52.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T11:00:07.63","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13914 by Derek Mackay on 18 April 2013, what action it will take with regard to planning authorities that fail to ensure that planning conditions are adequate to protect the freshwater pearl mussel.\r\n","AnswerText":"The processing of planning applications, including the attachment of conditions and their enforcement, is a matter for the planning authority for the area. Ministers would seek to intervene in a particular application only where issues of national importance that could not be overcome were involved.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:52.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284600,"EventID":"S4W-15018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:53.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T11:00:07.63","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13915 by Derek Mackay on 18 April 2013, what action is taken when planning authorities fail to take appropriate action to protect the freshwater pearl mussel.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government expects a partnership approach between planning authorities, its agencies Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and others as regulators to provide the necessary actions. The member is also referred to the answers previously given to S4W-14153 on 1 May 2013 and S4W-13923 on 17 April 2013.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:53.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284601,"EventID":"S4W-15019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:53.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T11:29:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with, or is aware of between, (a) the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), (b) ATOS, (c) SALUS, (d) NHS boards, (e) BMA Scotland, (f) representatives of disabled people and (g) GPs at the Deep End regarding the provision of information by GPs in support of a benefit application when the request for information comes from (i) DWP or ATOS and (ii) a patient.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials met with the Chair of the Scottish General Practitioner Committee of the BMA on 13 March 2013 to discuss provision of medical information to patients in support of appeals in respect of DWP’s Work Capability Assessments.\r\nOn 20 April 2013 the Deputy First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing wrote to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions expressing concern about the apparent weaknesses of DWP’s processes for obtaining medical evidence for people subject to work capability assessments and the strain being put upon primary care practices as a result of requests for medical evidence to support appeals.\r\nThe Secretary of State for Work and Pensions replied on 8 May 2013 informing the Deputy First Minister that he believed that DWP’s processes were effective and are subject to on-going review in order to improve effectiveness.\r\nThe Chief Medical Adviser to the DWP met with Deep End GPs on 29 January 2013 to discuss the Work Capability Assessment and the introduction of Personal Independence Payments. The appeals process and the involvement of GPs in providing supporting evidence was included in the discussion.\r\nThe Scottish Government has not had discussions with ATOS, SALUS, NHS boards, representatives of disabled people or GPs at the Deep End and is not aware of any other discussions between any of these bodies in respect of provision of information by GPs in support of benefit applications.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:53.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284602,"EventID":"S4W-15020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:53.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T11:29:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on Glasgow Local Medical Committee's recommendation that GPs working under contract to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde do not provide letters of support for patients making benefit applications when requested by the patient and whether any other local medical committees have made a similar decision.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government supports the role of GPs in contributing to the welfare assessment process and this is reflected contractually in both our General and Primary Medical Services Regulations. GPs have a statutory obligation, negotiated on a UK basis, to provide information to DWP, and those agencies acting on its behalf, in relation to medical certificates and assessments used to determine entitlements to benefits.\r\nLocal Medical Committees (LMCs) represent NHS GPs in their localities and any advice from an LMC is a professional matter between that Committee and the practitioners it represents. GP practices are contracted to provide General or Primary Medical Services by NHS boards and it is for each Health Board to ensure that its contractors are delivering the services required by their contracts. GPs are not contractually required to provide patients making benefit applications or appeals with letters of support.\r\nThe Scottish Government shares the profession’s concerns that the established contractual and agreed methods for GPs to directly provide medical information to the DWP are not being used effectively by the Department. These issues were discussed at a meeting on 13 March 2013 between Scottish Government officials and the Chair of the British Medical Association’s Scottish General Practitioners’ Committee (SGPC).\r\nOn 20 April 2013, with the support of the SGPC, the Deputy First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing wrote to the UK Government’s Secretary of State for Work and Pensions expressing concern about the apparent weaknesses of DWP’s processes for obtaining medical evidence for people subject to Work Capability Assessments and the strain being put upon primary care practices as a result of requests for medical evidence to support appeals.\r\nThe Secretary of State for Work and Pensions replied on 8 May 2013 informing the Deputy First Minister that he believed that DWP processes were effective and are subject to on-going review in order to continue to improve effectiveness. The Scottish Government will closely monitor the outcomes of DWP’s further review work and Scottish Minsters will continue to press their concerns with the department.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:53.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284603,"EventID":"S4W-15021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:54.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T11:29:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with, or is aware of between, (a) the Department of Work and Pensions, (b) ATOS, (c) SALUS, (d) NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, (e) other NHS boards, (f) BMA Scotland, (g) representatives of disabled people and (h) GPs at the Deep End regarding Glasgow Local Medical Committee's recommendation that GPs working under contract to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde do not provide letters of support for patients making benefit applications when requested by the patient.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not had discussions, and is not aware of discussions between other organisations, in respect of the Glasgow Local Medical Committee’s recommendation that GPs working under contract to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde do not provide letters of support for patients making benefit applications.\r\nGPs, through the UK negotiated General Medical Services (GMS) contract, are statutorily required to provide certain medical certificates which include certificates such as the Med 3. Provision to DWP of supporting clinical information by GPs in support of benefit applications such as Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance are usually paid for by a private arrangement with DWP under legislation reserved to the UK Government. Provision of further information or letters of support requested by patients or their representatives in support of a benefit application is not covered by current contractual arrangements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:54.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284604,"EventID":"S4W-15022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:54.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T11:29:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many GPs are represented by Glasgow Local Medical Committee and how many patients are registered with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde GPs.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally by the Scottish Government.\r\nLocal Medical Committees represent NHS GPs in their localities and membership is a local matter for each Committee.\r\nThe Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland provides a range of health information and statistical services to support the NHS. ISD’s latest figures on General Practice patient populations were published on 18 December 2012 and can be accessed on its website at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/General-Practice/Publications/2012-12-18/2012-12-18-GP-Workforce-Report.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:54.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284605,"EventID":"S4W-15024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:54.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T11:29:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take in relation to GPs refusing to provide patients with letters of support or evidence in relation to benefit applications.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15020 on 30 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:54.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284606,"EventID":"S4W-15025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:54.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T11:29:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the (a) Minister for Housing and Welfare or (b) Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing has had meetings with (i) the Department of Work and Pensions, (ii) ATOS, (iii) SALUS, (iv) NHS boards, (v) BMA Scotland, (vi) representatives of disabled people or (vii) GPs at the Deep End regarding the (A) provision by GPs of information in support of a benefit application and (B) decision of Glasgow Local Medical Committee to recommend that letters in support of a benefit application requested by a patient are not provided.\r\n","AnswerText":"Neither the Minister for Housing and Welfare or the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing have had meetings with any party with regard to the provision by GPs of information in support of a benefit application, or with regard to the decision by the Glasgow Local Medical Committee to recommend that letters of support are not provided.\r\nGPs, through the UK negotiated General Medical Services (GMS) contract, are statutorily required to provide certain medical certificates which include certificates such as the Med 3. Provision to DWP of supporting clinical information by GPs in support of benefit applications such as Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance are usually paid for by a private arrangement with DWP under legislation reserved to the UK Government. Provision of further information or letters of support requested by patients or their representatives in support of a benefit application is not covered by current contractual arrangements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:54.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284607,"EventID":"S4W-15032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:54.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T12:07:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to the supplementary to question S4O-01961 by Nicola Sturgeon on 27 March 2013 (Official Report, c. 18322), when the cabinet secretary will provide the information.","AnswerText":"I wrote to the member on 18 May 2013 providing the information requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:54.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284608,"EventID":"S4W-15045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:55.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T12:30:13.613","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many landlords registered their tenants’ deposits with the tenancy deposit protection scheme by the deadline of 15 May 2013. \r\n","AnswerText":"Up to the end of April this year, over 140,000 deposits with a total value of £89 million had been lodged with one of the three approved tenancy deposit schemes. Of these, more than 25,000 deposits had been submitted directly by landlords. Information on the number of landlords registered and deposits lodged with the schemes, as at the deadline of 15 May is not yet available.\r\nComparison with the number of properties private landlords have registered with local authorities suggests that some landlords still need to lodge deposits.\r\nThe Scottish Government will continue to work with the scheme providers and other stakeholders to encourage compliance with the law in this area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:55.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284609,"EventID":"S4W-15046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:55.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T12:30:13.613","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take with regard to landlords that did not register their tenants’ deposits with the tenancy deposit protection scheme by the deadline of 15 May 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government continues to work with the scheme providers and other stakeholders such as Citizens Advice Scotland and Shelter Scotland to encourage compliance with the law.\r\nThe Scottish Government recently introduced the Tenant Information Pack which provides key information for tenants and landlords in an easy to read format. From May 1st, landlords have a legal duty to provide the Tenant Information Pack to new tenants. The pack includes information on tenants’ rights with regards to their deposit being protected in a Tenancy Deposit Scheme.\r\nThe launch of the pack is supported by a new website: rentingscotland.org, which offers practical renting guides for tenants and landlords in Scotland’s private rented sector. Renting Scotland is jointly funded by the Scottish Government and Shelter Scotland. The website is an industry-wide information hub for both tenants and landlords in the private rented sector in Scotland.\r\nPrivate landlords have a duty to protect tenants’ deposits with one of the three approved tenancy deposit schemes. If they fail to do so the tenant may apply to a sheriff to enforce the law. The court may order the imposition of a financial penalty of up to three times the deposit on a landlord. In addition, local authorities may take such a breach of housing law into account when considering the fit and proper test for landlord registration and licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:55.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284610,"EventID":"S4W-15055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:56.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T13:17:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on plans in England for each older person to have a named individual responsible for all of their care needs and whether it has similar plans for Scotland.","AnswerText":"It is our understanding that the UK Government intends to pilot this scheme in a number of areas and are seeking integration “pioneers”.\r\nIn Scotland, through the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill, we are establishing nationally agreed outcomes with duties for integrated budgets and service planning placed on health boards and local authorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:56.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284611,"EventID":"S4W-15056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:56.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T14:22:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the introduction of a meningococcal B vaccination programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"There have been no formal discussions with the UK Government regarding the introduction of a meningococcal B vaccination programme. Informal discussions take place from time to time between officials in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland looking at a range of issues including horizon scanning.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:56.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284612,"EventID":"S4W-15057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:56.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T14:22:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what reassurance it can provide that health reforms in England will not delay the introduction of new vaccines in Scotland, such as a meningococcal B vaccine.\r\n","AnswerText":"The health reforms in England will have no bearing in relation to timescales for the introduction of new vaccines in Scotland, including a meningococcal B vaccine.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:56.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284613,"EventID":"S4W-15058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:56.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T14:22:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the timescale is for the introduction of a meningococcal B vaccine into the routine childhood immunisation schedule in light of a Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommendation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government awaits recommendations on the possible introduction of a meningococcal B vaccine from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).\r\nThe Scottish Government would always be guided by the JCVI in relation to timescales for the introduction of any vaccination programme, as well as the need to consider issues around the practicalities involved in the introduction a new vaccination programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:56.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284614,"EventID":"S4W-15059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:56.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T14:22:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the process is for vaccine introduction in Scotland following a Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation decision.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government considers all recommendations made by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).\r\nOnce a JCVI recommendation is received and a decision is taken to introduce a programme, the Scottish Government works with colleagues in NHS Health Protection Scotland, and the Scottish Immunisation Programme (SIP) Co-ordination Group to identify and undertake the work required for implementation of the routine programme and any catch up programme.\r\nThe SIP Co-ordination Group has a number of sub groups established within its structure to take forward work required in relation to service delivery, communications, workforce, vaccine supply and epidemiology issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:56.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284615,"EventID":"S4W-15060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:57.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T14:22:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a new meningococcal B vaccine will be introduced into the routine childhood immunisation schedule before winter 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government currently has no plans to introduce a new meningococcal B vaccine into the routine childhood immunisation schedule before winter 2013.\r\nThe Scottish Government will consider any future recommendations made by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in relation to the meningococcal B vaccine.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:57.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284616,"EventID":"S4W-15061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:57.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T14:22:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings have taken place between the Health and Social Care Directorate and NHS Health Scotland to discuss the introduction of a new meningococcal B vaccine into the routine childhood immunisation schedule and who attended.\r\n","AnswerText":"No specific meetings have taken place between the Health and Social Care Directorate and NHS Health Scotland to discuss the introduction of a new meningococcal B vaccine into the routine childhood immunisation schedule.\r\nThe Scottish Immunisation Programme Co-ordination Group, co-ordinated by NHS Health Protection Scotland, and with representation from the Scottish Government, NHS Health Scotland and other NHS stakeholders, keeps abreast of all recommendations made by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the independent scientific expert committee that considers matters in relation to all immunisation programmes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:57.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284617,"EventID":"S4W-15062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:57.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T16:04:11.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it has received from the UK Government for improvements to the Caledonian Sleeper service and on what it has spent this funding.","AnswerText":"Over £100 million remains committed to the improvement of the Caledonian Sleeper service in its entirety. £50 million of this was provided by the UK Government.\r\nThe £50 million provided by the Treasury has been loaned to Scottish Water and is supporting their capital investment programme while the process of upgrading the sleeper services gets underway.\r\nThe repayment of this loan has been arranged to ensure the money is available as it is needed. The arrangements for repaying the money reflect the fact that upgrading the sleeper services is a long term project. The rail industry globally is configured in such a way that progressing the upgrade of this rolling stock will take time, as has been clear and understood by all parties from the start of this process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:57.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284618,"EventID":"S4W-15068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:57.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T16:04:11.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what work is being undertaken to (a) safeguard and (b) improve the Caledonian Sleeper service.","AnswerText":"£100 million has been committed for the improvement of the Caledonian Sleeper Service. £50 million of this money will be available to improve the rolling stock on the Caledonian Sleeper service. This compares with the lack of investment, under previous administrations, from which the sleeper service suffered.\r\nAs any sleeper passenger would appreciate, station facilities and reliability of service are just as important as on-train facilities. As a result, some of the £100 million will be invested in improving station facilities and track infrastructure both to deliver improved reliability and enhance the overall product for the benefit of passengers.\r\nThe next franchisee of the Caledonian Sleeper service will also be asked to bring forward innovative ideas to improve the Caledonian Sleeper service. This will secure the best value and service for the passengers on the Caledonian Sleeper service\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:57.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284619,"EventID":"S4W-15069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-15T16:50:58.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T16:04:11.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it will provide for improvements to the Caledonian Sleeper service and from which budget lines.","AnswerText":"£100 million has been committed to the improvement of the Caledonian Sleeper service. £50 million of this budget was provided by the Scottish Government and the remainder by the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-05-31T16:50:58.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284632,"EventID":"S4W-14829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:29.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T16:30:48.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on whether there is a correlation between the price and availability of painkillers and the reported rise in the number of deliberate self-poisonings.\r\n","AnswerText":"Latest published data available from the General Register Office for Scotland indicate that there has been a slight reduction in the number of deaths by self poisoning in Scotland in recent years. There is no information available centrally on whether there is a correlation between the price and availability of painkillers and the number of deliberate self poisonings.\r\nMedicine safety is currently a reserved matter with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency having responsibility across the UK. Given the particular risks associated with paracetamol, UK wide legislation was amended in 1998 to introduce pack size restrictions to a maximum of 32 tablets through pharmacy sales and 16 for non-pharmacy sales. A recent British Medical Journal article concluded that the introduction of the legislation resulted in a 43% reduction in deaths in England and Wales.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:29.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284633,"EventID":"S4W-14830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:30.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T16:30:48.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been admitted to hospital due to deliberate self-poisoning in each year since 2007-08, broken down by NHS board. \r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not available at national level.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:30.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284634,"EventID":"S4W-14831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:30.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T16:30:48.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to raise awareness of the long-term organ damage that can be caused by misuse of painkillers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The safety of medicines is currently a reserved matter with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) having responsibility across the UK.\r\nI understand from the MHRA that information on possible side effects which may occur in association with use of painkillers, including where appropriate effects associated with long term use and risk of overdose, are outlined in the information associated with the medicines and provided to healthcare professionals (the Summary of Product Characteristics) and patients (Patient Information Leaflet).\r\nPainkillers that are available as over the counter medicines are subject to restrictions on pack size. There are clear warnings on the outer packaging of these products that the stated dose should not be exceeded and they should not be used to control symptoms for longer than three days without medical advice. There is also clear advice that if the symptoms persist then the individual should consult their doctor.\r\nMedicines containing paracetamol contain a warning about the risk of serious liver damage if the dose is exceeded.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:30.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284635,"EventID":"S4W-14832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:31.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-09T16:30:48.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to (a) better understand and (b) tackle deliberate self-poisoning.  \r\n","AnswerText":"In late 2012, the Scottish Government set up a working group to consider future strategy and action on prevention of suicide and self harm, in the context that the Choose Life, strategy and action plan is approaching the end of its 10 year lifetime. This includes consideration of understanding and tackling self-poisoning.\r\nThe aim is to produce a new national strategy on suicide and self harm, to be published by the Scottish Government in late summer/early autumn 2013. The expectation is that the final document will contain ambitious but realistic commitments on reducing suicide and self harm; will be informed by evidence of what we know works; will contribute to increasing our knowledge and learning in this complex area; and will contain milestones and outcomes against which to measure progress.\r\nTo help inform the development of a new strategy, the Working Group developed an engagement paper. This was published on 25 February 2013, with a close date of 28 May 2013 for comments. With support from NHS Health Scotland’s Choose Life team, we have held several engagement events to provide professionals and members of the public with an opportunity to discuss key issues which they consider should be in a future strategy on prevention of suicide and self harm. Input from these events will be taken into consideration, together with written comments received, in the development of the new strategy.\r\nMore information is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/Services/Mental-Health/Suicide-Self-Harm/Working-Group \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:31.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284636,"EventID":"S4W-14849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:31.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T11:19:43.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13806 by Alex Neil on 15 April 2013 and in light of paragraphs 5.14 and 5.15 of the code of conduct, whether it considers it appropriate for a member of Health Improvement Scotland's board not to register the employment of a family member in the organisation as a potential conflict of interest, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"All members of NHS boards are expected to carry out their responsibilities in line with the board members’ code of conduct. The Scottish Government expects board members to take responsibility for ensuring that the register of interests is accurate, and for board chairs to hold members to the code of conduct. The register of interests is reviewed by the external auditor when annual accounts are submitted.\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland is currently updating its register of interests as part of its annual accounts process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:31.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284637,"EventID":"S4W-14850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:32.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T11:19:43.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14491 by Nicola Sturgeon on 7 May 2013, how it determined the budget allocation for local authorities.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12761 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:32.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284638,"EventID":"S4W-14851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:32.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T11:19:43.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14486 by Margaret Burgess on 8 May 2013, on how many other occasions the minister has (a) met and (b) written to a UK minister regarding welfare reform and when.\r\n","AnswerText":"SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT\r\nWRITTEN ANSWER\r\n28 May 2013 \r\nIndex Heading: Governance and Communities\r\nJackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14486 by Margaret Burgess on 8 May 2013, on how many other occasions the minister has (a) met and (b) written to a UK minister regarding welfare reform and when.\r\n(S4W-14851)\r\nThe following corrected answer was issued on 31 May 2013\r\n \r\nMargaret Burgess: Scottish Ministers meet with and write to UK Ministers on a regular basis.\r\nThe Minister for Housing and Welfare has met with UK Ministers on three occasions to discuss welfare reform. These meetings took place on 19 September 2012, \r\n17 December 2012 and 6 March 2013.\r\nThe Minister has also written to UK Ministers on: 13 December 2012; 20 December 2012; 9 January 2013; 10 February 2013; 15 February 2013; 27 February 2013; \r\n26 March 2013; 28 March 2013; 15 April 2013; and 23 May 2013 in relation to welfare reform matters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:32.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284639,"EventID":"S4W-14852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:33.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T11:19:43.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14488 by Margaret Burgess on 8 May 2013, what the estimated cost is of rehousing a homeless (a) family of two adults and two children and (b) single adult.\r\n","AnswerText":"As explained in the answer to question S4W-14488 on 8 May 2013, total costs involved in rehousing homeless households are variable and depending on a range of individual and local circumstances. It is not possible for the Scottish Government to produce meaningful estimates of national figures on such costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:33.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284640,"EventID":"S4W-14853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:33.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T11:19:43.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14511 by Alex Neil on 8 May 2013, how many adults up to retirement age are recorded as delayed discharges.\r\n","AnswerText":"At the January 2013 Delayed Discharge census the number of adults aged 18-65 recorded as delayed discharges was 110, comprising of 58 standard and 52 code nine delays.\r\nCode 9 delays are patients who are delayed due to circumstances out with the control of either the Health Board or local authority, for example Adults with Incapacity who require a Guardian to be appointed. These delays are recorded separately within the census.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:33.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284641,"EventID":"S4W-14854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:34.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T11:19:43.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14507 by Alex Neil on 8 May 2013, when these meetings took place.\r\n","AnswerText":"Meetings with officials\r\nAll groups include housing association representatives, and all discuss health and social care integration in relation to their interests.\r\nOlder People’s Housing Strategy Monitoring and Advisory Group (former Wider Planning for an Ageing Population Working Group)\r\n15 June 2012 \r\n29 November 2012\r\nMinutes available at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/access/ROOPH  \r\nHousing Support Forum\r\n25 January 2012\r\n24 May 2012\r\n27 November 2012\r\nMinutes available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/access/housingsupport/Page4 \r\nAdaptations Working Group (work now concluded)\r\n30 January 2012\r\n16 March 2012\r\n23 April 2012\r\n12 June 2012\r\n12 September 2012\r\n29 October 2012\r\nMinutes available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/access/ROOPH/ADWG \r\nPreventative Support Working Group (work now concluded)\r\n8 February 2012\r\n18 April 2012\r\n26 June 2012\r\nMinutes available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/access/ROOPH/PSWG \r\nHousing Association representatives attended consultation events during summer 2012\r\n28 May\r\n4 July\r\n5 July\r\n19 July\r\nOfficials provided input for a housing seminar\r\n6 June 2012\r\nMinisterial Meetings\r\nThe Deputy First Minister met with the Chief Executives of Bield, Hanover (Scotland) and Trust Housing Associations on 28 March 2012.\r\nThe Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing will meet with Chief Executives from Bield, Hanover and Trust Housing Associations on 12 September 2013 to discuss housing’s vital role in supporting the integration of adult health and social care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:34.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284642,"EventID":"S4W-14855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:34.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T11:22:14.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12535 by Alex Neil on 27 February 2013, how many meetings have been held and who attended each meeting.\r\n","AnswerText":"The on-going negotiations on the replacement to the current Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme involve the UK Government and Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:34.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284643,"EventID":"S4W-14856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:34.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-10T11:22:14.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12534 by Alex Neil on 27 February 2013, whether the cabinet secretary has met Earl Howe and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"I am due to meet with Earl Howe on 3 July 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:34.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284644,"EventID":"S4W-15047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:35.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T13:20:26.317","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many courses are being discontinued by the City of Glasgow College; how many student places will be discontinued, also broken down by course of study; how many staff posts will be lost; what the impact will be on the hours of temporary staff, and whether an equalities impact assessment was carried out.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold such information centrally. It is for individual colleges continually to review their curriculum to ensure it delivers maximum benefit for learners and employers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:35.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284645,"EventID":"S4W-15052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:35.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T13:20:26.317","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of the courses being discontinued at the City of Glasgow College are access courses.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold such information centrally. It is for individual colleges continually to review their curriculum to ensure it delivers maximum benefit for learners and employers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:35.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284646,"EventID":"S4W-15053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:35.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T13:20:26.317","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much advance notification was given before the reduction in courses at the City of Glasgow College was announced.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold such information centrally. It is for individual colleges to communicate appropriately any changes to the curriculum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:35.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284647,"EventID":"S4W-15054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:36.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T13:20:26.317","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether applicants for courses to be discontinued at the City of Glasgow College were informed that courses were discontinued or that their application had been unsuccessful.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold such information centrally. It is for individual colleges to communicate appropriately any changes to the curriculum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:36.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284648,"EventID":"S4W-15063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:36.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T16:08:26.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the available data on preventable sight loss for the last five years, broken down by (a) local authority, (b) NHS board, (c) age, (d) disability, (e) ethnicity, (f) gender and (g) socioeconomic group.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available data on preventable sight loss is published on the NHS Information Services Division (ISD) website.\r\nFor hospital admissions related to eye-care conditions the available information can be found at the following links:\r\nProcedures data:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Hospital-Care/Publications/2012-09-25/IP_DC_OP_Procedures_Sep12.xls\r\n \r\nDiagnosis data:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Hospital-Care/Publications/2012-09-25/Diagnosis_HB_Sep12.xls?9992\r\n \r\nFor free NHS eye examinations performed by high-street optometrists the available information can be found at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Eye-Care/Publications/data-tables.asp?id=842#842\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:36.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284649,"EventID":"S4W-15064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:36.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T16:08:26.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to deal with the level of preventable sight loss.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are measures already in place in Scotland to help prevent sight loss, including free NHS eye examinations for all and diabetic retinopathy screening.\r\nFree NHS eye examination: The NHS eye examination is tailored to meet the needs of the patient, taking into account their history and symptoms, allowing the patient to receive, free of charge, an appropriate health assessment of their whole visual system and allowing for early diagnosis of potential sight threatening disease.\r\nFor the year ending 31 March 2012, high street optometrists performed 1,913,565 free NHS eye examinations in Scotland (36.4 per cent of the population)\r\nOptometrists can also directly refer patients to the hospital eye service; for the year ending 31 March 2012, 48,745 people were directly referred to a hospital eye service from an optometrist.\r\nDiabetic retinopathy screening : Diabetic retinopathy is regarded as the leading cause of blindness in people of working age. It is therefore essential that retinopathy is detected and treated as early as possible.\r\nThe Scottish Diabetic Retinopathy Screening (DRS) Programme offers retinopathy screening to all eligible people with diabetes in Scotland.\r\nThe DRS programme is widely regarded as a world class service and has robust processes in place to ensure that all people who are eligible for diabetic retinopathy screening are offered it on a regular basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:36.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284650,"EventID":"S4W-15065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:36.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T16:08:26.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the level of preventable sight loss.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to make a full assessment of the epidemiology of preventable sight loss for the whole population of Scotland using published (available) data from Information Services Division (ISD).\r\nFor those conditions strongly associated with preventative eye disease (cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic eye disease) it is possible to make the following observations from the published data from ISD.\r\nPrimary Care/Optometrists: For the year ending 31 March 2012, high street optometrists performed 1,913,565 free NHS eye examinations in Scotland (36.4 per cent of the population).\r\nOptometrists are able to record information on certain eye conditions, including cataracts, whether or not the patient is a diabetic, or has glaucoma. A patient can also present with more than one condition, and this is also recorded, with each condition recorded separately.\r\nFor the year ending 31 March 2012 the proportion of the total number of examinations (including those that presented without a certain eye condition and those with conditions, including multiple conditions) was 15.0 per cent for cataracts, 5.5 per cent for those with diabetes, and 2.3 per cent for glaucoma (including ocular hypertension).\r\nFor the year ending 31 March 2012, a total of 48,745 people were referred to a hospital eye service from an optometrist.\r\nHospital Admissions: For the year ending 31 March 2011, a total of 34,560 cataract procedures were performed for the whole of Scotland in the NHS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:36.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284651,"EventID":"S4W-15066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:37.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T16:08:26.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of variations in the level of preventable sight loss, broken down by (a) local authority, (b) age, (c) disability, (d) ethnicity, (e) gender and (f) socioeconomic group.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15065 on 03 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:37.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284652,"EventID":"S4W-15067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:37.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T16:08:26.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to carry out a further review of community eyecare services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans at present to carry out a further review of community eyecare services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:37.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284653,"EventID":"S4W-15071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:37.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T16:08:26.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will make a statement on preventable sight loss.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15064 on 03 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:37.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284654,"EventID":"S4W-15072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:37.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T10:12:38.07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12436 by Alex Neil on 6 February 2013, how many NHS boards were offered a programme of performance support and how many accepted.\r\n","AnswerText":"Further to the answer for question S4W-12436, three NHS boards were offered and accepted a programme of support for generic cancer waiting times performance.\r\nAll NHS boards were recently offered a share of £3.7 million specifically to increase short and medium term capacity for endoscopy (colonoscopy) services across Scotland and a total of twelve NHS boards requested and accepted this additional funding support.\r\nSince Parliamentary Question S4W-12436 received a written answer on 6 February, ISD Scotland has published cancer waiting times performance for Q4 2012. During this period (October-December 2012), 95.8% of patients started treatment within 62 days of urgent referral with suspicion of cancer (improved from 94.0% in the previous quarter). Within the same period, 98.1% of patients started treatment within 31 days of decision to treat (regardless of the route of referral), up from 97.6% in Q3. For colorectal cancer specifically, Q4 performance was 94% for the 62-day standard and 97.2% for the 31-day standard.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:37.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284655,"EventID":"S4W-15086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:37.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T13:23:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has asked the Law Officers for permission to announce that they have provided legal advice regarding EU membership if Scotland were to become independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes.\r\nThe Law Officers confirmed they were content for the Scottish Government to advise that it had now received their legal advice on EU membership.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:38.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284656,"EventID":"S4W-15087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:38.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T13:23:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has sought the permission of the Law Officers to publish the legal advice that they have provided regarding EU membership if Scotland were to become independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15089 on 3 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:38.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284657,"EventID":"S4W-15088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:38.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T13:23:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it received permission from the Law Officers to announce that it had received their legal advice regarding EU membership if Scotland were to become independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Law Officers gave ministers permission to announce that their legal advice had been received prior to Fiona Hyslop’s confirmation on Newsnight on 15 May 2013. I also refer the member to the answers to S4W-15086 and S4W–15112 both answered on 3 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:38.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284658,"EventID":"S4W-15089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:38.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T13:23:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish any legal advice it has received from the Law Officers regarding EU membership if Scotland were to become independent and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"The content of any legal advice is confidential. By long-standing convention, successive Scottish and UK Governments have not disclosed the content of Law Officers' advice other than in the most exceptional circumstances.\r\nAn independent Scotland’s continued membership of the EU will be set out in the White Paper which, as I made clear in October 2012, will be fully consistent with our legal advice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:38.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284659,"EventID":"S4W-15090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T14:40:39.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T13:23:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has sought legal advice from sources other than the Law Officers regarding EU membership if Scotland were to become independent and, if so, from whom, and whether it will publish this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has already confirmed that it has obtained legal advice from the Law Officers. It has not sought legal advice from any external source. It remains entirely confident of the common sense position, supported by a number of eminent experts in EU affairs, that following a Yes vote, Scotland would notify its intent to remain a member of the EU and would negotiate the specific terms of that continued membership in the period between the referendum and the first day of independence. This position will be set out in the White Paper which, as I made clear in October 2012, will be fully consistent with legal advice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T14:40:39.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284660,"EventID":"S4W-15070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T16:57:57.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T17:37:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will appoint a regulator of licensed legal services providers under the Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010.","AnswerText":"My officials are working closely with the Law Society of Scotland to develop its regulatory scheme. We hope to be able to refer a proposed scheme to the Lord President and Office of Fair Trading as the Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010 requires, in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T16:57:57.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284661,"EventID":"S4W-15091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T16:57:59.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T13:29:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what services Education Scotland will provide at HM Young Offenders Institution Polmont.","AnswerText":"Education Scotland will provide relevant expertise, advice and guidance to Scottish Prison Service in relation to the range of learning opportunities available at HMYOI Polmont. The aim is to improve education, skills and life chances for young people in custody. Education Scotland will achieve this by:\r\nSupporting Scottish Prison Service to recognise the full range of learning opportunities available across HMYOI Polmont;\r\nMapping current learning opportunities available in HMYOI Polmont;\r\nIdentifying any gaps and opportunities for development;\r\nMapping learning opportunities to Curriculum for Excellence; \r\nProviding a range of training and awareness raising for prison staff on a range of related topics; and\r\nHM Inspectors of Education will work with HM Chief Inspector of Prisons to report on progress made during the follow-through inspection in November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T16:57:59.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284662,"EventID":"S4W-15092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T16:58:00.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T13:29:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Education Scotland will be responsible for (a) maintaining and (b) improving standards in education and training at HM Young Offenders Institution Polmont and, if so, what targets (i) it and (ii) the Scottish Prison Service has set for these.","AnswerText":"Education Scotland will support the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to deliver the highest possible standards in education and training at HMYOI Polmont. Education Scotland and the SPS will work with a wide range of learning provider partners, including Carnegie College, to deliver improved opportunities, standards and levels of engagement and participation amongst the young people in custody. As Education Scotland are not the service providers they would not be directly responsible for raising standards within the establishment. However, HM Inspectors of education will continue to work with HM Chief Inspector of Prisons to monitor progress against the recommendations in the inspection report published on 20 February 2013 and the targets identified in HMYOI Polmont’s business plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T16:58:00.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284663,"EventID":"S4W-15093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T16:58:00.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T13:29:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what costs are involved in funding the work of Education Scotland in HM Young Offenders Institution Polmont and how those costs will be met.","AnswerText":"Education Scotland has a role in offender learning so supporting this initiative is part of their core remit. As such, the costs are met from existing staffing budgets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T16:58:00.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284664,"EventID":"S4W-15094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T16:58:00.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T14:03:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of landlords had lodged all eligible deposits with tenant deposits schemes by 15 May 2013.","AnswerText":"Not all landlords take deposits from tenants. In addition, letting agents acting on behalf of landlords will have lodged a proportion of the deposits now with one of the three approved tenancy deposit schemes. As such, we cannot confirm what percentage of all landlords have lodged eligible deposits.\r\nUp to the end of April 2013, over 140,000 deposits with a total value of £89 million had been lodged with one of the three approved tenancy deposit schemes. These are the most up to date figures available.\r\nComparison with the number of properties private landlords have registered with local authorities suggests that some landlords still need to lodge deposits.\r\nThe Scottish Government will continue to work with the scheme providers and other stakeholders to encourage compliance with the law in this area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T16:58:00.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284665,"EventID":"S4W-15095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T16:58:00.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T14:09:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of farming businesses uses its full Land Managers Options entitlement.","AnswerText":"The position is set out in the following table for the Land Managers’ Option Scheme year 2011-12:-\r\nNumber of businesses eligible\r\n21,611\r\nNumber of businesses that applied\r\n11,571\r\n53.5%\r\nNumber of claims submitted\r\n9,431\r\n43.6%\r\nNumber of businesses that claimed and utilised their full maximum allowance\r\n425\r\n1.9%\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T16:58:00.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284666,"EventID":"S4W-15096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T16:58:01.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T14:09:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the budget for Land Managers Options entitlement was in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"The Land Managers’ Option Scheme budget for the financial year 2012-13 (covering the 2011-12 scheme year) was £18 million. The scheme year runs from 15 May to 14 May, with payments made annually in arrears.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T16:58:01.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284667,"EventID":"S4W-15097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T16:58:01.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T14:09:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the 2012-13 Land Managers Options was allocated.","AnswerText":"The Land Managers’ Option Scheme expenditure for the financial year 2012-13 (covering the 2011-12 scheme year) was £10.3 million, which is 57% of the budget. The scheme year runs from 15 May to 14 May, with payments made annually in arrears.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T16:58:01.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284668,"EventID":"S4W-15103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T16:58:01.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T14:18:21.86","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with government officials from (a) Iraqi Kurdistan, (b) Iraq and (c) Turkey in the last six months.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on engagement the Scottish Government has had with government officials from (a) Iraqi Kurdistan, (b) Iraq and (c) Turkey in the last 6 months could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. This is due to the high number of potential communications across Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T16:58:01.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284669,"EventID":"S4W-15104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T16:58:01.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T14:18:21.86","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its policy objectives are for its engagement with the government of (a) Iraqi Kurdistan, (b) Iraq and (c) Turkey.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s international priorities are set out in Scotland’s International Framework which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0040/00405438.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T16:58:01.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284670,"EventID":"S4W-15105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T16:58:02.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T14:18:21.86","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times ministers have met officials from the government of Iraqi Kurdistan in the last 12 months; where the meetings took place, and what was discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"No meetings with ministers and officials from the Kurdistan Regional Government took place over the last 12 months.\r\nI had a courtesy meeting with Mr Zaid Izzadin Mohammed Noori, Consul General for Iraq and Dr Alawi, First Consul for Iraq who are based in Manchester on 19 February at the Scottish Parliament.\r\nThe Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop had an informal meeting with Abdulrahman Dheyab, the General Director of Iraqi Culture Centre during the course of the Edinburgh International Culture Summit of 13 and 14 August. They discussed the forthcoming performance of the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq during the Edinburgh Fringe and future ways of Iraq and Scotland future working together. Mr Dheyab and Ms Hyslop also attended the performance of the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq on 26 August at Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T16:58:02.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284671,"EventID":"S4W-15106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T16:58:02.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T14:28:47.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings it has had with (a) HM Treasury and (b) the Office for National Statistics since October 2010 regarding the decision to reclassify colleges as part of central government in Scotland.","AnswerText":"There has been a series of written communications, discussions and meetings with HM Treasury, both formal and informal, to discuss the basis of the decision, the implications of implementing this change in Scotland and the timing of that implementation. In accordance with established protocol all contact on this matter has been routed through HM Treasury.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T16:58:02.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284672,"EventID":"S4W-15107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T16:58:02.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T14:28:47.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the (a) UK Government, (b) Welsh Assembly Government and (c) Northern Ireland Executive since October 2010 regarding the decision of the Office for National Statistics to reclassify colleges as part of central government in Scotland.","AnswerText":"There has been a series of written communications, discussions and meetings with HM Treasury, both formal and informal, to discuss the basis of the decision, the implications of implementing this change in Scotland and the timing of that implementation. There has also been informal communication with BIS, the Welsh Assembly and the Northern Ireland Executive, which covered respective positions, and associated activity, in relation to ONS classification.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T16:58:02.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284673,"EventID":"S4W-15108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T16:58:02.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T14:28:47.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consultation it has carried out with the college sector and other stakeholders since October 2010 regarding the decision of the Office for National Statistics to reclassify colleges as part of central government in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Colleges were notified of the change in 2010. Since then Scottish Ministers have been negotiating with HM Treasury on the basis for the decision, the timing of implementation and the scope for mitigating the implications. Full engagement with the sector could be undertaken only once these issues had been resolved.\r\nThe Cabinet Secretaries for Education and Lifelong Learning and Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth held a positive and constructive meeting with college Chairs and Principals on 13 May to discuss the impact of reclassification.\r\nThe Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning met with the Regional Leads on 14 May. A Project Team has also been established and met with the college Finance Directors on 23 May.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T16:58:02.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284674,"EventID":"S4W-15109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T16:58:03.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T15:07:22.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14923 by John Swinney on 16 May 2013, what impact it considers the comments from the respondents will have on an independent Scotland's ability to borrow.\r\n","AnswerText":"An independent Scotland will have access to the same sources of borrowing as any other independent country. Lenders will look at all the relevant facts and at our fiscal track record when deciding at what rates of interest they are prepared to lend,  not at unattributed responses to a UK Government consultation.\r\nThe Scottish Government believes the macro-economic framework set out by the Fiscal Commission Working Group in their report of February this year provides a stable basis for Scotland’s fiscal and macro-economic future. This combined with Scotland’s economic strengths and natural resources, and the financially responsible record of the Scottish Government, would make an independent Scotland attractive to lenders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T16:58:03.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284675,"EventID":"S4W-15110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T16:58:03.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T16:07:07.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to help maintain the hyperbaric chamber on Cumbrae if the University Marine Biological Station Millport closes.","AnswerText":"The chamber in Millport is one of three independent chambers, in addition to the nationally designated Hyperbaric Medicine Unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, which are currently recognised to provide treatment for diving related illness.\r\nThe number of diving related incidents requiring hyperbaric treatment in Scotland is declining dramatically year on year and the number of chambers providing services exceeds the demand for those services.\r\nNHS Scotland is currently considering a service re-design to ensure the provision of a safe, sustainable clinically effective and cost effective service for the number of diving related decompression illnesses within Scotland.\r\nA report to the National Specialist Services Committee and the Board Chief Executives is expected by the summer 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T16:58:03.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284676,"EventID":"S4W-15111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-16T16:58:03.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T16:07:07.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients have used the hyperbaric chamber on Cumbrae in the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is provided in the following table:\r\nDivers Treated\r\nMillport Chamber\r\n2008\r\n11\r\n2009\r\n3\r\n2010\r\n4\r\n2011\r\n2\r\n2012\r\n4\r\nTotal\r\n24\r\n\r\nSource: National Services Division (NSD).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-03T16:58:03.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284694,"EventID":"S4W-15033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:35.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T12:18:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the conclusions were of its consultation, A Consultation on the Revision of the Scottish Government Practical Fire Safety Guidance for Care Homes and the Quality Assurance of Persons Who Offer Risk Assessment Services, and when they will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"The conclusions of the consultation on the revision of care home guidance and fire risk assessment quality assurance was published in October 2012 and is available on the Scottish Government (SG) website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0040/00404351.pdf. The revised version of the care home guidance is due to be published this summer.\r\nThe existing sector specific guidance for care homes is currently available on the SGFirelaw web pages along with general fire safety guidance/advice at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/Fire-Rescue/FireLaw.  \r\nThe Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) also provide advice to care home duty-holders, on request, on: how to prevent fires; restrict spread; and the means of escape in the event of fire. However, it is also proactive in carrying out fire safety audits in care homes. \r\nTo help duty-holders to consider the competence of fire risk assessors (individuals or companies), the SGFirelaw web pages provide a link to guidance issued by the Fire Risk Assessment Competency Council (FRACC) (hosted on the Fire Sector Federation (FSF) website). Information is also given about the benefit of third party certification of fire protection services. There are no plans to make it compulsory for fire risk assessors to be registered or certificated under fire safety law or to require assessors to provide evidence of their competence to care home duty-holders, but SGFirelaw guidance recommends that duty-holders check their competence. Registration schemes do exist for companies/persons carrying out fire risk assessments and details of such schemes are featured in the FRACC guidance. The SG has not had any formal or detailed discussions with the SFRS, since it was formed on 1 April 2013, about reviewing the competency of fire risk assessors.\r\nThe SG does not plan to compel fire risk assessors to provide a certificate, or report the issuing of one to the SFRS. The fact that a risk assessment has been carried out is not a confirmation that the level of fire safety in a premises is adequate.\r\nCare home duty-holders have a legal obligation to record the significant findings and certain other information relating to the assessment of risk in the premises. This record could be provided, in whole or in part, by an external assessor under contract. However, duty-holders must be able to make risk assessment information available for the inspection of the SFRS as the “enforcing authority”. The SG has no plans to require records to be otherwise displayed, permanently, on the premises.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:35.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284695,"EventID":"S4W-15034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:36.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T12:18:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what advice is made available to care home dutyholders to ensure fire safety in the premises for which they are responsible.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15033 on 31 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:36.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284696,"EventID":"S4W-15035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:36.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T12:18:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what advice is made available to assist care home dutyholders to check the competence of companies that provide (a) fire protection services and (b) fire risk assessments.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15033 on 31 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:36.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284697,"EventID":"S4W-15036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:37.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T12:18:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will require care home dutyholders to check the competence of fire protection companies through the use of third party certification schemes.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15033 on 31 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:37.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284698,"EventID":"S4W-15037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:37.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T12:18:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service regarding the competence of fire risk assessors.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15033 on 31 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:37.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284699,"EventID":"S4W-15038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:37.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T12:18:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what advice is available to assist care home dutyholders to check the competence of fire risk assessors.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15033 on 31 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:37.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284700,"EventID":"S4W-15039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:37.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T12:18:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what schemes exist to allow fire risk assessors to demonstrate their competence.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15033 on 31 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:37.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284701,"EventID":"S4W-15040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:37.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T12:18:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to require fire risk assessors to demonstrate their competence.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15033 on 31 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:37.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284702,"EventID":"S4W-15042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:37.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T12:18:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to require fire risk assessors to provide evidence of their competence to care home dutyholders before carrying out work for them.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15033 on 31 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:37.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284703,"EventID":"S4W-15043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T12:18:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will require fire risk assessors to provide care home dutyholders with a fire risk assessment compliance certificate and to report the issuing of the certificate to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15033 on 31 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:38.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284704,"EventID":"S4W-15044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:38.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T12:18:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to require care home dutyholders to display fire risk assessment certificates in premises for which they are responsible.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15033 on 31 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:38.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284705,"EventID":"S4W-15073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:38.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T10:49:44.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the new marketing services framework will be published.","AnswerText":"The fully managed services framework for marketing services was awarded on 25 April 2013. The multi-lot marketing services framework was awarded on 24 May 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:38.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284706,"EventID":"S4W-15074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:40.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T10:49:44.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which public sector bodies have had to buy in marketing services due to the delay in the new framework and what extra expenditure has been incurred.\r\n","AnswerText":"The current Marketing Services Framework has been extended until 31 May 2013 to allow Scottish Central Government bodies to continue to call off their requirements in order to ensure that their objectives are met. We are not aware of any requirement to buy in services other than through the current framework. We do not hold information on which bodies have made use of the current framework during the extension period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:40.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284707,"EventID":"S4W-15075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:40.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T10:49:44.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many legal challenges have been (a) lodged and (b) upheld against (i) its and (ii) public sector tender processes and the awarding of contracts in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The numbers of legal challenges lodged against the Scottish Government’s tender processes and the awarding of contracts for the years from 2007 to date are as follows:\r\n2007 – 0 lodged; 0 upheld\r\n2008 – 0 lodged; 0 upheld\r\n2009 – 0 lodged; 0 upheld\r\n2010 – 1 lodged; 0 upheld\r\n2011 – 0 lodged; 0 upheld\r\n2012 – 3 lodged; 0 upheld\r\n2013 – 2 lodged; 0 upheld\r\nThere have been six legal challenges against Scottish Government tender processes in the years from 2007 to date, but none of those has been upheld by the courts. The Scottish Government does not hold any information on challenges to tender processes and the awarding of contracts in the wider public sector, which would encompass local authority and UK government contracts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:40.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284708,"EventID":"S4W-15112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:40.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T10:07:07.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Fiona Hyslop's confirmation on Newsnight Scotland on 15 May 2013 that the Scottish Government has now received legal advice on a separate Scotland's position in the EU was consistent with the Scottish Ministerial Code.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:40.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284709,"EventID":"S4W-15113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:41.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T10:07:07.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to Fiona Hyslop's confirming on Newsnight Scotland on 15 May 2013 that the Scottish Government has now received legal advice on a separate Scotland's position in the EU, which ministers have had sight of this advice.\r\n","AnswerText":"Advice received by the Scottish Government from the Law Officers is available to all ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:41.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284710,"EventID":"S4W-15114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:41.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T10:07:07.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to Fiona Hyslop's confirming on Newsnight Scotland on 15 May 2013 that the Scottish Government has now received legal advice on a separate Scotland's position in the EU, whether it plans to publish the advice in full as part of its white paper on its plans to separate Scotland from the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15089 on 3 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:41.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284711,"EventID":"S4W-15115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:41.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T10:07:07.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to Fiona Hyslop's confirming on Newsnight Scotland on 15 May 2013 that the Scottish Government has now received legal advice on a separate Scotland's position in the EU, whether it considers that the Scottish people have the right to read the legal opinion in full before the referendum and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"Paragraphs 2.30 and 2.35 of the Ministerial Code refer to the public interest in the government ensuring that decisions are taken in a fully informed legal context and the public interest in maintaining the right of confidentiality of communications between legal advisers. I also refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15089 on 3 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:41.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284712,"EventID":"S4W-15116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:41.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T10:07:07.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to Fiona Hyslop's confirming on Newsnight Scotland on 15 May 2013 that the Scottish Government has now received legal advice on a separate Scotland's position in the EU, whether it will publish all correspondence between (a) ministers, (b) the Law Officers, (c) special advisers and (d) officials relating to this legal advice.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15089 on 3 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:41.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284713,"EventID":"S4W-15117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:42.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T10:07:07.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish all correspondence between (a) ministers, (b) the Law Officers, (c) special advisers and (d) officials relating to Fiona Hyslop’s interview on Newsnight Scotland on 15 May 2013 in which she confirmed that the Scottish Government has now received legal advice on a separate Scotland's position in the EU.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15089 on 3 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:42.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284714,"EventID":"S4W-15118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:42.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T10:07:07.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings ministers have had with the Law Officers since May 2007 to discuss the position of a separate Scotland’s potential membership of the EU, broken down by (a) date of meeting, (b) attendees and (c) what matters were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to paragraphs 2.4 -2.9 of the Scottish Ministerial Code. Scottish Government Ministers meet with the Law Officers on a regular basis.\r\nThe content of any legal advice is confidential. By long-standing convention, successive Scottish and UK Governments have not disclosed the content of Law Officers' advice or the fact that they have or have not advised on any particular matter other than in the most exceptional circumstances.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:42.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284715,"EventID":"S4W-15119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:42.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T10:07:07.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that, under paragraph 2.35 of the Scottish Ministerial Code, both the existence and content of legal advice can be disclosed publicly if the Law Officers' prior consent is sought.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10595 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:42.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284716,"EventID":"S4W-15120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:42.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T10:07:07.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date it plans to publish its white paper on its plans to separate Scotland from the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will publish its comprehensive white paper on independence in autumn 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:42.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284717,"EventID":"S4W-15121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:43.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T10:12:38.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport regarding the potential for a new railway station in Parkhead.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had no recent discussions with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport regarding the potential for a new railway station at Parkhead.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:43.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284718,"EventID":"S4W-15122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:43.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T10:12:38.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the curriculum for excellence promotes financial education.\r\n","AnswerText":"Curriculum for Excellence supports Financial Education as part of a wider focus on the development of numeracy. The expectation is that all teachers should seek to develop young people’s numeracy skills in all areas and at all levels.\r\nIn addition, support for Financial Education is provided by Education Scotland through a range of on-line teaching resources, professional development opportunities for teachers and the Scottish Financial Education Forum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:43.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284719,"EventID":"S4W-15123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:43.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T10:12:38.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action is being taken to encourage GPs to open surgeries for longer hours.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is investing approximately £12 million annually in an enhanced service arrangement to extend GP surgery opening hours beyond core hours. Participation in enhanced services are optional for GP practices and in 2012 we introduced more flexible scheme arrangements to encourage even more GP practices to offer extended hours.\r\nPractice participation in the revised scheme averaged 80.5% across the country in 2012 increasing from 73.5% in 2011. The 2012 participation figure for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's GP practices was 83.5% compared to 76.3% in the previous year.\r\nAs part of the successfully negotiated General Medical Services contract settlement for 2013-14 we have an agreed commitment from the Scottish General Practitioners’ Committee to review GP access and we will be exploring ways to improve these arrangements in the year ahead.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:43.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284720,"EventID":"S4W-15124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:43.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T10:12:38.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle diesel spillages as a result of brimming.\r\n","AnswerText":"The design of vehicles is covered by European standards. EC Directive 70/221 requires that commercial vehicles have in place appropriate measures to ensure that minimum leakage occurs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:43.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284721,"EventID":"S4W-15125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:43.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T10:12:38.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it encourages local authorities to promote greater recycling.\r\n","AnswerText":"The case for improving recycling rates is simple: it is good for our environment and it is good for our economy. We estimate that councils will be able to save in the region of £180 million in the cost of their waste services by 2025 if they meet the 70% target set out in the Zero Waste Plan. That is money that can be reinvested in other vital services. At the same time, the materials collected for recycling have a monetary value that can support the growth of our recycling and reprocessing sectors, ultimately helping create economic and employment opportunities across Scotland. This alone should be encouragement enough.\r\nThrough the Zero Waste Scotland programme, I have put in place additional targeted support to help councils realise these opportunities including £5 million this year to support the roll-out of food waste collections and £350,000 to improve the quality of bring sites and support glass collections. This targeted support is, of course, only part of a much broader package of support being provided to businesses and councils across Scotland.\r\nThe local government concordat gives councils the flexibility and freedom to make decisions on how best to deliver waste services in order to meet zero waste targets and wider objectives. A number of councils in Scotland are leading the way with recycling rates that are already approaching 60%. Other councils, however, are not performing so well and they need to look to those that are and follow their example.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:43.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284722,"EventID":"S4W-15126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:43.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T10:12:38.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what each local authority’s financial commitment to PFI/PPP will be for each of the next three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is available from the Scottish Government website under “PPP/PFI Projects (operational)” by way of the following link:\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:44.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284723,"EventID":"S4W-15127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:44.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T10:12:38.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what costs were associated with the PFI project for the refurbishment of Bannerman High School in 2002.\r\n","AnswerText":"The costs relating to the individual schools within the associated PFI contract are not held centrally and are a matter for the local authority. \r\nThe costs relating to the overall PFI contract are available from the Scottish Government website under “PPP/PFI Projects (operational)” by way of the following link:\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:44.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284724,"EventID":"S4W-15128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:44.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T10:50:36.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in light of the finding in the Accounts Commission report, Maintaining Scotland's Roads: An audit update on councils' progress, that \"there is a need to increase the pace of progress in improving roads condition\".","AnswerText":"The maintenance of local roads is a matter for local authorities. The Scottish Government is providing local government in Scotland with over £10.3 billion in 2013-14.\r\nIn addition, a National Road Maintenance Review concluded in July 2012. This Review identified 30 initiatives aimed at ensuring all road authorities in Scotland could manage and maintain our roads more efficiently. A Strategic Action Group has been set up to oversee the implementation of these initiatives. I jointly chair this group with Councillor Stephen Hagan, COSLA Spokesperson for Regeneration and Sustainable Development. The next meeting is scheduled for 26 June 2013.\r\nFurther information on the National Road Maintenance Review is available at: \r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/road/maintenance/road-maintenance-review\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:44.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284725,"EventID":"S4W-15132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:27:44.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T11:33:02.19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will encourage providers of social care to sign up to UNISON's Ethical Care Charter.","AnswerText":"It is for providers of social care to decide whether or not to sign up to the Charter and it is for UNISON to promote its Charter with those providers.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to a strong, competent, confident and valued social services workforce and we continue to work with a range of partners, including UNISON, to progress issues that support that.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:27:44.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284726,"EventID":"S4W-15133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-17T14:31:49.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T14:26:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to publish information on the economic opportunities of independence.","AnswerText":"I am delighted to announce that the paper Scotland’s Economy: the case for independence will be published on 21 May 2013. A copy will be lodged with SPICe under bib number 54973.\r\nThe paper highlights the strengths of Scotland’s economy across a range of key sectors, our fiscal position and Scotland’s potential for growth. The paper also explores the social, economic and geographic inequalities that have developed under the UK system and the opportunities for Scotland’s economy that would flow from independence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-04T14:31:50.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284731,"EventID":"S4T-00360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T13:16:21.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T11:02:45.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria are used to test patients to identify their genetic risk of developing breast cancer.    \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T13:16:21.073","MeetingDate":"2013-05-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284732,"EventID":"S4F-01393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T13:15:46.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T14:49:36.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T13:15:46.137","MeetingDate":"2013-05-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284733,"EventID":"S4F-01394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T13:15:46.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T10:28:26.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T13:15:46.463","MeetingDate":"2013-05-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284734,"EventID":"S4F-01397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T13:15:47.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T09:05:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will consider piloting a domestic violence disclosure scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T13:15:47.587","MeetingDate":"2013-05-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284735,"EventID":"S4F-01398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T13:15:48.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T09:13:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Government has made of the claims in the Treasury analysis paper regarding an independent Scotland's ability to provide protection for savers and pensioners.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T13:15:48.38","MeetingDate":"2013-05-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284736,"EventID":"S4F-01399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T13:15:48.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T09:57:05.257","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T13:15:48.867","MeetingDate":"2013-05-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284737,"EventID":"S4F-01407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T13:15:53.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T11:32:32.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to ensure that its grants are awarded only to companies that pay correct levels of tax.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T13:15:53.857","MeetingDate":"2013-05-23T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284753,"EventID":"S4W-15076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T14:54:56.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T11:25:29.81","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to ensure that companies shortlisted for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route contract have not been engaged in blacklisting in relation to the London Crossrail project.","AnswerText":"Under the contractual arrangements for the AWPR the successful contractor will require to comply with all laws including those relating to the prohibition of blacklisting.\r\nThe Scottish Government is totally opposed to blacklisting or the compiling of a blacklist. We expect companies that are awarded public contracts maintain high standards of business and professional conduct.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T14:54:56.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284754,"EventID":"S4W-15077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T14:54:56.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T12:18:44.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the pay banding is for perfusionists in Scotland and what information it has on the pay bandings in (a) England and (b) Wales.","AnswerText":"There are a range of job profiles available for perfusionist staff in Scotland from Band 5 to Band 8c, the banding outcome is dependent on job profiles. We understand there are a similar range of profiles for the post in England and Wales.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T14:54:56.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284755,"EventID":"S4W-15078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T14:54:57.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T12:18:44.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many perfusionists are employed by each NHS board and how many vacant posts there are.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on perfusionists (clinical perfusion physiologist services) staff in post by NHS board is presented in the following table.\r\nClinical perfusion physiologists by NHS Board as at 31st December 2012\r\n\r\nWhole Time Equivalent\r\nHeadcount\r\nNational Waiting Times Center\r\n18.4\r\n19.0\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n5.0\r\n5.0\r\nClinical perfusion physiologists are also employed by NHS Lothian but current coding does not allow them to be identified from the national data.\r\nInformation on perfusionist vacancies is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T14:54:57.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284756,"EventID":"S4W-15079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T14:54:57.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T12:18:44.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the on-call rotas for perfusionists are in each NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T14:54:58.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284757,"EventID":"S4W-15080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T14:54:58.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T12:18:44.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many NHS perfusionists are due to retire in the next five years.","AnswerText":"In accordance with current legislation we can no longer presume a retiral age as this is discriminatory. Information relating to the numbers of NHS perfusionists retiring in the next five years is not, therefore available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T14:54:58.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284758,"EventID":"S4W-15081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T14:54:58.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T12:18:44.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many training places have been funded for perfusionists each year for the next five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are three centres within NHSScotland boards which are capable of providing training places for perfusionists; in NHS Grampian, NHS Lothian and at the Golden Jubilee Hospital (GJH). Of these, only the GJH is projecting a need for one trainee perfusionist in the current year.\r\nThe Scottish Government is working with NHSScotland employers to develop an Action Plan, which will ensure training places and funds are available over the next four to six years to support workforce development and succession planning.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T14:54:58.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284759,"EventID":"S4W-15082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T14:54:59.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T12:18:44.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many locum perfusionists each NHS board has employed and at what cost, in each year since 2007-08.","AnswerText":"The information requested on how many locum perfusionists employed by each NHS board and at what cost is not centrally held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T14:54:59.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284760,"EventID":"S4W-15083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T14:54:59.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T12:18:44.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any NHS board has a recruitment and retention premium for perfusionists.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Lothian currently has a recruitment and retention premium in place for its clinical perfusionist staff.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T14:54:59.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284761,"EventID":"S4W-15084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T14:55:00.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T12:18:44.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which NHS boards provide training for perfusionists.","AnswerText":"There are three centres in NHSScotland capable of providing training for perfusionsits; in NHS Grampian, NHS Lothian and the Golden Jubilee Hospital.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T14:55:00.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284762,"EventID":"S4W-15085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T14:55:00.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T12:18:44.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the (a) College of Clinical Perfusion Scientists of Great Britain and Ireland and (b) Society of Clinical Perfusion Scientists of Great Britain and Ireland.\r\n","AnswerText":"There have been no recent discussions between the Scottish Government and the College of Clinical Perfusion Scientists of Great Britain and Ireland or the Society of Clinical Perfusion Scientists of Great Britain and Ireland.\r\nHowever, the Healthcare Science Programme Manager at NHS Education Scotland spoke with the President of the College of Clinical Perfusion Scientists of Great Britain and Ireland in April 2013 about the training base status of NHS Lothian.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T14:55:00.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284763,"EventID":"S4W-15098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T14:55:01.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T14:18:21.86","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02111 by Humza Yousaf on 15 May 2013 (Official Report, c.19791), whether the minister’s comment that “there has barely been a peep from successive UK governments” regarding the detention of Shaker Aamer reflects the Scottish Government’s position on the matter and what information the minister considered prior to making the comment.\r\n","AnswerText":"Shaker Aamer continues to be detained in Guantanamo Bay. As I have previously stated, it is vital that we learn from the lessons of the past and that, in the present, we are guided by international human rights standards. This is an approach to which the Scottish Government is committed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T14:55:01.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284764,"EventID":"S4W-15099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T14:55:01.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-16T14:18:21.86","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02111 by Humza Yousaf on 15 May 2013 (Official Report, c.19791), whether it had considered the (a) reported approaches of the (i) Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to the US Secretary of State, (ii) Under Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to the US Deputy Secretary of State in April 2013 and (iii) Secretary of State for Defence to the US Defense Secretary in (A) June 2012 and (B) January 2013 and (b) the comment by the Under Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on 24 April 2013 that “the UK Government simply believe that the continued detention of Shaker Aamer is wrong without charge or trial, and we will continue to do all in our power to seek to return him to the United Kingdom”, prior to the minister stating that “there has barely been a peep from successive UK governments” regarding the detention of Mr Aamer.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government fully supports any attempts that the UK Government makes to end the continued detention of Shaker Aamer. However, he continues to be detained at Guantanamo Bay, 11 years after detention and six years after being cleared. As I have previously stated, it is vital that we learn from the lessons of the past and that, in the present, we are guided by international human rights standards. This is an approach to which the Scottish Government is committed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T14:55:01.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284765,"EventID":"S4W-15142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T14:55:02.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T16:19:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what enforcement action has been taken against UK-registered gillnet vessels fishing in Scottish coastal waters since 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"There have been no Marine Scotland prosecutions raised against this fleet segment since 2012. However, there have been five advisory letters issued and one verbal rebrief issued from the start of 2012 to date for infringements detected on board UK gillnetters. We are in active discussion with the gillnet fleet with a view to ensuring that future infringements do not occur.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T14:55:02.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284766,"EventID":"S4W-15143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T14:55:02.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T16:19:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many UK-registered gillnet vessels fishing in Scottish coastal waters since 2012 have been boarded by Marine Scotland officers.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2012 Marine Scotland Officers have boarded UK-registered gillnet vessels fishing within the 200 mile fisheries limit around Scotland on 10 occasions. One of these boarding took place within the 12 mile limit, at the time the vessel concerned was on passage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T14:55:02.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284767,"EventID":"S4W-15144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T14:55:02.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T16:19:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the recently-agreed discard ban will apply to fishing vessels using gillnets in Scottish coastal waters.\r\n","AnswerText":"The details of the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), including the discard ban, have not been agreed between the European Council and the European Parliament. However, the clear intention of both the Council and the Parliament is that a discard ban shall be introduced and shall apply to all fishing vessels in waters of any EU Member State regardless of fishing method.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T14:55:02.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284768,"EventID":"S4W-15145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T14:55:03.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T16:19:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is regarding the use of enforcement camera technology on UK-registered pelagic fishing vessels.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is currently exploring how to enforce the discard ban on pelagic vessels. Given the success of the Fully Documented Fisheries (catch quota) scheme, which uses cameras, in preventing discarding on demersal fishing vessels we are seeking to develop and trial a similar system, in combination with sensor data, on pelagic vessels.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T14:55:03.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284769,"EventID":"S4W-15146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T14:55:03.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T16:19:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is regarding fisheries quota management and the role of producer organisations.\r\n","AnswerText":"Fish Producer Organisations (POs) are membership organisations made of up fishermen that are provided for in EC Regulations that in Scotland and elsewhere in the European Union play an important role in the co-ordination of supplies of fish to markets and in the improvement of trading conditions for member vessels. POs in Scotland and in the UK also manage allocations of fish quota carrying out functions delegated to them by Government.\r\nAt present the Scottish Government does not propose to involve bodies other than POs in the management of fish quotas. The Government also considers, and concluded such in a report published during 2012, that there is scope for POs to do more to fully fulfil their functions in the organisation of supply and the development of markets. The Government continues to work towards these aims in close partnership with POs in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T14:55:03.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284770,"EventID":"S4W-15148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T16:57:29.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:13:29.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what powers it has to deliver the target to decarbonise the power sector by 50g CO2/kWh of electricity by 2030.","AnswerText":"The main source of emissions in Scotland from the energy supply sector is electricity generation at power stations. Scottish Ministers have decision making powers relating to applications for large scale thermal power stations under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. The Scottish Government policy for reducing emissions from thermal generation is that Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) should be fitted to new or existing coal power stations by 2020, and provided it has been demonstrated that CCS is economically deliverable and technically proven, then and in these circumstances it should be progressively fitted to all coal and gas thermal plants thereafter by 2030. Conditions are applied to the consent for new thermal power stations in line with this policy.\r\nHowever, decarbonisation will be achieved through a range of policies and will be dependent upon a number of factors. We need to remain flexible on how best to deliver our target in light of progress in the world climate change talks, integration of the EU energy market, Electricity Market Reform, developments in grid technology and storage, progress in cost reduction of renewables and CCS and progress in energy efficiency and demand side management.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T16:57:30.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284771,"EventID":"S4W-15149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T16:57:30.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:13:29.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a UK emissions performance standard of 450g CO2/kWh is in line with the Scottish Government’s target for decarbonisation of the power sector by 2030.\r\n","AnswerText":"While the Emissions Performance Standard is a useful tool we are clear that on its own it will not deliver the Scottish Government’s 2030 decarbonisation target and should be seen in the context of wider policies and powers.\r\nOur current consenting policy on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) already imposes conditions for progressively fitting CCS to all coal and gas thermal plants following successful demonstration at commercial scale in relation to both economic viability and technical operability. The delivery of our 100% renewable electricity target together with developments in grid technology and storage and progress in demand reduction and energy efficiency will all play a crucial role in the delivery of our long-term decarbonisation target.\r\nThe modelling for the draft second Climate Change Report on Proposals and Policies shows that successful delivery of the 100% target plus the progressive deployment of CCS through the 2020s means that our decarbonisation target could actually be achieved earlier than 2030.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T16:57:30.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284772,"EventID":"S4W-15150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T16:57:31.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:13:29.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what basis it has assumed that Longannet will close in 2020, as noted on page 75 of Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting our Emissions Reduction Targets 2013-2027: The Draft Second Report on Proposals and Policies.","AnswerText":"Investment decisions relating to developing and building new generation, and the extension or closure of existing generating plant are commercial decisions for generators in Scotland.\r\nThe Draft Second Report on Proposals and Policies presents emissions and generating capacity based on a plausible generation scenario in Scotland to 2027. This scenario is based on a range of factors, including credible assumptions about, thermal plant extension, build and closure dates, average annual running times and: the development and deployment of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). The scenario presented is not definitive and designed to give an indication of emissions from the sector by varying the amount of coal, gas and CCS on the system.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T16:57:31.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284773,"EventID":"S4W-15151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T16:57:31.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T14:02:33.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to invest in ports.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government values the contribution made by Scottish ports to the Government’s overall purpose of delivering sustainable economic growth, and continues to work closely with port operators to that end. A range of funding sources are available to Scottish ports, including through the European Fisheries Fund and Marine Scotland’s Emergency Harbour repairs scheme (for fisheries harbours). Freight Facilities Grant is also potentially available where additional port infrastructure is required to transfer freight from road to water. In addition, the Scottish Government supplies funding for infrastructure at the lifeline ferry ports as outlined in the Ferries Plan, published in December 2012 (available at http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/files/documents/reports/j254579_1.pdf).\r\nThe Scottish Government is continuing to work closely with Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and port operators to implement the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan. This may involve specific investment in port infrastructure to develop the offshore renewables industry as an economic growth opportunity that can bring benefits to many areas of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T16:57:31.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284774,"EventID":"S4W-15152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T16:57:31.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T15:22:52.663","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the introduction of the tenancy deposit scheme, how it will address the reported practice of private landlords retaining tenants' deposits without cause, and what further support it will provide to Citizens Advice Bureaux to promote an increased uptake of the deposit scheme and represent those affected by this practice.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government continues to work with the scheme providers and other stakeholders such as Citizens Advice Scotland and Shelter Scotland to encourage compliance with the law.\r\nThe Scottish Government recently introduced the Tenant Information Pack which provides key information for tenants and landlords in an easy to read format. From May 1st, landlords have a legal duty to provide the Tenant Information Pack to new tenants. The pack includes information on tenants’ rights with regards to their deposit being protected in a Tenancy Deposit Scheme.\r\nThe launch of the pack is supported by a new website:rentingscotland.org, which offers practical renting guides for tenants and landlords in Scotland’s private rented sector. Renting Scotland is jointly funded by the Scottish Government and Shelter Scotland. The website is an industry-wide information hub for both tenants and landlords in the private rented sector in Scotland.\r\nPrivate landlords have a duty to protect tenants’ deposits with one of the three approved tenancy deposit schemes. If they fail to do so the tenant may apply to a sheriff to enforce the law. The court may order the imposition of a financial penalty of up to three times the deposit on a landlord. In addition, local authorities may take such a breach of housing law into account when considering the fit and proper test for landlord registration and licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T16:57:31.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284775,"EventID":"S4W-15155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-20T16:57:31.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T16:28:08.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which local authorities operate concessionary rent schemes for third sector organisations using previously unoccupied council property.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not collect this information. It is a matter for individual local authorities to decide which organisations they rent premises to, and the rents that they charge.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-05T16:57:31.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284789,"EventID":"S4W-15134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T14:59:26.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T15:45:48.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of concessionary travel cards has been held by people aged 60 to 65 in each year since the scheme was introduced.","AnswerText":"The percentage of National Entitlement Cards allowing access to the Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People held by people between the ages of 60 and 65 is as follows.\r\n2012-26.5%\r\n2013-27.1%\r\nThis information was not recorded prior to 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T14:59:27.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284790,"EventID":"S4W-15135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T14:59:28.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T15:45:48.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of concessionary bus journeys are made by people aged 60 to 65.","AnswerText":"Personal information about the cardholder is not monitored when the National Entitlement Card is used to make a bus journey, therefore Transport Scotland are unable to quantify the number of journeys made by people aged 60-65.\r\nHowever, data gleaned from the Scottish Household Survey can provide an estimate that, between 2007 and 2011, 21% of concessionary bus journeys were made by people aged 60-64.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T14:59:28.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284791,"EventID":"S4W-15136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T14:59:28.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T15:45:48.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people aged 60 to 65 have had a national entitlement card under the Scotland-wide free bus travel scheme for older and disabled people in each year since the scheme was introduced.","AnswerText":"The number of National Entitlement Cards allowing access to the Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People held by people between the ages of 60 and 65 is as follows.\r\n2012-328,266\r\n2013-338,470\r\nThis information was not recorded prior to 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T14:59:28.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284792,"EventID":"S4W-15137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T14:59:29.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-17T15:45:48.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of people who are eligible have had a national entitlement card under the Scotland-wide free bus travel scheme for older and disabled people in each year since the card was introduced.\r\n","AnswerText":"The total number of people holding a National Entitlement Card (NEC) giving access to the Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People for each year since the scheme started is as follows:\r\n2013\r\n1,246,826\r\n2012\r\n1,239,648\r\n2011\r\n1,213,917\r\n2010\r\n1,185,075\r\n2009\r\n1,122,846\r\n2008\r\n1,121,689\r\n2007\r\n1,055,474\r\n2006\r\n967,304\r\nAt present 93% of those aged 60 and over have an NEC either on grounds of age or meeting one of the disability criteria.\r\nBefore 2013 the data provided from the local authority card management system did not contain all those aged over 60 as it did not take into account disabled card holders aged 60 and over. This means we cannot provide percentage figures for previous years.\r\nThe total number of people in Scotland aged under 60 who meet the range of eligibility criteria based on disability is not known and therefore we cannot provide percentage figures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T14:59:29.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284793,"EventID":"S4W-15153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T14:59:30.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T15:45:23.643","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11794 by Paul Wheelhouse on 8 January 2013, what its position is on reports that some major retailers no longer require suppliers to ensure that farm animals are fed non-genetically-modified crops and what information it has on whether the Food Standards Agency in Scotland has the power to ensure that there is prominent labelling on products sourced from these animals.","AnswerText":"There is no regulatory requirement for animal products such as meat, fish, milk and eggs to be labelled to identify whether the animals have eaten Genetically Modified (GM) feed. This is because such products do not meet the definition of GM food and therefore fall outside the scope of the EU Regulation on GM food and feed, which sets out the requirement for GM foods to be labelled. Furthermore, there are no provisions for mandatory labelling of food to indicate the types of animal feed that might have been used.\r\nMandatory labelling of food is controlled at EU level by the Food Information for Consumers Regulation and this makes no provision for national rules regarding the labelling of food from animals that have eaten particular types of feed. FSA in Scotland therefore has no powers to require labelling.\r\nWhether or not GM or non-GM feed is used in the rearing of livestock intended for food production is a commercial decision for food businesses. As stated in the Chamber in response to a point raised by Rob Gibson, the Scottish Government intends to hold a debate, in Plenary, following summer recess, to allow for a discussion and exploration of issues such as food authenticity and labelling.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T14:59:30.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284794,"EventID":"S4W-15161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T14:59:30.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T10:57:35.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what incentives the Scottish Ambulance Service provides to its volunteer drivers and what plans it has to ensure their retention.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service work with approximately 200 volunteer car drivers across the country who undertake scheduled patient transport journeys where this is clinically appropriate, particularly in remote and rural areas.\r\nTheir contribution is valued and appreciated by the Scottish Government. Volunteer car drivers are managed locally by the Scottish Ambulance Service, they are provided with an induction into the organisation and receive on-going support from managers and staff.\r\nAs with all NHS volunteers, volunteer car drivers are entitled to claim reimbursement of ‘out of pocket’ expenses and the relevant NHS Chief Executive Letter can be accessed at: http://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2011_23.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T14:59:30.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284795,"EventID":"S4W-15162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T14:59:31.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T10:57:35.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussion Zero Waste Scotland has had with Falkirk Council regarding food waste collection rates since June 2010 and what advice it has given regarding providing incentives for residents to recycle more food.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2010-11 Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) supported Falkirk Council through the commissioning of an options appraisal to identify the best approach to deliver a household food waste collection service.\r\nSince autumn 2011 ZWS has provided on-going advice to Falkirk Council on the delivery of its food waste collection service. This advice is part of an overall package of support, which includes £776,280 of funding, to enable the roll-out of this service.\r\nZWS has also produced good practice guidance and case studies to assist councils, including Falkirk, in the design and implementation of food waste collections. In February 2012 ZWS assisted the council to design its food waste service leaflets which highlight the benefits of the new service and incentivise residents to participate and recycle their food waste.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T14:59:31.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284796,"EventID":"S4W-15163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T14:59:31.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T11:03:30.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14553 by Humza Yousaf on 10 May 2013, whether the meeting with Ms Chiqui Gonzalez on 6 December 2012 included any reference to the (a) future of the Falkland Islands and (b) views of the President of Santa on the future of the Falkland Islands.","AnswerText":"The meeting with MS Chiqui Gonzalez on 3 December 2012 included no reference to the future of the Falkland Islands and the views of the President of Santa on the future of the Falkland Islands. The discussion focussed on shared family learning through cultural activity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T14:59:31.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284797,"EventID":"S4W-15165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T14:59:32.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T11:03:30.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14554 by Humza Yousaf on 10 May 2013, in the absence of guidance from ministers, what position its officials would take in response to any discussion of the future of the Falkland Islands initiated by officials of the Government of Argentina.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the questions previously answered by me on 10 May 2013. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T14:59:32.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284798,"EventID":"S4W-15166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T14:59:32.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T11:03:30.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14555 by Humza Yousaf on 10 May 2013, for what reasons ministers have not set limits on the topics that can be discussed with ministers and officials from the Government of Argentina.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s International Framework provides a clear focus for international engagement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T14:59:32.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284799,"EventID":"S4W-15167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T14:59:33.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T12:06:08.92","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what site restoration arrangements are in place for opencast sites run by companies other than Scottish Coal.","AnswerText":"Planning permission from the planning authority is required before opencast coal operators can begin extracting coal. Neighbour notification and public advertisement of the application is normally part of the process to be followed.\r\nThe Restoration Bonds Working Group was established in August 2012 to look into alternative options for restoration of sites in future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T14:59:33.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284800,"EventID":"S4W-15168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T14:59:33.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T12:36:27.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the final Electricity Generation Policy Statement.    \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government intend to publish a finalised Electricity Generation Policy Statement (EGPS) in 2013 to reflect consultation responses and contextual changes since the draft EGPS was published for consultation in 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T14:59:33.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284801,"EventID":"S4W-15169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T14:59:34.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T12:36:27.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that carbon capture and storage is rolled out according to the schedule on page 75 of Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting our Emissions Reduction Targets 2013-2027, the Draft Second Report on Proposals and Policies.","AnswerText":"The Draft Second Report on Proposals and Policies presents emissions and generating capacity based on a plausible generation scenario in Scotland to 2027. This scenario is based on a range of factors, including credible assumptions about: thermal plant extension, build and closure dates: average annual running times and the development and deployment of carbon capture and storage. The scenario presented is not definitive and is designed to give an indication of emissions from the sector by varying the amount of coal, gas and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) on the system.\r\nThe principal mechanism for incentivising CCS in the UK is through the DECC CCS Commercialisation Programme Competition and we welcome the fact that the Peterhead CCS Project is a preferred bidder. However, for projects such as the Captain Clean Energy Project and others outside of the Competition process, an adequate CCS-related Contract for Difference through the Electricity Market Reform (EMR) process will be crucial to ensure their economic viability. This is the only way in which a vibrant CCS industry will be created in the UK and we will continue to work with UK Government to ensure this vital issue is properly reflected in the EMR process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T14:59:34.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284823,"EventID":"S4W-15026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T16:54:05.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T12:05:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that requests for information in support of a work capability assessment by (a) the Department of Work and Pensions, (b) ATOS and (c) Salus are responded to timeously and without charge in accordance with the General Medical Services contract.","AnswerText":"Provision of information to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) by a GP in relation to Work Capability Assessments (WCA) is not covered by the General Medical Services (GMS) contract but through separate contractual arrangements.\r\nThe GMS contract is not the primary contractual route for the provision of information to the DWP, or its contractors, by GPs in respect of welfare benefits. Where it is, GPs are not permitted to charge patients.\r\nContractual arrangements between the DWP and GPs in respect of welfare benefits are issues reserved to the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T16:54:05.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284824,"EventID":"S4W-15027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T16:54:06.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T12:05:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers the General Medical Services contract to be fit for purpose in respect of the interaction between GPs and the benefits system.","AnswerText":"GPs, through the UK negotiated General Medical Services (GMS) contract are statutorily required to provide certain medical certificates which include certificates such as the Med 3 and the statements contained in the Personal Independence payment and Attendance Allowance claim pack.\r\nProvision by GPs of medical information via factual reports to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in support of benefit applications are usually paid for by a private arrangement with DWP under legislation reserved to the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T16:54:06.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284825,"EventID":"S4W-15028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T16:54:06.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T12:05:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what representations it has made to the UK Government regarding the effectiveness of the General Medical Services contract in relation to welfare reform.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not made any representation to the UK Government regarding the effectiveness of the GMS contract in relation to welfare reform.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T16:54:06.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284826,"EventID":"S4W-15029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T16:54:07.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T12:05:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) the Department of Work and Pensions, (b) ATOS, (c) Salus, (d) NHS boards, (e) BMA Scotland, (f) representatives of disabled people and (g) GPs at the Deep End regarding the effectiveness of the General Medical Services contract in relation to welfare reform.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not had any discussions with any organisations regarding the effectiveness of the GMS contract in relation to welfare reform.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T16:54:07.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284827,"EventID":"S4W-15030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T16:54:07.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T12:05:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) the Welsh Assembly Government, (b) the Northern Ireland Executive and (c) COSLA in relation to the General Medical Services contract and welfare reform.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not had any discussions with the Devolved Administrations or COSLA in relation to the GMS contract and welfare reform.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T16:54:07.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284828,"EventID":"S4W-15031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T16:54:08.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-15T12:05:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of GPs in (a) each NHS board area and (b) Scotland is contracted for NHS work under (i) the General Medical Services contract, (ii) a variation of the General Medical Services contract or (iii) an arrangement other than the General Medical Services contract.","AnswerText":"Figures showing the number of GPs contracted to work in Scottish General Medical Practices, broken down by NHS board and practice contract type, can be found in Table 1.\r\nTable 1 – The number of GPs contracted to work in Scottish General Practices, broken down by NHS board and practice contract type at 1 April 2013\r\nNHS Board Area\r\n17J (Old GMS)\r\n17C (Old PMS)\r\n2c and Admin\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n269\r\n46\r\n -\r\nBorders\r\n103\r\n11\r\n-\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n144\r\n7\r\n-\r\nFife\r\n229\r\n30\r\n6\r\nForth Valley\r\n228\r\n22\r\n5\r\nGrampian\r\n426\r\n80\r\n38\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n1,012\r\n45\r\n11\r\nHighland\r\n370\r\n4\r\n23\r\nLanarkshire\r\n375\r\n27\r\n4\r\nLothian\r\n644\r\n154\r\n22\r\nOrkney\r\n18\r\n3\r\n6\r\nShetland\r\n\r\n16\r\n13\r\nTayside\r\n378\r\n2\r\n4\r\nWestern Isles\r\n11\r\n25\r\n-\r\nScotland\r\n4,173\r\n470\r\n121\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T16:54:08.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284829,"EventID":"S4W-15170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T16:54:08.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T12:37:54.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that a UK emissions performance standard of 450g CO2/kWh will (a) not create incentives that will lead to investment being diverted from renewables to gas and (b) adequately incentivise the development of carbon capture and storage in Scotland.","AnswerText":"To meet Scotland’s future energy needs, some form of electricity generation from thermal plant is required as part of a balanced generation mix. As set out in our recent draft second Climate Change Report on Proposals and Policies, our indicative electricity generation scenario beyond 2020 assumes new gas plant being built in Scotland, progressively fitted with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).\r\nOur target of delivering the equivalent of at least 100% of gross electricity consumption from renewables by 2020 together with the levels of support we have introduced through the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) sends a clear and strong investment signal to renewable generators in Scotland. Under Electricity Market Reform proposals, the introduction of Contracts for Difference will incentivise low carbon technologies, including renewables, and we remain committed to ensuring that investment in renewables continues in order to achieve our 100% target.\r\nWhile the Emissions Performance Standard is a useful regulatory tool, the deployment of Carbon Capture and Storage at commercial scale will largely be driven by the carbon price floor, support through Contracts for Difference and by the UK’s CCS Commercialisation Programme Competition. The Carbon Capture and Storage Association agree these are the key mechanisms by which CCS will be incentivised.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T16:54:08.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284830,"EventID":"S4W-15172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T16:54:09.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T13:55:22.92","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what parts of Scotland will be served by the proposed justice centres in (a) the Borders, (b) Fife, (c) Lanarkshire and (d) the Highlands and what discussions it has had with the Scottish Court Service on (i) the timetable for completion of these centres and (ii) their impact on the existing court estate.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Court Service (SCS) stated in its response to their consultation paper “Shaping Scotland’s Court Services” that their longer term vision for the courts service in Scotland includes the development of Justice Centres in key strategic population centres, including the Borders, Fife, Lanarkshire and the Highlands. They envisage that these centres will provide a full range of specialist support services and will complement the high quality courts which exist in many of Scotland’s cities.\r\nThe Chief Executive of the SCS has stated that they will be undertaking feasibility studies in these four locations. The purpose of these studies will be to identify the best configuration of courts in those areas. Further details about justice centres are a matter for the SCS and this process is at a very early stage and is a long term plan.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to reform of our justice system and any future proposals would need to go through the relevant processes, including through Parliament if any changes were to be made to court locations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T16:54:09.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284831,"EventID":"S4W-15173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T16:54:10.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T15:06:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which regulatory bodies would (a) cease and (b) continue to operate in an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"Under our proposals, a combined economic and competition regulator would carry out the functions of Ofcom, Ofgem, the Office of the Rail Regulator, and the Water Industry Commission for Scotland, as well as the functions of the Office of Fair Trading and the Competition Commission.\r\nAn independent Scotland would have to deliver the functions of the existing bodies and will ensure it has the additional resources to do so, including the necessary staff. The details of that will depend on a number of factors which are currently under active consideration, including the final composition and remit of the proposed combined Economic and Competition Regulator for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T16:54:10.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284832,"EventID":"S4W-15174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T16:54:10.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T15:06:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its paper on consumer representation in an independent Scotland referred to on page 3 of the publication, Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will publish a range of material to inform the choice that the people of Scotland will make between now and September 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T16:54:10.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284833,"EventID":"S4W-15175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T16:54:10.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T15:06:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many more staff an independent Scotland would recruit than are currently employed to deliver economic regulation.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to the question S4W-15173 on 3 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T16:54:10.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284834,"EventID":"S4W-15176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-21T16:54:11.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T16:24:42.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether, at his recent meeting with the Qatari culture minister, the Minister for External Affairs and International Development raised the issue of Qatar’s reported (a) support for the Muslim Brotherhood and (b) denial of women’s rights.\r\n","AnswerText":"I met with HE Dr Hamad Bin Abdulaziz, Minister for Culture, Arts and Heritage whilst in Qatar to attend the Doha Forum on 21 May 2013. The meeting was an introductory meeting to build a relationship with the Minister and provide me with the opportunity to discuss Scotland’s cultural offering to the Qatar/UK Year of Culture. The issue of Qatar’s (a) support for the Muslim Brotherhood and (b) denial of women’s rights were not discussed at our meeting. However, where and when appropriate ministers raised human rights issues. The issue of human rights, inclusion of minorities and, in particular, the role of women was included in my speech which I delivered at the Doha Forum on 21 May 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-06T16:54:11.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284843,"EventID":"S4W-15156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T13:52:43.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T10:31:07.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the benefits are of general practices having attached alcohol workers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The biggest advantage to an attached alcohol (or any other) worker is the potential for easier communication/access to the specialist support and that would be based on the relationship developed between the GP and worker, but it is not necessary to have an attached worker to have a good working relationship.\r\nGPs use their professional judgement to work with their patients to agree the best and most appropriate care and treatment to support an individual’s recovery. This may involve drug or alcohol treatment, or referral of the patient to specialist services. Recovery from drug and alcohol addiction requires a collaborative approach that is not exclusive to general practice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T13:52:43.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284844,"EventID":"S4W-15157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T13:52:44.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T10:31:07.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports GPs in deprived areas in treating patients who are addicted to alcohol.\r\n","AnswerText":"Alcohol Brief Interventions (ABIs) are part of our wider strategic approach to tackling alcohol. Our record investments are helping to fund early intervention services so we can address hazardous or harmful drinking habits before serious health problems, or other problems, develop.\r\nThe HEAT standard for 2012-13 states that NHS boards and Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) will sustain and embed ABIs in the three priority settings (primary care, accident and emergency, antenatal). In addition, they will continue to develop delivery of ABIs in wider settings. The majority of ABIs are delivered in Primary Care settings through Local Enhanced Service arrangements with GP Practices.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T13:52:44.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284845,"EventID":"S4W-15177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T13:52:44.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T16:51:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it keeps under review matters arising from flooding incidents in Fife.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the misery and distress flooding can bring. That is why my officials remain in regular contact with officials from local authorities across Scotland via the various stakeholder groups established to assist with the implementation of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009, as well as through the local authority SCOTS flood risk management group.\r\nWhere flooding events do happen, the Scottish Government would be in contact with responders, such as Fife Council, to understand the nature of the impact, and would ask to be kept informed of any flood risk management work that was planned as a result of the incident.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T13:52:44.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284846,"EventID":"S4W-15178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T13:52:45.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T17:16:36.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has organised consultative (a) events and (b) processes regarding the setting up of a Scottish rural parliament and, if so, when and where they have taken place; how much it has spent on them; what the conclusions were and whether they will be published, and what action the Scottish Government has taken as a result.\r\n","AnswerText":"Over the last 18 months a Rural Parliament Steering Committee has undertaken an intensive programme of fact finding, consultation, engagement and discussion with support from the Scottish Government of under £40,000.\r\nOutputs have included:\r\nA Report on Rural Parliaments in Europe published in January 2012.\r\nA Briefing paper on a Rural Parliament for Scotland published in May 2012.\r\nA Rural Parliament Seminar involving 100 people from a wide range of rural sectors and interests held in May 2012.\r\nA Rural Parliament Survey published in August 2012.\r\nA Report on Identifying Next Steps for Scotland’s Rural Parliament published in August 2012.\r\nA Stakeholder Workshop on a Rural Parliament for Scotland held in August 2012.\r\nA Report on attendance at Swedish Rural Parliament by Scottish delegation in September 2012.\r\nAll outputs are available on the Scottish National Rural Network website:\r\nhttps://www.ruralgateway.org.uk/en/rural-parliament\r\nMinisters are currently considering a proposal for next steps from the Steering Group.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T13:52:45.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284847,"EventID":"S4W-15182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T13:52:45.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T17:29:25.79","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what advice was provided by its economists as referred to in paragraph 4.3 of Shaping Scotland's Court Services: The Scottish Court Service Response to the consultation and recommendations for a future court structure in Scotland and whether it will publish it before the Justice Committee considers the subordinate legislation concerning court closures.","AnswerText":"The advice provided to the Scottish Court Service by Scottish Government economists is set out in Chapter 7 of the consultation paper Shaping Scotland’s Court Services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T13:52:45.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284848,"EventID":"S4W-15183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T13:52:45.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T19:35:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what  the benefits are of diagnosing and treating familial hypercholesterolaemia.\r\n","AnswerText":"We want people with familial hypercholesterolaemia to get swiftly diagnosed and access to appropriate treatment as quickly as possible. Significant reductions in morbidity and mortality associated with the disease can be achieved through simple changes in lifestyle and the use of statins to lower cholesterol.\r\nPeople receiving treatment for Familial Hypercholesterolaemia will benefit from a better quality of life as well as well as an increased life expectancy.\r\nWe recognise that treatment and management of the condition through lifestyle changes and statins is potentially less expensive when compared to the potential costs of hospital admission, disabilities arising from complications and social care costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T13:52:45.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284849,"EventID":"S4W-15184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T13:52:46.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T19:35:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the proportion of people diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolaemia in Scotland compares with those diagnosed in the Netherlands.","AnswerText":"The data available does not allow a direct comparison between the proportion of people diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolaemia in Scotland with those in the Netherlands. There is no central register of patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T13:52:46.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284850,"EventID":"S4W-15185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T13:52:46.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T19:35:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what initiatives it is undertaking to increase the number of people with familial hypercholesterolaemia who are diagnosed and treated.","AnswerText":"The clinical standards for heart disease, which were published in April 2010 state that individuals who are relatives of patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia should be identified through cascade testing and managed in line with current national guidelines.\r\nWe expect NHS boards to provide services that meet these standards, which will ensure that all family members of someone diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolaemia are screened.\r\nThe National Advisory Committee on Heart Disease (NACHD) will review the issue of familial hypercholesterolaemia at its next meeting.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T13:52:46.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284851,"EventID":"S4W-15186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T13:52:47.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T11:50:14.043","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the modelling of the impact of a 3% reduction in corporation tax referred to on page 39 of its publication, Scotland’s Economy: the case for independence, has been conducted recently to reflect the change in the expected UK corporation tax rate since the modelling was carried out in 2011.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers to question S4W-15187 on 3 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T13:52:47.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284852,"EventID":"S4W-15187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T13:52:47.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T11:50:14.043","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre details of its modelling of the impact of a 3% reduction in corporation tax (a) in relation to a reduction from 20% to 17% and (b) for a reduction from 23% to 20% as laid out in the report, Devolving Corporation tax in the Scotland Bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government conducted modelling work in 2011 looking at the impacts of a policy equivalent to reducing the main rate of corporation tax in Scotland from 23% to 20%. The detailed results of the modelling are outlined in a document entitled, The Impact of a Reduction in Corporation Tax on the Scottish Economy which was published in November 2011. The report is available on the Scottish Government website and can be accessed using the link below: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0038/00388940.pdf \r\nThe results published in the above report focus on a relative advantage that could result from the reduction in the main rate and can be used to give an indication of the impacts of a broadly equivalent reduction which would yield largely similar results. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T13:52:47.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284867,"EventID":"S4W-15200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:01:23.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T13:47:28.62","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its review of the European public procurement directive and what implications the directive might have on the introduction of the proposed procurement reform bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"The timetable for agreement of a revised European Procurement Directive has slipped from December 2012 to what is now expected to be autumn of this year at the earliest. The revised Directive is the subject of on-going negotiations between the Presidency, European Commission and European Parliament and we are expecting there to be significant progress in drafting the Directive over the coming months.\r\nThe Procurement Reform Bill is a central element of our continued reform of public procurement in Scotland. For obvious reasons this Bill needs to be framed within the EU procurement law that is currently under review and it was clear from the debate on the Bill on 17 April that we need to be able to take advantage of any additional flexibility that the new Directive might offer in framing our approach to procurement in Scotland.\r\nReluctantly, therefore, we have decided that it would be prudent to defer the introduction of our Procurement Reform Bill until after the summer recess, to allow us to take stock of any further developments in Europe.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:01:23.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284868,"EventID":"S4O-02165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:07.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:03:45.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in light of the findings of the Audit Scotland report, Managing early departures from the Scottish public sector.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:07.11","MeetingDate":"2013-05-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284869,"EventID":"S4O-02166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:08.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:03:46.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how economic impact can be considered more fully in the planning system.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:08.17","MeetingDate":"2013-05-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284870,"EventID":"S4O-02167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:08.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:03:46.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact has been of the 85% funding floor for local authorities.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:08.653","MeetingDate":"2013-05-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284871,"EventID":"S4O-02168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:08.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:03:47.053","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent work it has carried out in partnership with the Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:08.95","MeetingDate":"2013-05-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284872,"EventID":"S4O-02169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:09.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T11:54:00.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth has had with the Cabinet Secretary for Justice regarding the allocation of Barnett consequentials to Police Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:09.213","MeetingDate":"2013-05-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284873,"EventID":"S4O-02170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:09.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:03:47.54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to strengthen single outcome agreements as part of its response to the Commission on the Future Delivery of Public Services.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:09.48","MeetingDate":"2013-05-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284874,"EventID":"S4O-02171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:10.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:03:47.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had since March 2013 with the 2 Sisters Food Group regarding the future of Vion Cambuslang.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:10.353","MeetingDate":"2013-05-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284875,"EventID":"S4O-02172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:10.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T10:12:59.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the West Scotland region's economic input is to the oil and gas sector.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:10.667","MeetingDate":"2013-05-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284876,"EventID":"S4O-02173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:10.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:03:48.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to promote hydrogen as a means of storing and distributing energy.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:10.963","MeetingDate":"2013-05-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284877,"EventID":"S4O-02174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:11.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:03:48.733","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth had with his ministerial colleagues prior to allocating the most recent round of Barnet consequentials.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:11.227","MeetingDate":"2013-05-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284878,"EventID":"S4O-02175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:11.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T17:02:12.733","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the average household has saved since the introduction of the council tax freeze.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:11.6","MeetingDate":"2013-05-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284879,"EventID":"S4O-02176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:12.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:03:49.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the banking sector regarding help for small businesses.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:12.053","MeetingDate":"2013-05-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284880,"EventID":"S4O-02177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:12.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:03:49.787","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding raised by the public health supplement has been allocated to preventative spend initiatives.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:12.367","MeetingDate":"2013-05-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284881,"EventID":"S4O-02178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:12.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:03:49.977","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met North Lanarkshire Council and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:12.647","MeetingDate":"2013-05-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284882,"EventID":"S4O-02179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:12.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T10:16:46.86","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support businesses in the Western Isles.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:12.897","MeetingDate":"2013-05-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284883,"EventID":"S4O-02180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:13.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:03:50.497","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth has done to encourage economic development in Inverclyde since his visit to the area in August 2012.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to working with our partners to increase sustainable economic activity across all regions of Scotland, including Inverclyde and we will use all available levers to support opportunities to increase economic activity and growth.\r\nWe continue to support Riverside Inverclyde Urban Regeneration Company (URC) and Inverclyde Council to take their plans forward for the benefit of the people and communities across the area, having already committed grant funding for the URC of £1.5 million in 2013-14. We are in discussions with COSLA over core funding for 2014-15 and 2015-16 and have also provided the URC with accelerated funding of £2.4 million for a number of ‘shovel ready’ projects in the Inverclyde area These projects will improve the environment, improve employability in the area, safeguard existing jobs and create jobs in construction.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:13.253","MeetingDate":"2013-05-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284884,"EventID":"S4O-02181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:14.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:03:51.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the economic benefits are of the Energy Skills Scotland project at Robert Gordon University.\r\n","AnswerText":"We want more women, young people and mid-career professionals to work in the energy sector in Scotland.\r\nBased at Robert Gordon University, Energy Skills Scotland will provide an important gateway for employers into the education and skills sector, and will work with employers in identifying and addressing the skills needs of the energy sector. An extra £6.5 million has been provided for these purposes.\r\nThis major enhancement to existing skills activity will ensure that we have the capacity and capability in a diverse skilled, productive and engaged workforce required to maximise opportunities to strengthen Scotland’s overall ambition as a major centre for energy activity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:14.52","MeetingDate":"2013-05-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284885,"EventID":"S4O-02182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:14.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:03:51.193","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of how much tax revenue from North Sea oil an independent Scotland could raise between 2015 and 2020.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government published an Oil and Gas Analytical Bulletin in March which forecast that oil and gas production in the Scottish North Sea could generate between £41 and £57 billion in tax revenue in the six years to 2017-18.\r\nWith up to 24 billion barrels remaining, it is clear that the industry will be a significant source of tax revenue for an independent Scotland for decades to come.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:14.847","MeetingDate":"2013-05-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284886,"EventID":"S4O-02183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:15.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T14:56:37.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth last met Scotland Excel and what matters were discussed. \r\n","AnswerText":"Deputy First Minister, as chair of the Public Procurement Reform Board, last met with sectoral representatives including the Chief Executive of Renfrewshire Council on Tuesday 28 May 2013. Topics covered included the Review of Procurement in Construction and the Procurement Reform Bill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:15.797","MeetingDate":"2013-05-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284887,"EventID":"S4O-02184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:16.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T09:38:45.963","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it and Scottish Development International give to the financial services sector in Central Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Development International provides a wide range of support services to financial services businesses. This can include advice, access to specialist expertise, business mentoring and development, market information, financial assistance, business location information, investor aftercare and specific services covering each phase of international trade activity. It offers companies operating internationally a one stop shop approach to the services offered in Scotland.\r\nScottish Government ministers and officials also meet regularly with financial services representatives to discuss matters of mutual interest, including through the Financial Services Advisory Board.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:16.173","MeetingDate":"2013-05-29T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284888,"EventID":"S4O-02185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:16.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:04:21.243","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to minimise the negative economic impact on farmers and crofters of the presence of large numbers of geese in the Outer and Inner Hebrides and the Northern Isles.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:16.53","MeetingDate":"2013-05-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284889,"EventID":"S4O-02186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:16.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:04:22.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what benefits would accrue to Edinburgh as the capital city as a result of Scottish independence.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:16.86","MeetingDate":"2013-05-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284890,"EventID":"S4O-02187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:17.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T10:09:16.797","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with NHS Lothian.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:17.123","MeetingDate":"2013-05-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284891,"EventID":"S4O-02188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:18.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T11:33:57.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that public procurement contracts are open to small and micro businesses.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:18.123","MeetingDate":"2013-05-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284892,"EventID":"S4O-02189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:18.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:04:23.373","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the reasons are for the reported sharp decline in North Sea prawn landings.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:18.387","MeetingDate":"2013-05-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284893,"EventID":"S4O-02190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:18.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:04:23.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it provides to the independent television production sector in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:18.747","MeetingDate":"2013-05-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284894,"EventID":"S4O-02192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:19.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T13:02:20.643","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will introduce a group B streptococcus screening programme for pregnant women.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:19.2","MeetingDate":"2013-05-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284895,"EventID":"S4O-02193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:19.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T17:15:13.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Scottish Natural Heritage regarding the impact of greylag geese on agricultural land and the possibility of introducing a mechanism for the sale of greylag geese.\r\n","AnswerText":"My officials have had extensive discussions with Scottish Natural Heritage and with stakeholders represented on the National Goose Management Review Group regarding the impact of greylag geese on agricultural land and possible solutions to limiting their impact on certain Scottish islands, including the trialling of adaptive management techniques.\r\nAt the request of farmers on Orkney, Scottish Natural Heritage is working on the development of a scheme to permit the limited sale of wild goose carcases under licence, provided an effective and proportionate system of identification and control can be established.\r\nWe are required to consult with the European Commission before putting any such scheme into practice and we intend to start those consultations very shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:19.683","MeetingDate":"2013-05-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284896,"EventID":"S4O-02194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T14:03:20.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-20T12:04:25.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on delivering IVF treatment locally for NHS Ayrshire and Arran patients.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T14:03:20.307","MeetingDate":"2013-05-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284897,"EventID":"S4W-15188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T16:59:34.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T13:34:56.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the reported statement by the Minister for External Affairs and International Development at the Doha Forum on 21 May 2013 that “even at the moment, the United Kingdom Government is wanting the UK to leave the European Union” reflects the Scottish Government's understanding of the policy of the UK Government and what it considers the impact is of this statement on Scotland's international reputation, given that it is not the UK Government’s position.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s policy is that Scotland should remain part of the European Union, given the benefits of free movement and access to a single market covering more than 500 million fellow European citizens and around 20 million businesses. That position will be best secured as an independent member of the EU, given the proposal by the Prime Minister to hold an in-out referendum on the UK’s continued membership and the stated position of senior UK Government cabinet ministers that they would vote in that referendum to leave the EU.\r\nIn terms of Scotland’s international reputation, Scottish Ministers believe our nation’s standing will be massively enhanced by independence, allowing us to speak with our own voice and properly represent the interests of the people of Scotland on the European and wider international stage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T16:59:34.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284898,"EventID":"S4W-15190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T16:59:34.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T13:42:27.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it responds to questions posed to it via Twitter and other social media.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the opportunities offered by social media and its important role in helping to communicate the government’s purpose. The Scottish Government does not routinely reply to questions posed on our main social media profiles. However, a number of policy areas have their own accounts where they do engage directly with the online community.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T16:59:34.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284899,"EventID":"S4W-15191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T16:59:34.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T13:42:27.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the transportation of radioactive waste by rail.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government expects any transportation of radioactive waste and nuclear material to be done in a safe and secure manner, and in full compliance with the strict national and international regulations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T16:59:34.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284900,"EventID":"S4W-15192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T16:59:35.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T13:42:27.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the possible environmental impact, what discussions it has had with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority since December 2012 regarding the transportation of nuclear fuel by rail; who participated, and what the outcome was.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials have regular discussions with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and UK Government on performance against the NDA activities set out in their annual business plan. The Scottish Government supports the NDA activity to complete the delivery of nuclear fuel shipments to Sellafield. This activity will progress the decommissioning programme at Dounreay and help the NDA safely and securely manage its nuclear material. The Scottish Government also welcomes steps taken by the NDA to engage effectively with stakeholders including local authorities and communities in Scotland in the lead-up to this work being undertaken.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T16:59:35.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284901,"EventID":"S4W-15193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T16:59:35.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T13:42:27.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the possible environmental impact, what discussions it has had with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) regarding material at Dounreay described as exotics in the NDA’s strategy document.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government notes that the NDA published, on 21 February 2013, its preferred option to transport Dounreay exotics to Sellafield. Scottish Government officials will continue to have regular discussions with the NDA about the progress of these proposals and seek assurances that the NDA continues to engage effectively with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T16:59:35.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284902,"EventID":"S4W-15194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T16:59:35.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T13:42:27.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has provided any funding to Direct Rail Services Ltd since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 1999, the Scottish Government has paid revenue mode-shift freight grants totalling £1,767,488 to Direct Rail Services Ltd. These grant payments were made to enable the company to transfer commercial freight from road to rail on a number of rail services operating in Scotland, as well as some services between Scotland and England, in which circumstances costs were shared with the Department for Transport.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T16:59:35.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284903,"EventID":"S4W-15195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T16:59:35.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T13:42:27.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the possible environmental impact,  what discussions it has had since December 2012 with the UK Government regarding the transportation of nuclear fuel from Dounreay to Cumbria; who participated, and what the outcome was.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15192 on 6 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T16:59:35.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284904,"EventID":"S4W-15196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T16:59:36.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T13:42:27.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the possible environmental impact, what its position is on the Nuclear Decommission Authority's statement in its letter to John Finnie dated 21 May 2013 regarding shipments of nuclear fuel by rail from Dounreay to Cumbria that “There are no plans to carry out a consultation exercise with specific communities along the route from Caithness to Cumbria.”\r\n","AnswerText":"Nuclear material is transported by rail in dedicated flasks with exceptional crashworthiness and has been safely and continuously transported on a daily basis for over forty years without incident. The process and procedures for rail movements of nuclear materials are common across the whole of the U.K., and this route has been used previously for the movement of radioactive material.\r\nIt is the responsibility of the NDA and their rail contractor Direct Rail Services Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary, to ensure safe transportation of nuclear materials from Caithness to Cumbria.\r\nIn February 2012, the NDA issued a ‘credible options’ consultation paper, which noted the environmental aspects of each of the options for processing the remainder of the stock at Dounreay. Various stakeholder groups, including local authorities in the vicinity of both Dounreay and Sellafield, and the Dounreay Stakeholder Group, were involved in the consultation. The preferred option was published in February 2013, namely the movement of the materials to Sellafield for long term management.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T16:59:36.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284905,"EventID":"S4W-15197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T16:59:36.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T13:42:27.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it maintains details of companies based in Scotland that are involved in research into, development or manufacture of armaments. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not maintain a central list of companies based in Scotland involved in research into, development or manufacture of armaments. Similarly, our enterprise agencies, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, do not maintain details of companies based in Scotland that are specifically involved in research into, development or manufacturing of armaments. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T16:59:36.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284906,"EventID":"S4W-15198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T16:59:36.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T13:42:27.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it provides funding to any company involved in the research, development or manufacture of arms in Scotland and, if so, what companies and how much.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15197 on 16 July 2013, we do not maintain details of companies based in Scotland that are specifically involved in research into development of or manufacturing of armaments.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T16:59:36.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284907,"EventID":"S4W-15199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T16:59:36.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T13:42:27.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11963 by Nicola Sturgeon on 22 January 2013, whether it has had discussions with HM Revenue and Customs in relation to corporate tax avoidance or evasion and, if so, what the outcomes were.","AnswerText":"Combating corporate tax avoidance and evasion is under present constitutional arrangements a reserved matter. However my colleagues and I have made clear that we take tackling tax avoidance, including corporate tax avoidance, very seriously.\r\nIn relation to the limited tax powers available under the Scotland Act, we have already consulted on a Scottish approach to tax avoidance, including a General Anti-Avoidance Rule. We will be bringing forward proposals in a Tax Management Bill later this year designed to combat avoidance of devolved taxes and to provide a framework for tackling avoidance more widely.\r\nAgreed international action is the most effective way of tackling tax avoidance by multinationals corporations. An independent Scotland would play its full part in working with other countries through established international fora.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T16:59:36.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284908,"EventID":"S4W-15206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T16:59:37.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T15:23:48.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government where each SQA Higher Grade foreign language course has ranked on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"SQA Modern Language Higher Qualifications are not officially benchmarked on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching and Assessment (CEFR).\r\nHowever, the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), on which the SQA qualifications are levelled, has been benchmarked against the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). In addition, some work has been carried out to benchmark the CEFR, which is a sectoral framework with the EQF. On this basis, Scottish Higher qualifications broadly equate to B1/B2 (independent user) level on the CEFR.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T16:59:37.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284909,"EventID":"S4W-15207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T16:59:37.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T14:27:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of what support is available via local authority discretionary housing payments for social tenants affected by the under-occupancy charge.","AnswerText":"The UK Government has allocated £10 million to Scottish local authorities for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) for 2013-14, constituting 6.5% of the total GB allocation. This is intended to cover reforms to housing benefit in the private and social rented sectors.\r\nOur analysis indicates that this will be insufficient to deal with what DWP terms “hard cases” arising from housing benefit reform. For example, 79% of households affected by the under occupancy charge contain an adult with a recognised disability. Our analysis is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/supply-demand/chma/Benefitchanges.\r\nIn addition the Scottish Government, COSLA and the Association of Local Authority Housing Officers have jointly developed a questionnaire for local authorities to help assess the on-going stress impact of housing benefit changes on local authorities and Registered Social Landlords. This incorporates questions on DHPs and was issued on 24 May 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T16:59:37.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284910,"EventID":"S4W-15208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T16:59:37.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T14:27:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which local authorities have increased their funding for discretionary housing payments to the maximum level of 2.5 times the contribution from the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. However, the questionnaire for local authorities jointly developed by the Scottish Government, COSLA and the Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers, issued on 24 May 2013, includes a question on whether the local authority has added additional funds to its Discretionary Housing Payment budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T16:59:37.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284911,"EventID":"S4W-15209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-22T16:59:38.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T14:27:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is helping local authorities to maximise the budgets available for discretionary housing payments.\r\n","AnswerText":"The level of Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) budgets is a matter for the Department of Work and Pensions and local authorities. Scottish Ministers have consistently pressed the UK Government to increase the DHP allocation for Scotland and will continue to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-07T16:59:38.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284925,"EventID":"S4W-15158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T14:16:28.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-21T10:44:09.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many abandoned opencast sites there are; how much it would cost to carry out a full environmental restoration of them, and whether it has contingencies in place to fund such restorations.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey 2012 provides information on previous uses:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/01/2295/7#tb11. \r\nThe site register: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Planning/Site-Register \r\nprovides information on previous uses marked “Mineral activity – Coal” but these may include bings or other land at former deep coal mine sites as well as opencast sites.\r\nIt is understood that the liquidators for Scottish Resources Group and ATH/Aardvark have issued disclaimers for a number of their sites. The effect of these disclaimers is not yet clear. The liquidators are continuing to carry out essential work on most of the sites – i.e. they have not yet been abandoned. Precise information on how many abandoned sites is not therefore held centrally by Scottish Government. \r\nThe full costs of environmental restoration would depend on the implementation of the permitted restoration plans, any consented or pending variations thereto and the value of any restoration bond.\r\nScottish Environmental; Protection Agency is currently inspecting the sites to identify any short to medium term environmental problems. The new Scottish Mines Restoration Trust will engage with local councils, landowners, and coal operators to ensure the best possible outcome for local communities and the effective restoration of old open cast mines.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T14:16:29.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284926,"EventID":"S4W-15201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T14:16:29.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T13:56:47.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports the employment of young people with learning disabilities and other additional support requirements in supported businesses and how this will be affected by the forthcoming learning disability strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises that staying in learning post-school is the best way for all young people to develop the skills and knowledge that they need to compete in the world of work wherever possible. Through opportunities for all, every 16-19 year old in Scotland who is not currently in employment, education or training will be offered a place in learning or training should they want it.\r\nIt is our ambition that, with the right support, young people with learning disabilities who want to work, are able to find work in mainstream employment, suitable to their skills. Supported employment, where disabled people learn on the job, with support from colleagues and a job coach can play an important role in this. Local authorities across Scotland offer supported employment services to all disabled people, including those with learning disabilities and additional support needs.\r\nThis government is currently providing funding to the Scottish consortium for learning disability to develop project search, an employability transition programme aiming to support young people with learning disabilities into sustainable employment. It is currently being developed in nine sites across eight local authority areas in Scotland with more sites coming on board this year.\r\nWe believe that supported business has a valuable role to play and that they should increasingly be used as a stepping stone towards mainstream employment. The findings of an independent review of Scotland’s supported businesses, commissioned by Scottish Government, will help to strengthen the long term viability of these businesses and make them become more attractive to young people with learning disabilities.\r\nOur new national learning disability strategy, The Keys to Life, will be launched on 13 June 2013. It will encourage that by 2018 the learning disability implementation group works with local authorities, NHS boards and third sector organisations to develop a range of supported employment opportunities and that those organisations should lead by example by employing more people with learning disabilities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T14:16:29.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284927,"EventID":"S4W-15202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T14:16:29.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T13:56:47.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Minister for Youth Employment has visited the Engine Shed social enterprise in Edinburgh and, if so, what the minister said at the time.","AnswerText":"The Minister for Youth Employment visited the Engine Shed in Edinburgh on 26 April 2012, to hear more about its work from its chief executive and two of the young people in training there.\r\nThere is no record of what the minister specifically said during her visit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T14:16:29.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284928,"EventID":"S4W-15223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T14:16:29.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T16:07:12.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on recommendation R9 of the Universities Scotland report, Taking Pride in the Job, that the Scottish Government should consider how it can encourage more employers to offer placements by, for example, covering salary costs and assisting with administration.\r\n","AnswerText":"We appreciate the efforts made by Universities Scotland to improve employability prospects for Scotland’s graduates and will follow with interest the outcome of the recommendations made in the report.\r\nThe Scottish Government already supports a number of paid placement opportunities for graduates. We are currently in discussions about how best to provide a coherent and consistent spread of placement opportunities to graduates and business going forward and will announce our plans once these discussions are concluded.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T14:16:29.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284929,"EventID":"S4W-15224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T14:16:30.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T16:07:12.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will fund the Education into Enterprise project beyond May 2013 and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Education into Enterprise project is funded by Scottish Funding Council (SFC). I have asked the SFC’s interim chief executive to write to you in connection with this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T14:16:30.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284930,"EventID":"S4W-15225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T14:16:31.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T16:07:12.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will develop a student mobility strategy and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"Studying abroad can open up opportunities for any young person, whatever stage of life and education they are at, including the chance to learn another language, experience different cultures, traditions and develop broader perspectives. \r\nThe Scottish Government is supporting the NUS Scotland led Developing Scotland’s Global Citizens project which aims to increase awareness amongst school pupils and students of the availability and benefits of studying overseas; and gather evidence on mobility opportunities. We will build on the learning from this project to work with the sector to develop further strategic actions on outward mobility, and as we do so will continue to support both inward and outward student mobility through a number of schemes.\r\nIn terms of outward mobility we provide funding to the EU Lifelong Learning Programme and opportunities for Scottish students to experience studying overseas through schemes including the Study China and Study India programmes, and through the Scottish Government’s Outward Mobility Fund, and we are enabling Scottish students to undertake technical work placements abroad through the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience programme. In 2014-15 the Scottish Government will launch a pilot project offering funding for up to 250 Scottish domiciled students undertaking their undergraduate degree in the European Union. All of these initiatives support the development of students’ global skills.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T14:16:31.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284931,"EventID":"S4W-15226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T14:16:31.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T16:07:12.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to develop students’ global skills.\r\n","AnswerText":"All of our universities are engaged internationally, drawing on their own strengths and international relationships. Universities therefore provide students with opportunities for international engagement in Scotland and overseas. As autonomous institutions with responsibility for their own staffing, admissions, subject provision, curriculum and research it is entirely appropriate for Universities to promote and support the development of global skills. \r\nThe Scottish Government is also committed to supporting both inward and outward student mobility to contribute to the development of students’ global skills, through scholarships and study abroad schemes, and the NUS Scotland project “Developing Scotland’s Global Citizens”. In 2014-15 the Scottish Government will launch a pilot project offering funding for up to 250 Scottish domiciled students undertaking their undergraduate degree in the European Union.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T14:16:31.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284932,"EventID":"S4W-15227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T14:16:31.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T16:29:53.05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what organisations have received funding from (a) the Malawi Development Fund and (b) the Malawi Development Programme in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following organisations have received funding through the Scottish Government International Development Fund as part of the Malawi Development Programme. This is shown by each funding round since 2005.\r\nMALAWI DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (2013-16)\r\nNHS Lothian\r\nMeningitis Research Foundation\r\nScotland Malawi Business Group\r\nJust Trading Scotland\r\nThe Global Concerns Trust\r\nScotland-Malawi Mental Health Education Project \r\nUniversity of Strathclyde \r\nMicroLoan Foundation UK \r\nOxfam Scotland\r\nNHS Lothian\r\nUniversity of Edinburgh\r\nConcern Worldwide\r\nChristian Aid, Scotland Office\r\nMary's Meals\r\nScottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF)\r\n\r\nMALAWI DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (2012-15)\r\n\r\nThe Co-operative College\r\nChristian Blind Mission\r\nChance for Change\r\nActive Learning Centre\r\nScotland Malawi Partnership\r\nImani Development\r\nInternational Resources and Recycling Institute \r\nOxfam Scotland \r\nScotland Malawi Business Group \r\nChallenges Worldwide\r\nVoluntary Service Overseas Scotland\r\nSue Ryder\r\nUniversity of Edinburgh, Global Health Academy \r\nUniversity of St Andrews \r\nUniversity of Dundee\r\nImpact, University of Aberdeen\r\nLink Community Development Scotland \r\nThe Healthy Lifestyle Project (North Lanarkshire Council)\r\nMary’s Meals\r\n\r\nMALAWI DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (2010-13)\r\nThe Active Learning Centre\r\nOpportunity International (UK)\r\nScottish CROP Research Institute\r\nTearfund Scotland\r\nChurch of Scotland \r\nUniversity of Edinburgh\r\nUniversity of Strathclyde\r\nWaverley Care\r\nScotland-Malawi Mental Health Education Project \r\nMary's Meals\r\nMacaulay Land Use Research Institute\r\nThe Active Learning Centre\r\nOxfam Scotland\r\nEurotalk Interactive\r\nVenture Trust Malawi\r\nScottish Agricultural College\r\nSense Scotland\r\nChristian Blind Mission\r\nNHS Tayside Emergency Medicine Service\r\nChristian Aid\r\nConcern Worldwide\r\nConcern Worldwide\r\nChallenges Worldwide\r\nThe Open University \r\nUniversity of Strathclyde\r\n\r\nMALAWI DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (2008-09)\r\nAdam Smith College\r\nSense Scotland\r\nUniversity of Strathclyde\r\nStirling University\r\nTearfund\r\nThe Healthy Lifestyle Project \r\nThe Church of Scotland World Mission\r\nAdvanced Life Support in Obstetrics Scotland\r\nChristian Blind Mission\r\n\r\nMALAWI DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (2008-11)\r\nUniversity of St Andrews\r\nMoffat Centre\r\nStenhouse Primary School, Edinburgh\r\nScotland Malawi Business Group\r\nImani Enterprise\r\nThe Global Concerns Trust\r\nEqual Exchange\r\nThe INSP Foundation\r\nScottish Agricultural College\r\nMalawi Tomorrow\r\nInverclyde Council Education Services\r\nUniversity of Edinburgh\r\nScottish International Relief\r\nScottish Churches World Exchange\r\nOpportunity International\r\nTearfund Scotland\r\nOxfam Scotland\r\nUniversity of Strathclyde\r\nMacaulay Land Use Research Institute\r\nScottish Police College\r\nDeaf Action\r\nLink Community Development Scotland\r\nConcern Worldwide\r\nThe Active Learning Centre\r\nChristian Aid\r\nUniversity of the West of Scotland\r\nChallenges Worldwide\r\nWaverley Care\r\nUniversity of Strathclyde\r\n\r\nMALAWI DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (2006-09)\r\nBell College, Hamilton\r\nChristian Blind Mission\r\nCommonwealth Local Government Forum\r\nConcern Worldwide\r\nDeaf Action\r\nDundee University School of Medicine \r\nEdinburgh University Learning Technology Section & NHS Education Scotland\r\nEqualexchange\r\nGlasgow City Council and The Raven Trust\r\nInstitute for International Health and Development, Queen Margaret College\r\nMalawi Tomorrow, Perkins Brailler Rehabilitation \r\nStenhouse Primary School, Edinburgh\r\nTearfund\r\nThe Scotland-Malawi Partnership\r\nWestgate Medical Centre, Dundee\r\nMalawi Institute of Tourism, Moffat Centre for Travel and Tourism Business Development \r\nScottish Crop Research Institute (Neil Fisher)\r\nScottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF)\r\nScotland Malawi Partnership \r\nNIDOS \r\nAdam Smith College\r\nCivic Computing\r\nNational Library of Scotland \r\nStrathclyde University \r\nScotland Malawi Business Group \r\n\r\nMALAWI DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (2005-08)\r\nThe Active Learning Centre\r\nJosephine Munthali, Child Support Project –","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T14:16:31.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284933,"EventID":"S4W-15228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T14:16:31.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T16:30:17.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14730 by Aileen Campbell on 21 May 2013, which applicants to the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund have neither received an award nor been selected as strategic partners.","AnswerText":"In line with the approach the Scottish Government has taken with other funds, we do not intend to release details of organisations who were unsuccessful in their application to the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund and who are not in a Strategic Funding Partnership. Releasing this information could cause reputational damage which could discourage the organisations named, or other similar organisations, from applying for funding in future. This would constitute substantial prejudice to the effective conduct of public affairs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T14:16:31.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284934,"EventID":"S4W-15229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T14:16:32.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T17:48:51.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a membership list for the Scottish Coal Industry Sector Taskforce and the criteria by which the members were chosen.\r\n","AnswerText":"A list of the members of the Scottish Coal Industry Taskforce is provided in the following table.\r\nNo formal selection criteria is in place. Initial membership was sought from all major political parties and focussed on those council areas most affected by the redundancies announced at SRG.\r\nThis approach was taken by myself after taking soundings from party leaders. There are four members each from the SNP and Labour and one from each of the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.\r\nThe membership of a Taskforce can vary as the group moves through different phases of work and others with skills relevant to a particular work stream become involved. Interested parties wishing to become members will be considered on an on-going basis. \r\nPresent Members\r\nFergus \r\nEwing\r\nTaskforce - Chair \r\nRussel \r\nGriggs \r\nTaskforce Co- Chair \r\nClaire \r\nBaker \r\nMSP\r\nAdam\r\nIngram \r\nMSP\r\nElaine\r\nMurray \r\nMSP\r\nAileen\r\nCampbell\r\nMSP\r\nWillie \r\nRennie\r\nMSP\r\nWillie\r\nCoffey \r\nMSP\r\nMurdo\r\nFraser \r\nMSP\r\nSandra\r\nOsborne\r\nMP\r\nCathy\r\nJamieson\r\nMP\r\nChris\r\nBryceland\r\nScottish Enterprise\r\nGordon \r\nMcGuiness\r\nSkills Development Scotland \r\nWilliam\r\nRamsay\r\nCOSA\r\nRonnie\r\nStewart\r\nUnite\r\nNicky \r\nWilson\r\nNUM \r\nStephen \r\nBoyd \r\nSTUC\r\nGrahame\r\nSmith\r\nSTUC\r\nColin \r\nMcDowall\r\nSouth Lanarkshire Council\r\nCllr Jim\r\nRoberts\r\nEast Ayrshire Council\r\nCllr Maureen\r\nMcKay\r\nEast Ayrshire Council\r\nAlex\r\nRowley\r\nFife Council\r\nDouglas\r\nReid\r\nEast Ayrshire Council\r\nShirley\r\nLinton\r\nNorth Lanarkshire Council\r\nFiona\r\nLees\r\nEast Ayrshire Council\r\nGavin \r\nStevenson\r\nDumfries & Galloway Council\r\nIan\r\nJohnson\r\nMidlothian Council\r\nJim\r\nBirrell\r\nFife Council\r\nSimon\r\nCooke\r\nThe Coal Authority\r\nDavid\r\nSkilling\r\nScotland Office\r\nDavid\r\nLeitch\r\nDECC UK Gov\r\nLin \r\nBunten\r\nSEPA\r\nJohn\r\nGlen \r\nBuccleuch Estates\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGeorge \r\nBurgess\r\nSG - SEPA Sponsor\r\nDavid \r\nWilson \r\nSG Energy\r\nAlan \r\nColeman\r\nSG - State Aid Unit\r\nMargaret \r\nSutor\r\nSG - PACE Team \r\nSteven\r\nMcMahon\r\nTransport Scotland \r\n\r\n\r\nSCOTTISH GOVERNMENT\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T14:16:32.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284935,"EventID":"S4W-15230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T14:16:32.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T10:02:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many non-emergency calls there have been to police forces in each month of 2013.","AnswerText":"Following the establishment of the new police landscape on 1 April 2013, the collection of these data is now a matter for the Police Service of Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government has not previously collected monthly data on police non-emergency calls, however, the latest annual data on police non-emergency calls is available in the Scottish Policing Performance Framework (SPPF) Annual Report 2011-12, which provides the number of calls between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012. This report, published in November 2012, was jointly produced by the Scottish Government and the Association of Chief Police Officers.\r\nThe equivalent SPPF Annual Report 2012-13, due for publication on 5 November 2013, will provide the total number of non-emergency calls between 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T14:16:32.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284936,"EventID":"S4W-15231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T14:16:32.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T11:07:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its capital spend has been in the (a) Edinburgh Pentlands, (b) Dundee City East and (c) Clackmannanshire and Dunblane constituency since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held by constituency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T14:16:32.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284937,"EventID":"S4W-15232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T14:16:32.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T11:47:27.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the second round of data from the 2011 Scottish Census results, in relation to religion, will be released.","AnswerText":"Release two outputs from Scotland's Census, which will include statistics relating to religion are due to be published from late summer 2013. Detail about this release and further information is available from the National Records of Scotland publication: Scotland's Census 2011 Outputs Prospectus which can be found via: www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T14:16:32.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284966,"EventID":"S4W-15210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:29.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T15:57:37.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland separates from the rest of the UK and has a different immigration policy from the rest of the UK, whether it can guarantee that there will be no border controls between Scotland and England.","AnswerText":"An independent Scotland would implement its own immigration policies and negotiate to remain within the common travel area, maintaining an open border between Scotland and England. This would be a similar arrangement to that which already exists between the Republic of Ireland and the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:30","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284967,"EventID":"S4W-15211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:31.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T15:57:37.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland separates from the rest of the UK, what guarantee it can provide that the number of Scottish students at Scottish universities will be maintained at the current level.","AnswerText":"We are confident that we can maintain free education for Scots residents and maintain the balance of students from within and outwith Scotland post-Independence. Scotland can and will maintain its distinctive approach. We will set out our own plans for higher education in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:31.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284968,"EventID":"S4W-15212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:31.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T15:57:37.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland separates from the rest of the UK, whether the cap on student numbers will be maintained at the current level.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are confident that we can maintain free education for Scots residents and maintain the balance of students from within and outwith Scotland post-Independence. Scotland can and will maintain its distinctive approach. We will set out our own plans for higher education in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:31.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284969,"EventID":"S4W-15213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:31.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T15:57:37.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many undergraduate students from (a) England, (b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland are enrolled at Scottish universities in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"The Higher Education Statistics Authority produces statistics for students in Higher Education Institutions. The latest data on students in Higher Education Institutions is for the academic year 2011-12. Information for 2012-13 will not be available until early 2014.\r\nThe following table shows the number of undergraduate students at Scottish Higher Education Institutions in 2011-12 whose pre-study domicile was England, Wales or Northern Ireland.\r\nUndergraduate students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland enrolled at Scottish Higher Education Institutions, 2011-12:\r\nDomicile\r\nNumber of students\r\nEngland\r\n       15,715 \r\nWales\r\n            445 \r\nNorthern Ireland\r\n         3,950 \r\nSource: Higher Education Statistics Authority\r\n1. The undergraduate figures in this table include students enrolled on first degree courses and those enrolled on sub-degree Higher Education courses\r\n2. Data rounded to the nearest 5\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:31.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284970,"EventID":"S4W-15214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:32.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T15:57:37.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland separates from the rest of the UK and is a member of the EU, whether students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland can be prevented from taking capped places at Scottish universities.","AnswerText":"We are confident that we can maintain free education for Scots residents and maintain the balance of students from within and outwith Scotland post-Independence. Scotland can and will maintain its distinctive approach. We will set out our own plans for higher education in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:32.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284971,"EventID":"S4W-15215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:32.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T15:57:37.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland separates from the rest of the UK, who will decide whether the terms of the negotiations with the UK Government are acceptable.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s paper on Choosing Scotland Future, published in August 2007 and available on the Scottish Government website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/08/13103747/0, said in para 3.16 that issues to be negotiated:\r\n“are likely to be dealt with in an overall agreement between the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish Government, enshrined in legislation enacted at both Westminster and Holyrood, to allow both Parliaments the opportunity to consider and agree matters affecting both Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:32.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284972,"EventID":"S4W-15216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:32.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T15:57:37.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland separates from the rest of the UK, whether decisions on the terms of the separation made by politicians will be voted on by the Scottish electorate.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15215 on 13 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:32.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284973,"EventID":"S4W-15217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:32.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T15:57:37.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland separates from the rest of the UK, whether the people of Scotland will be given the right to vote on membership of the EU.\r\n","AnswerText":"Membership of the world’s largest single market is important to Scotland and is currently at threat due to the ill-judged stance being taken by the UK Prime Minister towards the UK’s relationship with the EU. The Scottish Government has no desire to leave the EU and independence will guarantee that Scotland is not dragged out unwillingly by this or any future UK Government. Future governments of an independent Scotland will of course be able to seek the views of the people of Scotland on a range of issues safe in the knowledge that the will of the Scottish people would be respected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:32.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284974,"EventID":"S4W-15218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:33.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T15:57:37.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland separates from the rest of the UK and the rest of the UK leaves the EU, whether Scotland will continue to use the pound sterling.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government agrees with the Fiscal Commission Working Group that retaining Sterling, in a currency union with the rest of the UK is in the best interests of both Scotland and the rest of the UK. This would provide a workable currency from day one of independence as part of a strong overarching macroeconomic framework for Scotland post-independence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:33.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284975,"EventID":"S4W-15219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:33.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T15:57:37.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland separates from the rest of the UK, whether there will be a referendum on any future decision to join the euro.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government agrees with the Fiscal Commission Working Group that retaining Sterling, in a currency union with the rest of the UK is in the best interests of both Scotland and the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:33.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284976,"EventID":"S4W-15221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:33.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T15:57:37.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland separates from the rest of the UK, whether membership of the EU will be based on the terms of membership that currently apply to the UK.","AnswerText":"Scotland would enter negotiations with the EU as an existing part of the EU and with existing terms of membership as the basis for those negotiations. I refer the member to my speech on 26 February 2013 setting out the basis of Scotland’s continuing membership of the EU. The full text of the speech is available here:\r\nhttp://www.scotreferendum.com/2013/02/26/speech-to-european-policy-centre-in-brussels-26-february-2013/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:33.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284977,"EventID":"S4W-15222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:33.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-22T15:57:37.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland separates from the rest of the UK, whether any significant changes to the terms of membership of the EU will be subject to a referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"Future Governments of an independent Scotland will be able to seek the views of the people of this country on a range of issues safe in the knowledge that the will of the Scottish people would be respected by a Scottish Parliament, with the full range of powers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:33.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284978,"EventID":"S4W-15233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:34.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T13:20:26.977","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) improvement and (b) condition notices have been issued in each NHS board area in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54990).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:34.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284979,"EventID":"S4W-15234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:35.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T13:20:26.977","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many care services have been closed as a result of a failure to meet required standards in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The following table provides information on the number of cancellation of registration notices served by the Care Commission/Care Inspectorate to service providers in each of the last five years.\r\nYear\r\nNumber\r\n2008-09\r\n7\r\n2009-10\r\n4\r\n2010-11\r\n6\r\n2011-12\r\n1\r\n2012-13\r\n1 (one further decision to cancel registration currently subject to appeal)\r\nNotes:\r\nThe Care Inspectorate was established on 1 April 2011.\r\nThe closure of a service is a last resort and generally the Care Inspectorate tries to work with providers on required improvement actions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:35.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284980,"EventID":"S4W-15235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:35.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T13:20:26.977","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many care service registrations have been cancelled as a result of an application to a sheriff.","AnswerText":"The number of applications made to the sheriff by the Care Commission/Care Inspectorate for cancellation of registration, and granted, in each of the last five years, is as follows.\r\nYear\r\nMade\r\nGranted\r\n2008-09\r\n1\r\n0\r\n2009-10\r\n2\r\n1\r\n2010-11\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2011-12\r\n1\r\n0\r\n2012-13\r\n1\r\n0\r\nNotes:\r\nThese applications are rare as the statutory test is an onerous one - the application may not be granted unless the sheriff is satisfied that unless the order is made, there will be a serious risk to the life, health or wellbeing of persons.\r\nIt should also be noted that some care services have cancelled their registrations voluntarily when they became aware that the Care Inspectorate intended to apply to the sheriff for cancellation of their registration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:35.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284981,"EventID":"S4W-15236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:36.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T13:20:26.977","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether self-funding patients pay more for their care in publicly funded care homes than the fee paid by the local authority or NHS board for patients who do not pay for their care and, if so, for what reason.","AnswerText":"The amount paid by self-funding residents is a private matter between them and the care home provider irrespective of whether it is an independent or local authority care home.\r\nThe level of payment for an older person funded by a local authority in a care home in the independent sector is agreed annually between the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the independent sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:36.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284982,"EventID":"S4W-15237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:36.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T14:08:32.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Government what engineering companies or organisations the Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages was referring to in the news release of 21 May 2013, Scotland’s science leads the way.\r\n","AnswerText":"The article was not referring to any company or organisation in particular but was referring to Scotland’s strength as an engineering nation in general. A report compiled by Evidence Ltd. in 2009 rated Scotland as ‘strong’ in areas of clinical research, biological science, mathematics, physical science, medicine, social sciences and engineering.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:36.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284983,"EventID":"S4W-15238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:37.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T14:56:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government to what extent independence would give Scotland the ability to design and implement a tax system best suited to Scotland’s needs.","AnswerText":"This government believes that Scotland’s interests will best be served by all decisions affecting Scotland being made in Scotland. Taking full fiscal responsibility would allow this Parliament to legislate for and set all taxes in the interests of stimulating economic growth, supporting the public services of Scotland and building social cohesion. Decisions about what specific taxes to apply in an independent Scotland, and at what level, would be taken by the Scottish Parliament and government of the day.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:37.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284984,"EventID":"S4W-15239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:37.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T15:06:18.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of chicken used in school meals is sourced in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. Procurement arrangements for school food are managed by local authorities themselves.\r\nThe Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007 requires Local Authorities to consider the principles of sustainable development, such as those set out in “Catering for Change – 2011”, when providing food or drink or catering services in schools. This will help to ensure that decisions about what food and drink to serve in schools will be influenced by good practice such as local food sourcing which can help to reduce food miles.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:37.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284985,"EventID":"S4W-15240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:37.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T15:06:18.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the countries of origin are of chicken used in school meals.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. Procurement arrangements for school food are managed by local authorities themselves.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:37.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284986,"EventID":"S4W-15241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:37.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T15:06:18.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of chicken used in school meals is graded as class (a) A and (b) B under EC poultrymeat marketing standards.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. Procurement arrangements for school food are managed by local authorities themselves.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:38.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284987,"EventID":"S4W-15242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:59:38.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T15:06:18.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of chicken used in school meals is free range and what proportion is indoor reared.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. Procurement arrangements for school food are managed by local authorities themselves.\r\nThe Schools (Health promotion and nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007 requires Local Authorities to consider the principles of sustainable development when providing food or drink or catering services in schools. In addition, the food and drink in schools (Scotland) Regulations 2008 requires Education authorities to ensure that all food and drink served in schools meets strict nutritional requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:59:38.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284989,"EventID":"S4F-01414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:44:58.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T10:43:02.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the opinions expressed in the briefing paper, The Funding of Higher Education in Scotland, the UK and Internationally.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:44:58.353","MeetingDate":"2013-05-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284990,"EventID":"S4F-01416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:44:58.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T13:20:48.483","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:44:59.01","MeetingDate":"2013-05-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284991,"EventID":"S4F-01418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:44:59.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T13:38:40.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:44:59.587","MeetingDate":"2013-05-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284992,"EventID":"S4F-01420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:45:00.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T14:23:47.977","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:45:00.817","MeetingDate":"2013-05-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284993,"EventID":"S4F-01423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:45:02.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T15:03:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what economic value the Scottish Government places on services from Highlands and Islands' airports to hub airports with worldwide connections.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:45:02.597","MeetingDate":"2013-05-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284994,"EventID":"S4F-01432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-23T16:45:08.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:15:33.62","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to Audit Scotland’s report, Managing early departures from the Scottish public sector, which states that the public sector is spending £280 million a year on early departure schemes.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-10T16:45:08.26","MeetingDate":"2013-05-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284995,"EventID":"S4T-00377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T10:00:13.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-28T09:30:08.137","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent representations it has received regarding rendition flights landing in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T10:00:13.023","MeetingDate":"2013-05-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":284996,"EventID":"S4T-00369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:41:36.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T14:14:41.333","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will introduce the proposed Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:41:36.927","MeetingDate":"2013-05-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285010,"EventID":"S4W-15243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:09.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T15:41:10.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who the head of state will be if Scotland separates from the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"Following a vote for independence in September 2014, Her Majesty the Queen (and her successors) will be the head of state in an independent Scotland from independence day.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:09.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285011,"EventID":"S4W-15244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:10.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T15:41:10.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Act of Settlement 1701 will remain in force with respect to the head of state in Scotland if Scotland separates from the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government believes that the discrimination against Catholics within the Act of Settlement should be removed from our law. The Scottish Parliament unanimously passed a motion as early as 16 December 1999 agreeing that the Act of Settlement has no place in a modern society. The motion called for the complete removal of any discrimination, and the repeal by Westminster of the Act of Settlement 1701. The Scottish Government will continue to call for repeal of the Act of Settlement, which is Westminster statute and which is for Westminster to legislate on.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:10.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285012,"EventID":"S4W-15245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:11.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T15:41:10.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the suggestion that, if Scotland separates from the rest of the UK, any subsequent constitutional arrangement should recognise the role of the Church of Scotland in particular.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s paper Scotland’s Future: from the Referendum to Independence and a Written Constitution, published in February 2013 and available on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0041/00413757.pdf provides that a constitutional platform will be in place from independence day. Freedom of Religion is already protected under Article 9 of the European Convention of Human Rights under the Scotland Act 1998 and the Human Rights Act 1998. Paragraph 2.14 of Scotland’s Future provides that the constitutional platform, coming into force on independence day, will consolidate the protection of human rights in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:11.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285013,"EventID":"S4W-15246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:11.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T15:43:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to implement the European directive on human trafficking and what information it has regarding the activities of the anti-trafficking progress group that was established at its human trafficking summit on 18 October 2012. \r\n","AnswerText":"I consider that Scotland is already broadly compliant with the requirements of the Directive. The Anti-Trafficking Progress Group is taking forward the 11 priority action points identified and agreed at the summit in October 2012. These actions include training and awareness raising; improving victim support and care, and considering whether there are any gaps in legislation. The group will meet again shortly to review progress so far and is scheduled to report back to a re-convened Summit in 2014. We have also given a commitment to bring forward a human trafficking statutory aggravation and will do so shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:11.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285014,"EventID":"S4W-15247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:11.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:16:30.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on reports of high levels of metallic particle pollution in the Glasgow Subway.\r\n","AnswerText":"Strathclyde Partnership for Transport is responsible for operating and maintaining the Glasgow Subway and is, therefore, responsible for monitoring air quality in the subway and ensuring it complies with legal requirements. Workplace exposure limits for metallic particles are set and enforced by the Health and Safety Executive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:11.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285015,"EventID":"S4W-15248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:11.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:16:30.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce domestic violence awareness education to all secondary schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"Domestic abuse is a top priority for the Scottish Government, and we are committed to reducing and eventually eradicating this unacceptable behaviour. There is never an excuse for domestic abuse, and responsibility for change lies with the perpetrator, not the victims or their children. \r\nRelationship education is an integral part of the health and wellbeing area of Curriculum for Excellence throughout all stages of primary and secondary education in schools in Scotland. Topics include keeping safe from harm, knowing where to get support and help with situations involving abuse, and understanding that there are laws which provide protection from different kinds of abuse. Children and young people will be encouraged to discuss these subjects with their peers and parents, to help them gain knowledge, and the skills to become confident in making healthy lifestyle decisions for themselves.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:11.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285016,"EventID":"S4W-15249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:11.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:49:28.19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what provision has been made to ensure that a member of staff trained in first-aid is present on all ScotRail services.","AnswerText":"ScotRail provides basic first aid training to all staff when they join the company. First aid kits are held on trains and stations across the rail network, and a protocol is in place to summon assistance when requested or appropriate via communication with the train driver. This allows trains to be stopped at a safe location to allow paramedics to gain access.\r\nFurthermore ScotRail is currently training all drivers, ticket examiners and conductors on the Heartstart Programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:11.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285017,"EventID":"S4W-15250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:12.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T17:21:46.013","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to revise the corporation tax modelling referred to in its discussion paper, Devolving Corporation Tax in the Scotland Bill, in light of the decision by the UK Government to reduce the UK rate of corporation tax to 20% as of April 2015.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15187 on 3 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:12.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285018,"EventID":"S4W-15251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:13.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T17:21:46.013","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has conducted modelling to measure the impact on Scotland’s tax revenue of reducing the rate of corporation tax in Scotland to 17%.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15187 on 3 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:13.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285019,"EventID":"S4W-15252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:13.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T17:21:46.013","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact would be on Scotland’s tax revenues of a 3% reduction in Scotland’s rate of corporation tax.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15187 on 3 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:13.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285020,"EventID":"S4W-15253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:13.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T17:21:46.013","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide details of the modelling underlying its assertion that a reduction in corporation tax in Scotland equivalent to a fall from 23% to 20% “can increase the level of output by 1.4%, boost overall employment in Scotland by 1.1% (equivalent to 27,000 jobs) and raise overall investment in the Scottish economy by 1.9% after 20 years”, as stated in Devolving Corporation Tax in the Scotland Bill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15187 on 3 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:13.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285021,"EventID":"S4W-15254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:14.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T17:05:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) regulations and (b) directives Transport Scotland is legally required to comply with when awarding (i) contract extensions and (ii) temporary contracts to incumbent franchisees of rail passenger services.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government must take account of all relevant European and domestic legislation when awarding rail franchise contracts, principally Regulation 1370/2007 (on public transport services by rail and road) and the Railways Act 1993.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:14.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285022,"EventID":"S4W-15255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:14.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T17:05:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what statutory consultation exercises Transport Scotland is required to undertake when awarding (a) new contracts, (b) contract extensions and (c) temporary contracts to incumbent franchisees of rail passenger services.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ministers are required under the Railways Act 1993 to consult as they consider appropriate on their statement of franchising policy and to consult the Office of Rail Regulation on the persons to receive an invitation to tender for franchise services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:14.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285023,"EventID":"S4W-15267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:14.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T21:06:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Network Rail can submit bids to Transport Scotland to operate rail passenger services and, if so, what assessment it has made of Network Rail’s capacity to operate such services.\r\n","AnswerText":"Network Rail would require to be licensed to provide rail passenger services by the Office of Rail Regulation to enable it to bid to operate a rail franchise. The Scottish Government has no reason to expect that Network Rail will wish to bid for rail franchises in Scotland. Any such proposal would give rise to a very wide range of issues for consideration, as under existing legislation the operation of the GB rail network is fundamentally geared towards separation between infrastructure management and the operation of passenger services. This is also consistent with relevant developments in EU law.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:14.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285024,"EventID":"S4W-15269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:15.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-24T16:36:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to licensing authorities regarding the testing of vehicles used as (a) taxis and (b) private hire cars.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government publishes “Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing: Best Practice for Licensing Authorities”. This was updated last year (published April 2012). There is a section on vehicle testing covering both taxis and private hire cars.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:15.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285025,"EventID":"S4W-15270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:15.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-24T16:36:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review the number of testing centres licensing authorities must provide for the testing of (a) taxis and (b) private hire cars.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of testing centres a local authority authorises for the testing of taxis and private hire cars is a matter for the local authority. They will consider what system best meets the needs of their local area, taking into consideration the requirements of the licensing regime.\r\nThere are no plans for the Scottish Government to review the number of testing centres licensing authorities must provide.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:15.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285026,"EventID":"S4W-15271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:15.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-24T16:36:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how  the (a) owner and (b) driver of a taxi or private hire car can appeal the decision of a  licensing authority’s testing centre with regard to the work needed to be carried out on the vehicle.\r\n","AnswerText":"The legislation which provides for the licensing of taxi and private hire cars, the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (the 1982 Act), does not outline an appeals process specifically for the decisions of a local authority testing centre. Each local authority will develop their own processes to handle complaints about the testing regime. Public safety, as a main purpose of licensing, will be the overriding consideration for any local authority.\r\nThere is an appeals process where a licence has been suspended. This is outlined in Paragraph 18, Schedule 1 of the 1982 Act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:15.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285027,"EventID":"S4W-15274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:16.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T15:03:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many whole-time equivalent staff were employed at the Vale of Leven Hospital in April (a) 2012 and (b) 2013, broken down by job family.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information Services Division (ISD) publish NHS Workforce data on a quarterly bases, with the most recent publication date being 31 March 2013. Information as at April 2013 is therefore not available.\r\nInformation on how many whole time equivalent staff were employed at the Vale of Leven Hospital broken down by job family as at 31 March 2012 and 31 March 2013 is shown in the following table.\r\n\r\nMar-12\r\nMar-13\r\nAdministrative Services\r\n82.9\r\n84.8\r\nAllied health Profession\r\n54.9\r\n50.5\r\nHealthcare Sciences\r\n29.6\r\n25.9\r\nMedical and Dental\r\n28.3\r\n32.6\r\nMedical and Dental Support\r\n0.0\r\n1.0\r\nNursing/Midwifery\r\n275.3\r\n263.1\r\nOther Therapeutic\r\n8.9\r\n9.1\r\nSenior Managers\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\nSupport Services\r\n100.3\r\n100.8\r\nSource-ISD Scotland\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:16.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285028,"EventID":"S4W-15280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:16.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T18:19:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many individual patient treatment requests have been made to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for cetuximab and how many have been approved.\r\n","AnswerText":"On the basis of IPTR monitoring information received from NHS boards for the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde received 14 IPTRs for cetuximab during this timeframe of which eight were approved.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:16.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285029,"EventID":"S4W-15291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:17.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-28T11:24:54.333","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the interim report of Land Reform Review Group focuses on community ownership and whether this reflects a change in the group's remit.\r\n","AnswerText":"The remit of the independent Land Reform Review Group (LRRG) has not changed. The consultation, which yielded 484 submissions, has brought forward a wide range of issues on a broad range of subjects, including farm tenancy issues and issues regarding access. In the view of the LRRG, as set out in its interim report, issues raised regarding farm tenancies represent an area already being considered by the Tenant Farming Forum and as such, the review group, as its interim report states, will now concentrate on taking forward a number of issues in respect of the implementation and geographic impact of community right to buy legislation in order to support communities throughout Scotland in achieving their social, economic and environmental potential. The work of the LRRG will also help to formulate potential approaches to extending right to buy to urban Scotland and will inform consideration of the Scottish Government’s community empowerment and renewal proposals.\r\nAs was stated during the Land Reform debate on 5 June 2013, issues regarding farm tenants will be considered as part of the review preceding the Agricultural Holdings Bill proposed for later in this parliamentary session.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:17.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285030,"EventID":"S4W-15292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:17.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-28T11:59:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to protect mobile home residents from rogue site operators.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is taking forward two areas of work that will strengthen the rights of mobile home residents.\r\nThe first is to improve the contractual conditions that apply to all residents. The Mobile Homes Act 1983 (Amendment of Schedule 1) (Scotland) Order 2013, if approved by Parliament, will strengthen the protections residents enjoy, including removal of the requirement for a site owner to approve prospective mobile home purchasers.\r\nThe second area of work is strengthening the licensing system for mobile home sites. We have consulted on proposals including a new test to ensure a site owner is a fit and proper person. Our aim is to introduce a Housing Bill, potentially including provisions on this issue, in the autumn.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:17.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285031,"EventID":"S4W-15293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T13:42:17.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-28T11:59:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the impact on the Scottish economy, what its response is to the recent warning from the International Monetary Fund about growth prospects for the UK economy and that bringing forward infrastructure spending would be a \"wise course of action\".","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government welcomes the International Monetary Fund’s statement on the 22 May 2013, calling on the UK Government to accelerate the infrastructure spending to support the UK's recovery. Capital investment can make an important contribution to the economic recovery, and the Scottish Government has repeatedly called on the UK Government to do more to boost investment. Indeed, recent Scottish Government analysis has estimated that had 2009-10 levels of capital spending been maintained in real terms, this would have boosted investment by £7 billion over the following five years and would have supported approximately 19,000 jobs.\r\nThe Scottish Government is using all levers at its disposal to maximise investment and support economic growth in Scotland. Over the three year Scottish spending review period (between 2012-13 and 2014-15) we will support investment of more than £10 billion through the capital budget, revenue-financed investment through the non profit distributing pipeline, regulatory asset base rail enhancements, capital receipts and switching resource to capital. It is essential that the UK Government changes course and adopts a similar approach to supporting economic recovery.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T13:42:17.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285041,"EventID":"S4W-15256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:19.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T11:07:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date the instruction to refrain from use of confidentiality clauses and non-derogatory statement clauses in relation to NHS compromise agreements was implemented.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing wrote to Chairs and Chief Executives of NHS boards on 22 February 2013 to stress his expectation that confidentiality clauses and non-derogatory statement clauses are not used to suppress the reporting of concerns in the NHS in Scotland and to ensure that these clauses are used appropriately.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:20.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285042,"EventID":"S4W-15257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:21.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T11:07:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many protected disclosures were made by NHS staff in each of the last five years for which figures are available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information. This is an issue between individual NHS boards and their employees.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:21.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285043,"EventID":"S4W-15258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:21.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T11:07:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many NHS staff sought protection from the so-called whistleblowers charter in each of the last five years for which figures are available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information. This is an issue between individual NHS boards and their employees.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:21.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285044,"EventID":"S4W-15259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:22.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T11:07:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any NHS boards are not implementing a policy of refraining from using confidentiality clauses and non-derogatory statement clauses in respect of compromise agreements and, if so, which.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information. This is an issue between individual NHS boards and their employees.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:22.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285045,"EventID":"S4W-15260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:23.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T11:07:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the revised draft of the confidentiality clause in relation to NHS compromise agreements that confirms that an individual's right to make “protected disclosures” was finalised, and whether it will place a copy of the wording in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.\r\n","AnswerText":"The revised confidentiality clause for NHSScotland compromise agreements was finalised earlier this year.\r\nThe revised clause provides a style of wording that will be routinely proposed for incorporation into any NHSScotland compromise agreement. A copy of this revised style of wording will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre for information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:23.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285046,"EventID":"S4W-15261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:23.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T11:07:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS staff who have already signed confidentiality agreements are still bound by the terms of these agreements.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an issue between individual NHS Boards and their employees.\r\nNHSScotland does not have any policies which would prevent, or condone the prevention of staff from raising valid concerns about patient safety and quality. Quite the opposite, each Health Board has a robust “Implementing and Reviewing Whistleblowing Arrangements in NHS Scotland” PIN policy in place.\r\nThese policies encourage staff to raise concerns and any clause which sought to prevent an individual from raising a protected whistleblowing disclosure would be illegal and therefore unenforceable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:23.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285047,"EventID":"S4W-15262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:24.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T17:58:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Franchising Advisory Panel that has been recently established by the UK Government will have an impact on passenger rail franchises put out to tender by Transport Scotland and, if so, what discussions it has had with UK Government (a) ministers and (b) officials regarding this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has regular contact with the Department for Transport on rail issues including rail franchising. The Franchise Advisory Panel has no locus in the award of the rail franchises to be let by Scottish Ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:24.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285048,"EventID":"S4W-15272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:24.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T13:41:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to consult on a replacement for council tax benefit.\r\n","AnswerText":"Working in partnership with local government, we responded quickly to put in place transitional arrangements to ensure that around 560,000 people in Scotland who were receiving council Tax benefit are protected from the UK Government’s 10% cut in successor arrangement funding.\r\nWe are currently in discussion with our Local Government partners and other stakeholders on arrangements for future years beyond 2013-14. The UK Government’s introduction of Universal Credit in October 2013 and its operation will have significant implications for how future council tax support may be provided.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:24.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285049,"EventID":"S4W-15273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:25.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T13:41:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will fully fund the replacement for council tax benefit beyond April 2014.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14493 on 3 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:25.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285050,"EventID":"S4W-15278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:25.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T15:15:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it tracks how many transvaginal meshes have been purchased by NHS boards and the number of meshes (a) implanted and (b) removed. \r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of transvaginal meshes purchased by NHS Boards is not held centrally and is for those NHS Boards to manage.\r\nIn addition, I refer the member to the answer to: question S4W-14315 on 30 April 2013; and questions S4W-14626 and S4W-14627 on 17 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:25.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285051,"EventID":"S4W-15281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:26.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T15:15:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many surgeons in Scotland are qualified to remove faulty transvaginal mesh implants. \r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:26.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285052,"EventID":"S4W-15282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:26.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T15:20:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria are used to decide whether a junior doctor's working hours are compliant with the European working time directive.","AnswerText":"In the UK the European Working Time Directive has been implemented as the working time regulations (WTR).\r\nAll junior doctor rotas in Scotland are designed in a system which measures compliance with all aspects of the working time regulations. This system (doctors rostering system) measures hours and working patterns against the required limits, and ensures that hours fully comply. All rotas are sent to the Scottish Government’s medical workforce adviser for approval, who also ensures that rotas comply fully with the WTR. The Scottish Government funds this system for NHS boards.\r\nNHS boards will also use New Deal monitoring returns to assess on-going compliance with the WTR. Although WTR hours are measured over 26 weeks, the two week New Deal monitoring snapshot allows NHS boards to determine day to day hours over this representative period. They will use this data, along with other datasets such as the template rota, daily roster and activity records to assess the compliance of junior doctors.\r\nPrior to the 2009 implementation date of the 48 hour working week for Junior Doctors, CEL 14 2009 Working Time Regulations was issued which provides NHS boards with advice on how compliance should be measured.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:26.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285053,"EventID":"S4W-15284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:27.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T15:20:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the hours worked by junior doctors per week are compliant with the European working time directive.\r\n","AnswerText":"All junior doctor working patterns in NHS Scotland comply fully with the limits of the Working Time Regulations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:27.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285054,"EventID":"S4W-15285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:27.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T15:15:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which hospitals continue to implant transvaginal mesh implants.  \r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:27.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285055,"EventID":"S4W-15286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:28.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T15:20:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many medical negligence claims against NHS boards in each year since 2007 related to the tiredness of a junior doctor.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for individual health boards. The information sought is not held centrally by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:28.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285056,"EventID":"S4W-15287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:28.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T15:15:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information has been given to GPs regarding the impact of faulty transvaginal mesh implants. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) has made available information for patients and clinicians about transvaginal meshes on its website at:\r\nhttp://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/Generalsafetyinformationandadvice/Product-specificinformationandadvice/Product-specificinformationandadvice%E2%80%93M%E2%80%93T/Vaginalmeshforpelvicorganprolapse/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:28.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285057,"EventID":"S4W-15288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:29.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T15:20:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many on-call rest rooms there have been in hospitals in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of on-call rest rooms in each NHSScotland hospital is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:29.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285058,"EventID":"S4W-15289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:29.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T15:20:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many applicants for foundation medical training placements there have been in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information is not available in the format requested. Applications to Foundation training programmes are co-ordinated on a UK-wide basis through the UK Foundation Programme Office. Applicants are required to rank all 21 UK Foundation Schools in order of preference and, following an assessment and scoring process, applicants are matched to a Foundation School taking into consideration their preference. At this point, the Scotland Foundation School is then allocated the right number of applicants for the number of programmes available in any year. There then follows a further process that enables applicants to rank their preferences for a cluster of Foundation programmes which, ultimately, leads to applicants being matched to their individual programmes.\r\nThe following table indicates the number of Foundation programme places available in Scotland from 2007. All programme places were filled.\r\n\r\nNumber of Foundation Programmes available in Scotland\r\n2007\r\n804 \r\n2008\r\n804\r\n2009\r\n804\r\n2010\r\n804 \r\n2011\r\n804 \r\n2012\r\n804 \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:29.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285059,"EventID":"S4W-15290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:30.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T15:20:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the drop-out rate for foundation medical training placements has been in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Information is not available in the format requested. Information that is available has only been centrally recorded until 2009, and is not recorded by health board as the trainees rotate between health boards as part of their individual programme placements. Currently, there are 804 programme placements in Foundation Years 1 and 2 in Scotland.\r\nFoundation trainees may not complete their programme placements for a variety of reasons, for example illness, maternity leave, resignation, dismissal, remedial training required etc. The numbers of those who did not complete their Foundation programmes since 2009 are shown in the following table. \r\n\r\nNumber who did not complete Foundation Year One\r\nNumber who did not complete Foundation Year Two\r\n2009\r\n15 (6)\r\n27 (13)\r\n2010\r\n16 (7)\r\n16 (3)\r\n2011\r\n19 (6)\r\n21 (3)\r\n2012\r\n17 (1)\r\n13 (0)\r\n\r\nOf the number failing to complete a given year of training, some will return to training i.e. after maternity leave or ill health, and subsequently complete their training. The figure in parentheses is the number who resigned or were dismissed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:30.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285060,"EventID":"S4W-15294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:30.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-28T12:48:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-01708 by Alex Neil on 17 January 2013, what progress there has been on its approach to race equality; when its approach will be published; what consultation is planned, and whether this approach is informing work on its (a) autumn budget considerations and (b) white paper on proposals for independence.\r\n","AnswerText":"We recently published our current thinking on how race equality should develop over the next three years. During the summer we will work with stakeholders to develop the approach to be taken and we will publish the refreshed statement in the autumn. This will provide more detail on how we intend to take forward our plans in practice.\r\nWe will initially focus on working with key strategic partners to collate the research work already carried out in Scotland, followed by wider collaborative working with stakeholders to plan and shape a draft outline of our approach. The draft statement will then issue for consultation.\r\na) The publication of the draft statement for consultation will coincide with the autumn budget considerations. The above process will help to inform those considerations and will be relevant in the context of spending proposals\r\nb) This work will help inform the work around constitutional reform.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:30.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285061,"EventID":"S4W-15295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:31.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-28T12:48:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-01708 by Alex Neil on 17 January 2013, whether its approach to race equality will include visible and invisible minorities in Scotland; what communities it regards as visible and invisible minorities, and whether and how issues of multiple or intersectional identity are being considered in its approach.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our work on race equality and tackling racism acknowledges that minority ethnic communities include those who might be described as both visible and invisible minorities as ethnicity is not always identifiable by physical characteristics.\r\nWe recognise that there are many different groups living in Scotland with different heritage and some coming from different parts of the world, each has a right to be treated with respect and to live free from discrimination and prejudice. We recognise that people from minority ethnic communities may also experience issues as a result of their gender, age, faith, sexual orientation or disability, compounding the disadvantage or discrimination.\r\nOur work will continue to explore the complexities of people’s multiple identities and the links between the other equality strands. This has long been an issue of concern and we acknowledge that there is still much to be done. It is a very complex area and needs to be addressed as part of the dialogue with stakeholders to explore how we can work towards a solution.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:31.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285062,"EventID":"S4W-15296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:31.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-28T12:48:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-01708 by Alex Neil on 17 January 2013, what criteria it (a) applies and (b) will apply in its approach to race equality on (i) prioritising issues, (ii) deciding on funding and resourcing; whether and how visible or invisible minority status is part of this criteria, and whether funded organisations are monitored on their adherence to non-discrimination practice, including in relation to visible and invisible minorities.\r\n","AnswerText":"Funding is provided to organisations to fulfil projects or programmes of work and on the basis of outcomes outlined in either business plans or funding applications. Grant levels and conditions are determined accordingly. The general approach to funding and to the criteria which is applied for example in the Equality Fund is based on Scottish Government strategic priorities, identified needs in communities and on the experience and views of stakeholders.\r\n\r\nThe approach we adopt and the priorities we identify in future will be based on dialogue with stakeholders, consideration of the need and evidence, the strategic priorities of the Scottish Government and with reference to legislation and the work around the public sector equality duty. We will determine our approach in partnership and collaboration with interests and stakeholders over the next few months.\r\nOur work on race equality acknowledges that ethnicity is not always identifiable by physical characteristics and as such encompasses those who might be described as visible and invisible minorities. Our funding is directed as outlined above. Whilst projects designed to assist both visible and invisible minorities are supported, funding is not directed and determined on that basis.\r\nOrganisations that receive grant funding from the Scottish Government are required to agree by the conditions of the grant which include adherence to equality legislation. Organisations provide reports on their progress regarding the project or programme of work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:31.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285063,"EventID":"S4W-15297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-28T17:11:32.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-28T14:27:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many episodes of treatment have been carried out at the neurosurgery unit of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and how many included at least one operative procedure, in each year since 2008.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally in the format requested.\r\nIt is not possible to identify all neurosurgical activity occurring in specific hospital units through centrally collected hospital admission records. It is, however, possible to identify activity occurring within the consultant specialty of neurosurgery by hospital. This information is provided in the following table.\r\nNumber of hospital stays involving the consultant specialty of Neurosurgery at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and the number of procedures performed, Financial years 2008 to 2012\r\nYears\r\nHospital stays\r\nNo. of stays involving at least one procedure\r\n2008\r\n1,243\r\n1,097\r\n2009\r\n1,355\r\n1,173\r\n2010\r\n1,223\r\n1,094\r\n2011\r\n1,104\r\n963\r\n2012\r\n1,073\r\n933\r\nSource: ISD Scotland.\r\nRef: IR2013-00898.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-11T17:11:32.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285064,"EventID":"S4O-02195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:18.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T09:20:29.803","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what role Police Scotland plays in community planning partnerships.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:18.98","MeetingDate":"2013-06-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285065,"EventID":"S4O-02196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:19.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:37:06.6","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will safeguard local access to the justice system in rural areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:19.823","MeetingDate":"2013-06-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285066,"EventID":"S4O-02197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:20.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T09:05:38.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what considerations informed the Scottish Court Service's review of court services.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:20.09","MeetingDate":"2013-06-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285067,"EventID":"S4O-02198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:20.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:37:07.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will use the criminal justice system to establish whether people have been transported illegally through Scottish airports and discourage it from happening again.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:20.323","MeetingDate":"2013-06-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285068,"EventID":"S4O-02199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:21.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:37:07.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking to ensure that court fines and police antisocial behaviour penalties are collected.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:21.073","MeetingDate":"2013-06-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285069,"EventID":"S4O-02200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:22.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:37:07.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support is available for people with autism when engaging with the legal system.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:22.37","MeetingDate":"2013-06-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285070,"EventID":"S4O-02201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:23.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:37:07.957","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the chief constable regarding the number and location of control rooms required by Police Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:23.59","MeetingDate":"2013-06-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285071,"EventID":"S4O-02202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:24.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:37:08.347","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the proposals to close Arbroath and Stonehaven sheriff courts and the impact on communities in Angus and Kincardine-shire.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Court Service consultation Shaping Scotland’s Court Services represents a very thorough assessment of the context and the challenge of providing services and facilities across Scotland which are consistent with the standards of a modern court system within the financial constraints imposed by the Westminster Government. The existing network of courts reflects more the social and economic needs of the Victorian age, but in the modern world it is more appropriate to devote the available reduced budget to a smaller number of courts, supplemented by new technology such as video links.\r\nI have deliberated very carefully on the options presented, particularly in view of the representations made in relation to particular courts, and the Cabinet has given its consent to the proposals. We think that the proposals strike the correct balance in the current economic climate.\r\nWe realise that a court can be regarded as an important element in communities such as Arbroath and Stonehaven, but this needs to be balanced against the fact that many similar and larger communities function without a local court. We believe that the economic and community impact will be localised and short term.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:24.417","MeetingDate":"2013-06-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285072,"EventID":"S4O-02203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:24.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-28T15:48:56.01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what preparations are being undertaken to deal with the forecast rise in the prison population to an annual daily average of 9,500 over the next eight years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has a programme of measures in place to reduce reoffending, including our recently announced £10 million scheme to provide more offenders leaving prison with a mentor to support their release and reintegration. I am confident that these measures will be successful in further reducing the reconviction rate from its lowest level in 13 years, and to reduce the demands on prison places.\r\nAs part of prudent planning, the Scottish Government regularly discusses the Scottish Prison Service’s (SPS) plans for coping with the projected higher numbers, and I commend the flexibility and professionalism of SPS staff in operating normally in overcrowded conditions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:24.73","MeetingDate":"2013-06-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285073,"EventID":"S4O-02204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:26.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T11:03:58.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will maintain the number of police stations in Glasgow and their opening hours at current levels.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:26.167","MeetingDate":"2013-06-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285074,"EventID":"S4O-02206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:26.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-28T15:39:29.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether consideration has been given to using a financial model for regional parks based on that used for national parks.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:26.417","MeetingDate":"2013-06-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285075,"EventID":"S4O-02207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:27.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:37:40.547","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of the country's protected sites are in favourable condition.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:27.557","MeetingDate":"2013-06-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285076,"EventID":"S4O-02208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:27.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:37:41.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the State of Nature report and the challenges it contains to prevent further loss of biodiversity.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:27.807","MeetingDate":"2013-06-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285077,"EventID":"S4O-02209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:28.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-28T17:31:52.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the work of the Land Reform Review Group.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:28.357","MeetingDate":"2013-06-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285078,"EventID":"S4O-02210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:28.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:37:44.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how important the interconnectivity of green spaces is in promoting local biodiversity.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:28.62","MeetingDate":"2013-06-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285079,"EventID":"S4O-02211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:29.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T09:34:03.243","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government on repatriating red meat levy income.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:29.45","MeetingDate":"2013-06-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285080,"EventID":"S4O-02212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:29.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:37:44.727","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its final second report on proposals and policies.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:29.73","MeetingDate":"2013-06-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285081,"EventID":"S4O-02213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:29.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:37:44.93","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what mechanisms are available to the Forestry Commission Scotland for the support of social enterprises.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:29.98","MeetingDate":"2013-06-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285082,"EventID":"S4O-02214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:30.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-28T12:39:46.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it plans to take to control the population of greylag geese in the Uists.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:30.23","MeetingDate":"2013-06-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285083,"EventID":"S4O-02215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:33.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:38:17.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with NHS boards regarding the future integration of digital wards.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:33.403","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285084,"EventID":"S4O-02216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:35.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:38:18.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to meet the increasing demand for software engineers suggested by recent surveys by ScotlandIS and e-Skills UK.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:35.607","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285085,"EventID":"S4O-02217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:36.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T11:29:47.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made in filling the equality evidence gaps in the equality evidence strategy 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:36.463","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285086,"EventID":"S4O-02218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:36.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:38:19.327","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent advice it has received regarding membership of the EU should Scotland separate from the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:36.777","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285087,"EventID":"S4O-02219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:37.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:38:19.67","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Energy Skills Scotland project will provide job opportunities for people beyond the north east.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:37.043","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285088,"EventID":"S4O-02220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:37.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:38:20.013","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and what matters were discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:37.73","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285089,"EventID":"S4O-02221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:37.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:38:22.307","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its priorities are for international development spending in Malawi.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:38.01","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285090,"EventID":"S4O-02222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:39.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:38:22.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans there are to install automatic electronic defibrillators in secondary schools.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:39.293","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285091,"EventID":"S4O-02223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:39.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-28T11:49:54.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it considers the role of communities should be in helping local authorities agree their annual budgets.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:39.51","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285092,"EventID":"S4O-02224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T12:54:40.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T16:38:23.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what powers it has over how local authorities structure their committees.","AnswerText":"The Local Government and Housing Act 1989 contains provisions requiring local authorities to reflect their political balance in the composition of their committees. However, those provisions have not to date been brought into force in Scotland, although they are in force in England and Wales. Local authorities in Scotland therefore currently have the power to decide for themselves how to structure their committees.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T12:54:40.463","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285101,"EventID":"S4W-15298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T13:59:39.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-28T16:11:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4T-00377 by Kenny MacAskill on 28 May 2013 (Official Report, c. 20315), what recent communications it has had with the UK Government regarding extraordinary rendition and whether Aberdeen, Inverness and Wick airports have been used by the US Central Intelligence Agency for this purpose.\r\n","AnswerText":"As I indicated in response to Patrick Harvie’s question on 28 May, there has been no communication with the UK Government regarding extraordinary rendition flights using airports in Scotland. The Scottish Government remains strongly opposed to illegal rendition flights.\r\nThe Crown has made clear how strongly it would view the matter and the Lord Advocate indicated on 5 June 2013 that he has asked Police Scotland to consider the information provided by the Rendition Project undertaken by researchers from Kent and Kingston Universities.\r\nThe police and the Crown can act only if information is passed on, and if anyone has any evidence of lawbreaking of this sort, they should come forward with it and help justice to be done.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T13:59:39.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285102,"EventID":"S4W-15300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T13:59:40.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-28T16:30:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14922 by John Swinney on 28 May 2013, whether it will provide the information that was requested and confirm whether it will seek a draft opinion on an independent Scotland’s credit rating from a credit rating agency.\r\n","AnswerText":"As I made clear in response to question S4W-14922, given our position of relative financial strength we expect an independent Scotland to secure a top credit rating - almost two thirds of countries with an AAA rating are small countries with a population of less than 10 million.\r\nWe will obtain a credit rating for Scotland at the appropriate time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T13:59:40.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285103,"EventID":"S4W-15301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T13:59:41.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T11:14:08.79","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will carry out a review of the home report system and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"Prior to the introduction of the Home Report Scottish Ministers agreed, at a Scottish Parliament Local Government and Communities Committee meeting (30 January 2008), to carry out a full policy review of the Home Report after five years of operation. This is due to commence later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T13:59:41.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285104,"EventID":"S4W-15302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T13:59:41.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T11:14:08.79","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what financial assistance is available to people who want to pursue legal action when they have experienced a material loss as a result of a home report.\r\n","AnswerText":"Where an individual wants to pursue a claim from losses thought to be sustained as a result of a home report then advice and assistance (A&A) could be used to investigate any potential claim and to try to settle the matter without recourse to court. A&A would only be available where the individual was financially eligible and would be granted by the solicitor acting.\r\nIf that was insufficient to resolve matters an application for civil legal aid could be made to bring the issue before the court. As with other civil legal aid applications the Scottish Legal Aid Board would need to be satisfied that the statutory tests were met. These are:\r\nfinancial eligibility both in terms of disposable income and disposable capital;\r\nwhether the applicant has probable cause for their case; and\r\nwhether it is reasonable in all the circumstances to make legal aid available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T13:59:41.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285105,"EventID":"S4W-15312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T13:59:42.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T11:58:34.263","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14851 by Margaret Burgess on 28 May 2013, whether the minister will place copies of the correspondence in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to place copies of correspondence with UK Ministers in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T13:59:42.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285115,"EventID":"S4W-15303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:07.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T11:17:36.687","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when guidance was issued on the bed planning tool.","AnswerText":"On 8 May 2013 we announced the development of a new bed capacity and performance planning tool to support NHS boards. The tool is being developed to ensure that hospitals and communities have the right beds in place to treat patients as Scotland’s health service face the challenge of an ageing population. Guidance has not yet been issued as the bed planning tool is currently under initial development.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:07.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285116,"EventID":"S4W-15304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:08.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T11:17:36.687","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what organisations were consulted on the development of the bed planning tool prior to its announcement in the news release of 8 May 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 8 May 2013 we announced the development of a new bed capacity and performance planning tool to support NHS boards. The tool is being developed to ensure that hospitals and communities have the right beds in place to treat patients as Scotland’s health service face the challenge of an ageing population.\r\nThe Bed Planning Tool will be evidence based and developed in consultation with clinical professionals from across NHSScotland to instil and ensure a consistent approach. This consultation will take place throughout the initial development phase.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:08.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285117,"EventID":"S4W-15305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:08.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T11:17:36.687","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what stage of development the bed planning tool has reached.","AnswerText":"On 8 May 2013 we announced the development of a new bed capacity and performance planning tool to support NHS boards. The tool is being developed to ensure that hospitals and communities have the right beds in place to treat patients as Scotland’s health service face the challenge of an ageing population.\r\nThe Bed Planning Tool is in the initial stages of development. It will be developed in consultation with clinical professionals from across NHSScotland to instil and ensure a consistent approach. This new tool will be used alongside the established workforce planning tools which have been made mandatory that all NHS boards use.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:08.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285118,"EventID":"S4W-15306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:09.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T11:17:36.687","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS boards will start using the bed planning tool.","AnswerText":"NHS boards combine workforce and financial plans in their annual Local Delivery Plans (LDP’s), which include a consideration of the number of beds required.\r\nWe envisage that the Bed Planning Tool will help NHS boards to develop their LDPs, at least in part, for the financial year 2014-15 and fully from 2015-16 onwards.\r\nThe Bed Planning Tool will also be subject to a process of continuous review and improvement to take into account new factors that emerge in healthcare planning.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:09.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285119,"EventID":"S4W-15307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:10.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T11:17:36.687","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what evidence the bed planning tool uses to project the number of beds needed.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15304 on 12 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:10.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285120,"EventID":"S4W-15313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:10.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:40:02.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last reviewed its pandemic influenza strategy and operational guidance.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Strategy was published in 2011 on behalf of the four UK countries.\r\nThe Scottish Government and the other Devolved Administrations worked with the UK Government to produce operational pandemic influenza guidance, which was made available to stakeholders in Scotland in 2012. A Scotland-specific version is currently being developed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:10.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285121,"EventID":"S4W-15314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:11.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:40:02.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what changes it made to its pandemic influenza strategy and operational guidance following the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic.\r\n","AnswerText":"The updated pandemic influenza strategy and operational guidance focus on ensuring that the response to a pandemic is proportionate to meet the differing demands of pandemic influenza viruses, with further information to assist planners in considering the local response according to the stage and severity of any new pandemic.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:11.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285122,"EventID":"S4W-15315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:11.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:40:02.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what changes it will make to its pandemic influenza strategy and operational guidance following the introduction of a single police and single fire service.","AnswerText":"The pandemic influenza strategy and operational guidance set out an overarching approach to managing a pandemic and will not be directly affected by the changes to the police and fire service structures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:11.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285123,"EventID":"S4W-15316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:12.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:40:02.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many simulations of pandemic influenza management it has run since the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic and what it has learnt from such simulations.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government plans to exercise pandemic influenza arrangements in 2014-15. NHS boards have updated their pandemic influenza plans following the last pandemic, taking account of the lessons learned locally and the updated national guidance published subsequently. Such exercising will provide an opportunity to test the updated arrangements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:12.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285124,"EventID":"S4W-15317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:12.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:40:02.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) the UK Government and (b) other EU member states on the H7N9 influenza virus.","AnswerText":"On behalf of Scottish Government, Health Protection Scotland (HPS) routinely participates in global networks that monitor emerging health issues such as AH7N9 in China.\r\nUnder the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005), the UK Government has designated Public Health England (PHE) as the UK's National Focal Point for communications with the WHO (World Health Organisation) IHR Contact Point. PHE shares all relevant WHO IHR communications with HPS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:12.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285125,"EventID":"S4W-15318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:13.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:40:02.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is aware of new technologies that might lead to the faster production of an influenza vaccine.","AnswerText":"The need for faster production of influenza vaccines is recognised. The World Health Organisation, academic researchers and vaccine manufacturers are all engaged in assessing new technologies for the production of vaccines against influenza viruses.\r\nThe results of any significant developments are shared with Scottish Government at meetings of the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) who provide expert advice on vaccination and immunisation policy and in academic output available internationally.\r\nThe Scottish Government is represented on the JCVI by one of its Senior Medical Officers, who has responsibility for vaccination and immunisation issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:13.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285126,"EventID":"S4W-15319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:13.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:40:35.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it will issue to ensure that more harmful pesticides are not used instead of the banned neonicotinoids and what consideration it is giving to the use of diamides.","AnswerText":"Under a Crop Health Advisory Activity, Scottish Government fund staff at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) to maintain an on-going campaign to promote the sustainable use of pesticides and alternative treatments in the husbandry of major arable crops. This advice aims to reduce the unnecessary use of pesticides with benefits for the environment and wildlife.\r\nIn practice, this means SRUC staff monitor representative commercial crops for pests and publish results in grower reports, inform arable consultants, update farmers at grower meetings and open days and on-line. Staff, then promote the use of alternative treatments and the use of pest thresholds before treatments are applied, and also coordinate information on pesticide resistance so that potentially ineffective sprays are avoided.\r\nOnly one diamide insecticide is currently approved for use on a limited number of crops in the UK. The future availability of other diamide compounds will be dependent on whether their use is authorised under the EU and UK pesticide approval process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:13.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285127,"EventID":"S4W-15321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:13.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:41:28.163","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the monthly monitoring of New Ways patient waiting times data started.","AnswerText":"We have been monitoring New Ways data monthly since its introduction in January 2008. We continually review and enhance our monthly monitoring process to ensure we are able to quickly identify any issues in individual boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:13.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285128,"EventID":"S4W-15322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:14.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:41:28.163","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13978 by Alex Neil on 25 April 2013, whether the reduction in the number of (a) outpatients, (b) inpatients and (c) day cases removed from waiting lists under codes 20, 21, 37, 38, 40, 41 and 42 between June 2012 and December 2012 was discussed at monitoring meetings with (i) Information Services Division chief executives or (ii) chairs of NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerText":"During last year a number of changes to the rule around the New Ways system were made to take account of the legislation for the 12 weeks legal treatment guarantee coming into effect from 1 October 2012. Guidance was issued in August under cover of CEL 32(2012) and CEL 33(2012) which provides information on the changes to New Ways rules in relation to the treatment time guarantee, 18 weeks referral to treatment etc.\r\nThis means that the information provided in the answer to PQ S4W-13978 for June and December 2012, is not comparable as the data provided for December only relates to patients added to the waiting lists prior to 1 October 2012.\r\nInformation on the treatment time guarantee is currently being collected from a local statistical return from boards and not through the new ways warehouse – this return does not currently include information on removals from the waiting list. This is to allow boards time to make the necessary changes to their IT systems. It is planned that statistics will be reported on the treatment time guarantee through the New Ways warehouse shortly and will provide information on removals from lists.\r\nInformation in relation to first outpatient consultation was also provided from a local statistical return for the quarter ending December 2012. Although the recent publication on 28 May 2013 now shows data for outpatients from the New Ways warehouse for all periods. \r\nConsequently due to these changes no specific discussions took place on the reductions between June and December 2012 due to the changes in the rules.\r\nInformation about the changes to the New Ways waiting time measures can be obtained on ISD Scotland’s website:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Waiting-Times/Publications/2013-02-26/2013-02-26-WT-History.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:14.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285129,"EventID":"S4W-15323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:14.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:41:28.163","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13978 by Alex Neil on 25 April 2013, whether there was a significant variation (a) between quarters or (b) in the level that might be expected for the size of NHS board in any quarter between March 2008 and December 2012 in the number of patients removed from waiting lists under code (i) 20, (ii) 21, (iii) 37, (iv) 38, (v) 40, (vi) 41 or (vii) 42.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15322 on 12 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThe data shows no concerns on the level of patients returned back to their GP. Most of these relate to patient behaviour such as could not attend, did not attends etc. If for example a patient did not attend an appointment and the board refers them back to their GP they must record why this was reasonable and clinical appropriate to do so. Boards are also required to write to the patient advising of their decision and the consequence of that decision on the treatment time guarantee. GPs can of course re-refer any patient back to the hospital.\r\nIt should be borne in mind that the total number of returns to the GP for inpatient and day case treatment during the quarter ending 30 June 2012 for the codes indicated in the question was 1,640 compared to the number of attendances of 104,112 - this represents 1.3% of total attendances. The equivalent figure for first outpatient consultation was 10,032 compared to the number of attendances of 336,752 - this represent 2.4% of total attendances.\r\nIt is however important that Boards continue to review their own local arrangements for booking, scheduling and managing appointments. For example, if a patient agrees a reasonable offer of appointment some boards are phoning/texting patients to remind them of their appointment in a bid to reduce did not attends.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:14.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285130,"EventID":"S4W-15333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:15.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:44:52.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what dates it had negotiations with BMA Scotland about doctors' pay for 2013-14.","AnswerText":"The independent Doctors’ and Dentists’ Pay Review Body make recommendations to Scottish Ministers on pay levels who then decide whether or not to accept these recommendations and in the context of the public sector pay policy.\r\nBoth the Scottish Government and the British Medical Association (BMA) submit written, oral and supplementary evidence on pay to the review body and no negotiations were undertaken with BMA Scotland about doctors’ pay for 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:15.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285131,"EventID":"S4W-15334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:15.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:44:52.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is a pay gap between GPs in Scotland and the rest of the UK and, if so, whether the most recent pay settlement will increase that gap and whether it considers that this will lead to GPs leaving the NHS in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The recent GP pay uplift means an increase in funding of around £8 million for all GP practices across Scotland in 2013-14. Scotland also has more GPs per head of population than the rest of the UK. The average earnings of a GP in Scotland before tax in 2010-11 was £89,300 per annum, plus expenses of over £100,000 to run their practice (staffing etc). The recent pay settlement is in line with the Scottish Government Public Pay Policy.\r\nGPs do not receive a straight forward salary. Instead, they receive practice income through a system of fees and allowances, which are then distributed according to internal partnership arrangements. This will include payments based on the number of patients registered in each practice. As the average list size of a general practice in England is 23% larger than in Scotland, and payments are calculated per practice, as well as GP, it would be misleading to make simple comparisons between the countries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:15.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285132,"EventID":"S4W-15335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:15.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:44:52.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what difference there was between the recommendation of the pay review body and the award made by the Scottish Government for (a) GPs' (i) pay and (ii) expenses, (b) consultants' pay and (c) junior doctors' pay for 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"The review body recommendation was for an uplift of 2.29% in relation to General Medical Practitioners. The 1.25% uplift awarded in Scotland is designed to give an increase of 1% to net taxable income in line with Scottish public sector pay policy. I also refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15334 on 10 June 2013.\r\nWe accepted the review body’s recommendation of a 1% pay uplift in the salary scales of consultants and junior doctors for 2013-14.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:15.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285133,"EventID":"S4W-15337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:16.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:46:13.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the designation threshold for night-time noise nuisance on the Stirling Alloa Kincardine rail line has been set at 82db; what assessment it has carried out of the effects of such noise on people's  health and wellbeing; what consideration it has made of the World Health Organization's views on night-time noise nuisance, and whether it has asked the UK Government to seek a derogation for Scotland from the environmental noise directive.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Stirling Alloa Kincardine (SAK) Project set the night time mitigation threshold at 82dB La max to align with other projects that had been through the Scottish Parliamentary Bill’s process after SAK and set the threshold at this level.\r\nThe use of the Lamax metric in these circumstances is consistent with the WHO guidelines on noise, providing greater benefit to those affected.\r\nThe Scottish Government liaises closely with both Health Protection Scotland (HPS) and Public Health England (PHE) to monitor the emerging research into the health effects of noise. As this dialogue develops on the potential health implications of noise, the Scottish Government will continue to work with HPS and PHE to enable us to develop appropriate policy responses.\r\nThe Scottish Government takes account of a number of peer reviewed research studies and guidance, including the World Health Organisation’s guidance when developing noise policy.\r\nDirective 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of the Environmental Noise Directive (END) was transposed by the Scottish Government through the Environmental Noise (Scotland) Regulations 2006, which came into force on 5th October 2006. No derogation has been sought.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:16.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285134,"EventID":"S4W-15345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:17.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:47:12.373","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to implement the environmental noise directive.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is using the terms of the European Union Environmental Noise Directive, commonly known as END, to seek to manage and where possible reduce environmental noise. We have published the first round of strategic noise maps (2007) and action plans (2008) in accordance with the terms of the directive at www.scottishnoisemapping.org. Round 2 is currently underway and the second round of noise maps were published in May 2013. We are working with Transport Scotland, local authorities and others to develop the second round of action plans which will be published for consultation later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:17.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285135,"EventID":"S4W-15346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:17.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:47:29.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the number of full cycles offered for IVF treatment in some areas has been reduced to (a) two for people under 40 and (b) one for people over 40.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Expert Infertility Group, set up in 2010 to ensure equity of access to IVF treatment across Scotland, recommended moving to a guaranteed maximum of 2 fresh cycles of IVF, and unlimited, where available, frozen IVF transfers for all eligible patients up to their 40th birthday. Patients over 40 were not previously offered treatment, but will, if they meet specific criteria, now receive one full cycle of treatment. \r\nThe government has a commitment for a 12 month waiting time for IVF to be in place across Scotland by March 2015, and £12 million is being invested to support the commitment. This funding has already significantly reduced waiting times in some areas, and will along with consistent access criteria, guarantee equitable provision of IVF treatment across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:17.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285136,"EventID":"S4W-15366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:18.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:54:10.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which NHS boards have stoma care forums; what information is collated nationally from these, and what action it is taking to encourage other boards to establish such forums.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recommended that local forums be set up to inform the provision of the stoma service.\r\nInformation from these forums is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:18.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285137,"EventID":"S4W-15379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:18.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T14:03:30.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14763 by Alex Neil on 22 May 2013, whether an independent Scotland would have its own body to provide such advice.\r\n","AnswerText":"As I stated in my answer to S4W-14763, the Scottish Government values the independent scrutiny and recommendations of the pay review bodies and we will maintain independent pay advice in the future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:18.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285138,"EventID":"S4W-15380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-29T17:11:18.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T14:03:30.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14761 by Alex Neil on 22 May 2013, how much it pays toward participating in the UK pay review bodies and how much it would cost to establish a separate set of bodies in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Office of Manpower Economics which provides a secretariat for all six pay review bodies (including the NHS pay review body and the Doctors’ and Dentists’ review body) is funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, which is in turn funded through tax revenue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-12T17:11:18.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285139,"EventID":"S4O-02225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T10:21:13.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T15:55:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what work is being carried out on the wooden spars on the Parliament building, at what cost and in what timescale.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T10:21:13.36","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285140,"EventID":"S4O-02226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T10:21:13.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-28T09:47:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what steps it has taken to ensure that people with a sensory impairment can take a full and active part when visiting the Parliament or attending external events.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T10:21:13.86","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285141,"EventID":"S4O-02227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T10:21:14.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-28T15:21:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what action it is taking in light of the findings of Audit Scotland’s report, Managing early departures from the Scottish public sector.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T10:21:14.14","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285142,"EventID":"S4O-02228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T10:21:14.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-28T21:10:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will consider procuring a resident cat as a humane mouse deterrent.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T10:21:14.437","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285143,"EventID":"S4O-02229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T10:21:15.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T12:09:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what the average number of customers using the Queensberry House lounge is on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays before 4pm.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T10:21:15.093","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285144,"EventID":"S4O-02230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T10:21:15.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T12:14:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether the external security facility will be delivered on time and on budget.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T10:21:15.327","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285145,"EventID":"S4O-02231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T10:21:15.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T16:10:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what reductions in energy usage have been achieved across the  campus over the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T10:21:15.607","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285155,"EventID":"S4W-15264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:07.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-23T18:05:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that strategic environmental assessments of single outcome agreements are carried out; what benefits such assessments bring, and what the implications might be if they are not undertaken.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 requires a Responsible Authority to secure the carrying out of an environmental assessment in relation to a qualifying public plan or programme during the preparation of that plan or programme. The main benefit of environmental assessments is to ensure that the likely impact on the environment of public plans and programmes is considered before they are finalised. The iterative assessment procedures can enhance the public consultation processes by ensuring that those consulted are better informed of the likely environmental effects of a public plan or programme.\r\nA single outcome agreement (SOA) would only require an environmental assessment if it is regarded as being a public plan or programme as defined in the 2005 Act. The Scottish Government believes that in principle SOAs are unlikely to fall within the 2005 Act definition of a public plan or programme and so are unlikely to be subjected to Strategic Environmental Assessment. However, whether a particular SOA falls within the scope of the 2005 Act will depend on its content. It is therefore for each community planning partnership to interpret and apply the 2005 Act in relation to its own SOA and decide whether an assessment should be carried out.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:07.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285156,"EventID":"S4W-15308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:08.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T11:44:19.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12900 by Alex Neil on 27 February 2013, whether the cabinet secretary has met the parliamentary under-secretary of state with responsibility for medicines and pharmacy policy to discuss value-based pricing and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"I am due to meet with Earl Howe on 3 July 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:08.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285157,"EventID":"S4W-15309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:08.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T11:44:19.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers value-based pricing to be a devolved matter and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The regulation of pricing of medicines is listed as a reserved matter under Schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998. The proposals for Value Based Pricing of medicines licensed from 1 January 2014 are being taken forward in negotiations between the UK Government’s Department of Health and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.\r\nThe Scottish Government is currently seeking clarity on the evidence provided to the Health and Sport Committee on 14 May 2013 by the UK Government which suggested for the first time that aspects of value based pricing may be considered by the UK Government to be devolved.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:08.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285158,"EventID":"S4W-15310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:09.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T11:44:19.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what engagement its officials have had with their UK counterparts on value-based pricing.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials are in regular contact with the Department of Health concerning value based pricing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:09.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285159,"EventID":"S4W-15311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:10.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T11:44:19.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact value-based pricing will have on the role of the Scottish Medicines Consortium.\r\n","AnswerText":"The regulation of pricing of medicines is listed as a reserved matter under Schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998. The proposals for Value Based Pricing of medicines licensed from 1 January 2014 are being taken forward in negotiations between the UK Government’s Department of Health and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).\r\nOnce the conclusions of the negotiations are available to the Scottish Government we will be able to examine their impact on Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:10.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285160,"EventID":"S4W-15340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:10.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:46:58.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of (a) babies have been born with neural tube abnormalities and (b) pregnancies have been terminated following a diagnosis of neural tube abnormalities, in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The number and rate of singletons born with neural tube defects are available in the Scottish Perinatal and Infant Mortality and Morbidity Report 2011 (tables A22 and A23a). The congenital anomaly tables from the SPIMMR report are currently only available up to 2010 as all infants are followed up from birth for a period of one year to allow detection of anomalies from hospital inpatient records or NRS death registrations. This information is available on ISD’s website via the following link:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Maternity-and-Births/Stillbirth-and-Infant-Deaths.\r\nDue to the sensitivity of abortion data and disclosure issues around this topic the only data available for terminations following a diagnosis of neural tube abnormality are the suppressed figures from the Abortion Act Statistics 2012 (Table 1). The three groups which make up neural tube defects are Anencephaly, Encephalocele and Spina Bifida. This information is available on ISD’s website via the following link:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Sexual-Health/Abortions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:10.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285161,"EventID":"S4W-15342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:11.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:46:58.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the proportion of pregnant women who take the recommended folic acid supplements during the period of neural tube closure in early pregnancy and whether it has changed in recent years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not collated centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:11.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285162,"EventID":"S4W-15343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:11.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:46:58.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether (a) the Food Standards Agency or (b) Health Protection Scotland has given it advice on (i) monitoring the incidence of neural tube abnormalities or (ii) fortifying flour with folic acid.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has a function of advising Ministers on matters relating to the composition of foods. The FSA has recommended the mandatory fortification of bread or flour with folic acid in order to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in foetuses, along with provisos including, controls on voluntary fortification (e.g. breakfast cereals and fat spreads) and limits on the amount of folic acid in food supplements. The Scottish Government is considering the mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid with the other UK administrations.\r\nThe FSA has not provided advice to the Scottish Government on monitoring the incidence of neural tube defects as this is not within its remit.\r\nHealth Protection Scotland has not provided advice to the Scottish Government on either monitoring the incidence of neural tube abnormalities or on fortifying flour with folic acid as this does not fall within its remit.\r\nNeural tube defects are recorded in the Scottish Perinatal and Infant Mortality and Morbidity Report. The latest version of this report is available online at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Maternity-and-Births/Publications/2013-03-26/2013-03-26-SPIMMR2011-report.pdf?57358950377.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:11.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285163,"EventID":"S4W-15344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:11.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:46:58.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether pharmacists that sell over-the-counter pregnancy kits are (a) encouraged or (b) incentivised to advise customers on the need for early use of folic acid in the event of pregnancy.","AnswerText":"The Royal Pharmaceutical Society, as the professional body, provides information and guidance to their members on health promotion including preconception care and pregnancy.\r\nIn 2011, NHS Health Scotland launched an updated information leaflet for the public and briefing for health professionals with information on folic acid before and during pregnancy.\r\nThis resource is freely and widely available and gives basic information on folate from foods, folic acid from supplements or fortified food products and recommendations on intake for women before pregnancy and up to their 12th week of pregnancy.\r\nThere is also a professional briefing available, which underlines the importance of recommending folic acid supplements by all health professionals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:11.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285164,"EventID":"S4W-15347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:12.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:49:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) children and (b) households will be enrolled in the Family Nurse Partnership programme in (i) 2013-14, (ii) 2014-15 and (iii) 2015-16.","AnswerText":"The FNP programme is delivered to the mother. Therefore, the ‘households’ are the number we capture as the nurses have capacity to deliver the programme to up to 25 clients at any one time. There may be more than one eligible child per household, due to multiple births, but it is the number of clients on the programme that we count, in terms of capacity.\r\nProvided the expansion continues at the expected rate, we should have the capacity to reach (i) 1,970 households in 2013-14 (ii) 3,420 in 2014-15 and (iii) 5,470 in 2015-16. We are committed to expanding the programme to all NHS boards who meet the criteria to deliver the programme, by the end of 2015. We are also committed to looking at expansion within existing NHS boards, during that timeframe.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:12.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285165,"EventID":"S4W-15348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:12.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:49:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government against what (a) outcomes and (b) comparators the Family Nurse Partnership programme will be assessed and at what time intervals.","AnswerText":"The FNP programme will be assessed on the following outcomes and time intervals:\r\n(a) Outcomes associated with the programme have been defined in our monitoring and evaluation framework that supports the ongoing evaluation in Scotland. Since our last response to evaluation, we have subsequently produced the third interim evaluation report in December 2012, with the fourth interim evaluation report a summary report due in late September 2013.\r\nThird interim evaluation report – infancy (publised on 21 December 2012):\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/12/4237/0\r\nThis was not an impact evaluation, however we have reported on, or intend to report on, routinely collected data on the following indicators which are the outcomes demonstrated in the United States research:\r\nSmoking in pregnancy at 2 time points in pregnancy\r\nBirthweight and gestational age of infants\r\nPercentage of immunisations completed by children from birth to two years old.\r\nPercentage of infants that are breastfed following birth and duration of breastfeeding\r\nNumber of Accident and Emergency visits and hospitilisations for injuries and ingestions for children birth to two years old\r\nNumber of subsenquent pregnancies and mean interval between first and second pregnancy\r\nNumber of month’s women participated in the workforce\r\nNumber of months families used other programmes (eg breastfeeding support, etc)\r\nInvolvement of fathers and other family members in the programme\r\nThere are also a range of key performance indicators that we expect each FNP site to report on periodically to demonstrate they are implementing the core model elements of the programme. These include use of data forms, learning events and supervision sessions.\r\n(b) The comparators on which the Family Nurse Partnership programme could be assessed will be given due consideration once the full evaluation report is produced.\r\nAs part of the licensing agreement for FNP in Scotland, we are required to take cogniscance of the ongoing Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) in England. The first report on this is due early in 2014, and Scotland will be required to share similar data on the key outcomes and indicators on which the RCT is based.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:12.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285166,"EventID":"S4W-15349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:12.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:49:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that pregnant women assessed as being more vulnerable than those eligible for the Family Nurse Partnership programme will receive similar intensive support.","AnswerText":"The Refreshed Framework for Maternity Care in Scotland was launched in 2011 to ensure that maternity services maximise their contribution to ensuring the best possible health for mother and baby. At the first booking appointment the Scottish Women Handheld Maternity Record is completed and includes comprehensive holistic risk assessment following which care is individualised to a woman’s needs. Women with complex health and social care needs will have additional antenatal and postnatal support and care suited to their needs as well as signposting to other services as appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:12.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285167,"EventID":"S4W-15350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:13.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:49:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) Sure Start programmes, (b) family centres and (c)  Home-Start programmes there were in (i) 2006-07 and (ii) 2012-13 and how many children they were supporting.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not collect this information centrally. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:13.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285168,"EventID":"S4W-15353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:13.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:49:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many early years programmes other than Family Nurse Partnership programme, Sure Start family centres and Home-Start there are in Scotland and how many (a) meet the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for parenting programmes for the effective treatment of conduct disorders in  non-abusive families, (b) are based on evidence of effectiveness or (c) are innovative programmes that have been evaluated as effective or are being evaluated.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not collect this information centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:13.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285169,"EventID":"S4W-15354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:13.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:49:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that child protection data are being collected and shared digitally to reduce duplication of services. \r\n","AnswerText":"The child protection data published annually by the Scottish Government, as part of the Children's Social Work Statistics, collates returns from local authorities.\r\nThe data currently collected and due to be published in 2014 will be the first year for which the data will be sourced entirely from local authorities’ own systems, securely uploaded, rather than requiring additional forms to be completed. This development reduces duplication of effort by local authorities.\r\nThe data are shared digitally in that the findings are made publically available on the Scottish Government website:\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Children/PubChildProtection\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:13.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285170,"EventID":"S4W-15355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:14.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:49:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the prevalence rates for children aged 0-16 (a) were in 2007 and (b) are of (i) language disorders, (ii) severe learning difficulty, (iii) moderate learning difficulty, (iv) developmental coordination disorders (DCD), (v) attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, (vi) autistic spectrum disorders, (vii) fetal alcohol syndrome, (viii) physical impairment other than DCD and (ix) profound and multiple learning difficulties.","AnswerText":"The requested information is not held centrally. The four year surveillance research project (funded by Scottish Government and previously referred to in the answer to question S3W-39210 on 8 February 2011 the epidemiology of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is due to report in July 2014.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:14.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285171,"EventID":"S4W-15356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:14.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:52:31.503","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review the provision of stoma care.\r\n","AnswerText":"Day to day responsibility for the local provision and monitoring of stoma care services within a national framework falls to individual NHS boards. The last national review was preparatory to the establishment of the current commercial arrangements for the provision of this service which have been in place since July 2011.\r\nIt is now planned that a new quality and cost effectiveness review will be established to be led from within NHS Scotland to help plan for the future, to which patient groups will as in the past be invited to contribute. Further information for interested parties will follow in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:14.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285172,"EventID":"S4W-15357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:15.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:52:31.503","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to improve stoma care services across the country.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15356 on 13 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:15.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285173,"EventID":"S4W-15358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:15.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:52:31.503","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many new ostomy patients there have been in each year since 2006 and how many people currently require stoma care appliances.","AnswerText":"The numbers of patients that have had a new ostomy fitted each year since 2006 are provided in the following table:\r\nYear\r\n2006\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nOstomy\r\n2,025\r\n1,999\r\n2,157\r\n2,179\r\n2,373\r\n2,120\r\n2,113\r\nSource: Information Services Division (ISD).\r\nThe number of people currently requiring stoma care appliances is not held centrally. However ISD data suggests that the number of patients who were being prescribed stoma devices at the end of December 2012 was 33,200.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:15.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285174,"EventID":"S4W-15359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:15.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:52:31.503","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many stoma care clinical nurse specialists there have been in NHS hospitals in each year from 2004, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information regarding how many stoma care clinical nurse specialists there have been in NHS hospitals in each year from 2004, broken down by NHS board is not available as prior to the Agenda for Change (2007) information was not held at the level requested.\r\nThe following tables show the total number of stoma care clinical nurse specialists there have been employed in NHS boards, each year from 2004, however, the figures quoted will contain stoma care clinical staff from community and hospital based locations.\r\nTable 1. Number of stoma care clinical nurse specialists by NHS Board (WTE) from 31-03-2004 to 31-03-2012\r\nNHS Board\r\nMarch\r\n2004\r\nMarch\r\n2005\r\nMarch\r\n2006\r\nMarch\r\n2007\r\nMarch\r\n2008\r\nMarch\r\n2009\r\nMarch\r\n2010\r\nMarch\r\n2011\r\nMarch\r\n2012\r\nScotland\r\n26.1\r\n22.7\r\n29.4\r\n24.8\r\n27.8\r\n28.4\r\n28.0\r\n26.2\r\n27.2\r\nNHS Argyll and Clyde\r\n2.0\r\n1.0\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Borders\r\n0.8\r\n0.8\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\nNHS Fife\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n1.0\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n2.8\r\n2.8\r\nNHS Highland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n3.0\r\n3.0\r\n3.0\r\n3.0\r\n3.0\r\n3.0\r\n3.0\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n2.6\r\n2.6\r\n2.7\r\n2.7\r\n3.0\r\n5.0\r\n3.8\r\n3.8\r\n3.8\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n1.0\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n8.5\r\n6.5\r\n9.7\r\n9.1\r\n8.3\r\n7.9\r\n8.7\r\n8.8\r\n9.8\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n4.0\r\n5.0\r\n5.0\r\n3.0\r\n5.5\r\n5.5\r\n4.5\r\n2.8\r\n2.8\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n1.4\r\n-\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n0.8\r\n0.8\r\n1.0\r\n-\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\nState Hospital\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNational Waiting Times Centre\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS24\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS National Services Scotland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Education for Scotland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Healthcare Improvement Scotland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nSource:  ISD Scotland.\r\nNote: NHS Argyll and Clyde ceased to exist at 1st April 2006. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Highland board areas were revised to include Argyll and Clyde.\r\nTable 2. Number of stoma care clinical nurse specialists by NHS Board (Headcount) from 31-03-2004 to 31-03-2012\r\nNHS Board\r\nMarch\r\n2004\r\nMarch\r\n2005\r\nMarch\r\n2006\r\nMarch\r\n2007\r\nMarch\r\n2008\r\nMarch\r\n2009\r\nMarch\r\n2010\r\nMarch\r\n2011\r\nMarch\r\n2012\r\nScotland\r\n28.0\r\n24.0\r\n31.0\r\n26.0\r\n29.0\r\n30.0\r\n30.0\r\n34.0\r\n29.0\r\nNHS Argyll and Clyde\r\n2.0\r\n1.0\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Borders\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n2.0\r\n1.0\r\nNHS Fife\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n1.0\r\n-\r\n-\r\n2.0\r\n-\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n-\r\n3.0\r\nNHS Highland\r\n-\r\n3.0\r\n3.0\r\n3.0\r\n3.0\r\n3.0\r\n3.0\r\n2.0\r\n3.0\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n3.0\r\n-\r\n3.0\r\n3.0\r\n3.0\r\n5.0\r\n4.0\r\n1.0\r\n4.0\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1.0\r\n2.0\r\n1.0\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1.0\r\n-\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1.0\r\n-\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n1.0\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n2.0\r\n5.0\r\n1.0\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n9.0\r\n7.0\r\n11.0\r\n10.0\r\n9.0\r\n9.0\r\n10.0\r\n12.0\r\n11.0\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n4.0\r\n5.0\r\n5.0\r\n3.0\r\n6.0\r\n6.0\r\n5.0\r\n4.0\r\n3.0\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n2.0\r\n-\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n-\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\nState Hospital\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNational Waiting Times Centre\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS24\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS National Services Scotland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Education for Scotland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Healthcare Improvement Scotland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nSource: ISD Scotland.\r\nNote: NHS Argyll and Clyde ceased to exist at 1st April 2006. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Highland board areas were revised to include Argyll and Clyde.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:15.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285175,"EventID":"S4W-15360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:16.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:52:31.503","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review the arrangements for the provision of stoma care appliances to patients in the community.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15356 on 13 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:16.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285176,"EventID":"S4W-15361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:16.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:52:31.503","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it consults stoma patients on the quality of stoma care services in the community.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15356 on 13 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:16.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285177,"EventID":"S4W-15362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:16.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:53:12.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how stoma care services are monitored.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15356 on 13 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:16.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285178,"EventID":"S4W-15363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:17.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:53:12.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action has been taken to set up a national audit programme investigating the provision of stoma (a) care appliances and (b) patient service standards.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Stoma Forum audited patient opinion back in August 2010 to inform the development of a national audit system. Further work to establish a national group is to be taken forward and will be tasked with developing a national audit system building on patient opinion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:17.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285179,"EventID":"S4W-15364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:17.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:53:12.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who is responsible for auditing national service standards in respect of stoma care. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15356 on 13 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:17.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285180,"EventID":"S4W-15365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:18.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:53:12.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS boards are required to report on the provision of stoma care services as part of their annual review.\r\n","AnswerText":"Whilst there is no current requirement for NHS boards to report on the provision of stoma care services as part of the Annual Review process, it is possible that this could be discussed at a board review; especially if it is a particular area of strength or challenge for the relevant board.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:18.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285181,"EventID":"S4W-15375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:18.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:55:59.01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to provide training for (a) clinical nurse specialists, (b) GPs, (c) pharmacists and (d) other NHS staff regarding (i) stoma care and (ii) working with new stoma care appliances.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHSScotland Boards are responsible for ensuring that they have an appropriately skilled workforce within their area to provide person-centred, safe and effective care. Individual Boards are supported and facilitated to meet training and continuous professional development needs by NHS Education for Scotland(NES).\r\nWith regard to stoma care, and new stoma care appliances, relevant healthcare staff are required to acquire and keep up to date their knowledge and skills to address the needs of their patients and to deliver high quality care, through medical journals, training and information from the Royal Colleges, GP magazines, national and local guidelines (e.g. British National Formulary and local formularies), NHS Knowledge Network, and others.\r\nIn addition to facilitating access to relevant information sources, NES also provides specific online stoma care presentations and webcasts that enable staff to gain greater insight into caring for the stoma patient, prescribing and common pharmaceutical care issues, and a ‘trouble-shooting’ workshop based upon case scenarios. These resources are reviewed regularly, and adapted as required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:18.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285182,"EventID":"S4W-15376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:18.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:55:59.01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of clinical nurse specialists in stoma care have been trained in prescribing in each year since 2006, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:18.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285183,"EventID":"S4W-15377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:19.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:55:59.01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it decides which NHS staff should be responsible for the prescribing of stoma appliances.\r\n","AnswerText":"Prescribing may be under taken by appropriately qualified practitioners, on the NHS Boards list, within their area of competency and are accountable for all aspects of their prescribing decision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:19.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285184,"EventID":"S4W-15378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:19.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:55:59.01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that older people who require support with stoma care (a) at home or (b) in a care home receive this from an appropriately trained person.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government expects older people’s health or personal care needs to be clearly detailed within their care plans and, for them to be supported by appropriately trained staff, irrespective of whether they are at home or in a care home. The National Care Standards for Care at Home and Care Homes for Older People clearly set out the responsibilities of care providers and their duty to ensure that they have suitably qualified and appropriate numbers of staff to meet the health and welfare needs of their residents/clients.\r\nFree Personal and Nursing Care was introduced in Scotland in July 2002. Schedule 1 of the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 sets out that “where a person is fitted with a catheter or stoma, providing such assistance as is requisite to ensure cleanliness and that the skin is kept in a favourable hygiene condition, will not be charged for”.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:19.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285185,"EventID":"S4W-15382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:20.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T10:44:52.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the possible environmental impact, what its position is on the transportation of exotic nuclear fuels by rail.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15191 on 6 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:20.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285186,"EventID":"S4W-15385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:20.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T11:42:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle transphobia.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government shows leadership in tackling inequalities that exist for transgender people, by taking opportunities to raise awareness of transphobia when speaking at public events, and ensuring issues for transgender people are embedded in relevant policy and legislative development.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s approach to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality is considered progressive in a European context, and we are regarded as the most advanced European country on transgender equality. This is attributed to Scotland’s use of an inclusive definition of gender identity in Hate Crime legislation where crimes have a transphobic motivation. We are also working to introduce the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill which will remove the requirement on transgender people to divorce before obtaining a full Gender Recognition Certificate.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government was the first government in Europe to provide direct funding to a transgender organisation. The Scottish Transgender Alliance has been funded by the Scottish Government since 2007, and its current grant is £125,000 per annum for the period 2012-15.\r\nOn 30 April 2013, the Scottish Government published its Equality Outcomes and Mainstreaming Report. Although most of the Equality Outcomes can be applied across the protected characteristics, there are two which specifically refer to gender reassignment in the associated activities:\r\nScottish Government directorates are by 2017 more confident in and better informed on equality and diversity matters and can engage with partners and stakeholders to effect change and improvement.\r\nProgress is made towards the reduction in violence against women by 2017 through a strategic and co-ordinated approach by agencies and women’s organisations.\r\nAs an employer, the Scottish Government is committed to treating every employee with dignity and respect. It is our policy to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that all staff have equality of opportunity in their terms and conditions of employment and are able to work, and undertake work-related activities, in an environment free from harassment, victimisation, discrimination and/or bullying. Our Fairness at Work policy sets out quite clearly the behaviours we expect from all our staff and is based on the premise that what is deemed to be unacceptable is based on the perception of the recipient. The policy makes specific reference to protection against bullying or harassment based on real or perceived gender identity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:20.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285187,"EventID":"S4W-15386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:20.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T11:42:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that the rights of transgender men and women are being protected under the Equality Act 2010.","AnswerText":"Enforcement of the Equality Act 2010 is not the responsibility of the Scottish Government: it is a matter for the courts and the Equality and Human Rights Commission.\r\nThe Scottish Government does, however, act where it has a locus to act, for example, in relation to its Equality Outcomes and the protected equality characteristics of its staff.\r\nThere are two Equality Outcomes which specifically refer to gender reassignment in the associated activities: \r\n(1) Scottish Government directorates are by 2017 more confident in and better informed on equality and diversity matters and can engage with partners and stakeholders to effect change and improvement.\r\n(2) Progress is made towards the reduction in violence against women by 2017 through a strategic and co-ordinated approach by agencies and women’s organisations.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government has committed to have a more representative workforce through its equality outcome “90% of Scottish Government employees are responding to diversity monitoring by 2017 contributing to the Scottish Government workforce becoming broadly reflective of the Scottish population by 2025”.\r\nOur equality impact assessment process helps us to ensure that the rights of transgender men and women under the Equality Act 2010 are considered in relation to new and revised policies and practices.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:20.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285188,"EventID":"S4W-15387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:20.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T11:42:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it encourages the business and retail sector to comply with equal opportunities requirements in respect of transgender people.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers and officials regularly speak to, meet and correspond with individual retailers and business organisations about a range of topics including equal opportunities, as part of on-going engagement with sectors of the economy. In addition, the Scottish Government has funded the Scottish Transgender Alliance project since 2007. The Scottish Transgender Alliance assists transgender people, service providers, employers and equality organisations to improve gender identity and gender reassignment equality, rights and inclusion in Scotland. \r\nAt present, issues in relation to equal opportunities are reserved to the UK Government and enforcement of the Equality Act 2010 is a matter for the courts and the Equality and Human Rights Commission. An independent Scotland has the opportunity to improve on the UK regulatory model, streamlining and reinvigorating its functions to make them compatible with and reflective of our values and ambitions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:20.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285189,"EventID":"S4W-15388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:21.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T12:32:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date it first asked the Scottish Legal Aid Board to develop proposals for contracting with criminal legal aid suppliers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The issue of contracting is not a new one, and the Scottish Legal Aid Board has a statutory duty to keep the legal system under review and report to Ministers.\r\nMost recently, the Board has been looking at this as one of a range of options for responding to funding pressures.\r\nDiscussions continue with several interested parties. Once a package of possible measures emerges, there will be a consultation in the summer. This approach has been agreed with the Law Society.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:21.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285190,"EventID":"S4W-15389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:21.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T12:32:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what instructions it gave to the Scottish Legal Aid Board when asking it to develop proposals for contracting with criminal legal aid suppliers.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15388 on 14 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:21.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285191,"EventID":"S4W-15390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:21.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T12:32:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what communication it has had with the Scottish Legal Aid Board regarding the development of proposals for contracting with criminal legal aid suppliers.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15388 on 14 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:21.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285192,"EventID":"S4W-15391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:22.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T12:32:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it had contact with the Scottish Legal Aid Board regarding the development of proposals for contracting with criminal legal aid suppliers prior to the publication of the report, A Sustainable Future for Legal Aid.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15388 on 14 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:22.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285193,"EventID":"S4W-15392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T14:05:22.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T12:32:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it expects the Scottish Legal Aid Board to report back with its findings on the development of proposals for contracting with criminal legal aid suppliers.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15388 on 14 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T14:05:22.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285194,"EventID":"S4W-15393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T16:56:42.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T12:44:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what financial support it or its agencies provided to O2 when it established the Skypark call centre facility in Glasgow and what conditions were attached.\r\n","AnswerText":"O2 was offered a regional selective assistance grant of £7,000,000 in 2005 to help attract the project to Glasgow rather than competing locations in Ireland. This was for a project that would create 1,522 jobs and involve investment by the company of £13,271,000.\r\nBy the end of the project, O2 had invested £13,762,000 and created 1,330 new jobs. £6,100,000 of the grant was paid.\r\nThe terms and conditions of the grant required the company to retain the assets and jobs associated with the grant until April 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T16:56:42.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285195,"EventID":"S4W-15396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T16:56:42.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T13:54:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what grounds access to cetuximab has been restricted.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) published advice in July 2006 to confirm its acceptance of cetuximab for restricted use in combination with radiation therapy for the treatment of patients with locally advanced squamous cell cancer of the head and neck. The company stated in their submission that the target population they wish considered were those patients for whom chemoradiotherapy is not appropriate. The SMC advice restricted the use of cetuximab for this indication for patients who are not appropriate for or are unable to tolerate chemo-radiotherapy and who are of good performance status with no evidence of distant metastases. The use of cetuximab was also restricted to specialists in the management of head and neck cancer. The SMC advice can be viewed via the SMC website:\r\nhttp://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/SMC_Advice/Advice/cetuximab_2mg_ml_intravenous_infusion__Erbitux____________/cetuximab_2mg_ml_intravenous_infusion__Erbitux____________\r\nThe SMC advice on cetuximab published on 8 February 2010 confirmed its acceptance of cetuximab for restricted use within the NHS in Scotland for the first-line treatment of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer in combination with chemotherapy where they have not previously been treated with chemotherapy for their metastatic disease, with liver metastases only that are considered non-resectable but in whom potentially curative liver metastases resection would be undertaken if the lesions became resectable after treatment with chemotherapy and cetuximab. Within its licensed indication for the treatment of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer in combination with chemotherapy.\r\nThe submitting company requested that the SMC appraise a niche within the licensed indication for cetuximab specifically for patients who had not previously received chemotherapy for their metastatic disease and provided efficacy and safety data to reflect this niche. The manufacturer niched the economic analysis to patients whose metastatic disease is confined to the liver and is currently unresectable but which may become amenable to potentially curative liver resection after responding to chemotherapy plus cetuximab.\r\nhttp://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/SMC_Advice/Advice/543_09_cetuximab__Erbitux_/cetuximab__Erbitux_1\r\n\r\nOn 25 January 2012 NICE published Multiple Technology Appraisal (MTA) advice which confirmed that cetuximab monotherapy or combination chemotherapy is not recommended for the treatment of people with metastatic colorectal cancer that has progressed beyond first-line chemotherapy. Healthcare Improvement Scotland published advice on the same day to confirm that the NICE advice was valid for Scotland. A link to the national advice for cetuximab in this indication is attached: http://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/SMC_Advice/Advice/Cetuximab_100mg_in_50ml_solution_for_infusion__Erbitux__174__/Cetuximab__Erbitux__\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T16:56:42.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285196,"EventID":"S4W-15397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T16:56:43.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T13:54:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with NHS boards on restricting the provision of cetuximab.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15399 on 13 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T16:56:43.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285197,"EventID":"S4W-15398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T16:56:43.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T13:54:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether all NHS boards have agreed that the restrictions on access to cetuximab are appropriate.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15399 on 13 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T16:56:43.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285198,"EventID":"S4W-15399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T16:56:43.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T13:54:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Scottish Medicines Consortium regarding the provision of cetuximab.","AnswerText":"Since it was set up in 2001 by the previous administration, the purpose of the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has been to appraise newly licensed medicines and to issue advice to all NHS boards in Scotland about their use, based on assessments of comparative clinical and cost-effectiveness of treatments. As the SMC operates its processes independently from the Scottish Government there are no discussions with them about drugs they are considering.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T16:56:43.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285199,"EventID":"S4W-15400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T16:56:44.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T13:54:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients are being treated with cetuximab.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T16:56:44.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285200,"EventID":"S4W-15401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T16:56:44.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T13:54:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many patients have requested cetuximab.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T16:56:44.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285201,"EventID":"S4W-15402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T16:56:44.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T13:54:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many individual patient treatment requests have been made for cetuximab and how many have been accepted, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"On the basis of IPTR monitoring information received from NHS Boards for the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde received 14 IPTRs for cetuximab during this timeframe of which eight were approved.\r\nFor the rest of Scotland, five IPTRs were received within the same timeframe of which two were approved. Further breakdown of these figures to geographical area is not appropriate due to patient confidentiality issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T16:56:44.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285202,"EventID":"S4W-15404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T16:56:45.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T13:54:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether resource issues have been a factor in discussions with the Scottish Medicines Consortium on the provision of cetuximab.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15399 on 13 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T16:56:45.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285203,"EventID":"S4W-15406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T16:56:45.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T13:54:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many individual patient treatment request decisions against the use of cetuximab have been appealed and how many appeals were accepted, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T16:56:45.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285204,"EventID":"S4W-15408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-30T16:56:45.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T14:56:12.383","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS staff can expect to receive their 2013 (a) pay award and (b) back pay and for what reason this has been delayed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Staff should see the cost of living rise in their June 2013 pay, and the intention is to pay arrears in the following month’s salaries. The NHS pay cycle begins on 1 April each year but it is not unusual for circulars to be issued later than this date for one reason or another. The Agenda for Change pay circular has been issued in May for the last two years. And in 2006, 2007 and 2008, it went out in June.\r\nThis year, the NHS review bodies recommended a 1% pay raise for all staff within their remits. However, in Scotland (unlike in England) we decided to go further in protecting the lower paid and to make a non-consolidated payment to staff earning under £21,000 to raise their overall salary in 2013-14 by a total of £250. Discussions around the logistics of how to make this additional payment delayed the publication of the Agenda for Change pay circular.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-13T16:56:45.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285228,"EventID":"S4W-15421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T09:59:14.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T17:23:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how many staff employed by its contractors in the Parliament are on zero-hour contracts.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our catering contractor employs eight individuals on zero-hour contracts. These are all students except for one person for whom it is an additional job. Most of the students are studying hospitality and this group of eight support evening events only on an ad hoc basis, typically working as waiters and waitresses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T09:59:14.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285236,"EventID":"S4W-15275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:39.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T19:17:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedures have been performed at the national treatment centre.\r\n","AnswerText":"A total of 39 patients have had transcatheter aortic valve implantation at the Royal Infirmary Edinburgh, since the national service started in September 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:40.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285237,"EventID":"S4W-15276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:40.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T19:17:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the supplementary to question S4O-01466 by Alex Neil on 14 November 2012 (Official Report, c. 13412), whether it will provide details of the \"hypothetical analysis of the numbers\" of patients accessing transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment in the first year of operation of the national treatment centre.\r\n","AnswerText":"The analysis of patient numbers is set out in paragraphs 12 to 18 of the TAVI Short Life Group report published in June 2012. The report can be accessed at the following link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0040/00406819.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:40.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285238,"EventID":"S4W-15277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:41.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T19:17:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it is giving to providing a transcatheter aortic valve implantation  treatment centre in the west of Scotland.","AnswerText":"The performance of the national TAVI service is being closely monitored over the first 12 months, and consideration will be given to whether there is a need to introduce a regional model of service, or extend the service to two sites, if appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:41.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285239,"EventID":"S4W-15279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:41.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-27T19:17:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the supplementary to question S4O-01466 by Alex Neil on 14 November 2012 (Official Report, c. 13412), when it anticipates a transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment centre being available in the west of Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15277 on 13 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:41.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285240,"EventID":"S4W-15395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:42.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T13:20:13.4","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish its plans for the regulation of financial services in advance of the white paper on independence, and whether the white paper will contain its proposals for these regulations in full.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Fiscal Commission Working Group report set out five key recommendations in areas such as currency and financial stability to assist the Scottish Government in shaping and designing a robust macroeconomic framework for an independent Scotland.\r\nIn April we set out our response to the currency proposals and we will set out our further responses to the remaining recommendations in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:42.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285241,"EventID":"S4W-15409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:42.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T15:49:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to ensure that the transfer of responsibility for children’s panel members to Children’s Hearings Scotland is on schedule, and what the reasons are for any delays.\r\n","AnswerText":"Reporting monthly to the implementation Programme Board across all key workstreams, Scottish Government officials have worked closely with Children’s Hearings Scotland staff over the past two years to ensure readiness for the transfer of responsibilities on 24 June 2013.\r\nAppropriate arrangements are in place for the National Convener to take on her full statutory responsibilities from the implementation date.\r\nImplementation is on schedule for 24 June, and we do not expect any delays to impact on the timely delivery of the modernised system.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:42.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285242,"EventID":"S4W-15410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:43.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T15:49:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to ensure that there will be no delay or disruption to children’s panels following the transfer of responsibility for the recruitment, training and support of children’s panel members to Children’s Hearings Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials have worked closely with the National Convener and Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) staff over the past two years to ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place for the recruitment of panel members and the provision of their training and support once the National Convener takes on her full responsibilities on 24 June 2013.\r\nAs a result, there should be no delay or disruption to children’s panels following the transfer of responsibility for their administration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:43.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285243,"EventID":"S4W-15411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:43.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T15:49:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to ensure that it collects accurate information on members of children's panels in relation to police checks and protection of vulnerable groups legislation, and whether this information will be transferred to Children’s Hearings Scotland in time for it becoming operational in June 2013.","AnswerText":"All appointments and reappointments to Children’s Panels are conditional on the completion of statutory background checks by Disclosure Scotland. Information about these checks is gathered and processed at local level and is then recorded on the central database held by the Scottish Government.\r\nA planned quality assurance review has been conducted on the accuracy of central records and will conclude before implementation on 24 June 2013.\r\nResponsibility for the central database, and associated information supporting the effective administration of the children’s panel, will transfer to Children’s Hearings Scotland in time for 24 June.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:43.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285244,"EventID":"S4W-15413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:43.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T15:49:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to ensure that no children’s panel hearings will be delayed or cancelled due to any problems that might arise with the transfer of information from it to Children’s Hearings Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials have worked closely with the National Convener and with Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) staff over the past two years to ensure that all required information is available to them in time for the implementation date of 24 June 2013.\r\nWe do not anticipate any disruption to hearings as a result of the transfer of the required information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:43.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285245,"EventID":"S4W-15414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:43.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T15:49:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to ensure that no children’s panel members will be suspended due to information regarding them in relation to police checks and protection of vulnerable groups legislation not being transferred to Children's Hearings Scotland. \r\n","AnswerText":"Relevant Disclosure Scotland information on panel members, and prospective panel members, is communicated by local authority Clerks to the Scottish Government and recorded on individual records on the central database. Responsibility for this database will transfer to Children’s Hearings Scotland in time for 24 June 2013. \r\nNo panel member will be suspended because information has not been transferred to Children’s Hearings Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:43.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285246,"EventID":"S4W-15415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:44.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T16:38:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the impact of the recent shortage of liothyronine (T3) on people with an underactive thyroid.","AnswerText":"The Department of Health (DH) has responsibility for UK medicines shortages and acts on behalf of all the UK Health Departments in these matters.\r\nDH and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have worked very closely with the company responsible for the manufacture and distribution of liothyronine, Amdipharm Mercury Company Ltd, to help ensure that supply returned to normal as quickly as possible and I understand that new stock is now available.\r\nI also understand that while the UK licensed product was in short supply, unlicensed alternatives were imported from abroad for use on an individual patient basis. The MHRA issued advice to healthcare professionals on 21 May 2013 to explain the situation and to provide clinical advice on the use of imported alternatives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:44.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285247,"EventID":"S4W-15416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:44.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T16:38:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of recent drug shortages, whether it will investigate the reasons for their being only one supplier of liothyronine (T3) in the UK.","AnswerText":"It is a matter for individual pharmaceutical companies to decide whether they wish to apply for a marketing authorisation to allow them to market a particular product.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:44.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285248,"EventID":"S4W-15417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:44.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T16:38:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it can take to avoid a future shortage of liothyronine (T3).","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is in regular dialogue with the pharmaceutical industry, pharmacy wholesalers and pharmacists in order to minimise the impact of any supply chain problems on both patients and the NHS. In addition, officials are in regular contact with the Department of Health to consider any UK-wide implications.\r\nThe Department of Health has been in contact with the manufacturer of liothyronine (T3), Amdipharm Mercury Company Ltd, to discuss action the company may take to avoid future shortages.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:44.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285249,"EventID":"S4W-15418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:44.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T16:38:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of concerns expressed, whether it will investigate the price paid by the NHS for liothyronine (T3).\r\n","AnswerText":"The reimbursement arrangements for all drugs prescribed and dispensed by NHS Scotland are kept under constant review. With reference to liothyronine, the reimbursement price is based on that set by the single company manufacturing the product.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:44.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285250,"EventID":"S4W-15419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:45.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T16:38:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will investigate the cause of the recent shortage of liothyronine (T3).","AnswerText":"The Department of Health (DH) has responsibility for UK medicines shortages and act on behalf of all the UK Health Departments in these matters.\r\nDH has advised that the company responsible for the manufacture and distribution of liothyronine (T3), Amdipharm Mercury Company Ltd, experienced problems obtaining the active substance and, as a consequence, went out of stock. I understand that new stock is now available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:45.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285251,"EventID":"S4W-15420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:45.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T17:17:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on delivering IVF treatment locally for NHS Ayrshire and Arran patients.","AnswerText":"NHS Ayrshire and Arran provides IVF treatment for its patients through an agreed contract with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. NHS IVF treatment is carried out in specialist centres in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow on behalf of all NHS boards in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:45.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285252,"EventID":"S4W-15422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:45.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-31T09:49:58.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Fiscal Commission Working Group’s work in relation to options and opportunities for a tax system for Scotland includes consideration of the extension of VAT to food and children’s clothing.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the minutes of the meeting on 7 February 2013 of the Fiscal Commission Working Group. The minutes can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Economy/Council-Economic-Advisers/FCWG\r\nThe Fiscal Commission is considering the principles of taxation not what should be taxed. As the Fiscal Commission Working Group has indicated, a paper will be published in due course.\r\nIt will be for all parties in Parliament to set out their plans for taxation in an independent Scotland ahead of the 2016 election.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:45.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285253,"EventID":"S4W-15423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:46.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-31T09:49:58.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Fiscal Commission Working Group’s meeting on 28 May 2013 included consideration of the extension of VAT to food and children’s clothing.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15422 on 12 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:46.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285254,"EventID":"S4W-15424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:46.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-31T09:49:58.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether ministers have instructed the Fiscal Commission Working Group to rule out consideration of the recommendation in Dimensions of Tax Design: The Mirrlees Review to extend VAT to food and children’s clothing.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15422 on 12 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:46.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285255,"EventID":"S4W-15425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:46.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-31T09:49:58.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Fiscal Commission Working Group’s meeting on 28 May 2013 included instruction from ministers to rule out consideration of the recommendation in Dimensions of Tax Design: The Mirrlees Review to extend VAT to food and children’s clothes.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15422 on 12 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:46.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285256,"EventID":"S4W-15426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:46.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-31T09:49:58.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the recommendation in Dimensions of Tax Design: The Mirrlees Review to extend VAT to food and children’s clothing was a factor in the invitation for Sir James Mirrlees to join the Fiscal Commission Working Group.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15422 on 12 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:46.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285257,"EventID":"S4W-15427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:47.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-31T09:49:58.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the statement in the minutes of the Fiscal Commission Working Group of 7 February 2013 that “the work of the Mirrlees Review would provide a helpful starting point”.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15422 on 12 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:47.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285258,"EventID":"S4W-15428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:47.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-31T09:49:58.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the cost to an average family of an independent Scotland applying VAT to (a) food and (b) children’s clothing.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15422 on 12 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:47.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285259,"EventID":"S4W-15429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:47.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-31T09:49:58.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact on its poverty indicators of an independent Scotland applying VAT to (a) food and (b) children’s clothing.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15422 on 12 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:47.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285260,"EventID":"S4W-15430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:47.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-31T09:49:58.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether, in relation to an independent Scotland, it has a position on the statement in Dimensions of Tax Design: The Mirrlees Review that \"the policy rationale for the zero-rating of food and children’s clothing is extremely weak”.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15422 on 12 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:47.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285261,"EventID":"S4W-15431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:47.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-31T09:49:58.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in its proposals for a tax system for an independent Scotland, what weight it will give to the findings in Dimensions of Tax Design: The Mirrlees Review and whether such proposals will form part of the white paper on proposals for independence.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15422 on 12 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:#\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:47.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285262,"EventID":"S4W-15432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:48.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-31T09:49:58.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in relation to an independent Scotland, what its position is on applying VAT to (a) food and (b) children’s clothing as suggested in Dimensions of Tax Design: The Mirrlees Review.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15422 on 12 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:48.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285263,"EventID":"S4W-15434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:48.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-31T09:49:58.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to publish a report on its preferred structure of tax in an independent Scotland prior to the white paper on proposals for independence and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15422 on 12 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:48.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285264,"EventID":"S4W-15435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:48.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-31T09:49:58.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Sir James Mirrlees on the design of a tax structure for an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15422 on 12 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:48.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285265,"EventID":"S4W-15436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:48.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-31T09:49:58.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether, in relation to an independent Scotland, it has a position on the statement in Dimensions of Tax Design: The Mirrlees Review that “we should work towards a comprehensive system of congestion charging on the roads, replacing most of fuel duty”.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to replace fuel duty with a comprehensive system of congestion charging on the roads.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:48.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285266,"EventID":"S4W-15437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:49.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-31T10:07:01.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many decrofting applications are currently suspended by the Crofting Commission, broken down by parliamentary constituency.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are 44 decrofting applications held in abeyance by the Crofting Commission and these are broken down by parliamentary constituency in the following table:\r\nParliamentary Constituency\r\nNumber of Owner-Occupier Crofter Applications to Decroft held in Abeyance\r\nNa h-Eileanan an Iar\r\n1\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n2\r\nSkye, Lochaber and Badenoch\r\n16\r\nCaithness, Sutherland and Ross\r\n14\r\nShetland Islands\r\n10\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n1\r\nInverness and Nairn\r\n0\r\nMoray\r\n0\r\nTotal\r\n44\r\n\r\nI indicated to the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee, during Stage 1 of the Crofting (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill on 22 May 2013, that there were 50 decrofting applications held in abeyance.\r\nHowever, as I indicated on 6 June 2013 during that Bill’s Stage 1 Debate, the Crofting Commission has undertaken further processing of those applications and it has been established that 6 of those 50 applicants do not meet the definition of “owner-occupier crofter” as set out in the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993, as amended by the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\nThe Crofting Commission is holding these 44 applications in anticipation of the new legislation coming into force. This is subject, of course, to Parliamentary approval and the Bill receiving Royal Assent.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:49.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285267,"EventID":"S4W-15438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:49.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-31T10:23:48.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people from (a) England and (b) Wales have accepted places at universities in Scotland in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The number of English and Welsh domiciled entrants to higher education in Scottish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the last five academic years is provided in the following table. (Latest figures are for the academic year 2011-12.)\r\nEntrants to higher education in Scottish HEIs by domicile, 2007-08 to 2011-12:\r\n\r\nDomicile of entrant\r\nEngland\r\nWales\r\n2007-08\r\n         7,020 \r\n            250 \r\n2008-09\r\n         7,460 \r\n            225 \r\n2009-10\r\n         8,370 \r\n            270 \r\n2010-11\r\n         7,585 \r\n            220 \r\n2011-12\r\n         7,360 \r\n            255 \r\nSource: Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA)\r\nThe table includes entrants to all levels of study in HEIs including: postgraduate, first degree and sub-degree.\r\nData rounded to nearest five.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:49.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285268,"EventID":"S4W-15439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-05-31T14:30:49.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-31T10:23:48.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been generated in fees from students from England and Wales who attend universities in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nThe Scottish Government regulates the number of places available to Scots-domiciled and EU students. Where students from the rest of the UK are concerned, recruitment is a matter for each individual university and is determined on the basis of issues such as the number of applications and overall capacity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-14T14:30:49.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285280,"EventID":"S4W-15441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-03T13:24:06.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T09:13:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will address the concerns raised regarding boundary discrepancies in relation to the requirement for integrated arrangements for NHS boards and local authorities in the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill will bring forward legislation to remove Community Health Partnerships from statute. Instead, the Bill will create local integrated arrangements, which will be the joint and equal responsibility of health boards and local authorities. It will require local systems to remove constraints to providing integrated health and social care to communities so public bodies can focus on delivering better outcomes for their communities.\r\nAny mismatch of health board and local authority boundaries presents an administrative barrier to closer integrated working, complicating the planning and delivery of health and social care services. The Scottish Government will bring forward a Scottish Statutory Instrument to ensure that health board boundaries match the geographical boundaries of their local authority partners, further strengthening integrated arrangements and the relationship between health and social care service provision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-17T13:24:06.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285287,"EventID":"S4W-15442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-03T14:25:11.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T09:44:48.007","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many additional needs assistants have been employed in schools in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The requested information on additional support needs auxiliary or care assistants, is collected as part of the teacher census in September each year and is given in the following table:\r\nFull-time equivalent numbers of additional support needs auxiliary or care assistants, 2008-2012(1)\r\nYear\r\nFull-time equivalent\r\n2008\r\n6,046\r\n2009\r\n6,016\r\n2010\r\n6,016\r\n2011\r\n6,077\r\n2012\r\n6,491\r\n(1) Includes all local authority schools and Jordanhill, the mainstream grant-aided school, but excludes all independent schools and the seven grant-aided special schools. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-17T14:25:11.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285288,"EventID":"S4W-15443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-03T14:25:11.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T10:24:20.053","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what actions it is taking to promote healthy eating from a young age.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has a comprehensive range of initiatives aimed at promoting healthy eating from the very early years into adulthood. Improving Maternal and Infant Nutrition: A Framework for Action published in 2011 has a number of specific actions around nutrition, from antenatal education to weaning.\r\nThe “Nutritional Requirements for Food and Drink in Schools (Scotland) Regulations 2008” ensure that all food and drink served in schools meet high standards. In addition, Curriculum for Excellence help pupils develop the skills they need to make healthy and balanced food choices.\r\nIn addition we fund the Scottish Cooking Bus which teaches healthy, practical cooking skills to pupils and teachers across Scotland. Complementing the good work in schools, we are developing a new Beyond the School Gate toolkit to provide guidance on promoting a healthier environment around school premises.\r\nWe are also in discussions with the food industry on draft proposals to take voluntary action to help rebalance Scotland diet. The draft proposals can be viewed at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/Healthy-Living/Food-Health/HeathyChoices.\r\nOne particular focus of the proposals is children’s health. As part of this work we have teamed up with the British Standards Institution to develop a new Scottish marketing and advertising standard, across all forms of marketing and advertising to children as well as adults.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-17T14:25:11.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285289,"EventID":"S4W-15444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-03T14:25:12.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T10:24:20.053","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce compulsory foreign language classes in both primary and secondary education as part of the implementation of the curriculum for excellence.","AnswerText":"Scotland does not operate an education system which is based around compulsory subjects or lessons.\r\nThe Scottish Government sees modern languages as key to achieving the overall purpose of creating a more successful Scotland with opportunities for all to flourish through increasing sustainable growth. It is important for the nation’s prosperity that young people are attracted to learning modern languages and that they become confident and competent linguists, well equipped with the skills and capacities needed in the new Europe and in the 21st century global marketplace.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s commitment is to create the conditions whereby children and young people will have the opportunity to learn two languages in addition to their mother tongue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-17T14:25:12.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285290,"EventID":"S4W-15445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-03T14:25:12.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T11:21:59.003","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its response to its consultation on a plastic bag tax.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not consulted on a plastic bag tax. Our safeguarding Scotland’s resources consultation on efficient use of materials included a proposal for regulations requiring retailers to charge at least 5p for all single use carrier bags, regardless of material, and donate the net proceeds to good causes. We intend to publish our proposals soon, together with consultation responses and analysis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-17T14:25:12.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285291,"EventID":"S4W-15454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-03T14:25:12.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T11:51:50.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Highland Main Line upgrade project will reach the feasibility report stage.","AnswerText":"The 2012 High Level Output Specification states that phase two of the project will be delivered in Control Period 5 (2014-19). Due to the complexity of this project, detailed analysis must be undertaken to ensure that Ministers’ aspirations are achieved. Network Rail are expected to deliver a report on the options for phase two later this year.\r\nThe first phase of the Highland Main Line improvements has been completed delivering two extra trains each way per day from December 2011 and journey time improvements of up to 18 minutes from December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-17T14:25:12.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285292,"EventID":"S4W-15455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-03T14:25:12.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T11:51:50.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will make a decision on which options to pursue for the Inverness-Aberdeen railway line improvements.","AnswerText":"Network Rail is continuing to undertake detailed development on the Inverness to Aberdeen Rail Improvements Project to ensure that the scheme better reflects the priorities and timings detailed in the Scottish Government’s High Level Output Specification, published on 21 June 2012.\r\nMy officials in Transport Scotland are continuing to work closely with Network Rail on the detailed requirements and timescales for the project. A decision on which options to pursue cannot be made until detailed proposals have been submitted to Transport Scotland by Network Rail.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-17T14:25:12.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285293,"EventID":"S4W-15462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-03T14:25:13.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T12:20:18.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to place an annual limit on the number of GP appointments that a person can have.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will not restrict patient access to GPs. The Scottish Government is committed to continuing to provide high quality health and social care to the people of Scotland and consider that any moves to restrict the number of visits a patient can make to their GP would be of potentially serious detriment to their health\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-17T14:25:13.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285294,"EventID":"S4T-00382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-03T12:57:32.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T10:53:40.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact a reduction in winter fuel payments would have on older people in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-17T12:57:32.72","MeetingDate":"2013-06-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285295,"EventID":"S4T-00383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-03T12:57:32.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T11:00:39.067","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to secure jobs and conditions at the O2 Skypark facility in Glasgow following the announcement by Telefónica that 3,000 jobs are to be outsourced to Capita.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-17T12:57:32.953","MeetingDate":"2013-06-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285296,"EventID":"S4F-01434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-03T12:57:07.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-30T14:51:37.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-17T12:57:07.61","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285297,"EventID":"S4F-01437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-03T12:57:08.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T09:45:39.443","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-17T12:57:08.097","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285298,"EventID":"S4F-01439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-03T12:57:08.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T11:02:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Government is taking to improve treatment for people with dementia.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-17T12:57:08.627","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285299,"EventID":"S4F-01440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-03T12:57:08.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T11:10:03.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is on how an independent Scotland would maintain research funding for universities.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-17T12:57:08.877","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285300,"EventID":"S4F-01442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-03T12:57:09.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T11:26:57.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what impact the UK Government's proposed spending reductions for 2015-16 will have on the Scottish Government's budget.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-17T12:57:09.39","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285301,"EventID":"S4F-01449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-03T12:57:11.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T11:58:38.94","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is on recruitment and retention payments paid to senior management at the State Hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-17T12:57:11.293","MeetingDate":"2013-06-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285302,"EventID":"S4W-15463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-03T16:42:00.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T15:53:09.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4F-01418 by Alex Salmond on 30 May 2013 (Official Report, c. 20501), what estimate it has made of how much money would be allocated to Scotland if all corporation tax due to be paid was collected.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government believes that everyone, including businesses, should pay the tax that is due.\r\nWhile we do not have access to detailed HMRC data, it is possible to estimate the value of the “Tax Gap”, defined as the difference between the total expected liability for Corporation Tax and the estimated actual receipts collected in Scotland.\r\nBased on the HMRC’s most recent estimate of the “Tax Gap” for corporation tax at the UK level of 8.8% in 2010-11, we estimate that the value of the “Tax Gap” for onshore corporation tax in Scotland to be around £300 million in 2010-11.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-17T16:42:00.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285303,"EventID":"S4W-15464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-03T16:42:00.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T15:58:05.637","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions Transport Scotland has had with tourism stakeholders regarding the chartering of train services on the Borders railway link on Saturdays.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland has not had any discussions with tourism stakeholders regarding the chartering of train services on the Borders Railway project. However, Network Rail has recently commenced discussions with tourist train operators who have enquired about available train paths and the operators have stated that a Saturday is the main day for charter train operation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-17T16:42:00.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285320,"EventID":"S4W-15440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-04T13:44:20.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-02T19:17:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many train journeys between Edinburgh and Inverness have been reduced by (a) 35 minutes, (b) 25 minutes and (c) 15 minutes in the last year.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the last year, two services from Edinburgh to Inverness have reduced journey times of 16 minutes by comparing the December 2011 timetable with the December 2012 timetable. Further journey time improvements are linked to future projects on the Highland Main Line.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-18T13:44:20.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285321,"EventID":"S4W-15447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-04T13:44:21.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T11:48:05.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) teaching and (b) non-teaching staff have been employed in the college sector in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Funding Council collects information on the number of staff employed in the college sector. The latest available data is set out in the following table.\r\nStaff headcount by type of staff, 2007-08 to 2010-11\r\nYear\r\nTeaching\r\nNon-teaching\r\n2007-08\r\n12,877 \r\n8,948 \r\n2008-09\r\n12,647 \r\n9,101 \r\n2009-10\r\n11,751 \r\n8,935 \r\n2010-11\r\n10,831\r\n8,715 \r\nSource: Scottish Funding Council.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-18T13:44:21.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285322,"EventID":"S4W-15450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-04T13:44:21.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T11:48:05.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) teaching and (b) non-teaching staff it estimates will be employed in the college sector in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not make estimates of this kind. It is for individual colleges, as independent employers, to plan and consider their staffing needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-18T13:44:21.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285323,"EventID":"S4W-15453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-04T13:44:21.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T11:48:05.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any colleges have written to staff recently regarding compulsory redundancies and, if so, which.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for individual colleges as independent employers. The Scottish Government has repeatedly made clear to colleges our view that compulsory redundancies should be avoided.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-18T13:44:22.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285324,"EventID":"S4W-15465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-04T13:44:22.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T17:22:56.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the dental equipment used at the Chalmers Dental Centre in Edinburgh is sterilised on site.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Lothian advises that dental equipment is not sterilised at the Chalmers Dental Centre. Handpieces are processed at a compliant Specialist Primary Care and Community Dental Service decontamination unit in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian. All other items are processed at the hospital sterilisation and decontamination unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-18T13:44:22.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285325,"EventID":"S4W-15466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-04T13:44:22.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T17:22:56.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what dental centres have (a) all and (b) some of their equipment sterilised at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) NHS Lothian advises that the Edinburgh Dental Institute sends all equipment to the hospital sterilisation and decontamination unit (HSDU) at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE) to be sterilised.\r\nInstruments from St John’s Hospital dental unit clinics are also decontaminated and sterilised at the HSDU at the RIE. These include: Specialist services for older, frail patients; Out of Hours services; Orthodontics; Special Needs/ Sedation; Medical Photography - including items used to access the area/s to be photographed such, as mirrors, and their subsequent need to be decontaminated and sterilised.\r\nInstruments from the Paediatric department in the Royal Hospital for Sick Children and St John’s Hospital maxillo-facial OPD 4 are all decontaminated and sterilised at the HSDU at the RIE.\r\nTheatre sessions in which patients receive general anaesthetic for more invasive procedures are not classified as dental clinics. This includes Paediatrics and Oral Surgery. These instruments are decontaminated and sterilised at HSDU at RIE.\r\n(b) As reported in S4W-15465, some of the equipment from the Chalmers Dental Centre is sterilised at the HSDU at the RIE.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-18T13:44:22.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285326,"EventID":"S4W-15467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-04T13:44:22.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T17:22:56.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh was late in returning dental equipment that it sterilised for (a) the Chalmers Dental Centre in Edinburgh and (b) other medical centres in 2012 and how many times it has been late in 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) NHS Lothian has advised that there have been no reported late deliveries to Chalmers Dental Centre from the hospital sterilisation and decontamination unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.\r\nNHS Lothian confirms that there have been no incidents of late delivery reported through the DATIX system (the NHS Lothian system used to highlight risks, adverse events and near misses).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-18T13:44:22.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285327,"EventID":"S4W-15469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-04T13:44:22.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T17:22:56.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many appointments at the Chalmers Dental Centre in Edinburgh have been cancelled due to a lack of equipment in the last six months.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Lothian advises that no appointments at Chalmers Dental Centre have been cancelled due to a lack of equipment in the last six months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-18T13:44:22.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285328,"EventID":"S4W-15470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-04T13:44:23.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T09:55:21.483","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it monitors local government pension fund cash management arrangements.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ministers do not monitor the fund cash management arrangements for the Local Government Pension Scheme. Under the terms of The Local Government Pension Scheme (Management and Investment of Funds) (Scotland) Regulations 2010 that is a matter for the fund administering authorities. In particular Regulation 11(3) requires that “the local authority must invest, in accordance with its investment policy, any fund money that is not needed immediately to make payments from the fund”.\r\nThe Regulations also include the requirement for an investment policy, including the publication of a written statement of the principles governing its decisions about the investment of fund money. The authority must invest, in accordance with its investment policy, any fund money that is not needed immediately to make payments from the fund. The authority is required to obtain proper advice at reasonable intervals about its investments and must consider that advice.\r\nLocal authorities are independent corporate bodies with their own powers and responsibilities and are entirely separate from the Scottish Government. As long as they act lawfully, it is up to each local authority how it manages its day-to-day business and decision making processes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-18T13:44:23.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285329,"EventID":"S4W-15471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-04T13:44:23.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T09:55:21.483","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many local government pension funds have a cash management policy in place.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold information on the cash management policies of Local Government Pension Scheme funds (LGPS). Responsibility for the management and investment of the LGPS funds falls to the fund administering authorities in terms of The Local Government Pension Scheme (Management and Investment of Funds) (Scotland) Regulations 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-18T13:44:23.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285330,"EventID":"S4W-15472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-04T13:44:23.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T11:43:28.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what type of adverse environmental effects could arise from sourcing wood overseas to burn in the biomass plant to be built at Grangemouth.","AnswerText":"The most likely cause of adverse environmental effects would be unsustainable forest management practices in the source country. However, the Scottish Government is addressing this risk by requiring that all forest derived fuels to be used in operating the development shall be certified by accepted sustainability certification systems.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-18T13:44:23.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285331,"EventID":"S4W-15473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-04T13:44:23.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T11:43:28.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the biomass plant to be built at Grangemouth will not cause significant adverse environmental effects as a result of unsustainable sourcing of wood.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have applied three conditions to the consent, conditions 4, 11 and 12, to ensure that biomass feedstocks are from sustainable and responsible sources.\r\nCondition 4 requires that a sustainability plan is approved by Scottish Ministers and shall be designed in consultation with statutory consultees. The development must be operated in accordance with this plan.\r\nCondition 11 requires all forest derived fuels to be certified by accepted sustainability certification systems.\r\nCondition 12 requires written records to be held, recording the quantities, nature and sources of the fuel including details of certification and method of transport to site. These records are to be available for inspection by Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-18T13:44:23.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285332,"EventID":"S4W-15474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-04T13:44:24.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T11:43:28.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what sustainability certification schemes exist for the international sourcing of wood to burn in power stations.","AnswerText":"The Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) are two of the most widely recognised independent schemes for certifying sustainable forest management. Both operate internationally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-18T13:44:24.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285333,"EventID":"S4W-15475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-04T13:44:24.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T11:43:28.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what public body will be responsible for (a) monitoring and (b) enforcing the sustainability of wood used in the biomass plant to be built at Grangemouth; whether the body has enough (i) expertise and (ii) experience to do this, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Sustainability issues were an important issue when determining this application.\r\nWe have imposed conditions 4, 11 and 12 in the consent to protect from direct or indirect impacts of large quantities of wood fuel being sourced from abroad.\r\nScottish Ministers shall have control of discharging condition 4 for the biomass sustainability plan. Scottish Ministers are satisfied that the consultation with statutory experts, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Planning Authority, will ensure the condition meets requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-18T13:44:24.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285334,"EventID":"S4W-15477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-04T13:44:24.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T11:43:28.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what sanctions are available if the fuel used at the biomass plant to be built at Grangemouth is deemed to be unsustainable.\r\n","AnswerText":"Condition 4 of the Port of Grangemouth consent does not allow commencement of operation of the plant until Scottish Ministers have approved a biomass sustainability plan. The company are also required by condition 12 of the consent to keep written records throughout the lifetime of the development recording the quantities, nature and sources of fuel including details of certification. This will ensure that only certified biomass fuel feedstock’s are used and to ensure that the plant operates according to sound sustainable principles and policies.\r\nIf the Grangemouth plant were to be operated using fuel of a kind which breached the terms of the conditions of consent action could be taken to seek interdict from the courts to prohibit the continued use of that kind of fuel. Also in terms of section 36(6) of the Electricity Act 1989 any person who without reasonable excuse operates the generating station other than in accordance with the consent granted by the Scottish Ministers would be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-18T13:44:24.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285335,"EventID":"S4W-15478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-04T16:57:30.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T11:50:35.243","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact on its revenues would be of a 3% reduction in corporation tax, and whether it will publish this information in the same format and over the same time period shown for capital stock and GDP in its paper, The Impact of a Reduction in Corporation Tax on the Scottish Economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The impacts of a policy equivalent to a 3 percentage point reduction in the main rate of corporation tax from 23 per cent are set out in the paper referred to in the question on pages 3 and 11.\r\nThese findings must be seen in the context of Scotland’s stronger fiscal position than the UK as a whole, as outlined in Scotland’s Balance Sheet paper published earlier this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-18T16:57:30.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285336,"EventID":"S4W-15479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-04T16:57:30.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T11:50:35.243","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will update the £384.7 million figure for a loss in revenues caused by a 3% reduction in corporation tax shown at table 2 of appendix A of its paper, The Impact of a Reduction in Corporation Tax on the Scottish Economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following answer was corrected on 25 June 2013\r\n \r\nThe paper referred to in the question outlines the impacts of a policy equivalent to a 3 percentage point reduction in the main rate of corporation tax from 23 per cent.\r\nThe £384.7 million figure referred to in the question is an estimate of a direct static change in corporation tax revenues and does not take into account the indirect impacts of the policy such as the broadening of the tax base. As outlined in the paper, such dynamic effects are estimated to be significant, with the additional economic activity generated by the policy estimated to create 27,000 jobs and boost GDP by 1.4% after 20 years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-18T16:57:30.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285337,"EventID":"S4W-15480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-04T16:57:31.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T12:13:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15091 by Alasdair Allan on 30 May 2013, whether Education Scotland's role at the institution will change as a result of the Scottish Prison Service's initiative, Improving Life Chances for Young People, and, if so, how.","AnswerText":"Education Scotland’s role will not change in relation to Improving Life Chances for Young People. Education Scotland’s commitment to supporting Scottish Prison Service is to help build opportunities for learning and skills acquisition and development for young people in HMYOI Polmont. The Agency will use its expertise in “curriculum” design and partnership working to help co-ordinate, build on and extend current learning opportunities. It will provide advice and training on a range of areas including literacy, numeracy, working with young people, assessment and additional support needs. This work will support the Scottish Prison Service to deliver on the initiative.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-18T16:57:31.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285355,"EventID":"S4O-02232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:41.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T11:06:32.85","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact family nurse partnerships have on people's wellbeing.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:41.57","MeetingDate":"2013-06-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285356,"EventID":"S4O-02233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:42.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T10:37:44.077","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met the chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:42.21","MeetingDate":"2013-06-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285357,"EventID":"S4O-02234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:42.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T11:04:31.927","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the health and wellbeing benefits of community transport for older people across rural South Scotland and the rest of the country as noted in Age Scotland's report, Still Waiting.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:42.523","MeetingDate":"2013-06-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285358,"EventID":"S4O-02235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:42.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T12:07:59.857","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on The Range and Magnitude of Alcohol's Harm to Others, which was commissioned by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education in Australia.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:42.803","MeetingDate":"2013-06-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285359,"EventID":"S4O-02236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:44.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T12:08:00.743","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to encourage young people to learn to swim in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:44.053","MeetingDate":"2013-06-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285360,"EventID":"S4O-02237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:44.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T12:08:01.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the NHS supports people with heart disease.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:44.427","MeetingDate":"2013-06-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285361,"EventID":"S4O-02238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:44.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T13:20:30.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it makes available to multiple sclerosis national therapy centres.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:44.847","MeetingDate":"2013-06-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285362,"EventID":"S4O-02239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:46.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T14:39:45.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met its accident and emergency waiting time target for Scotland as a whole.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:46.283","MeetingDate":"2013-06-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285363,"EventID":"S4O-02240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:47.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T17:16:23.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has given to NHS boards in relation to cardiac rehabilitation.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:47.453","MeetingDate":"2013-06-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285364,"EventID":"S4O-02242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:48.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T12:08:04.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the adequacy of the enforcement of requirements and implementation of recommendations by the Care Inspectorate for the care of older people.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:48.03","MeetingDate":"2013-06-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285365,"EventID":"S4O-02243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:49.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T12:08:05.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what elements of its 20:20 vision for the NHS will focus on improved healthcare in Wester Ross, North West Sutherland and other remote areas.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:49.76","MeetingDate":"2013-06-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285366,"EventID":"S4O-02244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:50.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T11:24:54.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the individual patient treatment request system meets the needs of patients.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:50.713","MeetingDate":"2013-06-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285367,"EventID":"S4O-02245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:50.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T12:08:07.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action NHS Forth Valley has taken to improve waiting times for accident and emergency patients at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:51.01","MeetingDate":"2013-06-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285368,"EventID":"S4O-02246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:53.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T12:08:08.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it gives to people with motor neurone disease.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:53.023","MeetingDate":"2013-06-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285369,"EventID":"S4O-02247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:53.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T12:08:11.307","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the annual cost is of prescribing drugs for prisoners with depression.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:53.443","MeetingDate":"2013-06-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285370,"EventID":"S4O-02248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:53.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T12:08:14.347","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it gives to the Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils and its member councils.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government support to the Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils and its member councils is routed through sportscotland. For the year beginning 1 November 2012 to 31 October 2013 this investment will be up to 75% of its total costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:53.757","MeetingDate":"2013-06-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285371,"EventID":"S4O-02250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:54.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T17:23:42.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it gives to pregnant women trying  to give up smoking.","AnswerText":"All women are advised of the risks of antenatal smoking at booking and throughout their pregnancy, if they continue to smoke they are offered help and support with smoking cessation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:54.88","MeetingDate":"2013-06-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285372,"EventID":"S4O-02251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:56.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T12:08:19.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the level of take-up is for the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme.","AnswerText":"All men and women in Scotland between the ages of 50 and 74 are invited to participate in the bowel screening programme.\r\nThe current level of uptake in the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme is 54.5%. Of the 54.5%, 57.9% are women and 51% are men.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:56.11","MeetingDate":"2013-06-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285373,"EventID":"S4O-02252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:56.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T12:08:41.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the final report of the Scottish Islands Renewable Project.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:56.407","MeetingDate":"2013-06-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285374,"EventID":"S4O-02253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:56.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T09:21:49.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on a possible strike by the Fire Brigades Union.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government have been working in close partnership with the Fire Brigades Union and other stakeholders to seek the best solution for Scottish firefighters within the limitations placed on us all by Westminster.\r\nWe urge the Fire Brigades Union to continue negotiations with us to secure the best firefighters pensions outcome for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:56.687","MeetingDate":"2013-06-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285375,"EventID":"S4O-02254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:56.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T10:53:59.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the implications are for the ambitions set out in Scotland's Digital Future: A Strategy for Scotland of the UK Government's super-connected cities initiative funding for Edinburgh not meeting state aid rules.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:56.97","MeetingDate":"2013-06-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285376,"EventID":"S4O-02255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:57.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T12:08:43.6","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in conjunction with local authorities to tackle scamming.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:57.25","MeetingDate":"2013-06-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285377,"EventID":"S4O-02257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:57.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T09:14:44.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to promote the uptake of the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme in rural areas.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:57.513","MeetingDate":"2013-06-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285378,"EventID":"S4O-02258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:00:59.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T12:08:45.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to exploit the potential of Scotland's shale gas reserves.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:00:59.073","MeetingDate":"2013-06-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285379,"EventID":"S4O-02259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:01:00.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T10:46:18.507","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish greenhouse gas inventory will show that the emission target for 2011 has been reached, and whether the shortfall resulting from the missed target in 2010 has been compensated for.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:01:00.137","MeetingDate":"2013-06-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285380,"EventID":"S4O-02260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:01:01.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T12:08:47.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact Ministry of Defence rules for procurement of naval vessels will have on jobs in Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:01:01.43","MeetingDate":"2013-06-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285381,"EventID":"S4O-02261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:01:01.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T12:08:48.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the National Planning Framework 3 will support town centre regeneration.","AnswerText":"Our current consultation on the Main Issues Report for the third National Planning Framework supports town centre regeneration, and reflects the emerging findings from the Town Centres Review, including the need for a broader mix of uses in our town and city centres. Following consultation, we will consider this further in the Proposed National Planning Framework, which will be submitted to the Parliament later in the year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:01:01.773","MeetingDate":"2013-06-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285396,"EventID":"S4W-15481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:50:48.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T15:32:34.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which NHS boards have implemented the guidelines on the provision and repair of orthotic footwear, HDL(2000)23, as amended in 2002.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards were expected to update their patient pathways and design of services to ensure greater person centeredness and consistency in orthotics services following the publication of the orthotics guidelines in 2000 and as amended in 2002. There is no evidence centrally to suggest that NHS boards have not implemented these guidelines, although advice indicates that one NHS board continued to provide services additional to those set out. This is now being addressed locally as appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:50:48.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285397,"EventID":"S4W-15482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:50:49.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T15:59:40.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to encourage (a) trade, (b) educational and (c) other links with China; whether it is encouraging airlines to establish direct flights between Scotland and China to help improve these links; whether it considers that the visa arrangements for Chinese citizens entering the UK has an impact on such links and, if so, what discussions it has had with the UK Government in this regard. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to developing a long-term relationship with China, based on shared values, partnership and trust. This is articulated in Working with China: A Five Year Strategy for Engagement between Scotland and the People’s Republic of China, published in December 2012.\r\nOn trade, Scottish Development International (SDI) actively works to cultivate business relationships and provides assistance directly in China through its offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Shanghai and across Scotland via SDI trade advisers and trade missions. In the last year we have seen SDI increase staff in China by nearly 30% (from 7 to 9) to provide on the ground support to more Scottish companies looking to export and explore opportunities in China.\r\nOn higher education, the Scottish Government encourages participation in initiatives which target the mobility and internationalisation of students, staff and researchers with China at all levels. This includes contributing funding to a number of inward and outward scholarship schemes such as Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships, Study China, Saltire Scholarships for Outward Mobility Fund and the Hong Kong–Scotland Partners in Post-Doctoral Research Initiative.\r\nThe Scottish Government has also taken a number of steps over the past four years to encourage people to learn Mandarin and Cantonese as well as learning about Chinese culture and history. This includes the launch of 13 Confucius Classrooms serving 17 local authorities across the country; the launch of new national qualifications in Chinese languages at Higher and Advanced Higher and funding for young people and accompanying teachers to undertake highly successful study visits and language immersion courses in China. \r\nWith regard to culture, the First Minister signed a four year Cultural Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Scotland and China on 5 December 2011 in Beijing with China’s Minister of Culture, Mr Cai Wu. The MOU covers four key areas: cultural collaboration; best practice and talent development; educational outreach and, networking opportunities. Since the signing of the MOU, there has been a significant increase in new cultural collaboration, deepening of existing relationships and increased exchanges between both nations. \r\nOn the issue of direct flights, the Scottish Government believes there is considerable potential for improving Scotland’s international air connections and the development of a direct air route between Scotland and China continues to be a key focus of our engagement with the Chinese Government and Chinese airlines. This is because securing a direct air route from China to Scotland will increase the attractiveness of Scotland for not only tourism but will lead to greater trade and investment to (and from) China. There is a demonstrated market demand with the Scottish Governments analysis of the route potential showing a mid-point forecast of some 58,000 passengers per annum.\r\nVisa policy and its enforcement is currently a matter reserved to the UK Government and dealt with by the Home Office. The Scottish Government welcomes visitors from China and the rest of the world, whether for business or tourism purposes and we need an immigration system which supports sustainable economic growth. Cost and processing time for visas can be a barrier to visitors; however, the UK/ China Approved Destination Status agreement recognises the value of visitors and seeks to make it easier for organised tours to visit the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:50:49.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285398,"EventID":"S4W-15487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:50:49.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T15:59:40.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what visa requirements it expects would be in place for people from (a) China, (b) India and (c) the rest of the UK wanting to visit an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details of our proposals on independence will be in the white paper to be published later this year. However we have already stated that an independent Scotland would negotiate to remain within the common travel area, maintaining an open border between Scotland and the rest of the UK. Visitors from the rest of the UK would not therefore require a visa to visit Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:50:49.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285399,"EventID":"S4W-15490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:50:49.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T15:59:40.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking to encourage people to learn (a) Mandarin and (b) Cantonese.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has taken a number of steps over the past 4 years to encourage people to learn Mandarin and Cantonese as well as about Chinese culture and history. This includes the launch of 13 Confucius Classrooms serving 17 local authorities across the country; the launch of new national qualifications in Chinese languages at Higher and Advanced Higher; the funding for Headteachers to visit China and build up links; support for teachers from Tianjin schools linked with Scottish schools to live in Scotland and work in their partner schools, and funding for young people and accompanying teachers to undertake highly successful study visits and language immersion courses in China.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:50:49.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285400,"EventID":"S4W-15491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:50:50.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T15:59:40.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it offers to small and medium-sized enterprises that want to do business with China.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government through its international trade and investment arm, Scottish Development International (SDI), has in place services to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) wanting to do business in and with China. SDI provides assistance directly in China through its offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Shanghai and across Scotland via SDI trade advisers.\r\nSDI utilises European funding to expand its reach to all entrepreneurs and companies in Scotland wishing to exploit opportunities in markets such as China. The support available is wide ranging and is aligned to customers’ needs. Assistance includes: market awareness events; export skills development; strategy development support; overseas market research and identification of business opportunities; exhibitions and missions; and partnering support and assistance to establish a presence in China. The Smart Exporter programme is one of the services which has been specifically designed to help develop the skills and capacity of SMEs aiming to trade internationally.\r\nAdditional assistance includes the SDI website which is designed to provide a one-stop shop for Scottish companies looking to export and grow their international business. International trade training modules are delivered online with the added benefit, particularly to SMEs, that they do not have to be away from their businesses to attend. \r\nPlans are also in place to enhance this online resource as part of the Scottish Business Portal project. It is aimed at ensuring a clearer path for companies to navigate and access all relevant information and public sector support that is available to their businesses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:50:50.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285401,"EventID":"S4W-15492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:50:50.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T15:59:40.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it offers Chinese businesses that want to (a) set up in and (b) trade with Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"a) The Scottish Government through its international trade and investment arm, Scottish Development International (SDI), provides support to Chinese businesses that want to set up operations in Scotland and develop projects that will benefit the Scottish economy. SDI provides assistance directly in China through its offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Shanghai and can also advise across Scotland via SDI trade advisers.\r\nThe type of support provided would be tailored to the Chinese company and as such could cover a number of areas of interest including: helping to identify and access new markets, investments, technologies and innovations; offering advice on the economy, locations, recruitment and sector specific information; helping secure access to training and financial support; introductions to potential Scottish companies to partner with; advice on industry networks and clusters; and information on relocating to Scotland e.g. education, housing and lifestyle considerations.\r\nFinancial support includes advice on available grants and incentives including: Research and Development Assistance; Regional Selective Awards; and tax incentives e.g. patent box.\r\nb) SDI does not provide assistance to Chinese businesses wanting to trade with Scotland in the form of exports to Scotland. However, SDI can provide assistance with potential joint ventures and deals that will directly benefit Scotland’s economy. In those cases, SDI would cover areas of support already mentioned in part (a). \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:50:50.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285402,"EventID":"S4W-15493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T13:50:50.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-04T15:59:40.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many schools (a) are twinned and (b) have electronic links with schools in China and what encouragement it gives to schools wanting to develop such initiatives.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not collect data on the number of schools that are twinned with or have electronic links with schools in China. However, 12 of the 13 Confucius Classroom Hubs, covering 17 local authorities, are each twinned with schools in Tianjin in China. Details of these links are available at: \r\nhttp://www.strath.ac.uk/ciss/confuciusclassroomhubsinscotland/  \r\nThe remaining Confucius Classroom Hub is linked with a school in Chongqing.\r\nThe Scottish Government is keen to encourage schools here to develop links with schools in China. The Confucius Institute for Scotland Schools, which is supported by the Scottish Government, provides advice and guidance for any school wishing to develop links with schools in China. Evidence of schools’ increasing interest in China is provided by the increasing numbers of young people taking and passing National Qualifications in Mandarin, a trend we expect to continue as Chinese language learning becomes embedded within Curriculum for Excellence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T13:50:50.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285403,"EventID":"S4W-15459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T16:47:18.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T11:57:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the 2014 Commonwealth Games should adopt a comprehensive tobacco-free policy and what influence it will have in this regard.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recently announced its vision of a tobacco-free Scotland by 2034, defined as having fewer than five per cent of the population choosing to smoke, to reap a range of health, social and economic benefits. The Scottish Government is taking strong and decisive action, such as standardised packaging, increased education and introducing smoke free hospital grounds.\r\nThe Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games provides an opportunity to support the vision of a tobacco-free Scotland. Ahead of the public sale of tickets later in the summer, the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee is exploring how the Games can act as an exemplar for tobacco control at major sporting events.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:18.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285404,"EventID":"S4W-15461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T16:47:18.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-03T11:57:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what role it sees for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in creating a tobacco-free generation of Scots by 2034.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15459 on 19 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:18.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285405,"EventID":"S4W-15496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T16:47:19.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T14:18:18.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent impact assessment it has made of fees charged to patients who want a copy of their medical records.\r\n","AnswerText":"There has been no recent impact assessment relating to the charging of patients to access their medical records in Scotland. Such charges, when imposed, are in accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998) which sets a limit of £50.\r\nThis charge covers part of the actual administrative cost of locating, assembling, re-formatting, redacting and presenting a medical record held in many formats (paper and digital) on multiple clinical systems.\r\nHowever, health boards and GP practices are encouraged to share free of charge as much information with patients as possible as part of their normal care so that recourse to making a subject access request under the Data Protection Act can be avoided.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:19.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285406,"EventID":"S4W-15497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T16:47:19.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T14:57:30.59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it will carry out on its building targets for social housing and whether the target to build 6,000 affordable homes will be met in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government aims to deliver at least 20,000 social rented homes from within its five year target of 30,000 affordable homes during the lifetime of this parliament. Almost 12,900 affordable homes were completed to the end of March 2013, including 9,926 social homes, and we are on track to deliver a further 6,000 affordable homes in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:19.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285407,"EventID":"S4W-15498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T16:47:19.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T14:57:30.59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that its recently published statistics on house building indicate a potential shortfall in the number of new homes needed to meet demand.","AnswerText":"Whilst recent house building statistics are below the projections of household formation, the Scottish Government has put in place significant support to stimulate housebuilding activity across all tenures, including the private market. Nevertheless, operating conditions remain very challenging for Scotland’s house building industry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:19.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285408,"EventID":"S4W-15499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T16:47:20.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T15:29:43.41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fallen stock have been recorded on farms in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:20.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285409,"EventID":"S4W-15500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T16:47:20.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T15:29:43.41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to reduce the number of fallen stock on farms.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is helping to reduce fallen stock numbers on farms in a number of ways, for example by ensuring the welfare needs of livestock in Scotland are met; by ensuring the provision of an effective animal health and disease control infrastructure; by encouraging pro-active farm health planning and best practice; and by facilitating national campaigns such as BVD eradication in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:20.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285410,"EventID":"S4W-15502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-05T16:47:20.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T15:40:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many complete wind turbine structures have been produced in Scotland in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:20.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285425,"EventID":"S4W-15504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T14:08:57.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T15:45:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how many officials are on secondment to it from UK civil service departments, broken down by (a) directorate and (b) grade, and from what departments.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body currently has one inward secondee in the Communications and Research Group at Grade 5. The host department is the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T14:08:57.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Stewart","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285426,"EventID":"S4W-15505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T14:09:01.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T15:45:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body to which departments of the UK civil service staff from the Scottish Parliament have been seconded, broken down by year.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has seconded staff to the following UK Civil Service Organisations in the last three years:\r\n2010/11 – The Scottish Government and Audit Scotland\r\n2011/12 – The Scottish Government\r\n2012/13 – The Scottish Government \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T14:09:01.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Stewart","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285431,"EventID":"S4W-15501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T14:10:26.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T15:40:15.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02203 by Kenny MacAskill on 5 June 2013, what the reasons are for the projected rise in prison population to an annual average of 8,300 in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"The projections are based on past trends and do not explicitly model the potential impact of future changes in policy or practice on the prison population. While there was a small dip in the population between 2009-10 and 2010-11, the overall trend over the past 20 years has been upward and this is reflected in the most recent projections. The main drivers of the trend are described in paragraphs 28-36 of the Prison Statistics and Population Projections Scotland: 2011-12 which can be accessed online at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PubPrisons.\r\nWhile the estimate of 8,300 for 2012-13 is for the main variant projection, the likely range of the projection is between 7,600 and 8,900. The methodology used for the projections is explained in section 4 of the publication.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T14:10:26.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285432,"EventID":"S4W-15503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T14:10:27.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T15:45:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To as the Scottish Government how many officials are on loan to it from other UK civil service departments, broken down by (a) directorate and (b) grade, and from what departments.\r\n","AnswerText":"At 7 June 2013 there were 8 staff on loan from another government department to the Core Scottish Government.\r\n1 employee at C1 grade assigned to Directorate for Digital from Cabinet Office.\r\n1 employee at Fast Stream grade assigned to Directorate for Health and Social Care Integration from Department for Work and Pensions.\r\n1 employee at Fast Stream grade assigned to The Quality Unit (Health and Social Care) from Department for Work and Pensions.\r\n1 employee at B2 grade assigned to Directorate for Safer Communities from HM Revenue and Customs.\r\n1 employee at C2 grade assigned to Directorate for External Affairs from Home Office.\r\n1 employee at C3 grade assigned to Directorate for Justice from Ministry of Justice.\r\n1 employee at C1 grade assigned to Directorate for Justice from Scottish Court Service.\r\n1 employee at B1 grade assigned to Ministerial Private Offices from Historic Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T14:10:28.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285433,"EventID":"S4W-15507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T14:10:30.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T16:44:16.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the dignity at work toolkit has led to a measurable decline in bullying.","AnswerText":"The latest NHSScotland staff survey launched on 27 May 2013 and will run until 5 July 2013. This survey aims to gather comprehensive views from staff about working for NHSScotland, including views on bullying and harassment.\r\nThe results of this survey will be available later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T14:10:31.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285434,"EventID":"S4W-15508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T14:10:34.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T16:44:16.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that concerns raised by NHS staff using the National Confidential Alert Line will be actioned.","AnswerText":"The National Confidential Alert Line provides an additional level of support to NHSScotland employees should they feel unable to report cases of patient safety or malpractice directly to their board, or, if they feel they have exhausted procedures in place.\r\nAs part of its contract the Alert Line is required to provide tailored advice to the caller and, dependent on the nature of the call and in agreement with the caller, report valid whistleblowing concerns to the relevant Health board or, where appropriate, to the relevant regulator. All cases referred by the Alert Line will be dealt with in line with established procedure.\r\nFollowing the end of its one year contract, the Alert Line service will be independently evaluated. This will include, where possible, feedback from users and information on actions taken.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T14:10:34.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285435,"EventID":"S4W-15509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T14:10:36.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T16:44:16.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what surveys have been undertaken of staff opinion about bullying and harassment in the NHS and how this has influenced its strategy on lowering levels of bullying.","AnswerText":"The NHSScotland staff surveys in 2006, 2008 and 2010 sought staff’s opinions on bullying and harassment in NHSScotland. The 2013 survey, which is currently underway and will run until 5 July 2013, will also address this issue.\r\nThe Scottish Government is clear that bullying and harassment is unacceptable. We are continually reviewing our strategies to help boards to deal with it. Since 2007 much has been done across NHSScotland to tackle bullying and harassment in the workplace and to promote expected standards of behaviours. This includes:\r\nDevelopment of the Dignity at work Toolkit; \r\nReview of the Preventing and Dealing with Bullying and Harassment in NHSScotland Partnership Information Network (PIN) policy; \r\nA Dignity at Work Day of Commitment and re-launch of the Dignity at Work Toolkit and guidance, and up to £200,000 available to health boards to further expand the Dignity at Work Toolkit and regular national staff surveys.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T14:10:36.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285436,"EventID":"S4W-15510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T14:10:37.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T16:44:16.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the £200,000 it has made available to tackle bullying and harassment will be allocated to NHS boards.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government invited all Scottish health boards to submit proposals for activity relating to dignity at work and cultural issues.\r\nWe are currently in the process of assessing bids and funding will be allocated shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T14:10:37.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285437,"EventID":"S4W-15511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T14:10:38.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T16:44:16.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much NHS boards spend on tackling bullying and harassment.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information.\r\nIt is for each board to decide how much it will spend on tackling bullying and harassment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T14:10:38.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285438,"EventID":"S4W-15512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T14:10:40.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T16:44:16.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government in what circumstances it allows non-disclosure clauses to be included in compromise agreements.","AnswerText":"This is an issue between individual NHS boards and their employees.\r\nNHSScotland does not have any policies which would prevent, or condone the prevention of staff from raising valid concerns about patient safety and quality. Quite the opposite, each Health board has a robust “Implementing & Reviewing Whistleblowing Arrangements in NHS Scotland” PIN policy in place.\r\nThese policies encourage staff to raise concerns and any clause which sought to prevent an individual from raising a protected whistleblowing disclosure would be illegal and therefore unenforceable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T14:10:40.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285439,"EventID":"S4W-15513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T14:10:41.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-05T16:44:16.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing’s comments in the letter to NHS boards dated 22 February 2013 that \"NHSScotland does not have any policies which would prevent, or would condone, the prevention of staff from raising concerns about safety and quality, not least because it would be illegal\" whether compromise agreements with non-disclosure clauses signed by former staff remain valid.","AnswerText":"This is an issue between individual NHS boards and their employees.\r\nUnder the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, any clause which sought to prevent an individual from raising a protected whistleblowing disclosure would be illegal and therefore unenforceable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T14:10:41.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285440,"EventID":"S4W-15514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T14:10:42.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T11:39:05.957","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost of the Scottish civil service has been in each of the last five years and what the cost would be in an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s policy of no compulsory redundancies and pay restraint means we can provide staff with job security at an economically challenging time, while delivering the efficiency savings necessary to live within the tight financial settlement we have received from Westminster.\r\nScottish Government staff costs for each of the last five years are given in the following table:\r\nYear\r\nScottish Government\r\nAggregated Payroll\r\nCosts £m*\r\n2007-08\r\n529\r\n2008-09\r\n544\r\n2009-10\r\n577\r\n2010-11\r\n551\r\n2011-12\r\n533\r\nNote: *Figures are for Scottish Government Core and Agency staff and include wages, salaries, national insurance and pension costs.\r\nCosts in an independent Scotland would depend on the number of civil servants employed at the time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T14:10:42.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285441,"EventID":"S4W-15516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T14:10:43.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T11:39:05.957","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what work it has carried out on plans for a civil service in an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s plans for a constitutional platform to enable the transfer of sovereignty from Westminster to Scotland are set out in “Scotland’s Future: From the Referendum to Independence and a Written Constitution, available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/02/8079/3,\r\nThe constitutional platform would extend the powers of the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government into all currently reserved policy areas, including matters relating to the civil service. It would also provide for legislation in all currently reserved areas, including any legislative provisions in respect of the civil service, to continue after independence with any necessary amendments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T14:10:43.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285442,"EventID":"S4W-15517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T14:10:43.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T11:39:05.957","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many civil servants work in the Scottish Government and how many would be required in an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"Latest figures for Scottish public sector employment (Q1 2013), including Scottish Government civil servants, can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/06/9041\r\nUnlike the UK Government, which cut 5,800 civil service jobs in Scotland between 2007 and 2013 – including 2,700 in MOD, 2,100 in HMRC and 1,200 in DWP – the Scottish Government has a strong record of valuing public services in Scotland and is operating a policy of no compulsory redundancies within the devolved public sector.\r\nThe number of civil servants required to administer the full range of policies and services that will become the responsibility of an independent Scotland will be dependent on a number of variables, including the overall public sector landscape that is inherited at the point of independence and the decisions taken by Scottish Ministers on the delivery, transition to and design of Scottish policies and services thereafter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T14:10:44.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285443,"EventID":"S4W-15519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T14:10:44.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T11:39:05.957","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what transition plan it would put in place for civil servants if Scotland became independent.","AnswerText":"In the event of a vote for independence in the 2014 referendum, Scotland would subsequently take responsibility for matters presently reserved to the UK Government. There would therefore be a continuing need for public services currently delivered by UK Government Departments and public bodies. \r\nThe Scottish Government would take responsibility for the direct delivery of some new functions in Scotland and is also open to the continued sharing of certain UK Government services and structures where that provides an effective solution for an independent Scotland and for the rest of the UK. Civil Service jobs would therefore continue on independence, and some new opportunities would be created, but political accountability and some delivery structures would change. Providing continuity of services, including any arrangements for the transfer of UK Government staff into the Scottish Government where and when that is appropriate, would be a key feature of independence negotiations between the Scottish and UK Governments in due course.\r\nIn the Edinburgh Agreement both the Scottish and UK Governments committed to continue to work together constructively in the light of the outcome of the referendum in the best interests of the people of Scotland and of the rest of the United Kingdom. Within that spirit, the Scottish Government would take a pragmatic and responsible approach to independence negotiations. Existing expertise in Scotland would be drawn upon as and when functions transfer to Scotland and there will be full consultation with the Civil Service unions as the Scottish Government develops its detailed plans for independence.\r\nCivil servants currently employed by the Scottish Government would continue to be so on independence. Existing terms and conditions of employment, including pension rights, would not be affected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T14:10:44.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285444,"EventID":"S4W-15520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T14:10:45.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T11:39:05.957","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many full-time equivalent civil servants are working on the white paper on independence.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials in policy teams across a number of areas in the Scottish Government are working on contributions which will be included in the White Paper.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T14:10:45.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285445,"EventID":"S4W-15526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T14:10:46.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T11:48:16.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the (a) responses to and (b) analysis of the responses to its Safeguarding Scotland’s Resources consultation.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15445 on 17 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T14:10:46.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285446,"EventID":"S4W-15528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T14:10:47.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T11:48:16.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will announce whether it plans to introduce legislation for a charge for single-use carrier bags.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15445 on 17 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T14:10:47.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285453,"EventID":"S4W-15533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T17:00:44.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T13:30:04.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-14016 and S4W-15103 by Humza Yousaf on 25 April 2013 and 3 June 2013 respectively, for what reasons the relevant policy officials could not provide their records of engagement with officials and ministers from (a) the Government of Iraq, (b) Iraqi Kurdistan and (c) Turkey in order to answer question S4W-15103.","AnswerText":"In respect of the Scottish Government’s engagement with the Kurdistan Regional Government, I refer the Member to my answers to questions S40-02112, S4W-15535 and S4W-15105. As engagement can be interpreted as either contact in writing or by telephone it can be prohibitively resource intensive to capture all contact across the Scottish Government.\r\nIn terms of face to face contact I can confirm that on 12 June I met with Ms Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, UK High Representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government and Mr Zaid Izzadin Mohammed Noori, Iraq Consul General on 19 February 2013. Scottish Ministers have held no meetings with the Turkish Government in this period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T17:00:44.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285454,"EventID":"S4W-15534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T17:00:44.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T13:30:04.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15104 by Humza Yousaf on 3 June 2013, which parts of the document, Scotland’s International Framework, set out the policy objectives for its engagement with (a) Iraqi Kurdistan, (b) Iraq and (c) Turkey.  \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to my previous answer (S4W-15104). All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at;\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to delivering maximum value for Scotland through its overseas engagement, it helps Scotland connect with the main players overseas in attracting opportunities for/to Scotland, thus contributing to this Government’s purpose of sustainable economic growth.\r\nOur priority markets remain Canada, China, Europe and EU, India, Pakistan, South Asia and the USA. We will also develop and strengthen our connections with other nations around the world which help us deliver our purpose.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T17:00:44.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285455,"EventID":"S4W-15535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T17:00:44.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T13:30:04.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02112 by Humza Yousaf on 15 May 2013 (Official Report, c. 19792), when the meetings between Scottish Government ministers and representatives of the Kurdistan Regional Government took place, in which locations, and which ministers were involved.","AnswerText":"The meetings are outlined in the following table:\r\nDate\r\nMinister\r\nMeeting\r\nLocation\r\n12 June 2013\r\nMr Yousaf, Minister for External Affairs and International Development\r\nMs Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, UK High Representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government\r\nScottish Parliament\r\n9 November 2011\r\nMr Fergus Ewing, Minister for Energy, Enterprise & Tourism\r\nPresident of the Kurdistan Regional Government\r\nBrussels\r\n26 October 2011\r\nFirst Minister \r\nHE Mr Karim Sinjari, Minister for the Interior at Kurdistan Regional Government\r\nBute House\r\n29 June 2011\r\nMr Fergus Ewing, Minister for Energy, Enterprise & Toursim\r\nHE Sinan Celebi, Minister for Trade & Industry and HE Samir Abdullah Mustafa, Minister for Municipalities & Tourism\r\nScottish Parliament\r\n29 June 2011\r\nMs Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs\r\nAlso met the above delegation\r\nScottish Parliament\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T17:00:44.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285456,"EventID":"S4W-15536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T17:00:45.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T13:30:04.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02112 by Humza Yousaf on 15 May 2013 (Official Report, c. 19792), whether it will make a statement on the (a) nature and (b) extent of the development of business, cultural and educational links with Iraqi Kurdistan.","AnswerText":"There are no plans at present to publish a statement on the (a) nature and (b) extent of our developing links with Iraqi Kurdistan. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T17:00:45.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285457,"EventID":"S4W-15537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T17:00:45.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T13:30:04.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15103 by Humza Yousaf on 3 June 2013, whether it has had discussions with the Government of Turkey on the future of Iraqi Kurdistan in the last six months.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have had no discussions with the Turkish Government on the future of Iraqi Kurdistan in the last six months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T17:00:45.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285458,"EventID":"S4W-15541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T17:00:46.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T14:25:36.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action Police Scotland (a) can and (b) does take against drivers of slow moving vehicles whose driving its officers consider could increase the likelihood of an accident; whether Police Scotland has plans to change its approach to dealing with such driving, and what information it (i) records and (ii) has on the number of accidents caused by this.","AnswerText":"Police Scotland is committed to influencing road user behaviour and making Scotland’s roads safer for everyone.\r\nDriving behaviour which can be construed as increasing the risk of a collision is dealt with under the provisions of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Section 3 of this Act caters for offences of driving “without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road or place”. Police officers who either detect or respond to a report of a driver travelling at a slow speed will deal with each incident as they deem appropriate. This will involve reviewing the individual circumstances and may result in the reporting of the incident to the Procurator Fiscal.\r\nFollowing the UK Government’s recent proposal to introduce a fixed penalty ticket for careless driving offences, Police Scotland is currently working with partners regarding its implementation in Scotland.\r\nWhilst all detected offences of careless driving and injury collisions are recorded by Police Scotland, the information is held in such a way that it could only be extracted at disproportionate cost.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T17:00:46.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285459,"EventID":"S4W-15546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T17:00:46.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T14:33:24.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the remarks by the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs on 5 June 2013 that “I don’t need or want the culture or heritage sector to make a new economic or social case to justify public support for their work” and “we want to see cultural and creative industries making a growing contribution to employment and economic output” reflect a consistent approach to culture and to the economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes. The comments in question absolutely reflect a consistent approach to culture and to the economy. As I stated, our public support for the work of the culture and heritage sectors is not dependent on them making any new economic or social arguments for their work. We already have a great deal of information about the many ways in which these sectors make significant economic and social contributions and I will continue to support them so that this contribution can grow and thrive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T17:00:46.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285460,"EventID":"S4W-15550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T17:00:47.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T16:22:06.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether funding is available to credit unions to assist them to (a) grow their services and (b) develop services to mitigate the impact of welfare reform.","AnswerText":"Credit unions are eligible to apply for the Scottish Government third sector organisational support programmes and development funds and we encourage them to do so. We shall ensure that credit unions and their representative bodies are made aware of any new third sector funding as soon as it is available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T17:00:47.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285461,"EventID":"S4W-15551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-06T17:00:47.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T16:22:06.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether funding is available for credit unions to develop schemes offering accounts to welfare recipients to enable them to receive benefits and pay bills from the account.","AnswerText":"We are keen to do all that we can to support and promote credit unions, and recognise the valuable role they play in Scotland’s communities. Credit unions are encouraged to access our third sector organisational support programmes, including development funding which will be available later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-20T17:00:47.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285471,"EventID":"S4W-15324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T14:07:36.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:42:44.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the figures published by Information Services Division in May 2013 suggesting that 'social unavailability for new outpatient appointments' in NHS Grampian in March 2013 was 9.4% compared with the national average of 2.6%. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government are aware of capacity issues in NHS Grampian in delivering waiting time standards particularly for general surgery and orthopaedics. The board have advised that the high level reflects patients indicating they would rather wait longer to receive their appointment locally rather than accept an appointment at an external provider within the waiting time standard. This means that the patient has agreed to a period of unavailability being applied to their waiting time.\r\nNHS Grampian have recently agreed a £16 million investment programme that will increase capacity by employing more doctors, nurses and support staff as well as increasing theatre capacity. This additional local capacity will be available in 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T14:07:37.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285472,"EventID":"S4W-15325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T14:07:38.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:42:44.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the figures published by Information Services Division in May 2013 suggesting that 'medical unavailability for new outpatient appointments' in NHS Grampian was 2.4% in March 2013 compared with the national average of 0.7%. \r\n","AnswerText":"We are aware that they a relate to a number of genetic patients who following their GP referral are asked to complete a form providing more information before a decision is made to determine what the most appropriate clinical action is.\r\nMy officials are currently in discussion with the Boards to get a better understanding of this and to work with the Board to confirm it is appropriately applying the guidance and that the arrangements they have in place are patient centred.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T14:07:38.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285473,"EventID":"S4W-15326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T14:07:38.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:42:44.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the figures published by Information Services Division in May 2013 suggesting that 'unavailable no response for new outpatient appointments' in NHS Grampian in March 2013 was 2.4% compared with the national average of 0.4%. \r\n","AnswerText":"We are aware of the higher level of unavailability due to no response to an appointment in Grampian. My officials are in discussion with the board to understand their booking arrangements and practices to confirm they are compliant with the current guidance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T14:07:38.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285474,"EventID":"S4W-15327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T14:07:39.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:42:44.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the figures published by Information Services Division in May 2013 suggesting that no more than three NHS boards exceeded the national average for level of referral back to GP in March 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are a number of reasons why patients may be returned to their GP many to do with patient behaviour for example a patient has not attended their appointment or have for the third time cancelled their agreed appointment date. GPs can of course re-refer any patient back to the hospital.\r\nWe expect all boards to continue to review their own local arrangements for booking scheduling and managing appointments. For example, if a patient agrees a reasonable offer of appointment some boards are phoning or texting patient to remind them of their appointment in a bid to reduce did not attends.\r\nThe Scottish Government will continue to review and monitor this with all boards as part of the normal performance management process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T14:07:39.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285475,"EventID":"S4W-15328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T14:07:39.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:42:44.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to reduce the number of patients waiting (a) six to eight and (b) more than nine weeks for an MRI scan.\r\n","AnswerText":"The vast majority of patients requiring any of the eight key diagnostic tests are seen within six weeks waiting time standard. The latest figures for March 2013 showed that 96.2% patients were seen within six weeks, the compliance rate is 95%. There are 11 NHS boards currently delivering above the 95% compliance rate. \r\n\r\nThere are three boards who have been experiencing difficulties in delivering the target; NHS Fife, Forth Valley and Lothian and my officials are actively working with these boards to support improvement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T14:07:39.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285476,"EventID":"S4W-15329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T14:07:40.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:42:44.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the figures published by Information Services Division in May 2013 suggesting that there has been an increase in people recorded in the monthly waiting times for all diagnostics from 127 in March 2011 to 3,143 in March 2013, with a 1,200 rise in the last quarter.\r\n","AnswerText":"As the Member will be aware, the current waiting time standard for the four key radiology tests is six weeks. The latest figures show that the number of patients waiting more than six weeks in March 2013 was 994.\r\nIn relation to the increase of 1,200 rise over 60% of the increase in the number of patients waiting more than four weeks relates to in NHS Fife and my officials are working with the board to support improvement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T14:07:40.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285477,"EventID":"S4W-15330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T14:07:40.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:42:44.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will ask Information Services Division to carry out regular audits of waiting times for positronic emission scans.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no intention currently to ask ISD to undertake an audit of positronic emissions scans at this time as it is not currently part of the diagnostic waiting time standard.\r\nHEAT targets are reviewed each autumn with our stakeholder such as boards and the Royal Colleges. It looks at the range of targets for the year ahead. This may include positronic emissions scans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T14:07:40.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285478,"EventID":"S4W-15331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T14:07:41.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:42:44.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason Information Services Division (ISD) is unable to provide a quality assurance guarantee for the data collected for its reports on diagnostic tests waiting times.\r\n","AnswerText":"The diagnostic waiting time publication is based on an aggregated data return from NHS boards which means that ISD do not receive patient level information. This limits the amount of quality assurance that can be done.\r\nValidation is carried out on submission of the data. NHS boards provide assurance of the data through queries which ISD may ask about the information they have received. These queries will be about patterns/trends or significant changes in numbers. Preview of the publication data is also sent back to the boards to approve, further ensuring accurate figures are submitted and published. As part of any publication, ISD ensure that totals add up to the sum of the parts, and in cases where they don’t, provide commentary to explain differences. This is part of quality assurance section in the publication.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T14:07:41.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285479,"EventID":"S4W-15521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T14:07:41.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T11:43:20.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its increase in spending on private healthcare is a consequence of meeting waiting times guarantees.\r\n","AnswerText":"No – the overall spending on private healthcare represents less than 0.5% of  the NHS boards baseline resource budget.\r\nThe increase in the use of private healthcare relate mainly to two boards who are currently experiencing capacity issues - NHS Grampian and Lothian. In relation to NHS Lothian they are now dealing with the challenge that the ERI was planned with capacity that 20% lower than required to meet today’s needs. That is why they are currently making significant use of the private healthcare sector at a cost of £12 million until they increase sufficient local capacity and staff resources in their hospitals.\r\nGrampian have recently agreed a £16 million investment programme that will increase capacity by building new theatres and employing more doctors, nurses and support staff. This additional local capacity will be available in 2014 – this will significant reduce their need of the private healthcare sector from 2014-15.\r\nThe Scottish Government policy is clear that boards should only use the private healthcare sector to address short-term capacity issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T14:07:41.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285480,"EventID":"S4W-15522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T14:07:42.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T11:43:20.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact on the economy is of patients waiting for treatment.","AnswerText":"Waiting times for treatment in the NHS can reduce patients’ ability to participate in the labour market, leading to loss of income from work and may reduce productivity of those in work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T14:07:42.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285481,"EventID":"S4W-15523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T14:07:42.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T11:43:20.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funds have been transferred between NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lanarkshire following the boundary changes announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing on 4 June 2013.","AnswerText":"The financial implications of these changes to health board populations will be taken into account and reflected as part of the annual NHSScotland Resource Allocation Committee allocations process in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T14:07:42.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285482,"EventID":"S4W-15524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T14:07:43.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T11:43:20.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether and, if so, by how much it plans to increase bed capacity in order to meet waiting times guarantees.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards are responsible for the organisation and planning of services to meet the needs of their resident population. Consequently it is for boards to decide the bed capacity needs to deliver services within the waiting time guarantee and standards.\r\nAs the Member will be aware, we announced on 8 May 2013, the development of a new capacity and performance planning tool to support boards. The tool is being developed to ensure that hospitals and communities have the right beds in place to treat patients as Scotland’s health service facing the challenges of an ageing population. \r\nThe bed planning tool is in the initial stages of development. It will be developed in consultation with clinical professionals from across NHSScotland to instil and ensure a consistent approach. This new tool will be used alongside the established workforce planning tool which have been made mandatory that all NHS boards use.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T14:07:43.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285483,"EventID":"S4W-15525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T14:07:43.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T11:43:20.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much each NHS board has spent on private healthcare to meet waiting times guarantees.","AnswerText":"Information obtained from NHS boards on the spend on the use of the independent healthcare sector to deliver acute hospital waiting times guarantee and standards in 2012-13 is provided in the following table.\r\nNHS Board\r\n2012-13\r\n£’000\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n1,079\r\nBorders\r\n168\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n330\r\nFife\r\n1,906\r\nForth Valley\r\n1,607\r\nGrampian\r\n5,200\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n1,178\r\nHighland\r\n193\r\nLanarkshire\r\n2,574\r\nLothian\r\n12,097\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n2,131\r\nWestern Isles\r\n25\r\nNHSScotland\r\n28,488\r\nThe Scottish Government’s policy is that NHS boards should use NHS funding to build sustainable capacity. The use of the independent healthcare sector should only be used to deal with short-term capacity issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T14:07:43.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285484,"EventID":"S4W-15529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T14:07:44.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T11:55:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there are quotas relating to issuing (a) endorsable and (b) non-endorsable fixed penalty tickets.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold the information requested.\r\nThe Scottish Government sets the strategic direction for the Scottish Police Authority through the strategic police priorities that Scottish Ministers determine. The Scottish Police Authority and the Police Service of Scotland are then responsible for setting out how these priorities will be delivered and how progress against them will be measured.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T14:07:44.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285485,"EventID":"S4W-15530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T14:07:44.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T11:55:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many currently serving police officers have received emergency response training and how many are qualified in emergency response.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held by the Scottish Government. The training of police officers in emergency response driving is a matter for the chief constable and the Scottish Police Authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T14:07:44.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285486,"EventID":"S4W-15531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T14:07:44.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T11:55:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many emergency service workers have been charged with driving offences while responding to an emergency call in each of the last three years and what additional protection it provide to such workers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold information centrally on the number of emergency service workers charged with driving offences while responding to an emergency call in each of the last three years.\r\nRoad traffic legislation including responsibility for providing exemptions to general requirements for emergency service vehicles is reserved. Section 87 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 provides that any provision imposing a speed limit on motor vehicles does not apply to any vehicle on an occasion when it is being used for Fire Brigade, Ambulance or Police purposes, if the observance of that provision would be likely to hinder the use of the vehicle for the purpose for which it is being used on that occasion. This is qualified by a need to demonstrate that compliance with the provision would hinder the purpose for which the vehicle was being used at the time rather than providing a blanket exemption. Similar provisions for exemption apply to a number of restrictions that might hinder the purpose for which an emergency service vehicle is being used on any occasion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T14:07:44.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285487,"EventID":"S4W-15538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T14:07:44.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T14:03:22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to the second supplementary to question S4O-02201 by Kenny MacAskill on 5 June 2013, what its policy is on charging event organisers for policing under a single police force.\r\n","AnswerText":"Chapter 13 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 sets out the arrangements allowing for the provision of, and charging for, certain services provided by the Police Service or the Scottish Police Authority. Section 86(9) of the Act makes clear that charges can only be made for police services “in connection with the maintenance of order, or the protection of persons or property from harm which are provided on, or in relation to land owned or occupied by the person who requests those services”. It is for the SPA to determine circumstances in which charges can be made and the scale of charges.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T14:07:44.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285488,"EventID":"S4W-15539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T14:07:45.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T14:03:22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to the second supplementary to question S4O-02201 by Kenny MacAskill on 5 June 2013, how his statement that \"the police are there to serve and not to operate as a business\" reflects the charging for policing of music festivals and other events.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15538 on 14 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T14:07:45.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285489,"EventID":"S4W-15540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T14:07:45.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T14:03:22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to the second supplementary to question S4O-02201 by Kenny MacAskill on 5 June 2013, how the charging of event organisers for policing inside and in the direct vicinity of events such as football matches and music festivals reflects the cabinet secretary's statement that \"the police are there to serve and not to operate as a business\".\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15538 on 14 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T14:07:45.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285490,"EventID":"S4W-15553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T14:07:46.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-07T10:27:08.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulation Agency proposal to regulate electronic cigarettes as medicines and what discussions it has had with the (a) agency with regard to this matter and (b) UK Government on whether the proposals are compliant with the EU directive on medicinal products for human use.\r\n","AnswerText":"The regulation of medicines is a reserved matter. As set out in our Tobacco Control Strategy, Creating a Tobacco Free Generation, following the announcement of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulation Agency on 12 June to regulate Electronic Cigarettes as medicines, we will now consider what further advice may be required for the benefit of public health in Scotland.\r\nThe UK Government has sought the views of the Scottish Government and the other Devolved Administrations in preparing a response to the proposals for a new European Commission Tobacco Products Directive. The Minister for Public Health last wrote to the UK Public Health Minister, Anna Soubry MP, about the proposal’s recommendation on Nicotine Containing Products on 23 May.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T14:07:46.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285497,"EventID":"S4W-15532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T15:45:49.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T13:29:22.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15192 by Richard Lochhead on 6 June 2013, what steps the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has taken to engage with communities and local authorities in Scotland. \r\n","AnswerText":"Further to the answer to question S4W-15192, engagement with communities and local authorities on the subject of movements of nuclear materials by rail from Dounreay is a matter for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).\r\nIn July 2011, the NDA published a joint Credible and Preferred Options paper on the management of the Dounreay Fast Reactor (DFR) breeder material at Dounreay. The NDA responses to stakeholder comments on the options were published in November 2011, when the decision to transfer the DFR breeder material to Sellafield by rail was announced.\r\nIn July 2012, the NDA wrote to every local authority in Scotland offering briefing on the proposals to transport nuclear material from Dounreay to Sellafield.\r\nThe NDA also regularly attends the Dounreay Stakeholder Group where they engage with community representatives about the NDA’s activities in relation to Dounreay.\r\nThe NDA consults on its business plan activities on an annual basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T15:45:49.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285498,"EventID":"S4W-15554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T15:45:49.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-07T14:25:26.547","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how town centre regeneration is supported through the National Performance Framework.\r\n","AnswerText":"The approach to town centre regeneration is outlined in our regeneration strategy, Achieving a Sustainable Future. The strategy takes an outcomes-based approach to regeneration that enables trends to be measured over time. These outcomes link to the national outcomes that underpin the National Performance Framework for Scotland.\r\nProgress towards the achievement of the outcomes and the government’s purpose is assessed through a set of diverse indicators. We publish this material in an impartial and transparent way on the Scotland Performs website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Performance/scotPerforms \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T15:45:49.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285499,"EventID":"S4W-15555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-07T15:45:49.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-07T14:25:26.547","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how town centre regeneration is supported through single outcome agreements.","AnswerText":"Single Outcome Agreements (SOAs) set out a clear vision of what each Community Planning Partnership (CPP) wants to achieve for its area. Where a CPP decides to prioritise the regeneration of town centres in its area, this should be reflected in the SOA and the actions that flow from it. Furthermore, the guidance on SOAs requires each CPP to have a sharp focus on key policy priorities, like the economy and jobs, of particular relevance to town centres.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-21T15:45:49.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285500,"EventID":"S4W-15574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T13:55:31.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T12:32:48.007","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many carbon units will be credited to or debited from the 2012 net Scottish emissions account as a result of the operation of the EU Emissions Trading System.\r\n","AnswerText":"Aviation emissions have been included in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) since January 2012 and therefore, unlike the calculations made for 2010 and 2011, the calculation for 2012 must take account of both the traded sector and aviation.\r\nUnder the EU ETS, airlines surrender carbon units in relation to all their reportable emissions at a single operational hub and, very few airlines have registered Scotland as their operational hub. As a result the number of carbon units surrendered in respect of Scotland to the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) is far smaller than total Scottish aviation emissions. In addition, the controversial inclusion of international flights within the EU ETS resulted in “stop the clock” provisions being introduced to enable flights starting/ending outside the EU to be temporarily excluded from the EU ETS in 2012.\r\nIn order to calculate the amount of carbon units to be credited to or debited from the net Scottish emissions account, Scottish Ministers are only able to take account of carbon units surrendered in Scotland to SEPA. The effect is that emissions in Scotland that have been cancelled by surrenders elsewhere in the EU are counted in Scotland as if there had been no such surrender, which means that the amount of aviation emissions in Scotland in 2012 will appear in the account to be greater than they actually are. \r\nAs a result of using the current methodology, carrying out the calculation as required by Regulation 8 of the Carbon Accounting Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2010 leads to the effect of aviation emissions being over-stated in the account.\r\nEven so, Scottish Ministers have as required made the calculation under the 2010 Regulations. Scottish Ministers have calculated that in relation to the operation of the EU Emissions Trading System in Scotland during 2012, 4,197,158 units will be debited from the 2012 net Scottish emissions account.\r\nThis is a provisional calculation and the Scottish Government will improve the methodology used to make the calculation in the 2010 Regulations so as to provide a more accurate calculation for aviation emissions from 2012 onwards, and intends to bring forward regulations for that purpose prior to the publication of the 2012 annual report in 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T13:55:32.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285501,"EventID":"S4W-15557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T14:29:55.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T10:29:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on calls for the institution that will be established following the merger of Stow College, John Wheatley College and North Glasgow College to recognise Mary Barbour in its name.\r\n","AnswerText":"While college names are a matter for merging colleges to determine. It would be sensible for them to consider their local community, local history, and figures of local significance when considering their choices. The suggestion of Mary Barbour fits well in that regard and I note the positive support for it from Trade Unions and others.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T14:29:55.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285502,"EventID":"S4W-15558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T14:29:55.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T11:12:41.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what types of development must provide financial bonds in association with planning consent; what types of bonds there are, and what its position is on whether each provides adequate security.\r\n","AnswerText":"Planning legislation contains no requirement that any development must provide financial bonds in association with planning consent.\r\nPlanning authorities may, if they consider it appropriate, seek to ensure restoration of sites through planning conditions or planning obligations. These may require establishment of a financial bond. This would be a matter for the relevant planning authority to determine based on the circumstances of any individual case.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T14:29:55.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285503,"EventID":"S4W-15560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T14:29:56.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T11:12:41.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, where a restoration bond proves to be inadequate, who is responsible for ensuring that the restoration work is completed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Where responsibility rests may depend on the circumstances around any individual case. Where a planning condition or obligation exists that requires restoration of land, this may be enforceable against the landowner, developer or parties with an interest in the land, where they can be identified.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T14:29:56.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285504,"EventID":"S4W-15561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T14:29:56.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T11:12:41.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the liquidation of Scottish Resources Group and ATH Resources, what action it is taking to ensure that habitat and environmental impact regulations are maintained at open cast coal sites.\r\n","AnswerText":"The interim liquidators for The Scottish Coal Company Limited have applied to the Court of Session for directions on whether they have power to abandon or disclaim sites owned by the company and statutory licences, analogous to that which exists in England and Wales, and on the correct treatment in the liquidation of the costs associated with planning obligations. The Scottish Ministers, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, Scottish Natural Heritage and a number of local authorities have submitted answers as part of the court process, and the case is due to be heard in early July 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T14:29:56.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285505,"EventID":"S4W-15562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T14:29:56.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T11:51:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it defines a town centre in relation to its policy on town centre regeneration.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not define a “town centre” in relation to its policy on town centre regeneration.\r\nUnder Scottish Planning Policy, local authorities are expected to identify a network of city, town and district centres through their development plans. Scottish Planning Policy (consolidated in 2010) sets out a range of attributes for town centres. Scottish Planning Policy is currently under review and the draft SPP, published for consultation from 30 April to 23 July  2013 proposes retaining this set of attributes for town centres.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T14:29:56.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285506,"EventID":"S4W-15563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T14:29:56.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T11:51:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the effectiveness of the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13070 on 8 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T14:29:56.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285507,"EventID":"S4W-15564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T14:29:56.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T11:51:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the economic resilience of town centres.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not undertaken an assessment of the economic resilience of town centres.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T14:29:56.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285508,"EventID":"S4W-15565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T14:29:57.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T11:51:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what key performance indicators it uses to monitor town centre regeneration.","AnswerText":"As part of its framework for monitoring the implementation of the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Strategy Achieving a Sustainable Future, we will look at national and local level indicators to inform progress across a range of outcomes relative to regeneration. We do not have a set of indicators to monitor town centre regeneration specifically.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T14:29:57.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285509,"EventID":"S4W-15566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T14:29:57.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T11:51:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the report of the Town Centre Review group will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"The External Advisory Group of the Town Centre Review, established in September 2012, continues to consider their recommendations. We expect to receive the report in July.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T14:29:57.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285510,"EventID":"S4W-15567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T14:29:57.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T11:51:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who the approved primary contractors are for its Energy Assistance Package.\r\n","AnswerText":"Stage 4 of the Energy Assistance Package ended on 31 March 2013. It has been replaced by the new Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland: Energy Assistance Scheme.\r\nFor the new Energy Assistance Scheme, the approved primary contractors are:\r\nthe Energy Saving Trust, as package administrator\r\nScottish Gas, as managing agent, and\r\nBierce Technical Services Ltd, to provide inspection and ad hoc audit services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T14:29:57.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285511,"EventID":"S4W-15568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T14:29:57.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T11:51:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which subsidiaries of primary contractors to its Energy Assistance Package have won tenders from their parent companies.\r\n","AnswerText":"As explained in the answer to S4W-15567 on 24 June 2013, the approved primary contractors for the Energy Assistance Scheme are:\r\nthe Energy Saving Trust, as package administrator,\r\nScottish Gas, as managing agent, and\r\nBierce Technical Services Ltd, to provide inspection and ad hoc audit services.\r\nPlease note that the information provided in this answer is current as of June 2013 but is subject to change.\r\nThe Energy Saving Trust has five Energy Saving Scotland Advice Centres and has contracted the following four companies to run them:\r\nChangeworks Resources for Life: South East Scotland, Highlands and Islands\r\nThe Energy Agency: South West Scotland\r\nS.C.A.R.F. (Save Cash and Reduce Fuel): North East Scotland\r\nThe WISE Group: Strathclyde and Central Scotland\r\nScottish Gas has advised that they have contracted, or otherwise made arrangements with, the following companies to deliver elements of the service they provide:\r\nA and R Hepburn\r\nAlba Gas\r\nBaxi Heat team\r\nBCA Insulation\r\nBRB Electrical\r\nBSS Gas \r\nBuilding Insulation Services (BIS)\r\nCity Technical Services (UK) \r\nComplete Heat Scotland \r\nCool Planet\r\nDalex Systems \r\nDevine Electrics \r\nDimplex\r\nESP Pipelines\r\nFyrebrite Heating & Building Service\r\nGas Call Services \r\nGas Services Direct\r\nHeating 4 U Fife\r\nILM Highland\r\nMains Gas Services \r\nMcTear Electrical Services\r\nMitie Property Services (UK) \r\nMitsubishi Electric\r\nOmega Electrical Contractors\r\nPH Jones\r\nQuality Gas Services \r\nRDI Solutions\r\nRobertson and Peterson\r\nScotia Gas Networks\r\nScottish Power\r\nShetland Heatwise\r\nSouth East Heating Services \r\nScottish and Southern Energy\r\nTighean Innse Gall\r\nTK Murray Electrical \r\nWilliam Wilson Plc\r\nWiseman (Plumbing & Heating)\r\nWorcester Bosch\r\nThe Scottish Government does not hold information on the use of subsidiaries by Bierce Technical Services Ltd.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T14:29:57.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285512,"EventID":"S4W-15569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T14:29:58.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T11:51:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it offers to bidders that have been unsuccessful when tendering for a public contract.\r\n","AnswerText":"For public contracts below the OJEU threshold, unsuccessful suppliers will be notified via an unsuccessful letter. A supplier is entitled to ask for the reasons why their tender was unsuccessful. All feedback will be based on the objective criteria that was used to evaluate the tender response, and should cover the positive aspects and suggest areas for improvement of the unsuccessful bid. Suppliers will then have the opportunity to address these issues and improve their competitiveness in any future bids.\r\nFor public contracts above the OJEU threshold (excluding exempt contracts such as Part B service contracts), unsuccessful suppliers will be issued with a standstill notice in accordance with the EU Procurement Directives. The standstill notice will contain the contract award criteria, the score obtained by the tenderer and the successful tenderer, the name of the successful tenderer, a summary of the reasons why the tenderer was unsuccessful and the characteristics and relative advantages of the successful tender. If tenderers make a written request, additional de-brief information must be provided within 15 days. A debrief may also be provided face-to-face or via telephone as part of this process.\r\nFor exempt contracts above the OJEU threshold, unsuccessful suppliers will be notified via an unsuccessful letter. It remains procurement best practice to provide these unsuccessful suppliers with feedback on their tender submission in order to enable them to improve their competitiveness in any future bids.\r\nFurther guidance is available on the Procurement Journey and the Supplier Journey which set out procurement best practice guidance for the public sector and procedures for Suppliers, which are published on the Scottish Government’s website:\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/Procurement/buyer-information/spdlowlevel\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/Procurement/Selling/SupplierJourney\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T14:29:58.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285513,"EventID":"S4W-15570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T14:29:58.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T11:51:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08649 by Nicola Sturgeon 23 July 2012, when it estimates each of the health centres will be (a) completed and (b) open to the public.\r\n","AnswerText":"Outline business case approval was given for each of the health centres in May, and it is currently anticipated that they will be completed and open in summer 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T14:29:58.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285514,"EventID":"S4W-15571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T14:29:58.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T11:51:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it provides to help companies promote research and development.\r\n","AnswerText":"Through the enterprise agencies and other intermediary bodies, the Scottish Government delivers a range of programmes to help companies engage in research and development. These include large collaborative research and development grants, discretionary grants to support technical and commercial feasibility studies and research and development projects; and access to Interface, which provides a free brokerage service and innovation vouchers for businesses seeking to collaborate with Scottish academia.\r\nIn addition to providing financial support, there are also a number of advisory services for companies seeking to participate in research and development. These include a service to support inventors; the Enterprise Europe Network, which promotes collaborative opportunities for Scottish businesses to work across Europe and beyond; and promotion of existing and future European Union competitive research and development funding programmes, currently being delivered through a series of Scottish-wide road shows.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T14:29:58.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285515,"EventID":"S4W-15572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T14:29:58.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T11:51:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it provides to support (a) the development of and (b) widening access to tennis training.\r\n","AnswerText":"sportscotland has invested £362,100 into Tennis Scotland for their financial year ending 30 September 2013 through their Scottish Governing Body annual investment process. This investment supports all aspects of the sport and the delivery of Tennis Scotland’s strategic plan “Tennis Scotland: Increasing Participation and Rallying the Next Generation of Winners 2012-2016”.\r\nIn financial year 2012-13, sportscotland awarded £293,269 to eight tennis specific facilities projects. Since 2004-05, sportscotland have awarded a total of £2,166,527 to tennis facilities projects. In February 2013, a further £117,900 was awarded to facilities projects with a significant tennis specific element through the first round of the Legacy 2014 Active Places fund. The development of and access to tennis will also have benefited through a significant number of multi-use sports facility awards, such as leisure centres and multi-use games areas.\r\nsportscotland supports the development of and access to tennis through a range of other programmes, that do not necessarily include direct financial support. This includes programmes such as Active Places and Community Sport Hubs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T14:29:58.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285516,"EventID":"S4W-15581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T14:35:20.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T14:00:55.81","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the report of the Expert Working Group on Welfare.\r\n","AnswerText":"I’m pleased to advise that the report of the Expert Working Group on Welfare will be published today. It can be accessed at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/welfarereform/EXPERTWORKINGGROUPONWELFARE.\r\nI am also publishing the Scottish Government’s initial response to the group’s report; it can be viewed alongside it.\r\nA copy of the group’s report and the Scottish Government’s initial response has been placed in SPICe (BIB numbers 55013 and 55014).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T14:35:20.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285517,"EventID":"S4T-00390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T13:12:03.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T10:43:15.687","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its 2011 climate change target.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T13:12:03.41","MeetingDate":"2013-06-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285518,"EventID":"S4T-00394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T13:12:04.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T11:27:27.743","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the new system for disability living allowance will have on poverty in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T13:12:04.627","MeetingDate":"2013-06-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285519,"EventID":"S4F-01453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T13:10:56.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-06T13:57:43.81","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T13:10:57.227","MeetingDate":"2013-06-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285520,"EventID":"S4F-01456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T13:11:00.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T09:46:18.207","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T13:11:00.69","MeetingDate":"2013-06-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285521,"EventID":"S4F-01457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T13:11:01.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T09:48:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government has been in contact with the UK Government regarding illegal surveillance activities in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T13:11:01.783","MeetingDate":"2013-06-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285522,"EventID":"S4F-01458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T13:11:02.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T10:26:39.727","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T13:11:02.983","MeetingDate":"2013-06-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285523,"EventID":"S4F-01460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T13:11:04.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T11:20:46.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Government is taking to improve detection of cervical cancer.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T13:11:04.637","MeetingDate":"2013-06-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285524,"EventID":"S4F-01469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T13:11:10.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T11:49:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how much it would cost annually for an independent Scotland to raise benefit payments to a level that the Scottish Government considers appropriate.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T13:11:10.893","MeetingDate":"2013-06-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285536,"EventID":"S4W-15582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T16:54:53.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T14:02:35.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent assessment was carried out prior to the recently reported land swap between Forestry Commission Scotland and Anders Holch Povlsen.\r\n","AnswerText":"All land involved in this land swap was independently valued. However, decisions on individual land purchase, sales and exchanges are for Forestry Commission Scotland, working within established procedures (such as those set out in the Scottish Public Finance Manual) and the Scottish Government’s forestry policies and all processes and procedures are subject to annual audit.\r\nThe factors taken into account by Forestry Commission Scotland in considering this land swap were the key strategic targets for the National Forest Estate including those for timber production, new woodland creation, public access and conservation/biodiversity. Each component of the land swap was individually assessed and then reviewed for its wider public benefits.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T16:54:53.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285537,"EventID":"S4W-15583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-10T16:54:53.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T14:02:35.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what factors it considered prior to approving the recently reported land swap between Forestry Commission Scotland and Anders Holch Povlsen.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15582 on 26 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-24T16:54:53.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285548,"EventID":"S4W-15593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T10:46:52.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T10:23:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made in carrying out the review of the Energy Efficiency Action Plan in accordance with section 60 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"The formal review of the Energy Efficiency Action Plan (EEAP) has been completed and a report on the review was laid before parliament and published on the Scottish Government website on 31 May setting out our statement of progress and conclusions. I can confirm that over 90% of the actions set out in the EEAP have been completed and that we remain on track to meet our 2020 target to reduce final energy consumption by 12%.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T10:46:52.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285549,"EventID":"S4W-15584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T13:46:00.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T15:38:01.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many houses in multiple occupation (HMO) licences were granted by each local authority in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13 and how many have been granted since April 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides information on the number of new and renewal Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence applications granted in 2011-12 (to 31 March 2012) by each local authority.\r\nHouses in multiple occupation: year ending 31 March 2012\r\nNew applications received under the mandatory licensing scheme\r\nRenewal applications received under the mandatory licensing scheme\r\nScotland\r\n1,682\r\nScotland\r\n7,670\r\nAberdeen City\r\n133\r\nAberdeen City\r\n280\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n25\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n27\r\nAngus\r\n1\r\nAngus\r\n7\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n1\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n0\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n1\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n2\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n7\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n37\r\nDundee City\r\n84\r\nDundee City\r\n239\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n0\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n0\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n2\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n4\r\nEast Lothian\r\n2\r\nEast Lothian\r\n11\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n0\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n8\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n950\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n4,919\r\nEilean Siar\r\n1\r\nEilean Siar\r\n14\r\nFalkirk\r\n2\r\nFalkirk\r\n5\r\nFife\r\n76\r\nFife\r\n443\r\nGlasgow City\r\n306\r\nGlasgow City\r\n1,027\r\nHighland\r\n16\r\nHighland\r\n60\r\nInverclyde\r\n4\r\nInverclyde\r\n5\r\nMidlothian\r\n9\r\nMidlothian\r\n0\r\nMoray\r\n7\r\nMoray\r\n6\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n2\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n4\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n0\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n0\r\nOrkney\r\n1\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n5\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n30\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n3\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n52\r\nScottish Borders, The\r\n11\r\nScottish Borders, The\r\n16\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n2\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n4\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n11\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n3\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n15\r\nStirling\r\n18\r\nStirling\r\n433\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n2\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n2\r\nWest Lothian\r\n6\r\nWest Lothian\r\n11\r\nSource: HMO returns by local authorities to the Scottish Government, Communities Analytical Services (Housing Statistics)\r\nNote: Figures for 2012-13 (to 31 March 2013) are currently being collected from local authorities and will be published towards the end of August 2013. Those for 2013-14 are due to be published in August 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T13:46:00.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285550,"EventID":"S4W-15585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T13:46:01.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T15:38:01.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of houses in multiple occupation (HMO) licences was granted by each local authority in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13 and have been granted since April 2013 for properties for people considered vulnerable because they (a) are homeless, (b) live in a hostel, (c) have mental health issues and (d) are recovering from substance misuse.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held by the Scottish Government.\r\nWe do collect information on the type of Houses in Multiple Occupation, and this can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-Regeneration/HSfS/HMO. \r\nHowever, it should be noted that these figures relate to the number of licences in force as at 31 March 2012 rather than the number granted during the year.\r\nFigures for the number of licences in force for 2012-13 (to 31 March 2013) are currently being collected from local authorities and will be published towards the end of August 2013. Those for 2013-14 are due to be published in August 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T13:46:01.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285551,"EventID":"S4W-15587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T13:46:01.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T17:01:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Scottish Natural Heritage and Marine Scotland will hold a public meeting on Arran to discuss the proposed South Arran Marine Protected Area.","AnswerText":"We are developing management options for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) where scientific advice suggests that some form of management may be necessary to achieve the conservation objectives for each proposed protected feature in each possible MPA. The approach to identifying management options for each activity, including those for impacts of creelers and anglers, will be risk-based, which means options will be presented where there is a risk to the achievement of the conservation objectives.\r\nThe management options will be informed by discussion with stakeholders and will be consulted on this summer. If new information becomes available during the consultation, the management options may be revised. We recognise that stakeholders can provide local, practical environmental knowledge and more detailed information on activities, including in relation to intensity, frequency, and methods. This additional information will help us to develop more specific management options, focussed on interactions between features and activities. To better understand this and to raise awareness of the proposal for the South Arran possible MPA, we intend to invite members of the Arran community, and any other interested parties, to attend a joint Marine Scotland and SNH drop in session on MPAs towards the start of the summer consultation. We are in discussions with the Community of Arran Seabed Trust over arrangements for this event on Arran.\r\nIn addition there is also a review period every six years to assess the efficacy of the network in achieving its conservation objectives, where the first review would be held in 2018-19.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T13:46:01.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285552,"EventID":"S4W-15588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T13:46:03.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T17:01:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will review the management options for marine protected areas and publish that review.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15587 on 24 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T13:46:03.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285553,"EventID":"S4W-15589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T13:46:03.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T17:01:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether management options for marine protected areas take account of the impacts on non-mobile stakeholder groups such as creelers and anglers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15587 on 24 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T13:46:03.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285554,"EventID":"S4W-15590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T13:46:03.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T17:02:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans there are to establish a lipid clinic in the NHS Lanarkshire area.\r\n","AnswerText":"We want people with lipid disorders to get diagnosed and access to treatment as swiftly as possible in order to minimise the risk of complications.\r\nNHS Lanarkshire has reported that lipid disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia are part of their Coronary Heart Disease Managed Clinical Network’s (MCN) current work plan. The MCN has undertaken a workshop looking to optimise the current patient pathway and is in the process of developing a set of service proposals, one of which is to establish a Lipid clinic within NHS Lanarkshire.\r\nThis proposal is expected to be considered by the board later this summer before a decision is made on whether or not to establish a Lipid clinic in NHS Lanarkshire.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T13:46:04.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285555,"EventID":"S4W-15591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T13:46:04.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T17:02:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) full- and (b) part-time bank nurses have been employed by NHS Lanarkshire in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested on how many (a) full time and (b) part time bank nurses have been employed by NHS Lanarkshire in each year since 2007 is not centrally held.\r\nInformation that is held centrally on bank nurses can be found on the ISD website by following the link below.\r\nhttps://isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2013-05-28/Bank_Nurses_M2013.xls?40608722\r\nFurther information on the statistics, including information on how the data are collected and notes to aid interpretation, is given in the “Background Information” section of the Workforce statistics website at www.isdscotland.org/workforce.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T13:46:04.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285556,"EventID":"S4W-15592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T13:46:04.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T17:02:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15227 by Humza Yousaf on 5 June 2013, how much funding each organisation received each year.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following tables show the funding each organisation has received for each year through the Scottish Government International Development Fund as part of the Malawi Development Programme and also the most recent funding round. This is shown by each funding round since 2005.\r\n\r\nMalawi Development Programme (2013-16)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nORGANISATIONS\r\n2013-14\r\n2014-15\r\n2015-16\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n£137,099\r\n£126,265\r\n£136,035\r\nMeningitis Research Foundation\r\n£97,410\r\n£33,990\r\n-\r\nScotland Malawi Business Group\r\n£105,463\r\n£110,169\r\n£121,105\r\nJust Trading Scotland\r\n£90,905\r\n£150,050\r\n£35,300\r\nThe Global Concerns Trust\r\n£35,203\r\n£34,013\r\n£40,522\r\nScotland-Malawi Mental Health Education Project \r\n£132,550\r\n£124,030\r\n£125,600\r\nUniversity of Strathclyde \r\n£148,227\r\n£124,174\r\n£115,941\r\nMicroLoan Foundation UK \r\n£85,545\r\n£149,517\r\n£142,240\r\nOxfam Scotland\r\n£158,028\r\n£133,232\r\n£108,740\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n£64,704\r\n£47,462\r\n£46,126\r\nUniversity of Edinburgh\r\n£116,918\r\n£139,510\r\n£139,817\r\nConcern Worldwide\r\n£126,229\r\n£139,006\r\n£134,765\r\nChristian Aid, Scotland Office\r\n£139,624\r\n£124,809\r\n£121,530\r\nMary's Meals\r\n£120,607\r\n£143,227\r\n£136,011\r\nScottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF)\r\n£129,313\r\n£127,593\r\n£121,318\r\n\r\nMalawi Development Programme (2012-15)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nORGANISATIONS\r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14\r\n2014-15\r\nThe Co-operative College\r\n£128,975\r\n£125,021\r\n£143,791\r\nChristian Blind Mission\r\n£97,838\r\n£115,670\r\n£103,789\r\nChance for Change\r\n£128,286\r\n£129,736\r\n£127,792\r\nActive Learning Centre\r\n£100,130\r\n£79,325\r\n -\r\nScotland Malawi Partnership\r\n£68,402\r\n£58,767\r\n£65,304\r\nImani Development\r\n£142,535\r\n£125,155\r\n£92,193\r\nInternational Resources and Recycling Institute \r\n£182,702\r\n -\r\n -\r\nOxfam Scotland \r\n£114,383\r\n£133,034\r\n£134,821\r\nScotland Malawi Business Group \r\n£22,727\r\n -\r\n -\r\nChallenges Worldwide\r\n£159,640\r\n£161,295\r\n£79,056\r\nVoluntary Service Overseas Scotland\r\n£120,245\r\n£131,617\r\n£147,565\r\nSue Ryder\r\n£54,940\r\n£90,920\r\n£94,985\r\nUniversity of Edinburgh, Global Health Academy \r\n£111,122\r\n£165,037\r\n£123,288\r\nUniversity of St Andrews \r\n£96,880\r\n£98,340\r\n£64,936\r\nUniversity of Dundee\r\n£136,881\r\n£55,120\r\n£49,680\r\nImpact, University of Aberdeen\r\n£137,813\r\n£126,975\r\n£132,998\r\nLink Community Development Scotland \r\n£156,754\r\n£105,408\r\n£119,364\r\nThe Healthy Lifestyle Project (North Lanarkshire Council)\r\n£35,900\r\n£26,700\r\n£26,700\r\nMary’s Meals\r\n£117,787\r\n£132,067\r\n£150,146\r\n\r\nMalawi Development Programme (2010-13)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nORGANISATIONS\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nThe Active Learning Centre\r\n£161,300\r\n£117,608\r\n£120,493\r\nOpportunity International (UK)\r\n£65,982\r\n£161,944\r\n£171,098\r\nScottish CROP Research Institute\r\n£158,554\r\n£113,729\r\n£69,410\r\nTearfund Scotland\r\n£135,000\r\n£135,000\r\n£129,000\r\nChurch of Scotland \r\n£86,490\r\n£103,300\r\n£98,800\r\nUniversity of Edinburgh\r\n£57,140\r\n£171,430\r\n£171,430\r\nUniversity of Strathclyde\r\n£173,187\r\n£116,382\r\n£109,089\r\nWaverley Care\r\n£106,815\r\n£91,249\r\n£103,005\r\nScotland-Malawi Mental Health Education Project \r\n£180,000\r\n£120,000\r\n£100,000\r\nMary's Meals\r\n£128,500\r\n£75,850\r\n£80,850\r\nMacaulay Land Use Research Institute\r\n£108,215\r\n£95,260\r\n£95,260\r\nThe Active Learning Centre\r\n£137,204\r\n£110,482\r\n£118,979\r\nOxfam Scotland\r\n£111,594\r\n£83,135\r\n£87,907\r\nEurotalk Interactive\r\n£23,875\r\n£23,500\r\n£27,725\r\nVenture Trust Malawi\r\n£149,018\r\n£129,718\r\n£52,700\r\nScottish Agricultural College\r\n£134,550\r\n£133,327\r\n£132,123\r\nSense Scotland\r\n£144,928\r\n£123,383\r\n£129,153\r\nChristian Blind Mission\r\n£59,764\r\n£169,500\r\n£170,736\r\nNHS Tayside Emergency Medicine Service\r\n£181,959\r\n£150,211\r\n£43,955\r\nChristian Aid\r\n£210,577\r\n£132,096\r\n£57,255\r\nConcern Worldwide\r\n£161,300\r\n£117,608\r\n£120,493\r\nConcern Worldwide\r\n£65,982\r\n£161,944\r\n£171,098\r\nChallenges Worldwide\r\n£158,554\r\n£113,729\r\n£69,410\r\nThe Open University \r\n£135,000\r\n£135,000\r\n£129,000\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMalawi Development Programme (2008-09)\r\n\r\n\r\nORGANISATIONS\r\n2008-09\r\nAdam Smith College\r\n£130,800\r\nSense Scotland\r\n£34,937\r\nUniversity of Strathclyde\r\n£63,193\r\nStirling University\r\n£241,100\r\nTearfund\r\n£112,801\r\nThe Healthy Lifestyl","AnswerDate":"2013-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T13:46:04.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285557,"EventID":"S4W-15594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T13:46:05.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T10:40:48.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to assist non-resident parents who are tenants of a local authority and in receipt of housing benefit and are considered to have an extra bedroom as their child does not stay with them permanently.","AnswerText":"Scottish social landlords, including local authorities, may exercise discretion to allocate an additional bedroom or bedrooms in this situation, helping to meet the needs of children and their families. However, the UK Government’s under-occupancy measure for working age tenants in receipt of housing benefit may result in a loss of housing benefit for those households. The Scottish Government has consistently opposed this measure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T13:46:05.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285588,"EventID":"S4W-15332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:04.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:44:52.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it can ensure that staff employed by GPs receive the pay increase outlined in its pay policy.","AnswerText":"The vast majority of GP practices in Scotland operate as independent contractors within the NHS and are contracted by local health boards under the terms of a UK negotiated general medical services contract.\r\nAs independent contractors, practice partners are free to decide (within the context of the services they must provide under contract with boards) exactly how they set up their operations in terms of employing staff, including pay and conditions. As most practice staff are employees of the practice their employment conditions are agreed with the practice owners, partners or management. Issues relating to particular employee terms and conditions are therefore matters for individual GP ownerships or partnerships.\r\nThis also means practices are also free to offer terms and conditions with elements which are more generous, if this is felt appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:04.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285589,"EventID":"S4W-15368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:06.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:55:09.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether patient choice is at the heart of the stoma care service.","AnswerText":"The selection of the appropriate stoma appliance to be prescribed for a particular patient is a clinical matter for the specifying clinician taking into account the needs and preferences of the patient concerned.\r\nHealth board joint formularies are in place to assist specifying clinicians in addressing patient needs cost effectively. NHS boards also purchase samples for patients’ own evaluation, and these may include items both on the hospital formulary or not where that item may better meet the requirements of an individual patient.\r\nThis is intended to ensure that patients can get access to the samples of products which the clinician has identified as likely to be suitable for them, and avoids NHSScotland having to rely on the provision of free samples which may not be either the most suitable or the most cost-effective for patients’ needs.\r\nAll NHS board formularies are advisory, with any variance of usage managed through each individual board’s local arrangements.\r\nAll manufacturers wishing to supply stoma appliances to NHSScotland are encouraged to offer products for evaluation and to highlight innovation in their design. Should a supplier then have additional innovative products, these may be added after discussion and review with the clinical group.\r\nThe Scottish Government believes that this process assists specifying clinicians to cost effectively meet the needs of their patients from all the products which manufacturers may be making available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:06.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285590,"EventID":"S4W-15369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:06.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:55:09.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the procurement process for stoma care appliances (a) maintains and (b) protects (i) patient and (ii) clinician choice.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15368 on 25 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:06.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285591,"EventID":"S4W-15370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:07.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:55:09.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S3W-35393 by Nicola Sturgeon on 9 August 2010, how many of the 1,460 stoma service suppliers still supply the NHS.","AnswerText":"As of 17 June 2013, there were 23 dispensing appliance contractors registered with NHS national procurement as stoma appliance suppliers. In addition, there were 1236 community pharmacy contractors and 47 dispensing practices who were also eligible to provide this service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:07.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285592,"EventID":"S4W-15371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:07.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:55:09.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the hospital formulary system is advisory and whether all (a) patients, (b) stoma care clinical nurse specialists and (c) clinicians are aware of the option of choosing other stoma care appliances.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15368 on 25 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:07.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285593,"EventID":"S4W-15372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:08.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:55:09.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how product innovation is encouraged in the procurement process for stoma care appliances.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15368 on 25 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:08.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285594,"EventID":"S4W-15373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:08.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-05-29T13:55:09.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the discontinuing of the provision of free samples has had on the (a)  opportunities for stoma care clinical nurse specialists to assess products and (b) cost of stoma care supplies to the NHS.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15368 on 25 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877/aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:08.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285595,"EventID":"S4W-15575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:08.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T12:48:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people graduated from dental school in 2013 and how many have secured a vocational training placement.\r\n","AnswerText":"172 Dental students graduated from Scottish dental schools this year.\r\n153 dental graduates have secured vocational training places to date and we are confident that the remaining Scottish graduates will be placed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:08.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285596,"EventID":"S4W-15576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:09.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T12:48:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is a shortfall in dental vocational training placements and, if so, of how many.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s commitment is to match the number of dental Vocational Training (VT) places available in Scotland to the Scottish dental schools graduate output.\r\nThe 2013 Scottish dental schools graduate output is 172 and, as of today, NHS Education for Scotland (NES) has secured 172 likely dental VT posts, a small number of which are still being assessed to ensure they meet the training criteria. NES continues to actively explore the potential for further dental VT places within the salaried and hospital dental services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:09.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285597,"EventID":"S4W-15577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:09.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T12:48:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14422 by Michael Matheson on 9 May 2013, when NHS Education for Scotland became aware of the need to provide additional dental vocational training places for 2013-14 graduates; what action (a) NHS Education for Scotland and (b) the Scottish Government has taken, and how many additional places have been made available.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Education for Scotland (NES) first became aware of a need for additional dental Vocational Training (VT) places at the conclusion of its round one recruitment exercise at the end of January 2013.\r\nIn accordance with its procedures, following an evaluation of the outcome from round one recruitment, NES subsequently informed the Scottish Government of a need for additional VT places and of their intentions to instigate a round two recruitment exercise. The Scottish Government endorsed that approach, which commenced on 19 April 2013, while also requesting that NES explore whether training capacity existed within other areas of dental services in Scotland, such as within the Salaried and hospital dental services.\r\nFollowing round two recruitment, which concluded end May 2013, an additional 32 places were identified as possible VT training posts, bringing the total number of likely VT places available in Scotland to 172.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:09.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285598,"EventID":"S4W-15595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:10.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T13:06:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on how the UK Government's proposals in its response to the UK Parliament's Business, Innovation and Skills Committee’s 2012 report, Pub Companies, might impact on the licensed trade, and which of the potential legislative powers the response refers to are devolved.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) issued a consultation document on the possible introduction of legislation to create a statutory code and pub adjudicator. That consultation recognised that the proposals were not a reserved issue. Discussions with BIS are on-going to determine whether or not these proposals should be extended to Scotland. This consultation closed on 14 June. We encouraged Scottish interests to respond to the consultation on the basis that while we have not come to a formal view on whether to support this measure, if it were to progress as a UK Bill, Scottish industry interests will have been considered.\r\nWhile we do not hold statistical data on the makeup of the pub trade, through discussions with the industry we have established that in England around 70% is leasehold and 30% freehold, whereas the Scottish industry is made up of 65% freehold and 35% leasehold (of which, less than half fall within the control of the larger Pub Companies). Of the seven large Pub Companies in operation in the UK, only three operate in Scotland. The interest of these large Pub Companies covers around 800 pubs (or around 16% of the market) in Scotland.\r\nFergus Ewing, Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism met with representatives from the Fair Deal for Your Local campaign to discuss the proposed introduction by the UK Government of an adjudicator and statutory code. The Scottish Government will work with the group to identify all relevant research to help understand the implications for Scotland. Official-level discussions have been held with the Scottish Licenced Trade Association, the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, Heineken UK and the Pubs Independent Rent Review Scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:10.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285599,"EventID":"S4W-15597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:10.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T13:06:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Fair Deal for Your Local campaign, which calls for a code of practice to protect the tenants and licensees of so-called pubcos.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15595 on 24 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:11.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285600,"EventID":"S4W-15598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:11.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T13:06:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how many licensed premises in Scotland are owned by so-called pubcos.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W–15595 on 24 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:11.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285601,"EventID":"S4W-15599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:12.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T13:06:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Scottish Licensed Trade Association regarding how so-called pubcos operate.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W–15595 on 24 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:12.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285602,"EventID":"S4W-15600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:12.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T13:06:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has carried out research on how so-called pubcos deal with their tenants and licensees.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W–15595 on 24 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:12.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285603,"EventID":"S4W-15601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:12.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T13:06:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is regarding introducing legislation to prevent so-called pubcos in Scotland from overcharging tenants and licensees for the products that they are obliged to sell.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W–15595 on 24 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:12.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285604,"EventID":"S4W-15602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:13.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T13:06:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what legislative powers it has to ensure that tenants and licensees of so-called pubcos are not exploited regarding the price of beer that they are contractually obliged to purchase.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W–15595 on 24 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:13.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285605,"EventID":"S4W-15603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:13.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T14:20:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) under five-year-olds, (b) five to 17-year-olds and (c) adults have been classified as (i) overweight and (ii) obese in each of the last five years, broken down by gender.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not available in the format requested. Estimates for age groups (a) 2-4 year olds, (b) 5-15 year olds and (c) adults aged 16+ are provided in the following tables from the Scottish Health Survey. \r\nPrevalence of overweight and obesity among males in Scotland, 2008-11\r\n\r\nAge\r\n2-4\r\n5-15\r\n16+\r\n%\r\n%\r\n%\r\nOverweight \r\n(but not obese1)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2008\r\n19.2\r\n19.3\r\n42.4\r\n2009\r\n14.6\r\n14.7\r\n41.1\r\n2010\r\n18.8\r\n14.8\r\n40.4\r\n2011\r\n21.4\r\n16.0\r\n41.1\r\nObese2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2008\r\n10.4\r\n18.5\r\n26.0\r\n2009\r\n9.6\r\n16.6\r\n26.9\r\n2010\r\n17.0\r\n15.3\r\n27.4\r\n2011\r\n16.6\r\n17.7\r\n27.7\r\nSource: Scottish Health Survey\r\n1. Overweight adults with BMI greater than 25 and less than 30. Overweight children with BMI between the 85th and 95th percentile of the reference population.\r\n2. Obese adults with BMI greater than 30. Obese children with BMI greater than the 95th percentile of the reference population.\r\nPrevalence of overweight and obesity among females in Scotland, 2008-11\r\n\r\nAge\r\n2-4\r\n5-15\r\n16+\r\n%\r\n%\r\n%\r\nOverweight \r\n(but not obese1)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2008\r\n14.0\r\n13.5\r\n34.3\r\n2009\r\n15.0\r\n12.6\r\n33.5\r\n2010\r\n13.5\r\n16.1\r\n33.5\r\n2011\r\n18.7\r\n13.8\r\n32.0\r\nObese2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2008\r\n11.4\r\n13.7\r\n27.5\r\n2009\r\n13.8\r\n14.9\r\n27.6\r\n2010\r\n8.2\r\n14.1\r\n28.9\r\n2011\r\n9.7\r\n14.7\r\n27.6\r\nSource: Scottish Health Survey\r\n1. Overweight adults with BMI greater than 25 and less than 30. Overweight children with BMI between the 85th and 95th percentile of the reference population.\r\n2. Obese adults with BMI greater than 30. Obese children with BMI greater than the 95th percentile of the reference population.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:13.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285606,"EventID":"S4W-15606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:13.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T14:20:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many deaths there have been in each of the last five years in which obesity was mentioned on the death certificate, broken down by gender.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table. These are the numbers of deaths, registered in Scotland in the latest five years for which final figures are currently available, for which the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code for Obesity (E66) was recorded for either the underlying cause of death or for one of the factors which contributed to the death, due to obesity or an equivalent term having been mentioned on the death certificate.\r\nDeaths in Scotland for which Obesity (ICD-10 code E66) was mentioned on the death certificate: 2007-11\r\nRegistration Year\r\nFemale\r\nMale\r\nTotal\r\n2007\r\n92\r\n89\r\n181\r\n2008\r\n98\r\n91\r\n189\r\n2009\r\n100\r\n96\r\n196\r\n2010\r\n96\r\n102\r\n198\r\n2011\r\n104\r\n108\r\n212\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:13.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285607,"EventID":"S4W-15607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:13.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T15:07:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14692 by Alex Neil on 21 May 2013, which NHS boards will print the National Confidential Alert Line number on June 2013 payslips.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government wrote to all NHS Boards on 6 June 2013 asking them to include information about the National Confidential Alert Line on the June and or July 2013 payslips. We have been advised by health boards that the information will be included on payslips in the following months:\r\n\r\nJune 2013: NHS Dumfries and Galloway; NHS Lothian; NHS Fife; NHS Lanarkshire; NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde; NHS Western Isles; The State Hospital Board for Scotland; The National Waiting Times Centre; NHS Health Scotland.\r\n\r\nJuly 2013: NHS Tayside; NHS 24; NHS Education Scotland; NHS Healthcare Improvement Scotland; National Services Scotland.\r\n\r\nJune and July 2013: NHS Forth Valley; NHS Highland; NHS Borders; NHS Grampian; NHS Orkney; NHS Shetland; The Scottish Ambulance Service.\r\n\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran provided information about the alert line on payslips issued in April 2013 and will include further information on payslips later this summer.\r\n\r\nWe will continue to engage with all Scottish health boards to make sure all NHSScotland employees are aware of this important resource.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:13.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285608,"EventID":"S4W-15608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:14.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T15:31:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the role is of the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR); how it is funded, and which minister it is accountable to.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) is the independent regulator and registrar of Scottish Charities.\r\nThe role of OSCR is to: \r\nDetermine whether bodies are charities\r\nKeep a public register of charities\r\nEncourage, facilitate and monitor compliance by charities with the provisions of The Charities and  Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005\r\nIdentify and investigate apparent misconduct in the administration of charities and to take remedial or protective action in relation to such misconduct\r\nGive information or advice, or to make proposals, to Scottish Ministers on matters relating to OSCR’s functions \r\nOSCR is a Non-Ministerial Department; is part of the Scottish Administration; and is accountable to the Scottish Parliament. The OSCR Board is recruited through the public appointments process and is appointed by Scottish Ministers.\r\nOSCR’s funding is approved by the Scottish Parliament annually as part of the Budget (Scotland) Act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:14.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285609,"EventID":"S4W-15612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:14.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T15:47:50.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) financial and (b) other support it provides to its Climate Justice Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has a Manifesto commitment to work with partners in business, charitable foundations and non-governmental organisations to co-ordinate efforts to build a Scotland-wide Climate Justice Fund.\r\nWe have already gone further than this and provided £3 million for this innovative fund, additional to our international development funding, and in the first round of funding announced in November 2012, the Scottish Government are supporting five water-related projects in Malawi and Zambia.\r\nFurther discussions have been held with officials regarding options for subsequent rounds of the Climate Justice Fund and other complementary activity undertaken in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme regarding sustainable energy for all. Furthermore, my colleague, the Minister for External Affairs and International Development attended a meeting on 5 June 2013 convened by the 2020 Climate Group which looked at options for developing the fund, including potential sources of funding. We look to engage with businesses in supporting Climate Justice when we hold our Climate Justice conference in Edinburgh on 9 October 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:14.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285610,"EventID":"S4W-15613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:14.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T15:47:50.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the proposed Procurement Reform Bill will support (a) fair and ethical trading and (b) tax transparency.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Procurement Reform Bill is aimed at ensuring public procurement processes are transparent, streamlined and proportionate and take into account social and environmental sustainability. Alongside this, the Scottish Fair Trade Forum has agreed to work with the Scottish Government to progress the uptake of fair and ethically traded goods and services through public procurement. Under existing legislation, it is possible to exclude any company from bidding if it has failed to fulfil any of its obligations in relation to the payment of taxes, and for higher value contracts companies will normally be asked to disclose any failures as part of the process of being selected to bid.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:14.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285611,"EventID":"S4W-15614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:15.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T15:47:50.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the concept of global citizenship education for all.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Government recognises the importance of developing children and young people as global citizens so as to prepare them for life in the 21st century.\r\nGlobal citizenship education is a key learning context within the Curriculum for Excellence and is firmly embedded as a cross-curriculum theme across all ages and stages and the experiences of all learners in schools. A whole-school approach to global citizenship education, including citizenship, international and sustainable development education, will help ensure that children and young people are able to play a full and active part in society, politically, socially, environmentally and culturally and understand Scotland’s role within the wider world. Education Scotland supports global citizenship education in schools through a wide range of resources for schools and by supporting professional learning for teachers.\r\nIn addition we are also investing £108,000 in Scotland’s Development Education Centres over 2013-14 and 2014-15. This will enable the centres to raise awareness of a range of issues including poverty and the effects of climate change on the developing world, in schools across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:15.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285612,"EventID":"S4W-15615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:15.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T15:47:50.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it assesses the impact of its international development work.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to rigorous monitoring and evaluation procedures for all Scottish Government funded activity. The monitoring, reporting and evaluation system for Scottish Government funded projects is outcomes focussed and structured to enable disaggregation of monitoring outcomes at project, programme and policy levels. Applications to the Scottish Government International Development Fund are assessed on their commitment and capacity to conduct thorough and rigorous monitoring and evaluation and effective project and programme management, and adherence to these requirements is a condition of the grant contract. All applications are assessed by an independent contractor. Successful applicants are required to provide six monthly and annual reports for their projects evidencing progress made toward achieving their project outcomes and impact.\r\nThe Scottish Government is currently undertaking a review of the monitoring and evaluation framework. The cost of this activity will not be drawn from the International Development Fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:15.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285613,"EventID":"S4W-15616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-11T16:57:15.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T15:53:53.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08143 by Richard Lochhead on 9 July 2012, what progress has been made toward increasing plastic recycling capacity.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012 include bold actions to ensure that valuable resources, including plastics, are put to productive economic use. Specifically, from 1 January 2014 onwards: all waste producers in Scotland will be required to separate plastic for recycling; all local authorities will have a duty to offer plastic recycling service to households; and rigid plastics will be banned from incineration.\r\nZero Waste Scotland is able to offer technical assistance and communications support to local authorities and others working to increase collections of plastics.\r\nIn addition, Zero Waste Scotland is working to develop a viable market for recycled plastics in Scotland through a number of grant and loan schemes aimed at developing plastics recycling and reprocessing infrastructure, and working with manufacturers to increase the use of recycled plastics in products and packaging.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-25T16:57:15.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285614,"EventID":"S4W-15611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T15:01:44.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T15:40:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities last visited each of Scotland’s cities; whom she met, and what was discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"All ministerial engagements are proactively published on the Scottish Government Website. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T15:01:46.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285615,"EventID":"S4W-15617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T15:01:46.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T16:32:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it is not participating in the OECD Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials are currently liaising with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to determine the feasibility and cost of participating in the third round of the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). This round of PIAAC will commence in 2014-15 and results will be available for Scotland in 2019-20. Advice for mnisters’ consideration is being prepared and a decision from ministers will follow.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T15:01:46.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285616,"EventID":"S4W-15618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T15:01:46.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T16:32:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many businesses have received a flexible training opportunities grant since the introduction of the scheme; what the average grant award is, and how much has been awarded in total.\r\n","AnswerText":"I will ask the chief executive of Skills Development Scotland to respond to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T15:01:46.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285617,"EventID":"S4W-15619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T15:01:47.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T10:05:22.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) fires and (b) fatal fires have taken place in houses in multiple occupation (HMO) properties since 2001, broken down by local authority area, and how many were in properties for people considered vulnerable because they (i) are homeless, (ii) live in a hostel, (iii) have mental health issues and (iv) are recovering from substance abuse.\r\n","AnswerText":"HMO\r\n(a) The following table provides information on the total number of fires attended by Scottish Fire and Rescue Services for dwelling HMOs from 2009-10 to 2011-12. Prior to 2009-10 fires in HMOs could not be identified in the data.\r\nLocal Authority\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nAberdeen City\r\n2\r\n7\r\n2\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\nAngus\r\n0\r\n1\r\n3\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n0\r\n2\r\n2\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n5\r\n2\r\n1\r\nDundee City\r\n10\r\n11\r\n5\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEast Lothian\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n11\r\n4\r\n5\r\nEilean Siar\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFalkirk\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFife\r\n2\r\n1\r\n2\r\nGlasgow City\r\n9\r\n5\r\n2\r\nHighland\r\n2\r\n2\r\n1\r\nInverclyde\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nMidlothian\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nMoray\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n0\r\n3\r\n0\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\nScottish Borders\r\n0\r\n1\r\n3\r\nShetland Islands\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nStirling\r\n1\r\n2\r\n3\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nWest Lothian\r\n0\r\n1\r\n5\r\nScotland\r\n47\r\n50\r\n38\r\nSource: IRS Dataset 2011-12.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. p – provisional.\r\n2. The data provided here uses the definition of HMOs that is used for the Incident Recording System (IRS). The data provided includes dwellings that are HMOs and are sub-categorised as: “licensed”, “unlicensed” and “licensed unknown”. The dwelling category excludes hotels, hostels and residential institutions.\r\n(b) There was one fatal fire in a dwelling HMO in 2010-11 in Aberdeen city.\r\nHostels\r\n(a) Information is not centrally held on fires involving people considered vulnerable because they (i) are homeless, (ii) have mental health issues and (iv) are recovering from substance misuse. The following table provides information on the total number of fires attended by Scottish Fire and Rescue Services in hostels between 2009-10 and 2011-12. Prior to 2009-10 fires in hostels could not be identified in the data.\r\nLocal Authority\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12p\r\nAberdeen City\r\n3\r\n1\r\n2\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nAngus\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n1\r\n0\r\n2\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDundee City\r\n5\r\n5\r\n3\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEast Lothian\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n11\r\n6\r\n12\r\nEilean Siar\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\nFalkirk\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\nFife\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nGlasgow City\r\n23\r\n19\r\n14\r\nHighland\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nInverclyde\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nMidlothian\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nMoray\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n1\r\n2\r\n3\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n0\r\n3\r\n2\r\nScottish Borders\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nShetland Islands\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n1\r\n0\r\n2\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\nStirling\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nWest Lothian\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nScotland\r\n47\r\n48\r\n51\r\nSource: IRS Dataset 2011-12.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. p – provisional.\r\n2. The data provided here uses the definition of hostels that is used for the Incident Recording System (IRS). \r\n3. Hostels include all types of hostels except youth hostels. \r\n4. In fire data HMOs and hostels are different categories of premises.\r\n(b) There were no fatal fires recorded in hostels in the last three years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T15:01:47.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285618,"EventID":"S4W-15622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T15:01:47.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T10:09:26.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it is providing to improve community transport links throughout the west of Scotland.","AnswerText":"We provide local authorities with funding for community transport services as part of the block local government finance arrangements. \r\nIn addition, we paid over £1.5 million in bus service operators grants to community transport providers across Scotland in 2012-2013; and we are providing funding to the Community Transport Association in 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 to support its operations in Scotland.\r\nWe do not hold disaggregated data for the West of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T15:01:47.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285619,"EventID":"S4W-15623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T13:47:01.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T10:11:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much income (a) Justice of the Peace court fines, (b) fiscal direct penalties and (c) police antisocial behaviour penalties generated for the Scottish Court Service in 2012-13 and are expected to generate in 2013-14.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T13:47:02.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285620,"EventID":"S4W-15625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T13:47:02.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T10:11:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the income generated for the Scottish Court Service by (a) fiscal direct penalties and (b) police antisocial behaviour penalties is calculated.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T13:47:02.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285621,"EventID":"S4W-15626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T13:47:02.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T10:11:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the Scottish Court Service’s anticipated income from (a) fiscal direct penalties and (b) police antisocial behaviour penalties in 2013-14 will be lost as a result of the closure of 16 Justice of the Peace courts.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T13:47:02.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285622,"EventID":"S4W-15627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T13:47:02.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T10:11:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether and, if so, how it has calculated any reduction in the Scottish Court Service’s anticipated income from (a) fiscal direct penalties and (b) police antisocial behaviour penalties in 2013-14 as a result of the closure of 16 Justice of the Peace courts.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T13:47:02.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285623,"EventID":"S4W-15628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T15:01:47.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T10:45:00.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the reported incidence of (a) early and (b) late onset group B streptococcus infection has been in each year since 2003.","AnswerText":"The number of laboratory confirmed reports of invasive group B streptococcal infections in neonates with early and late onset (as defined below) infection for the period of 2009 to mid-June 2013 for Scotland are summarised in table 1. Figures for 2003-08 are unavailable due to comparable data not being available for these years.\r\nTable 1: Number and incidence of confirmed laboratory reports of invasive Streptococcal Group B infections by year (2009-2013 up to mid-June) in those aged up to 90 days:\r\n\r\nNumber of invasive Streptococcal Group B reports by year\r\n \r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\n2013*\r\nEarly onset (defined as less than 7 days of age when sample taken) number of reports\r\n27\r\n27\r\n27\r\n27\r\n7\r\nEarly onset estimated incidence per 1000 births\r\n0.46\r\n0.46\r\n0.46\r\n0.47\r\n0.26\r\nLate onset (defined as 7-90 days of age when sample taken) number of reports\r\n15\r\n19\r\n21\r\n20\r\n10\r\nLate onset estimated incidence per 1000 births\r\n0.25\r\n0.32\r\n0.36\r\n0.34\r\n0.37\r\nNumber of births per year (National Records Scotland)\r\n59046\r\n58791\r\n58590\r\n58027\r\nNot available as yet * *\r\nThe following caveats should be borne in mind when considering this data:\r\nInvasive illness in this situation is defined as any report in which blood or CSF has been taken for clinical diagnosis. This is the closest comparative we have in Electronic Communication of Surveillance in Scotland (ECOSS) as information on the clinical diagnosis of individuals is incomplete and often not reported.\r\nThe date the first sample was taken from an individual has been used as a proxy for date of onset of illness as we do not have detailed information on date of onset of illness in ECOSS.\r\n* Note that the figures for 2013 are provisional, based on reports received up to mid-June and will change as more data including retrospective reports are received throughout the year.\r\n\r\n**Incidence estimated based on average birth cohort size from previous four years - assuming that by mid-June 5.5/12 of birth have occurred\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T15:01:47.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285624,"EventID":"S4W-15629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T15:01:48.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T10:45:00.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many NHS microbiology laboratories follow the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations: Processing Swabs for Group B Streptococcal Carriage.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. However, the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations (SMI) are endorsed by the Scottish Microbiology Forum (now superseded by the Scottish Microbiology and Virology Network) and each laboratory in Scotland uses these standards as the basis for developing and maintaining their own local standard operating procedures for laboratory investigations. The SMI standards are used as a basis for assessment Clinical Pathology Accreditation inspections and laboratory are therefore expected to adhere to standards recommended by the SMI.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T15:01:48.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285625,"EventID":"S4W-15630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T15:01:48.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T10:45:00.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to educate health professionals about the suitability of different tests for group B streptococcal carriage.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no specific national educational initiatives commissioned by the Scottish Government about the suitability of different tests for group B streptococcal carriage.\r\nHealthcare professionals will have to demonstrate knowledge, skills and competence relevant to their profession during their undergraduate and postgraduate training, including in areas of diagnosis and appropriate treatments. It is also a professional obligation that such staff participate in continuous professional development activities in order to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date.\r\nIn the absence of specific national educational initiatives, healthcare staff are expected to follow professional guidance from their respective Royal Colleges, such as the recently revised guidance “The Prevention of Early-onset Neonatal Group B Streptococcal Disease” from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, issued in June 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T15:01:48.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285626,"EventID":"S4W-15631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T15:01:48.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T10:45:00.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to make testing of pregnant women in Scotland for group B streptococcal infection as described in UK Standards Microbiology Investigations: Processing Swabs for Group B Streptococcal Carriage available on request, and what the timetable is.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is given independent advice by the UK National Screening Committee (NSC), the independent expert advisory group who advise ministers and the NHS in the four UK countries about all aspects of screening.\r\nThe NSC reviewed the policy for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in November 2012. This review considered all the available medical evidence regarding the risks and benefits of screening all pregnant women. The Committee recommended that a national screening programme for Group B Streptococcus should not be introduced.  The NSC will continue to keep screening for Group B Streptococcus under review and will consider the policy again in 2015-16, or earlier, if significant new evidence emerges.\r\nThe Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) issued revised guidelines, ‘The Prevention of Early-onset Neonatal Group B Streptococcal Disease’, in June 2012. This recommends an approach to antibiotics administration based on maternal risk factors. NHS boards in Scotland are expected to follow professional guidance issued by the RCOG to identify which women, based on maternal risk factors, should be screened for GBS during pregnacy.\r\nThe UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations: Processing Swabs for Group B Streptococcal Carriage (SMI B58) endorses and supports the recommendations that only those pregnant women assessed as being at high risk should be tested. The document provides a recommended method for such testing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T15:01:48.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285627,"EventID":"S4W-15632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T15:01:48.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T10:45:00.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of the 2003 Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guideline, The Prevention of Early-onset Neonatal Group B Streptococcal Disease, on the incidence of group B streptococcal infections in newborn babies in Scotland and what it expects the impact will be of the 2012 update.","AnswerText":"As set out in the answer to question  S4W-15628 on 26 June 2013, the number of laboratory confirmed reports of early onset invasive group B streptococcal infections has not changed significantly over the last four years (2009- 2012), for which data collection is complete. Figures for 2013 are provisional, based on reports received up to mid-June and will change as more data, including retrospective reports, are received throughout the year.\r\nCurrent practice for testing for Group B Streptococcal (GBS) infection in Scotland is based on the current Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists ‘Green-top’ guideline updated in July 2012 and current testing methods in Scotland, as for the rest of the UK, are based on the culture of the organism as described in the Health Protection Agency’s document UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations-Processing Swabs for Group B Streptococcal Carriage.\r\nThe revised RCOG guideline looked at whether all pregnant women should be offered bacteriological screening for GBS. The guideline states that there is currently no conclusive evidence that routine antenatal screening would reduce mortality rates and that it could carry disadvantages for the mother and baby including: anaphylaxis; increased medicalisation of labour and the neonatal period; and possible infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms, particularly when broad-spectrum antibiotics such as amoxicillin are used for prophylaxis.\r\nThe approach recommended is on risk-factor basis only, therefore pregnant women in Scotland are not currently routinely offered testing for Streptococcal Group B infection as part of their antenatal care.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T15:01:48.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285639,"EventID":"S4O-02262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:13.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T12:10:22.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what rail infrastructure investments it plans for the Perth to Edinburgh route.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:13.717","MeetingDate":"2013-06-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285640,"EventID":"S4O-02263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:13.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T12:10:22.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the structure and operation of the community transport system across the country.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:14.013","MeetingDate":"2013-06-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285641,"EventID":"S4O-02264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:14.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T12:10:23.223","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to the private housing sector.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:14.823","MeetingDate":"2013-06-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285642,"EventID":"S4O-02265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:15.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T12:10:23.413","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to promote integrated ticketing and the multimodal use of public transport.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:15.06","MeetingDate":"2013-06-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285643,"EventID":"S4O-02266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:15.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T09:26:59.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the proposed Procurement Reform Bill will seek to ensure that public sector contracts should only be awarded to companies that pay the living wage. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:15.607","MeetingDate":"2013-06-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285644,"EventID":"S4O-02267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:16.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T09:12:45.733","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made by its cities strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:16.527","MeetingDate":"2013-06-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285645,"EventID":"S4O-02269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:16.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T12:32:50.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the first phase of the Edinburgh Glasgow  Improvement Programme will be delivered.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:16.87","MeetingDate":"2013-06-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285646,"EventID":"S4O-02270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:17.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T11:20:38.353","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when people and businesses in Shetland will be advised whether their area will be included in the 75% of the islands that Highlands and Islands Enterprise has stated will have access to superfast broadband.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:17.117","MeetingDate":"2013-06-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285647,"EventID":"S4O-02271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:19.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T14:39:57.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with CalMac Ferries Ltd.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government hold regular discussions with CalMac Ferries Ltd regarding management of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services contract, sponsorship of the company as a public body and other matters of mutual interest.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:19.163","MeetingDate":"2013-06-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285648,"EventID":"S4O-02272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:19.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T10:58:35.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it is giving from its International Development Fund for people in the Occupied Palestinian Territories of Gaza and the West Bank. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:19.41","MeetingDate":"2013-06-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285649,"EventID":"S4O-02273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:19.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T12:12:02.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what input it will have to Creative Scotland’s new vision statement.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:19.677","MeetingDate":"2013-06-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285650,"EventID":"S4O-02274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:22.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T12:12:04.19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what priorities it has set for Creative Scotland for the forthcoming year.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:22.483","MeetingDate":"2013-06-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285651,"EventID":"S4O-02275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:22.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T12:12:05.243","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with BBC Scotland regarding the impact of reductions in its budget.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:22.89","MeetingDate":"2013-06-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285652,"EventID":"S4O-02276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:23.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T12:12:06.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking regarding the free-to-air broadcasting of major events.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:23.123","MeetingDate":"2013-06-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285653,"EventID":"S4O-02277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:23.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T12:12:06.373","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment has been made of the contribution that local arts festivals make to communities in regeneration areas.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:23.39","MeetingDate":"2013-06-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285654,"EventID":"S4O-02278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:24.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T12:12:07.86","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will next meet the European Commission and what matters will be discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:24.73","MeetingDate":"2013-06-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285655,"EventID":"S4O-02279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:24.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T11:24:34.413","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last attended a meeting of the Nordic Council.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:24.98","MeetingDate":"2013-06-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285656,"EventID":"S4O-02280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:25.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T09:50:56.187","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its commemoration of the First World War will include conscientious objectors and the role of peace groups.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:25.247","MeetingDate":"2013-06-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285657,"EventID":"S4O-02281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:25.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T12:12:09.413","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will next meet the Turkish consul.\r\n","AnswerText":"Building on our strong bilateral relationship, the Scottish Government is planning to meet the Turkish Honorary Consul, Mr Ian Wittet, in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:25.463","MeetingDate":"2013-06-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285658,"EventID":"S4O-02282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:26.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T11:31:33.7","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the prohibition of convicted prisoners from voting in elections is compatible with its commitment to incorporate the European Convention on Human Rights into an independent Scotland's written constitution.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:26.883","MeetingDate":"2013-06-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285659,"EventID":"S4O-02283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:27.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T12:15:29.79","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on delivering the new Haddington hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:27.773","MeetingDate":"2013-06-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285660,"EventID":"S4O-02284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:28.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T12:15:30.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to help people with mental health issues remain in employment.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:28.04","MeetingDate":"2013-06-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285661,"EventID":"S4O-02285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:29.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T11:44:58.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which policies in the Draft Scottish Planning Policy will inform local authority development plans in relation to housing needs for older people.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:29.66","MeetingDate":"2013-06-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285662,"EventID":"S4O-02286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:31.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T12:15:30.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it can take regarding restrictions imposed on funfair licences by local authorities.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:31.313","MeetingDate":"2013-06-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285663,"EventID":"S4O-02287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:31.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T15:06:01.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on attracting GPs to rural practices.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:31.58","MeetingDate":"2013-06-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285664,"EventID":"S4O-02288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:31.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T12:15:31.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that recent actions by Police Scotland reflect a change in emphasis in local policing.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:31.94","MeetingDate":"2013-06-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285665,"EventID":"S4O-02289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:32.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T09:56:06.347","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to encourage golf tourism and what impact this will have on the west of Scotland economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:32.283","MeetingDate":"2013-06-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285666,"EventID":"S4O-02290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:32.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-11T16:44:54.417","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding immigration, in light of its impact on jobs in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government welcomes the contribution that talented and highly skilled migrants are making to Scotland’s economy and society. The Scottish Government has lobbied the UK Government many times to provide an immigration system that can attract the talented individuals who will benefit our economy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:32.767","MeetingDate":"2013-06-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285667,"EventID":"S4O-02291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T14:29:33.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-10T14:26:59.49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether a significant quarrying operation should proceed without the completion of an environmental impact assessment.","AnswerText":"The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 require an environmental impact assessment is undertaken before determining any planning application, or review of any mineral permission, for a quarry which is likely to have a significant effect on the environment. It is a matter for the planning authority to ensure that all relevant regulatory requirements are met before such applications are determined.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T14:29:33.063","MeetingDate":"2013-06-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285676,"EventID":"S4W-15633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T16:43:40.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T10:45:32.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to carry out research on the impact of (a) habitat loss and (b) intensive farming on the bee population.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is currently carrying out research on the impact of (a) habitat loss and (b) intensive farming on the bee population, as a joint-funder of the Insect Pollinator Initiative (IPI)\r\nThe IPI researches the causes and consequences of insect pollinator decline. It is jointly funded by the Scottish Government, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs , the Natural Environment Research Council and the Wellcome Trust, under the auspices of the Living With Environmental Change programme. The funders came together because innovative research was urgently needed to provide a solid evidence base with which to inform new policies and approaches to reduce threats to pollinator insects.\r\nThis initiative was set up in 2010, in part through the lobbying by British bee-keepers, and runs until 2014. There are nine separate IPI projects: one of these examines the impacts of habitat structure in a farmed landscape on bumblebees and two others examine how changes in agricultural land use and land management practices are affecting bees and other wild pollinators.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T16:43:40.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285677,"EventID":"S4W-15634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T16:43:41.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T10:45:32.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the reported decline in the bee population; whether it plans to take action to tackle this and, if so, whether this will include the development of a bee action plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware that research has shown that declines have been observed for 4 of the 12 Scottish species of social bumblebees as the result of losses of flower-rich habitats: bilberry (Bombus monticola), moss carder (B. muscorum), red-shanked carder (B. ruderarious) and the great yellow bumblebee (B. distinguendus). The other species are believed to be either stable or increasing.\r\nScottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has supported and promoted several initiatives, including working in conjunction with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, to address the decline of bumblebees and other wild bees and the potential consequences to Scottish biodiversity. \r\nSNH is in the early stages of preparing a bee action plan. They will liaise with the relevant organisations and individuals to ensure a pragmatic and evidence-based way forward. The plan will address the complexity of issues which compound to cause declines in bumblebee populations and, in particular, it will recognise the large-scale measures which are necessary to halt or reverse declines. Reversing the impact of agricultural intensification and the loss of unimproved grassland on bee populations will be key to this: such objectives are heavily dependent on mechanisms to support large-scale, sympathetic management of habitat, including those that might be available under the Scotland Rural Development Programme.\r\nIn addition to influencing core management practices, SNH will also be considering action to monitor the effects of the ban on neonicotinoids and developing the licensing system to prevent the introduction of invasive non-native species in pollination boxes. SNH will be preparing publications which encourage citizen science involvement in record collection to help gain a better understanding of the distribution of some of our native bees.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T16:43:41.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285678,"EventID":"S4W-15636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T16:43:41.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T14:05:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the amount that will be available for projects under the Landfill Communities Fund following the devolution of additional taxation powers and how this compares with the current level of funding.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2010-11, the most recent year for which full figures are available, the maximum amount that landfill operators were able to pay into the landfill tax credit scheme that supports the current UK Landfill Tax Communities fund was set at 5.5% of their total tax liability. In that year, around £5 million was contributed to projects in Scotland [out of a total distributed UK-wide of £71 million]. Over the past five years, the fund has distributed between £4 million and £5 million annually to projects in Scotland.\r\nThe Landfill Tax (Scotland) Bill includes provision to establish a landfill tax credit scheme for Scotland. This will replace the current UK schemes as it applies to Scotland.\r\nAs set out in our consultation (Protecting Our Resources: a Consultation on a Scottish Landfill Tax), the Scottish Government intends to raise the tax credit threshold to increase the maximum amount that landfill operators in Scotland will be able to pay into the fund by 10 per cent over the UK system, for the first three years of its operation. As with the current UK scheme, the total amount available through the scheme will be proportionate to receipts from landfill tax in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T16:43:41.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285679,"EventID":"S4W-15637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T16:43:41.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T15:03:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many children have been adopted in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is published by the National Records of Scotland, and can be found in Table P1b of the 2012 Births, Deaths and Other Vital Events Preliminary Annual Figures statistical release, which is available via:\r\nhttp://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/general/bmd-preliminary/2012.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T16:43:41.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285680,"EventID":"S4W-15638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T16:43:42.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T15:03:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contact it has had with St Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society regarding the recent ruling by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator that its policies discriminate against same-sex couples.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers and Scottish Government officials have engaged with the representatives of St Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society through meetings and written communication on a number of occasions since the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator’s ruling.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T16:43:42.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285681,"EventID":"S4W-15639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T16:43:42.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T15:03:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many children would be affected if St Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society was to close.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not have any information on how many children would be affected if St Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society was to close.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T16:43:42.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285682,"EventID":"S4W-15640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T16:43:42.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T16:04:00.507","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is consulting on the introduction of compulsory microchipping of dogs and, if so, who would enforce any resulting legislation; who would (a) fund and (b) operate the relevant database; whether there would be exemptions; whether financial assistance would be available for people on low incomes, and whether dogs would have to be re-registered to new owners.\r\n","AnswerText":"I recently met with the Dogs Trust and confirmed that the Scottish Government would be consulting on the issue of compulsory microchipping soon. The issues related to enforcement, financial support and database operation may be covered in the consultation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T16:43:42.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285683,"EventID":"S4W-15642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-12T16:43:42.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T16:09:36.977","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much land it estimates will be required to house the number of turbines needed to meet its renewable energy targets.\r\n","AnswerText":"We expect and want a wide range of renewable technologies to be developed to help Scotland meet its target, and that includes onshore and offshore wind turbines in the right places, guided by a planning and consent process which we will ensure remains fit for purpose. The amount of land required will depend upon what is submitted through the planning process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-26T16:43:42.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285695,"EventID":"S4W-15643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:36:56.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T16:56:09.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14139 by Richard Lochhead on 13 May 2013, what the qualifying criteria are for receiving the aid; how much has been paid, and when the first payment was made. ","AnswerText":"The Weather Aid Scheme opened for applications on 3 June 2013 and detailed notes for guidance are available on the Scottish Government website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/grants/WeatherAidScheme.\r\nThe eligibility criteria takes into account the impact of the severe weather on businesses and the type and extent of losses they suffered.\r\nThe scheme closes for applications on 5 July 2013 and the Weather Aid Industry Group will set the payment rates once all applications have been assessed. The aim is to make as many payments as possible in early August.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:36:57.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285696,"EventID":"S4W-15644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:36:57.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T16:56:09.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14141 by Richard Lochhead on 7 May 2013, what the qualifying criteria are for receiving the aid; how much has been paid, and when the first payment was made.\r\n","AnswerText":"Farmers will be eligible to receive financial aid if they have used a fallen stock collection service during the period 1 March 2013 to 31 May 2013.\r\nThe financial aid will be administered by the National Fallen Stock Company (NFSCo). Farmers who are members of NFSCo need to take no action at this stage. Farmers who are not members of NFSCo need to complete an application form providing their name, address and bank details. This form should be submitted to NFSCo along with evidence to show that they have paid for collections made in the relevant period by an operator approved to collect and dispose of fallen stock by 31 July 2013.\r\nApplication forms are available to download at http://www.nfsco.co.uk/news.php or by emailing member@nfsco.co.uk or by calling the NFSCo helpline on 08450 548888.\r\nPayments will commence in August 2013 and any subsidy payments to farmers will be calculated according to collections made.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:36:57.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285697,"EventID":"S4W-15645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:36:58.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T16:56:09.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) remit, (b) timescale and (c) membership will be of the group carrying out the review of agricultural tenancy legislation. \r\n","AnswerText":"As stated on 28 May 2013, in my speech to the NFUS Conference-A Shared Vision for Land Tenure, I will make an announcement after the summer break indicating how we will carry out the review of agricultural holdings legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:36:58.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285698,"EventID":"S4W-15646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:36:58.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T16:56:09.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will introduce legislation based on the recommendations of the Land Reform Review Group’s final report and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill is currently proceeding and any relevant recommendations that the review group can make within the Bill timescale, will be taken forward as part of that Bill. The Bill team and review group are liaising closely to ensure that this happens.\r\nThe Scottish Government will look to take any necessary action to legislate on the proposals in the group’s final report, as quickly as possible following the production of the report but we don’t wish to prejudge the outcome of the review group’s work at this time, given that the second phase of its work is in its early stages and in advance of ministers having the opportunity to consider the review group’s findings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:36:58.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285699,"EventID":"S4W-15647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:36:58.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T16:56:09.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what role it has in the work of the Land Reform Review Group. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Land Reform Review Group was announced in July 2012, by the First Minister. It was set up by the Scottish Government to develop innovative and radical proposals that will contribute to Scotland’s future success.\r\nRichard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary Rural Affairs and the Environment, in discussion with Scottish Government officials, appointed the three original members of the review group. These were Dr Alison Elliot (Chair), Professor Jim Hunter (Vice Chair) and Dr Sarah Skerratt (Vice Chair).\r\nThe appointment of the group’s 13 advisers also took into account recommendations from the review group chair, Alison Elliot.\r\nReplacements for Professor Hunter and Dr Skerratt, involved discussion between ministers, Scottish Government officials and the review group themselves.\r\nThe Scottish Government provide administrative support for the group, as well as paying fees for the review group members. The review group’s advisers do not receive fees, but are paid expenses.\r\nScottish Ministers commented on the initial work programme and have been consulted and interviewed as part of the process, as have representatives of a wide range of political, community and personal opinion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:36:58.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285700,"EventID":"S4W-15648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:36:58.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T16:56:09.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many meetings it has had with the Land Reform Review Group; when these took place; who attended, and what was discussed. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has met with the Land Reform Review Group on seven occasions. These are as follows:\r\n\r\n23 August 2012 - Visit and photo opportunity at Neilston Development Trust with the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment and the Land Reform Review Group (Alison Elliott, Sarah Skerratt, Jim Hunter).\r\n\r\n2 October 2012 - Meeting to discuss the Group’s work plan between the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, the Minister for Environment and Climate Change and the Land Reform Review Group (Alison Elliott, Sarah Skerratt, Jim Hunter) and Scottish Government officials.\r\n\r\n20 November 2012 - Meeting to discuss links between the review and the work on the Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill. Present: Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Minister for Local Government and Planning, the Land Reform Review Group (Alison Elliot, Jim Hunter, Sarah Skerratt) and Scottish Government officials.\r\n\r\n18 December 2012 – Meeting to discuss details of Review Group’s plans on urban issues to link with Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill. Present: Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Minister for Local Government and Planning, the Land Reform Review Group (Alison Elliot, Jim Hunter and via phone, Sarah Skerratt), and Scottish Government officials.\r\n14 March 2013 – Meeting to update on review progress. Present: Paul Wheelhouse (Minister for Environment and Climate Change), Alison Elliot (Chair, Review Group) and Scottish Government officials.\r\n\r\n8 May 2013 – Meeting to update on links with Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill, options for ensuring that liaison between review group and Bill team continue, and any options for early legislation through the Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill, that have been identified during phase 1 of the review. Present: Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Minister for Local Government and Planning, and the Land Reform Review Group (Alison Elliott, Sarah Skerratt, Ian Cooke) and Scottish Government officials.\r\n\r\n13 June 2013 – Update on progress and ideas for phase 2 approach. Present: Minister for Environment and Climate Change, the Land Reform Review Group (Alison Elliot, Ian Cooke, John Watt), and Scottish Government officials.\r\nIn addition, Scottish Government officials act as the secretariat for the group and have constant contact with them on operational matters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:36:58.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285701,"EventID":"S4W-15649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:36:58.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T16:56:09.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings (a) it and (b) Forestry Commission Scotland has had with Anders Holch Povlsen or his representatives since 2007, and what was discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government through Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) began discussion with representatives of Glenfeshie estate regarding the land swap in February 2010. There were no discussions prior to that although the estate asked FCS to consider an off-market sale of Tolvah forest for several years’, such approaches were declined as straight sale was not in the public interest.\r\nThe land swap that took place was complex over a number of sites and involved significant dialogue over close to three years. Matters discussed for the various sale and acquisition subjects included: valuation; preservation of a Forest Research experiment; Glenfeshie’s future management objectives for the woodlands they “acquired”; detailed assessment of the property purchased in the Borders for woodland creation by FCS; assessment of the Leasehold property in Glenmore and extensive conveyencing and other legal communication between the parties.\r\nThere have been no other formal meetings with Mr Povlsen or his representatives however the Minister for Environment and Climate Change was introduced to Mr Povlsen and a number of Cairngorm National Park Authority’s stakeholders at a Cairngorm National Park Authority event this month.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:36:59.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285702,"EventID":"S4W-15650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:36:59.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T16:56:09.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when (a) it and (b) Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) entered discussions with Anders Holch Povlsen or his representatives regarding the recently reported land swap between Mr Holch Povlsen and FCS.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government through Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) began discussing the land swap with representatives of Glenfeshie Estate in February 2010. There were no discussions prior to that although the estate asked FCS to consider an off-market sale of Tolvah forest for several years’, such approaches were declined as a straight sale was not in the public interest.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:36:59.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285703,"EventID":"S4W-15651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:36:59.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T16:56:09.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it was advised of Forestry Commission Scotland's decision to transfer land to Glenfeshie Estate, and what its response was.\r\n","AnswerText":"Forestry Commission Scotland has delegated authority from the Scottish Government to manage the National Forest Estate (via Forest Enterprise Scotland). This includes purchase, sale or exchange of land.\r\nTherefore there was no requirement for Forestry Commission Scotland to advise the Scottish Government of its decision to transfer land to Glenfeshie Estate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:36:59.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285704,"EventID":"S4W-15652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:36:59.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T19:29:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) Glasgow City Council and (b) SECC Ltd regarding construction of The Hydro arena being completed on time and in budget.\r\n","AnswerText":"At a meeting on 17 April 2013 regarding the potential for business tourism in Glasgow, the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism enquired of SECC when The Hydro arena would be completed. The Scottish Government is not aware of any other discussions with either Glasgow City Council or SECC regarding completion of the construction of The Hydro arena.\r\nMatters relating to any acceleration agreements or discussions with lend Lease are the operational responsibility of SECC.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:36:59.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285705,"EventID":"S4W-15653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:00.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T19:29:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) Glasgow City Council and (b) SECC Ltd regarding any acceleration agreements and associated costs to complete construction of The Hydro arena on time.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15652 on 4 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:00.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285706,"EventID":"S4W-15654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:00.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T19:29:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether (a) Glasgow City Council and (b) SECC Ltd has made acceleration agreements and agreed associated costs with Lend Lease to mitigate any delay in the construction of The Hydro arena and, if so, what the financial implications are.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15652 on 4 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:00.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285707,"EventID":"S4W-15655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:00.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T19:29:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether (a) Glasgow City Council and (b) SECC Ltd is in discussion with Lend Lease regarding acceleration agreements and associated costs in relation to the construction of The Hydro arena and, if so, what the financial implications are.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15652 on 4 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:00.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285708,"EventID":"S4W-15656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:00.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-12T17:29:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to ban the promotions firm, Bounty, from NHS maternity wards.","AnswerText":"In Scotland, NHS hospitals decide locally whether to allow Bounty representatives on to maternity wards.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not hold any central contracts with Bounty or have any influence over the conduct of their sales representatives. But as with all hospital visitors, we would expect them to respect the privacy of all women and their families. This is an operational matter for NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:00.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285709,"EventID":"S4W-15657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:01.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T10:15:00.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of people subject to a short term detention certificate has been released from hospital without being considered by a Mental Health Tribunal in each year since 2003-04.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:01.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285710,"EventID":"S4W-15658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:01.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T10:15:00.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of people subject to a short term detention certificate was prescribed antidepressants, in each year since 2003-04.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:01.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285711,"EventID":"S4W-15659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:02.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T10:15:00.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of people subject to compulsory orders has been involved in incidents of restraint in each year since 2003-04.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:02.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285712,"EventID":"S4W-15660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:02.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T10:15:00.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times Tasers have been used to restrain people subject to compulsory orders in each year since 2003-04.\r\n","AnswerText":"The deployment and use of Tasers is an operational matter for the police. I understand from the Police Service of Scotland that the requested information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:02.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285713,"EventID":"S4W-15661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:03.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T10:15:00.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been recorded under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 as having experienced ill-treatment in each year since 2003-04.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:03.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285714,"EventID":"S4W-15662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:03.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T10:15:00.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many mental health professionals have been charged under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 with making false statements on a relevant document in each year since 2003-04.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is an offence under section 318 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (“the Act”) to make a false statement on a relevant document.\r\nThe Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has not received any charges under this section of the Act since 2003.\r\nCOPFS does not hold information on whether the police have charged any person under section 318 of the Act and which have not been reported to COPFS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:03.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285715,"EventID":"S4W-15663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:04.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T10:15:00.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government in what percentage of cases a designated medical practitioner has disagreed with the responsible medical officer about the need to compel a patient to take unwanted medication in each year since 2003-04.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:04.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285716,"EventID":"S4W-15664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:04.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T10:15:00.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of people subject to compulsory orders has died in each year since 2003-04.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:04.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285717,"EventID":"S4W-15665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:05.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T10:15:00.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how the life expectancy of people subject to compulsory treatment compares with the national average.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:05.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285718,"EventID":"S4W-15666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:05.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T10:16:48.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the stated view of the Swedish Medical Products Agency and the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare that breast implants made by Poly Implant Prothèse should be removed for preventative reasons.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has noted the Swedish report and remains in contact with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. The advice remains that all patients should be offered a clinically appropriate package of care by their healthcare providers. The NHS will support removal of NHS PIP implants if, after clinical assessment, a woman with her doctor decide that it is medically necessary do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:05.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285719,"EventID":"S4W-15667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:06.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T10:16:48.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the stated view of the Swedish Medical Products Agency and the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare that clinics should be advised to contact women with Poly Implant Prothèse implants to keep them informed about the implants.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is expected that private providers will follow the guidance issued by the Chief Medical Officer during 2012 and are expected to provide a clinically appropriate package of care to their patients. The first port of call for all patients who have undergone breast augmentation in the private sector is their original provider.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:06.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285720,"EventID":"S4W-15672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:06.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T10:26:03.923","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15081 by Alex Neil on 5 June 2013, how many trainee perfusionists will be needed in each of the next five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not centrally collected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:06.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285721,"EventID":"S4W-15673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:07.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T10:26:03.923","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15081 by Alex Neil on 5 June 2013, what criteria was used to project a need for one trainee perfusionist at the Golden Jubilee Hospital and none at the other NHS boards.","AnswerText":"NHSScotland boards are expected to follow workforce planning guidance as outlined in NHS CEL 32(2011). It is the responsibility of each health board to produce workforce plans on an annual basis and to take into consideration the training and development needs of their staff. Demand is based upon NHS board workforce projections for staffing groups while supply is determined by the current stock of trainees.\r\nWe are advised by the Golden Jubilee Hospital that its projection to recruit a trainee clinical perfusionist for academic year September 2014, forms part of its workforce planning arrangements, taking into account future succession planning, and potential plans to establish a national training centre or programme at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital for trainee clinical perfusionists.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:07.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285722,"EventID":"S4W-15674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:08.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T10:26:03.923","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15082 by Alex Neil on 5 June 2013, on what basis NHS boards hire locum perfusionists instead of taking on new staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards will use locum perfusionists in cases where they have been unable to recruit permanent staff through recruitment. An action plan for perfusionists has been developed and is currently under discussion between the Scottish government and NHS Scotland employers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:08.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285723,"EventID":"S4W-15675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:08.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T10:26:03.923","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15083 by Alex Neil on 5 June 2013, for what reason NHS Lothian uses a recruitment and retention premium and the other NHS boards do not.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Lothian is the only board in Scotland who have applied for a recruitment and retention premium for perfusionists. In order to put a recruitment and retention premium in place, an NHS board must apply through the agreed procedure, providing evidence to support the application. This is then considered by the Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee, the partnership body which oversees the Agenda for Change system in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:08.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285724,"EventID":"S4W-15676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:09.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T10:26:03.923","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15085 by Alex Neil on 5 June 2013, whether it will place a note of the April 2013 meeting in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"NHS Education for Scotland have advised that there was no note taken of the discussion between the Healthcare Science Programme Manager at NHS Education for Scotland and the President of the College of Clinical Perfusion Scientists of Great Britain and Ireland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:09.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285725,"EventID":"S4W-15677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:09.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T10:59:09.323","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14855 by Alex Neil on 3 June 2013, what meetings have been attended by officials representing the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials attended technical stakeholder meetings as well as update meetings and teleconferences with the Department of Health officials. Update meetings have been held on an almost monthly basis since May 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:09.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285726,"EventID":"S4W-15678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T14:37:10.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T10:59:09.323","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14856 by Alex Neil on 3 June 2013, when the meeting with Earl Howe, due to take place on 3 July 2013, was requested.\r\n","AnswerText":"I requested a meeting with the Secretary of State for Health on 15 January 2013 to discuss value based pricing and its impact on access to new medicines in Scotland. My request for a meeting was subsequently passed to Earl Howe, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Quality.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T14:37:10.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285734,"EventID":"S4W-15681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T16:52:21.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T11:56:25.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the comments of the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment in his speech of 17 April 2013, what modelling (a) its analysts and (b) the James Hutton Institute has carried out regarding the change from historic to area-based payments in pillar 1 of the reform of the common agricultural policy; whether it will publish the results, and what the timescale is for future modelling.\r\n","AnswerText":"My speech on 17 April 2013 at the “CAP Moving Forward” conference was to introduce the results of modelling work that had already been carried by the James Hutton Institute on behalf of Scottish Government.\r\nThe modelling covered a range of scenarios that had been discussed in advance with stakeholders. The results of the modelling have been published on the Scottish Government website at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/CAP/regulations/Meetings-2013\r\nFollowing the conference and discussion with our CAP Stakeholder Group, a further phase of more detailed modelling on is now underway with a reduced number of payment options but with an expanded range of factors such as voluntary coupled support and the proposed re-distributive payment.\r\nA further phase of modelling will be required once the final outcome of the CAP negotiations is known so that we can consider aspects such as internal convergence and capping.\r\nWe plan to consult on the way forward for Scotland towards the end of this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T16:52:21.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285735,"EventID":"S4W-15682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T16:52:21.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T13:16:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the possible environmental impact, whether the MOD (a) consults it on and (b) informs it of the movement of nuclear materials in Scotland and whether consultation is required with local authorities.\r\n","AnswerText":"The MOD has arrangements in place to inform Police Scotland in advance of movements of nuclear weapons and special nuclear material, including new or used submarine reactor fuel. There is no requirement to notify the Scottish Government or local authorities of the movement of such material.\r\nThe routine off-site disposal of radioactive waste from MOD premises is covered by letters of agreement or approval with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency which are similar to authorisations for radioactive waste disposal granted to civilian operators under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993. Consultation takes place with other agencies, relevant local authorities and the public as it would for a similar a Radioactive Substances Act authorisation. Arrangements are also in place for Scottish Government to be consulted on the contents of these letters as they would be for a Radioactive Substances Act authorisation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T16:52:21.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285736,"EventID":"S4W-15685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T16:52:21.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T14:37:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prosecutions of retailers there have been under the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010; how many were for offences related to the sale of tobacco (a) to under-18s and (b) while not registered on the Scottish Tobacco Retailers Register, and how many of these led to (i) a fine, (ii) imprisonment or (iii) both a fine and imprisonment.\r\n","AnswerText":"Three people were prosecuted in 2011-12 where the main offence was under the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\n(a) One was for offences under section 4(1) ‘sale of tobacco products to persons under 18’, and two were under section 6(1) ‘purchase of tobacco products on behalf of persons under 18’. One person was convicted under each section and both received  a fine.\r\n(b) Under the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010, The Sale of Tobacco (Register of Tobacco Retailers) Regulations 2010 came into force on 1 April 2011. There were no prosecutions under Section 20 of the Act recorded in the available data to 2011-12.\r\nInformation for 2012-13 will not be available until publication of the Criminal Proceedings in Scotland, 2012-13 Statistical Bulletin. This is due to be published in November 2013.\r\nThe dates of all Scottish Government Official and National Statistics publications are pre-announced, and the up to date list of future publications can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Search/Forthcoming.\r\nSource: Scottish Government Court Proceedings data.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T16:52:21.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285737,"EventID":"S4W-15694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T16:52:22.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T15:23:13.247","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) meetings, (b) correspondence and (c) communications the Minister for Local Government and Planning has had with representatives of local authorities regarding the impact of the so-called bedroom tax on local authority (i) tenants, (ii) housing and (iii)  budgets and what issues were considered.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of our partnership working ministers are in regular contact with local government on a range of issues including the UK Government’s reforms to the welfare system.? The latest COSLA and Scottish Government political meeting to discuss welfare reform took place on 4 June 2013. The Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Local Government and Planning, both attended this meeting and discussed the so-called bed\r\nroom tax.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T16:52:22.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285738,"EventID":"S4W-15695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T16:52:22.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T15:53:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14093 by Roseanna Cunningham on 29 April 2013, when it will deliver the alcohol and drug quality improvement framework.\r\n","AnswerText":"The focus of the third phase of delivery of Scotland’s drug strategy, The Road to Recovery, is ensuring quality is embedded across all services in Scotland;quality in the provision of care, treatment and recovery services; and quality in the data that will evidence the medium and long term outcomes of people in recovery; delivered by a quality workforce. The Quality Improvement Framework, which is guided by a Short Life Working Group (SLWG), will begin to be implemented from March 2014.\r\nAs part of this the SLWG has agreed a set of Quality Principles for the effective delivery of services. In the summer of 2013 we will consult on these principles with Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs), service users and people in recovery.\r\nTo support ADPs effectively report outcomes to community planning partnerships the Scottish Government will publish updated planning and reporting guidance in July 2013.\r\nAccess to quality data is a key part of ensuring quality in services, consultation on a new single integrated national Drug and Alcohol Information System, including recovery indicators, is on-going and will close on 12 July 2013. This will inform the development of a data system which is expected to be implemented in 2015.\r\nIn support of embedding quality in services across Scotland, The Scottish Government has in place a Workforce Development Programme which is underpinned by the 2010 statement Supporting the Development of Scotland’s Alcohol and Drug Workforce:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/254429/0110090.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T16:52:22.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285739,"EventID":"S4W-15696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T16:52:22.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T15:53:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14093 by Roseanna Cunningham on 29 April 2013, whom it has asked to deliver the alcohol and drug quality improvement framework.\r\n","AnswerText":"In keeping with the established Framework for Local Partnerships on Alcohol and Drugs:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/270101/0080412.pdf.\r\nThe Quality Improvement Framework will be delivered at a local level under the leadership of Alcohol and Drug Partnerships and drug and alcohol treatment and support services, for the benefit of service users and their families.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T16:52:22.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285740,"EventID":"S4W-15697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T16:52:23.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T15:53:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14093 by Roseanna Cunningham on 29 April 2013, whether it will consult on the alcohol and drug quality improvement framework.\r\n","AnswerText":"To define the purpose and scope of the Quality Improvement Framework, Scottish Government officials established a short life working group on Quality Standards (SLWG). This is a reference group of senior stakeholders comprising representatives from Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs), the NHS, alcohol and drug treatment and support services, scrutiny bodies, and the third sector. In collaboration with service users and people in recovery, the SLWG produced a set of draft Quality Principles for services. The inclusion of this lived experience has put people at the heart of the Quality Improvement Framework and continues to influence its development. The Quality Improvement Framework has been developed in a consultative way and the various outputs from the SLWG will continue to be consulted upon and tested by ADPs, services and service users, and people in recovery.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T16:52:23.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285741,"EventID":"S4W-15698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T16:52:23.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T15:53:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14096 by Roseanna Cunningham on 29 April 2013, whether the implementation of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Technology Appraisal TA114, Methadone and buprenorphine for the management of opioid dependence, has been completed by all NHS boards and what sanctions there are for boards that do not comply with guidance.\r\n","AnswerText":"For Scotland, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Technology Appraisals are taken forward by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) who have responsibility for considering the applicability of NICE Technology Appraisals within the Scottish context.\r\nNICE Technology Appraisal TA114, methadone and buprenorphine for the management of opioid dependence has been considered by HIS and guidance is available on the HIS website using the following link:\r\nhttp://www.qisstaging.scot.nhs.uk/HIS/our_work/technologies_and_medicines/mta_resources/appraisal_114.aspx.\r\nNHS boards are expected to implement the HIS guidance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T16:52:23.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285742,"EventID":"S4W-15699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-13T16:52:23.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T16:07:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of (a) male and (b) female births were registered with (i) a single forename, (ii) two forenames, (iii) three forenames, (iv) four forenames, (v) more than four forenames and (vi) no forename in each of the last five years for which information is available.\r\n","AnswerText":"Statistical information about babies' names is published annually by the National Records of Scotland. It is available via:\r\nhttp://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/births/popular-names/index.html, and includes a chart (which is called \"Figure A\" in the latest edition) on the percentages of babies of each sex who were given one, two, three and four or more forenames.\r\nHowever, that chart does not provide the precise figures that were requested, so they are given in the following table.\r\nBabies whose births were registered in Scotland from 2008 to 2012, by the number of forenames that they were given.\r\n\r\nNone\r\n1\r\n2\r\n3\r\n4\r\n5+\r\nAll\r\nBoys\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2008\r\n0.0%\r\n16.9%\r\n64.9%\r\n16.9%\r\n1.1%\r\n0.1%\r\n100%\r\n2009\r\n0.0%\r\n16.3%\r\n64.7%\r\n17.6%\r\n1.2%\r\n0.2%\r\n100%\r\n2010\r\n0.0%\r\n16.1%\r\n65.4%\r\n17.3%\r\n1.1%\r\n0.2%\r\n100%\r\n2011\r\n0.0%\r\n15.4%\r\n64.6%\r\n18.6%\r\n1.2%\r\n0.1%\r\n100%\r\n2012\r\n0.0%\r\n15.6%\r\n64.4%\r\n18.7%\r\n1.2%\r\n0.1%\r\n100%\r\nGirls\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2008\r\n0.0%\r\n23.8%\r\n63.0%\r\n12.2%\r\n0.9%\r\n0.1%\r\n100%\r\n2009\r\n0.0%\r\n23.1%\r\n63.1%\r\n12.8%\r\n1.0%\r\n0.1%\r\n100%\r\n2010\r\n0.0%\r\n23.4%\r\n62.5%\r\n13.1%\r\n0.9%\r\n0.1%\r\n100%\r\n2011\r\n0.0%\r\n22.7%\r\n62.9%\r\n13.3%\r\n1.0%\r\n0.1%\r\n100%\r\n2012\r\n0.0%\r\n22.3%\r\n62.5%\r\n13.9%\r\n1.1%\r\n0.1%\r\n100%\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-27T16:52:23.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285743,"EventID":"S4W-15679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:52:55.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T11:44:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost was of the recent Police Scotland raids on saunas in Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerText":"The cost associated with the recent raids on Saunas in Edinburgh is an operational matter for the Chief Constable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:52:56.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285744,"EventID":"S4W-15680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:52:56.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T11:44:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many police officers were involved in the recent raids on saunas in Edinburgh, broken down by local policing area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of officers involved in the recent raids on Saunas in Edinburgh is an operational matter for the chief constable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:52:56.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285745,"EventID":"S4W-15687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:52:56.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T14:53:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether schools are required to provide (a) support or (b) training for children with asthma or food allergies who have to self-administer medication in the case of an adverse reaction.","AnswerText":"The guidance on the Administration of Medicines in Schools makes it clear that It is for NHS boards to ensure that appropriate agreements are in place with education authorities, which determine the respective responsibilities of each in relation to the administration of medicines in schools (local protocols and procedures, including training). NHS boards, education authorities. and schools should work in co-operation to determine need and plan and co-ordinate effective local provision. Children will be advised on managing their medication by their health professional.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:52:57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285746,"EventID":"S4W-15688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:52:57.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T14:53:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) support or (b) training there is for (i) teachers and (ii) other school staff regarding the administration of medication for pupils with severe allergies.\r\n","AnswerText":"The guidance on the Administration of Medicines in Schools recommends education authorities should liaise with NHS boards to ensure that all staff involved with pupils with health care needs have received a basic understanding of those needs and to ensure staff who are willing to administer medication to pupils receive the appropriate level of training, provided by the school health team, supplemented as required by health specialists.\r\nThe guidance also indicates that training for staff should include the recognition of the signs and symptoms of mild and severe allergic reactions, first aid procedures including the protection of airways and the recovery position, administration of medication including the use of auto-injectors and emergency procedures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:52:57.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285747,"EventID":"S4W-15689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:52:57.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T14:53:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what training is provided to all educational staff on the (a) recognition and (b) treatment of allergic reactions.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15688 on 26 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:52:57.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285748,"EventID":"S4W-15690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:52:57.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T14:53:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the legal status is of protection against prosecution for school staff who have helped to administer or have administered medication to pupils.\r\n","AnswerText":"As the employer of staff in schools who administer medication to pupils this is a matter for education authorities. The guidance on the administration of medicines in schools makes clear that it is for education authorities to ensure that their insurance/indemnification arrangements provide full cover for staff who volunteer to administer medication within the scope of their employment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:52:57.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285749,"EventID":"S4W-15691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:52:58.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T14:53:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many school children have been diagnosed with asthma or a severe allergy.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of pupils with asthma or a severe allergy are not collected or held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:52:58.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285750,"EventID":"S4W-15692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:52:58.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T14:53:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of schools are equipped with emergency inhalers or medication to treat severe allergic reactions.","AnswerText":"Pupils individual health care needs, and the plans to meet these healthcare needs, which include emergency procedures, determine the medication which is held in schools. The specific information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:52:58.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285751,"EventID":"S4W-15693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:52:58.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T14:53:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its review of The Administration of Medicines in Schools.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has committed to review the guidance on the Administration of Medicines in Schools following the conclusion of the review of guidance on children unable to attend school due to ill health. This review is due to conclude in January 2014. It is intended that work on the review of the guidance on Administration of Medicines will begin in March 2014 and revised guidance made available in during 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:52:58.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285752,"EventID":"S4W-15700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:52:59.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T19:01:47.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the £25 million toward the Youth Employment Scotland Fund from it and the European Social Fund that it announced on 12 June 2013 is the same money announced in the 2013-14 draft budget statement on 20 September 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the draft budget statement of 20 September 2012, the Scottish Government announced £15 million towards employer recruitment schemes in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:52:59.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285753,"EventID":"S4W-15701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:52:59.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T19:01:47.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it initially planned to launch the Youth Employment Scotland Fund earlier than June 2013 and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"The application process for the Youth Employment Scotland Fund opened on 25 March 2013 and grant letters from the Scottish Government were sent to all local authorities on 30 May 2013. ?A number of dates were considered for announcing the outcome of that process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:52:59.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285754,"EventID":"S4W-15702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:52:59.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T19:01:47.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reasons the Youth Employment Scotland Fund was not launched before June 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The application process for the Youth Employment Scotland Fund opened on 25 March 2013 and grant letters from the Scottish Government were sent to all local authorities on 30 May 2013. ?A number of dates were considered for announcing the outcome of that process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:52:59.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285755,"EventID":"S4W-15703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:52:59.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T19:01:47.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it faced any difficulties in setting up and launching the Youth Employment Scotland Fund and, if so, what.\r\n","AnswerText":"Setting up any scheme such as this requires challenges to be overcome. These include ensuring best value, compliance with EU funding rules and determination of the practicality of projects. The development of the Youth Employment Scotland Fund did not differ from a wide range of other projects in this regard.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:52:59.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285756,"EventID":"S4W-15704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:00.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T19:01:47.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of the £25 million of in-kind support toward the Youth Employment Scotland Fund from employers and local authorities will be in wages.\r\n","AnswerText":"Employer recruitment incentives funded through the Youth Employment Scotland Fund cover fifty per cent of the salary costs for the first 26 weeks of a new youth job. The remaining salary costs will be paid by employers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:00.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285757,"EventID":"S4W-15705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:00.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T19:01:47.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the main types of in-kind support toward the Youth Employment Scotland Fund  from employers and local councils will be. \r\n","AnswerText":"Recruitment incentives funded by the Youth Employment Scotland Fund cover fifty per cent of the salary cost for the first 26 weeks of a new youth job. The contribution from employers will be the other fifty per cent. The main contribution from local authorities is supporting the delivery of recruitment incentives to local employers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:00.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285758,"EventID":"S4W-15706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:00.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T19:01:47.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the First Minister described the Youth Employment Scotland Fund and the SME Growth Programme as \"a further £88 million investment\".\r\n","AnswerText":"The Youth Employment Scotland Fund and SME Growth Fund are additional to expenditure made by the Scottish Government and partner organisations previously in reducing youth unemployment from 25.4% in December 2011 (Labour Force Survey, Aug-Oct 2011) to 15.2% in June 2013 (Labour Force Survey, Feb-Apr 2013).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:00.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285759,"EventID":"S4W-15707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:00.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T19:01:47.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of the £88 million for the Youth Employment Scotland Fund and the SME Growth Programme had not been announced prior to 12 June 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"All Scottish Government budgets are announced first as part of the budget process laid out to Parliament each year between September and the following February. Following the budget, the Scottish Government subsequently announced more specific plans for how budgets will be deployed. The first time the full details of the Youth Employment Scotland Fund and the SME Growth Programme were made public was on 12 June 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:00.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285760,"EventID":"S4W-15708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:01.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T19:01:47.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of the SME Growth Programme funding has been ring-fenced for people age 16 to 24.\r\n","AnswerText":"The SME Growth Programme has been designed to maximise the opportunities for young people to benefit from the jobs  that will be created, for example through, the alignment of the Business Gateway additional growth services, with the employer recruitment incentive also being delivered by local authorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:01.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285761,"EventID":"S4W-15709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:01.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T19:01:47.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the £15.1 million announced on 12 June 2013 for the SME Growth Programme from the European Regional Development Fund was included in the money that was announced by the Scottish Government on 9 May 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The announcement on 9 May 2012 set out the Scottish Government’s commitment to focus remaining structural funds allocations towards youth employment. The announcement on 12 June 2013 was to provide the detail of the additional support services that will be offered to SMEs across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:01.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285762,"EventID":"S4W-15710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:01.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T19:01:47.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of the £22.75 million of support from Scottish Enterprise and Business Gateway for the SME Growth Programme that was announced on 12 June 2013 will be provided by (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) Business Gateway.\r\n","AnswerText":"32% (£7.2 million) is provided by Scottish Enterprise, 36% (£8.25 million) is provided by Highlands and Islands Enterprise with the remaining 32% (£7.3 million) being provided by Business Gateway/local authorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:01.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285763,"EventID":"S4W-15712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:02.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T19:01:47.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of the £22.75 million of support from Scottish Enterprise and Business Gateway for the SME Growth Programme that was announced on 12 June 2013 will be cash.\r\n","AnswerText":"All match funding for European structural funds projects has to be cash. This can include specific additional staff costs to directly support businesses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:02.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285764,"EventID":"S4W-15713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:02.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T19:01:47.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of the £22.75 million of support from Scottish Enterprise and Business Gateway for the SME Growth Programme that was announced on 12 June 2013 is money that had not previously been announced.\r\n","AnswerText":"None of the £22.75 million has been previously announced. This is match funding for new European Regional Development Fund activity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:02.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285765,"EventID":"S4W-15714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:02.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T18:08:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will update the code of practice of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act 2000 to take account of the new national policing structure and, if so, how.\r\n","AnswerText":"Revised Codes of Practice on covert surveillance and covert human intelligence sources will be issued for public consultation in summer, this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:02.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285766,"EventID":"S4W-15715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:02.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T10:18:38.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings (a) it has and (b) its officials have had since 1 March 2013 with European Commission officials to discuss imposing a public service obligation on the air route between London and Inverness Dalcross.\r\n","AnswerText":"None.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:02.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285767,"EventID":"S4W-15717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:03.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T10:18:38.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what legal advice it has sought regarding the possibility of imposing a public service obligation on the air route between London and Inverness Dalcross.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not sought legal advice regarding the possibility of imposing a public service obligation on the air route between London and Inverness.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:03.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285768,"EventID":"S4W-15718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:03.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T10:18:38.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it would support an application for imposing a public service obligation on the air route between London and Inverness Dalcross to protect take-off and landing slots, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The imposition of a public service obligation on an air route does not guarantee the provision or protection of slots at airports. I welcome easyJet’s recent announcement of the basing of an aircraft at Inverness which will facilitate early and late connections between Inverness and Gatwick from March 2014. This is a way forward which should be welcomed throughout the Highlands and Islands.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:03.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285769,"EventID":"S4W-15719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:03.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T10:18:38.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) meetings and (b) discussions it has had with the Department of Transport in the last year to discuss (i) access to London airports by flights from Scotland and (ii) the imposition of public service obligations on routes between Scotland and London.\r\n","AnswerText":"The issue of access to London airports by flights from Scotland’s airports was raised by the First Minister at the Joint Ministerial Committee on 19 September 2012 which was attended by the Secretary of State for Transport. The issue was also raised with the Department for Transport on 12 October 2012 at a stakeholder event for the UK Government’s Draft Aviation Policy Framework Consultation.\r\nThe Scottish Government has had no discussions or meetings with the Department for Transport in the last year about the imposition of public service obligations on routes between Scotland and London.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:03.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285770,"EventID":"S4W-15720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:04.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T10:18:38.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what options it has considered to ensure the continuity of air services between Inverness and London and whether this has included the potential use of RAF Northolt for services from Inverness and other Scottish airports.\r\n","AnswerText":"I welcome easyJet’s recent announcement of the basing of an aircraft at Inverness which will facilitate early and late connections between Inverness and Gatwick from March 2014. This follows positive engagement between the Airline and Highlands and Islands Airports Limited and is a way forward which should be welcomed throughout the Highlands and Islands.\r\nWe have not considered the potential use of RAF Northolt which is not currently available for use by scheduled air services.\r\nAt the root of the problems being experienced by regional air services is the punitive Air Passenger Duty levels being imposed by the Treasury which is regularly cited by airlines and airports as an obstacle when it comes to securing new routes and maintaining existing routes. Devolving Air Passenger Duty would enable the development of a regime more suited to Scotland’s needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:04.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285771,"EventID":"S4W-15721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:04.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T11:47:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14388 by Keith Brown on 8 May 2013, how many training roles for (a) officer cadets and (b) ratings on the services will be established because of Serco’s election to the tonnage tax scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Following Serco NorthLink’s election into the tonnage tax regime, they will take on four Officer cadets per year. Currently they have four Officer cadets (three deck and one engine) and this number will be added to by a further four from October 2013, and again by a further four each year going forward.\r\nWhile there is no obligation to take on Rating trainees, as a consequence of their election into the tonnage tax regime, Serco NorthLink are working with Orkney College to introduce new entrants to the industry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:04.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285772,"EventID":"S4W-15722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:04.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T11:47:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14388 by Keith Brown on 8 May 2013, what maximum additional public subsidy Serco can receive to help meet increases in fuel costs in each year of the 2012-18 contract.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the terms of the Northern Isles ferry services contract, any rise in the cost of marine fuel falls to the Scottish Government. No maximum sum is set down for this in the Northern Isles ferry services contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:04.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285773,"EventID":"S4W-15723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:04.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T11:47:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14388 by Keith Brown on 8 May 2013, what the revised annual subsidy is for the remainder of the 2012-18 contract, broken down by (a) vessel leasing, (b) chartering and (c) maintenance costs.\r\n","AnswerText":"While the overall cost of the Northern Isles ferry services contract has already been announced, the Scottish Government does not provide a further breakdown of the various elements of our ferry service contract costs.\r\nIn addition, the costs of leasing and chartering vessels are covered by confidentiality agreements between their owners and the ferry operators.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:05.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285774,"EventID":"S4W-15724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:05.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T11:47:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14388 by Keith Brown on 8 May 2013, what formula is used to calculate extra public subsidy for additional annual fuel costs for the 2012-18 contract.\r\n","AnswerText":"The fuel cost element of the annual subsidy will be the actual cost of the fuel used.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:05.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285775,"EventID":"S4W-15725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:06.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T11:47:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14388 by Keith Brown on 8 May 2013, when it became aware that Serco was applying to join the tonnage tax scheme and what role it played in the company’s discussions with the UK Government regarding this.\r\n","AnswerText":"Serco NorthLink advised of their intention to seek election into the tonnage tax regime during the tender process for the Northern Isles ferry services contract. The Scottish Government had no role in the process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:06.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285776,"EventID":"S4W-15726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:06.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T11:47:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14388 by Keith Brown on 8 May 2013, how much Transport Scotland will spend in each of the next five years on infrastructure to support the Northern Isles services.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland does not have responsibility for maintaining the ports and harbour infrastructure that support the Northern Isles ferry services. That responsibility lies with the individual ports and harbours.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:06.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285777,"EventID":"S4W-15727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:06.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T11:47:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14385 by Keith Brown on 8 May 2013, who will carry out the report on the breakdown of the MV Hamnavoe and when it will (a) receive and (b) publish the (i) report and (ii) operator’s response.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Transport Scotland officials to prepare a report on the breakdown of the MV Hamnavoe. That report is currently being drafted. The report will include an assessment of the operator’s response to the breakdown. Once the report has been produced I will further consider how best to make its findings available to stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:06.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285778,"EventID":"S4W-15728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:06.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T11:47:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14385 by Keith Brown on 8 May 2013, whether the breakdown of the MV Hamnavoe will lead to an increase in the cost of the 2012-18 Northern Isles contract and, if so, how much.\r\n","AnswerText":"The full extent of the costs of the Northern Isles ferry services contract in the current contract year will only be finalised when the end year reconciliation takes place later this summer.\r\nThe detailed compensation mechanism in the Northern Isles contract does allow for certain costs to be shared between Serco NorthLink and the Scottish Government. However, other compensating factors will also come into play including the performance deductions from Serco NorthLink’s subsidy payments arising from the loss of the Hamnavoe. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285779,"EventID":"S4W-15729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:07.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T11:47:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14385 by Keith Brown on 8 May 2013, how many (a) sailings, (b) foot passenger journeys and (c) road freight journeys have been lost to date on the Scrabster to Stromness route as a result of the breakdown of the MV Hamnavoe.","AnswerText":"As a result of the serious mechanical breakdown suffered by the vessel, the MV Hamnavoe missed 59 return sailings between 26 April and 22 May 2013.\r\nHowever, from 2 May 2013 until the Hamnavoe returned to service, the freight vessel the MV Helliar was brought on to the route and operated to the published timetable.\r\nSerco’s contingency plans meant that all passengers and freight were able to be accommodated on the preferred day of travel and therefore these passenger and freight carryings were not “lost”.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:07.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285780,"EventID":"S4W-15741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:07.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T13:57:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much income (a) Justice of the Peace court fines, (b) fiscal direct penalties and (c) police antisocial behaviour penalties generated for the Scottish Court Service in 2012-13 and are expected to generate in 2013-14.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:07.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285781,"EventID":"S4W-15742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:08.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T13:57:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the income generated for the Scottish Court Service by (a) fiscal direct penalties and (b) police antisocial behaviour penalties is calculated.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:08.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285782,"EventID":"S4W-15743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:08.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T13:57:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the Scottish Court Service’s anticipated income from (a) fiscal direct penalties and (b) police antisocial behaviour penalties in 2013-14 will be lost as a result of the closure of 16 Justice of the Peace courts.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:08.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285783,"EventID":"S4W-15744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T14:53:08.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T13:57:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether and, if so, how it has calculated any reduction in the Scottish Court Service’s anticipated income from (a) fiscal direct penalties and (b) police antisocial behaviour penalties in 2013-14 as a result of the closure of 16 Justice of the Peace courts.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T14:53:08.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285805,"EventID":"S4W-15730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T15:51:53.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T13:04:29.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the development of air services to Skye.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans for future air services from Skye. An air service from Skye would require significant initial capital investment and ongoing subsidy. We expect any funding to be identified at a local level by the Highland Council, as the owner of the aerodrome, and HITRANS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T15:51:53.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285806,"EventID":"S4W-15731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T15:51:53.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T13:04:29.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what work will be carried out by (a) Transport Scotland, (b) Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd and (c) Highlands and Islands Enterprise in connection with proposals to restore air services to Skye.","AnswerText":"This is a local initiative and, although Transport Scotland and Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) have no plans to undertake any work in connection with proposals to restore air services to Skye, at a recent meeting with the FlySkye campaign group I confirmed that HIAL would be available to offer advice on specific regulatory/operational issues. Highlands and Islands Enterprise are a member of the steering group that has been formed to take the proposals forward and will be involved in work undertaken by the group.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T15:51:53.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285807,"EventID":"S4W-15732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T15:51:54.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T13:04:29.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions (a) ministers and (b) officials have had with the European Commission regarding public service obligation in relation to air links with Skye.","AnswerText":"None.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T15:51:54.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285808,"EventID":"S4W-15733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T15:51:54.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T13:04:29.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with The Highland Council regarding the transfer or lease of the Broadford airstrip to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd.","AnswerText":"None.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T15:51:54.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285809,"EventID":"S4W-15734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T15:51:54.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T13:04:29.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the possibility of using the new programme of structural funds for the development of airport facilities in Broadford, Skye.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has made no assessment of the possibility of using the new programme of structural funds for the development of airport facilities in Broadford, Skye. Although as the owner of the airport facilities it would primarily be for Highland Council to make any such assessment, at a recent meeting with the FlySkye campaign group I confirmed that Transport Scotland would be able to offer advice on this.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T15:51:54.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285810,"EventID":"S4W-15735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T15:51:54.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T13:04:29.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Civil Aviation Authority regarding a possible derogation of statutory obligations in connection with air services from Skye.  \r\n","AnswerText":"None. Although any such discussions would be a matter for the airport operator/owner, in this case Highland Council, at a recent meeting with the FlySkye campaign group I confirmed that Highlands and Islands Airports Limited would be available to offer advice on specific regulatory / operational issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T15:51:54.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285811,"EventID":"S4W-15736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T15:51:55.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T13:04:29.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Air Discount Scheme would apply to passengers from the Highlands and Islands using air services from Skye.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Air Discount Scheme currently applies to residents of Caithness, Colonsay, Islay, Jura, North West Sutherland, Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles who benefit from discounted air fares when travelling to and from those places.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T15:51:55.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285812,"EventID":"S4W-15737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T15:51:55.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T13:04:29.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether route development funding will be available for air services from Skye.\r\n","AnswerText":"The group of Scottish Government agencies responsible for promoting air connectivity (known as “Team Scotland”) will take every opportunity in their ongoing engagement with airlines to promote the start-up of new routes and the expansion of existing services from Scotland. Should Skye Airport become operational then the same type of support would be available to it as is available to other Scottish airports.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T15:51:55.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285813,"EventID":"S4W-15738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T15:51:55.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T13:44:33.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date Scottish data from the 2011 Census will be made available to the public.","AnswerText":"Scottish data from the 2011 Census is already available to the public online via the Scotland’s Census website http://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk:\r\nPopulation estimates from the 2011 Census were published in December 2012. Population estimates at local authority level were published in March 2013. More detailed results, based upon answers to all the questions included in the 2011 Census questionnaire, will continue to be released throughout 2013. A full plan of our release schedule can be found in our Census Outputs Prospectus (available from the Scotland’s Census website).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T15:51:55.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285814,"EventID":"S4W-15739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T15:51:55.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T13:44:33.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the data on religion in Scotland from the 2011 Census will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"Release 2 outputs from Scotland’s Census, which will include statistics relating to religion, are due to be published from late summer 2013. Detail about this release and further information is available from the National Records of Scotland publication: Scotland’s Census 2011 Outputs Prospectus which can be found via:\r\nwww.scotlandscensus.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T15:51:55.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285815,"EventID":"S4W-15740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T15:51:56.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T13:44:33.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the data on religion from the 2011 Census is released later in Scotland than in England and Wales.","AnswerText":"Although the census was carried out on the same date in all UK countries, Scotland developed its own separate timetable and approach for releasing the data, designed to ensure outputs are of high quality and relevant to users of Scottish data.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T15:51:56.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285816,"EventID":"S4W-15751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T15:51:56.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T14:45:43.417","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it collects regarding foodbanks.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not routinely collect information on food banks. However, we are aware that the Trussell Trust, a key provider of food aid in the UK, is operating 17 food banks in Scotland with a further 18 in development. In the last 12 months, the Trussell Trust reports that they had more than 14,000 referrals to their food banks in Scotland. It is important to note, however, that the Trussell Trust is only one of many different providers of food aid. Currently, the Scottish Government is exploring the feasibility of routinely monitoring food-aid provision and demand in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T15:51:56.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285817,"EventID":"S4W-15752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T15:51:56.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T14:45:43.417","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it gathers information on the (a) use and (b) scale of demand for foodbanks and, if so, whether it will publish this.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15751 on 27 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T15:51:56.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285818,"EventID":"S4W-15754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T15:51:56.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T14:45:43.417","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many foodbanks there are in each local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15751 on 27 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T15:51:56.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285819,"EventID":"S4W-15755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-14T15:51:57.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T14:45:43.417","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on producing guidance regarding setting up foodbanks and how they should operate.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not provide guidance regarding the set-up or the operation of food banks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-06-28T15:51:57.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285833,"EventID":"S4W-15746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:10.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T14:44:26.067","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15478 by John Swinney on 12 June 2013, whether the information needed to produce a chart of the loss of government revenues resulting from a reduction of 3% in corporation tax over a 50-year period can be obtained from the simulation model used to create the other charts in its publication, The Impact of a Reduction in Corporation Tax on the Scottish Economy.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15749 on 5 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:11.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285834,"EventID":"S4W-15747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:11.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T14:44:26.067","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15478 by John Swinney on 12 June 2013, for what reason the answer did not include a chart showing the loss of government revenues arising from a reduction of 3% in corporation tax in a similar format to the charts contained in its publication, The Impact of a Reduction in Corporation Tax on the Scottish Economy.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15749 on 5 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:11.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285835,"EventID":"S4W-15748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:12.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T14:44:26.067","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15478 by John Swinney on 12 June 2013, whether the simulation model used in its publication, The Impact of a Reduction in Corporation Tax on the Scottish Economy, has an output indicator of the change to government revenues arising from policy changes input into the model.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15749 on 5 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:12.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285836,"EventID":"S4W-15749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:13.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T14:44:26.067","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15478 by John Swinney on 12 June 2013, for what reason its analysis on page 11 of the publication, The Impact of a Reduction in Corporation Tax on the Scottish Economy, does not set out the \"immediate negative impact on the revenues collected by that tax\" over a similar time period to the chart on the percentage change in gross domestic product included on the same page.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government report, The Impact of a Reduction in Corporation Tax on the Scottish Economy provides a comprehensive analysis of the economic impact of cutting corporation tax and focuses on the impacts on key economic variables, such as output, employment and investment.\r\nAs outlined in the paper, whilst a lower tax rate can reduce revenues for a given level of profits, by stimulating economic activity it can grow the tax base which can in turn lead to higher tax revenues. The potential economic benefits from the policy are significant, with the additional activity generated by cutting corporation tax estimated to create 27,000 jobs and boost GDP by 1.4% after 20 years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:13.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285837,"EventID":"S4W-15750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:13.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T14:44:26.067","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the results of its modelling work on a reduction in corporation tax of 3% on the same basis as Figure 4.2 in the Economic Advisory Group report, The Impact of Reducing Corporation Tax on the Northern Ireland Economy, which was cited as a source in its paper, Devolving Corporation Tax in the Scotland Bill, to show (a) the year in which a break-even point for government revenues is modelled to occur and (b) an estimate of loss of government revenues in each year until a break-even point is modelled to occur.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15749 on 5 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:13.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285838,"EventID":"S4W-15764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:14.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T15:08:24.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it (a) tracks the location of eagle nests and (b) informs landowners and occupiers when an eagle is nesting in their area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not track the location of eagle nests directly, however Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee fund periodic surveys of all known golden eagle territories in Scotland. The surveys are undertaken by the Raptor Study Group and RSPB and the next survey is due in 2015. For the reintroduced white-tailed eagle, SNH contracts RSPB to monitor all the territories in Scotland on an annual basis.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not inform landowners or occupiers of nests on their land. Eagles are territorial birds which hold a territory all year, and in the case of golden eagle are usually long established. There are usually several nests within a territory which get used alternately, although some may only have one or certain favoured nests. Most landowners and occupiers are aware of the presence of eagles on their land, though may not know all nest sites. With golden eagles those people monitoring the territory will often inform the landowner of the nest, but this does not always happen and in some cases information is not shared due to suspicions about persecution or disturbance. With white-tailed eagles, the RSPB does inform landowners or occupiers without publicising the locations more widely.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:14.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285839,"EventID":"S4W-15765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:15.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T15:08:24.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what provisions are in place to protect white-tailed eagles and their nests.","AnswerText":"Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, birds of prey, including white-tailed eagles, are protected. The provisions of the Act make it an offence if a person recklessly or intentionally kills, injures or takes a bird of prey.\r\nIt is also an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act to: take, damage, destroy or otherwise interfere with a bird of prey nest, including white-tailed eagle, whether in use or being built; obstruct or prevent a bird of prey, including white-tailed eagle, from using its nest; take or destroy the egg of a bird of prey, including white-tailed eagle; intentionally or recklessly disturb a bird of prey, including white-tailed eagle while it is in a nest or is building a nest, or is on, in or near a nest \tcontaining eggs or young; and intentionally or recklessly disturb the dependent young of a bird of prey, including white-tailed eagle.\r\n\r\nWhite-tailed eagles are also listed on Schedules A1 and 1A of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Variation of Schedules A1 and 1A (Scotland) Order 2013) came into force on 18th March 2013 and added golden eagle to Schedule A1 and 1A of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and hen harrier and red kite to Schedule 1A only. Schedule A1 of the 1981 Act lists bird species whose nests are protected at all times from disturbance, including outwith the breeding season and Schedule 1A of the 1981 Act lists those bird species which are protected from harassment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:15.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285840,"EventID":"S4W-15766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:15.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T15:08:24.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider introducing further legislation to protect white-tailed eagles and their nests.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not believe that further legislation to protect white-tailed eagles, or any other bird of prey, and their nests is necessary and therefore, at this time, has no plans to introduce any further legislation in this respect. However on 1 July 2013 the Scottish Government announced a number of new measures aimed at tackling wildlife crime as set out in the answer to question S4W-15812 on 15 July 2013 and it would be inappropriate to prejudice or constrain the work of the proposed review of how wildlife crime is treated in the criminal justice system.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:15.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285841,"EventID":"S4W-15767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:16.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T15:08:24.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what provisions are in place to protect birds of prey and their nests from persecution.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15765 on 15 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:16.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285842,"EventID":"S4W-15768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:17.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T15:08:24.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider introducing further legislation to protect birds of prey and their nests from persecution. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15766 on 18 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:17.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285843,"EventID":"S4W-15769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:17.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T15:08:24.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the robustness of vicarious liability under the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 to deal with the persecution of birds of prey and their nests and what advice it has sought on the matter.","AnswerText":"The Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 inserted provisions relating to vicarious liability for certain offences into the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The new provisions were the subject of careful consideration by the Scottish Government Legal Department and by Parliamentary Counsel, as well as by the Parliament.\r\nThe new provisions came into force in January 2012. Vicarious liability can be considered in relation to all relevant offences that are investigated or prosecuted. When any investigation for a relevant offence is ongoing, the possibility of an arrest or prosecution under the vicarious liability provisions will be considered.\r\nHowever, to date vicarious liability has not so far been tested in the courts. Decisions on what charges to bring in any case are solely a matter for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. The Scottish Government has no reason to believe that the vicarious liability provisions are not robust. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:17.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285844,"EventID":"S4W-15770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:18.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T15:08:24.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that sentencing limits for people convicted of wildlife crimes are an adequate deterrent.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government announced on 1 July 2013 that a group would be set up to carry out a review to report to ministers on how wildlife crime is treated within the criminal justice system, including examining whether the penalties available for wildlife crime properly reflect the seriousness of the damage caused to vulnerable wildlife and fragile habitats and ecosystems. Part of this review will also consider whether the maximum sentences available are an adequate deterrent.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:18.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285845,"EventID":"S4W-15771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:18.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T17:20:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings and correspondence the special adviser (a) Geoff Aberdein, (b) Stuart Nicolson, (c) Noel Dolan, (d) Liz Lloyd, (e) Alexander Anderson, (f) Malcolm Fleming, (g) John MacInnes, (h) Alex Bell, (i) Ewan Crawford, (j) Colin McAllister, (k) David Hutchison, (l) John McFarlane and (m) Delancy Johansson has had with representatives of Yes Scotland and on what dates.\r\n","AnswerText":"Special advisers meet and correspond with Yes Scotland on a regular basis and the details requested of those meetings and correspondence could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.\r\nSpecial advisers act in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers and other relevant Scottish Government guidance; in particular, the Scottish Government’s Advice Note on Approaching the Referendum which states at paragraph 28:\r\nAmong their appointed duties, special advisers provide a legitimate channel of communication between the Scottish Government, the governing political party and outside interest groups with which the governing party may be associated, including groups formed to campaign for a particular outcome in the referendum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:18.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285846,"EventID":"S4W-15772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:19.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-16T14:56:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to increase the penalties that can be imposed in relation to animal fights under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.\r\n","AnswerText":"Penalties in relation to animal fights are imposed under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and there are no current plans to increase these. However, penalties for offences are kept under review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:19.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285847,"EventID":"S4W-15777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:20.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T09:45:55.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recourse a member of the public has who is dissatisfied with the outcome of a Social Work Complaints Review Panel.","AnswerText":"A member of the public who is dissatisfied with the outcome of a local authority’s Social Work Complaints Review Committee may refer their complaint to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman for investigation.\r\nShould they still not be satisfied with the outcome, they may seek a judicial review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:20.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285848,"EventID":"S4W-15778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:20.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T11:09:24.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when (a) its officials and (b) the Cabinet Secretary for Justice became aware that the interim chief executive officer (CEO) of the Scottish Police Authority had chosen (i) not to be considered for the permanent CEO vacancy and (ii) to resign from the organisation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and the Cabinet Secretary have been aware for some months that the Interim Chief Executive of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) did not intend to apply for the position on a permanent basis and that she would step down in September 2013.\r\nThe SPA has outlined its organisational vision and governance arrangements as we embark on a new phase of reform, following a successful transition on 1 April 2013, and is working on the detail in close partnership with Police Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:20.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285849,"EventID":"S4W-15779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:21.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T11:09:24.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when (a) its officials and (b) the Cabinet Secretary for Justice became aware that the interim chief executive officer of the Scottish Police Authority would announce to staff on 11 June 2013 that she had resigned.\r\n","AnswerText":"The interim chief executive of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) has not resigned.\r\nThe SPA advised the Scottish Government on 11 June 2013 that the interim chief executive would be informing her staff that she would be not be applying for the permanent chief executive’s role. Scottish Government officials then advised the Cabinet Secretary for Justice of this information.\r\nThe SPA has outlined its organisational vision and governance arrangements as we embark on a new phase of reform, following a successful transition on 1 April 2013 and is working on the detail in close partnership with Police Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:21.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285850,"EventID":"S4W-15780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:22.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T11:09:24.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when (a) its officials and (b) the Cabinet Secretary for Justice became aware of the date that the interim chief executive officer of the Scottish Police Authority will leave the organisation.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15778 on 15 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:22.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285851,"EventID":"S4W-15781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:23.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T11:16:37.373","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many public charging outlets for electric vehicles there are on trunk roads and how many there were in (a) 2012, (b) 2011 and (c) 2010, broken down by (i) rapid, (ii) fast and (iii) standard outlets.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland’s programme to install charging facilities at least every 50 miles on the trunk road network has been widened to include some major local roads. Charge point locations are as close as practically possible to these roads, with selection based on factors such as safety, availability of power supply and amenities for the charging facility user. Plans for the financial year 2013-14 will focus on the on-going rollout of the high powered interoperable network to ensure the whole of Scotland has a sufficiency of high powered charging facilities to allow a mixture of short and long journeys to be undertaken.\r\nNew installs each year are as follows:\r\n(a) 2012-13, (i) 23 rapid (50kW), (ii) 18 quick (20kW), (iii) 80 fast (7kW), (iv) 0 standard (3kW) outlets\r\n(b) 2011-12 (i) 2 rapid, (ii) 8 quick, (iii) 46 fast, (iv) 0 standard\r\n(c) 2010-11 (i) 0 rapid, (ii) 0 quick, (iii) 0 fast, (iv) 6 standard.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:23.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285852,"EventID":"S4W-15782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:23.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T11:16:37.373","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any trunk roads have charging outlets for electric vehicles every 50 miles.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland’s programme to install charging facilities at least every 50 miles on the trunk road network has been widened to include some major local roads. Charge point locations are as close as practically possible to these roads, with selection based on factors such as safety, availability of power supply and amenities for the road user.\r\nOf Scotland’s 41 trunk roads, charging facilities have been installed in or near 24 of these roads, at least every 50 miles. These facilities are currently being commissioned for operation during Summer 2013. As funding allows, Transport Scotland are continuing the phased rollout of the high powered interoperable network of charging facilities to ensure the whole of Scotland has sufficient charging outlet coverage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:23.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285853,"EventID":"S4W-15783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:23.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T11:16:37.373","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many ferry terminals have charging outlets for electric vehicles.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working with Caledonian Maritime to install electric vehicle rapid charging infrastructure at five ferry terminals: Brodick; Islay (Port Ellen); Kennacraig; Oban; and Harris (Tarbert). We are also working with other ferry terminal operators to install rapid charging infrastructure at four other locations: Pentland Ferries-Gill’s Bay; Scrabster Harbour Trust; Ullapool Harbour Trust; and Stornoway. These outlets will become operational during summer 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:23.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285854,"EventID":"S4W-15784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:24.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T11:16:37.373","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of its vehicle fleet are/is (a) electric or (b) hybrid vehicles.  \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has 4 electric (2%) and 22 hybrid vehicles (10%) in its fleet.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:24.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285855,"EventID":"S4W-15785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:24.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T11:16:37.373","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of vehicles used by Transport Scotland are/is (a) electric and (b) hybrid vehicles.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland has a small fleet of vehicles comprising four cars, of which one (25%) is electric. The electric car is used for essential staff business travel between Buchanan House in Glasgow and the Traffic Scotland Control Centre in South Queensferry. Charging infrastructure has also been installed to support this return journey.\r\nTransport Scotland’s Travel Plan 2010-2013 promotes public transport use for essential business journeys.\r\nTransport Scotland has signed up to the 2020 Climate Group Transport Challenge which requires signatories to pledge action to promote the uptake of electric vehicles by trialling them in their fleet. The agency will continue to look at opportunities to install further charging infrastructure and consider use of electric and hybrid vehicles for any future vehicle fleet requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:24.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285856,"EventID":"S4W-15790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:25.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T11:23:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the £35 million that it has pledged to the UN to deal with female genital mutilation and what information it has on how it will be spent and whether it will be spent in the UK and abroad.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government contacted the UK Government when the fund was announced to ask for details and check that Scottish based diaspora organisations will be included in the allocation of grants. We understand that part of the fund will be used to support diaspora organisations in the UK, including in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:25.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285857,"EventID":"S4W-15791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:25.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T11:23:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to open a clinic specialised in female genital mutilation.","AnswerText":"Opening a clinic specialised in female genital mutilation (FGM) would be a matter for health boards to decide. Currently in Scotland, the NHS offers all available assistance to ensure positive health outcomes for women identified as being victims of FGM.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:25.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285858,"EventID":"S4W-15792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T14:04:25.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T11:23:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it plans to take in relation to the number of cases brought under the Female Genital Mutilation (Scotland) Act 2005.","AnswerText":"Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a form of physical abuse of women and girls and a violation of their human rights under the guise of culture and/or religion.\r\nTo date there have been three reported incidents of FGM in Scotland, with no prosecutions or court convictions. The Scottish Government tackles FGM through a multi-agency approach which includes a variety of preventative and supportive interventions to encourage reporting involving voluntary and community groups. We also work proactively with key partners such as the police, health, social services and education to ensure that FGM continues to be a priority.\r\nAll cases reported to Police Scotland under the Female Genital Mutilation (Scotland) Act 2005 are investigated and appropriate action taken with the records being kept for monitoring purposes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T14:04:25.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285859,"EventID":"S4T-00402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T12:41:38.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T11:25:52.003","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with VisitScotland regarding the organisation's website.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T12:41:38.787","MeetingDate":"2013-06-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285860,"EventID":"S4F-01472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T12:41:03.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-13T15:12:55.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T12:41:03.453","MeetingDate":"2013-06-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285861,"EventID":"S4F-01474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T12:41:04.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-16T10:32:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what discussions the Scottish Government has had with the security services regarding the emergency landing at Prestwick Airport on 15 June 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T12:41:04.203","MeetingDate":"2013-06-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285862,"EventID":"S4F-01477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T12:41:05.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T09:50:32.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T12:41:05.34","MeetingDate":"2013-06-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285863,"EventID":"S4F-01478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T12:41:05.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T10:01:33.127","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T12:41:05.73","MeetingDate":"2013-06-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285864,"EventID":"S4F-01484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4965,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T12:41:07.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T11:32:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Government has to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T12:41:07.277","MeetingDate":"2013-06-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285865,"EventID":"S4F-01491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T12:41:09.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T11:56:04.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what impact the recent decision by three senior executives to leave the Scottish Police Authority will have on its IT strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T12:41:09.63","MeetingDate":"2013-06-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285874,"EventID":"S4W-15756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T16:54:53.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T15:07:28.947","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to its statement in paragraph 30 of the Scottish Government’s initial response to Expert Working Group on Welfare Report that final welfare proposals will not be published until 2014, whether this means that welfare policies will not be included in its white paper on independence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will publish a detailed white paper with positive proposals that will illustrate the gains of independence in the autumn.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T16:54:53.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285875,"EventID":"S4W-15757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T16:54:53.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T15:07:28.947","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to its statement in paragraph 30 of the Scottish Government’s Initial Response to Expert Working Group on Welfare Report that final welfare proposals will not be published until 2014, whether an indicative amount for increased welfare spending will be included in its white paper on independence, prior to receipt of the final report from the expert group.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15756 on 1 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T16:54:53.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285876,"EventID":"S4W-15758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T16:54:53.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T15:07:28.947","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to its statement in paragraph 30 of the Scottish Government’s Initial Response to Expert Working Group on Welfare Report that final welfare proposals will not be published until 2014, whether there are other areas of policy that will not be included in its white paper on independence and, if so, which.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15756 on 1 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T16:54:53.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285877,"EventID":"S4W-15759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T16:54:53.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T15:07:28.947","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its white paper on independence will include indicative costings for policy options that it is promoting.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15756 on 1 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T16:54:53.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285878,"EventID":"S4W-15760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T16:54:53.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T15:07:28.947","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15210 by Humza Yousaf on 10 June 2013, whether it will set out its understanding of the identification document requirements for visitors travelling from Scotland to Ireland by (a) air and (b) ferry.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Home Office website states that within the Common Travel Area (CTA) “passengers are not required to carry a passport or national identity document for immigration purposes”.\r\nFurther information can be found on the Home Office website:\r\nhttp://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/customs-travel/Enteringtheuk/arrivingatukborder/travellingtocommontravelarea/ \r\nand the Irish Citizens’ Information website:\r\nhttp://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving_country/moving_abroad/freedom_of_movement_within_the_eu/common_travel_area_between_ireland_and_the_uk.html\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T16:54:53.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285879,"EventID":"S4W-15762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T16:54:54.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T15:07:28.947","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government further to the tweet by the Minister for External Affairs and International Development on 10 June 2013 that “International development based on justice rather than charity could create lasting progress in developing world”, whether it will (a) confirm its position on this matter and (b) set out what previous analysis of UK international development policy it has undertaken.\r\n","AnswerText":"The conceptualisation of international development as a question of justice rather than charity is based on an understanding of the negative impacts of particular global economic and financial policies on the world’s poorest nations and people. Examples include the tax losses to developing countries from multi-national companies operating in those countries while taking advantage of international tax secrecy; and the reported net transfer of $5,740.6 billion from developing economies to the developed over the period 1998-2010 (United Nations General Assembly A/65/189, July 2010, International Financial System and Development, Report of the Secretary-General). These flows include e.g. trade, debt, intellectual property rights and the “brain drain”. A truly effective approach to development must address these issues. \r\nAnalyses of UK development policy are available from a variety of sources, including for example the Organisation for Economic Development - Development Assistance Committee peer reviews. These include analysis of approaches to aid, but also of “policy coherence for development” across government policies. The Center for Global Development’s “Commitment to Development Index” seeks to rank governments according to the extent to which their policies in the round help poor countries, that index includes aid; trade; investment; migration; environment; security and technology components.\r\nThe tweet related to an article in the Guardian on 10 June 2013 on the human rights based approach and, summarised this sentence from it “international development based more on justice and rights than charity and aid has the potential to create lasting progress in the developing world.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T16:54:54.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285880,"EventID":"S4W-15763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T16:54:54.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-14T15:07:28.947","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government further to the tweet by the Minister for External Affairs and International Development on 13 June 2013 that “While welcoming UK hosted \"Nutrition for Growth\" summit is vital we ask critical/probing questions on how UK does aid” whether it will (a) confirm its position on this matter and (b) set out what previous analysis of UK aid policy it has undertaken.\r\n","AnswerText":"Analyses of UK aid policy are available from a variety of sources, including for example the Organisation for Economic Development - Development Assistance Committee (OECD-DAC) peer reviews and the work of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI). The Center for Global Development’s “Commitment to Development Index” seeks to rank governments according to the extent to which their policies in the round help poor countries, that index also includes an aid component.\r\nWhere appropriate the Scottish Government welcomes the good work of the Department of International Development. However, various non-governmental development organisations have nevertheless this year expressed concern over the risk of securitisation of aid, following comments made by the Prime Minister earlier this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T16:54:54.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285881,"EventID":"S4W-15775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T16:54:54.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-16T19:01:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money recorded by the National Fraud Initiative in Scotland in each of the last five years as overpayment (a) has been and (b) is still to be paid back.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Fraud Initiative (NFI) in Scotland is a counter-fraud exercise led by Audit Scotland and undertaken every two years. Audit Scotland assists the Auditor General in helping to ensure that public money is spent properly, efficiently and effectively. This role is independent of the Scottish Government and includes reporting in public and to the Scottish Parliament’s Public Audit Committee.\r\nWhile the Scottish Government has a high degree of commitment to the National Fraud Initiative, as noted in the most recent published report available on the Audit Scotland website: http://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/work/nfi.php, it is not directly involved in the monitoring or reporting of its results.\r\nThe estimated outcomes from the National Fraud Initiative to the public purse since 2008, is valued at £50.6 million; detailed analysis is provided in each report. As highlighted in the 2012 report, “National Fraud Initiative overpayments are usually subject to the same recovery processes that apply to other debt. Most bodies do not keep separate records of NFI recoveries. Indeed, Audit Scotland would prefer that bodies devoted their resources to investigation work, rather than require them to record NFI amounts that are often recovered by frequent small payments over long periods of time.” \r\nAudit Scotland therefore do not know how much money recorded as an overpayment (a) has been recovered and (b) is still to be paid back.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T16:54:54.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285882,"EventID":"S4W-15793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T16:54:55.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T11:25:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme would work in an independent Scotland given that the next phase of the scheme has been awarded to a consortium led by the UK Energy Saving Trust.","AnswerText":"The Community and Renewable Energy Scheme will be delivered under a commercial contract. This arrangement will be in place for a period of up to 4 years from 1 August 2013.\r\nThe Energy Saving Trust is an independent charity and carries out its work in Scotland on a fully devolved basis. The Energy Saving Trust has over 50 staff based in Edinburgh who manage delivery of all Scottish work and will be responsible for the delivery of the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T16:54:55.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285883,"EventID":"S4W-15794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T16:54:56.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T11:25:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it has awarded the next phase of the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme to a consortium led by the UK Energy Saving Trust.\r\n","AnswerText":"There was a fair and open procurement process undertaken for the next phase of the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme. The successful bid is a consortium led by the Energy Saving Trust. The consortium will ensure a high calibre approach, coupled with best value for money.\r\nThe consortium includes a number of social enterprises located in Scotland, all with experience in local communities. Staff will therefore be based in a variety of locations across the whole of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T16:54:56.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285884,"EventID":"S4W-15795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T16:54:56.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T13:27:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will establish a managed clinical network for allergy.","AnswerText":"The Children and Young People’s Allergy Network was established in April 2011 to strengthen and develop specialist services for children with severe allergies. The network has recurring funding from 2011-12 for a lead clinician and administrator. An application for the formalisation of the network’s future status as a national managed clinical network will be considered by the National Specialist Services Committee in August 2013.\r\nThe Scottish Government currently has no plans to establish an adult managed clinical network for allergy. NHS boards have statutory responsibility and accountability for the delivery of services. Updated guidance on the role of managed clinical networks was issued to NHS boards in:\r\nhttp://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_29.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T16:54:56.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285885,"EventID":"S4W-15796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T16:54:57.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T13:27:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to continue the work of the Children and Young People’s Allergy Network Scotland at the end of the current funding period.","AnswerText":"The Children and Young People’s Allergy Network has recurring funding from 2011-12 for a lead clinician and administrator. An application for the formalisation of the network’s future status as a national managed clinical network will be considered by the National Specialist Services Committee in August 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T16:54:57.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285886,"EventID":"S4W-15797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-17T16:54:58.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T15:20:54.967","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14301 by Joe FitzPatrick on 1 May 2013, for what reason the letter sent by Hugh Henry MSP on 21 December 2012 was replied to by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing on 28 March 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Convenor of the Greensyde Carers Group emailed all Scottish Ministers and MSPs on 17 December 2012. Mr Hugh Henry then sent a separate email to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing regarding the same correspondence on 21 December 2012.\r\nOn the 22 January 2013 an official response was issued to the Convenor of the Greensyde Carers. There was an administrative oversight where Mr Henry was not copied into that response. This was remedied on 28 March 2013, when a copy of the response which was sent to the Convenor of the Greensyde Carers on 22 January 2013 was sent to Mr Henry for his records.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-15T16:54:58.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285887,"EventID":"S4W-15786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-18T13:51:28.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T11:17:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it or the Scottish Court Service has carried out regarding the impact on accessibility of the proposed closure of sheriff courts.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-16T13:51:29.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285888,"EventID":"S4W-15787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-18T13:51:30.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T11:17:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the staffing implications are for Edinburgh Sheriff Court of the closure of Haddington and Peebles sheriff courts.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-16T13:51:30.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285889,"EventID":"S4W-15788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-18T13:51:30.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T11:17:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what investment will be required to increase the capacity at Edinburgh Sheriff Court as a result of the proposed closure of Haddington and Peebles sheriff courts.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-16T13:51:30.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285890,"EventID":"S4W-15789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-18T13:51:30.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T11:17:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in relation to the proposed closure of sheriff courts, what representations it or the Scottish Court Service has received regarding accessibility for disabled people (a) travelling to sheriff courts and (b) in the buildings housing sheriff courts.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-16T13:51:30.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285891,"EventID":"S4W-15798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-18T13:51:31.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T09:44:53.847","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the NHS provides all health services to patients free of charge.","AnswerText":"The primary purpose of any NHS organisation is to provide NHS care and the NHS provides treatment free of charge at the point of access.\r\nUnless legislation allows, the NHS cannot charge patients. For example, previously prescription charges were in place, but legislative change led to the abolition of such charges.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-16T13:51:31.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285892,"EventID":"S4W-15799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-18T13:51:32.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T10:53:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much (a) it has and (b) local authorities have spent on capital projects since 1999, in both cash and real terms.","AnswerText":"Information relating to (a) can be found in the Scottish Government Consolidated Accounts. These published accounts date back to March 2002 and are available from the Scottish Government website by way of the following links:\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2003\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2002\r\nThe 2000-01 and 1999-00 accounts are available from the stationery office.\r\nInformation relating to (b) can be found in the Scottish Local Government Financial Statistics. These published statistics are available from the Scottish Government website by way of the following link:\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Local-Government-Finance/PubScottishLGFStats.\r\nInformation relating to real terms for both (a) and (b) can be measured by way of the latest Gross Domestic Product deflators which can be viewed as a measure of general inflation in the domestic economy. These can be found at the UK Government’s website by way of the following link.\r\nwww.gov.uk/government/publications/gdp-deflators-at-market-prices-and-money-gdp.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-16T13:51:32.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285893,"EventID":"S4W-15800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-18T13:51:32.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T10:53:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much (a) it has and (b) local authorities have spent on housing since 1999, in both cash and real terms.","AnswerText":"Information relating to (a) can be found in the Scottish Government Consolidated Accounts. These published accounts date back to March 2002 and are available from the Scottish Government website by way of the following links:\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2003\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2002\r\nThe 2000-2001 and 1999-2000 accounts are available from the stationery office.\r\nInformation relating to (b) can be found in the Scottish Local Government Financial Statistics. These published statistics are available from the Scottish Government website by way of the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Local-Government-Finance/PubScottishLGFStats.\r\nInformation relating to real terms for both (a) and (b) can be measured by way of the latest Gross Domestic Product deflators which can be viewed as a measure of general inflation in the domestic economy. These can be found at the UK Government’s website by way of the following link.\r\nwww.gov.uk/government/publications/gdp-deflators-at-market-prices-and-money-gdp\r\nAs spending periods overlapped, it is more meaningful to look at these figures on an annual basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-16T13:51:32.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285894,"EventID":"S4W-15801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-18T13:51:32.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T10:53:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much (a) it has and (b) local authorities have spent on affordable housing capital projects since 1999, in both cash and real terms.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has spent a total of £5.2 billion on the Affordable Housing Supply Programme in the financial years from 1999-00 to 2011-12. In real terms this is £5.8 billion at 2011-12 prices.\r\nThe following table shows Scottish Government spend on affordable housing in each year in both cash and real terms. As spending review periods overlapped, it is more meaningful to look at these figures on an annual basis:\r\n£m\r\n1999-00\r\n2000-01\r\n2001-02\r\n2002-03\r\n2003-04\r\n2004-05\r\n2005-06\r\nCash terms \r\n201\r\n208\r\n215\r\n257\r\n292\r\n340\r\n449\r\nReal terms\r\n262\r\n268\r\n274\r\n318\r\n353\r\n400\r\n516\r\n\r\n£m\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nTotal\r\nCash terms \r\n562\r\n594\r\n530\r\n673\r\n516\r\n366\r\n5203\r\nReal terms\r\n630\r\n650\r\n564\r\n706\r\n527\r\n366\r\n5834\r\nFigures for local authority spend on affordable housing capital projects are not available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-16T13:51:33.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285895,"EventID":"S4W-15802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-18T13:51:33.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T10:53:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much (a) it has and (b) local authorities have spent on capital projects in each spending review period since 1999, in both cash and real terms.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15799 on 10 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-16T13:51:33.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285896,"EventID":"S4W-15803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-18T13:51:33.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T10:53:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much (a) it has and (b) local authorities have spent on housing in each spending review period since 1999, in both cash and real terms.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15800 on 10 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-16T13:51:33.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285897,"EventID":"S4W-15804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-18T13:51:33.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T10:53:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much (a) it has and (b) local authorities have spent on affordable housing capital projects in each spending review period since 1999, in both cash and real terms.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15801 on 10 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-16T13:51:33.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285898,"EventID":"S4W-15805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-18T13:51:34.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T11:19:29.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14629 by Margaret Burgess on 17 May 2013, whether the assessment that it is carrying out with COSLA  has been completed and, if so, what the number is, also broken down by the number for women who are seeking emergency refuge.\r\n","AnswerText":"The assessment has not yet been completed.\r\nSubsequent to my previous reply the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has clarified that the housing costs for supported housing which does not come within the definition of ‘exempt’ supported housing will be met via universal credit and the benefit cap will apply. In particular local authority owned supported housing will not fall within the definition of exempt supported accommodation and will be subject to the cap.\r\nIn May 2013 the Housing Support Enabling Unit together with the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and Homeless Action Scotland published a report of a survey of housing support across all sectors. The report can be accessed at:\r\nhttp://www.ccpscotland.org/hseu/information/Welfare-Reform/supported-exempt-accommodation-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-important.\r\nThe report showed, among other things, that:\r\nA significant proportion of housing support providers thought that a significant proportion of their provision would fall outside the DWP definition of supported exempt housing;\r\nScottish Women’s Aid has calculated that local authorities are the landlords of some 30% of women’s refuge accommodation in Scotland. This equates to 152 accommodation places.\r\nWe are now considering with COSLA how best to gather information to identify the total number and types of supported accommodation which will fall outside the DWP exempt categories and which will therefore be subject to the benefit cap.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-16T13:51:34.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285899,"EventID":"S4W-15806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-18T13:51:34.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T11:20:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the announcement by the Minister for Learning, Sciences and Scotland's Languages on 18 June 2013, which schools have received musical instruments following the £1 million investment programme, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available at a school level.\r\nThe £1 million musical instrument fund is being distributed in two phases. 50% (£500,000) has already been distributed to local authorities on the basis of the formula used for the Government’s Youth Music Initiative. The remaining 50% is being distributed based on bids submitted by local authorities with criteria designed to ensure disadvantaged young people have increased opportunities to access a musical instrument. This funding is still in the process of allocation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-16T13:51:34.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285921,"EventID":"S4W-15807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-18T16:43:41.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T13:12:22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14922 by John Swinney on 28 May 2013, whether it will provide the information requested in relation to a draft credit rating.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers will decide in the light of all the circumstances when to seek a credit rating.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-16T16:43:43.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285922,"EventID":"S4W-15808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-18T16:43:43.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T13:12:22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15300 by John Swinney on 12 June 2013, whether it considers that an appropriate time to seek a draft credit rating would be before the referendum on Scottish independence.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15807 on 24 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-16T16:43:43.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285923,"EventID":"S4W-15809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-18T16:43:43.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T15:24:13.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, whether it will provide a breakdown of recorded religious hate crimes in 2012-13 expressed as the number of incidents per 1,000 members of each religious affiliation, also broken down by incidents recorded under section (a) 74 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 and (b) 1 of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The reports titled Religiously aggravated offending in Scotland 2012-13 and ‘Charges reported under the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012 were published on 14 June 2013 and presented information on the number of charges that were reported to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) by the police in 2012-13 under section 74 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 and section 1 of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012.\r\nThe following table shows religious aggravation charges that were reported to COPFS in 2012-13 for conduct which was derogatory to each religion under the two pieces of legislation. The final column presents the number of charges per 1,000 members of each, as recorded in the 2001 census.\r\nIt is important to note that reported charges only contain information about the nature of the offensive conduct and not about the religious affiliation of the victims of incidents. In 40% of charges, the victim of the conduct was a police officer and in 12% of charges the victim was a worker. This suggests that many of the charges were not directed towards members of religious groups and were more arbitrary in nature. \r\nTable: Religious aggravation and offensive behaviour at football charges derogatory to religions in Scotland in 2011-12 per 1,000 members\r\n \r\nReligious aggravation charges in 2012-13 [1]\r\nOffensive behaviour at football charges in 2012-13\r\nThe religion that conduct was derogatory towards [5]\r\nNumber of charges [2]\r\nNumber of Members [3]\r\nCharges per 1,000 Members\r\nNumber of charges [2]\r\nNumber of members [3]\r\nCharges per 1,000 members\r\nChristianity[4], [5] \r\n592\r\n3,294,545\r\n0.18\r\n104\r\n3,294,545\r\n0.03\r\nof which:\r\nRoman Catholicism \r\n388\r\n803,732\r\n0.48\r\n88\r\n803,732\r\n0.11\r\nProtestantism \r\n199\r\n2,146,251\r\n0.09\r\n16\r\n2,146,251\r\n0.01\r\nJudaism\r\n27\r\n6,448\r\n4.19\r\n2\r\n6,448\r\n0.31\r\nIslam\r\n80\r\n42,557\r\n1.88\r\n0\r\n42,557\r\n0.00\r\nUnknown\r\n4\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nOther\r\n3\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nTable notes: \r\n1. Information on religious aggravations is taken from Religiously Aggravated Offending in Scotland 2012-13 and information on offensive behaviour at football charges is taken from Charges reported under the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012, published on the Scottish Government website on 14 June 2013.\r\n2 The number of charges refers to the religion that the conduct was derogatory towards and not the number of charges where victims had the relevant affiliation. Information about victims’ religious affiliations are not recorded by the police.\r\n3 Religious group membership information data are taken from the 2001 census. Available online at: http://scotland.gov.uk/publications/2005/02/20757/53570.\r\n4 There are 5 charges in the Christianity total for religious aggravations charges that referred to conduct which was offensive to Christianity in general and were not directed towards Protestantism or Roman Catholicism.\r\n5 Religious group membership data is based on self-reported affiliation in the 2001 census. Christian denominations are presented in the census under three categories: ‘Roman Catholic’, ‘Church of Scotland’ and ‘other Christian.’ For the purpose of this table only ‘Church of Scotland’ membership has been attributed as ‘Protestant’ because ‘other Christian’ may include a mixture of Protestant and non-Protestant denominations. As a consequence this may lead to an under-reporting of the ‘charges per 1,000 members’ in the Protestant category.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-16T16:43:43.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285924,"EventID":"S4W-15810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-18T16:43:44.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T15:56:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding is available specifically for sexual abuse counselling services.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are providing £3.6 million to support rape victims for 2012-15 which enables us to support a wide variety of projects and organisations, many who provide services including counselling.\r\nWe are supporting the Rape Crisis Helpline which will receive £260,000 of Scottish Government funding a year for 2012-15 (Total £780k). The helpline offers free and confidential support and information for women and men who have experienced sexual violence.\r\n \r\nThe 14 Scottish Rape Crisis Centres over Scotland are funded through our Rape Crisis Specific Fund. They will receive £50,000 each per year, a total of £700,000 per year for the next 3 years (£2.1m 2012-15). Providing emotional and practical support, information and advocacy to anyone affected by sexual violence, regardless of whether that abuse may have happened recently or in the past.\r\n \r\nIn addition SurvivorScotland was allocated £850,000 to take forward the National Strategy for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse in 2012-13 and a further £800,000 for 2013-14.\r\n \r\nThis funding is supporting 22 statutory and voluntary organisations to develop a wide range of services for survivors, including counselling.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-16T16:43:44.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285928,"EventID":"S4O-02292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:13.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T12:03:41.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is a mechanism for insisting that local authorities follow the Scottish Commissioner for Children and Young People's guidance on consulting with children and young people on school closures and other significant changes.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:14.11","MeetingDate":"2013-06-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285929,"EventID":"S4O-02293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:14.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T11:27:19.94","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has considered issuing maximum travel times for journeys to school in rural and island areas.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:14.67","MeetingDate":"2013-06-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285930,"EventID":"S4O-02295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:14.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T16:42:33.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what provision is made in local authority schools for access to educational psychology services.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:14.997","MeetingDate":"2013-06-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285931,"EventID":"S4O-02296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:15.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T10:24:44.987","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made on college mergers in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:15.28","MeetingDate":"2013-06-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285932,"EventID":"S4O-02297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:15.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T12:03:44.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to avoid colleges being re-classified as public bodies.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:15.543","MeetingDate":"2013-06-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285933,"EventID":"S4O-02298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:15.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T13:50:10.307","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has with universities when they are replacing senior posts, such as principals.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:15.857","MeetingDate":"2013-06-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285934,"EventID":"S4O-02299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:16.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T12:03:46.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will promote a more diverse school education system.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:16.107","MeetingDate":"2013-06-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285935,"EventID":"S4O-02300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:16.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T12:03:46.63","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is promoting the Employability Fund to colleges and training providers.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:16.45","MeetingDate":"2013-06-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285936,"EventID":"S4O-02301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:16.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T12:03:47.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress there has been in respect of further education college mergers in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:16.683","MeetingDate":"2013-06-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285937,"EventID":"S4O-02302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:17.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T12:03:47.63","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the number of probationary teachers finding employment.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:17.073","MeetingDate":"2013-06-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285938,"EventID":"S4O-02303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:17.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T11:44:25.89","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is responding to the conclusions on childcare and early years education in the Equal Opportunities Committee's report, Women and Work. ","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:17.323","MeetingDate":"2013-06-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285939,"EventID":"S4O-02304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:17.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T12:03:48.44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the reported comments of Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski and other panel members of the Review of Higher Education Governance in Scotland on the draft Scottish code of good higher education governance.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:17.557","MeetingDate":"2013-06-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285940,"EventID":"S4O-02305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:17.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T12:03:49.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what savings will be made as a result of the merger of Langside, Anniesland and Cardonald colleges.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:17.913","MeetingDate":"2013-06-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285941,"EventID":"S4O-02306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:18.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T12:03:49.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made regarding the regionalisation of Adam Smith College and Carnegie College.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:18.273","MeetingDate":"2013-06-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285942,"EventID":"S4O-02307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:18.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T12:03:50.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what further and higher education is doing to support sustainable economic development through engineering and other fields of study.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:18.523","MeetingDate":"2013-06-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285943,"EventID":"S4O-02308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:18.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T10:23:40.86","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the curriculum for excellence will generate the skills necessary for the growing renewables industry.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:18.883","MeetingDate":"2013-06-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285944,"EventID":"S4O-02309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:19.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T12:03:51.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how important classroom assistants are in enabling young people to achieve their full educational potential.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:19.133","MeetingDate":"2013-06-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285945,"EventID":"S4O-02310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:19.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T12:03:51.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to improve numeracy in the later years of primary school.","AnswerText":"We are committed to improving numeracy levels in Scotland and monitoring performance through the Scottish Survey of Literacy and Numeracy. In response to the numeracy survey published last year, Education Scotland published a suite of practical resources to support primary and secondary teachers, and undertook a series of events around the country to promote their effective use in the classroom.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:19.507","MeetingDate":"2013-06-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285946,"EventID":"S4O-02311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:19.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T11:28:06.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has issued to further education colleges on the need to provide education and training opportunities for disabled people.","AnswerText":"In my strategic guidance, I have asked the SFC to work in partnership with Enable, the Scottish Consortium for Learning Disabilities and other partners in securing improvements in retention, attainment and progression for college students with learning disabilities.\r\nThis has led to the SFC building partnerships to improve outcomes for disabled learners through a range of measures, including the creation of support posts in colleges and a new good practice guide.\r\nSpecific guidance to colleges is then provided by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) who are responsible for negotiating college outcome agreements, which include targets for students with additional support needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:19.757","MeetingDate":"2013-06-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285947,"EventID":"S4O-02312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:20.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T11:42:59.483","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent assistance it has provided to creative industries across the country.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:20.113","MeetingDate":"2013-06-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285948,"EventID":"S4O-02313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:20.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T12:04:10.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much Amazon has received in regional selective assistance grants in the last year.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:20.38","MeetingDate":"2013-06-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285949,"EventID":"S4O-02314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:20.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T12:04:11.013","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its strategy for measuring wellbeing, in light of the publication of Shifting the Dial in Scotland, by the Carnegie UK Trust.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:20.723","MeetingDate":"2013-06-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285950,"EventID":"S4O-02315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:20.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T15:57:05.247","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with stakeholders regarding improving the transport links between West Scotland and the rest of the country.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:20.957","MeetingDate":"2013-06-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285951,"EventID":"S4O-02316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:21.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T12:04:11.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what further support it will provide to help the regeneration of small-to-medium sized town centres.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:21.19","MeetingDate":"2013-06-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285952,"EventID":"S4O-02317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:21.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T14:27:41.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it will cost to repair the defects in roads in Fife.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:21.473","MeetingDate":"2013-06-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285953,"EventID":"S4O-02318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:21.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T12:04:13.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it helps communities that want to achieve Blue Flag status for their beaches or marinas.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:21.767","MeetingDate":"2013-06-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285954,"EventID":"S4O-02319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:22.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T12:04:13.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the distribution of funds from the Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland is calculated.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:22.063","MeetingDate":"2013-06-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285955,"EventID":"S4O-02320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:22.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T12:04:14.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on deciding on the location of the proposed national performance centre for sport.\r\n","AnswerText":"The closing date for submission of stage 2 bids is 5 July 2013. The bids will then be assessed by the steering group who will offer advice and recommend a preferred bidder which I expect to be in a position to announce on schedule this summer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:22.5","MeetingDate":"2013-06-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285956,"EventID":"S4O-02321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:24:22.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-17T12:04:14.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made with the UK Government regarding the repatriation of income from the red meat levy.","AnswerText":"We have continued to press the UK Government on this issue. It’s clearly not right that this year alone approx. £1.4 million of levy income paid by Scottish farmers is not available to promote our fabulous red meat brands. The UK Government had the prefect platform to announce its intention to repatriate levy income to Scotland when the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary of State attended the Royal Highland Show last Friday.\r\nSadly Owen Paterson chose not to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:24:22.737","MeetingDate":"2013-06-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285957,"EventID":"S4W-15817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:38:41.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T18:58:45.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made regarding the tax incremental financing project in the Falkirk area and when it expects to sign a legal agreement with the local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"Consideration of Falkirk Council's Tax Incremental Business case is on-going and Ministers hope to make an announcement about their decision by the end of summer 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:38:41.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285958,"EventID":"S4W-15819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:38:42.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T10:59:07.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15303 by Alex Neil on 12 June 2013, when guidance will be issued on the bed planning tool.","AnswerText":"On 8 May 2013, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing announced in Parliament the “development of a bed-management tool.” We envisage that the bed planning tool will help NHS boards to develop their local delivery plans, at least in part, for the financial year 2014-15 and fully from 2015-16 onwards. We expect guidance on the bed planning tool to be issued in 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:38:42.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285959,"EventID":"S4W-15820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:38:42.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T10:59:07.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15304 by Alex Neil on 12 June 2013, when consultation on the bed planning tool with clinical professionals will take place.","AnswerText":"On 8 May 2013, I announced in Parliament the “development of a bed-management tool.” We have started to engage with key stakeholders, including the Scottish Partnership Forum, the Unscheduled Care Expert Group and the Joint Strategic Commissioning National Steering Group. Further engagement will take place over the next few months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:38:42.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285960,"EventID":"S4W-15821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:38:43.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T10:59:07.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15305 by Alex Neil on 12 June 2013, who is heading the development of the bed planning tool.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s Directorate for Health Workforce and Performance is leading on the development of the bed planning tool. The directorate will be working closely with a range of clinical professionals and national groups to develop the bed planning tool and its associated guidance during the initial development phase.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:38:43.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285961,"EventID":"S4W-15822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T13:38:43.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T10:59:07.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15303 by Alex Neil on 12 June 2013, what guidance is available for NHS boards that are reducing bed numbers.","AnswerText":"NHS boards are responsible for the planning and delivery of local services and will be able to use the bed planning tool to support the development of their local delivery plans.\r\nThese must be consistent with national policies, guidelines and frameworks, including the service redesign guidance “Informing, Engaging and Consulting People in Developing Health and Community Care Services”, guidance around “Reshaping Care for Older People”, “Local Delivery Planning Guidance”, the “Quality Strategy” and the “Route Map to the P2020 Vision for Health and Social Care”.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T13:38:43.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285983,"EventID":"S4W-15811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:23.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T17:19:43.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that the vicarious liability provisions in the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 are (a) understood and (b) enforced.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 inserted provisions relating to vicarious liability for certain offences into the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The new provisions came into force in January 2012.\r\nThe Scottish Government has worked with stakeholders through the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Scotland to raise awareness of these provisions and has assisted with the production of guidance by PAW partners. \r\nDecisions on whether to prosecute cases under the vicarious liability provisions are solely a matter for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T16:47:23.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285984,"EventID":"S4W-15812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:23.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T17:19:43.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what further steps it is planning to address wildlife crime.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 1 July 2013 the Scottish Government announced new measures aimed at tackling wildlife crime. These are:\r\nThe Lord Advocate has instructed the specialist prosecutors in the Wildlife and Environmental Crime Unit to work with Police Scotland to ensure that law enforcement utilises all investigative tools at their disposal in the fight against wildlife crime.\r\nA group will be established to carry out a review and report to ministers on how wildlife crime is treated within the criminal justice system, including examining whether the penalties available for wildlife crime properly reflect the seriousness of the damage caused to vulnerable wildlife and fragile habitats and ecosystems. \r\nScottish Natural Heritage (SNH) will be asked, in their capacity as the authority for licensing decisions under Section 16 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, to examine how and in what circumstances they can restrict the use of General Licences to trap and shoot wild birds on land where they have good reason to believe that crimes against wild birds have taken place. These General Licences allow the holders to carry out actions that would otherwise be unlawful if undertaken without any reference to SNH. The Scottish Government regards the use of General Licences as a privilege that should not be extended in circumstances where there is evidence that their use may be facilitating illegal activities.\r\nIn addition to the above measures, the Scottish Government also intends, in the second half of this year, to bring forward a consultation on whether we should extend the powers of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as regards the investigation of wildlife crime. \r\nThe Scottish Government will also in the second half of the year be laying in Parliament an annual report on wildlife crime in 2012. This report will have a role to play in guiding the best use of resources in tackling wildlife crime.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T16:47:23.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285985,"EventID":"S4W-15813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:23.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T17:19:43.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many wildlife crime officers Police Scotland has and whether it plans to maintain or increase the number.\r\n","AnswerText":"Figures obtained from Police Scotland show there are currently 109 wildlife crime officers within Police Scotland. There is also a national wildlife crime co-ordinator, at sergeant level. There has been no change in the level of this resource since the advent of Police Scotland and there are currently no plans to review the present number.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T16:47:23.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285986,"EventID":"S4W-15814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:23.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T17:19:43.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many police wildlife crime officers there have been, and what the annual budget was, in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information. There is no specific wildlife crime budget within Police Scotland. All operational policing is managed locally and budgets are therefore held locally. As operational policing is devolved to local commanders, any budget would be held and managed within individual divisions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T16:47:23.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285987,"EventID":"S4W-15816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:23.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-18T17:19:43.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how wildlife crime officers have been deployed in each local policing area by Police Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are currently 109 wildlife crime officers operating across Police Scotland and they play a critical role in the fight against wildlife crime in Scotland. Operationally based within the Specialist Crime Division of Police Scotland, there are five full-time wildlife crime liaison officer’s (WCLO) and nine part-time WCLO posts.\r\nIn addition there is also a full-time wildlife crime coordinator (policy) and 95 part-time wildlife crime officers. The deployment of these officers within Police Scotland is an operational matter for the Chief Constable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T16:47:23.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285988,"EventID":"S4W-15823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:24.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T11:54:34.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what social impact bond projects there are in Scotland and what monitoring it carries out of these.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware that a number of third sector organisations, partners and potential investors are exploring alternative social impact funding models. This includes the YMCA’s Living Balance social impact bond pilot. This is part of the DWP’s Innovation Fund and is not monitored by the Scottish Government. However, we are engaged with YMCA to ensure that lessons learned from the project can be shared across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T16:47:24.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285989,"EventID":"S4W-15824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:24.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T11:54:34.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on identifying potential projects for piloting social impact bonds.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are working in partnership with a range of people and organisations to develop and test social investment models that deliver social and economic impacts. We are very interested in the results of the Perth YMCA living balance social impact bond, and are supporting them to produce practical tools that will help others set up social investment partnerships.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T16:47:24.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285990,"EventID":"S4W-15825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:24.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T11:54:34.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it has not included the use of social impact bonds in its projects related to public-social partnerships.\r\n","AnswerText":"Many of the existing Public Social Partnerships (PSPs) were already established before the first social impact bond pilot was developed and launched in Peterborough. To date, none of the service providers and funders involved in the development of more recent PSPs has brought forward proposals for the use of social impact bonds in their partnerships.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T16:47:24.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285991,"EventID":"S4W-15826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:24.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T11:54:34.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what average number of hours per week convicted prisoners have been engaged in purposeful activity (a) across the prison estate and (b) in each penal establishment, in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nPurposeful activity as a performance measure has existed in the Scottish Prison Service since 2010-11 with the average number of hours per week convicted prisoners have been engaged in purposeful activity being measured since 2011-12.\r\nPurposeful activity is defined as any structured and/or supervised activity that contributes to reducing reoffending and in terms of Rule 84(2) purposeful activities include:\r\nWork\r\nEducation of any kind, including physical education\r\nCounselling and other rehabilitative programmes\r\nVocational training; and\r\nWork placement outside the prison\r\nPrior to that, the Scottish Prison Service measured offender development hours. This measurement included education and training for work but excluded actual work activities and rehabilitative programmes. It should not therefore be used as a direct comparison with purposeful activity.\r\nOffender Development Hours:\r\nTotals 2008-2009 average population as a whole (convicted and remand)\r\n\r\nAverage Weekly Hours per prisoner\r\nAberdeen\r\n62,038\r\n5\r\nBarlinnie\r\n251,323\r\n3\r\nCornton Vale\r\n197,304\r\n9\r\nDumfries\r\n70,607\r\n7\r\nEdinburgh\r\n193,057\r\n6\r\nGlenochil\r\n252,099\r\n7\r\nGreenock\r\n76,228\r\n5\r\nInverness\r\n66,248\r\n8\r\nOpen Estate\r\n448,696\r\n25\r\nPerth\r\n159,507\r\n4\r\nPeterhead\r\n125,592\r\n8\r\nPolmont\r\n238,749\r\n7\r\nShotts\r\n149,769\r\n5\r\nAddiewell\r\n-\r\n-\r\nKilmarnock\r\n165,303\r\n5\r\nTotal per Activity\r\n2,456,518\r\n6\r\n\r\nTotals 2009-2010 average population as a whole (convicted and remand)\r\n\r\nAverage Weekly Hours per prisoner\r\nAberdeen\r\n87,876\r\n7\r\nBarlinnie\r\n254,864\r\n3\r\nCornton Vale\r\n256,314\r\n13\r\nDumfries\r\n60,297\r\n6\r\nEdinburgh\r\n269,921\r\n6\r\nGlenochil\r\n242,632\r\n7\r\nGreenock\r\n68,874\r\n5\r\nInverness\r\n61,803\r\n8\r\nOpen Estate\r\n361,460\r\n26\r\nPerth\r\n189,419\r\n5\r\nPeterhead\r\n144,298\r\n9\r\nPolmont\r\n240,606\r\n6\r\nShotts\r\n152,166\r\n5\r\nAddiewell\r\n178,518\r\n5\r\nKilmarnock\r\n175,861\r\n6\r\nTotal per Activity\r\n2,744,908\r\n7\r\n\r\nPurposeful Activity Hours:\r\nTotals 2010-2011 average population as a whole (convicted and remand)\r\n\r\nAverage Weekly Hours per prisoner\r\nAberdeen\r\n163392\r\n14\r\nBarlinnie\r\n672962\r\n9\r\nCornton Vale\r\n229662\r\n12\r\nDumfries\r\n152546\r\n15\r\nEdinburgh\r\n488085\r\n10\r\nGlenochil\r\n736793\r\n22\r\nGreenock\r\n223639\r\n16\r\nInverness\r\n142887\r\n20\r\nOpen Estate\r\n308033\r\n23\r\nPerth\r\n420728\r\n12\r\nPeterhead\r\n327247\r\n26\r\nPolmont\r\n511569\r\n13\r\nShotts\r\n495509\r\n18\r\nAddiewell\r\n606642\r\n17\r\nKilmarnock\r\n664630\r\n23\r\nTotal per Activity\r\n6144324\r\n15\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTotals 2011-2012\r\nTOTAL\r\nAverage Weekly Hours per prisoner\r\nAverage Weekly Hours per convicted prisoner\r\nAberdeen\r\n199801\r\n16\r\n23\r\nBarlinnie\r\n762138\r\n10\r\n15\r\nCornton Vale\r\n242160\r\n14\r\n20\r\nDumfries\r\n175451\r\n17\r\n19\r\nEdinburgh\r\n522169\r\n11\r\n15\r\nGlenochil\r\n917184\r\n24\r\n24\r\nGreenock\r\n237895\r\n18\r\n22\r\nInverness\r\n146286\r\n20\r\n31\r\nOpen Estate\r\n304855\r\n22\r\n22\r\nPerth\r\n451854\r\n13\r\n16\r\nPeterhead\r\n227781\r\n30\r\n30\r\nPolmont\r\n446804\r\n12\r\n16\r\nShotts\r\n462124\r\n16\r\n16\r\nTotal per Activity public prisons\r\n5096501\r\n17\r\n21\r\nAddiewell\r\n762114\r\n19\r\n23\r\nKilmarnock\r\n797970\r\n24\r\n28\r\nAll Total\r\n6656585\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTotals 2012-2013 (until end November 2012)\r\nTotal\r\nAverage Weekly Hours per prisoner\r\nAverage per convicted prisoner\r\nAberdeen\r\n158,544\r\n17\r\n27\r\nBarlinnie\r\n805,337\r\n13\r\n20\r\nCornton Vale\r\n232,255\r\n16\r\n22\r\nDumfries\r\n161,189\r\n16\r\n18\r\nEdinburgh\r\n523,407\r\n11\r\n15\r\nGlenochil\r\n624,504\r\n18\r\n19\r\nGreenock\r\n235,961\r\n18\r\n21\r\nInverness\r\n78,300\r\n12\r\n18\r\nLow Moss\r\n818,284\r\n24\r\n28\r\nOpen Estate\r\n261,231\r\n23\r\n23\r\nPerth\r\n441,132\r\n13\r\n16\r\nPeterhead\r\n155,630\r\n24\r\n24\r\nPolmont\r\n411,113\r\n12\r\n16\r\nShotts\r\n440,138\r\n16\r\n16\r\nTotal per Activity public prisons\r\n5,347,025\r\n16\r\n20\r\nAddiewell\r\n796,595\r\n20\r\n24\r\nKilmarnock\r\n759,096\r\n25\r\n29\r\nAll Total\r\n6,902,716\r\n17\r\n20\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T16:47:24.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285992,"EventID":"S4W-15827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:25.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T11:54:34.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of (a) adult prisoners and (b) young offenders has attended education programmes in each of the last six months.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nSPS does not collate information on the percentages of adult and young offenders that attend education programmes. However, SPS learning and skills providers are required to record information on the number of individual prisoners and young offenders engaging with the learning centre during each month. This information does not detail whether the learner is an adult prisoner or a young offender.\r\nThe following table details the number of prisoners and young offenders engaging with the learning centres in each of the last six months:\r\nNumber of Prisoners Engaging with the Learning Centres\r\nDec 2012\r\nJan 2013\r\nFeb 2013\r\nMar 2013\r\nApr 2013\r\nMay 2013\r\n2,288\r\n2,507\r\n2,583\r\n2,631\r\n2,536\r\n2,415\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T16:47:25.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285993,"EventID":"S4W-15828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:25.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T11:54:34.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people were prosecuted for offences under the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005 in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"Information for 2012-13 will not be available until publication of the Criminal Proceedings in Scotland, 2012-13 Statistical Bulletin. This is due to be published in November 2013.\r\nThe dates of all Scottish Government Official and National Statistics publications are pre-announced, and the up to date list of future publications can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Search/Forthcoming.\r\nFor available information on offences under this act, I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11677 on 10 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T16:47:25.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285994,"EventID":"S4W-15829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:25.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T11:54:34.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) prisoner-on-prisoner and (b) prisoner-on-staff assaults were reported in each prison in 2012.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“The Scottish Prison Service publishes information in its annual report in relation to financial years. The following table illustrates the total number of prisoner on prisoner assaults and prisoner on staff assaults broken down by each prison. Included are serious, minor and non injury assaults for the period from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013.”\r\nPrisoner on Prisoner assaults\r\nPrisoner on Staff assaults\r\nAberdeen\r\n59\r\n9\r\nAddiewell\r\n120\r\n17\r\nBarlinnie\r\n128\r\n13\r\nCornton Vale\r\n103\r\n43\r\nDumfries\r\n31\r\n2\r\nEdinburgh\r\n193\r\n22\r\nGlenochil\r\n100\r\n4\r\nGreenock\r\n37\r\n1\r\nInverness\r\n36\r\n1\r\nKilmarnock\r\n136\r\n20\r\nLow Moss\r\n155\r\n10\r\nOpen estate\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPerth\r\n120\r\n15\r\nPeterhead\r\n33\r\n2\r\nPolmont\r\n505\r\n19\r\nShotts\r\n53\r\n9\r\nTotal\r\n1809\r\n187\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T16:47:25.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285995,"EventID":"S4W-15830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:25.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T13:25:07.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it asked the Scottish Funding Council to consider the implications of the reclassification of colleges by the Office for National Statistics.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government wrote to the college sector and the Scottish Funding Council at the point it became aware of ONS’ decision in 2010, alerting them to the potential implications at that time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T16:47:25.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285996,"EventID":"S4W-15831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:26.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T13:25:07.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Scottish Funding Council provided information to the college sector regarding the implications of the reclassification of colleges by the Office for National Statistics.\r\n","AnswerText":"Following ONS’ decision on the reclassification of colleges in 2010, there followed a period of extensive negotiation with HM Treasury on the basis for the decision, the timing of implementation and the scope for mitigating its implications in Scotland.\r\nOnce it became apparent that HM Treasury would offer no flexibility or mitigation, on 13 May 2013, Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, and John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth, along with representatives of the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), met with college Chairs, Principals and Regional Leads to discuss the impact of the decision.\r\nSince then a project team, led by SFC staff and supported by SG officials and external experts including college representatives, has been established and has held a number of constructive meetings with the college sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T16:47:26.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285997,"EventID":"S4W-15832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:26.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T14:13:29.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to consult on compulsory microchipping of dogs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government plans to consult on compulsory microchipping of dogs before the end of 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T16:47:26.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285998,"EventID":"S4W-15833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-19T16:47:26.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T14:50:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14411 by Fergus Ewing on 8 May 2013, what the names are of the three recipients of support from the Renewable Energy Investment Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"At the All-Energy conference in May 2013, I announced a loan to Gigha Green Power Ltd from the Renewable Energy Investment Fund.\r\nDetails of further investments by the fund are commercial in confidence and will be announced following financial closure and in accordance with the individual legal and commercial agreements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-17T16:47:26.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":285999,"EventID":"S4W-15844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-20T13:59:41.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-20T10:46:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it helps promote the work of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills’ employer ownership of skills fund and how often it meets the UK Government and the other devolved administrations to discuss the work of the commission.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Employer Ownership of Skills is a competitive fund open to employers to invest in their current and future workforce in England only. The Scottish Government has not been involved in its promotion. The Minister for Youth Employment and representatives from the other devolved administrations last met with Matthew Hancock MP on 10 June 2013 to discuss matters relating to the work of UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES). Plans for any further meetings have not been formalised. Scotland has a dedicated national Commissioner who promotes Scottish interests within UKCES.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-18T13:59:42.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286000,"EventID":"S4W-15845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-20T13:59:43.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-20T10:46:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the UK Commission for Employment and Skills regarding the maritime skills base.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have not had any recent discussions with the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) regarding the maritime skills base.\r\nHowever, the Scottish Government enjoys strong relationships with the UKCES and seeks to influence development of Scottish qualifications through regular contact with the two commissioners based in Scotland. We also hope to benefit from the closer relationship and greater understanding that the UKCES Chief Executive Michael Davies has developed with Scottish industry and skills contacts through his role with the independent commission for developing Scotland's young workforce.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-18T13:59:43.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286001,"EventID":"S4W-15846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-20T13:59:43.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-20T10:46:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) training, (b) apprenticeship and (c) employment opportunities were available to seafarers in the most recent year for which information is available.\r\n","AnswerText":"Seafarers can access a range of training opportunities delivered by our national skills body, Skills Development Scotland, which committed to deliver a minimum of 46,500 training places in 2012-13.\r\nThrough the Energy Skills Challenge Fund, Orkney College delivered a full range of maritime safety training to 164 individuals.\r\nA modern apprenticeship framework for maritime occupations was developed last year, and approved by the modern apprenticeship group in November 2012. As at 31 March 2013 there were two apprentices following this framework.\r\nIn Scotland, all apprentices must be employed, linking apprenticeships to real and sustainable jobs. As such, the programme is demand led and is therefore reliant upon employers offering apprenticeships in their sector.\r\nWith regard to employment opportunities, no data is held centrally. However, the Scottish Government provides funding to support young people into employment through a range of employer recruitment incentives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-18T13:59:43.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286002,"EventID":"S4W-15847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-20T13:59:43.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-20T10:46:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many apprenticeship places at colleges are available for people seeking a career in the maritime industry and what the (a) duration and (b) take-up rate is for each course.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has committed to offer 25,000 new modern apprenticeships starts in each year of the current Parliament. In 2011-12 and again in 2012-13 we have in fact surpassed this ambitious target.\r\nIn Scotland, all apprentices must be employed, linking apprenticeships to real and sustainable jobs. As such, the programme is demand led and is therefore reliant upon employers offering apprenticeships in their sector.\r\nModern apprenticeship frameworks are not designed with set duration for completion, rather, they should be undertaken at the pace of the learner.\r\nA modern apprenticeship framework for maritime occupations was developed last year, and approved by the Modern Apprenticeship Group in November 2012. As at 31 March 2013 there were two apprentices following this framework.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-18T13:59:43.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286003,"EventID":"S4W-15848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-20T13:59:43.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-20T10:46:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many seafarer (a) ratings and (b) officers are being (i) trained and (ii) sponsored by CalMac Ferries Ltd, and how many (A) were in 2011-12 and (B) will be in 2013-14. \r\n","AnswerText":"The information on seafarers trained and sponsored by CalMac Ferries Limited is as follows: \r\n\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\n2013–14\r\nEmployees Trained - Officers\r\n9\r\n10\r\nTotal number still to be finalised\r\nEmployees Trained – Ratings\r\n2\r\n10\r\nTotal number still to be finalised but 4 Ratings confirmed to date\r\nCadets Sponsored\r\n40*\r\n40*\r\n40*\r\n*The cadet sponsorship programme ordinarily takes each cadet three years to complete. Consequently of the 40 cadets in training at any one time there are cadets completing their training after three years, there are also cadets midway through their training and a third group starting their training.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-18T13:59:43.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286004,"EventID":"S4W-15849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-20T13:59:44.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-20T10:46:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14388 by Keith Brown on 8 May 2013, what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the training of (a) rating and (b) officer seafarers as a result of Serco NorthLink’s election to the tonnage tax scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT\r\nWRITTEN ANSWER\r\n15 July 2013\t\r\nIndex Heading: Transport Scotland\r\n Elaine Smith (Coatbridge and Chryston) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14388 by Keith Brown on 8 May 2013, what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the training of (a) rating and (b) officer seafarers as a result of Serco NorthLink’s election to the tonnage tax scheme.\r\n\r\n(S4W-15849)\r\nKeith Brown:I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-15721 and S4W-15725 on 28 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-18T13:59:44.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286020,"EventID":"S4W-15850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-20T16:48:26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-20T13:43:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it collates crime statistics.\r\n","AnswerText":"The statistical return, from which most of the figures in the annual statistical bulletin are taken, is a simple count of the numbers of crimes and offences recorded, and cleared up, by the police in Scotland. One return is made for each council area in Scotland and these are aggregated to give a national total. Returns from the eight Scottish home forces are included in the annual bulletin.\r\nOn 1 April 2013, the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 brought together the existing eight police forces into a single Police Service of Scotland. While data will no longer be returned by eight police forces, 2013-14 data will still be collected for the single Police Service of Scotland. As a result, the geographical levels at which data are presented in future statistical bulletins will be reviewed.\r\nFurther details are provided in Section 7 of the statistical bulletin Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2012-13 which was published on 18 June 2013 and is available via the following web link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/06/9697\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-18T16:48:26.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286021,"EventID":"S4W-15851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-20T16:48:26.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-20T13:43:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many alleged offences have been reported to procurators fiscal in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of criminal reports received by the Procurators Fiscal in each year are as follows:\r\n2007-08\r\n306,770\r\n2008-09\r\n285,398\r\n2009-10\r\n275,503\r\n2010-11\r\n265,830\r\n2011-12\r\n276,080\r\n2012-13\r\n280,942\r\nThe reports can be received against one or more individuals and often include multiple charges, which can be amalgamated for the purposes of prosecution in court.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-18T16:48:26.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286022,"EventID":"S4W-15852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-20T16:48:26.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-20T13:43:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many alleged offences have been recorded by the police in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Statistics relating to crimes and offences recorded by the police are available in the Recorded Crime in Scotland bulletin series. 2012-13, statistics were published on 18 June 2013 and are available via the following web link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/06/9697.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-18T16:48:26.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286023,"EventID":"S4W-15853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-20T16:48:26.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-20T13:43:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many charges of alleged assault on police officers have been dropped in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following figures reflect the number of charges which have been discontinued in each year since 2007 in relation to section 41(1)(a) of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967. The figures relate to assaults on police officers as opposed to resisting, obstructing, molesting or hindering police officers.\r\nIn terms of prosecution policy, there is a strong presumption against accepting pleas of not guilty to charges involving assaults on police officers, however there are limited circumstances in which accepting a plea of not guilty to these charges would be appropriate. No action is taken in cases for a variety of reasons which include there being insufficient admissible evidence.\r\nProsecutors have recently been reminded of the robust prosecution policy in this area.\r\n2007-08 \r\n2,613\r\n2008-09\r\n2,297\r\n2009-10\r\n1,896\r\n2010-11\r\n1,817\r\n2011-12\r\n2,057\r\n2012-13\r\n1,458\r\nThe information has been extracted from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal’s Service case management database. The database is a live, operational database used to manage the processing of reports submitted to Procurators Fiscal by the Police and other reporting agencies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-18T16:48:26.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286024,"EventID":"S4W-15854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-20T16:48:27.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-20T13:43:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people who were subsequently convicted have had previous charges against them dropped since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-18T16:48:27.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286025,"EventID":"S4W-15855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-20T16:48:27.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-20T13:43:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many charges have been dropped by police crime managers in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-18T16:48:27.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286026,"EventID":"S4W-15856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-20T16:48:27.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-20T13:43:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what stages a crime report goes through before it is sent to a procurator fiscal for consideration.\r\n","AnswerText":"A crime report is raised when a crime is reported to or discovered by the police. Crime reports are used to assist investigative work and to provide statistical information. A crime report would not be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.\r\nThe police provide the Procurator Fiscal with a standard police report, when they consider there is sufficient evidence to libel a charge against a particular individual. The standard police report notes the charge libelled and provides a summary of the evidence, a list of productions and witnesses in the case and any other relevant information.\r\nIt is the responsibility of individual police officers to determine when a sufficiency of evidence exists for the arrest of an individual. Following arrest, a standard police report is compiled and is then scrutinised by the reporting officer’s supervisor. Finally it is passed to the case management unit to ensure the evidence contained within meets the required standard of proof and that the report and evidence contained within are of a suitable quality prior to submission to the Procurator Fiscal.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-18T16:48:27.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286036,"EventID":"S4W-15861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-21T13:25:38.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T13:21:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish a new policy statement on architecture and place.","AnswerText":"I will this morning, 24 June 2013, be launching the Scottish Government’s new policy statement on architecture and place. The policy statement is available from the Scottish Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 55045), and will be available on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/06/9811.\r\nThe launch will take place at Hillhead Primary School in Glasgow, an award winning building which itself exemplifies the benefits of good design and showcases Scotland’s architectural talent.\r\nScottish Ministers recognise the important role that Scotland’s architecture and places play in supporting a high quality of life, developing our economic potential and in reflecting our vibrant and creative culture. Our new architecture and place policy statement contains a series of commitments to support Scottish architecture and placemaking for the benefit of Scotland’s communities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-19T13:25:39.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286041,"EventID":"S4W-15834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-21T13:41:14.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T17:27:59.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the findings of the research it commissioned from the University of Glasgow into the incidence of tail injuries in working dogs will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"The research commissioned from the University of Glasgow in 2011 has now been completed. Drafts of the two papers intended for submission are currently being considered by the project steering group, which includes representatives from the Scottish Gamekeepers Association and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation. It is expected that the papers will be submitted for publication by the researchers in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-19T13:41:14.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286042,"EventID":"S4T-00407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T12:59:04.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T10:54:24.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its policy is on tenant farmers' right to buy in light of the comments by the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment at the Royal Highland Show on 20 June 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T12:59:04.9","MeetingDate":"2013-06-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286043,"EventID":"S4T-00416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T12:59:07.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:59:45.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the affordability and public reporting concerns raised in Audit Scotland's report, Scotland's key transport infrastructure projects.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T12:59:07.457","MeetingDate":"2013-06-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286044,"EventID":"S4F-01492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T12:58:43.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-20T13:20:28.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T12:58:44.143","MeetingDate":"2013-06-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286045,"EventID":"S4F-01493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T12:58:44.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T09:27:27.92","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Government is taking to reduce the number of assaults against police officers.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T12:58:44.563","MeetingDate":"2013-06-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286046,"EventID":"S4F-01498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T12:58:46.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T09:46:37.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T12:58:46.14","MeetingDate":"2013-06-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286047,"EventID":"S4F-01500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T12:58:47.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:13.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what economic benefits a direct air link to China would bring to Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T12:58:47.107","MeetingDate":"2013-06-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286048,"EventID":"S4F-01502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T12:58:47.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:20:22.003","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action is being taken to address the number of cases of type 2 diabetes.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T12:58:47.56","MeetingDate":"2013-06-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286049,"EventID":"S4F-01504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T12:58:48.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:31:37.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what effect the 2015-16 Spending Review will have on the Scottish Government's budget.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T12:58:48.357","MeetingDate":"2013-06-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286050,"EventID":"S4W-15835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T16:51:43.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T16:35:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will respond to the findings and recommendations of the Federation of Master Builders' report, Improving public procurement for construction SMEs.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have asked Robin Crawford and Ken Lewandowski to carry out an independent review of the way in which the public sector in Scotland procures construction work, and they have consulted the Federation of Master Builders as part of their review.\r\nThat report is expected later this summer, and Scottish Ministers will respond to its recommendations then.\r\nImproving speed of payment to sub-contractors is one of the key thrusts of the Federation of Master Builders’ report, and Mr Crawford and Mr Lewandowski have already made one early recommendation in this regard, to trial the use of project bank accounts in Scotland. I have accepted this recommendation, and a suitable trial is now being sought.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T16:51:43.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286051,"EventID":"S4W-15836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T16:51:43.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T16:35:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the proposed Procurement Reform Bill will reflect the findings of the Federation of Master Builders' report, Improving public procurement for construction SMEs.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our proposals for the Bill were developed through extensive consultation with stakeholders, including business representatives. The recommendations set out in the Federation of Master Builders report serve as welcome conformation that businesses, especially smaller firms, are keen that we use the Bill to tackle issues such as pre-qualification processes, provision of debriefing and advertising of contract opportunities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T16:51:43.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286052,"EventID":"S4W-15837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T16:51:43.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T16:35:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the annual value is of public sector construction contracts and what percentage of construction output they represent.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not collect information on the annual value of public sector construction contracts.\r\nSpending on construction in 2011-12 recorded by public sector bodies on the Scottish Government’s Procurement Information Hub was £2.437 billion, which was 23.4% of construction output. The figures for 2010-11 were £2.122 billion and 18.5%. For 2009-10 they were £2.114 billion and 21.4%.\r\nNote that the Scottish Government spending on construction and Scottish construction output figures are not directly comparable. This is because government construction spending in a given year does not immediately translate to measured Scottish output in the same year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T16:51:43.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286053,"EventID":"S4W-15838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T16:51:44.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T16:35:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of public sector contracts is awarded to Scottish small and medium-sized enterprises.\r\n","AnswerText":"Based on information from the Public Contracts Scotland portal, the information requested is set out in the following table:\r\n\r\n2010*\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nScotland-based small enterprises**\r\n36% \r\n48% \r\n53% \r\nScotland-based medium sized enterprises***\r\n19% \r\n17% \r\n15% \r\nTotal Scotland-based SMEs\r\n55% \r\n65% \r\n68% \r\n* 2010 figures are for October to December only as this is when reporting functionality on the size and location of suppliers became available in Public Contracts Scotland.\r\n** Scotland-based and employee numbers according to the information provided by suppliers when registering on Public Contracts Scotland. Small enterprises are those with under 50 employees.\r\n*** Medium sized enterprises are those with 50 – 249 employees.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T16:51:44.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286054,"EventID":"S4W-15839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T16:51:44.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T16:35:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of the construction industry is made up of small and medium-sized enterprises.","AnswerText":"The latest official statistics for enterprises operating in Scotland are available from the Scottish Government Businesses in Scotland 2012 publication. The publication shows that: As at March 2012, there were 56,720 enterprises in the construction sector. Of these, 99.8 per cent were classed as either small or medium in size.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T16:51:44.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286055,"EventID":"S4W-15840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T16:51:44.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T16:35:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to develop a consortium support system for small and medium-sized enterprises in the construction sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that small and medium sized businesses have fair access to public sector contracts in Scotland and have made it easier for SMEs to do business with the public sector. In 2012, 82% of suppliers awarded contracts through Public Contracts Scotland were SMEs, following year-on-year increases.\r\nScottish Enterprise and Co-Operative Development Scotland (CDS) offer training for businesses wishing to increase their market share through joint collaborative bids with other businesses. CDS particularly promote the “co-operative consortium” in which member businesses share equally in a new entity which is formed to undertake some agreed activity on behalf of members. The “consortium co-operative” is increasingly popular in Scotland, including construction.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T16:51:44.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286056,"EventID":"S4W-15841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T16:51:45.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T16:35:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date it plans to introduce the proposed Procurement Reform Bill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15200 on 23 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T16:51:45.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286057,"EventID":"S4W-15842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T16:51:45.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T16:35:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the proposed Procurement Reform Bill will require public sector jobs of an established minimum salary to be posted on the Public Contracts Scotland online portal.","AnswerText":"The Procurement Reform Bill will apply to the award of commercial contracts for goods, works and services, not to contracts of employment which involve a salary. Similarly, Public Contracts Scotland is not intended for contracts of employment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T16:51:45.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286058,"EventID":"S4W-15843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T16:51:45.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-19T16:35:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the data in the Federation of Master Builders' report, Improving public procurement for construction SMEs, on the success rates of small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK in competing for public sector jobs are representative of success rates in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not collect information which measures the ratio of wins to bids of individual SMEs competing for public works contracts.\r\nBased on information submitted to the Scottish Government’s Procurement Information Hub, where the size of the supplier firm was known, spending on construction recorded by public sector bodies was £2.09 billion in 2011-12, of which 47% went to firms classed as SMEs. In 2010-11 it was £2.00 billion (44% to known SMEs) and in 2009-10 it was £1.97 billion (43% to known SMEs).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T16:51:45.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286059,"EventID":"S4W-15857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T16:51:46.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-20T15:33:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many children aged (a) up to 10, (b) 11 to 13 and (c) 14 to 16 were treated for (i) an eating disorder, (ii) anorexia nervosa, (iii) bulimia nervosa and (iv) binge eating in each NHS board area in (A) 2010-11, (B) 2011-12 and (C) 2012-13.","AnswerText":"The number of people in Scotland treated for an eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating in each NHS board area is not available centrally.\r\nIt is not possible to provide reliable estimates, for the requested age groups, of the number of people in Scotland who had a contact with a GP or practice nurse for these conditions due to the very small number of cases involved.\r\nSome information is available from the Practice Team Information (PTI) scheme, which can provide national estimates of the number of people consulting either a GP or practice-employed nurse where an eating disorder was noted as one of the reasons for consulting. Other information is available on patients admitted to hospital but, because hospital admission is rare for these conditions, this will only relate to a small proportion of people treated for an eating disorder. People with eating disorders may however be seen in other settings, such as hospital outpatients or counselling services, for which detailed information is not available, therefore it is not possible to provide complete numbers from national data.\r\nPTI records indicate reasons for consultation but this does not specify whether treatment was provided. The PTI sample covers approximately 6% of general practices in Scotland and their population is regarded to be broadly representative of Scotland as a whole in terms of their age, gender and deprivation profile. They cannot be used to estimate figures by individual NHS board area.\r\nFor the most recent three financial years for which PTI data is available, the estimated number of people aged 0 to 16 consulting either a GP or practice-employed nurse where an eating disorder was noted as one of the reasons for consulting is included in Table 1. A further breakdown by each of the specifically defined eating disorders is included in Table 2:\r\nTable 1 – Estimated number of patients in Scotland aged 0-16 consulting a GP or practice-employed nurse for an eating disorder in financial years 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12. Estimated numbers1, with 95% confidence intervals2\r\n\r\nFinancial Year\r\nPatient Estimate\r\nPatient Estimate Confidence Interval\r\n2009-10\r\n650\r\n(410-880)\r\n2010-11\r\n430\r\n(140-730)\r\n2011-12\r\n560\r\n(310-810)\r\n1. Based on data from 60, 59 and 59 PTI practices that submitted complete GP and practice nurse data for the years ending 31st March 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively. Figures are standardised to the gender, age and deprivation distribution of the Scottish population.\r\n2. These are estimates based on a sample of practices that may vary between years. The 95% confidence intervals (in parentheses) give an indication of the relative degree of certainty around the estimates. For relatively rare conditions the confidence intervals will be fairly large.\r\nTable 2 - Estimated number of patients in Scotland aged 0-16 consulting a GP or practice-employed nurse for an eating disorder in financial years 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 by type of disorder. Estimated numbers1, with 95% confidence intervals2\r\nFinancial Year\r\nAnorexia nervosa\r\nBulimia nervosa\r\nEating disorders - unspecified\r\nOther\r\nAny eating disorder (total)3\r\n2009-10\r\n130\r\n(40-220)\r\n30\r\n(0-70)\r\n350\r\n(190-500)\r\n140\r\n(0-290)\r\n650\r\n(410-880)\r\n2010-11\r\n140\r\n(0-320)\r\n10\r\n(0-20)\r\n290\r\n(60-520)\r\n30\r\n(0-50)\r\n430\r\n(140-730)\r\n2011-12\r\n60\r\n(0-130)\r\n10\r\n(0-20)\r\n470\r\n(230-720)\r\n20\r\n(0-40)\r\n560\r\n(310-810)\r\n1. Based on data from 60, 59 and 59 PTI practices that submitted complete GP and practice nurse data for the years ending 31 March 2010, 2011 and 2011 respectively. Figures are standardised to the gender, age and deprivation distribution of the Scottish population.\r\n2. These are estimates based on a sample of practices that may vary between years. The 95% confidence intervals (in parentheses) give an indication of the relative degree of certainty around the estimates. For relatively rare conditions the confidence intervals will be fairly large.\r\n3. Some patients may have consulted f","AnswerDate":"2013-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T16:51:46.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286060,"EventID":"S4W-15862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T16:51:46.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T16:31:53.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it planned to make available for shared equity schemes in 2012-13, also broken down by scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2012-13, the Scottish Government allocated £25.80 million to its Open Market Shared Equity Scheme and £2.50 million to its New Supply Shared Equity with Developers Scheme. There was not a separate budget for the New Supply Shared Equity programme delivered through councils resource planning assumptions. However, we expect this programme to spend around £11 million each year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T16:51:46.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286061,"EventID":"S4W-15863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T16:51:46.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T16:31:53.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it spent on shared equity schemes in 2012-13, also broken down by scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2012-13, the Scottish Government spent £20.60 million through the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme, £1.49 million through the New Supply Shared Equity with Developers Scheme and £9.564 million through New Supply Shared Equity Scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T16:51:46.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286062,"EventID":"S4W-15866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T16:51:46.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T09:45:25.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what capital projects it has funded or part-funded, or expects to fund or part-fund, in Edinburgh between 2007 and 2016; what the value is or will be of its contribution for each project, and what the overall value is or will be of each project.\r\n","AnswerText":"Edinburgh has benefitted and will benefit from a wide range of capital investment between 2007 and 2016. Information relating to major projects which are completed or which are currently in construction within the Edinburgh area and which the Scottish Government has provided funding or part funding for since 2007, is provided in the following table:\r\nProject Name\r\nStatus\r\nCapital Value\r\nScottish Government Proportion of Funding\r\nForth Replacement Crossing\r\nIn Construction\r\n£1.45bn-£1.60 billion\r\n100%\r\nEdinburgh to Glasgow Rail Improvement Programme\r\nIn Construction\r\n£650 million\r\n100%\r\nEdinburgh Tram Link project\r\nIn Construction\r\n£500 million\r\n64%\r\nParliament House Redevelopment\r\nCompleted\r\n£60 million\r\n100%\r\nNational Museum of Scotland\r\nCompleted\r\n£47 million\r\n33%\r\nNational Museums Collections Centre\r\nIn Construction\r\n£11.8 million\r\n100%\r\nScottish National Portrait Gallery\r\nCompleted\r\n£17.1 million\r\n42%\r\nNHS Lothian Royal Victoria Hospital\r\nCompleted\r\n£44 million\r\n100%\r\n\r\nInformation relating to those major projects which the Scottish Government plan to provide funding or part funding for from 2013 to 2016 can be found in the Scottish Government’s Infrastructure Investment Plan which was published in December 2011 and subsequent update which was published in February 2013. Major projects include for example, the NHS Lothian Royal Hospital for Sick Children/Department of Clinical Neurosciences NPD project (£155 million), the NHS Lothian Reprovision of Royal Edinburgh Hospital project (c £181 million) as well as James Gillespie's High School, Boroughmuir High School and St John's Primary School which are all included within the £1.25 billion “Scotland’s Schools for the Future Programme” which will deliver 67 new or refurbished schools by 2017-18.\r\n\r\nBoth publications can be found on the Scottish Government website by way of the following link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/Finance/18232/IIP\r\n\r\nThrough a range of funding initiatives, the Scottish Government has supported a number of housing projects between the period 2007 and 2012 and will continue to support over the 2012-16 period.\r\n\r\n2007-12 \r\nDuring the period 2007-12, funding of £192.9 million was approved which resulted in the completion of 2,870 affordable homes through the traditional grant funding programme. In total these figures were achieved over 105 projects. In addition, over the 2007-12 period through the Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE) programme (including Homestake), funding of £50.334 million was approved resulting in the purchase of some 1,202 properties. New Supply Shared Equity with Developers was launched in 2010-11. In Edinburgh we have supported the purchase of 20 homes over the 2010-12 period and £0.482 million funding.\r\n\r\n2012-15\r\nOver the period 2012-15 the Scottish Government has allocated £78.744 million funding to the City of Edinburgh Council which is expected to result in over 1,500 new affordable homes being approved although this number may change to reflect the recent changed targeted grant level per unit. A further £2.424 million funding was allocated in July 2013 given a total allocation of £81.168 million. In 2012-15 the Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE) programme is continuing with a significant out-turn expected. For example in 2012-13 the OMSE out-turn figures in Edinburgh were 124 approvals with spend of £4.947 million. The recent announcement on the increase in this funding now totalling £90 million (Scotland wide) is expected to result in higher approvals in Edinburgh up to April 2015. During the 2012-15 period there is also a range of alternative funding models being taken forward including the National Housing Trust (NHT) on lending and unsubsidised housing. The NHT model in particular will provide 422 homes with no grant but rather a government guarantee. An additional 250 units are being considered using this funding model.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T16:51:46.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286063,"EventID":"S4W-15867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T16:51:47.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T10:30:13.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Student Awards Agency For Scotland. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government announced an additional investment of £2m in the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) in May 2013.\r\nSAAS opened for applications for the 2013-14 academic session in April 2013 and improvements include:\r\nIncreased opening hours and capacity of the SAAS student helpline;\r\nIncreased processing capacity;\r\nA new website, developed with the input of student representatives, to make information more readily available;\r\nNew videos to help guide student through the application process.\r\nSAAS are now looking at how to improve its on-line and digital services in the longer term in order to give students an even better and quicker service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T16:51:47.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286064,"EventID":"S4W-15926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-24T16:51:47.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T10:58:55.52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to standardise the eligibility criteria for kinship carers allowance across all local authority areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the Looked After Children (Scotland) Regulations 2009 kinship care allowances are payable to kinship carers of looked after children. The Scottish Government is undertaking a review of the financial support available to kinship carers which should be completed by the end of this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-22T16:51:47.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286082,"EventID":"S4W-16013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T13:51:27.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T13:18:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many local authorities it has contacted on the disposal of the remains of deceased children by crematoria (a) without their parents being informed and (b) where remains were recovered but parents were initially told that there would be no remains following cremation.\r\n","AnswerText":"I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T13:51:28.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286083,"EventID":"S4W-16014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T13:51:28.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T13:18:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what response it received from each local authority on the disposal of the remains of deceased children by crematoria (a) without their parents being informed and (b) where remains were recovered but parents were initially told that there would be no remains following cremation.\r\n","AnswerText":"I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T13:51:28.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286084,"EventID":"S4W-16015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T13:51:28.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T18:02:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will introduce compulsory microchipping of dogs, in light of its introduction or planned introduction in other parts of the UK. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware that Northern Ireland has introduced compulsory microchipping of dogs and that England and Wales plan to introduce it soon. We propose to consult on compulsory microchipping and aim to issue the consultation before the end of 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T13:51:28.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286085,"EventID":"S4W-16016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T13:51:29.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T18:23:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding its proposal to ask the European Commission to ease restrictions on the cultivation of genetically modified crops.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is in regular contact with the UK Government at both official and Ministerial level and discusses a wide range of GM issues. The UK Government is well aware of our distinct views on GM crop cultivation.\r\nUnder the correct constitutional arrangement, in the event of any move by Scottish Government to invoke the safeguard clause, to allow temporary restriction or a ban on a GM crop, on the basis of new scientific evidence that it may harm human or animal health or the environment, the Scottish Government would have to persuade UK Government, on its behalf, to submit a safeguard action. With the UK Government’s apparently positive stance on GMOs, this may prove difficult.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T13:51:29.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286086,"EventID":"S4W-16017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T13:51:29.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T18:23:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with other EU member states regarding the UK Government's proposal to ease restrictions on the cultivation of genetically modified crops.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not had any direct discussions with other EU member states on the UK Government’s proposals as, under the current constitutional arrangements, the UK Government leads for the UK at the European Council of Ministers. However, the Scottish Government has made its distinct views on GM crop cultivation known at every opportunity and will continue to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T13:51:29.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286087,"EventID":"S4W-16018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T13:51:30.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T18:23:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what actions it plans to take to protect Scotland's agricultural produce if restrictions are eased on the cultivation of genetically modified crops.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is watching these developments closely. However, there are a number of Member States in the EU who share our concerns about growing GM crops and there is no indication that they will change their views in light of the UK Government’s recent proposal.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16016 on 18 July 2013 regarding constraints on the Scottish Government under current constitutional arrangements. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T13:51:30.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286088,"EventID":"S4W-16019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T13:51:30.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T18:23:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to ensure that Scotland remains a GM-free zone.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will continue to take a precautionary approach to Genetically Modified Organisms. We remain opposed to the cultivation of GM crops and remain committed to protecting the integrity and image of our valuable food and drink sector and prevents any potential harm to either human or animals health or, indeed, harm to the wider environment and biodiversity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T13:51:30.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286089,"EventID":"S4W-16030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T13:51:30.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T09:48:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to respond to Healthcare Improvement Scotland's review report of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s paediatric cardiac service.","AnswerText":"It is very encouraging to see that significant improvements have been made over the last year and that children’s heart surgery in Glasgow continues to deliver a safe and sustainable service.\r\nHowever, to strengthen resilience and improve safety even further NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will continue to work with NHS National Services Division and other NHS boards to implement these further recommendations made by the independent review panel.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T13:51:30.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286090,"EventID":"S4W-16031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T13:51:31.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T09:48:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to address Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s concerns regarding NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's out-of-hours cover for paediatric cardiac surgery.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16030 on 16 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T13:51:31.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286091,"EventID":"S4W-16032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T13:51:31.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T09:48:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it is giving to Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s recommendation that it consider combining national paediatric and adult congenital cardiac services and what implications this would have for patient care.","AnswerText":"As both the adult congenital cardiac and paediatric cardiac surgery services are nationally designated and commissioned by the National Services Division of NHS National Services Scotland, I have asked the National Specialist Services Committee (NSSC) to assess the implications of the recommendation to combine paediatric and adult cardiac national services. I will consider any recommendation(s) for change the NSSC may make in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T13:51:31.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286092,"EventID":"S4W-16033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T13:51:31.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T10:11:35.777","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its banking strategy will encourage banks to make budget accounts more widely available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government banking strategy (Sustainable, Responsible Banking; a strategy for Scotland) sets out the principles that should apply to encourage a responsible approach to providing banking services, that meets the needs of all customers, including those who have previously been financially excluded.\r\nIt states banks should be ready to adopt socially and financially excluded individuals as customers when an individual feels ready to do so and their circumstances allow.\r\nSuch actions are intended to help improve the accessibility and range of banking services to all individuals in Scotland, including the provision of budget accounts.\r\nThe provision of budget accounts is a commercial decision for the banks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T13:51:31.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286093,"EventID":"S4W-16034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T13:51:31.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T11:02:31.63","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the timetable is for its proposed consultation on the compulsory microchipping of dogs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not yet set a date but aims to issue the consultation on compulsory microchipping before the end of 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T13:51:31.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286094,"EventID":"S4W-16035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T13:51:32.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T11:09:07.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will complete a new project execution plan for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route project.\r\n","AnswerText":"The project execution plan is complete.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T13:51:32.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286095,"EventID":"S4W-16036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T13:51:32.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T11:09:07.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it expects the unit charges will be for the non-profit distribution contract for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route project.","AnswerText":"Whilst the competitive dialogue for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route Balmedie to Tipperty scheme is underway, this information is commercially sensitive.\r\nThe current estimate is affordable within the scope of Scottish Government spending plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T13:51:32.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286096,"EventID":"S4W-16037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T13:51:33.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T11:09:07.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will update the Parliament on progress on securing the funding package for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route project.","AnswerText":"A full update will be provided at the conclusion of the financial close of the project which is planned for Autumn 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T13:51:33.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286097,"EventID":"S4W-16038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T13:51:33.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T11:09:07.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to Audit Scotland's statement in its report, Scotland's key transport infrastructure projects, that \"There are significant risks to Transport Scotland in securing the procurement of the M8 bundle and AWPR/B-T projects using NPD finance at an affordable price.\"","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is confident that both projects will be delivered within affordability limits. The current estimates and mitigation measures take account of known risks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T13:51:33.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286098,"EventID":"S4W-16039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T13:51:33.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T12:03:25.083","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Lockerbie air disaster.","AnswerText":"Previous anniversaries of the Lockerbie air disaster have been commemorated in a manner decided by the wishes of the bereaved families. With the 25th anniversary approaching later this year, the Scottish Government will be guided by the wishes of the bereaved families in terms of how such a terrible tragedy should be commemorated appropriately.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T13:51:33.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286116,"EventID":"S4W-16040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T16:50:48.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T12:17:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) are able to thrive and that public procurement processes are fit for purpose and do not disadvantage SMEs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the vital contribution small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make to our economy and is committed to maintaining a supportive environment to allow SMEs to continue to thrive. For example, on 12 June 2013, we announced £88 million investment in helping Scotland’s young people into work and supporting small business growth. The investment package includes a £37.85 million SME Growth Programme to support businesses to grow and create an expected 3,000 jobs in small businesses across Scotland.\r\nWe are working with SMEs and the third sector to improve access to public contracts. Representatives from the private, public and third sectors sit on the Public Procurement Advisory Group. In addition, the Supplier Engagement Working Group brings together the public, private and third sectors to look at ways of improving public procurement. We have also developed the online supplier journey which is a simple, one stop help and guidance for anyone interested in bidding for public work.\r\nPublic Contracts Scotland (PCS) was set up in 2008 and now has over 63,000 registered users. Following an extensive consultation with business and the wider public sector we have introduced a standardised suite of questions to test supplier capacity and capability, which include the standard Pre-Qualification Questionnaire. This will help ensure that only questions that are proportionate to the risk involved in a contract are asked. We are also taking economic SME impact into account in collaborative procurement strategies e.g. by splitting national requirements into specialist or geographical lots and supporting SME consortia and supply chain opportunities wherever possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T16:50:49.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286117,"EventID":"S4W-16043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T16:50:49.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T12:17:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to win public procurement contracts.","AnswerText":"The Government has taken a number of steps to assist small and medium sized companies bidding for public contracts. Examples are:\r\nLaunched in October 2008, Public Contracts Scotland provides a free point of access for public sector contract opportunities. Registration is not necessary to browse opportunities, but once registered users can receive free e-mail alerts when opportunities relevant to their business area are published. Over 63,000 users are now registered on the system and over 5000 buyers in over 550 contracting authorities are now placing their opportunities on the system. In addition main contractors on public sector contracts can advertise sub-contract opportunities, giving smaller firms the chance to bid for contracts further down the supply chain \r\nIssuing policy guidance, that public bodies should take steps to ensure that financial requirements (e.g. requirements relating to turnover and insurance levels), do not act as a barrier to participation by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); producing the supplier journey, a comprehensive online guide that: explains the process of awarding a public sector contracts, sets out what buyers expect suppliers to do at each stage in that process; gives practical information on how to find out about business opportunities, how to bid for business, and what to expect when delivering the contract; tells suppliers what support is available to help them win business, and what they can do if they are unsuccessful; simplifying the pre-qualification process by producing standard pre-qualification templates for use by public bodies and providing functionality that allows for suppliers to store and reuse their answers to standard questions; taking SME impact into account in collaborative procurement strategies e.g. splitting national requirements into specialist or geographical lots and supporting SME consortia wherever possible; promoting the involvement of SMEs in public procurement by issuing the six simple steps guidance to public bodies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T16:50:49.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286118,"EventID":"S4W-16044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T16:50:49.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T13:10:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Scottish Water will begin work on upgrading the sewage treatment works and the associated sewage disposal system in Fintry.\r\n","AnswerText":"Fintry Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) received a £1M capital investment upgrade in 2006 which included increasing the design population of the WWTW from the then 500 to a figure of 870. Further work is planned at Fintry during 2014 to upgrade the mechanical screens.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T16:50:49.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286119,"EventID":"S4W-16045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T16:50:50.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T13:10:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what upgrading of the sewage system in Fintry will be carried out over the next three years and what work will remain outstanding.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Water is required to meet legislative standards relating to the operation of Wastewater Treatment works. The specific nature of the investment necessary to meet these standards is a matter for Scottish Water and SEPA to agree. I have asked SEPA and Scottish Water to meet you to discuss your concerns.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T16:50:50.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286120,"EventID":"S4W-16046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T16:50:50.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T13:10:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on reported concerns regarding infiltration from the field drain and culverted water courses of the sewage disposal system in the Fintry area.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16045 on 22 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T16:50:50.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286121,"EventID":"S4W-16047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T16:50:50.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T13:10:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's decision to take no action against Scottish Water following alleged licence breaches with regard to the sewage system in the Fintry area.\r\n","AnswerText":"SEPA is responsible for ensuring that Scottish Water meets the required standards regarding discharges of wastewater to the environment and in this instance has written to Scottish Water. SEPA as the appropriate regulator will decide how best to engage with Scottish Water regarding any alleged licence breaches and SEPA will keep me informed of any necessary action to be taken in respect of improvements to address any discharge into the environment. I will ask SEPA to also maintain close contact with you on progress.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T16:50:50.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286122,"EventID":"S4W-16048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T16:50:51.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T13:10:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the Scottish Environment Protection Agency will use its compliance assessment scheme to measure the performance of the Fintry sewage treatment works.\r\n","AnswerText":"The utilisation of the compliance assessment scheme is an operational matter for SEPA. As set out in answer S4W-16045 I have also asked SEPA and Scottish Water to meet with you to discuss your concerns on Fintry Wastewater Treatment Works and to explain how any performance issue will be addressed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T16:50:51.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286123,"EventID":"S4W-16065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-25T16:50:51.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T15:40:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15640 by Richard Lochhead on 25 June 2013, on what date it plans to begin its consultation on the microchipping of dogs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not yet set a date but aims to issue the consultation on compulsory microchipping before the end of 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-23T16:50:51.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286133,"EventID":"S4W-16078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T11:40:28.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T11:30:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether local authorities will continue to deliver the Scottish Welfare Fund beyond the period of the interim arrangements.","AnswerText":"Following the successful launch of the interim fund, we have agreed with COSLA leaders that local authorities are best placed to take on delivery of the Scottish Welfare Fund on a permanent basis. We will continue to work together to share good practice, overcome any concerns and help develop further accessibility and delivery alternatives for the fund. This includes working together to set up a new reference group to develop the necessary legislation. The group will include representatives from local authorities, Child Poverty Action Group, Citizens Advice Scotland, Poverty Alliance, Shelter, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Inclusion Scotland and the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T11:40:28.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286134,"EventID":"S4W-15881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:53.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government at what rate it would seek to set (a) national insurance contributions, (b) corporation tax, (c) fuel duties, (d) tobacco duties, (e) alcohol duties, (f) capital gains tax, (g) the climate change levy and (h) inheritance tax in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15868 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:53.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286135,"EventID":"S4W-15887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:54.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T10:50:51.893","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what resources it would need to support it in independence negotiations with the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"Negotiations will be led by Scottish Government Ministers supported by civil servants. The Scottish Government will invite representatives of other political parties and civic Scotland to contribute to the negotiations. More specialist expertise from outside the government will be drawn on as required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:54.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286136,"EventID":"S4W-15890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:54.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T10:50:51.893","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the size of the foreign and diplomatic service in an independent Scotland; how much it would cost to operate, and how many staff would (a) work directly for it and (b) be shared with the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"An independent Scotland would be represented overseas by a network which worked in the national interests of Scotland. In addition, Scottish Ministers would be open to the sharing of services and facilities with the rest of the UK or with other countries where there was mutual benefit to this. Such arrangements already exist between the UK and other nations, for example, Canada. At present taxes levied in Scotland are used to pay for the UK foreign and diplomatic service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:54.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286137,"EventID":"S4W-15891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:54.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its assessment is of the (a) initial and (b) ongoing costs to the (i) public and (ii) private sectors of separate PAYE and personal and business tax assessment and collection systems in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15876 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:54.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286138,"EventID":"S4W-15892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:54.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T10:50:51.893","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland would try to recruit staff from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to its foreign and diplomatic service and, if so, how many staff it would aim to recruit.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will ensure that all its services are provided by qualified staff, who may come from a range of backgrounds and experience, through opportunities arising from existing open recruitment policies and the possibility of transfers where that is appropriate or desired.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:54.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286139,"EventID":"S4W-15893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:55.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) approach to fiscal policy and (b) implications for business taxation would be in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Independence would provide the Scottish Government with the key economic and fiscal levers to promote sustainable economic growth and to tackle inequalities as set out in the Fiscal Commission Working Groups first report. The paper can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/02/3017.\r\nScotland is in a stronger fiscal position than the UK and would continue to manage Scotland’s finances in a responsible manner under independence. A robust and stable fiscal framework would provide the foundations of a competitive business environment.\r\nDecisions on all specific taxes, including tax rates, allowances and credits will be made by the parliament and government of an independent Scotland. Political parties, stakeholders, and individuals will have their own preferences for the policies to be pursued in an independent Scotland and the arguments for and against, and between, the range of policy choices available to an independent Scotland will form a central part of the national debate before the referendum and then in the run up to the 2016 Scottish election.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:55.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286140,"EventID":"S4W-15894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:55.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T10:50:51.893","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of how many (a) embassies and (b) consulates an independent Scotland would require; where these would be based, and how much it would cost to operate them.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15890 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:55.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286141,"EventID":"S4W-15895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:55.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the governance arrangements for the Scottish treasury and the revenue collection authority would be in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15876 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:55.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286142,"EventID":"S4W-15897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:55.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how corporate profits earned outwith Scotland would be treated for tax purposes in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-15868 and S4W-15876 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:55.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286143,"EventID":"S4W-15898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:56.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what tax relief would be available on (a) pension contributions and (b) savings products in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-15868 and S4W-15876 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:56.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286144,"EventID":"S4W-15899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:56.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T10:50:51.893","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any diplomatic missions shared between an independent Scotland and the rest of the UK would have (a) staff who were dedicated to looking after Scottish interests and, if so, how many and (b) a shared ambassador.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15890 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:56.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286145,"EventID":"S4W-15900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:56.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Gift Aid would apply in an independent Scotland and, if so, whether rates would be different to those in the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will ensure that charities continue to benefit from tax relief on donations. I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-15868 and S4W-15876 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:56.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286146,"EventID":"S4W-15904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:56.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what tax rates and relief would be available to the oil and gas sector in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government published Maximising the Return from Oil and Gas in an Independent Scotland on 23 July 2013. This paper sets out the high-level principles that should underpin key aspects of oil and gas policy in an independent Scotland. The paper can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/07/5746/0 \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:56.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286147,"EventID":"S4W-15905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:57.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in an independent Scotland, what impact inheritance tax would have on spouses and partners domiciled outside of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-15868 and S4W-15876 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:57.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286148,"EventID":"S4W-15907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:57.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it would seek to continue the UK Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme in an independent Scotland and, if so, what work it has undertaken on how this would operate.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15876 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:57.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286149,"EventID":"S4W-15909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:57.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether research and development tax credits would continue to be available in an independent Scotland and, if so, what work it has undertaken on how this would operate.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-15868 and S4W-15876 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n\r\n\r\nSCOTTISH GOVERNMENT\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:57.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286150,"EventID":"S4W-15910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:57.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much a TV licence would cost in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to alter the value of the licence fee after independence. Political parties, stakeholders, and individuals will have their own preferences for the policies to be pursued in an independent Scotland and the arguments for and against, and between, the range of policy choices available to an independent Scotland will form a central part of the national debate before the referendum and then in the run up to the 2016 Scottish election. However, it is a matter of concern that some members of the Conservative party have stated they are not committed to public service broadcasting and would consider privatising those services or abolishing support for them.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:57.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286151,"EventID":"S4W-15911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:58.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T10:50:51.893","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how an independent Scotland's diplomatic interests would be represented in the period before it established its own diplomatic missions.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will publish its detailed white paper with positive proposals on the opportunities and gains of independence in the autumn. Material on the referendum and the Scottish Government’s proposals for an independent Scotland can be found at: \r\nwww.scotreferendum.com, including published papers and speeches. This site will be regularly updated with additional material including the Scottish Government’s white paper in the run up to the referendum.\r\nIn delivering these functions, an independent Scotland would ensure continuity of services including transition from the current arrangements to which Scotland currently contributes fully through taxes and fees levied in Scotland by the UK Government. An independent Scotland would not simply replicate UK structures but would develop services based on the needs of Scotland, best practice and the views of our stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:58.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286152,"EventID":"S4W-15912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:58.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what tax relief would be available to (a) video game companies, (b) film companies and (c) other creative enterprises in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-15868 and S4W-15876 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThe Scottish Government has repeatedly argued for the use of tax incentives to assist video games companies, film production and creative industries. The Scottish Government remains disappointed that after securing a commitment from the previous UK Government to introduce tax incentives for video games companies, this was initially dropped by the current UK Government and has yet to be fully introduced.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:58.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286153,"EventID":"S4W-15914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:58.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the compliance and adaptation costs of business if Scotland became independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland would comply with EU regulations which affect the conduct of business. Consequently, businesses operating in an independent Scotland would continue to be subject to these compliance requirements as they currently are within the UK; however, within these parameters, Scotland would be able to tailor policies to better reflect the needs of the Scottish economy. Retaining a common currency would facilitate continued trade and investment flows between Scotland and the UK, which is in the interest of businesses in both countries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:58.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286154,"EventID":"S4W-15915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:58.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has undertaken to establish the impact of an independent Scotland on Scottish companies that sell most of their goods and services to the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of the EU single market, companies would continue to benefit from access to markets across Europe, including the UK. An independent Scotland would retain Sterling as part of a formal monetary union. Retaining a common currency would facilitate continued trade and investment flows between Scotland and the UK, which is in the interest of businesses in both countries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:58.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286155,"EventID":"S4W-15916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:59.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what body would undertake the functions of the Export Guarantees Advisory Council if Scotland became independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"In delivering these functions, an independent Scotland would ensure continuity of services including transition from the current arrangements to which Scotland currently contributes fully through taxes and fees levied in Scotland by the UK Government. An independent Scotland would not simply replicate UK structures but would develop services based on the needs of Scotland, best practice and the views of our stakeholders.\r\nThe Scottish Government will publish its detailed white paper with positive proposals on the opportunities and gains of independence in the autumn. Material on the referendum and the Scottish Government’s proposals for an independent Scotland can be found at:\r\nwww.scotreferendum.com, including published papers and speeches. This site will be regularly updated with additional material including further reports from the Fiscal Commission Working group and the Scottish Government’s white paper in the run up to the referendum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:59.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286156,"EventID":"S4W-15917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:59.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there would be a distinct Scottish (a) import and export licensing regime for controlled goods and (b) version of the Export Control Organisation to provide guidance and advice to businesses if Scotland became independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15916 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:59.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286157,"EventID":"S4W-15918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:05:59.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T10:57:23.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland would automatically become a member of (a) NATO and (b) the United Nations and, if not, what the timetable would be for becoming a member.\r\n","AnswerText":"Following a vote for independence the Scottish Government will formally declare its intention to remain a member of NATO following normal procedures.\r\nSimilarly Scotland would also signal its intention to remain a member of the United Nations. Given that Scotland, as part of the UK, already meets membership requirements we do not anticipate any barriers to Scotland’s timely membership of international organisations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:05:59.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286158,"EventID":"S4W-15919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:06:00.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how legislation relating to corruption and bribery would operate in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The main legislation relating to corruption and bribery in Scotland is the Bribery Act 2010. This legislation modernised bribery law across the UK and extended to Scotland with the agreement of the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament. The 2010 Act would continue to operate in an independent Scotland at the point of independence. Any changes would be the responsibility of a future Scottish Government.\r\nThe Scottish Government will publish its detailed white paper with positive proposals on the opportunities and gains of independence in the autumn. Material on the referendum and the Scottish Government’s proposals for an independent Scotland can be found at: www.scotreferendum.com, including published papers and speeches. This site will be regularly updated with additional material including the Scottish Government’s white paper in the run up to the referendum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:06:00.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286159,"EventID":"S4W-15920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:06:00.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of separation from the rest of the UK on (a) access to and support from the Green Investment Bank, (b) the Business Growth Fund, (c) the UK Corporate Governance Code and (d) Scottish brands selling to the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"The decision to site the Headquarters of the UK Green Investment Bank in Edinburgh was based on the city’s strengths in finance, the green economy and innovation. These strengths will continue after independence, and the Green Investment Bank would continue to provide essential financial services to Scotland and the rest of the UK.\r\nSimilarly, the Business Growth Fund is an independent company backed by five of the UK’s main banks and we are confident that the fund will continue to be commercially active in an independent Scotland. In delivering specific functions, an independent Scotland would ensure continuity of services, including transition from the current arrangements to which Scotland currently contributes fully through taxes and fees levied in Scotland by the UK Government. An independent Scotland would not simply replicate UK structures but would develop services based on the needs of Scotland, best practice and the views of our stakeholders.\r\nAs part of the EU single market, companies would continue to benefit from access to markets across Europe, including the UK. An independent Scotland would retain Sterling as part of a formal monetary union. Retaining a common currency would facilitate continued trade and investment flows between Scotland and the UK, which is in the interest of businesses in both countries. The attributes that underpin the success of Scottish brands would remain and businesses would have opportunity to increase their profile across existing and new markets.\r\nThe Scottish Government will publish its detailed white paper with positive proposals on the opportunities and gains of independence in the autumn. Material on the referendum and the Scottish Government’s proposals for an independent Scotland can be found at: www.scotreferendum.com including published papers and speeches. This site will be regularly updated with additional material including further reports from the Fiscal Commission Working group and the Scottish Government’s white paper in the run up to the referendum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:06:00.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286160,"EventID":"S4W-15924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:06:00.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what supervisory, regulatory and tax regimes would be put in place governing takeovers, mergers and acquisitions in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"An independent Scotland will continue to meet EU requirements in this area. However, within these parameters, an independent Scotland would have scope to ensure that codes of principles and regulations reflect Scottish needs and priorities. At present most aspects of competition policy, including mergers and takeovers, are reserved to Westminster by the Scotland Act 1998; an independent Scotland would have the opportunity to design competition policy to meet the needs of Scotland and our businesses.\r\nIn an independent Scotland, the remit of the takeover panel would become the responsibility of the body responsible for competition regulation. Our proposals for competition regulation in an independent Scotland were laid out in the discussion paper Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland. This can be found online at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/02/1911.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:06:00.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286161,"EventID":"S4W-15927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:06:00.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what corporate governance regulatory body and regimes would be put in place for (a) company directors, (b) accountants, (c) auditors and (d) actuaries in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers to questions S4W-15914 and S4W-15924 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:06:00.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286162,"EventID":"S4W-15928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:06:01.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T10:57:23.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it expects an independent Scotland would contribute to the regular budget of the United Nations.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s contribution to the United Nations’ budgets would be agreed as part of the process of moving from being a member as part of the UK to being an independent member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:06:01.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286163,"EventID":"S4W-15929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:06:01.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what body would undertake the functions of (a) the Financial Reporting Council, (b) Companies House and (c) the Competition Commission in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our proposals for competition regulation in an independent Scotland were laid out in the discussion paper Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland. This can be found online at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/02/1911.\r\nIn delivering these functions, an independent Scotland would ensure continuity of services, including transition from the current arrangements to which Scotland currently contributes fully through taxes and fees levied in Scotland by the UK Government. An independent Scotland would not simply replicate UK structures but would develop services based on the needs of Scotland, best practice and the views of our stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:06:01.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286164,"EventID":"S4W-15901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:18.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in an independent Scotland, what the taxation position will be for (a) Scots with equity investments listed on the London Stock Exchange and (b) foreign investors in companies registered in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-15868 and S4W-15876 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:18.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286165,"EventID":"S4W-15902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:18.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its assessment is of the need for a double taxation treaty between an independent Scotland and the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"Tax affairs between the two countries would be governed by negotiated agreements and these would enable businesses to plan their future operations and also ensure that an independent Scotland is an attractive and competitive place to do business.\r\nThe passing of the Scotland Act 2012 already means that very shortly we will have different tax systems in Scotland and the rest of the UK.\r\nThe two countries would both have an incentive to negotiate agreements that made tax affairs for companies operating in both jurisdictions as straightforward as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:18.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286166,"EventID":"S4W-15930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:19.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether firms in an independent Scotland would be expected to adhere to the existing UK Corporate Governance Code.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15914 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:19.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286167,"EventID":"S4W-15935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:19.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T10:57:23.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it expects an independent Scotland to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15918 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:19.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286168,"EventID":"S4W-15936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:19.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of what role the Supreme Court would have in the appeals process of an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has said in Scotland's Future: from the Referendum to Independence and a Written Constitution that it will provide for the Supreme Court of an independent Scotland. The supreme court structure will build upon the existing infrastructure and judicial talent that we have in Scotland. The Court of Session and High Court of Justiciary will continue to hear some cases at first instance and appeals from the lower courts as is the case currently.\r\nThe Scottish Government will publish its detailed white paper with positive proposals on the opportunities and gains of independence in the autumn. Material on the referendum and the Scottish Government’s proposals for an independent Scotland can be found at:\r\nwww.scotreferendum.com including published papers and speeches. This site will be regularly updated with additional material including the Scottish Government’s white paper in the run up to the referendum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:19.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286169,"EventID":"S4W-15937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:19.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of what would be the final court of appeal in an independent Scotland before a case was referred to the European Court of Justice.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15936 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:19.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286170,"EventID":"S4W-15938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:20.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T10:57:23.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of an independent Scotland's possible loss of influence with the United Nations Security Council.\r\n","AnswerText":"The only way to ensure the interests and values of the people of Scotland are promoted in international organisations is through a government that reflects those values and which commands the support of the electorate.\r\nThe Scottish Government would not, for example, engage in illegal international wars, such as the 2003 war in Iraq.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:20.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286171,"EventID":"S4W-15939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:20.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the international legal obligations that currently apply to the UK that an independent Scotland would have to adhere to.\r\n","AnswerText":"As an independent nation, Scotland would continue to meet all legal obligations that flow from its membership of international organisations and would intend to continue with other current treaty rights and obligations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:20.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286172,"EventID":"S4W-15940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:20.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T10:57:23.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for an independent Scotland's interests to be represented if it is not given a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15918 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:20.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286173,"EventID":"S4W-15941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:20.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of who would be responsible for policing cross-border (a) rail and (b) air services in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The policing of rail services is presently performed by the British Transport Police (BTP). The Scottish Government has repeatedly made the case for the integration of BTP services with the Police Service in Scotland (PSS). Independence would ensure that the functions currently provided by the BTP were provided by the PSS, improving the integration of policing in Scotland.\r\nThe policing of air services takes place predominantly at and around airports. This service is presently performed by the PSS, and this situation would continue post-independence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:20.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286174,"EventID":"S4W-15942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:21.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment has been made of how cross-border trading standards cases would be (a) investigated and (b) enforced in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"An independent Scotland would comply with the European framework for consumer protection, including cross-border regulations. Following a vote for independence the Scottish Government would work closely with the UK Government to ensure consumers and legitimate businesses in both jurisdictions are appropriately protected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:21.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286175,"EventID":"S4W-15944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:21.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of how independence might impact on areas of Scotland that rely on mobile telephone masts located in England, and whether people in such areas might be subject to international call roaming charges.\r\n","AnswerText":"Roaming charges are currently applied at the discretion of companies and up to specific EU limits. They are not automatic. The European Commission has cut charges for voice calls, texts and internet access by 75% since 2007, and Commissioners voted in June 2013 to abolish mobile roaming charges from as early as July 2014. It is regrettable that the UK Government has decided to issue a misleading statement suggesting roaming charges could be introduced at the very time a decision has been taken to abolish them.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:21.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286176,"EventID":"S4W-15945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:21.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland would have its own (a) driver and vehicle licensing and (b) driving standards agency and, if so, how much it would cost to (i) establish and (ii) run.\r\n","AnswerText":"These functions are currently reserved, and on independence would become the responsibility of the parliament and government of an independent Scotland. In delivering these functions, an independent Scotland would ensure continuity of services and would fully meet its international obligations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:21.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286177,"EventID":"S4W-15946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:21.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether people would have to reapply for driving licences if Scotland separated from the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"No. The Scottish Government will ensure all licences granted by the DVLA are recognised in Scotland at the point of independence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:21.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286178,"EventID":"S4W-15948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:22.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland would automatically become a member of the European Defence Agency and, if not, what the timetable for becoming a member would be and what impact there would be on Scottish involvement in the agency's work in the interim.\r\n","AnswerText":"An independent Scotland would play a full and active part in the EU, including in the European Defence Agency. Arrangements to do so would be agreed with the relevant parties following a vote for independence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:22.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286179,"EventID":"S4W-15949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:22.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of Scotland separating from the rest of the UK on (a) broadband infrastructure investment, (b) investment in satellite broadband technologies, (c) current UK internet domain name registration processes, (d) the cost to business of replacing the internet suffix,.uk, and (e) internet protocol television (i) services and (ii) provision.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is already making a significant investment in broadband infrastructure. Our Step Change programme will see an investment of over £410 million to deliver fibre broadband to 85 per cent of Scottish properties by the end of 2015 and around 95 per cent by the end of 2017. Independence will offer Scotland the opportunity to use the full range of levers, aligned to this investment, to support our world class digital ambition. It will allow Scotland to take lessons from the regulatory and policy regimes of European leaders like Sweden where they introduced a 99 per cent coverage obligation as part of the 3G and 4G spectrum auctions which has helped deliver extensive coverage in rural and remote areas.\r\nWe do not anticipate any impact on the UK internet domain name registration processes or the cost to businesses as anyone in any country can apply to use dotuk. The Scottish Government is supporting a bid to the International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) for the dotscot domain. The bid was lodged in June 2012 by Dot Scot Registry, an independent not-for-profit company, and is currently being evaluated. The dotscot domain may be available by late 2014, early 2015.\r\nWe do not anticipate any particular impact of Scotland becoming independent on internet protocol television services and provision.\r\nDecisions relating to: (a) broadband infrastructure investment, (b) investment in satellite broadband technologies, (c) current UK internet domain name registration processes, (d) the cost to business of replacing the internet suffix,.uk, and (e) internet protocol television (i) services and (ii) provision; will be for the government of an independent Scotland elected in 2016.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:22.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286180,"EventID":"S4W-15951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:22.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of an independent Scotland's defence budget.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ministers have set out their view, including in evidence to the House of Commons Defence Committee on 02 July 2013, that the budget for defence and security in an independent Scotland should be £2.5 billion, a potential saving of nearly £1 billion compared with the amount of money Scottish tax-payers currently contribute to UK spending on defence and security. It would also be well above recent UK defence spending in Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government will publish its detailed white paper with positive proposals on the opportunities and gains of independence in the autumn. Material on the referendum and the Scottish Government’s proposals for an independent Scotland can be found at: www.scotreferendum.com including published papers and speeches. This site will be regularly updated with additional material including the Scottish Government’s white paper in the run up to the referendum.\r\nOur plans will ensure that Scotland’s people, territory and interests are secure. They will include detail on the scale and capabilities of Scottish defence and security forces, and the means by which Scotland’s defence and security procurement would support, and be supported by, its defence and security industries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:22.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286181,"EventID":"S4W-15952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:22.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of Scotland separating from the rest of the UK on the (a) attractiveness of the country to and (b) pricing structures of internet service providers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will publish its detailed white paper with positive proposals for the opportunities of independence in the autumn. Political parties, stakeholders, and individuals will have their own preferences for the policies to be pursued in an independent Scotland and the arguments between the range of policy choices available to an independent Scotland will form a central part of the national debate before the referendum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:23.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286182,"EventID":"S4W-15954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:23.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the timetable would be for the transfer of responsibility between the British armed forces and an independent Scotland's defence forces.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:23.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286183,"EventID":"S4W-15958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:23.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what interim arrangements would be put in place to protect an independent Scotland's interests while responsibility is being transferred from the British armed forces to Scottish defence forces.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:23.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286184,"EventID":"S4W-15960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:23.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the number of (a) personnel, (b) armoured vehicles and (c) bases in an independent Scotland's army.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:23.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286185,"EventID":"S4W-15961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:24.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in an independent Scotland, what arrangements it would put in place to ensure cooperation between Police Scotland and forces in the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are well-established arrangements to ensure effective cross-border cooperation between Police Scotland and forces in the rest of the UK. The arrangements operate effectively to ensure public safety for citizens. The Scottish Government would continue to work with the UK on independence to ensure that these arrangements operate for the benefit of all.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:24.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286186,"EventID":"S4W-15962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:24.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in an independent Scotland, what arrangements it would put in place to ensure cooperation between the Scottish intelligence and security agencies and those in the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"As I said at the Foreign Affairs Committee on 28 January 2013, there would be a very close relationship between Scotland and the rest of the UK. It would clearly be in the interests of the rest of the UK and Scotland to work together to ensure the continued security of our shared island.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:24.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286187,"EventID":"S4W-15963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:24.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the number of (a) personnel, (b) ships, (c) submarines and (d) bases in an independent Scotland's navy.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:24.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286188,"EventID":"S4W-15964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:25.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of an independent Scotland's need to negotiate separate extradition treaties with other countries.\r\n","AnswerText":"An independent Scottish Government would continue with the treaty rights and obligations of the UK which currently apply in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:25.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286189,"EventID":"S4W-15965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:25.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what relationship an independent Scotland would have with the proposed National Crime Agency.\r\n","AnswerText":"Well-established arrangements exist to ensure effective cooperation between Police Scotland and the Serious Organised Crime Agency, and will continue once the National Crime Agency becomes operational later this year. Police Scotland will continue to work with the rest of the UK as appropriate to ensure that these arrangements operate in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:25.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286190,"EventID":"S4W-15966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:25.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the number of (a) personnel, (b) planes, (c) helicopters and (d) bases in an independent Scotland's air force.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n\r\n\r\nSCOTTISH GOVERNMENT\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:25.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286191,"EventID":"S4W-15967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:25.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for an independent Scotland's cross-border cooperation on serious and organised crime and how it would compare with the current UK-wide system.\r\n","AnswerText":"Serious and organised crime does not respect or recognise borders between countries. Cross-border information sharing powers already exist in legislation and operate effectively, across the rest of the UK and wider. Current arrangements are equally beneficial for all countries involved. The Scottish Government will work with the rest of the UK to ensure that these arrangements continue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:25.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286192,"EventID":"S4W-15968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:08:26.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland's defence forces would include special forces and, if so, how many.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:08:26.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286193,"EventID":"S4W-15969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:00.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for an independent Scotland's representation in foreign embassies and consulates.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15890 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:00.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286194,"EventID":"S4W-15970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:00.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how an independent Scotland would provide for the UK-wide counter terrorism responsibilities currently carried out by the Metropolitan Police and at what cost.","AnswerText":"The Police Service of Scotland is currently responsible for counter-terrorism policing in Scotland with some specialist capacity provided by partners and this situation would continue post-independence. We do not expect this to give rise to increased costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:01.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286195,"EventID":"S4W-15971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:01.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the size of the territorial army in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:01.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286196,"EventID":"S4W-15972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:02.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for the recruitment of officers and civilians trained in counter terrorism for an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Building on the responsibilities that it currently discharges, an independent Scotland will have an appropriate range of capabilities to deal with counter terrorism. In the event of independence, the recruitment and training of officers and civilians will be an operational matter for the agencies concerned.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:02.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286197,"EventID":"S4W-15973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:03.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the external (a) crime and (b) security threats to an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"As I indicated at the Foreign Affairs Committee on 28 January 2013, in common with many other countries, the threats that an independent Scotland would face include: cyber threat, international terrorism, the threat that comes from global instability and the possibility of failed states, and serious organised crime.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:03.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286198,"EventID":"S4W-15974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:04.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what type of planes an independent Scotland's air force would have, broken down by number.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:04.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286199,"EventID":"S4W-15975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:05.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what type of ships an independent Scotland's navy would have, broken down by number.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:05.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286200,"EventID":"S4W-15976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:06.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact independence would have on the contracts to assemble HMS (a) Queen Elizabeth and (b) Prince of Wales at Rosyth.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is not aware of any impact on the contract to assemble HMS Queen Elizabeth or HMS Prince of Wales that would come from independence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:06.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286201,"EventID":"S4W-15977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:07.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government to how many contracts relating to Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers it is a signatory.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers are procured by the UK Government. Scottish taxpayers contribute towards the cost of, and therefore have a significant stake in, defence assets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:07.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286202,"EventID":"S4W-15978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:08.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on future orders for the workforce at Rosyth after completion of its current contracts for Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise are in regular contact with Babcock. In addition to Babcock’s major role in the build of the Royal Navy’s new Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers, the company has been pursuing a plan to secure work in key commercial markets which utilise key facilities and engineering skills at Rosyth. A recent example of this is their contract with BP to build over 70 subsea modules, as part of their QUAD 204 project in the North Sea.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:08.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286203,"EventID":"S4W-15979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:09.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many government orders are expected to be placed with an independent Scotland's shipyards and for what type of ships.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:09.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286204,"EventID":"S4W-15980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:10.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland would have access to the services of an aircraft carrier after 2020.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:10.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286205,"EventID":"S4W-15981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:11.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with shipyard workers or their representatives about the consequences of independence.\r\n","AnswerText":"There have been discussions with shipyard workers and their representatives this year:\r\n13 February 2013 – Deputy First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth met Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions (CSEU) trade union representatives: Jamie Webster, GMB; John Dolan, GMB; Duncan McPhee, UNITE; Billy Mckay, UNITE \r\n28 February 2013 – the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth had a teleconference with CSEU representatives\r\n31 May 2013 – The Minister for Transport and Veterans addressed a meeting of shop stewards from the defence and manufacturing sector who are members of CSEU unions\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:11.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286206,"EventID":"S4W-15982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:12.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether British army personnel who joined up in Scotland would be expected to transfer to an independent Scotland's defence forces.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nScotland has suffered disproportionate reductions in its defence footprint. Between 2000 and 2012 the total number of service and civilian MOD personnel dropped by 53,510 (just under 20%). The reduction disproportionately affected Scotland, with a drop of 8,800 of just over 35%. Scottish Ministers believe that defence service personnel should have reassurance that they will not face compulsory redundancy during their service contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:12.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286207,"EventID":"S4W-15983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:13.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the same range of career opportunities would be available to members of an independent Scotland's defence force as the British armed forces.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nScottish Ministers also believe that defence service personnel should have reassurance that they will not face compulsory redundancy during their service contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:13.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286208,"EventID":"S4W-15984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:14.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the minimum number of experienced personnel who would be required to transfer from the British armed forces in order for an independent Scotland's defence forces to be viable.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:14.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286209,"EventID":"S4W-15985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:15.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the number of jobs in Scotland dependent on Ministry of Defence contracts.\r\n","AnswerText":"It cannot be assumed that all defence industry jobs in Scotland are dependent on Ministry of Defence contracts. It should be noted that the numbers working in defence-related industries has been falling from its peak as work on the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers nears completion. Following a ‘yes’ vote the Scottish Government and its agencies Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International would continue to support Scotland’s indigenous defence industries in existing, new and emerging markets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:15.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286210,"EventID":"S4W-15986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:16.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the number of defence sector jobs in Scotland that would be required by an independent Scotland's defence forces.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:16.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286211,"EventID":"S4W-15987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:17.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:03:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the number of defence sector research and development jobs that there would be in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:17.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286212,"EventID":"S4W-15988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T09:59:25.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:31:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland would have its own (a) security and (b) signals intelligence and, if so, how much it would cost to (i) establish and (ii) operate.","AnswerText":"As I indicated at the Foreign Affairs Committee on 28 January 2013, it is envisaged that Scotland would have independent domestic intelligence machinery sitting alongside our police service.","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286213,"EventID":"S4W-15989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:19.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:31:02.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the timetable would be for an independent Scotland to establish intelligence sharing protocols with other countries.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will publish its detailed white paper with positive proposals on the opportunities and gains of independence in the autumn. Material on the referendum and the Scottish Government’s proposals for an independent Scotland can be found at: www.scotreferendum.com\r\nincluding published papers and speeches. This site will be regularly updated with additional material including the Scottish Government’s white paper in the run up to the referendum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:19.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286214,"EventID":"S4W-15992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:20.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:31:02.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland would receive a proportionate share of GCHQ's resources.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish people provide a proportionate contribution to the assets and functions of GCHQ and we expect that this will be reflected in the settlement and any agreements post-independence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:20.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286215,"EventID":"S4W-15994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:21.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:31:02.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made regarding how separation from the rest of the UK would impact on jobs in the (a) defence and (b) security sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:21.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286216,"EventID":"S4W-15995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:22.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:31:02.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what military resources an independent Scotland would have to protect its overseas interests.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:22.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286217,"EventID":"S4W-15996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:23.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:31:02.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to military procurement policy in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:23.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286218,"EventID":"S4W-15997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:24.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:31:02.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the cost of an independent Scotland losing any economies of scale associated with the UK's military procurement policy.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:24.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286219,"EventID":"S4W-15998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:25.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:31:02.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the search and rescue capacity would be in an independent Scotland, broken down by (a) ships, (b) aeroplanes, (c) helicopters and (d) personnel. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government takes its search and rescue responsibilities extremely seriously and we disagreed strongly with the UK Government’s decision in 2010 to cancel the Nimrod MRA4 programme, leaving the UK with no current maritime patrol aircraft capability. The Scottish Government will ensure that appropriate arrangements for search and rescue (SAR) will continue in an independent Scotland (including cross border agreements), based on capabilities currently its responsibility under devolved arrangements and a process of transition from current arrangements, where those are currently the responsibility of the UK Government.\r\nPolice Scotland are responsible for co-ordination of land-based SAR operations and in a SAR emergency the individual Mountain Rescue Teams are tasked by, and operate on behalf of, Police Scotland to undertake any mountain SAR service required, assisted by the military as necessary. The Department for Transport recently announced that the contract for the provision of UK SAR helicopter services has been awarded to the Aberdeen-based company, Bristow Helicopters Ltd. The new contract is due to commence progressively from 2015, with a term of up to 10 years, with nine helicopters based across Sumburgh, Stornoway, Prestwick and Inverness. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is currently responsible for SAR at sea.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:25.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286220,"EventID":"S4W-16000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:27.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:36:28.93","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the timescale would be for establishing a financial regulator in an independent Scotland; how much it would cost to (a) establish and (b) operate; what its governance arrangements would be, and what degree of autonomy it would have.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Fiscal Commission Working Group has set out a robust macroeconomic framework for Scotland post-independence including financial regulation.\r\nIn delivering these functions, an independent Scotland would ensure continuity of services, including transition from the current arrangements to which Scotland currently contributes fully through taxes and fees levied in Scotland by the UK Government. An independent Scotland would not simply replicate UK structures but would develop services based on the needs of Scotland, best practice and the views of our stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:27.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286221,"EventID":"S4W-16003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:29.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:36:28.93","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what body in an independent Scotland would oversee macro-prudential regulation of the financial system.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16000 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:29.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286222,"EventID":"S4W-16004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:31.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:36:28.93","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what body in an independent Scotland would carry out the duties of the (a) Prudential Regulation and (b) Financial Conduct Authority. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16000 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:31.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286223,"EventID":"S4W-16006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:33.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:36:28.93","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland would adopt the financial services rules and regulations of the UK and, if not, how long it would take for it to set out its own and what assessment it has made of how these might impact on the competitiveness of businesses.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16000 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:33.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286224,"EventID":"S4W-16008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:36.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:40:31.997","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what body in an independent Scotland would undertake the role performed by the Office of Rail Regulation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Proposals for economic and competition regulation in an Independent Scotland were published by the Scottish Government earlier this year. This included proposals for the economic and safety regulatory functions for Scotland’s railways currently performed by the Office of Rail Regulation. Full details can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/publications/2013/02/1911\r\nThe Scottish Government will publish its detailed white paper with positive proposals on the opportunities and gains of independence in the autumn. Material on the referendum and the Scottish Government’s proposals for an independent Scotland can be found at: www.scotreferendum.com including published papers and speeches. This site will be regularly updated with additional material including the Scottish Government’s white paper in the run up to the referendum.\r\nDecisions on these and other proposals will be made by the parliament and government of an independent Scotland elected in 2016 and thereafter. Political parties, stakeholders, and individuals will have their own preferences for the policies to be pursued in an independent Scotland and the arguments for and against, and between, the range of policy choices available to an independent Scotland will form a central part of the national debate before the referendum and then in the run up to the 2016 Scottish election.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:36.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286225,"EventID":"S4W-16009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:38.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:40:31.997","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact it anticipates independence would have on the cost of borrowing.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland is in a stronger fiscal position than the rest of the UK. Scotland’s balance sheet estimates that over the period 2007-08 to 2011-12 as a whole Scotland’s relative fiscal surplus was equivalent to £12.6 billion. Additionally, in each of the last 32 years to 2011-12, per capita tax receipts in Scotland have been higher than in the UK. The paper can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0041/00418420.pdf\r\nIndependence would provide the Scottish Government with the key economic and fiscal levers to promote sustainable economic growth and to tackle inequalities. The Fiscal Commission Working Group has set out a robust macroeconomic framework for Scotland post-independence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:38.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286226,"EventID":"S4W-16011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:39.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:40:31.997","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of independence on the cost of (a) mortgage and (b) credit card borrowing.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16009 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nLending decisions are ultimately based on characteristics of an individual, the outlook for the economy and the lending institution. A number of small countries, including Finland, Austria and Denmark, have lower interest rates on long term housing loans compared to the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:39.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286227,"EventID":"S4W-16012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:42:41.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T11:40:31.997","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of what the (a) international reputation and (b) credit-worthiness of an independent Scotland would be if it did not take a share of UK debt.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16009 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:42:41.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286228,"EventID":"S4W-16066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:10:08.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T17:29:28.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has issued to NHS boards in respect of the (a) diagnosis and (b) treatment of diabulimia.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards and diabetes clinics have local pathways in place to enable psychological or primary care services to respond and provide support and advice to people who misuse insulin based on the level of individual need. This would include individuals who miss doses of insulin to lose weight.\r\nThe Psychology in Diabetes, Psychology and Diabetes (PID PAD) project, aims to increase recognition and awareness among clinicians of psychological and psychiatric conditions that can affect people with diabetes to ensure that individuals can receive appropriate psychological support, where required, that is tailored to their specific needs.\r\nIn 2006, guidance was issued to NHS boards on the management and treatment of eating disorders in Scotland. While diabulimia is not specifically included, we expect the principles and good practice around care and treatment of individuals will be applicable to this cohort of people.\r\nAnyone for whom referral for a psychological therapy is considered appropriate will benefit from the HEAT target we have introduced to provide faster access to such treatment within 18 weeks by December 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:10:08.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286229,"EventID":"S4W-16067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:10:08.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T17:29:28.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been diagnosed as having diabulimia in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:10:08.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286230,"EventID":"S4W-16069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:10:09.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T17:29:28.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times, and on what dates, it has received correspondence from Aberdeen City Council regarding the timescale of the works at the Haudagain roundabout since May 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has received no correspondence from Aberdeen City Council in relation to the timescales of the works at Haudagain Roundabout since May 2012.\r\nMeetings between Transport Scotland, Aberdeen City Council and Nestrans have taken place on 5 April 2013 and 28 June 2013 to discuss the proposed improvement scheme at Haudagain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:10:09.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286231,"EventID":"S4W-16070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:10:09.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T19:11:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it estimates the Edinburgh tram project will save each year in carbon emission reductions, also broken down by cost-per-kilogram of carbon dioxide saved.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Edinburgh Tram remains a City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) project. The Edinburgh Tram Network STAG 2 Appraisal of December 2006 prepared by CEC predicts an increase of 2.6% in CO2 emissions. This information has not been updated since 2008.\r\nThe assumptions in the STAG were based upon significant development going ahead as a result of the trams with additional traffic, private cars and freight which would result in more CO2 emissions globally. It is also based on an assessment of the line from Airport to Newhaven and not the current truncated line from the Airport to York Place. It also assumed that power generation did not come from renewable sources, but it did identify that localised CO2 emissions through the key sections, such as Shandwick Place, would be significantly reduced.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:10:09.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286232,"EventID":"S4W-16071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:10:09.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T19:11:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much each of the interventions set out in A Low Carbon Scotland, the Second Report on Policies and Proposals will save in cost-per-kilogram of carbon dioxide saved.\r\n","AnswerText":"Part 3 of the Technical Appendix to Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting the Emissions Reduction Targets 2013-2027 (RPP2), published on the Scottish Government website, contains available information on annual emissions abatement, financial costs and benefits relating to proposals and policies in the report. The cost-per-kilogram of carbon dioxide saved each year from particular interventions can be estimated from this information. The estimated lifetime cost-per-kilogram of carbon saved from the non-traded sector between 2013 and 2027 from measures in RPP2 is 0.28 £/kg. This calculation does not include measures where it has not been possible to estimate costs at this stage. Due to significant uncertainties, projections of carbon savings and financial costs should be considered indicative only.\r\nThere are a number of important benefits that are not comprehensively included in the RPP2 figures – for example co-benefits including job creation, health improvement, local air quality improvement and biodiversity protection and enhancement, as well as the avoidance of potentially higher climate change adaptation costs in future years through taking preventative action.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:10:09.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286233,"EventID":"S4W-16090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:10:10.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T12:12:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking to ensure that NHS boards meet the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidance Network (SIGN) ratio of 1 specialist heart failure nurse per 100,000 population.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidance Network (SIGN) has confirmed that the suggested ratio of 1 specialist heart failure nurse per 100,000 population has its origins with the British Cardiac Society, rather than SIGN.\r\nWe fully recognise the value of specialist heart failure nurses, not just because of the clinical care they provide patients, but also due to the skills and experience they can share with clinical colleagues. We want to ensure services NHS boards have the full spectrum of heart failure services in place to meet service demands posed by the increasing incidence of heart failure.\r\nWhilst it is NHS boards’ responsibility to plan and deliver services, including specialist nursing services, taking account of national priorities and local needs, we are writing to boards to make them aware of the increasing prominence of the issue of heart failure specialist nursing services \r\nThe Directors of Nursing agreed on 28 June 2013 to review current approaches, future plans, common challenges and potential solutions - enabling sharing of best practice across regions and boards. \r\nWe anticipate this discussion will also allow boards to identify areas where additional guidance or support from the Scottish Government may be useful.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:10:10.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286234,"EventID":"S4W-16091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:10:10.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T12:12:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it is giving to NHS boards in areas where the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) ratio of 1 specialist heart failure nurse per 100,000 population is not being met.","AnswerText":"While it is NHS boards’ responsibility to plan and deliver services, including specialist nursing services, taking account of national priorities and local needs, we have committed to supporting heart failure services in the following ways: \r\nWe are writing to boards to make them aware of the increasing prominence of the issue of heart failure specialist nursing services.\r\nWe are working with the British Heart Foundation and Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland to bolster the training and expertise of health and social care staff through investing £150,000 in the development of a national Heart-E education programme which will provide online heart failure modules.\r\nThis summer we are establishing a Heart Failure Hub which will help us understand how we can better support heart failure nursing services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:10:10.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286235,"EventID":"S4W-15868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:25:34.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether all income tax levels in an independent Scotland would remain the same as in the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"Independence would provide the Scottish Government with the key economic and fiscal levers to promote sustainable economic growth and to tackle inequalities as set out in the Fiscal Commission Working Group’s first report. The paper can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/02/3017.\r\nTax receipts per capita in Scotland, including a geographical share of North Sea oil and gas revenues, are estimated to have been higher than in the UK as a whole in every single year since 1980-81.\r\nOver the last five years for which figures are available Scotland has been in a relatively stronger fiscal position than the UK as a whole to the value of £12.6 billion which had we been independent would have allowed a Scottish Government to take different policy choices.\r\nThe Scottish Government will publish its detailed white paper with positive proposals on the opportunities and gains of independence in the autumn. Material on the referendum and the Scottish Government’s proposals for an independent Scotland can be found at: www.scotreferendum.com including published papers and speeches. This site will be regularly updated with additional material including the white paper in the run up to the referendum.\r\nDecisions on all specific taxes, including tax rates, allowances and credits, will be made by the parliament and the government of an independent Scotland. Political parties, stakeholders, and individuals will have their own preferences for the policies to be pursued in an independent Scotland and the arguments for and against, and between, the range of policy choices available to an independent Scotland will form a central part of the national debate before the referendum and then in the run up to the 2016 Scottish election.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:25:34.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286236,"EventID":"S4W-15869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:25:34.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to increase any forms of taxation if Scotland became independent and when.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15868 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:25:34.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286237,"EventID":"S4W-15870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:25:35.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what changes it would seek to make to personal taxation bands if Scotland became independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15868 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:25:35.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286238,"EventID":"S4W-15871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:25:35.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reported comments by the Deputy First Minister on 17 April 2013, whether it will seek to introduce a 50p tax rate if Scotland became independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15868 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:25:35.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286239,"EventID":"S4W-15873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:25:35.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has undertaken of the impact that a 3% reduction in corporation tax would have on the Scottish economy and whether it will publish this analysis.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15187 on 03 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:25:35.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286240,"EventID":"S4W-15874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:25:35.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has carried out on a link between a reduction in corporation tax and employment rates if Scotland became independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15187 on 03 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:25:35.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286241,"EventID":"S4W-15876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:25:36.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how (a) long it would take and (b) much it would cost to (i) set up and (ii) run on an annual basis, a separate tax administration system if Scotland became independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"Independence would provide the Scottish Government with the key economic and fiscal levers to promote sustainable economic growth and to tackle inequalities. The Scottish Government is currently establishing Revenue Scotland to administer devolved taxation.\r\nThe Scottish Government will publish its detailed white paper with positive proposals on the opportunities and gains of independence in the autumn. Material on the referendum and the Scottish Government’s proposals for an independent Scotland can be found at: www.scotreferendum.com, including published papers and speeches. This site will be regularly updated with additional material including further reports from the Fiscal Commission Working group and the Scottish Government’s white paper in the run up to the referendum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:25:36.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286242,"EventID":"S4W-15877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:25:36.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what transitional arrangements it would put in place until a separate tax system was set up if Scotland became independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15876 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n\r\n\r\nSCOTTISH GOVERNMENT\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:25:36.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286243,"EventID":"S4W-15878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T09:57:58.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimates it has made of the costs to (a) business and (b) individual taxpayers of the transition to a new tax system if Scotland became independent.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15876 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286244,"EventID":"S4W-15879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:25:36.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the reported comments by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth in a Cabinet paper that the annual cost of tax administration in an independent Scotland could be £625 million.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15876 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n\r\nThe initial estimate for delivery of the devolved taxes by Revenue Scotland was placed in SPICe in June 2012, Bib number 54051.\r\n\r\n\r\nSCOTTISH GOVERNMENT\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:25:36.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286245,"EventID":"S4W-15880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:25:37.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-21T17:33:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact Scottish independence would have on the double taxation treaties to which the UK is party.\r\n","AnswerText":"An independent Scotland would signal its intention to adhere to international tax treaties in force between the UK and other States, the effect being that those tax treaties would continue in force between Scotland and that State. There is international precedent for this, the tax treaties in operation between Czechoslovakia and other countries, including the UK, prior to Czechoslovakia’s dissolution on 1 January 1993 were continued, on the same terms as before, by both the Czech Republic and Slovakia.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:25:37.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286246,"EventID":"S4W-16092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T14:44:52.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T14:27:34.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the outcomes were of the visits to the US and Canada for Scotland Week 2013 by the First Minister and the Minister for Transport and Veterans.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland Week 2013, led by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership with Scottish Development International, Visit Scotland and Creative Scotland took place from 3-10 April with engagements centred around New York and Washington DC in the US and Halifax and Toronto in Canada. The focus of the visits of both the First Minister and the Minister for Transport and Veterans Affairs was to: i) encourage economic investment and secure jobs for Scotland; ii) launch Visit Scotland’s Homecoming 2014 tourism campaign in the all important US and Canadian markets; and iii) engage with a number of prestigious global institutions and key influencers, to promote Scotland as a good global citizen.\r\nFrom 3 - 7 April 2013 the First Minister visited New York. He began his visit by launching Visit Scotland’s Homecoming 2014 campaign, in Scotland’s most important overseas tourism market, to an audience of key travel and lifestyle media, travel trade and business tourism contacts. The launch was designed to build on the more than £50 million in additional tourism revenue for Scotland generated in 2009, when the first Homecoming took place.\r\nThe First Minister carried out an extensive programme of targeted business engagement with top US companies, developing both new and existing relationships. These meetings featured 220 new jobs, 34 jobs safeguarded and more than £12 million of new investment, as follows:\r\nThe First Minister met senior representatives of US-based business analytics and software services provider SAS to announce the expansion of their operations in Scotland which will result in 94 new jobs and safeguard an additional 34 high value jobs; further reinforcing Scotland’s world-leading position in the field of life sciences, the First Minister met with US-based medical products company Daktari Diagostics to welcome their decision to locate a new manufacturing operation for the companies blood/HIV testing diagnostic kits, creating 126 new jobs and £11.9 million of new investment; the First Minister also met leading representatives of JP Morgan, Blackrock and Johnson & Johnson, all major existing investors to discuss their long term commitment to Scotland.\r\nWhile in New York, the First Minister continued his engagement with business by i) speaking at an SDI-led trade mission reception for 17 Scottish companies seeking to expand their activities in the US market; ii) hosting a dinner for influential US-based Global Scots; and iii) addressing an audience of over 300 top US-based business leaders at the New York Saint Andrew’s Society’s Inaugural Business Networking Dinner, which honoured Douglas Flint CBE, Chair of HSBC Holding PLC and Anne Gloag OBE, Philanthropist and Co-Founder of the Stagecoach Group PLC, as Global Man and Woman of the Year award winners.\r\nAt the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs the First Minister delivered a speech to an audience of major New York City companies and key business media contacts on ‘Scotland’s Place in the World Economy’. He highlighted Scotland’s key economic sectors such as innovation, renewable energy, life sciences, financial services and tourism, including how an independent Scotland would be well placed to capitalise further on these strengths, participating as an active member of the international community, by maintaining close ties with the US and our other major trading partners.\r\nThe First Minister launched a photographic exhibition by former Barlinnie prison officer, now critically-acclaimed international photographer, David Eustace, which featured stunning landscapes which showcasing the Year of Natural Scotland 2013. In starting 10th annual Scotland 10k Run, the First Minister addressed around 10,000 runners and 5,000 spectators as New York’s Central Park temporarily became a small part of Scotland. \r\nOn Saturday 6 April 2013, the First Minister gave a public lecture at Princeton University, New Jersey, on The Wealth and Well-being of Nations to an audience w","AnswerDate":"2013-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T14:44:52.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286257,"EventID":"S4W-16059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T16:46:53.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T13:41:56.44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the commencement date is for the 31-day target to first treatment section of the waiting times for patients with cancer who are referred to a different NHS board for initial diagnosis and how the pathway is recorded under the New Ways waiting times system.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has set access standards for patients diagnosed with cancer. These state that patients should begin treatment within 31 days from the date that the “decision to treat” was agreed with the patient, irrespective of whether the NHS board of initial diagnosis and treatment differ. NHS boards have systems to monitor, track and record progress with individual patient cancer pathways and these are subject to data quality analysis.\r\nNHS board staff comply with definitions guidance for cancer waiting times data recording and the agreed “decision-to-treat” date is recorded and highlighted by trackers where patients are treated in their NHS board of residence and also when patients are referred to another NHS board area for treatment. The “decision-to-treat” date for the 31-day standard is defined as the date that the consultation between the patient and the clinician (e.g. surgeon, oncologist) or delegate responsible for first treatment took place and a plan for treatment was agreed. If no date is documented, this would count as a breach of the 31-day standard.\r\nThe patient pathway is not recorded or reported through New Ways. Progress of patients along the 62 and 31 days cancer standard pathways is monitored and measured through NHS board patient cancer tracker systems according to the cancer waiting times guidance. The definitions guidance for cancer waiting times standards is regularly reviewed and updated. The Data and Definitions Group are in the process of reviewing the current guidance to ensure it remains patient focused and meets the needs of this specific patient group.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T16:46:54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286258,"EventID":"S4W-16060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T16:46:54.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T13:41:56.44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken or will take to ensure that patients for whom the cancer networks have not met the 31 or 62-day waiting time targets are subsequently treated as a priority.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has set national standards for cancer waiting times which have been met in all but three quarters since prior to the delivery date of December 2011. It is for NHS boards to plan and organise the services they provide to meet these standards. In all cases, clinical decision making is paramount and it is for clinical teams to determine which patients require to be prioritised for treatment. This includes patients for whom the NHS board has not met waiting times standards.\r\nThrough the Detect Cancer Early Programme additional funding of £5.2 million in 2012-2013 and £11.5M in 2013-2014 has so far been released to support diagnostic and treatment capacity in NHS boards. Performance against cancer waiting times standards continues to receive scrutiny and support from the cancer access team is offered to those NHS boards where there are challenges to sustained delivery of the cancer access standards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T16:46:54.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286259,"EventID":"S4W-16061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T16:46:54.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T13:41:56.44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken or will take to ensure that, where clinicians are unable to meet the cancer referral to treatment targets, any (a) concerns and (b) resource issues are (i) recorded and (ii) reported to the NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Validated performance against the cancer waiting times standards by NHS Board and by tumour type is published quarterly by ISD and the latest performance statistics can be viewed at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Waiting-Times/Cancer/.\r\nSubmissions ask for NHS boards to identify the reason for delays for patients in whom the cancer waiting times standards have not been met. Quarterly publications also include data quality pages where NHS boards may indicate reasons for failure to meet the cancer access standards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T16:46:54.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286260,"EventID":"S4W-16062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T16:46:55.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T13:41:56.44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that the cancer networks have integrated electronic record systems linked to and accessible by all clinicians responsible for elements of the patient's care.","AnswerText":"A number of significant steps have been taken. The same chemotherapy prescribing and administration system is used throughout Scotland. The West of Scotland and South of Scotland regional cancer networks have integrated their systems and records at a regional level to allow some patients to start their treatment at the main cancer centre for the region and to receive subsequent chemotherapy treatments at their most convenient local centre in the region.\r\nCancer clinicians working within each region have access to their patients’ integrated records. The North of Scotland cancer network has three main cancer centres, and these systems and records are not fully integrated. Cancer services are predominantly organised on a regional basis, and integration efforts have been focused on appropriate sharing of information within these regional services.  Where cross region pathways exist steps are being taken to integrate information systems to support this.\r\nCancer clinicians benefit from access to electronic systems used by the wider clinical community. For example, NHS boards are increasing the amount of important information available to clinicians at the point of care through clinical portals, an objective of NHS Scotland’s eHealth Strategy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T16:46:55.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286261,"EventID":"S4W-16079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T16:46:55.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T11:37:42.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who was on the short list for the position on the board of NHS Lanarkshire awarded to Philip Campbell.\r\n","AnswerText":"When applicants apply for NHS board appointments, they do so in confidence and on the understanding that their personal information will not be released unless they are appointed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T16:46:55.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286262,"EventID":"S4W-16080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T16:46:55.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T11:37:42.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the appropriateness of Philip Campbell's appointment to the board of NHS Lanarkshire in light of his reported association with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing.\r\n","AnswerText":"Public appointment assessors oversee every regulated public appointment on behalf of the Public Appointments Commissioner for Scotland.\r\nMr Campbell’s appointment followed an open, fair and merit-based approach in line with the Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T16:46:55.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286263,"EventID":"S4W-16081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T16:46:56.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T11:37:42.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what experience qualified Philip Campbell for his appointment to the board of NHS Lanarkshire.\r\n","AnswerText":"Mr Campbell’s appointment followed an open, fair and merit-based approach in line with the Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies in Scotland. \r\nAs announced at the time of his appointment, Mr Campbell has a range of skills. More details regarding these can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2013/05/NHS-board-appointments28052013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T16:46:56.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286264,"EventID":"S4W-16093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T16:46:56.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T15:15:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent advice it has received from Health Protection Scotland regarding an increase in E. coli infections; when it received the advice, and what subsequent action it has taken.","AnswerText":"Health Protection Scotland (HPS) publishes a weekly report which alerts the Scottish Government to any increase in numbers of e.coli cases. In addition, HPS publishes quarterly gastro-intestinal and foodborne infections data on numbers of e.coli O157, salmonella and campylobacter cases reported, and an annual surveillance report on V-tec incidents. The Scottish Government is provided with copies of these reports.\r\nScottish Minsters established the VTEC/E.coli O157 Action Plan Group which contains representatives from HPS, the Scottish Government, the Food Standards Agency, the Royal Environmental Health Institute for Scotland and other relevant stakeholders the groups remit is to recommend ways to reduce cases of E. coli O157 (the strand of E.coli that is most dangerous to humans in Scotland). The group has been tasked with producing an action plan which is due to report in the coming months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T16:46:56.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286265,"EventID":"S4W-16094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T16:46:57.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T15:15:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cases of healthcare associated infection were recorded in each of the last three years for which information is available, broken down by (a) infection type and (b) NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Routine mandatory surveillance is carried out for Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemias and Clostridium difficile infections, and this is can be found on the following websites available from Health Protection Scotland (see following links).\r\nAdditional information on other types of infections is available from HPS’s Scottish National Point Prevalence Survey of Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Prescribing 2011.\r\nFurther information is also contained in the last three Healthcare Associated Infection annual reports (web links attached) published by Health Protection Scotland:\r\n\r\nClostridium difficile Infections:\r\nhttp://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/haiic/sshaip/clostridiumdifficile.aspx?subjectid=79#ar\r\nStaphylococcus aureus Bacteraemias:\r\nhttp://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/haiic/sshaip/publicationsdetail.aspx?id=30248\r\nHAI prevalence surveys:\r\nhttp://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/haiic/sshaip/haiprevelancestudy.aspx\r\nHAI annual report 2012 (published May 2013):\r\nhttp://www.documents.hps.scot.nhs.uk/hai/annual-report/healthcare-associated-infection-annual-report-2012.pdf\r\nHAI annual surveillance report 2011 (published May 2012):\r\nhttp://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/haiic/publicationsdetail.aspx?id=51462\r\nHAI annual surveillance report 2010 (published May 2011):\r\nhttp://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/haiic/publicationsdetail.aspx?id=47876\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T16:46:57.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286266,"EventID":"S4W-16096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T16:46:57.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T15:22:09.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much each NHS board should have been allocated using the NHS Scotland Resource Allocation Committee formula in each of the last six years and how much each received.\r\n","AnswerText":"The NHS Scotland Resource Allocation Committee (NRAC) formula was first used to inform the allocation of health funds in 2009-10. When accepting the recommendations of the committee, the then Secretary for Health and Wellbeing noted that she placed “high importance on the need to avoid turbulence in NHS board funding and can confirm that no board will receive less funding than it does at present and any changes will be phased in over a number of years, as has been the practice under both the previous SHARE and Arbuthnott formulae.” For that reason, though the pattern of actual funding received by health boards is informed by the target shares derived using the NRAC formula, it is not identical to them.\r\nThe following tables set out information on actual allocations and target shares of NRAC-related funds for the years 2009-10 to 2013-14. Table 1 sets out the actual funds provided to health boards and Table 2 sets out the NRAC target shares.\r\nTable 1: NRAC-Related Health Board Actual Funding, 2009-10 to 2013-14, £m\r\nHealth Board\r\n09-10\r\n10-11\r\n11-12\r\n12-13\r\n13-14\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran \r\n557.2\r\n570.2\r\n573.7\r\n585.3\r\n601.7\r\nNHS Borders \r\n162.2\r\n166.0\r\n167.1\r\n170.7\r\n175.4\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway \r\n232.9\r\n238.3\r\n241.1\r\n245.8\r\n252.7\r\nNHS Fife \r\n490.3\r\n502.9\r\n506.4\r\n520.8\r\n539.5\r\nNHS Forth Valley \r\n383.9\r\n393.8\r\n402.1\r\n413.7\r\n429.4\r\nNHS Grampian \r\n660.7\r\n678.5\r\n689.8\r\n711.7\r\n742.4\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n1,825.0\r\n1,871.4\r\n1,891.7\r\n1,933.5\r\n1,990.6\r\nNHS Highland \r\n469.6\r\n480.6\r\n484.0\r\n495.4\r\n509.2\r\nNHS Lanarkshire \r\n777.4\r\n798.4\r\n815.3\r\n836.5\r\n863.7\r\nNHS Lothian \r\n987.1\r\n1,018.2\r\n1,053.3\r\n1,088.3\r\n1,136.6\r\nNHS Orkney \r\n30.5\r\n31.3\r\n31.5\r\n32.8\r\n34.3\r\nNHS Shetland \r\n35.9\r\n36.8\r\n36.6\r\n37.6\r\n38.7\r\nNHS Tayside \r\n578.6\r\n592.9\r\n595.4\r\n608.3\r\n626.2\r\nNHS Western Isles \r\n56.6\r\n58.1\r\n57.6\r\n59.1\r\n60.7\r\nUnified Boards\r\n7,247.8\r\n7,437.4\r\n7,545.6\r\n7,739.5\r\n8,001.1\r\n\r\n\r\nTable 2: NRAC Target Shares, 2009-10 to 2013-14, %\r\nHealth Board\r\n09-10\r\n10-11\r\n11-12\r\n12-13\r\n13-14\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n7.44%\r\n7.41%\r\n7.40%\r\n7.38%\r\n7.36%\r\nNHS Borders\r\n2.08%\r\n2.08%\r\n2.09%\r\n2.10%\r\n2.10%\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n3.02%\r\n3.01%\r\n3.01%\r\n3.01%\r\n3.00%\r\nNHS Fife\r\n6.88%\r\n6.89%\r\n6.87%\r\n6.89%\r\n6.90%\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n5.48%\r\n5.49%\r\n5.48%\r\n5.49%\r\n5.51%\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n9.45%\r\n9.48%\r\n9.60%\r\n9.63%\r\n9.68%\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n24.53%\r\n24.37%\r\n24.25%\r\n24.12%\r\n24.01%\r\nNHS Highland\r\n6.26%\r\n6.32%\r\n6.31%\r\n6.34%\r\n6.36%\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n11.01%\r\n10.99%\r\n10.95%\r\n10.95%\r\n10.88%\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n14.50%\r\n14.61%\r\n14.72%\r\n14.76%\r\n14.86%\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n0.42%\r\n0.42%\r\n0.42%\r\n0.42%\r\n0.43%\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n0.44%\r\n0.45%\r\n0.45%\r\n0.45%\r\n0.46%\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n7.84%\r\n7.84%\r\n7.85%\r\n7.86%\r\n7.84%\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n0.63%\r\n0.63%\r\n0.61%\r\n0.61%\r\n0.62%\r\nUnified Boards\r\n100.00%\r\n100.00%\r\n100.00%\r\n100.00%\r\n100.00%\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T16:46:57.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286267,"EventID":"S4W-16097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-26T16:46:58.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T15:32:37.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14197 by John Swinney on 2 May 2013,  when each NHS board will publish gender pay gap information and information on equal pay.","AnswerText":"All NHSScotland Boards have published gender pay gap information and statements on equal pay. This is hosted on each board’s website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-24T16:46:58.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286280,"EventID":"S4W-16106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T11:04:01.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T09:12:41.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will report on the outcome of the recent British-Irish Council Summit.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 21 June 2013, the twentieth meeting of the British-Irish Council was held in Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland. We had a successful meeting attended by ministers from all eight member administrations. The First Minister and I represented the Scottish Government.\r\nThe meeting began with a presentation on Derry/Londonderry as the first UK City of Culture which, at the halfway point, highlighted the economic benefits and many others positives of the experience so far. This was followed by an opportunity for all eight member administrations to ask questions.\r\nThe discussion moved on to creative industries and building on discussions at previous summit meetings, the council welcomed a paper from the Government of Jersey with a proposal for a new creative industries work sector. The council agreed to the creation of this new work sector and the issues it should initially focus on. A work programme will be developed for approval at the next summit in Jersey in November 2013.\r\nOn the economy, it was helpful that all eight member administrations continued to share information as we strive to encourage further capital investment; to tackle youth unemployment and to minimise the impact of high energy prices on the economy. In addition, the First Minister highlighted the obstacles that small businesses are facing in building relationships with the banking sector and in terms of accessing finance. The First Minister also referenced the All Islands Approach and the second part of the flagship Irish-Scottish Links on Energy Study (ISLES) which has now been given £1 million of EU funding to examine how an offshore grid could be established by breaking down the complex financial, legal and regulatory issues that can affect cross-border energy projects.\r\nThe council noted the ongoing collaborative engagement of Administrations through the various policy work streams and approved the minutes from the previous Summit meeting in Cardiff in November 2012. Finally, the council endorsed the publication of the first BIC Secretariat Annual report and agreed the secretariat budget for 2013-14 which includes a 20% reduction from the previous year.\r\nThe communique that was issued by the British-Irish Council, after the meeting, can be found on the website along with a copy of the BIC Secretariat Annual Report at http://www.britishirishcouncil.org/. I am also arranging for copies of both documents to be placed in SPICe (Bib. numbers 55053 and 55054).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T11:04:02.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286281,"EventID":"S4W-16129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T11:13:00.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:54:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will make a decision on which  bidders will be invited to tender for the Caledonian Sleeper Franchise.\r\n","AnswerText":"I can confirm that under the rules of the pre-qualification questionnaire competition Arriva Night Trains Ltd, Serco Ltd and First Caledonian Sleeper Ltd are shortlisted to receive the Invitation to Tender for the Caledonian Sleeper Franchise.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T11:13:00.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286282,"EventID":"S4W-16130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T12:09:36.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T12:00:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it plans to do to reduce consumption of single-use carrier bags.\r\n","AnswerText":"We propose to require retailers to charge for single use carrier bags from October 2014 to provide an incentive for people to reuse bags and help reduce litter.\r\nWe will bring forward draft regulations to the Scottish Parliament later this year in line with the proposals we set out in last year’s Safeguarding Scotland’s Resources consultation. Our intention is that retailers would be required to charge at least 5p for single use carrier bags, regardless of material, with a voluntary agreement that they will donate the proceeds to good causes (including environmental good causes).\r\nWe will engage further with retailers over the coming months on that proposed agreement as well as on the details of reporting and exemptions. The implementation date is designed to provide adequate lead-in time for businesses affected to prepare for the change.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T12:09:36.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286283,"EventID":"S4W-16063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:37.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T14:03:38.52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the timeline is for the implementation of Ofgem's reforms to Project TransmiT and what assessment it has carried out of what the impact would be of any delays to this. \r\n","AnswerText":"The conclusion and implementation of Project TransmiT is a matter to be determined by the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem). Ofgem is reviewing a final set of recommendations which were published in June 2013 by the industry led Connection and Use of System Code (CUSC) panel. Ofgem will consider the CUSC panel’s recommendation on timescales-that Ofgem implement its final decision between 1 April 2014 and 1 April 2015. The Scottish Government has long supported this review of the transmission charging regime and our position remains that we wish to see a positive outcome, as swiftly as possible, that will further support new low carbon energy technologies and developments throughout the country.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:37.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286284,"EventID":"S4W-16098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:38.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T15:57:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the timetable will be for determining whether it will introduce legislation to introduce a tenant farmers' right to buy.","AnswerText":"We will make an announcement, after the summer break, indicating how we will carry out a review of the agricultural holdings legislation. Right to buy for tenant farmers will be considered as part of that review. The outputs from that review will, therefore, determine what level of legislative changes will be required to be introduced.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:38.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286285,"EventID":"S4W-16099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:38.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T15:57:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to encourage farming owner-occupiers to increase the availability of farms for rent, in light of its forthcoming review of agricultural holdings legislation including consideration of the appropriateness of legislating for a tenant farmers' right to buy.","AnswerText":"As part of a review of the agricultural holdings legislation, the land reform review and the work of the new entrants panel, we will continue to work closely with all parts of the industry in the coming weeks and months to consider how best to encourage landowners, including those that are owner-occupiers, to increase the amount of farm land that will be available to tenant farmers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:38.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286286,"EventID":"S4W-16100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:38.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T15:57:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many new entrants to farming it envisages following notification that its forthcoming review of agricultural holdings legislation will include consideration of the appropriateness of legislating for a tenant farmers' right to buy.","AnswerText":"A range of issues affect the ability of new entrants to gain access to a farm, not just the availability of farm land. For example, access to capital, availability of financial support, suitable experience and the provision of equipment all have to be taken into account as well.\r\nWe are working with the new entrants panel and other new entrant groups to work towards finding solutions that provide the necessary opportunities to enable our future farming potential to be realised.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:38.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286287,"EventID":"S4W-16101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:39.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T16:48:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what transitional arrangements it has made to ensure that the Crofting Counties Agricultural Grant Scheme will continue without disruption in 2013-14 and 2014-15.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is currently considering the options available to us in light of the recently released transition regulations from the European Commission. This is still in draft form and we, and most other programme bodies in Europe, are requesting that the European Commission change the regulation to allow a complete roll over of current programmes for 2014.\r\nIf this does not happen we can still take some action and we have been discussing other options with stakeholders, but we need certainty on what the European Commission regulations allow before we finalise plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:39.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286288,"EventID":"S4W-16102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:39.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T16:48:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what arrangements it is making to ensure the maximum take-up of funds available through the Crofting Counties Agricultural Grant Scheme in 2013-14.","AnswerText":"The Crofting Counties Agricultural Grants Scheme is a demand-led scheme reliant on a number of factors. The Scottish Government will continue to encourage crofters to apply for Crofting Counties Agricultural Grant Scheme assistance and we will make an announcement regarding transitional arrangements in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:39.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286289,"EventID":"S4W-16107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:39.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:13:18.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how dental services are provided to older people who live in care homes.","AnswerText":"Dental services are provided to older people who live in care homes as follows:\r\nFor an older person registered with a dentist under NHS arrangements who subsequently becomes resident in a care home, the dentist can continue to provide dental care for their patient in the home.\r\nCare homes can have arrangements with a local dental practice to provide dental care for their residents who are not currently registered with a dentist under NHS arrangements.\r\nIf the level of care required by the patient is beyond what the dentist can provide on a domiciliary basis then the patient can be referred to the salaried primary care dental service.\r\nIn areas where there are no dentists available to provide routine treatment for care home residents, then the salaried primary care dental service can provide cover for the residents.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:39.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286290,"EventID":"S4W-16108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:40.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:13:18.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the budget for dental services was in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09, (c) 2009-10, (d) 2010-11, (e) 2011-12 and (f) 2012-13 and is for 2013-14.","AnswerText":"The dental services budget for each of the years in question is provided in the table below and is also published on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/Finance/18127/Documents.\r\n\r\nYear\r\nBudget\r\n£000s\r\n2007-08\r\n354,400\r\n2008-09\r\n354,300\r\n2009-10\r\n355,500\r\n2010-11\r\n343,200\r\n2011-12\r\n396,600\r\n2012-13\r\n398,700\r\n2013-14\r\n398,700\r\n\r\nNote: This figure is made up of the General Dental Services and Oral Health Measures budgets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:40.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286291,"EventID":"S4W-16109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:40.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:13:18.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many dental practices there are and how many are (a) funded by the NHS and (b) wholly private.","AnswerText":"There are 1,064 dental practices in Scotland which have at least one dentist providing NHS general dental services.\r\nInformation on the number of wholly private dental practices is not held centrally.\r\nSource: ISD Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:40.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286292,"EventID":"S4W-16110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:41.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:13:18.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how private dental practices are regulated.","AnswerText":"NHS general dental services (GDS) and all dental practices which provide any GDS are subject to inspection and monitoring and there are very few dental practices in Scotland which do not provide some NHS care. However, Dental practices in Scotland which provide only private treatment are not subject to regulation at this time.\r\nAll dental practitioners are regulated by the General Dental Council (GDC). The professional regulation of dentists is reserved to the UK Government by the Scotland Act 1998. The GDC has UK-wide statutory responsibility for safeguarding the public by maintaining the register of dentists who are qualified and competent to work in the UK. The GDC also regulates; dental nurses, dental technicians, clinical dental technicians, dental hygienists, dental therapists and orthodontic therapists.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:41.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286293,"EventID":"S4W-16111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:41.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:13:18.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how patient safety is protected in (a) NHS and (b) private dental practices.","AnswerText":"All dental practitioners are regulated by the General Dental Council (GDC). The professional regulation of dentists is reserved to the UK Government by the Scotland Act 1998. The General Dental Council (GDC) has UK-wide statutory responsibility for safeguarding the public by maintaining the register of dentists who are qualified and competent to work in the UK.\r\nThe GDC also regulates dental nurses, dental technicians, clinical dental technicians, dental hygienists, dental therapists and orthodontic therapists.\r\nAny dentist or dental body corporate wishing to provide, or assist with the provision, of NHS General Dental Services (GDS) in an area is required to join the relevant NHS board’s dental list. As part of the NHS board’s listing procedures applicants are required to provide a range of information, including references, criminal record certificates, etc. To check safety and quality all NHS boards are required to inspect practice premises from where NHS GDS are provided in their area on a three year rolling programme. Treatment provided under GDS is monitored by NHS boards and Practitioner Services Division of NHS National Services Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:41.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286294,"EventID":"S4W-16112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:42.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:13:18.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many academic posts in dentistry are vacant, broken down by institution.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. The individual Scottish medical schools will have access to this information if contacted directly. A list of the UK’s medical schools can be found on the Medical Schools Council’s website at:\r\nhttp://www.medschools.ac.uk/Students/UKMedicalSchools/MedicalSchoolsbyRegion/Pages/Scotland.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:42.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286295,"EventID":"S4W-16113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:42.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:13:18.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many sessions academics in dentistry at the University of Dundee undertake at the University of Aberdeen Dental School; whether this has increased since the facility opened, and, if so, by how much.\r\n","AnswerText":"As autonomous institutions, universities are responsible for setting their own course provision and managing their own staff levels. This is therefore not a matter for Scottish Ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:42.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286296,"EventID":"S4W-16114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:43.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:13:18.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been spent on repairs and maintenance at the Glasgow Dental Hospital in each year since 2007-08.","AnswerText":"Since 2007-2008, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has spent the following on repairs and maintenance at the Glasgow Dental Hospital:\r\nPay\r\nNon Pay\r\nTOTAL\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n£237,099\r\n£136,178\r\n£373,277\r\n2008-09\r\n£279,666\r\n£226,615\r\n£506,281\r\n2009-10\r\n£261,351\r\n£194,088\r\n£455,439\r\n2010-11\r\n£262,636\r\n£164,259\r\n£426,895\r\n2011-12\r\n£336,877\r\n£188,583\r\n£525,460\r\n2012-13\r\n£336,877\r\n£188,583\r\n£525,460\r\nThe figures include estates staffing costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:43.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286297,"EventID":"S4W-16115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:43.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:13:18.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there are any plans to replace the Glasgow Dental Hospital.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to replace the current building. A programme of investment established in 2007-08 into the building infrastructure continues on an annual basis. \r\nSince 2007-08 a total of £11,014,000 has been invested, with a further £2 million to be invested in 2013-2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:43.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286298,"EventID":"S4W-16116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:44.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:13:18.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its regulatory powers are in relation to dentistry.","AnswerText":"NHS general dental services are regulated under Section 25 of the NHS (Scotland) Act 1978 and the NHS (General Dental Services) (Scotland) Regulations 2010. The professional regulation of dentists is specifically reserved to the UK Government by The Scotland Act 1998. The General Dental Council (GDC) has UK-wide statutory responsibility for safeguarding the public by maintaining the register of dentists who are qualified and competent to work in the UK.\r\nThe GDC also regulates, dental nurses, dental technicians clinical dental technicians, dental hygienists, dental therapists and orthodontic therapists. However the legislation governing the regulation of dental nurses, dental technicians, clinical dental technicians and orthodontic therapists is devolved to the Scottish Parliament as the groups were regulated following The Scotland Act 1998.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:44.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286299,"EventID":"S4W-16117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:44.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:13:18.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the director of the University of Aberdeen Dental School recently ceased to be employed there.\r\n","AnswerText":"Universities are autonomous institutions with responsibility for managing their own staff. This is therefore not a matter for Scottish Ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:44.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286300,"EventID":"S4W-16118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:45.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:13:18.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the funding is for the Childsmile programme in 2013-14.","AnswerText":"Funding for the Childsmile programme in 2013-14 is £14,956,000\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:45.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286301,"EventID":"S4W-16119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:45.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:13:18.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government at what age group the Childsmile programme is targeted.","AnswerText":"Childsmile is aimed at every child in Scotland through Childsmile Core and Childsmile Practice from birth until age five years.\r\nChildren living in our most deprived communities will receive additional benefit from Childsmile Nursery and Childsmile School at least up to Primary 4.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:45.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286302,"EventID":"S4W-16120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:46.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:13:18.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding is available to improve the oral health of 6 to 12-year-olds.\r\n","AnswerText":"The monthly capitation payment that dentists receive for each child aged 6 to 12 registered with them under NHS general dental services requires them to provide oral hygiene advice, toothbrushing advice, dietary advice and all clinical prevention.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:46.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286303,"EventID":"S4W-16121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:46.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:13:18.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the mortality rates for oral cancer have been in each year from 2007-08.","AnswerText":"Mortality by type of cancer is published annually on the ISD website. The latest publication is available at: http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Cancer/Publications/2012-10-30/2012-10-30-CancerMortality-Report.pdf?93761843443\r\nThe number of deaths from cancer of the oral cavity and the mortality rate per 100,000 population for calendar years 2007-2011 is provided in the following table. Cancer mortality data is not currently available beyond 2011.\r\nNumber of deaths1 from cancer of the oral cavity2, Scotland, 2007-2011\r\nYear\r\nNumber of deaths registered\r\nRate per 100,000 population\r\n2007\r\n146\r\n2.8\r\n2008\r\n132\r\n2.6\r\n2009\r\n134\r\n2.6\r\n2010\r\n111\r\n2.1\r\n2011\r\n139\r\n2.6\r\nSource: ISD Scotland.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Deaths data are provided by the National Records for Scotland. Deaths are for year of registration.\r\n2. Cancer of the oral cavity is defined as C01-C06 in the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:46.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286304,"EventID":"S4W-16122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:47.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:13:18.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the prevalence of oral cancer is increasing.","AnswerText":"The following table provides the prevalence of oral cavity cancer between 2001 to 2011 and shows a steady increase over the period. Cancer registration data is not currently available beyond 2011.\r\nTable 1. Prevalence1 of Cancer of the oral cavity2 in Scotland, 2001-2011\r\nYear\r\nNumber of people\r\n2001\r\n1,741\r\n2003\r\n1,896\r\n2005\r\n2,071\r\n2007\r\n2,206\r\n2009\r\n2,366\r\n2011\r\n2,601\r\nSource: ISD Scotland.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Prevalence is estimated by counting the number of patients diagnosed before a given point in time (e.g. 31 December 2011), and excluding those who are known to have died or migrated by that date. 2. Prevalence numbers are based on a 20 year period.  \r\nCancer of the oral cavity is defined as C01-C06 in the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:47.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286305,"EventID":"S4W-16123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:47.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:13:18.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will encourage oral health assessments in order to detect cancer early.","AnswerText":"Continuous registration with a dentist under NHS arrangements was introduced in 2010. Continuous registration means that patients have an ongoing relationship with their dentist and can access regular dental examinations (the dental “check-up’’), which will help pick up any signs of concern early.\r\nEarly detection of cancer is a feature of the free NHS dental examination. The fee payable to practitioners for “check-ups’’ is for a clinical examination which we expect to include all oral tissues, i.e. the soft tissue as well as teeth.\r\nThe Oral Health Assessment and Review (although not specifically developed to detect cancer early) was developed by the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme in 2011 in order to facilitate the move from a restorative approach to patient care to a preventive and long-term approach that is risk-based and meets the specific needs of individual patients. We have asked NHS Education for Scotland (NES) to use the Oral Health Assessment and Review as the basis of a national audit for dentists to review their current practice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:47.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286306,"EventID":"S4W-16124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:48.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:13:18.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has mapped the location of dental practices and, if so, whether it considers that there are no issues of access in disadvantaged areas.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government mapped the location of dental practices in Scotland as part of a review carried out in 2010. The review “An Analysis of the Dental Workforce in Scotland” can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/media/279142/analysis_of_dental_workforce_in_scotland_strategic_review_2010.pdf \r\nThis measured on a national basis the average travelling distances to practices rather than concentration of practitioners. This showed that people living in the most deprived areas were amongst the groups with greater access but more detailed information would be analysed at health board level, where responsibility for the overall provision rests of NHS general dental services in an area.\r\nIt is for boards to identify any gaps in provision and determine the best solutions to meet local needs. To help boards improve access to general dental services in their area, the Scottish Government has made available a range of measures, including the Scottish Dental Access Initiative.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:48.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286307,"EventID":"S4W-16125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:48.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:13:18.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to reduce the number of student places for dentistry in the next academic year and, if so, by how many.","AnswerText":"As part of normal workforce planning arrangements, the Scottish Government keeps under regular review the future needs for the NHSScotland dental workforce.\r\nFollowing extensive analytical work undertaken jointly by NHS Education for Scotland and National Services Scotland, as published in their bi-annual report Dental Workforce Report – September 2012, and taking into consideration advice from the Chief Dental Officer for Scotland, the Scottish Government has agreed to reduce the number of funded dental student places by 17 for the 2013-14 academic year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:48.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286308,"EventID":"S4W-16126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:49.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:13:18.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether overseas students attending university to study dentistry have access to vocational training places and, if so, how many such places have been allocated in 2013-14.","AnswerText":"Overseas graduates from any UK, including Scottish, dental school may apply for dental Vocational Training (VT) places in Scotland. All overseas graduates are subject to United Kingdom Borders Agency (UKBA) eligibility criteria, and one overseas Scottish graduate in 2013 has secured a VT place, subject to satisfactory completion of UKBA requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:49.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286309,"EventID":"S4W-16127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:49.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:13:18.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the need for a pre-registration year for dentistry.","AnswerText":"The main concern of the Scottish Government is that dentists beginning independent practice in Scotland are able to function safely. The General Dental Council, as the Professional regulatory body for dentists, is currently undertaking a review of vocational training and the Scottish Government will take appropriate action based on the findings of the review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:49.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286310,"EventID":"S4W-16128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:50.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T10:29:27.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date it expects the final report of the Review of Expenses and Funding of Civil Litigation in Scotland (the Taylor Review) to be published.","AnswerText":"The final report of the Review of Expenses and Funding of Civil Litigation in Scotland (the Taylor Review) is due to be published on 11 September 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:50.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286311,"EventID":"S4W-16131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:50.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T12:02:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to carry out a full review of the national concessionary travel scheme before the end of the current parliamentary session.","AnswerText":"We have no current plans to carry out a full review of the national concessionary travel scheme. \r\nIn January 2013 we reached agreement with the bus industry safeguarding concessionary travel for older and disabled people for the next two years. The agreement set the rates and budgets for reimbursing operators until March 2015. We will hold further discussions with the industry, in due course, on reimbursement arrangements for April 2015 onwards.\r\nTransport Scotland has recently published independent research on card holder views on the scheme and its administration. Findings from the first year of the two year survey are very positive. The research will contribute to our continuing consideration of improvements to administration of the scheme. The report can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/strategy-and-research/publications-and-consultations/j276390-00.htm.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:50.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286312,"EventID":"S4W-16132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:50.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T12:02:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the findings in the report, Concessionary Travel: Customer Feedback Research – Year One Report.","AnswerText":"Free bus travel is delivering one of the Scottish Government’s key commitments, one we believe brings important benefits for all our eligible older and disabled people.\r\nThis independent research gathered the views of card holders on the scheme and its administration. It is clear from the findings there is a high level of support for the scheme and that it is valued by those who use it.\r\nWe will use this research to find out how we can continually improve the scheme to ensure it makes a difference to people’s lives, particularly those who find the application process difficult for one reason or another.\r\nTo that end, Transport Scotland will work in partnership with local authorities and advocacy groups representing cardholders to develop guidance materials in more accessible formats and to ensure that customer services staff are well equipped to support both potential and existing scheme users.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:51.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286313,"EventID":"S4W-16133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:51.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T12:11:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15674 by Alex Neil on 25 June 2013, when the action plan was (a) initiated and (b) completed and when it will be published.","AnswerText":"A Scottish Government expert group has been established to consider NHSScotland small occupational groups within the wider healthcare setting. This group includes representation from service, NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and staff side. The action plan for perfusionists has been referred to this group for discussion and will report in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:51.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286314,"EventID":"S4W-16137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T13:50:51.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T12:23:46.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15280 by Alex Neil on 20 June 2013, when each of the successful individual patient treatment requests was approved.\r\n","AnswerText":"My officials have contacted NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde who have advised that providing this data could lead to the identification of individual patients. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to disclose these details.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T13:50:51.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286329,"EventID":"S4W-16157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T16:01:10.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T15:28:17.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will respond to the consultation on the draft electricity generating policy statement.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government published an initial draft Electricity Generation Policy Statement (EGPS) in November 2010, to support our Climate Change Report on Proposals and Policies (RPP). The RPP is required under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 to set out proposals and policies for meeting annual emissions reductions targets from 2010 to 2022.\r\nA further revision of the EGPS was published in draft in March 2012 for consultation. The 2012 draft set out the pathway to meeting the Scottish Government target of delivering the equivalent of at least 100% of gross electricity consumption from renewables by 2020. It set out how Scotland generates electricity, and gave an overview of the changes needed to meet Scottish Government targets and deliver a low carbon generating mix.\r\nWe have now updated the 2012 EGPS. This has been published on the Scottish Government webpages and copies have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.\r\nThe document: \r\nreflects views, suggestions and comments submitted to the consultation; \r\nupdates on electricity sector developments and changes; \r\nfollows extensive engagement, consultation and discussion with generators, transmission system owners, engineering, academic and market experts in Scotland and the UK; \r\nreflects policy developments at UK and EU level, and on-going discussions with UK and EU policy makers; \r\nfinalises the requirements for strategic environmental assessment (SEA) of the EGPS and the 2020 Routemap for Renewable Energy in Scotland, as required by the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005.\r\nA more detailed overview of the responses to the 2012 consultation is also published on the Scottish Government webpages. This document will now form a basis for further and on-going modelling of the future electricity generating mix in Scotland, beyond 2020.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T16:01:10.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286330,"EventID":"S4W-16087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T16:51:41.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T11:54:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its policy is on companies contracted to provide public services using the public subsidy to fund redundancy payments to employees.\r\n","AnswerText":"Payments under public contracts should relate directly to the goods, works and services that the contractor provides and should not constitute a subsidy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T16:51:41.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286331,"EventID":"S4W-16152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T16:51:41.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T12:45:28.387","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recent Third Sector Early Intervention Fund not allowing applications for core funding from community organisations, whether it plans to allocate additional funds to enable such groups to apply for core costs.","AnswerText":"Through strand 1 of the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund (TSEIF), third sector organisations were provided with £14 million of core costs over two years. In addition, the award criteria for strand 2 allowed for the funding of core costs proportional to the project. TSEIF funding has been fully allocated.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T16:51:41.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286332,"EventID":"S4W-16153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T16:51:41.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T12:45:28.387","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria were used to award Third Sector Strategic Funding Partnership funding.","AnswerText":"Organisations awarded Third Sector Strategic Funding Partnership funding satisfied one of more of the following criteria:\r\nThey are unique in the services they deliver and whose loss would have an unacceptable impact;\r\nThey are delivering crucial Scottish Government priority outcomes;\r\nThey are delivering on the equality agenda.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T16:51:42.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286333,"EventID":"S4W-16154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T16:51:42.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T12:45:28.387","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of Third Sector Strategic Funding Partnership funding was awarded to standalone community organisations in partnership with national organisations.","AnswerText":"All of the £10 million provided for Strategic Funding Partnerships was agreed with individual organisations. However, the Scottish Government would be happy for these organisations to work in partnership with others if this was the best way to achieve improved outcomes for children, young people and the families and communities who support them.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T16:51:42.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286334,"EventID":"S4W-16155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T16:51:43.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T12:45:28.387","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding and support is available to community organisations involved in community-led regeneration.","AnswerText":"Our regeneration strategy, Achieving a Sustainable Future, places community-led regeneration at the heart of its approach. We established our People and Communities Fund specifically to provide funding and support to community organisations involved in community-led regeneration. Through this fund we have made £7.9 million per annum available from 2012 to 2015.\r\nIn addition, there are a range of Scottish Government funds to support community organisations. We are currently mapping what Scottish Government funding is available to support communities and we intend to publish this on our website later this year.\r\nThere are also many other organisations that offer funding support for communities, including local authorities, BIG Lottery, the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T16:51:43.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286335,"EventID":"S4W-16156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T16:51:43.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T15:02:56.84","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) remuneration and (b) expenses the chair of the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland has received in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"JABS Chairing Member Remuneration and Expenses 2008-09 and 2012-13:\r\nFinancial Year\r\nChairing Member\r\nRemuneration\r\nExpenses\r\n2008-09\r\nApr-Sept\r\nOct-Mar\r\nSir Neil McIntosh\r\nSir Muir Russell\r\n£7,078.75\r\n£8,750 (equivalent \r\nto £17,500 per year)\r\n£2,580.53\r\n£16.40\r\n2009-10\r\nSir Muir Russell\r\n£17,500\r\n£114.05\r\n2010-11\r\nSir Muir Russell\r\n£17,500\r\n£78.40\r\n2011-12\r\nSir Muir Russell\r\n£17,500\r\n£88.35\r\n2012-13\r\nSir Muir Russell\r\n£17,500\r\n£220.35\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T16:51:43.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286336,"EventID":"S4W-16158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T16:51:43.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T15:45:05.513","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it can do to tackle crimes to wildlife and rare breeding animals.","AnswerText":"Scotland has a robust legislative framework to deal with wildlife crime which includes the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994, the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002 and the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010. Species such as white-tailed sea eagles have additional protection in law so that their nest sites are protected at all times, even when not in use.\r\nThe Scottish Government has continued to develop the legislative framework since 2007 including new legal requirements on snaring and trapping, new protection for species such as the brown hare and the introduction of new vicarious liability provisions to ensure that land owners and land managers are not able to turn a blind eye to offences against wild birds being committed on their ground by employees or contractors.\r\nScotland is home to the National Wildlife Crime Unit, which gathers and collates intelligence on wildlife crime. Scotland has a network of 109 wildlife crime officers within Police Scotland and has a dedicated team of prosecutors within the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.\r\nThe Scottish Government has built a broad alliance involving land managers, conservationists and law enforcement working together in the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW Scotland). PAW Scotland aims to build trust, share good practice and isolate those who continue to damage Scotland’s wildlife.\r\nOn 1 July the Scottish Government announced a further package of targeted measures aimed at deterring and detecting wildlife crime. The detail of the measures is set out at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Wildlife-Habitats/paw-scotland/news/2013/raptor-persecution-new-measures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T16:51:43.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286337,"EventID":"S4W-16160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-27T16:51:43.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T15:55:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many bulls were used in 2012-13 and have been used in 2013-14 in each of the crofting counties under the crofting bull hire scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Figures requested are as follows:\r\nCrofting Cattle Improvement Scheme Bulls Hired Out in season 2012-13, Breakdown of areas:\r\nCaithness\r\n0\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n3\r\nEast Highlands:-\r\n\r\nS Sutherland\r\n4\r\nE Ross\r\n3\r\nE Inverness\r\n2\r\nWest Highlands:-\r\n\r\nN Sutherland\r\n2\r\nW Ross\r\n6\r\nW Inverness\r\n3\r\nSkye\r\n26\r\nSouth West Highlands:-\r\n\r\nS Inverness\r\n1\r\nArgyll\r\n2\r\nTiree\r\n5\r\nWestern Isles:-\r\n\r\nLewis\r\n7\r\nHarris\r\n2\r\nN Uist\r\n18\r\nS Uist\t\r\n9\r\nBarra\r\n10\r\nTotal\r\n103\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCrofting Cattle Improvement Scheme Bulls Hired Out in season 2013-14, Breakdown of areas:\r\nCaithness\r\n0\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n2\r\nEast Highlands:-\r\n\r\nS Sutherland\r\n5\r\nE Ross\r\n3\r\nE Inverness\r\n2\r\nWest Highlands:-\r\n\r\nN Sutherland\r\n2\r\nW Ross\r\n6\r\nW Inverness\r\n3\r\nSkye\r\n20\r\nSouth West Highlands:-\r\n\r\nS Inverness\r\n1\r\nArgyll\r\n2\r\nTiree\r\n5\r\nWestern Isles:-\r\n\r\nLewis\r\n7\r\nHarris\r\n3\r\nN Uist\r\n17\r\nS Uist\r\n10\r\nBarra\r\n10\r\nTotal\r\n98\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-25T16:51:43.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286348,"EventID":"S4W-16057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T14:00:02.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-25T13:16:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will review the use of the competitive dialogue process that it uses in its procurement process.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have no plans to review the Scottish Government’s use of the competitive dialogue procedure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T14:00:02.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286349,"EventID":"S4W-16161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T14:00:03.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T17:05:01.2","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of whether an independent Scotland would have a structural deficit.\r\n","AnswerText":"Over the past five years, Scotland has been in a relatively stronger fiscal position than the UK as a whole to the tune of £12.6 billion. This means that over this period, holding everything else constant, Scotland could have had higher spending, for example on infrastructure investment, and/or lower taxation and still had a smaller fiscal deficit than the UK. With the additional economic levers that independence will provide, and the up to £1.5 trillion asset base provided by North Sea oil and gas reserves, an independent Scotland will stand on a strong financial footing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T14:00:03.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286350,"EventID":"S4W-16162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T14:00:03.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T17:05:01.2","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what modelling it has (a) commissioned and (b) received as to whether an independent Scotland would have a structural deficit. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16161 on 24 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T14:00:03.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286351,"EventID":"S4W-16163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T14:00:04.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T17:05:01.2","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its latest assessment is of what (a) structural deficit or (b) surplus an independent Scotland would have in each of the next 10 years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16161 on 24 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T14:00:04.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286352,"EventID":"S4W-16164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T14:00:04.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T17:05:01.2","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the comments of John Swinney on Newsnight Scotland on 26 June 2013, that “clearly there is going to be an overhang of debt that we would inherit from the rest of the United Kingdom” if Scotland becomes a separate country, whether this would equate to a structural deficit.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16161 on 24 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T14:00:04.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286353,"EventID":"S4W-16165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T14:00:05.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T17:05:01.2","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for how many years it anticipates an independent Scotland would operate a structural deficit.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16161 on 24 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T14:00:05.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286354,"EventID":"S4W-16166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T14:00:05.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T18:39:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of the welfare reforms announced in the 2013 Spending Review on (a) poverty and (b) child poverty in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not produce projections of poverty and has published no formal assessment of the Spending Review 2013 impacts on poverty.\r\nHowever, the distributional analysis published alongside the Spending Review sets out the cumulative impact of the Spending Review 2013 and changes introduced by the UK Government since 2010. The Scottish Government assessment of this is that the changes introduced by the UK Government are regressive, and will have the greatest impact on households towards the bottom end of the income distribution. The bottom 20 per cent is estimated to lose on average £930 per year. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T14:00:05.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286355,"EventID":"S4W-16167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T14:00:06.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T18:39:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the cumulative impact of welfare reforms announced since 2010 on (a) poverty and (b) child poverty in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not produce projections of poverty and no specific assessments have been made of the impacts of welfare policies on poverty levels. However, an assessment of the cumulative impact of welfare reforms over the five years to 2014-15 has estimated that the Scottish welfare bill will be reduced by over £4.5 billion over this period. It is estimated that around £1 billion of this relates directly to children in Scotland. This will inevitably impact on low income households: analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) suggests that an additional 70,000 adults and 50,000 children will be living in relative poverty (before housing costs) in Scotland by 2020 because of welfare reform changes since 2010. Updated IFS analysis is expected shortly, taking into account more recent budget decisions.\r\nSources: \r\nScottish Government (2013) UK Government cuts to welfare expenditure in Scotland: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/welfarereform/analysis/welfareexpenditurecuts\r\nInstitute for Fiscal Studies (2013) Child and Working-Age Poverty in Northern Ireland from 2010 to 2020: http://www.ifs.org.uk/comms/r78.pdf\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T14:00:06.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286356,"EventID":"S4W-16168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T14:00:07.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T18:39:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of the changes to jobseeker's allowance announced in the 2013 Spending Review on (a) poverty, (b) child poverty, (c) food poverty and (d) temporary poverty in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not produce projections of poverty and no specific assessments have been made of the impacts of welfare policies on poverty levels. \r\nThe Scottish Government officials are liaising with HM Treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions to obtain the required data to be able to better understand the potential impact such changes may have.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T14:00:07.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286357,"EventID":"S4W-16170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T14:00:08.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T12:29:22.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings the (a) Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment and (b) Minister for Environment and Climate Change has had with (i) his officials, (ii) the First Minister and his officials, (iii) the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities and her officials, (iv) the Minister for Transport and Veterans and his officials, (v) the Minister for Housing and Welfare and her officials, (vi) the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth and his officials, (vii) the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism and his officials, (viii) the Minister for Local Government and Planning and his officials and (ix) the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment and his officials since 26 March 2013 regarding Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting our Emissions Reduction Targets 2013-2027 - The Second Report on Proposals and Policies and what was discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"In terms of meetings since 26 March 2013, the Minister for Environment and Climate Change met with officials on 26 March, 23 May, 4, 12 and 27 June 2013 and held a teleconference on 15 April 2013 to discuss the development and publication of Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting our Emissions Reduction Targets 2013-2027 - The Second Report on Proposals and Policies (RPP2).\r\nOn 12 June 2013 the Minister for Environment and Climate Change met with the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth to discuss RPP2.\r\nOn 18 June 2013, the First Minister, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth, Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Minister for Parliamentary Business, Minister for Youth Employment and the Minister for External Affairs and International Development, discussed RPP2 and agreed to allocate further low carbon investment in the 2014/15 budget.\r\nIn addition, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment and the Minister for Environment and Climate Change met with senior officials on a fortnightly basis at which progress on a range of portfolio issues including the RPP was reviewed. This complemented the work between officials in the RPP2 project team and counterparts within key portfolios on portfolio aspects of RPP2, and stakeholder consultation.\r\nFurthermore, the Minister for Environment and Climate Change discussed RPP2 related issues regarding wood fuel for biomass, tree planting rates and use of timber in construction with the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism on 23 May 2013.\r\nThe Minister for Environment and Climate Change also discussed RPP2 on several occasions with fellow ministers at weekly Ministerial meetings and has had informal discussions with colleagues on a number of occasions.\r\nRPP2 was regularly discussed at fortnightly meetings between the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Parliamentary Liaison Officer and Special Adviser.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T14:00:08.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286358,"EventID":"S4W-16179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T14:00:08.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T12:24:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average waiting time for a paediatric assessment for (a) autism spectrum disorder and (b) Asperger syndrome (i) is and (ii) was in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information requested is not held centrally.\r\nWaiting times information for Child and Adolescent Mental Health services is published quarterly by NHS Information Services Division (ISD) at the website http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Waiting-Times/Publications/.\r\nThe information collected by ISD is aggregate level data only at NHS board and month level. The information is not collected at disorder/syndrome level.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T14:00:08.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286361,"EventID":"S4W-16134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T16:01:21.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-27T12:21:52.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many crimes and offences have been recorded in each local authority area in each year since 2003-04, and how many were categorised as (a) non-sexual crimes of violence, (b) homicide, (c) robbery, (d) crimes of dishonesty, (e) housebreaking, (f) theft from a motor vehicle, (g) theft of a motor vehicle, (h) shoplifting, (i) other theft, (j) fire-raising, vandalism etc (k) fire-raising, (l) vandalism, (m) handling an offensive weapon, (n) crimes against public justice, (o) common assault, (p) breach of the peace etc and (q) other crimes.\r\n","AnswerText":"Tables showing the information requested on the number of crimes and offences recorded by the police in Scotland, broken down by local authority area, from 2003-04 to 2012-13, has been prepared and a copy of this table is available in the Scottish Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib number 55121).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T16:01:22.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286362,"EventID":"S4W-16180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T16:01:22.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T13:15:30.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many people aged 16 to 24 have been registered as self-employed in each local authority area in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Statistics on self-employment by local authority area are available from the Annual Population Survey (APS). However, the APS statistics for self-employment by local authority area for the specific 16 to 24 age group are not statistically reliable. The results for Scotland for the 16 to 24 age group, which are deemed to be of sufficient quality, are provided in the following table:\r\nSelf-Employment Level and Rate, 16 to 24 age group, Scotland, 2010 to 2012\r\nYear\r\nSelf- Employment\r\nLevel\r\nSelf- Employment\r\nRate\r\n2010\r\n7,700\r\n2.3%\r\n2011\r\n9,900\r\n3.0%\r\n2012\r\n12,600\r\n4.0%\r\nSource: Annual Population Survey, January to December, Office for National Statistics\r\nNotes:\r\n1. The self-employment rate is the self-employed as a proportion of those in employment.\r\n2. Self-employment levels are rounded to the nearest hundred.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T16:01:22.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286363,"EventID":"S4W-16181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T16:01:22.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T13:15:30.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many businesses have been registered as sole traders or limited companies by people aged 16 to 24 in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available.\r\nThe official source for measuring the number of registered businesses (including sole traders and limited companies) is the Inter Departmental Business Register (IDBR). The IDBR does not hold information on the age of business owners. \r\nSelf-employment data, from the Annual Population Survey (APS), is generally used to provide an indication of business ownership by age.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16180 on 24 July 2013, which provides APS estimates of the number of 16 to 24 year olds self-employed in each year from 2010 to 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T16:01:22.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286364,"EventID":"S4W-16182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T16:01:23.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T13:15:30.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much financial assistance it has provided to people aged 16 to 24 who have started businesses; how many people, and what average (a) grant or (b) loan was awarded, in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"In terms of 16 to 24 year olds specifically, the Scottish Government provides ongoing support to the Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland (PTYBS). In December 2010 the Scottish Government allocated £740,856 from European Regional Development Fund to PTYBS in order to support at least 1000 new businesses and create over 2000 jobs over a three year period. A further £1 million was invested into the organisation’s revolving loan fund by the Scottish Investment Bank in June 2012. This is expected to create at least 400 businesses and over 600 jobs.\r\nData on the amount of loan and grant funding given out by PTYBS over the last three years, and the number of young people supported during that period, is provided in the following table:\r\n \r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\n \r\nNumber of Awards\r\nTotal Value\r\nNumber of Awards\r\nTotal Value\r\nNumber of Awards\r\nTotal Value\r\nWill it Work Grant \r\n(up to £250)\r\n275\r\n£67,010.27\r\n377\r\n£92,096.40\r\n328\r\n£80,841.02\r\nStart Up Grant \r\n(up to £1000)\r\n90\r\n£47,075.00\r\n94\r\n£58,150.00\r\n118\r\n£80,920.00\r\nLoan \r\n(up to £5000)\r\n285\r\n£863,690.00\r\n289\r\n£1,062,480.00\r\n264\r\n£888,319.00\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nGrant Average\r\n365\r\n£312.56\r\n471\r\n£318.99\r\n446\r\n£362.69\r\nLoan Average\r\n285\r\n£3,030.49\r\n289\r\n£3,676.40\r\n264\r\n£3,364.84\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nYoung People Assisted*\r\n556\r\n658\r\n603\r\nNote: *It should be noted that some people receive more than one award. Hence, in any given year, the number of people assisted will be slightly less than the sum total of awards made.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T16:01:23.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286365,"EventID":"S4W-16184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T16:01:23.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T13:18:20.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has any jurisdiction over police units with a UK-wide remit operating in Scotland and, if so, which units; under whose direction they operate in Scotland, and to which minister they are accountable.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no jurisdiction over police units that have a UK-wide remit.\r\nThe Serious Organised Crime Agency may carry out activities in Scotland in relation to an offence which it suspects has been committed (or is being committed) with the agreement of the Lord Advocate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T16:01:23.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286366,"EventID":"S4W-16185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T16:01:23.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T13:18:20.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Lord Advocate has directed or can direct the (a) UK security services,  (b) Special Demonstration Squad, (c) National Domestic Extremism Unit and (d) other police units with a UK-wide remit when they operate in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Lord Advocate, as head of the system of prosecutions in Scotland, has primary responsibility for the investigation and prosecution of criminal offences in Scotland.\r\n(a) UK Security Services. \r\nThe Lord Advocate does not instruct the Security Services, but can instruct the Police Service of Scotland who may work in partnership with them.\r\n(b) Special Demonstration Squad\r\nThere is no information held to suggest that officers of this Unit have ever provided mutual assistance to Scotland in terms of section 98 (5) of the Police Act 1996 and accordingly no information to suggest they had ever been subject to direction in that context by the Lord Advocate.\r\n(c) National Domestic Extremism Unit\r\nThe Lord Advocate has no remit in instructing this Unit, but where relevant, could instruct the Police Service of Scotland as a law enforcement agency who may work in partnership with this unit in Scotland.\r\n(d) Other police units with a UK wide remit when they operate in Scotland\r\nSerious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA)\r\nThe Serious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) was established by the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005. In terms of section 22 of that Act SOCA may only carry out activities in Scotland in relation to an offence which it suspects has been committed (or is being committed) if it does so with the agreement of the Lord Advocate. In carrying out any such activities in Scotland SOCA must comply with such directions (whether general or special) as it may receive from the Lord Advocate or from the procurator fiscal. If it suspects that an offence has been committed (or is being committed) in Scotland, SOCA must report the matter to the procurator fiscal as soon as is practicable.\r\nTerrorism Incidents\r\nIn a national terrorism incident, the Senior National Coordinator - Counter Terrorism (SNC-CT), who may be an officer from another UK jurisdiction, will assume strategic command for the operation. However in Scotland, the SNC-CT exercises such strategic command with the authority, but still subject to the direction, of the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland. Thus, the SNC-CT is also subject to the direction of the Lord Advocate, or appropriate prosecutor.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T16:01:23.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286367,"EventID":"S4W-16186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T16:01:24.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T13:18:20.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is aware of any illegal activity carried out in Scotland by the Special Demonstration Squad or the National Domestic Extremism Unit and, if so, whether it will institute an inquiry into those activities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is not aware of any illegal activity carried out by the Special Demonstrations Squad or the National Domestic Extremism Unit in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T16:01:24.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286368,"EventID":"S4W-16187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T16:01:24.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T13:18:20.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has contributed to police units with a UK-wide remit in each year since 1999, broken down by unit.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2000-01, the Scottish Government has made the following payments to UK-wide units, under the remit of international policing. Figures are not available prior to 2000:\r\nYear\r\nPayee\r\nAmount\r\n2000-01\r\nNational Criminal Intelligence Service\r\n£3.084 million\r\n2001-02\r\nNational Criminal Intelligence Service\r\n£3.838 million\r\n2002-03\r\nNational Criminal Intelligence Service\r\n£5.150 million\r\n2003-04\r\nNational Criminal Intelligence Service\r\n£5.428 million\r\n2004-05\r\nNational Criminal Intelligence Service\r\n£5.496 million\r\n2005-06\r\nNational Criminal Intelligence Service\r\n£5.496 million\r\n2006-07\r\nSerious Organised Crime Agency\r\n£5.496 million\r\n2007-08\r\nSerious Organised Crime Agency\r\n£5.661 million\r\n2008-09\r\nSerious Organised Crime Agency\r\n£5.661 million\r\n2009-10\r\nSerious Organised Crime Agency\r\n£5.661 million\r\n2010-11\r\nSerious Organised Crime Agency\r\n£4.8 million \r\n2011-12\r\nSerious Organised Crime Agency\r\n£5.602 million\r\n2012-13\r\nSerious Organised Crime Agency\r\n£5.543 million\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T16:01:24.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286369,"EventID":"S4W-16188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T16:01:24.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T14:32:06.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which capital projects had an underspend in 2012-13 and what the (a) amount and (b) reason was for each.\r\n","AnswerText":"In our Budget for 2013-14, we had factored into our plans a carry forward from 2012-13 of £8 million capital DEL. The actual carry forward is £29 million.\r\nThe majority of the additional underspend is due to timing differences between demand and the availability of funding in capital budgets within demand-led schemes in housing and regeneration - £5.3 million underspend on the JESSICA urban regeneration fund and £7.7 million underspend on the Shared Equity Scheme. \r\nThe remaining £8 million underspend is related to small movements in a wide range of different budgets. Capital projects, by nature, are often managed over a number of financial years and as such the Scottish Government recognises that there will, on occasions, be minor and marginal movements to timescales caused by, for example, weather or planning delays, with a subsequent impact on the expenditure profile of the project. This requires a flexible approach to managing capital budgets over time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T16:01:24.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286370,"EventID":"S4W-16189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T16:01:24.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T14:32:06.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the £7.7 million shared equity underspend for 2012-13 will be spent on shared equity in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"The £7.7 million underspend on shared equity will be deployed in 2013-14 to support the Scottish Government’s overall investment in its housing programme. On 10 July 2013, I announced a new £62 million investment over two years for the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme. This increases the total investment in the scheme over the next two years to £90 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T16:01:25.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286371,"EventID":"S4W-16190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T16:01:25.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T14:32:06.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of (a) how much funding was given to and (b) what the current status is of each key policy priority announced in its news release of 27 June 2012, Over £100m to stimulate economic growth.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information relating to part (a) was provided to MSPs on the 27 June 2012 but has been included in the following table together with the information relating to part (b). The negative figures indicate where funding has been accelerated to an earlier year.\r\nPROJECT\r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14\r\n2014-15\r\nCurrent status\r\n\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n\r\nSection A: Low Carbon Investment/Renewables\r\nTransport Scotland: Green Bus Fund\r\n2.8\r\n-2.8\r\n0\r\nIn progress\r\nRegeneration: Rutherglen Low Carbon Zone (RCLZ)\r\n0.8\r\n1.3\r\n0\r\nIn procurement \r\nHigher Institute of Education:  Arnish Plant and Estate Improvements\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\nIn construction\r\nRenewable Projects (TOTALS £103 million fossil fuel levy)\r\n16\r\n45\r\n42\r\nThe Renewable Energy Investment Fund covers a wide range of projects at various stages of development\r\nTOTAL for section A\r\n21.6\r\n43.5\r\n42\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSection B: Housing and Regeneration\r\nHousing: Priority investments within Local Authority Strategic Housing Investment Plans - bring forward 300 homes\r\n15\r\n-7.5\r\n-7.5\r\nCompleted/In construction  \r\nHousing year 2012-13 only: Priority investments within Local Authority Strategic Housing Investment Plans - further 350 homes in addition to those from accelerating budget above\r\n20\r\n0\r\n0\r\nCompleted/In construction  \r\nGovanhill - Empty Homes Purchase\r\n0.5\r\n0.5\r\n0.5\r\nComplete for 2012-13 and in progress for next two years \r\nGovanhill - Backcourt Improvements            \r\n0\r\n0.5\r\n0.5\r\nIn progress\r\nAccelerated programme of developments in Riverside Inverclyde Urban Regeneration Company\r\n3.4\r\n-3\r\n-0.4\r\nIn progress\r\nRegeneration: High-growth pre-let office, Bridgeton 1,800 square meters.\r\n0.5\r\n3\r\n0\r\nIn procurement \r\nTOTAL for section B\r\n39.4\r\n-6.5\r\n-6.9\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSection C: Infrastructure and Investment\r\nHealth: Maintenance to ensure assets are safe, effective and patient centred - accelerated spend\r\n15\r\n-15\r\n0\r\nCompleted\r\nHigher Institute of Education: Inverness Campus\r\n6\r\n0\r\n0\r\nIn construction\r\nScottish Funding Council: West Highland College, Fort William – infrastructure expansion\r\n1.5\r\n0\r\n0\r\nIn construction\r\nTransport Scotland: Kennacraig,  Kintyre, Phase 2 - causeway\r\n3.5\r\n0.2\r\n0.2\r\nIn construction\r\nTransport Scotland: A75 Hardgrove to Kinmount\r\n2.5\r\n17.5\r\n0\r\nIn construction\r\nTOTAL for section C\r\n28.5\r\n2.7\r\n0.2\r\n \r\n\r\nSection D: Enterprise\r\nHigher Institute of Education: Forres Enterprise Park – Extension of Roads\r\n3\r\n0\r\n0\r\nIn construction\r\nHigher Institute of Education: Forres Enterprise Park – Provide 2 Units\r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\nIn construction\r\nHigher Institute of Education: Building Development within  Forres Enterprise zone\r\n3.5\r\n0\r\n0\r\nCompleted\r\nTOTAL for section D\r\n7.5\r\n2\r\n0\r\n \r\n\r\nSection E: Investment in Tourism – our Year of Natural Scotland\r\nForestry Commission Scotland - upgrade of visitor facilities at David Marshall Lodge, Aberfoyle\r\n0.7\r\n-0.7\r\n0\r\nCompleted - due to reopen August 2013\r\nRural: National Parks - visitor facility improvements within the National Parks\r\n1.8\r\n0\r\n0\r\nCompleted\r\nRoyal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh - commence replacement of the Garden's ageing glasshouses\r\n1.5\r\n0\r\n0\r\nIn progress\r\nForestry Commission Scotland - upgrade of visitor facilities at Queen's View Perthshire\r\n0.5\r\n0.5\r\n0\r\nIn progress - phase 1 completed; phase 2 due to start October 2013\r\nTOTAL for section E\r\n4.5\r\n-0.2\r\n0\r\n \r\n\r\nF: Protecting our Cultural Assets/Investing in  Tourism\r\nHistoric Scotland – Lews Castle development\r\n0.8\r\n0.8\r\n0\r\nCompleted\r\nHistoric Scotland - essential maintenance of heritage assets\r\n0.5\r\n1.5\r\n0\r\nIn construction\r\nNational Records of Scotland - Thomas Thomson House - urgent roof repairs\r\n0.9\r\n0.6\r\n0\r\nCompleted\r\nNational Library of Scotland – internal and external fabric maintenance of city centre estate (George IV Bridge and Baden Powell House)\r\n0.2\r\n0.9\r\n1.1\r\nIn construction\r\nNational Galleries of Scotland – Energy saving maintenance project at the National Gallery\r\n0.5\r\n0.5\r\n0\r\nIn construction\r\nCreative Scotland capital grants programme for local and regional  cultural projec","AnswerDate":"2013-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T16:01:25.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286372,"EventID":"S4W-16191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T16:01:25.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T14:32:06.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the money announced in its news release of 19 June 2013, £20 million drive for business innovation and growth, is new money and what the basis was for describing all of the £20 million as new money.\r\n","AnswerText":"The funding package supporting the Business Innovation and Growth Programme has not been announced prior to 19 June 2013. The funding is available to fund new activity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T16:01:25.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286373,"EventID":"S4W-16193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T16:01:25.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T14:32:06.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the priorities of the business innovation and growth programme that it announced in its news release of 19 June 2013, £20 million drive for business innovation and growth, are the same as that of the pre-existing European Regional Development Fund 2007-13 programmes and, if not, what the differences are.\r\n","AnswerText":"As an open call, the Business Innovation and Growth Programme invites applications under any of the priority areas for the European Regional Development Fund 2007-13 programmes. Our commitment to focus the remaining structural funds on creating opportunities for young people will mean that applications that promote business growth to help youth employment will be given a higher priority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T16:01:25.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286374,"EventID":"S4W-16195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T16:01:26.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T14:32:06.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the business innovation and growth programme that it announced in its news release of 19 June 2013, £20 million drive for business innovation and growth, has a closing date of 9 July 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The closing date for Stage One of the application process was set by officials to facilitate a project selection process that requires scheduling of external advisory groups before allocations are announced in late September.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T16:01:26.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286375,"EventID":"S4W-16196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T16:01:26.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T14:32:06.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the priorities of the business innovation and growth programme that it announced in its news release of 19 June 2013, £20 million drive for business innovation and growth, represents the underspend from the pre-existing European Regional Development Fund 2007-13 programmes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The funding of the Business Innovation and Growth Programme includes underspends that have been returned from projects, anticipated underspends and unallocated funding that is being allocated for the first time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T16:01:26.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286376,"EventID":"S4W-16203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2013-06-28T16:01:27.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T15:20:14.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15137 by Keith Brown on 6 June 2013, whether it will provide a breakdown of people with a national entitlement card by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Further to the answer to S4W-15137, as at 1 June 2013 the total number of people holding a National Entitlement Card, giving access to the Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People is 1,259,246.\r\nThe breakdown by local authority area is listed in the following table:\r\nLocal Authority\r\nO&D Total\r\nLocal Authority\r\nO&D Total\r\nAberdeen\r\n47,895\r\nHighland\r\n57,144\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n55,369\r\nInverclyde\r\n21,344\r\nAngus\r\n30,087\r\nMidlothian\r\n20,980\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n26,530\r\nMoray\r\n22,158\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n11,872\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n37,725\r\nComhairle Nan Eilean Siar\r\n7,809\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n71,033\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n40,204\r\nOrkney\r\n5,876\r\nDundee\r\n35,883\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n38,101\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n30,555\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n42,387\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n27,607\r\nScottish Borders\r\n31,151\r\nEast Lothian\r\n24,932\r\nShetland\r\n5,739\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n21,498\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n32,969\r\nEdinburgh\r\n106,675\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n73,261\r\nFalkirk\r\n35,690\r\nStirling\r\n20,037\r\nFife\r\n94,353\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n21,913\r\nGlasgow\r\n124,525\r\nWest Lothian\r\n35,944\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-26T16:01:27.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286377,"EventID":"S4W-16204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-01T15:42:28.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-29T22:53:44.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the decision by the Marine Stewardship Council to suspend certification of the Faroese Atlanto-Scandian herring fishery from 21 June 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Faroe Islands’ declaration of an excessively large unilateral quota for Atlanto-Scandian herring is both irresponsible and unsustainable. Setting a large quota outside of the management plan in a situation where the stock is decreasing is not in line with the Marine Stewardship Council standard for well-managed and sustainable fishing. We fully support the decision to suspend the certification, and feel it is justified in light of the Faroe Islands action. The stock has decreased in recent years, and this requires all coastal states to take their responsibility to work together, rather than setting unsustainable quotas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-29T15:42:29.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286378,"EventID":"S4W-16205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-01T15:42:29.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-01T13:32:45.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an estimate of the number of wildcats living outside captivity.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is currently no reliable basis from which to produce an estimate of the number of wildcats in the wild in Scotland. A number of estimates have been put forward, however none of these are considered to be reliable.\r\nAs part of a conservation action plan for Scottish wildcat is being coordinated by Scottish Natural Heritage and which is due to be published shortly, further work will be on-going to determine priority geographical areas for wildcat conservation. This will involve efforts to obtain an estimate of the numbers of wildcats in these areas. However, obtaining reliable population estimates for wildcats is very challenging; because they occur at low densities, are cryptic and largely nocturnal and because of the potential for confusion with domestic cats and hybrids. Hence the survey methods required for verifiable estimates are resource and time intensive.\r\nWhile establishing wildcat numbers is clearly important for establishing local population viability, it would require significant dedicated resources to produce a national population estimate with any confidence. In conservation terms, this is currently considered a lower priority than putting conservation actions in place and monitoring populations in priority areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-29T15:42:29.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286379,"EventID":"S4W-16206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-01T15:42:29.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-01T13:32:45.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what programmes are in place to ensure the survival of wildcats outside captivity.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Cairngorms Wildcat project ran from 2009-2012. Scottish Natural Heritage, Cairngorms National Park Authority and Forestry Commission Scotland were partners in the Cairngorms Wildcat Project, along with the Royal Zoological Society for Scotland and the Scottish Gamekeepers Association.\r\nThe project was a trial of practical conservation actions in an area considered to be a stronghold of the Scottish wildcat. The project aimed to tackle the threats facing Scottish wildcats by:\r\nWorking with land managers to ensure that predator control was wildcat-friendly, supporting the work of cat welfare organisations which neuter feral cats around towns, villages and farms, and encouraging responsible domestic cat \townership (i.e. increased neutering and vaccination) in the Cairngorms National Park, monitoring the wildcat population and the extent of both hybridisation and disease with the input of land managers and the public and raising awareness of the plight of the Scottish wildcat. \r\nA conservation action plan, which has been co-ordinated by Scottish Natural Heritage and is due to be published shortly, will build on the work carried out on the Scottish Cairngorms Wildcat project and will contain a detailed programme of work to help conserve the Scottish wildcat.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-29T15:42:29.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286380,"EventID":"S4W-16207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-01T15:42:30.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-01T13:32:45.03","Title":"","ItemText":" To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to establish protected areas where feral cats can be neutered to avoid cross-breeding with wildcats.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no plans to put in place formal protected areas for Scottish wildcats. Although wildcats are a European Protected Species, they are listed on Annex IV of the Habitats Directive rather than Annex II, for which protected areas can be designated. Also, wildcats are wide ranging species and hence their protection does not lend itself to a designated site approach.\r\nHowever, the conservation action plan for Scottish wildcats being coordinated by Scottish Natural Heritage, to be published shortly, will seek to target in situ conservation measures to priority geographic areas for wildcats. The measures will include approaches to the management of wild-living domestic cats and hybrids and promoting responsible ownership of domestic cats in these areas. The wider programme of actions will seek to work with land managers and the wider community in these areas.\r\nOver the coming year further survey work will be on-going to establish the best areas within which to focus conservation efforts and their geographic extent.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-29T15:42:30.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286381,"EventID":"S4W-16208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-01T15:42:30.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-01T13:32:45.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will establish a national conservation scheme for the preservation of wildcats and, if so, how much this will cost.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage has been coordinating a comprehensive national conservation action plan for Scottish wildcat during the last nine months. This has sought to obtain agreement from a wide range of partners and is due to be published shortly. The conservation action plan will include both in situ and ex situ conservation actions. Full costs for all aspects of the action plan will need to be produced during the project development phase with a view to getting actions in place by the autumn of 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-29T15:42:30.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286382,"EventID":"S4W-16209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-01T15:42:30.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-01T14:22:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to mitigate the economic impact of the discovery of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins in clams landed in the East Neuk of Fife.\r\n","AnswerText":"During routine testing by the Food Standards Agency, in which local fishermen participate, evidence of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) above the statutory level were discovered from surf clams caught in the Anstruther/Pittenweem area. Based on this information, Fife Council initiated a closure of the fishery.\r\nThe presence of PSP in shellfish can occur in shellfish, particularly during the summer months and this closure will not have been unexpected by local fishermen, given that this fishery has closed previously due to high toxin levels.\r\nSix fishermen landed surf clams from the area concerned last year. Though their reliance on the surf clam fishery varies, all have recorded landings of other species, so do have access to other fishing opportunities while the closure is in place.\r\nMarine Scotland will continue to monitor the situation but expect that the fishery will reopen in the coming weeks, as has been the case with previous closures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-29T15:42:30.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286383,"EventID":"S4W-16210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-01T15:42:30.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-01T15:19:25.763","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making toward meeting its commitment to plant 100 million trees by 2015.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2010, Scottish Ministers pledged to plant 100 million trees by 2015 as part of the Climate Group's States and Regions Alliance Billion Trees initiative. This Scottish figure of 100 million trees was based on achieving 50,000 hectares of woodland creation over that period at an average stocking of 2,000 trees per hectare. On this basis, planting over the past three years equates to new planting of nearly 42 million trees, achieving 42% of the “pledge” to date. This figure does not by definition include additional planting associated with restocking.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-29T15:42:30.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286384,"EventID":"S4W-16211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-01T15:42:31.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-01T15:19:25.763","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many trees have been planted in the national forest estate since May 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of trees planted on the national forest estate since May 2011 is 23,000,000 which include both new planting and restocking. This figure is based at an average stocking density of 2,000 trees per hectare.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-29T15:42:31.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286385,"EventID":"S4W-16212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-01T15:42:31.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-01T15:19:25.763","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it holds on the number of trees planted on non-national forest estate land since May 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of trees planted on non-national forest estate land since May 2011 is 32,400,000 which include both new planting and restocking. This figure is based at an average stocking density of 2,000 trees per hectare.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-29T15:42:31.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286393,"EventID":"S4W-16020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-02T15:42:24.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T18:28:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it had regarding safeguards for concessionary fare schemes for school pupils with (a) Serco and (b) other bidders during the tendering process for the 2012-18 Northern Isles ferry services contract and whether it will make public the details of any such discussions.\r\n","AnswerText":"When tendering for the 2012-18 Northern Isles ferry services contract, a range of mandatory fare discounts and concessions were stipulated in the bid documentation. These were:\r\nIslander Discount: a 30% discount on passenger and car fares for island residents.\r\nNational Concessions: a 10% concession to senior citizens with a National Entitlement Card, disabled passengers and those in full-time education.\r\nScotRail Travel Pass and Highland Rover tickets: a 20% discount on the seated passenger standard fare purchased on the day of sailing.\r\nBlind Persons Concession: a 100% discount fares for blind people.\r\nNational Concession Travel: up to four single journeys each year for National Entitlement Card Holders resident in the Northern Isles.\r\nAs with our other ferry service contracts, there were no mandatory provisions required for fare discounts to school pupils. Nevertheless, this is a broader range of fare discounts than has been set down in any previous Scottish Government ferry services contract. In addition, in their bid, Serco NorthLink proposed  operating additional discount schemes including the Sponsorship Scheme which is open to all schools and other community groups. Serco NorthLink have now allocated an annual budget of £100,000 per annum to their Sponsorship scheme.\r\nDetails of tender period discussions will not be made public.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-30T15:42:24.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286394,"EventID":"S4W-16021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-02T15:42:25.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T18:28:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Serco regarding increases in concessionary fares for (a) pensioners, (b) students and (c) school pupils on Northern Isles ferry services; when the company informed (i) it and (ii) Transport Scotland of its intention to increase these fares, and what the Scottish Government's response was in each case.\r\n","AnswerText":"Along with the other bidders for the Northern Isles ferry services contract, Serco NorthLink’s fares proposals were set down in their bid for the 2012-18 Northern Isles ferry services contract.\r\nThere have been no recent discussions with Serco NorthLink regarding fare discounts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-30T15:42:25.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286395,"EventID":"S4W-16022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-02T15:42:25.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T18:28:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the extra revenue that Serco will receive in 2013-14 as a result of increases in concessionary fares for (a) pensioners, (b) students and (c) school pupils.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has made no estimate of projected revenues in relation to concessionary fares.\r\nHowever, it is important to note that the Northern Isles contract (Volume 1, Section C) includes a tightly defined payments mechanism which guards against any overpayment being made to the operator, Serco NorthLink. Each year, the operator will only be paid the fixed sum set down in the contract’s financial base case. Payment beyond the agreed base case level will only be made where the operator has recorded savings against certain costs.\r\nThis mechanism prevents overpayment to the operator and ensures best value for money for the public purse.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-30T15:42:25.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286396,"EventID":"S4W-16023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-02T15:42:26.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T18:28:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government  what estimate it has made of the extra revenue that Serco will receive over the duration of the Northern Isles ferry services contract as a result of increases in concessionary fares for (a) pensioners, (b) students and (c) school pupils and when the company will next review fare levels.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16022 on 22 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-30T15:42:26.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286397,"EventID":"S4W-16024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-02T15:42:26.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T18:28:14","Title":"","ItemText":" To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) pensioners, (b) students and (c) school pupils have used Northern Isles ferry services in each of the last six years.","AnswerText":"Collating data on passenger carryings is a matter for ferry service operators and not the Scottish Government.\r\nThe passenger data which is gathered by the operators relates specifically to the various ticket types available. Therefore, no precise record is kept of students, school pupils or pensioners who have used the Northern Isles ferry service over the last six years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-30T15:42:26.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286398,"EventID":"S4W-16025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-02T15:42:26.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T18:28:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide details of the concessionary fare schemes available to (a) pensioners, (b) students and (c) school pupils in (i) 2006-07, (ii) 2007-08, (iii) 2008-09, (iv) 2009-10, (v) 2010-11 and (vi) 2011-12 on Northern Isles ferry services.\r\n","AnswerText":"The previous Northern Isles ferry services contract operated from 2006 to 2012. While few concessions were specified in the contract, during that period the following fare concessions operated:\r\nIslander discount a 30% discount on passenger and car fares for island residents.\r\nNational Concessions a 25% concession to senior citizens, disabled passengers and those in full-time education.\r\nSchools and Community low season passenger fare discount all year round together with 25% discount on cabin accommodation.\r\nSponsorship programme for local community groups.\r\nBlind Persons Concession: a 100% fare discount for blind people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-30T15:42:26.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286399,"EventID":"S4W-16026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-02T15:42:27.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T18:28:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it expects the judicial review of its procurement for the 2012-18 Northern Isles ferry services contract to be concluded.","AnswerText":"The court action being brought against Scottish Ministers by Shetland Line (1984) Ltd is a commercial action, rather than a petition for judicial review.\r\nThe next session in the Commercial Court is scheduled for 28 August 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-30T15:42:27.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286400,"EventID":"S4W-16027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-02T15:42:27.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-24T18:28:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last discussed its fares policy with community groups who use Northern Isles ferry services.","AnswerText":"In preparation for the tendering of the 2012-18 Northern Isles ferry services contract, in June 2010, the Scottish Government launched a detailed consultation on all aspects of the Northern Isles ferry services. The views of ferry service users and other stakeholders were sought on a broad range of issues including timetabling, routes and ports and also fares. As part of that consultation exercise, a number of public meetings were held with communities in the Northern Isles.\r\nThe consultation elicited over 400 responses from individuals and organisations whose comments were fully considered and influenced the final form of the tendered service specification.\r\nIn addition, Ministers and Transport Scotland officials regularly meet with local ferry users in the Northern Isles to discuss a range of policy and operational issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-30T15:42:27.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286401,"EventID":"S4W-16197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-02T15:42:27.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T14:35:26.73","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it intends to make future editions of its Oil and Gas Analytical Bulletin national statistics compliant and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Oil and Gas Analytical Bulletin provides additional topical analysis of data already published. It is produced by analysts in the Scottish Government to high professional standards and is subject to a rigorous quality assurance process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-30T15:42:28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286402,"EventID":"S4W-16198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-02T15:42:28.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T14:35:26.73","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of which (a) principles and (b) protocols of the UK Statistics Authority's Code of Practice its Oil and Gas Analytical Bulletin does not meet.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16197 on 30 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-30T15:42:28.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286403,"EventID":"S4W-16199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-02T15:42:28.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T14:35:26.73","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of whether the contents of its Oil and Gas Analytical Bulletin are compliant with the UK Statistics Authority's Code of Practice and whether the bulletin therefore meets the standard of national statistics and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16197 on 30 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-30T15:42:28.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286404,"EventID":"S4W-16200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-02T15:42:29.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T14:35:26.73","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its next Oil and Gas Analytical Bulletin.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Oil and Gas Analytical Bulletin, which was published on 11 March 2013 states that “This is the first in a series of bulletins summarising recent trends in the Scottish oil and gas industry. Further updates will be published in due course.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-30T15:42:29.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286405,"EventID":"S4W-16201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-02T15:42:29.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T14:35:26.73","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will \"publish a timetable of statistical releases for twelve months ahead\" for its Oil and Gas Analytical Bulletin in line with Protocol 2 of the UK Statistics Authority's Code of Practice and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16197 on 30 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-30T15:42:29.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286406,"EventID":"S4W-16202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-02T15:42:29.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-28T14:35:26.73","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which minister commissioned the publication of its Oil and Gas Analytical Bulletin and on what date and at what time.","AnswerText":"The bulletin was commissioned by the First Minister on 31 January 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-30T15:42:29.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286407,"EventID":"S4W-16213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-02T15:42:29.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-02T11:24:11.63","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many planning applications were notified because (a) they were significantly contrary to a \"playing field\" designation in a local plan or (b) a development would result in the loss of an \"outdoor sports facility\" to which sportscotland objected or recommended conditions that the planning authority does not intend to attach to the planning permission; and how many of such applications were subsequently called in, in each year since 2005.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information is not held in the detail sought. The Scottish Government only holds information on the number of applications notified because of objections from sportscotland.\r\nIn the period since the beginning of 2005, six planning applications have been notified to Scottish Ministers because of an objection by sportscotland. These were all cleared back to the relevant local authorities for their determination. None of the applications were called-in.\r\nThe number of cases in each year is set out in the following table:\r\nYEAR\r\nNUMBER\r\nOUTCOME\r\n2005\r\n1\r\ncleared\r\n2006\r\n1\r\ncleared\r\n2007\r\n0\r\n-\r\n2008\r\n0\r\n-\r\n2009\r\n3 \r\nall cleared\r\n2010\r\n1\r\ncleared\r\n2011\r\n0\r\n-\r\n2012\r\n0\r\n-\r\n2013\r\n0\r\n-\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-30T15:42:29.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286408,"EventID":"S4W-16214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-02T15:42:30.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-02T11:46:12.847","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been fined for summary offences based on the standard scale in each year since 2006, broken down by the level of fine imposed.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table.\r\nPeople fined within the standard scale in sheriff summary courts, 2006-07 to 2011-12:\r\nAmount of Fine (£)\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nLevel 1 (1-200)\r\n19,547\r\n17,705\r\n13,767\r\n12,076\r\n10,236\r\n8,401\r\nLevel 2 (201-500)\r\n19,061\r\n19,455\r\n15,539\r\n12,307\r\n11,041\r\n10,692\r\nLevel 3 (501-1000)\r\n2,746\r\n3,137\r\n2,914\r\n2,266\r\n2,088\r\n2,123\r\nLevel 4 (1,001-2,500)\r\n283\r\n297\r\n242\r\n219\r\n193\r\n199\r\nLevel 5 (2,501-5,000)\r\n54\r\n46\r\n20\r\n27\r\n23\r\n24\r\nTotal\r\n41,691\r\n40,640\r\n32,482\r\n26,895\r\n23,581\r\n21,439\r\nSource: Scottish Government Criminal Proceedings database\r\nThe two main reasons why our summary courts are imposing fewer fines are a) they are dealing with fewer cases because of falls in crime and b) we have developed policies to increasingly deal with minor offending outwith the court system, e.g. through fiscal fines.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-30T15:42:30.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286409,"EventID":"S4W-16215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-02T15:42:30.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-02T11:46:12.847","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the standard scale for fines in summary cases was last increased and whether it plans to increase this.","AnswerText":"A summary only offence is an offence that can only be prosecuted in a summary court. The standard scale is the scale used to set maximum fine levels for summary only offences. The current standard scale is as follows:\r\nLevel 1: £200\r\nLevel 2: £500\r\nLevel 3: £1,000\r\nLevel 4: £2,500\r\nLevel 5: £5,000\r\nThese levels were set in 1992 when section 17 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 was brought into force.\r\nA triable either way offence is an offence that can be prosecuted in either a summary court or a solemn court. All common law offences such as breach of the peace and assault are triable either way offences. When prosecuted in a summary court, the maximum fine level for triable either way offences was increased in 2007. This maximum fine is called the statutory maximum and it was increased from £5,000 to £10,000 by virtue of section 47 of the Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007.\r\nWhile the Scottish Government keeps the level of the standard scale under review, we have not had any representations to change the levels of the standard scale and have no plans to change the levels at the present time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-30T15:42:30.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286425,"EventID":"S4W-16217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-03T16:05:42.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-02T15:42:56.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it would, in an independent Scotland, consider ringfencing a proportion of taxes raised through vehicle excise duty, petrol and diesel for new roads and road maintenance.","AnswerText":"In the event of a vote for independence in September 2014, decisions on post-independence budgets would be for future Parliaments to take.\r\nYou may be interested to know that since 2007 the Scottish Government has invested over £2.6 billion to maintain and improve our trunk road network, and that statutory responsibility for local road improvements, maintenance and repair lies with local authorities. In 2013-14 as part of the Local Government Finance Settlement the Scottish Government has provided local authorities with over £10.3 billion for roads.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-31T16:05:42.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286426,"EventID":"S4W-16218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-03T16:05:42.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-02T17:25:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to encourage the provision of bagpipe tuition in local authority schools where there is demand.","AnswerText":"Instrumental music tuition is a matter for local authorities and schools, who must decide which instruments to offer for tuition, taking into account local demand and priorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-31T16:05:42.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286427,"EventID":"S4W-16219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-03T16:05:43.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-03T11:44:50.79","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it has allocated to golf's (a) Open Championship and (b) Scottish Open this year.\r\n","AnswerText":"Through VisitScotland, the Scottish Government is supporting the Open Championship with £220,000 and the Scottish Open with £1 million this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-31T16:05:43.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286428,"EventID":"S4W-16220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-03T16:05:43.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-03T11:52:22.647","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will bring forward legislation to ban the use of wild animals in circuses.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is looking at the complex legal issues surrounding a possible ban in Scotland and expects to consult on this issue soon to gauge the views of the public on this subject.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-31T16:05:43.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286429,"EventID":"S4W-16221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-03T16:05:43.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-03T11:52:22.647","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government about extending the scope of the UK Government’s planned legislation to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses to include Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is investigating the legislative options, including the possibility of participating in a UK bill, should it be decided, following a consultation process that a ban would be appropriate. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-31T16:05:43.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286430,"EventID":"S4W-16222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-03T16:05:44.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-03T11:52:22.647","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-06902 by Richard Lochhead on 9 May 2012, what consideration it has given to animal welfare issues relating to the use of wild animals in circuses.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government take the welfare of animals very seriously and Scotland has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world. We are looking at the issues around a possible ban in Scotland and plan to consult shortly.\r\nThe Scottish Government is aware of the recent House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee report on the draft legislation banning the use of wild animals in circuses in England and its recommendation that the ban should be restricted to certain species of wild animals. This point will be included in any future consultation in Scotland on the matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-31T16:05:44.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286431,"EventID":"S4W-16223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-03T16:05:44.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-03T11:52:52.303","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider introducing a requirement for quiet hybrid and electric cars to carry safety devices to protect guide dog users and pedestrians.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers are committed to safer road travel and aim to further reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on all of Scotland’s roads in partnership with key road safety partners throughout Scotland. The power to introduce a requirement for quiet hybrid and electric cars to carry safety devices to protect guide dog users and pedestrians is currently reserved to the UK. However, the issue is currently under consideration at a European Commission level and Scottish Ministers are in communication with the UK Government regarding these discussions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-31T16:05:44.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286432,"EventID":"S4W-16224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-03T16:05:44.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-03T13:33:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the number of people domiciled in Scotland who received NHS organ donations in hospitals in (a) England and (b) Wales in the last year.","AnswerText":"The answer to the question is set out in the following table. Figures for Scotland are also included for comparison purposes. Lung and heart/lung transplantation is undertaken on the basis of a contractual arrangement with the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. All other transplant activity undertaken outwith Scotland is funded on a cost per case basis in line with the risk share agreement NHS National Services Scotland has in place with NHS England.\r\nTransplant type\r\nScotland\r\nEngland (a)\r\nWales (b)\r\nPaediatric (<18)\r\nDeceased donor kidney\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\nLiving donor kidney\r\n4\r\n0\r\n0\r\nHeart\r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\nDeceased donor liver/lobe\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nLiving donor liver lobe\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\nTOTAL\r\n7\r\n5\r\n0\r\nAdult (=18)\r\nDeceased donor kidney\r\n138\r\n0\r\n0\r\nLiving donor kidney\r\n67\r\n1\r\n0\r\nKidney/pancreas\r\n14\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPancreas islets\r\n10\r\n0\r\n0\r\nHeart\r\n9\r\n1\r\n0\r\nDeceased donor lung(s)\r\n0\r\n19\r\n0\r\nDeceased donor liver/lobe\r\n87\r\n0\r\n0\r\nKidney and liver\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTOTAL\r\n326\r\n21\r\n0\r\nSource: NHS Blood and Transplant\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-31T16:05:44.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286433,"EventID":"S4W-16225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-03T16:05:45.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-03T13:33:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the NHS Blood and Transplant Organ Donation and Transplantation Directorate regarding the availability of blood and organ donations if Scotland becomes independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"Blood policy is already fully devolved to the Scottish Parliament. The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service is the specialist provider of transfusion medicine in Scotland, supplying high quality blood, tissues, cells and services. Their key priority is to ensure that NHSScotland has enough blood to meet the transfusion needs of patients in Scotland.\r\nOrgan donation and transplant activity across the UK is co-ordinated by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) which operates in Scotland under a contractual arrangement with the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government contributes to the running costs of NHSBT, and the organisation is accountable to Scottish Ministers for the organ donation and transplantation activities it undertakes in Scotland.\r\nDonation and transplantation activity has always been delivered on a collaborative basis across the UK as it is in the best interests of patients to ensure that organs have the best match to recipients. If Scotland becomes independent this will continue to be the case, in much the same way that the Health Service Executive of the Republic of Ireland cooperates with the UK on transplants currently. This mirrors the experience in other parts of Europe where groups of countries work collaboratively across borders to achieve the best outcomes for their patients.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-31T16:05:45.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286434,"EventID":"S4W-16226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-03T16:05:45.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-03T13:41:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service met the demand for blood from NHS boards in the last year through donations from people domiciled in Scotland only.","AnswerText":"The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service has always met the transfusion needs of patients in Scotland, however it should be noted that for rare components for named patients, it is sometimes required to import components from outwith Scotland. The National Frozen Blood Bank for rare components is situated in England and the European Frozen Blood Bank for rare components is situated in Holland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-31T16:05:45.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286435,"EventID":"S4W-16227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-03T16:05:46.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-03T13:41:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service has sourced blood donations from (a) the National Blood Service, (b) the Welsh Blood Service and (c) the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service and, if so, how much has been sourced in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table details the number of units of blood products imported by the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) from outside sources since 1999.\r\nIt is important to note that SNBTS also exports blood products to the other UK Blood Services. For example, in 2012 there were 579 blood component units issued to the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) and 462 units to NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), totalling 1,041 units issued.\r\nImported units represent a very small proportion of the blood components used by SNBTS. In 2012 there were 246,216 blood component units processed and tested by SNBTS. The 2,934 units imported represented 1.2% of this total:\r\n\r\nTotal NHSBT\r\nTotal NIBTS\r\nTotal WBS\r\nTotal all UK Blood Services\r\nTotal Other Sources\r\n1999\r\n274\r\n0\r\n0\r\n274\r\n0\r\n2000\r\n42\r\n20\r\n0\r\n62\r\n53\r\n2001\r\n12\r\n0\r\n0\r\n12\r\n0\r\n2002\r\n120\r\n0\r\n0\r\n120\r\n0\r\n2003\r\n317\r\n40\r\n0\r\n357\r\n0\r\n2004\r\n25\r\n0\r\n0\r\n25\r\n3,664\r\n2005\r\n21\r\n24\r\n0\r\n45\r\n3,394\r\n2006\r\n283\r\n0\r\n0\r\n283\r\n3,711\r\n2007\r\n308\r\n0\r\n0\r\n308\r\n2,860\r\n2008\r\n961\r\n225\r\n1\r\n1,187\r\n1,897\r\n2009\r\n399\r\n0\r\n0\r\n399\r\n2,456\r\n2010\r\n1,695\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1,695\r\n604\r\n2011\r\n2,281\r\n25\r\n0\r\n2,306\r\n0\r\n2012\r\n2,933\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2,933\r\n1\r\n2013\r\n1,324\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1,324\r\n0\r\nAll Years\r\n10,995\r\n334\r\n1\r\n11,330\r\n18,640\r\nNote 1: ‘Total Other’ represents imports from sources other than UK Blood Services, i.e. Republic of Ireland (IBTS), Dutch Red Cross, Bergen Blood Centre, American Rare Donor Panel, Maco-Pharma.\r\nNote 2: The components 2004-2010 in ‘Total Other’ are predominately 18,201 Fresh Frozen Plasma from Bergen, a USA supplier (due to nvCJD risk reduction).\r\nNote 3:  The rise in components from NHSBT in 2010 aligns with the move of supplier from Bergen to NHSBT for methylene blue-treated and reduced plasma for patients post 01-01-96 (nvCJD risk reduction).\r\nNote 4: The imports from NHSBT will include both imports of standard blood components and of non-standard or rare units for specific patients.\r\nNote 5:  Imports of standard red blood cells are covered by the UK Blood Services Technical agreements (SNBTS also export units to the other UK Blood Services under this agreement).\r\nNote 6: There is a Memorandum of Understanding between the UK Blood Services for mutual assistance in times of extreme shortage. This requires sharing of blood components to balance inventory e.g. there was an export from SNBTS of 90 units on 15 July 2013 to the Welsh Blood Service due to extreme blood shortages in Wales.\r\nNote 7: Year 2013 is from 01-01-13 to 30-06-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-31T16:05:46.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286436,"EventID":"S4W-16228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-03T16:05:46.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-03T14:05:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which sections of the rail network continue to use Victorian-style signalling.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Network Rail. The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-31T16:05:46.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286437,"EventID":"S4W-16229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-03T16:05:46.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-03T14:05:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the future rail infrastructure needed to meet the projected 27% population increase in Perthshire and Kinross-shire between 2008 and 2033.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2008, the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR) set out the Scottish Government’s 29 transport investment priorities over the period to 2032 and considered proposals for these areas, including new rail lines from Inverkeithing to Halbeath and between Perth and Inverkeithing.\r\nThe STPR was the first nationwide, multi-modal, objective led and evidence based review of the existing performance and future requirements of Scotland’s national transport networks and a wide range of options were appraised using the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance in reaching the recommended schemes. The appraisal criteria covered environmental, safety, social and policy issues (including population forecasts) as well as economic performance.\r\nIn addition, as part of the STPR process, a set of characteristics were developed that defined the primary function of the national strategic transport corridors. These included links to/from areas of projected population change. This process was also informed by land use forecasts supplied by the local authorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-31T16:05:46.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286438,"EventID":"S4W-16230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-03T16:05:47.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-03T14:05:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reasons it did not take forward the proposal to construct a railway line between Inverkeithing and Halbeath as one of the 29 transport projects and programmes identified in the Strategic Transport Projects Review Final Report, published in 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"Despite the Scottish Government’s capital budget being cut by 26% in real terms since 2010-11, we remain committed to delivering the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR) recommendations.\r\nThe Scottish Ministers have prioritised a number of projects for delivery. These include the Queensferry Crossing, the Edinburgh to Glasgow Rail Improvements Programme, the Highland Main Line, rail improvements from Aberdeen to Inverness and the dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness.\r\nGiven that the STPR covers a 20 year period, the pace at which the other STPR projects will be delivered, including a railway line between Inverkeithing and Halbeath will be determined by the availability of resources in future spending reviews, taking account of the benefits they offer and the contribution they make to this Government’s objectives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-31T16:05:47.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286439,"EventID":"S4W-16231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-03T16:05:47.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-03T15:05:02.79","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will make a decision regarding the application by Grundon Waste Management to build an industrial incinerator in Perth, now that it has received recommendations from its reporter. ","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers are currently considering the proposal. It is their intention to handle the case within the performance targets set of issuing their decision within two months of receiving the Reporter’s report, in 80% of cases, and within three months in 100% of cases. The Reporter’s report was received on 25 June 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-07-31T16:05:47.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286440,"EventID":"S4W-16072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-04T15:21:05.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T10:34:08.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how (a) much it cost and (b) many months it took Information Service Division to develop the database for collecting data on the distribution of needles and syringes as set out in the Hepatitis C Action Plan for Scotland Phase II, and how many NHS boards (i) used and (ii) continue to use it.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under Action 21 of the Hepatitis C Action Plan for Scotland Phase II, NHS Information Services Division (ISD) was tasked with the development of a data collection system to monitor Injecting Equipment Provision (IEP) in Scotland.\r\nDevelopment of the IEP system a) cost £44,265 and b) took 12 months to complete.\r\nThis system was developed to enable electronic data capture from NHS boards on IEP. At launch, six NHS boards used the IEP system; currently the same six NHS Boards continue to use the system.  \r\nTo ensure the IEP database provides comprehensive coverage across Scotland, the remaining six NHS boards who use alternative systems were required to submit a paper survey. From 2013, the IEP system will receive data feeds from those NHS boards who use alternative information systems, allowing the paper survey to be phased out.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-01T15:21:06.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286441,"EventID":"S4W-16076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-04T15:21:06.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T10:34:08.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it will cost Information Services Division to develop the database, Drug and Alcohol Information Service, which is being designed to collect data on attendees at drug and alcohol services, and when this will be delivered.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are committed to gathering the best possible data on outcomes for drug and alcohol service users to inform and improve service design and delivery and are currently considering the most effective and efficient way of doing so.\r\nInformation Services Division has led a recent consultation on a proposed Drug and Alcohol Information System (DAISy) which, if progressed, would integrate and rationalise the functions of the existing Scottish Drug Misuse Database and Drug and Alcohol Treatment Waiting Times Database, while including new data on alcohol treatment and recovery outcomes.\r\nThe DAISy consultation ended on 12 July 2013 and ISD plan to publish the findings in the coming months, which will inform appropriate next steps. Information on costs is not currently available as a decision has not yet been taken on the solution that will be adopted.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-01T15:21:06.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286442,"EventID":"S4W-16082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-04T15:21:06.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T11:54:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what correspondence it has received from schools regarding Serco’s decision to increase fares for school pupils on Northern Isles ferry services.\r\n","AnswerText":"None.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-01T15:21:06.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286443,"EventID":"S4W-16083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-04T15:21:07.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T11:54:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what correspondence it has received from pensioner groups regarding Serco’s decision to increase fares for pensioners on Northern Isles ferry services.\r\n","AnswerText":"None.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-01T15:21:07.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286444,"EventID":"S4W-16084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-04T15:21:07.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T11:54:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what correspondence it has received from (a) students and (b) the National Union of Students regarding Serco’s decision to increase fares for students on Northern Isles ferry services.\r\n","AnswerText":"None.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-01T15:21:07.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286445,"EventID":"S4W-16085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-04T15:21:07.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T11:54:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government under what circumstances Transport Scotland can terminate the 2012-18 contract with Serco for Northern Isles ferry services before the contract ends.\r\n","AnswerText":"Section 52 of the Northern Isles ferry services contract sets out the provisions whereby the contract may be terminated.\r\nThe Northern Isle Ferry Services Contract is available on the Transport Scotland website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-01T15:21:08.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286446,"EventID":"S4W-16235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-04T15:21:08.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T08:40:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the needs of young people with a disability will be reflected in its Youth Sport Strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes. I want the Youth Sport Strategy to be wholly inclusive and address the needs of all our young people. That is why Scottish Disability Sport is playing a key role on the working group which has been set up to deliver the draft strategy. Other key stakeholders in the working group include the Commissioner for Children and Young People and the Young People Sports’ Panel helping ensure young people’s views are accounted for.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-01T15:21:08.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286447,"EventID":"S4W-16236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-04T15:21:08.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T08:40:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with young people with a disability about its Youth Sport Strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16235 on 26 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-01T15:21:08.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286448,"EventID":"S4W-16237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-04T15:21:08.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T08:40:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Scottish Disability Sport regarding the relevance of its Youth Sport Strategy to young people with a disability.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16235 on 26 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-01T15:21:08.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286449,"EventID":"S4W-16238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-04T15:21:09.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T08:40:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that young people with a disability have equal access to PE in schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"Children and young people with disabilities are entitled to receive the support that they need to overcome any barriers to learning. Where necessary schools should make reasonable adjustments in order to facilitate pupils with disabilities in accessing learning opportunities, including PE.\r\nAs part of the programme of support on PE for schools, we are providing Scottish Disability Sport with £125,000 to deliver a disability inclusion training programme for more than 1,000 teachers across Scotland, which will provide them with the knowledge, skills and experience to fully include disabled young people in PE.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-01T15:21:09.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286450,"EventID":"S4W-16239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-04T15:21:09.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T08:58:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the current level of Housing Association Grant is sufficient to allow housing associations to build new homes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises that councils and housing associations are facing many pressures on their finances, not least from the UK Government’s welfare reform agenda.\r\nAccordingly, on 8 July 2013 the Deputy First Minister announced an immediate increase of £16,000 to the benchmark subsidies for all social rented homes, whether developed by the council or by a housing association to maintain momentum in the supply programme and ensure completion of our 30,000 affordable homes target.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-01T15:21:09.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286451,"EventID":"S4W-16240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-04T15:21:09.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T08:58:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to increase the level of Housing Association Grant.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16239 on 11 July 2013. All answers to written Parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-01T15:21:09.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286452,"EventID":"S4W-16241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-04T15:21:10.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T09:04:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Network Rail is required to comply with access legislation at railway crossings.","AnswerText":"Network Rail is required to comply with all applicable legislation, including access, at railway crossings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-01T15:21:10.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286453,"EventID":"S4W-16242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-04T15:21:10.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T09:04:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the public having rights of access to railway crossings with automatic barriers that have been identified as rights of way.\r\n","AnswerText":"Access to Railway Crossings is a matter for the Infrastructure Manager, which includes Network Rail, Port Authorities, Heritage Railway Companies, etc., that own and operates them, and the Office of Rail Regulation.\r\nThe public have rights of access to all public level crossings; however access to private user-worked crossings is restricted to the authorised users only.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-01T15:21:10.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286454,"EventID":"S4W-16258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-04T15:21:11.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T13:08:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many women have consulted their GP regarding breast cancer symptoms in the last five years, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"NHS Information Services Division (ISD) published information on 26 March 2013, in relation to GP consultations for breast symptoms and this can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/General-Practice/Publications/index.asp?ID=1061.\r\nThe data for this publication was sourced from PTI (Practice Team Information) which is a representative sample of approximately 60 practices across Scotland covering around 6% of the population. This sample can only provide estimates at national level and is not large enough to provide estimates of consultations at NHS board level (or lower) and such data is therefore not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-01T15:21:11.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286461,"EventID":"S4W-16232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:07.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-03T17:02:27.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people were prescribed with (a) benzodiazepines, (b) Z drugs and (c) selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of patients dispensed Z drugs, Benzodiazipines or SSRIs during the financial years 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12. Please note that the data is collected in time bands relating to the financial year, not calendar years.\r\n\r\nZ Drugs\r\nBenzodiazepines\r\nSSRIs\r\nFinancial Year\r\nPatient Count\r\nPatient Count\r\nPatient Count\r\n2009-10\r\n113,021\r\n265,785\r\n379,547\r\n2010-11\r\n121,312\r\n267,427\r\n403,906\r\n2011-12\r\n129,005\r\n267,136\r\n425,687\r\nSource: Prescribing Information System.\r\nZ Drugs included are zaleplon, zolpidem and zopiclone as listed in section 4.1.1 (Hypnotics) of the British National Formulary (BNF).\r\nBenzodiazepines are those included in BNF section 4.1.1 (Hypnotics), and BNF section 4.1.2 (Anxiolytics).\r\nSSRI figures are taken from the Medicines for Mental Health publication from September 2012:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Prescribing-and-Medicines/Publications/index.asp\r\nPatient count is a count of all unique Community Health Index (CHI) numbers, which act as unique patient identifiers, within each financial year. This will not include prescriptions of these drugs made to patients for whom no CHI number could be ascertained.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:07.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286462,"EventID":"S4W-16243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:08.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T12:07:27.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15756 by Nicola Sturgeon on 1 July 2013, whether it plans to revise its white paper on independence once final welfare proposals from the Expert Working Group on Welfare are received in 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"As I said in my previous answer, the White Paper will set out the gains for people, families and communities when decisions about Scotland are made in Scotland rather than by politicians at Westminster.\r\nThe White Paper will be fully informed by relevant work of the Expert Groups and Commissions. The role of the Expert Groups and Commissions is also to identify and explore longer term policy options that will be available to future governments of an independent Scotland. Publication of their conclusions in advance of the referendum will help inform the debate further and illustrate the longer term choices and opportunities that will be available to Scotland with independence but which are not open to us as part of the current constitutional arrangements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:08.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286463,"EventID":"S4W-16244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:08.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T12:07:27.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15756 by Nicola Sturgeon on 1 July 2013, whether it has considered delaying publication of its white paper on independence until after the final welfare proposals are received from the Expert Working Group on Welfare in 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16243 on 16 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:08.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286464,"EventID":"S4W-16245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:08.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T12:07:27.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15756 by Nicola Sturgeon on 1 July 2013, which expert groups are contributing material to its white paper on independence, but whose final reports are not expected to be completed until after the scheduled publication of the white paper.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16243 on 16 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:08.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286465,"EventID":"S4W-16246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:09.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T12:07:27.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason its position on air passenger duty was not included in oral evidence given to the European and External Relations Committee on 16 May 2013 by the Minister for External Affairs and International Development when he was explaining the delay in establishing a direct air route from Scotland to China.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Minister for External Affairs and International Development answered the questions asked by the Committee members. In relation to a direct air service, the Minister was asked what was being done to support the establishment of a direct link to China and the Minister set out the discussions which have taken place. The Minister was not asked to comment on matters which serve to make a direct service more challenging, the UK Government’s handling of Air Passenger Duty being one.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:09.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286466,"EventID":"S4W-16247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:09.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T12:07:27.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4F-01500 by Alex Salmond on 27 June 2013 (Official Report, col. 21759), whether it will set out (a) the evidence that supports the First Minister's comment that “reduction or elimination [of air passenger duty] would result in additional not less revenue”, (b) the levels of air passenger duty to which the statement applies and (c) any assumptions made on which other tax receipts rise as a result of a reduction in air passenger duty.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is contained in “The Economic Impact of Air Passenger Duty” which can be viewed at:\r\nhttp://corporate.easyjet.com/~/media/Files/E/Easyjet-Plc-V2/pdf/content/APD-study-full.pdf. The report was published in February 2013 and was commissioned by British Airways, easyJet, Virgin Atlantic and Ryanair.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:09.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286467,"EventID":"S4W-16248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:10.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T12:07:27.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the oral evidence given by the Minister for External Affairs and International Development to the European and External Relations Committee on 16 May 2013, what discussions it has had with airlines on establishing direct flights from Scotland to China since the First Minister’s announcement of such an intention in 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"At the World Route Development Forum in October 2012 Scottish Government officials met with Air China, Hainan Airlines, Cathay Pacific and China Eastern Airlines. The Minister for External Relations and International Development met the Civil Aviation Administration of China in June 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:10.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286468,"EventID":"S4W-16249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:10.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T12:07:27.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the oral evidence by the Minister for External Affairs and International Development to the European and External Relations Committee on 16 May 2013 (Official Report, col.1200), what steps it has taken to implement the suggestion made by the chief executive of Transport Scotland in April 2013 to engage directly with airlines on a direct route from Scotland to China.\r\n","AnswerText":"At the meeting between the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the Minister for External Relations and International Development in June it was agreed that the Scottish Government would bring together outline proposals, with input from Scotland’s airports, in the interests of promoting a direct service between Scotland and China. These proposals will be passed to the main Chinese airlines by the CAAC. In addition, a Task Force including representation from Scotland and China will be brought together to develop the proposals further.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:10.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286469,"EventID":"S4W-16250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:10.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T12:07:27.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason notification of the recent visit to China by the Minister for External Affairs and International Relations was not given to the European and External Relations Committee in advance.\r\n","AnswerText":"The protocol between the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government in relation to the handling of committee business states at paragraph 45 that Committee Liaison Officers and or other relevant Scottish Government officials have a general responsibility to ensure that committee clerks are kept updated with significant developments in Scottish Government policy within the committee's remit. This includes, for example, providing clerks with copies of relevant policy announcements, consultations and publications at the time that are made or issued. It also includes giving (where appropriate, or on request) reasonable advance notice of forthcoming events (making clear, where necessary, any restrictions on the extent to which this information can be made public or shared with committee members).\r\nIn this particular instance, advance notice of my visit to China was given by way on an embargoed news release shared with committee clerks on Friday 21 June 2013.\r\nAs per paragraph 9.17 of the Ministerial Code, the Scottish Government publishes an annual list of all travel overseas by all ministers by means of an answer to a parliamentary question. Details are also published on the Scottish Government website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:10.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286470,"EventID":"S4W-16251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:10.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T12:07:27.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which minister was scheduled to make a visit to China in week commencing 23 June 2013, whether another minister undertook the visit instead and, if so, for what reason.\r\n","AnswerText":"The only minister confirmed to visit China and Hong Kong in June 2013 was the Minister for External Affairs and International Development. This was announced by the Scottish Government press release on Sunday 23 June 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:10.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286471,"EventID":"S4W-16252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:10.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T12:07:27.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the change in government consumption would be in each of the first 20 years following a 3% reduction in corporation tax, as shown in the simulation used in its report, The Impact of a Reduction in Corporation Tax on the Scottish Economy.","AnswerText":"The report referred to in the question provides a comprehensive analysis of the economic impact of reducing corporation tax and outlines the impacts on key economic variables, such as output, employment, investment and government consumption.\r\nAs outlined in the report, the increase in both output and employment estimated to be generated by the policy expands the tax base over the long term, leading to an increase in government consumption. Such increases may translate into greater output in sectors such as public administration and education (by 0.4%), higher education institutions (by 0.5%) and other services (by 0.7%), i.e. those in the public sector or those closely linked to it.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:11.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286472,"EventID":"S4W-16253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:11.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T12:07:27.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government from which year data is derived to show the impact on foreign direct investment of a reduction in corporation tax in the simulation model used in its report, The Impact of a Reduction in Corporation Tax on the Scottish Economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The change in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in response to the policy is informed by robust estimates contained in a range of academic studies and empirical evidence. Appendix B of the report referred to in the question provides further detail.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:11.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286473,"EventID":"S4W-16254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:11.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T12:07:27.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has updated the simulation model used in its report, The Impact of a Reduction in Corporation Tax on the Scottish Economy, to reflect changes in the industries and sectors likely to be responsible for foreign direct investment since the model was first developed.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16253 on 30 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:11.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286474,"EventID":"S4W-16255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:11.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T12:07:27.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4F-01498 by Alex Salmond on 27 June 2013 (Official Report, col. 21751), in which years after implementation would a 3% reduction in corporation tax “increase total tax revenues”.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15478 on 12 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:11.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286475,"EventID":"S4W-16256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:11.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T12:07:27.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what sensitivity analysis it conducted on the figure of 0.1% growth in government consumption over the first 20 years following a 3% reduction in corporation tax, as shown in table 1 on page 12 of its report, The Impact of a Reduction in Corporation Tax on the Scottish Economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The modelling work was implemented with the use of a robust framework of the Scottish economy. The results are based on actual data and parameters informed by empirical evidence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:11.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286476,"EventID":"S4W-16257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:12.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T12:07:27.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the figure of 0.1% growth in government consumption over the first 20 years following a 3% reduction in corporation tax, as shown in Table 1 on page 12 of its report, The Impact of a Reduction in Corporation Tax on the Scottish Economy, is affected by updating the model to include the current corporation tax rate of 23%, rather than the 2006-07 rate of 30%.\r\n","AnswerText":"The modelling in the report, The Impact of a Reduction in Corporation Tax on the Scottish Economy, assesses the impact of a policy equivalent to a reduction in the main rate of corporation tax from 23 per cent to 20 per cent.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:12.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286477,"EventID":"S4W-16259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:12.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T13:17:11.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to review the Scottish Public Finance Manual to ensure that best value and sustainability are the main considerations in its financial transactions.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Public Finance Manual provides guidance to relevant public bodies on the proper handling and reporting of public funds, emphasising the need for economy, efficiency and effectiveness across all aspects of delivery and financial transactions.\r\nThe manual is reviewed on an on-going basis as required by changes in good practice and standards of propriety. Guidance for Accountable Officers on Best Value was published in 2006, updated in 2011, specifying the requirements for the duty of best value in public services:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/Finance/spfm/BestValue\r\nSustainability is one of two cross-cutting best value themes that, alongside equality, are required to be embedded across all the activities by which relevant public bodies deliver their outcomes.\r\nScottish Ministers expect all accountable officers of the Scottish Administration and accountable officers of other public bodies to comply with the duty of best value placed upon them. Compliance with the duty of best value (as described in the SPFM) is an auditable requirement and subject to scrutiny under the terms of section 22(1)(c) of the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Act 2000 (“the PFA Act) for any organisation subject to audit by the Auditor General for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:12.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286478,"EventID":"S4W-16268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:12.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:29:46.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the full business case for the bull stud at its farm at Knocknagael.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes, the information is now available on the Scottish Government website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/Rural/crofting-policy/support-for-crofting/CroftingCattleImprovementScheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:12.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286479,"EventID":"S4W-16269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:12.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:29:46.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what agricultural criteria it used to designate fields at its farm at Knocknagael as \"surplus to requirements\".\r\n","AnswerText":"The fields were designated as surplus to agricultural requirements of the Scottish Government Bull Stud Knocknagael as their use was limited to arable cropping and winter forage production. This was due to their immediate proximity to housing estates and the public road which deemed them unsuitable for grazing bulls on the grounds of health and safety of the general public.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:12.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286480,"EventID":"S4W-16270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:13.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:29:46.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much income it received from silage sales at its farm at Knocknagael in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Any surplus silage is sold through the local machinery ring. receipts from crop sales are not broken down between the sales of silage, barley and fodder. The income received each year from financial year 2006-07 to the present is set out in the following table:\r\nFinancial Year\r\nCropping income including silage\r\n2006-07\r\n£58,712\r\n2007-08\r\n£106,047\r\n2008-09\r\n£26,092\r\n2009-10\r\n£17,928\r\n2010-11\r\n£16,578\r\n2011-12\r\n£27,179\r\n2012-13\r\n£28,324\r\n2013-14 (to date)\r\n£8,402\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:13.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286481,"EventID":"S4W-16271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:13.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:29:46.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of a reduced acreage of land for cattle feed production, whether it will be self-sufficient in animal feed at the bull stud at its farm at Knocknagael.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government Bull Stud Knocknagael will be self-sufficient in silage, hay and feed barley. Only concentrate feed and mineral supplements will be bought in as normal. Sufficient land has been retained to allow for a fully functional arable crop rotation which will allow adequate stocks of winter fodder to be secured, with cereals grown for feed with the surplus production sold on.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:13.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286482,"EventID":"S4W-16272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:13.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:29:46.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it carried out a risk assessment before designating land at its farm at Knocknagael as no longer safe for crop production and, if so, whether (a) it will publish this and (b) this has wider implications for crop production in the Highlands.\r\n","AnswerText":"The field in question is a large field that is flat to the north end, with a considerable slope in the southern end which accounts for a third of the area. As a single unit, this field could have been safely used for crop and forage production, up and down the hill as there was a sufficient run off area for machinery. However, the land immediately at the bottom of this slope was compulsory purchased and now forms part of the Inverness flood relief channel, cutting off the run area for machinery.\r\nA visual risk assessment was carried out on the sloping land. It was determined that the full range of normal arable operations could not be carried out safely as the slope was too steep to allow safe turning of machinery and also there was no safe run off area. This was because there was a risk that if a machine became uncontrollable at any point on the slope, it would inevitably end up plunging into the deep drainage channel. The possibility of traversing the slope was assessed and again a majority of the land was deemed too steep to allow for the full range of arable operations to be undertaken.\r\nThe situation has been reviewed again and the majority of the sloping area is still unsuitable for the full range of agricultural activities to be safely carried on it. While some operations such as cutting may be achievable due to the nature of farm machinery baling on those areas is considered to be a risk to the safety of the individuals carrying out the operation.\r\nAll farmers and individuals operating agricultural machinery should be undertaking progressive risk assessments when undertaking all activities. It is for each individual to determine the level of risk depending on their circumstances and activities occurring on their land. If anyone is concerned about a particular activity they should contact the Health and Safety Executive for advice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:13.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286483,"EventID":"S4W-16274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:13.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:29:46.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many houses it owns and, of these, how many (a) are unoccupied and (b) have been unoccupied for (i) less than a year, (ii) between one and two years, (iii) between two and five years, (iv) between five and 10 years, (v) between 10 and 15 years and (vi) for more than 15 years, and what the average length of time is that they have been unoccupied.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. However, there are two houses on the Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (RPID) estate which are unoccupied. One is located at the Bull Stud and the other is on Shetland, and both have been unoccupied for around two years. The property at the Bull Stud has been vacant due to a reduction in staff on the farm, however, the future use of this property is currently under active consideration. The other property on Shetland has been used over many years to accommodate travelling RPID staff, however, work has been ongoing to upgrade the adjoining properties to provide multi-occupancy facilities and, as a result, one property is now surplus to requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:13.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286484,"EventID":"S4W-16275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:14.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:29:46.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of its dwelling houses are located on farms that it owns.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and its agencies own a number of farms with dwelling houses on them and we are in the process of collating and updating that information. There are seven dwelling houses at Knocknagael and Balrobert farm.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:14.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286485,"EventID":"S4W-16276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:14.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:29:46.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on renovating unoccupied farm dwellings that it owns in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"Unfortunately this information is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost by making enquiries with all Government Departments as to how much each area has spent on renovating unoccupied farm dwellings each year since 1999. Accordingly, it is not possible to confirm the amount spent.\r\nI can confirm that there are no unoccupied farm dwellings within the SG Lowland Land Settlement Holdings. There is one unoccupied farm cottage at SG Bull Stud Knocknagael, however there has been no expenditure on renovating this cottage since RPID took over the management of the SG Bull Stud Knocknagael in autumn of 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:14.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286486,"EventID":"S4W-16277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:14.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:29:46.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many renovated unoccupied farm dwelling houses that it owns have required subsequent renovations due to frost damage since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16276 on 6 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:14.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286487,"EventID":"S4W-16278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:14.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:29:46.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with (a) local authorities and (b) housing associations about its vacant farm dwelling houses.\r\n","AnswerText":"I can confirm that no central records are held of any recent discussions taking place with either local authorities or housing associations concerning any farm dwelling houses falling within the ownership and control of the Scottish Government. However, I can confirm that notification has been provided to the Highland Council that one of the cottages at the Scottish Government Stud Farm at Knocknagael, Inverness is currently unoccupied for council tax purposes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:14.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286488,"EventID":"S4W-16279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:15.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:29:46.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish its plans for Balrobert Farm, Inverness.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment made an announcement at the Royal Highland Show that there would be an agricultural tenancy created ideally targeted at new entrants at Balrobert Farm.\r\nOfficials are currently working on the detail of this before consulting with key stakeholders.\r\nInformation will be published in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:15.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286489,"EventID":"S4W-16280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:15.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:29:46.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether, in relation to its withdrawn planning application for a housing development at its farm at Knocknagael, it complied with neighbour notification requirements.\r\n","AnswerText":"Following introduction of Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedures) Regulations 2008, neighbour notification is the responsibility of the planning authority.\r\nThe Scottish Government complied with all statutory requirements with regards to notifications including: serving a proposal of application notice on the planning authority and all community councils within whose areas the application site is located or adjoins, and submitting the appropriate ownership certificates with the planning application.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:15.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286490,"EventID":"S4W-16281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:15.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:29:46.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish all environmental impact assessments that it has undertaken in respect of developments and the planned disposal of land at its farm at Knocknagael.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening report, prepared by Deloitte planning consultants, to the Highland Council on 23 January 2013, requesting that the council provide a formal screening opinion. The Highland Council confirmed on 18 April 2013 that a formal EIA was not required. Both the report and the council’s response are available to the public on the Highland Council’s public access portal (Reference 13/00361/SCRE).\r\nWhilst a formal EIA was not required, the Scottish Government has instructed a number of supporting documents and technical studies to inform the development proposals. These have been prepared following pre-application discussions with the planning authority and to meet statutory requirements. These shall be submitted with the planning application and will be available for public viewing via the council’s public access portal at that time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:15.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286491,"EventID":"S4W-16282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:15.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:29:46.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to renting land at its farm at Knocknagael for agricultural purposes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The majority of the land at the Scottish Government stud farm at Knocknagael is required for the running of the stud. Land at Knocknagael which is surplus to the requirements of the stud will be disposed of, as required by the Scottish public finance manual. Assets which are surplus to the requirements of the Scottish Government must be disposed of as soon as possible subject to value for money requirements and the receipts reinvested in capital projects.\r\nThe field deemed unsuitable for cropping was considered to be let out for short term seasonal grazing but this was ruled out as the risk to the biosecurity of the Stud outweighed any benefits.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:15.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286492,"EventID":"S4W-16283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:16.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:29:46.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to using farm land that it deems surplus to requirements at its farm at Knocknagael as a means of attracting more tenant farmers.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16282 on 6 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:16.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286493,"EventID":"S4W-16284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:16.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:29:46.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with organisations that support allotments regarding the planned disposal of land at its farm at Knocknagael.\r\n","AnswerText":"Proposal of application notices, were served on each of the four community councils within whose areas overlap with the planning application boundary. These community councils were also invited to the public event. The Highland Council validated the proposal of application notice and did not advise that any other parties should be informed at this stage.\r\nFollowing submission of the original application, the Scottish Government’s planning consultants engaged directly with The Highland Council’s allotments officer, in discussions concerning allotment provision at the site and objections that had been raised. The Scottish Government will seek to engage with the allotments association (and any other body as advised by the planning authority) as part of the pre-application community consultation process for the revised planning submissions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:16.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286494,"EventID":"S4W-16285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:16.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:29:46.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to dispose of land that it owns, which is suitable for food production.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13983 on 23 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:16.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286495,"EventID":"S4W-16286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:16.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:29:46.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the long-term consequences of the loss of land suitable for food production. \r\n","AnswerText":"There are a number of different factors influencing the potential for food production in Scotland. This not only includes the area of agricultural land, but also innovation, changing technologies and the impact of climate change. However it relation to the area of agricultural land, statistics highlight that this has remained relatively static in Scotland over the past 20 years at around 6.2m hectares.\r\nThe structure of agricultural holdings and businesses changes from year to year to respond to the changing circumstances farmers face. For example, consolidating smaller holdings or reshaping businesses could result in either an increase or a decrease in agricultural area. Although some agricultural land may be replaced (for example by buildings), it does not necessarily equate to a loss of production for the business, particularly if the development improves efficiency or productivity.\r\nThere will always be competing pressures on land use. The Land Use Strategy encourages decision-makers to take account of the value of land highly suitable for food production through one of its ten Principles for Sustainable Land Use - Where land is highly suitable for a primary use this value should be recognised in decision making.\r\nPublic bodies are expected to have regard for the Principles when making plans and taking significant decisions affecting the use of land. The Strategy also encourages individuals, businesses and organisations who have significant land management responsibilities to have regard to the Principles.\r\nThe Scottish Government also previously undertook a Rural Land Use Study which captured the conflicts and complementarities between different rural land uses and objectives. The various reports from the study can be accessed at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Research/About/EBAR/RLUS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:16.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286496,"EventID":"S4W-16287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:17.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:29:46.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to consult with the local community regarding its future plans for Knocknagael and Balrobert farms.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are committed to undertaking meaningful community consultation with regards to the development proposals at Knocknagael Farm. As a “major” planning application, there is a statutory requirement to host at least one public event prior to submission of the planning application. The Scottish Government hosted an event on 19 September 2012 which complied with this requirement. The exhibition provided information about what is proposed, its rationale and the expected timescales.\r\nAlthough the event was appropriately advertised and local community groups informed, the event was poorly attended. So while there is no statutory requirement to do so, the Scottish Government will host a further community consultation event prior to submitting the revised planning application. This is likely to take place in mid-late August 2013. All identified community groups, including local community councils, the Allotments Association and any other bodies recommended by the planning uthority will be invited to the event. There will also a leaflet drop to houses in the immediate vicinity of the site and the event will be advertised in the local paper.\r\nA detailed community consultation strategy will be prepared and agreed with the planning authority prior to these activities being undertaken.\r\nThere will be a consultation exercise with relevant industry stakeholders regarding the new tenancy at Balrobert. Their views will be taken into account before finalising plans. We will ensure that the group includes local representation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:17.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286497,"EventID":"S4W-16288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:17.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:29:46.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reasons it withdrew its planning application for a housing development at its farm at Knocknagael.\r\n","AnswerText":"The planning application submitted on behalf of the Scottish Government, was withdrawn while the Highland Council progress their proposed Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan. Once their local development plan is published, we intend to submit a revised planning application.\r\nTo support our further considerations, the Scottish Government will be working with its planning consultants, Deloittes to facilitate further community consultation events. This will provide an excellent opportunity for members of the local community to discuss the Scottish Government’s proposals in more detail and for us to receive more feedback on the proposal.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:17.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286498,"EventID":"S4W-16289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:17.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T16:12:02.6","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the land use classification is of the land it proposes to dispose of at its farm at Knocknagael.\r\n","AnswerText":"Field A - 8.20 hectares split between 4.00ha of classification 3.1 and 4.20ha of classification 3.2\r\nField B - 4.55 hectares split between 2.50ha of classification 3.1 and 2.05ha of classification 3.2\r\nField C - 7.44 hectares classification 3.2\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:17.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286499,"EventID":"S4W-16290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:18.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T16:12:02.6","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of arable land in the Highlands the land it proposes to dispose of at its farm at Knocknagael represents.\r\n","AnswerText":"The amount of surplus land that we propose to dispose of equates to a loss of 8.2 hectares of land suitable for arable production, which has the capability to produce at most about 45 tonnes of barley per year. This is around one fifth of 1% of Highland barley production. (The proportion of Highland production is based on the proportion of Highland area of barley).\r\nThe remainder of the surplus land is grassland equates to a loss of grassland of one hundredth of 1% of grassland in the Highland area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:18.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286500,"EventID":"S4W-16297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:18.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-05T08:49:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on advertising private sector jobs on the NHS jobs portal.","AnswerText":"The NHSScotland jobs portal is intended for advertising vacancies for posts that are delivering NHSScotland services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:18.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286501,"EventID":"S4W-16298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:19.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-05T08:49:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many private sector jobs have been advertised on the NHS jobs portal since this practice was introduced.","AnswerText":"Records show that since the NHSScotland jobs portal’s inception in February 2005 that 44 posts were advertised by independent healthcare providers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:19.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286502,"EventID":"S4W-16299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:19.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-05T08:49:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government from what date it has advertised private sector jobs on the NHS jobs portal and who made the decision to introduce this practice.\r\n","AnswerText":"Records show that the first vacancy for non-NHS Scotland post was advertised on 13 January 2013. The NHSScotland jobs portal is not intended for advertising private sector vacancies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:19.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286503,"EventID":"S4W-16300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:19.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-05T08:49:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what income has been derived from advertising private sector jobs on the NHS jobs portal since this practice was introduced.\r\n","AnswerText":"No income has been sought or received from third parties since the NHSScotland jobs website was introduced.\r\nThe NHSScotland jobs portal is not intended for advertising private sector vacancies. National Services Scotland is reviewing all organisations’ advertising accounts as part of its policy review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:19.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286504,"EventID":"S4W-16302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:19.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-05T10:34:05.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many claims have been made to the Scottish Welfare Fund from (a) individuals and (b) groups and organisations since 1 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"According to informal monitoring returns from local authorities, there have been 23,972 applications to the Scottish Welfare Fund from individuals from 1 April to 31 May 2013. Information for June is not yet available. The Scottish Welfare Fund does not accept applications from groups or organisations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:19.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286505,"EventID":"S4W-16303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:20.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-05T10:34:05.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what collaborative work it undertakes with the third sector to provide advice and support to people affected by recent welfare changes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to working collaboratively with the third sector and other organisations in Scotland who provide advice and support to people affected by recent welfare changes.\r\nWe are providing an additional £7.9 million to organisations who provide these services, such as Citizens Advice Scotland, to ensure that people have the help they need.\r\nA range of third sector organisations are also represented on various stakeholder groups, such as the Welfare Reform Scrutiny Group. Their input is vital in helping us understand and respond as best we can within our powers and resources to the UK Government’s cuts and changes to the welfare system.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:20.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286506,"EventID":"S4W-16304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:20.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-05T10:34:05.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the Scottish Legal Aid Board in relation to the delivery of the Scottish Welfare Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) does not have a role in the delivery of the Scottish Welfare Fund. However, my officials met with the SLAB on 24 April 2013 as part of their work to raise awareness of the fund. They also invited SLAB to take part in a meeting held on 4 June 2013 to discuss how to improve access to the Fund for prisoners and young offenders prior to their release.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:20.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286507,"EventID":"S4W-16305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:20.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-05T11:13:35.373","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13149 by Kenny MacAskill on 28 February 2013, when it plans to commence sections 1 to 4 of the Prisons (Interference with Wireless Telegraphy) Act 2012, which received Royal Assent on 19 December 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe timescales for commencing sections 1 to 4 of the Act continue to be dependent on the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding with OFCOM and telephone operators. When this has been concluded, we will be in a position to progress to the procurement of suitable solutions and thereafter, in accordance with section 30 of the Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, a commencement order will be laid before Parliament. As this is work in progress, there is, as yet, no firm date for commencement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:20.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286508,"EventID":"S4W-16306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:20.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-05T11:15:32.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what Marine Scotland is doing to prepare for the introduction of the discard ban, broken down by (a) each fishing sector and (b) port and whether it has information on how this compares with work being done in other parts of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish fishermen have already reduced discards significantly, through the Conservation Credits Scheme. Marine Scotland is building on this progress with further trials and studies to prepare for the smooth implementation of the landing obligation for each commercial fishing sector, including the onshore sector.\r\nMarine Scotland had considerable interest from skippers wanting to participate in our fully documented fisheries landing obligation trials which are currently underway on both pelagic and demersal vessels. These aim to identify the impacts of the landing obligation, including the expected size and quantities of landings into port, and to develop effective monitoring of activity at sea. We are working with stakeholders to build on these trials in 2014. Scottish vessels have also been invited to participate in gear trials to increase the selectivity of fishing gears being used and we recently announced, as part of our prawn and white fish action plan, that we would invite vessels to trial a discard-free prawn fishery.\r\nOur trials are currently focused in North-East Scotland. We will disseminate the learning from this activity to other ports in due course.\r\nWe regularly liaise with other parts of the UK on preparations for introducing a discard ban. There is a long tradition of discard reduction work in the other fisheries administrations, including selective gear development and operation of fully documented fisheries. We are not yet aware of other parts of the UK operating fresh trials in the wake of the recently agreed EU commitment to a discard ban.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:20.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286509,"EventID":"S4W-16308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-05T15:26:21.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-05T11:21:57.687","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many small and medium enterprise start-ups there have been in the (a) South Ayrshire, (b) East Ayrshire, (c) Scottish Borders, (d) Dumfries and Galloway, (e) East Lothian and (f) South Lanarkshire local authority area in the last year; what the survival rate was in each area, and how many of these start-ups engaged with Business Gateways during the same period.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. However, data on the number of new VAT/PAYE registrations is released annually by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). These figures are used to monitor the number of business start-ups (births) and survival. Please note that these figures do not account for all business activity as only businesses with an annual turnover above the VAT threshold (currently £79,000) or employing via PAYE are required to register.\r\nTable 1 shows the number of registered business births, for the last four years, and the latest 1-year/3-year survival rates. These data are taken from the ONS Business Demography 2011 publication, which contains the most up to date data available.\r\nTable 1: Registered Business Births (2008 to 2011) and Survival Rates\r\nLocal Authority Area\r\nBusiness Births (VAT/PAYE registrations)\r\nLatest Business Survival Rates\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n1 year survival rate (businesses born in 2010)\r\n3 year survival rate\r\n(businesses born in 2008)\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n375\r\n345\r\n315\r\n385\r\n88.9%\r\n62.7%\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n285\r\n255\r\n255\r\n285\r\n88.2%\r\n59.6%\r\nEast Lothian\r\n275\r\n265\r\n250\r\n275\r\n88.0%\r\n63.6%\r\nScottish Borders\r\n375\r\n305\r\n315\r\n315\r\n88.9%\r\n65.3%\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n320\r\n315\r\n280\r\n340\r\n83.9%\r\n57.8%\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n875\r\n880\r\n810\r\n905\r\n84.6%\r\n60.6%\r\nSource: Business Demography 2011, Office for National Statistics\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-02T15:26:21.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286532,"EventID":"S4W-16103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-08T15:19:31.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T17:28:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to extend the remits of the proposed marine protected areas to include more species of seabirds.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Marine Protected Area (MPA) network will include designations under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, EU Habitats Directive, EU Wild Birds Directive, and marine components of Sites of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI).\r\nThere are currently 47 Special Protection Areas (SPAs), under the EU Wild Birds Directive, and a further 17 SSSIs already providing protection of seabirds in the MPA network. These existing protected areas already therefore include protection for a wide range of species, from the Arctic Skua to the Arctic Tern, as well as puffins, gannets, manx shearwaters and razorbills and other species.\r\nWork is also progressing to identify further locations in the marine environment that meet the criteria for consideration as SPAs for seabirds and waterfowl for critical activities such as foraging.\r\nThe Scottish Government is now consulting on the development of an MPA network and this is a further opportunity for interested parties to comment on and provide evidence to support the inclusion of seabird species in the MPA network in addition to the existing protection.\r\nIt is envisaged that completion of all of these designations will provide a resilient MPA network for seabirds. The periodic reviews of the network as required by the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 will provide an opportunity to ensure that this is the case.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-05T15:19:32.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286533,"EventID":"S4W-16104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-08T15:19:32.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T17:28:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the black guillemot is the only seabird included in the proposed marine protected areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The only species of seabird in Scotland not covered by Special Protection Areas provisions of the EU Wild Birds Directive is the Black Guillemot. Consequently nature conservation possible MPAs have been identified for consultation, under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, for this species to ensure it has the same level of protection as all other seabirds found in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-05T15:19:32.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286534,"EventID":"S4W-16105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-08T15:19:32.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-06-26T17:28:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for the protection of seabirds in the marine protected areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16103 on 5 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-05T15:19:32.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286535,"EventID":"S4W-16311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-08T15:19:33.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T08:15:14.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reasons information provided by Western Ferries and potential ferry operators who were contacted during the investigation stage of the feasibility study by MVA Consultancy on the Dunoon-Gourock town-centre ferry service was not included in the report of the study.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16386 on 23 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-05T15:19:33.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286536,"EventID":"S4W-16386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-08T15:19:33.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T08:15:14.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Transport Scotland officials requested that MVA Consultancy not include information provided by Western Ferries and potential ferry operators who were contacted during the investigation stage of the feasibility study by MVA Consultancy on the Dunoon-Gourock town-centre ferry service in the report of the study.\r\n","AnswerText":"The terms of reference for the study required the consultants to gather data from potential operators. This information was used to inform the analysis and findings as set out in the final report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-05T15:19:33.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286537,"EventID":"S4W-16387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-08T15:19:33.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T08:15:14.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the recommendation in the report of the feasibility study by MVA Consultancy on the Dunoon-Gourock town-centre ferry service that Transport Scotland should contact potential ferry operators, in light of claims by some ferry operators that they already provided the relevant information during the investigation stage of the feasibility study.","AnswerText":"The study sets out a wide-ranging analysis, drawing on a variety of information and stakeholder views. The Deputy First Minister has requested that Transport Scotland engage with potential operators to gauge market interest in the route, in the light of the findings of the study. Relying solely on information provided to MVA Consultancy by operators during the investigation stage of the feasibility study would not therefore fulfil the Minister’s requirement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-05T15:19:33.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286538,"EventID":"S4W-16260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:08:56.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:27:40.78","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to privatise national parks. \r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland's National Parks are two of our greatest national assets. The Scottish Government has been providing substantial capital to improve the visitor experience in these special places and has no plans to privatise them. The Scottish Government fully supports the national parks continuing to explore opportunities for further investment in visitor infrastructure in support of the tourism industry and working closely with private, public and voluntary sector organisations to deliver a range of benefits for conservation, communities and visitors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:08:56.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286539,"EventID":"S4W-16261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:08:57.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:27:40.78","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it has provided to national parks since 2007, broken down by year. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16045 on 22 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:08:57.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286540,"EventID":"S4W-16262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:08:57.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:27:40.78","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its funding plans are for future allocations to national parks. \r\n","AnswerText":"Funding allocations to national Parks were set out in the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13 document, which presented Scotland’s spending plans for 2012-13 to 2014-15. This is available on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/358356/0121130.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:08:57.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286541,"EventID":"S4W-16263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:08:57.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:27:40.78","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to ban the commercial extraction of peat by 2020. \r\n","AnswerText":"The commercial extraction of peat is permitted only where planning permission has been granted. There are no current plans to put in place an absolute ban on commercial extraction of peat, but we are aware of calls by Scottish Environment LINK to do so. Local development plans should protect areas of peatland and permit extraction only in areas which have been significantly damaged by human activity and where the ecological impact is low.\r\nThe main target of Scottish Government policy is to reduce the demand for peat, e.g. by developing and promoting alternatives as growing media. This should ultimately reduce the number of extraction sites.\r\nThe current Scottish Planning Policy states:\r\n“230. Commercial peat cutting raises particular environmental concerns, and \twill only be acceptable in areas of degraded peatland which has been \tsignificantly damaged by human activity and where the conservation value is \tlow and restoration is not possible. All areas of peatland that retain a high level of natural heritage conservation interest, archaeological interest or are \tof value as carbon stores should be protected through development plans and development management decisions”. The Scottish Government will continue to monitor the health of Scotland’s peatland and has announced proposals to restore up to 21,000 hectares of peatland per annum over the period up to 2027. This action will be supported by development of the peatland plan in partnership with stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:08:57.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286542,"EventID":"S4W-16264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:08:57.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:27:40.78","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it first became aware that meat from cattle that tested positive for bovine tuberculosis was being sold for human consumption.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency (FSA) informs me that it has been a long standing practice for tuberculosis reactor cattle to be slaughtered for human consumption.\r\nThis arrangement has been repeatedly assessed as low risk by a number of expert committees and further the FSA is not aware of any recorded case of human infection being acquired from the consumption of meat. Detailed inspection and control measures are set out in the relevant EU legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:08:58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286543,"EventID":"S4W-16265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:08:58.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:27:40.78","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any meat from cattle that tested positive for bovine tuberculosis has been sold for human consumption. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16264 on 6 August 2013. All answers to written Parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:08:58.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286544,"EventID":"S4W-16266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:08:58.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T15:27:40.78","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on meat from cattle that has tested positive for bovine tuberculosis being sold for human consumption.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has advised me that the risk to consumers from eating meat from tuberculosis reactor animals is very low. Both the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food and the European Food Safety Authority support this view following their own risk assessments in 2010, 2003 and 2013 respectively.\r\nCooking the meat would be an additional safety step, but the FSA emphasises that the risk even before cooking is very low. The FSA is not aware of any documented human case of bovine tuberculosis which has been acquired through the consumption of meat.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:08:58.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286545,"EventID":"S4W-16312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:08:58.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland would be a member of the G7, G8 or G20.\r\n","AnswerText":"As with other comparable countries, an independent Scotland would not expect to be a member of these groups. However, as a member of the EU, Scotland’s interests would be represented at the G8 and G20.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:08:58.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286546,"EventID":"S4W-16313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:08:58.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the process by which an independent Scotland could join the World Trade Organization and how long it would take. \r\n","AnswerText":"An independent Scottish Government would remain in membership of a range of international organisations and would follow standard procedures to do so. Given that Scotland, as part of the UK, already meets membership requirements, we do not anticipate any barriers to Scotland’s timely membership.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:08:58.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286547,"EventID":"S4W-16315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:08:59.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact on (a) whisky producers and (b) other manufacturers if they were required to pay import duties during an independent Scotland's negotiations for membership of the World Trade Organization.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since an independent Scotland would be a member of, and represented by, the EU, which the WTO describes as “a single customs union with a single trade policy and tariff”, there is no reason why any Scottish company should be required to pay import duties during the period of negotiations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:08:59.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286548,"EventID":"S4W-16316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:08:59.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of (a) the process and (b) how long it would take for an independent Scotland to join the (i) International Monetary Fund and (ii) World Bank.\r\n","AnswerText":"An independent Scottish Government would remain in membership of a range of international organisations and would follow standard procedures to do so. Given that Scotland, as part of the UK, already meets membership requirements, we do not anticipate any barriers to Scotland’s timely membership.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:08:59.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286549,"EventID":"S4W-16320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:08:59.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what level of consular support an independent Scotland would provide for Scottish business and leisure travellers; how this would be provided, and what the (a) start-up and (b) annual running costs would be.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16321 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:08:59.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286550,"EventID":"S4W-16321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:08:59.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government in what countries an independent Scotland would seek to establish diplomatic offices and in which countries where there are currently UK diplomatic offices it would no longer have representation.\r\n","AnswerText":"An independent Scotland would be represented overseas by a network which worked in the national interests of Scotland. In addition, Scottish Ministers would be open to the sharing of services and facilities with the rest of the UK or with other countries where there was mutual benefit to this. Such arrangements already exist between the UK and other nations, for example, Canada. At present taxes levied in Scotland are used to pay for the UK foreign and diplomatic service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:08:59.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286551,"EventID":"S4W-16322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:00.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland would seek membership of the (a) European Investment Bank, (b) International Civil Aviation Organisation, (c) International Labour Organisation, (d) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), (e) World Food Programme, (f) World Health Organization, (g) World Meteorological Organization, (h) International Olympic Committee, (i) Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), (j) INTERPOL and (k) International Maritime Organization and, if so, what the process would be for each and how long it would take.\r\n","AnswerText":"An independent Scottish Government would remain in membership of a range of international organisations and would follow standard procedures to do so. Given that Scotland, as part of the UK, already meets membership requirements, we do not anticipate any barriers to Scotland’s timely membership.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:00.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286552,"EventID":"S4W-16333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:00.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guarantees it has received from the EU that an independent Scotland would receive the same European Structural Funds income as it currently does.\r\n","AnswerText":"Structural funds are allocated on a regional basis (at NUTS 2 region level, of which Scotland has 4). Scotland therefore already has a distinct allocation, although it is distributed to the UK by the commission. The method for national and regional allocations are agreed as part of the overall budget settlement between member states.\r\nWith its own seat at the table, Scotland could secure a fair deal for itself by taking a full part in those negotiations. In the most recent negotiations for the 2014-2020 budget, for example, Denmark succeeded in winning, for the first time, a rebate of 130 million euros per year \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:00.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286553,"EventID":"S4W-16334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:00.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of how many votes an independent Scotland would have at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council as an EU member state.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland currently has no votes in its own right at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council but would have full voting rights as an Independent state. Independence will ensure that Scotland’s government is able to represent Scotland’s EU interests as a full and equal partner in the EU system of governance. This is a system of governance in which legislative and policy outcomes are the result of a process of negotiation and discussion, with decisions reached by consensus, where at all possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:00.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286554,"EventID":"S4W-16335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:00.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of how fishing quotas would be allocated in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"As a Member State of the EU Scotland would expect its fishing quotas to be allocated in the same way as all other Member States, based on the EU’s approach which provides a fixed share of fishing opportunities for EU Member States.\r\nWith regard to allocation of quota within Scotland, this is already administered by Scottish Ministers and would continue to be the case in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:00.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286555,"EventID":"S4W-16336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:01.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of whether an independent Scotland would be part of the common (a) agricultural and (b) fisheries policy.\r\n","AnswerText":"As a member state of the EU, an independent Scotland would enjoy the full range of rights and responsibilities of EU membership including in relation to the Common Agriculture Policy and Common Fisheries Policy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:01.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286556,"EventID":"S4W-16337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:01.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of whether citizens of an independent Scotland would require passports when travelling to the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"As a part of the common travel area, Scottish citizens would not require passports to travel to the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:01.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286557,"EventID":"S4W-16338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:01.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the cost of setting up a separate passport service in an independent Scotland. \r\n","AnswerText":"In delivering these functions, an independent Scotland would ensure continuity of services including transition from the current arrangements to which Scotland currently contributes fully through taxes and fees levied in Scotland by the UK Government. An independent Scotland would not simply replicate UK structures but would develop services based on the needs of Scotland, best practice and the views of our stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:01.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286558,"EventID":"S4W-16339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:01.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of where an independent Scotland would set its maritime border with the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"The establishment of a single maritime boundary between an independent Scotland and the rest of the UK will be agreed in accordance with well-established international law. Recent research by Professor Alex Kemp of Aberdeen University has suggested that around 98.8 per cent of North Sea oil production in the 30 years from 2011 will come from Scotland’s geographical share of the current UK Continental Shelf (UKCS).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:01.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286559,"EventID":"S4W-16340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:01.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guarantees it has received from the European Union regarding whether an independent Scotland would be a member of the Common Travel Area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Common Travel Area is maintained by agreement between the UK and the Republic of Ireland, and is not an arrangement governed by EU legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:01.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286560,"EventID":"S4W-16341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:02.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guarantees it has received from the EU that an independent Scotland would be exempt from the Schengen Agreement.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK and the Republic of Ireland are not required by the EU to be a part of the Schengen area, and as a part of the Common Travel Area, the same arrangement would  apply to an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:02.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286561,"EventID":"S4W-16342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:02.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the border controls required in an independent Scotland and the associated costs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The primary function of government is to ensure the security of its citizens and to protect them, their property and way of life against threats; this includes securing the border, not only against the abuses relating to immigration fraud, but also exploitation by organised crime groups and terrorists.\r\nIn delivering these functions, an independent Scotland would ensure continuity of services including transition from the current UK arrangements to which Scotland \r\ncurrently contributes fully.\r\nIndependence would allow Scotland to design a border agency which meets the needs of Scotland’s immigration policies and would not look to simply replicate the UK structure.\r\nThere would continue to be a key role for the Border Policing Command of the Police Service of Scotland and any enforcement will need to be based on close collaboration with our neighbours to tackle the range of threats.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:02.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286562,"EventID":"S4W-16343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:02.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of an independent Scotland's asylum policy and the associated costs.\r\n","AnswerText":"In delivering these functions, an independent Scotland would ensure continuity of services including transition from the current arrangements to which Scotland currently contributes fully through taxes and fees levied in Scotland by the UK Government. An independent Scotland would not simply replicate UK structures but would develop services based on the needs of Scotland, best practice and the views of our stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:02.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286563,"EventID":"S4W-16344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:02.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what would operate in place of the Migration Advisory Committee in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland currently contributes to the Migration Advisory Committee from taxation but services provided are geared to UK Government’s needs. We would use our share of resources to meet Scotland’s needs.\r\nIn delivering these functions, an independent Scotland would ensure continuity of services including transition from the current arrangements to which Scotland currently contributes fully through taxes levied in Scotland by the UK Government. An independent Scotland would not simply replicate UK structures but would develop services based on the needs of Scotland, best practice and the views of our stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:02.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286564,"EventID":"S4W-16345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:03.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of whether there would be automatic rights of citizenship for English residents in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Citizenship in an independent Scotland will be based upon an inclusive model, recognising our shared history with the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:03.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286565,"EventID":"S4W-16346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:03.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of whether citizens of an independent Scotland would be able to retain their (a) UK citizenship and (b) British passport.\r\n","AnswerText":"This would be a matter for the UK post-independence to decide. However, Britain already permits dual nationality and passport entitlement for citizens of all other countries and it is reasonable to maintain inclusive and practical mutual arrangements for Scottish citizens.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:03.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286566,"EventID":"S4W-16348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:03.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of whether citizens of an independent Scotland would have the same immigration rights in British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies as citizens of the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"The British Overseas Territories can determine their own immigration arrangements and it would be reasonable for them to continue similar arrangements for Scottish citizens and those of the rest of the UK. The Crown Dependencies are part of the Common Travel Area and with Scotland within the Common Travel Area, Scottish citizens would have freedom of movement to these islands.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:03.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286567,"EventID":"S4W-16349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:03.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the BBC would remain the main public broadcaster in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16351 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:03.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286568,"EventID":"S4W-16350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:04.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the assets of the BBC would be divided if Scotland became independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16351 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:04.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286569,"EventID":"S4W-16351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:04.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what broadcasting licence fees and charges would apply in an independent Scotland.  \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to alter the value of the licence fee after independence. Political parties, stakeholders, and individuals will have their own preferences for the policies to be pursued in an independent Scotland and the arguments for and against, and between, the range of policy choices available to an independent Scotland will form a central part of the national debate before the referendum and then in the run up to the 2016 Scottish election.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:04.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286570,"EventID":"S4W-16352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:04.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the cost of using the BBC iPlayer in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16351 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:04.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286571,"EventID":"S4W-16353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:04.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there would be advertising on a Scottish public broadcaster in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16351 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:04.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286572,"EventID":"S4W-16354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:05.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what body would regulate the media in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"In relation to broadcasting I refer the member to the Scottish Government’s paper on Economic and Competition Regulation in an Independent Scotland, published on 28 February 2013 and available at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0041/00415411.pdf \r\nIn relation to the printed media, the Scottish Government believes in an all-party approach to promote the principle of independent self-regulation\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:05.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286573,"EventID":"S4W-16355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:05.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland would have access to all BBC programmes and, if not, whether there would be a reduced licence fee for receiving BBC Scotland programming only.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16351 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:05.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286574,"EventID":"S4W-16356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:05.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the eligibility criteria for a free TV licence would remain the same in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16351 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nIt should be noted that the current UK Deputy Prime Minister has questioned whether pensioner benefits, such as the free TV licence, should continue to be provided on a universal basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:05.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286575,"EventID":"S4W-16357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:05.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland would have its own media regulator and, if so, what assessment it has made of any gaps in skills, expertise and knowledge to staff such a body.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16354 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:05.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286576,"EventID":"S4W-16358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:05.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland would have its own broadcasting code for radio and television.\r\n","AnswerText":"The regulatory authority for broadcasting would inherit the existing Broadcasting Code at independence and could amend it over time as necessary to suit Scottish circumstances, within the requirements set by the European Audio-Visual Media Services Directive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:05.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286577,"EventID":"S4W-16359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:06.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what would operate in place of the Advertising Standards Authority in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"As advertising is self-regulated by the industry it would be a matter for the industry to decide how best to configure, fund and staff its regulation after independence. There is no reason why the Advertising Standards Authority should not continue to operate in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:06.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286578,"EventID":"S4W-16360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:06.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland would have its own advertising regulator and, if so, what assessment it has made of any gaps in skills, expertise and knowledge to staff such a body.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16359 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:06.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286579,"EventID":"S4W-16361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:06.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how an independent Scotland's (a) advertising and (b) media regulator would be funded.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16357 and S4W-16359 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:06.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286580,"EventID":"S4W-16362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:06.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how Scotland becoming independent would affect a Scottish city's status as UK City of culture.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government would be delighted if the decision reached in November 2013 is for Dundee to become the UK City of Culture 2017, as we recognise the significant contribution Dundee makes to Scotland’s rich cultural life and economy. Such commitment and recognition should be honoured as part of the continuing cultural celebration and collaboration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:06.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286581,"EventID":"S4W-16363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:07.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what would operate in place of the Civil Aviation Authority in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"These functions are currently reserved, and on independence would become the responsibility of the Parliament and Government of an independent Scotland. In delivering these functions, an independent Scotland would ensure continuity of services and would fully meet its international obligations.\r\nThe Scottish Government will publish its detailed white paper with positive proposals on the opportunities and gains of independence in the autumn. Material on the referendum and the Scottish Government’s proposals for an independent Scotland can be found at www.scotreferendum.com including published papers and speeches. This site will be regularly updated with additional material including the Scottish Government’s white paper in the run up to the referendum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:07.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286582,"EventID":"S4W-16364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:07.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland would have its own aviation regulator and, if so, what assessment it has made of any gaps in skills, expertise and knowledge to staff such a body.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16363 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:07.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286583,"EventID":"S4W-16365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:07.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how any aviation regulator in an independent Scotland would be funded.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the existing model, the CAA’s costs are met by those who it regulates. The Scottish Government would see this as the basis for resourcing civil aviation regulation after independence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:07.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286584,"EventID":"S4W-16366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:07.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the implications of independence for air traffic control.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish independence would have no effect on air traffic control operations. Scotland would meet its international obligations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:07.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286585,"EventID":"S4W-16367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:08.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the implications of independence for duty free trading at airports.\r\n","AnswerText":"An independent Scotland will continue to operate within the common custom union of the EU.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:08.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286586,"EventID":"S4W-16368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:08.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what would operate in place of the Office of Rail Regulation in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"These functions are currently reserved, and on independence would become the responsibility of the Parliament and Government of an independent Scotland. In delivering these functions, an independent Scotland would ensure continuity of services including transition from the current UK arrangements to which Scotland currently contributes fully. Proposals for economic and competition regulation in an independent Scotland were published by the Scottish Government earlier this year. This included proposals for the economic and safety regulatory functions for Scotland’s railways currently performed by the Office of Rail Regulation. Full details can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/publications/2013/02/1911\r\nThe Scottish Government will publish its detailed white paper with positive proposals on the opportunities and gains of independence in the autumn. Material on the referendum and the Scottish Government’s proposals for an independent Scotland can be found at www.scotreferendum.com including published papers and speeches. This site will be regularly updated with additional material including the Scottish Government’s white paper in the run up to the referendum.\r\nDecisions on these and other proposals will be made by the Parliament and Government of an independent Scotland elected in 2016 and thereafter. Political parties, stakeholders, and individuals will have their own preferences for the policies to be pursued in an independent Scotland and the arguments for and against, and between, the range of policy choices available to an independent Scotland will form a central part of the national debate before the referendum and then in the run up to the 2016 Scottish election.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:08.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286587,"EventID":"S4W-16369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:08.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland would take over the proportion of Network Rail debt and interest that can be attributed to the network in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has always been very clear that it will accept its fair share of both assets and liabilities following a vote for independence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:08.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286588,"EventID":"S4W-16370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:08.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of independence on future Network Rail investment, given that it borrows against its asset base.\r\n","AnswerText":"Network Rail is a private company. The Scottish Government already specifies and funds Network Rail’s operation, maintenance, renewal and enhancement of the rail infrastructure in Scotland. Last year we set out an ambitious programme of investment for Scotland’s railway infrastructure that Network Rail will deliver between 2014 and 2019 irrespective of the independence vote.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:08.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286589,"EventID":"S4W-16371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:08.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of any impact of independence on cross-border subsidy for loss-making railway services.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland will remain an integral part of the rail network in the British Isles. With the exception of the Caledonian Sleepers, cross border rail services are currently let by the UK Government and the Scottish Ministers are limited to providing advice on the specification of these services. Overall, cross border passenger growth has increased significantly; many of these services are profitable for operators and the UK Government. Additionally, given the economic importance of these routes to both Scotland and the rest of the UK, cross border services would continue to operate in an independent Scotland, and opportunities will arise to ensure these services continue to best meet the needs of the people of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:08.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286590,"EventID":"S4W-16372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:09.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of independence on cross-border sleeper services that are subsidised by the UK Government and the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerText":"There will be no impact on cross border sleeper services. There are no cross-border sleeper services subsidised by the UK Government. The Scottish Government is responsible for letting, managing and providing on-going funding for the Caledonian Sleeper franchise, therefore there will be no impact to these services. The UK Government provided a one-off contribution to the upgrade of the Caledonian Sleeper service, which was matched by the Scottish Government. However on-going costs are being, and will continue to be, met by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:09.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286591,"EventID":"S4W-16373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:09.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what body would be responsible for the franchising and running of cross-border rail services if Scotland became independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"Both the UK and Scottish Governments would continue to be responsible for ensuring provision of cross-border services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:09.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286592,"EventID":"S4W-16374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:09.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of any impact that independence would have on plans for high-speed rail services between London and Scotland and the associated cost to Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are currently no committed plans to extend high speed rail to Scotland, despite a proposed £43 billion investment to connect London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, and deliver economic benefits to those cities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:09.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286593,"EventID":"S4W-16375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:09.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of any impact that independence would have on the protection afforded to air links between Scotland and England under EU law.\r\n","AnswerText":"There will be no threat to these links from independence. The Scottish Government would still have the ability to promote public service obligations on those routes considered to be of particular economic importance and control of air passenger duty would enable the Scottish Government to reform aviation taxation to stop it from being so damaging to industry and burdensome on passengers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:09.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286594,"EventID":"S4W-16376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:10.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the cost of establishing the new state structures required in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will publish its detailed white paper with positive proposals on the opportunities and gains of independence in the autumn. Material on the referendum and the Scottish Government’s proposals for an independent Scotland can be found at: www.scotreferendum.com, \r\nincluding published papers and speeches. This site will be regularly updated with additional material including the Scottish Government’s white paper in the run up to the referendum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:10.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286595,"EventID":"S4W-16377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:10.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of how long it would take to establish the new state structures required in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government publication Scotland’s Future: from the Referendum to Independence and a Written Constitution published in February 2013 sets out the Government’s position on the transition from a vote for independence to Scotland’s independence day.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:10.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286596,"EventID":"S4W-16378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:10.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the number of additional staff it would need to employ in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of civil servants required to administer the full range of policies and services that will become the responsibility of an independent Scotland will be dependent on a number of variables, including the overall public sector landscape that is inherited at the point of independence and the decisions taken by Scottish Ministers on the delivery, transition to and design of Scottish policies and services thereafter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:10.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286597,"EventID":"S4W-16379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:10.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who would have the right to vote in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The franchise for elections to the Scottish Parliament in an independent Scotland will be similar to the franchise that is currently used, which is based on residency. The Scottish Government believes that the voting age should be lowered to 16 for all elections.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:10.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286598,"EventID":"S4W-16380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:11.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who would be eligible to stand for election in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Eligibility for candidacy in Scottish Parliament and Scottish Local Government elections will be similar in an independent Scotland to current eligibility requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:11.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286599,"EventID":"S4W-16381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:11.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to establish an electoral commission in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Following a vote for independence, the Scottish Government will ensure that the necessary measures are in place for the organisation and regulation of the 2016 Scottish Parliamentary elections and subsequent elections in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:11.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286600,"EventID":"S4W-16382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:11.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has plans for an upper chamber in the parliament of an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government publication Scotland’s Future: from the Referendum to Independence and a Written Constitution published in February 2013 sets out the Government’s position on parliamentary structures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:11.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286601,"EventID":"S4W-16383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:11.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the monarch of the rest of the UK would be the head of state of an independent Scotland and, if so, what the impact would be of the Scottish Parliament taking a different position from the rest of the UK on the line of succession.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government publication Scotland’s Future: from the Referendum to Independence and a Written Constitution published in February 2013 sets out the government’s position on continuity of the monarchy in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:11.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286602,"EventID":"S4W-16385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:11.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T10:01:05.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether, in an independent Scotland, people would have the right to be members of trades unions that wanted to organise across the rest of the UK and Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"In an independent Scotland people would still have the right to be a member of a trade union. It is for the unions themselves to decide on what basis they wish to be organised.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:11.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286603,"EventID":"S4W-16388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:12.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T17:18:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has provided in grants to support the retrofitting of bus fleets since 2007, broken down by operating company.","AnswerText":"In 2010-11, the Scottish Government awarded the City of Edinburgh Council £177,198 from the Emissions Reduction Grant Scheme, which was used by Lothian Buses to retrofit 20 buses.\r\nIn March 2011, the Scottish Government awarded the City of Edinburgh Council £243,000 and Glasgow City Council £281,000 to retrofit emission reducing equipment to older buses, benefiting the cities with better, cleaner and healthier air quality.\r\nThe City of Edinburgh Council, working with Lothian Buses, have used their award to retrofit an additional 34 buses. Glasgow City Council have not yet used their award and have been given an extension until December 2013 to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:12.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286604,"EventID":"S4W-16389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:12.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T18:17:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the cumulative impact of changes to (a) tax credits and (b) housing benefit since 2010 on (i) poverty and (ii) child poverty in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not produce projections of poverty. However, changes to tax credits since 2012 are estimated to leave low income households in Scotland approximately £700 a year worse-off on average, with some losing all their tax credit entitlement. Similarly, changes to housing benefit will have further reduced the income of many households already living in poverty. The under-occupancy penalty in the social rented sector, for example, is estimated to affect 82,500 households in Scotland, with an average loss of around £570 per affected household per year, if they are unable to move due to the shortage of suitably sized accommodation. 15,500 of these are households with children.\r\nThe UK Government has not yet produced a robust assessment of the cumulative impacts of the welfare reforms it has introduced. The Scottish Government has requested such an assessment. However, no such assessment has been forthcoming to date. The Scottish Government has therefore undertaken its own welfare analysis, available via these links:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/welfarereform/analysis; http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/supply-demand/chma/Benefitchanges\r\n\r\nSources:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/supply-demand/chma/Benefitchanges/underoccupancypenalty\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/welfarereform/analysis/wrimpactonfamilies\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:12.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286605,"EventID":"S4W-16391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:12.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T18:17:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact of the abolition of council tax benefit has been in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Working in partnership with local government, we responded quickly to put in place transitional arrangements to plug the estimated £40 million gap in funding from the UK Government following their abolition of council tax benefit. This ensures that around 560,000 people in Scotland who were receiving council tax benefit are protected from the UK Government’s 10% cut in successor arrangement funding. This means that vulnerable people have the same net liability for council tax as if council tax benefit were still in place, provided their circumstances remain the same. This is one example where the Scottish Government has acted to mitigate the effects of the UK Government’s welfare reform programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:12.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286606,"EventID":"S4W-16392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:12.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T18:17:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact changes to council tax benefit since 2010 have had on (a) poverty and (b) child poverty in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16391 on 2 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at;\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:13.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286607,"EventID":"S4W-16393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:13.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-08T18:29:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many doctors in each NHS board area have been reported to the General Medical Council in the last seven years and what disciplinary action was taken in each case.\r\n","AnswerText":"The regulation of doctors in the UK is a reserved matter and is the statutory responsibility of the General Medical Council (GMC). The following data was provided by the GMC and is based on enquiries and cases between 2007 and 2012, where a Scottish territorial board area is recorded as the incident location. Data is not available against the requested criteria prior to 2007.\r\nGMC fitness to practise procedures have a number of stages. Every concern raised with the GMC is initially assessed to decide if they need to carry out an investigation. This initial assessment is referred to as triage.\r\nIf the matter on the face of it, if proven, would require the GMC to take action then they would conduct a full investigation. This is referred to as stream 1.\r\nIf the matter on the face of it, if proven, would not in and of itself require the GMC to take action but might do so if part of a wider pattern of conduct or performance, the GMC write to the doctor’s employer and ask if there are any other concerns about the doctor. This is referred to as stream 2. \r\nAny case that does not fall into either of these categories is closed at the triage stage. At the end of a stream 1 investigation, two decision makers, one medical and one lay, referred to as case examiners, decide if the case needs to be referred to the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) for a fitness to practise panel hearing. \r\nA significant proportion of cases are closed without further action at the triage stage, depending on the nature of the concerns raised.\r\nA further proportion of cases are closed by the case examiners without further action following a full investigation. Case examiners can also issue a warning, agree undertakings (restrictions on a doctor’s registration) with a doctor or refer the case to the MPTS for a hearing.\r\n All sanctions on a doctor’s registration and warnings are published on the doctor’s record on the List of Registered Medical Practitioners on the GMC’s website.\r\n(A glossary of terms is provided below.) \r\nTriage\r\nIn the period from 2007 to 2012 (inclusive), the GMC received 1426 enquiries relating to doctors in Scotland. An enquiry may relate to multiple doctors and a doctor may be the subject of multiple enquiries. The 1426 enquiries received related to 1661 doctors working in NHS Scotland territorial Health Board areas. These enquiries resulted in 2149 triages:\r\nHealth Board\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\n# Total\r\n% Total\r\nAyrshire and Arran*\r\n11\r\n10\r\n19\r\n14\r\n25\r\n45\r\n124\r\n6%\r\nBorders\r\n5\r\n9\r\n2\r\n9\r\n3\r\n6\r\n34\r\n2%\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n8\r\n11\r\n12\r\n9\r\n22\r\n19\r\n81\r\n4%\r\nFife*\r\n15\r\n10\r\n18\r\n22\r\n12\r\n154\r\n231\r\n11%\r\nForth Valley\r\n6\r\n12\r\n7\r\n19\r\n30\r\n15\r\n89\r\n4%\r\nGrampian\r\n18\r\n26\r\n26\r\n85\r\n59\r\n40\r\n254\r\n12%\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde*\r\n69\r\n57\r\n36\r\n30\r\n89\r\n216\r\n497\r\n23%\r\nHighland\r\n25\r\n22\r\n12\r\n23\r\n19\r\n24\r\n125\r\n6%\r\nLanarkshire\r\n14\r\n19\r\n27\r\n22\r\n33\r\n44\r\n159\r\n7%\r\nLothian\r\n33\r\n37\r\n72\r\n58\r\n49\r\n91\r\n340\r\n16%\r\nOrkney*\r\n2\r\n2\r\n0\r\n2\r\n1\r\n16\r\n23\r\n1%\r\nShetland\r\n2\r\n0\r\n2\r\n4\r\n4\r\n6\r\n18\r\n1%\r\nTayside\r\n26\r\n17\r\n25\r\n29\r\n28\r\n31\r\n156\r\n7%\r\nWestern Isles\r\n1\r\n2\r\n6\r\n1\r\n1\r\n7\r\n18\r\n1%\r\nGrand Total\r\n235\r\n234\r\n264\r\n327\r\n375\r\n714\r\n2149\r\n100%\r\nNB:\r\nThe large increase in 2012 for triages in Ayrshire and Arran, Fife and Greater Glasgow and Clyde is due to a larger than usual number of names being removed from local performers lists for administrative purposes. When NHS Scotland Boards remove doctors from their performers lists, the GMC is automatically notified and a triage created, but this does not require further action and is closed. \r\nIn Orkney in 2012, three enquiries led to 16 triages. One of those three enquiries led to the creation of 10 triages, all of which were subsequently closed without action.\r\nTriage outcomes:\r\n\r\nTriage Outcome\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nAyrshire & Arran\r\nClosed\r\n3\r\n1\r\n8\r\n4\r\n11\r\n33\r\nStream 1\r\n2\r\n3\r\n6\r\n7\r\n11\r\n10\r\nStream 2\r\n6\r\n6\r\n5\r\n3\r\n3\r\n2\r\nBorders\r\nClosed\r\n2\r\n5\r\n1\r\n5\r\n2\r\n2\r\nStream 1\r\n3\r\n2\r\n0\r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\nStream 2\r\n0\r\n2\r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\n3\r\nDumfries & Ga","AnswerDate":"2013-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:13.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286608,"EventID":"S4W-16394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:13.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-09T10:26:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12369 by Paul Wheelhouse on 30 January 2013, how many snare users had attended the training required to qualify for an identification number for the purpose of setting snares by 1 April 2013.","AnswerText":"By 1 April 2013, 1,864 people had successfully completed a snaring training course required to qualify for an identification number for the purpose of setting snares.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:13.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286609,"EventID":"S4W-16395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:14.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-09T10:26:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-12369 by Paul Wheelhouse on 30 January 2013, how many snare users attended the training required to qualify for an identification number for the purpose of setting snares between 1 April 2013 and 1 July 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"Between 1 April 2013 and 1 July 2013, 139 people successfully completed a snaring training course required to qualify for an identification number for the purpose of setting snares.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:14.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286610,"EventID":"S4W-16396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:14.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-09T10:26:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many snare users who attended the training required to qualify for an identification number for the purpose of setting snares had obtained an identification number from the chief constable of their local police force by 1 July 2013.","AnswerText":"By 1 July 2013, 915 people had obtained their snaring identification number from the Chief Constable of their local police force or, since 1 April 2013 when Police Scotland was formally established, from the Chief Constable of Police Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:14.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286611,"EventID":"S4W-16397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T14:09:14.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-09T10:26:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal for offences concerning snaring since 11 March 2010 and with what outcome.\r\n","AnswerText":"31 persons have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal for offences concerning snaring since 11 March 2010.\r\nThere was insufficient, admissible evidence to take action against nine persons.\r\nEight persons received Procurator Fiscal warnings in cases in which, in the particular facts and circumstances, it would have been inappropriate to institute court proceedings.\r\nProsecutions were raised against 14 persons in the Sheriff Court.\r\nProceedings against one person were deserted by the court and proceedings against another were discontinued as a result of the “Cadder” decision. \r\nSeven persons have been convicted. One was admonished and the remaining six were fined sums ranging between £160 and £1,500.\r\nProsecutions remain active against five persons.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T14:09:14.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286612,"EventID":"S4W-16398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T15:03:22.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-09T13:04:08.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been injured as a result of (a) alcohol and (b) other substance abuse in the NHS Grampian area in each of the last four years.","AnswerText":"Patients who have been injured as a result of alcohol or other substance abuse could be treated in a variety of settings such as the home, general practices, outpatients, accident and emergency departments and inpatient admission to hospital.\r\nIt is not possible from centrally held information to identify how many people suffered an injury as a result of alcohol or other substance abuse.\r\nTackling alcohol-related harm is one of the Scottish Government's key public health priorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T15:03:22.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286613,"EventID":"S4W-16399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T15:03:22.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-09T13:04:08.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the expenditure has been for the (a) Energy Assistance Package, (b) Home Insulation Scheme and (c) Universal Home Insulation Scheme in each of the last four years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table show Scottish Government expenditure on the (a) Energy Assistance Package (EAP), (b) Home Insulation Scheme (HIS) and (c) Universal Home Insulation Scheme (UHIS) for each of the last four years (figures in £ million). The expenditure figures exclude expenditure leveraged from customer contributions and the Carbon Emission Reduction Target. The expenditure figures in the table will differ from those in the Scottish Government accounts as the latter include provision for accruals which are sums which are not spent in year. The expenditure figures for 2012-13 are provisional and the figure for UHIS is projected to 31 March 2014 when the 2012-13 scheme will be complete.\r\nThe figures are taken from the Home Energy Programmes Detailed Report 2009-13 which can be found on the Energy Saving Trust website at:\r\nwww.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Take-action/Home-Energy-Scotland/Home-Energy-Efficiency-Programmes-for-Scotland/Programme-statistics\r\nYear\r\nEAP\r\nHIS\r\nUHIS\r\n2009-10\r\n32.0\r\n12.3\r\nn/a\r\n2010-11\r\n37.1\r\n10.4\r\n9.6\r\n2011-12\r\n35.4\r\nn/a\r\n14.6\r\n2012-13\r\n37.2\r\nn/a\r\n23.2\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T15:03:22.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286614,"EventID":"S4W-16400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T15:03:22.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-09T13:04:08.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will allocate new funding to social banking initiatives.\r\n","AnswerText":"Sustainable, responsible banking: A strategy for Scotland, published in May 2013, recognises the social importance of sustainable banking and the benefits of promoting different banking models as part of a more diverse sector in Scotland. The strategy also commits the Scottish Government to examining options for community banking in Scotland, which could take a number of forms.\r\nThe Scottish Government will consider how best to support any viable social banking initiatives as these arise. For example, we have, in partnership with Big Scotland, supported some research into the potential demand for a Scottish Community Banking Trust, and have contributed £100,000 towards the establishment of the Grameen Bank in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T15:03:22.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286615,"EventID":"S4W-16401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T15:03:23.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-09T13:04:08.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has mechanisms in place to ensure that its suppliers pay their subcontractors within 30 days of receipt of invoice and, if so, what mechanisms; if not, whether it will introduce such mechanisms and, if so, what mechanisms.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-01485 on 20 July 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T15:03:23.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286616,"EventID":"S4W-16402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T15:03:23.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-09T13:04:08.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients were discharged from hospitals in the NHS Grampian area following a diagnosis of malnutrition in (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010, (d) 2011 and (e) 2012.","AnswerText":"The provisional number of patients that were discharged from hospitals in the NHS Grampian area following a diagnosis of malnutrition in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 are shown in the following table.\r\nNumber of patients discharged following a diagnosis of malnutrition – NHS Grampian 2008 to 2012\r\nYear\r\nCount\r\n2008p\r\n20\r\n2009p\r\n22\r\n2010p\r\n30\r\n2011p\r\n48\r\n2012p\r\n44\r\np - provisional\r\nSource: SMR01\r\nDate: July 2013\r\np - Data submissions for NHS Grampian are over 95% complete to January 2013. The figures provided above have been marked provisional until all patient records held on Grampian’s new IT Patient Management System have been fully updated.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T15:03:23.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286617,"EventID":"S4W-16403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-09T15:03:23.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-09T14:45:31.463","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to encourage the (a) retention and (b) expansion of harm reduction services across the country.","AnswerText":"The following paragraphs cover harm reduction in: problem alcohol and drug use; needle exchange; mental health and domestic abuse.\r\n\r\nProblem Alcohol and Drug Use:\r\nThe national drugs strategy, The Road to Recovery, and the alcohol framework Changing Scotland’s Relationship with Alcohol aim to ensure that those who need support and treatment for their drug or alcohol problem, get it.\r\nAccess to specialist treatment for alcohol and drugs has greatly improved with the introduction of the HEAT target for waiting times, over 90% of clients will wait no longer than three weeks from referral received to appropriate drug or alcohol treatment that supports their recovery.\r\nThe provision of prevention activity, recovery focussed treatment and support services, is for each local area to consider, taking account of local needs, circumstances and resources. Responsibility is devolved to Alcohol and Drug Partnerships to commission (informed by robust needs assessment) evidence-based, person-centred and recovery-focused prevention and treatment services to meet the needs of their resident populations.\r\nWe have made a record investment of £237 million to tackle alcohol misuse since 2008, the bulk of the funding (£211 million) being invested in local prevention, treatment and support services. and £38.6 million in 2013-14.\r\nWe have also invested record amounts in frontline drug treatment and support services to help people recover, £30.3 million in 2013-14, an increase of more than 20 per cent since 2006-07.\r\nWe continue to work with national and local organisations to ensure that interventions are in place at every possible stage to tackle problem drug and alcohol use in Scotland.\r\nWe have introduced a national take home naloxone programme which can temporarily reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Naloxone is an important intervention, within a range of available treatment and support, which can help to reduce harm, support people towards recovery and save lives. 3,445 life-saving naloxone kits were provided to people, at risk of opioid overdose, in the community and on release from prison (2011-12).\r\n\r\nNeedle Exchange:\r\nThe Scottish Government has a longstanding commitment to increase the quantity and quality of injecting equipment provided to injecting drug users.\r\n\r\nThe provision of syringes is a public health priority particularly when the cost of providing injecting equipment is highly cost effective when compared against the treatment costs of hepatitis C and/or HIV infection.\r\nUnder the Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Framework the government continues to provide almost £27 mililon a year to NHS boards which includes funding specifically for prevention services and injecting equipment provision. \r\n\r\nMental Health:\r\nThe Mental Health Strategy for Scotland 2012-15 recognises the importance of tackling the distress which underlies “a group of disorders, illnesses and behaviours which present particular challenges to services and to families”, including self-harm.\r\nWe have recently completed a public engagement process on developing a new strategy on suicide prevention and reducing self-harm. The results of this are currently being analysed to inform the development of a new strategy on suicide prevention due for publication in the autumn.\r\nConsideration is being given to continuing work in relation to Responding to Self-Harm in Scotland: Final Report – Mapping out the Next Stage of Activity in Developing Services and Health Improvement Approaches and to improving our knowledge about identifying suicidal self-harm and how best to intervene and deliver better outcomes for people at this level of distress.\r\n\r\nDomestic Abuse:\r\nThe Scottish Government continues to work with key partners including COSLA, Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and voluntary organisations to tackle domestic abuse and to reduce harm\r\nWe have allocated £34.5 million funding over the next three years to tackle violence against women, including dome","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-06T15:03:23.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286627,"EventID":"S4W-16412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-10T12:08:19.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-10T11:57:48.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will increase organ donation and transplantation rates.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce that the Scottish Government has today published a new Donation and Transplantation Plan for Scotland, which sets out our ambitions for organ and tissue donation and transplantation for the period up to 2020. The Plan is available on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/07/7461.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-07T12:08:20.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286628,"EventID":"S4W-16404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-10T13:34:33.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-09T15:16:40.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15749 by John Swinney on 5 July 2013, which notes that “a lower tax rate can reduce revenues”, whether it will quantify the expected reduction in revenues under its model.\r\n","AnswerText":"As stated in the answer to S4W-15749, “whilst a lower tax rate can reduce revenues for a given level of profits, by stimulating economic activity, it can grow the tax base which can in turn lead to higher tax revenues. The potential economic benefits from the policy are significant, with the additional activity generated by cutting corporation tax estimated to create 27,000 jobs and boost GDP by 1.4% after 20 years.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-07T13:34:33.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286629,"EventID":"S4W-16405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-10T13:34:33.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-09T15:16:40.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15749 by John Swinney on 5 July 2013, for what reason it has not included government revenues as an indicator with an associated chart setting out the gains and losses over time in its publication, The Impact of a Reduction in Corporation Tax on the Scottish Economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15478 on 12 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-07T13:34:33.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286630,"EventID":"S4W-16406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-10T13:34:34.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-09T15:16:40.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15746 by John Swinney on 5 July 2013, whether data exist for the annual change in government revenues for each year after a change to corporation tax as set out in its publication, The Impact of a Reduction in Corporation Tax on the Scottish Economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers to question S4W-15478 on 12 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-07T13:34:34.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286631,"EventID":"S4W-16407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-10T13:34:34.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-09T15:16:40.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15748 by John Swinney on 5 July 2013, whether the output \"Government Consumption\" from the simulation used to inform its publication, The Impact of a Reduction in Corporation Tax on the Scottish Economy, equals government revenues under the assumption used in the simulation that the budget is balanced.","AnswerText":"As stated on page seven of the report, “the modelling work is based upon a ‘balanced budget’ analysis, which means that changes in current government expenditure are fully aligned to changes in current tax revenues”.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-07T13:34:34.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286632,"EventID":"S4W-16408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-10T13:34:34.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-09T15:16:40.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15750 by John Swinney on 5 July 2013, what analysis it has undertaken of whether, with reference to Figure 4.2 in the Economic Advisory Group report, The Impact of Reducing Corporation Tax on the Northern Ireland Economy, government revenues decline for a period of years after a reduction in corporation tax.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15749 on 5 July 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-07T13:34:34.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286633,"EventID":"S4W-16409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-10T13:34:34.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-09T17:24:26.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the cumulative impact on the household income of (a) couples with children and (b) single people with children by 2017-18 of the provisions in the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Act 2013 and the impact of this on the Scottish Government’s priorities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government estimates that the reduction in benefit expenditure in Scotland as a result of the UK Government’s welfare reforms could reach over £4.5 billion by 2015, of which around £1 billion relates directly to children. This includes changes to the uprating of benefits during this period. We have not carried out any specific analysis on the cumulative impact of the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Act 2013 on different household types.\r\nBased on the Resolution Foundation’s analysis of the 2012 Autumn statement, the Scottish Government estimates that around 1 million working age households in Scotland will be affected by the 1% benefit uprating of which 700,000 of these households will have someone in work. The Institute of Fiscal Studies estimates that affected households with someone in work will lose £165 a year on average. \r\nWe continue to work with our partners and other organisations in Scotland to understand the impact of all aspects of welfare reform on Scottish Government priorities and mitigate the worst impacts where possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-07T13:34:34.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286634,"EventID":"S4W-16410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-10T13:34:35.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-09T17:25:34.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many incidents of self-harm were recorded in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13 among people aged (i) 12 and under, (ii) 13 to 15, (iii) 16 to 18 and (iv) over 18, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data for hospital treated self-harm is collected by Information Services Division but due to concerns around the robustness and consistency of data it is not yet of sufficient quality to publish.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-07T13:34:35.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286635,"EventID":"S4W-16411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-10T13:34:35.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-09T17:25:34.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many buildings are in the Scottish Government estate; how many of them contain defibrillators, and how many defibrillators there are in total.","AnswerText":"There are 79 buildings on the Scottish Government estate. We have two defibrillators which we inherited following the absorption of an agency’s estate. The position on whether to install defibrillators elsewhere on the estate is kept under review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-07T13:34:35.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286639,"EventID":"S4W-16414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-10T15:04:17.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-10T14:10:07.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on minimum standards of training for healthcare assistants as recommended in The Cavendish Review: An Independent Review into Healthcare Assistants and Support Workers in the NHS and social settings.","AnswerText":"The recommendations within the Cavendish Review are very broad, and primarily focus on the healthcare support workforce arrangements and issues that apply in England.\r\nScotland led the way in employer-led regulation of healthcare support workers (HCSW) by introducing mandatory induction standards and a code of conduct for new workers joining NHS Scotland since 31 December 2010. Our original work is formally credited in the new Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers in England, published in March 2013 by Skills for Health and Skills for Care. In April 2013, officials responded to a request from the Cavendish Review for details of our HCSW scheme.\r\nWhile the scope of our HCSW scheme is broader than the role performed by healthcare assistants in England, officials will consider the Cavendish review’s recommendations for any consequential impacts for the Scottish healthcare workforce as part of our strategic commitment to deliver the 2020 Workforce Vision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-07T15:04:17.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286646,"EventID":"S4W-16233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-11T15:28:16.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-03T17:04:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will issue a public consultation on extending the powers of the Scottish SPCA to investigate wildlife crime and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"We regret that resource pressures did further delay the public consultation on the possible extension of the Scottish SPCA powers. I can confirm however that the consultation document will be published later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-08T15:28:16.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286647,"EventID":"S4W-16291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-11T15:28:16.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T17:29:14.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of the (a) four large and (b) 10 small suppliers approved through its IT Managed Services Framework are headquartered in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The IT Managed Services framework agreement comprises of two lots:\r\nLot 1 for large projects (typically greater than £1 million) has four framework suppliers; and Lot 2 for small projects (typically less than £1 million) has ten framework suppliers.\r\nIt should be noted that all four suppliers within Lot 1 are also suppliers within Lot 2 which results in a total of ten framework suppliers.\r\nTwo of the ten framework suppliers, detailed below, have headquarters in Scotland and both of these suppliers are Scottish registered:\r\nAmor Business Technology Solutions Ltd have headquarters in Renfrew and Prosource.it (UK) Ltd have headquarters in Aberdeen.\r\nFrom the remaining eight suppliers, seven suppliers, named below, have staff and premises in Scotland:\r\nAtos IT Services UK Ltd, British Telecommunications Plc, Capita Business Services Ltd, CGI IT UK Ltd (formerly Logica UK Ltd), Dell Corporation Ltd, Fujitsu Services Ltd and Maindec Computer Solutions Ltd.\r\nKainos Software Ltd are headquartered in Northern Ireland and is the only supplier that does not have staff or premises in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-08T15:28:16.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286648,"EventID":"S4W-16292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-11T15:28:16.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T17:29:14.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of the 10 small suppliers approved through its IT Managed Services Framework are SMEs.\r\n","AnswerText":"At the time of the framework award (March 2011) three of the ten successful suppliers were categorised as SMEs. These suppliers were, \r\nKainos Software Ltd, Maindec Computer Solutions Ltd and Prosource.it (UK) Ltd.\r\nKainos Software Ltd is now categorised as a large company.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-08T15:28:16.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286649,"EventID":"S4W-16293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-11T15:28:17.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T17:29:14.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it made, when approving contractors to be on its IT Managed Services Framework, of the impact on employment in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The procurement strategy for the IT Managed Services framework included a full analysis of the Scottish market, and the approach to market adopted was designed specifically to maximise opportunities for small and medium sized enterprises to compete. Under EU procurement law it is not possible to specify employment in Scotland as a specific evaluation criterion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-08T15:28:17.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286650,"EventID":"S4W-16294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-11T15:28:17.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T17:29:14.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many jobs in Scotland will be created by its IT Managed Services Framework.\r\n","AnswerText":"From management information received from the suppliers, the IT Managed Services Framework has seen the creation of some 28 new jobs in Scotland. It is also likely that the business generated under the framework has also safeguarded a number of other jobs in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-08T15:28:17.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286651,"EventID":"S4W-16295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-11T15:28:17.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T17:29:14.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it makes of the ownership of companies applying be on its IT Managed Services Framework.\r\n","AnswerText":"Background on company ownership was provided by bidders as part of the IT Managed Services Framework Pre-Qualification process. Under EU procurement law it is not possible to specify company ownership requirements as a specific evaluation criterion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-08T15:28:17.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286652,"EventID":"S4W-16296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-11T15:28:17.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-04T17:29:14.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is an obligation on companies on its IT Managed Services Framework to bid for at least 50% of all contracts.\r\n","AnswerText":"When a contracting organisation is conducting a mini competition under the framework, they will invite all suppliers (on the appropriate Lot) to participate for their requirement.\r\nHowever, there is no contractual obligation on suppliers to bid for at least 50% of all contracts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-08T15:28:17.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286653,"EventID":"S4W-16415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-11T15:28:18.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-10T15:11:02.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it seeks to ensure that trainee teachers are made aware of (a) autism and (b) dyslexia during their training.","AnswerText":"All programmes of Initial Teacher Education are accredited and approved by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). The GTCS’s Evaluation Framework which is used in the process of accreditation, specifically asks the question about what is done in each programme to address additional support needs and these needs would include autism and dyslexia.\r\nHowever, the GTCS is not prescriptive about the number of hours of course delivery or student learning that should be allocated to each of the elements of the Standard. That would be a matter for the university concerned.\r\nThe GTCS will only grant accreditation if they are satisfied that the content of courses is appropriate for a student teacher to be able to meet the requirements of the Standard for Provisional Registration (SPR). The SPR includes, among other things, a requirement to demonstrate an awareness of barriers to learning, such as autism and dyslexia, and an ability to recognise when to seek further advice in relation to learners who have additional support needs.\r\nTeachers' career-long contractual requirement to undertake continuing professional development provides further opportunities for them to augment what they have learnt during initial teacher education.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-08T15:28:18.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286654,"EventID":"S4W-16416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-11T15:28:18.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-10T15:11:02.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it seeks to encourage teachers to develop a greater understanding of (a) autism and (b) dyslexia through continuing professional development.","AnswerText":"Scottish Autism have received funding through the Scottish Strategy for Autism to enhance the Autism Toolbox. This will deliver an improved, online, national tool that will encourage good practice in schools to support children and young people with autism spectrum disorder. The enhanced toolbox will be introduced at the Scottish Learning Festival in September 2013.\r\nTo help all teachers address the needs of pupils with dyslexia, the “Addressing Dyslexia” Toolkit was launched at the Scottish Learning Festival in September 2012. This includes materials on effectively supporting children and young people, increased accessibility for teachers and information for education authorities on implementation of the toolkit. In addition, Education Scotland is undertaking a review of the Education for Learners with Dyslexia report (2008) to find out how far the recommendations from the original report have been implemented and what still needs to be done. Education Scotland will then compile a report, by the end of December 2013, for Scottish Ministers to consider.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-08T15:28:18.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286655,"EventID":"S4W-16417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-11T15:28:18.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-10T15:10:56.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is temporary accommodation specifically designed for the use of disabled homeless people and, if so, how many units in each local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-08T15:28:18.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286656,"EventID":"S4W-16423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-11T15:28:19.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-11T09:25:29.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who is being invited to join the expert ferry group that is being established by Transport Scotland; which service users will be invited to join; whether the meetings will be held in public, and whether the minutes of the meetings will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Expert Ferry Group will include key transport professionals/operators of subsidised services, academics and private operators of ferry services and representatives from all of the relevant regional transport partnerships.\r\nMeetings will be chaired by a senior Transport Scotland official and will be held in private. The minutes of the meetings will not normally be published.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-08T15:28:19.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286657,"EventID":"S4W-16428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-11T15:28:19.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-11T13:44:21.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Scottish websites and email addresses in an independent Scotland would have to change their internet suffix from .uk to .scot and, if so, what the cost would be.","AnswerText":"The .uk TLD is operated by Nominet and their policies set out that .uk domains available for purchase may be bought by consumers anywhere in the world. When the .scot TLD is established it will be available under specified criteria, agreed with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers and users can decide whether to purchase the domain as an addition or alternative to other available internet domains.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-08T15:28:19.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286658,"EventID":"S4W-16429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-11T15:28:19.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-11T13:44:21.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) businesses and (b) internet service providers regarding the introduction of a Scottish internet suffix in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government supports the application by Dot Scot Registry (DSR) for the .scot Top Level Domain (TLD) which is a ‘community’ bid intended to be representative of the Scottish online community, including businesses and the wider Scots diaspora. Research was conducted in 2008 prior to the formation of DSR which showed strong demand for TLD associated with a Scottish online identity. The DSR bid is supported by the Scottish Government and includes declarations of support from a wide range of companies, organisations and individuals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-08T15:28:19.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286659,"EventID":"S4W-16430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-11T15:28:20.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-11T13:56:36.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the remit will be of the expert ferry group that is being established by Transport Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The remit of the expert ferry group will be: to provide Scottish Ministers with considered advice about key ferries related issues in Scotland, as requested by ministers. On the request of Scottish Ministers provide advice on strategic issues highlighted by local ferry users groups or committees. The group would also provide advice to Scottish Ministers on the requirement for wider consultation, and on the progress made to implement the ferries plan proposals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-08T15:28:20.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286666,"EventID":"S4W-16418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-12T14:40:40.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-10T16:44:23.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it assesses the effectiveness of Skills Development Scotland’s local offices (a) in general and (b) in Shetland.","AnswerText":"Assessments of Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) local offices is an operational matter for SDS. As such, I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-09T14:40:40.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286667,"EventID":"S4W-16419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-12T14:40:40.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-10T16:44:23.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how Skills Development Scotland identifies the training and workshop needs in communities such as Shetland and how local offices are involved in this process.","AnswerText":"Training and workshop needs and involvement of local offices is an operational matter for Skills Development Scotland. I have asked the chief executive to write to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-09T14:40:40.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286668,"EventID":"S4W-16420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-12T14:40:41.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-10T16:44:23.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it assesses how well businesses and employers understand the full extent of services available from Skills Development Scotland.","AnswerText":"Assessments of how well businesses and employers understand the services available is an operational matter for Skills Development Scotland. I have asked the chief executive to write to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-09T14:40:41.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286669,"EventID":"S4W-16421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-12T14:40:41.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-10T16:44:23.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether and, if so, how Skills Development Scotland will re-evaluate its Shetland operational planning following the non-attendance at the Lerwick workshop for local employers on 24 June 2013, for which no more than one week’s notice was given.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Skills Development Scotland. I have asked the chief executive to write to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-09T14:40:41.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286670,"EventID":"S4W-16422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-12T14:40:41.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-10T16:44:23.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it cost Skills Development Scotland to hire a facilitator for the week beginning 24 June 2013 to travel to three islands and Inverness; how this exercise will be evaluated, and whether local employers were asked in advance for their (a) input, (b) requirements and (c) availability.","AnswerText":"Procurement of services is an operational matter for Skills Development Scotland. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-09T14:40:41.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286671,"EventID":"S4W-16431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-12T14:40:42.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-11T17:09:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of the NHS drugs budget was spent on obesity-related conditions in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The question relating to the spend on drugs used in the treatment of obesity-related conditions cannot be answered from data held centrally.\r\nThe current edition of the British National Formulary states that ‘obesity is associated with many health problems including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, gallstones and osteoarthritis’. However, this is not the sole cause of these other conditions. Therefore the percentage of the NHS Drugs spend in the community on obesity-related conditions cannot be accurately measured. What can be measured is the spend and percentage of the primary care drugs bill which has been spent on medicines used in the treatment of obesity.\r\nThe spend on drugs used in the treatment of obesity as a proportion of the total drug spend in Scotland is shown in the following table for each of the last five financial years. Spend is represented by the paid gross ingredient cost (GIC).\r\nFinancial Year\r\nPercentage GIC of Obesity Medicines to Total\r\n2008-09\r\n0.42%\r\n2009-10\r\n0.47%\r\n2010-11\r\n0.34%\r\n2011-12\r\n0.26%\r\n2012-13\r\n0.15%\r\nSource: ISD Scotland Prescribing Information System (PIS).\r\nNote: \r\n1.Relates to items dispensed in the community.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-09T14:40:42.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286672,"EventID":"S4W-16432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-12T14:40:42.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-12T10:45:46.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of recent allegations regarding G4S's delivery of UK Government contracts, whether it considers that contracts awarded to this company by the Scottish Government (a) are being adequately monitored and (b) represent best value.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government contract with G4S to provide electronic monitoring services in Scotland is entirely separate from the Ministry of Justice contract with G4S. Regular audits by the Scottish Government against clear contractual delivery targets mean that we can ensure that billing from G4S matches the service delivered. The current Scottish contract was awarded following open competition. That open competition included an assessment to determine which bidder represented best value, taking into account both price and service elements. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-09T14:40:42.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286681,"EventID":"S4W-16433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-16T15:09:52.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-12T11:51:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the uptake is of the minimum hours of free nursery education for three-year-olds in (a) Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley and (b) rural Scotland and how this compares with the uptake in urban areas.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s annual Pre-School census shows that, at national level, 98% of eligible three year olds are taking up the entitlement to 475 hours per year of pre-school education.\r\nScottish Government does not monitor uptake of the entitlement at the level of specific communities within local authorities, or collect data comparing uptake in rural and urban areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-13T15:09:52.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286682,"EventID":"S4W-16435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-16T15:09:53.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-12T11:51:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures are in place to ensure that three-year-olds in rural areas have the same local access to the minimum hours of free nursery education as their peers in urban areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"All local authorities have a statutory duty to make pre-school places available to all those three and four year olds whose parents wish it.\r\nLocal authorities will have varying approaches to delivering the funded entitlement, based on local need.\r\nUnder the proposals outlined within the Children and Young People Bill, local authorities will be required to consult with local populations of parents to identify their preferences and choices of hours; and, to publish plans to show how local authorities will re-configure provision towards those needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-13T15:09:53.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286683,"EventID":"S4W-16436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-16T15:09:53.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-12T11:51:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what resources local authorities will be provided to ensure that three-year-olds in rural areas will be offered local access to 600 minimum hours of free nursery education, as proposed in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Financial Memorandum accompanying the Children and Young People Bill provides a best estimate of additional costs of the additional hours of early learning and childcare, including for three year olds. The methodology for distributing the additional funding across local authorities has yet to be agreed by COSLA and Scottish Government. The Financial Memorandum can be viewed, together with the other Accompanying Documents for the Bill, at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/S4_Bills/Children%20and%20Young%20People%20(Scotland)%20Bill/b27s4-introd-en.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-13T15:09:53.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286684,"EventID":"S4W-16437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-16T15:09:53.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-12T15:37:29.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it requires assurances regarding staffing levels from companies to which it provides funding.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does require assurances on staffing levels for some major grant schemes, for example Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) and research and development support for large grants (both granted by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise). These job creation assurances are project specific, and for RSA must last for five years from their start date, or three years for a small and medium sized enterprise. Payment for both schemes are made in instalments, typically over several years as job and capital expenditure targets are met.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-13T15:09:53.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286685,"EventID":"S4W-16443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-16T15:09:53.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-15T17:12:46.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which local authorities have received funding from the £300,000 announced to help deal with the increase in wind farm planning applications, broken down by amount.","AnswerText":"17 bids were received covering, individually or in groups, 16 planning authorities. The fund was increased from £300,000 to £725,000 in support of all the bids.\r\nThe receiving authorities and funding amounts are tabulated on the Scottish Government’s website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/National-Planning-Policy/themes/renewables/windresources.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-13T15:09:53.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286686,"EventID":"S4W-16444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-16T15:09:54.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-16T12:05:52.997","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15798 by Alex Neil on 15 July 2013, whether it will list the services for which patients can be charged, broken down by amount charged.","AnswerText":"The National Health Service (Optical Charges and Payments) (Scotland) Regulations 1998, allow for charges to be levied for glasses or contact lenses supplied by hospital eye departments, and the National Health Service (Dental Charges) (Scotland) Regulations 2003 allow for charging for NHS dental services.\r\nThere are no charges for NHS eye examinations, however, there may be a charge for glasses or clinically required contact lenses supplied by hospital eye departments. The current maximum charge for the supply of glasses is £67.30 for single vision lenses and £109.40 for other lenses. The charge for the supply of clinically required contact lenses is £54.70 per lens. Patients are required to pay 80% of the cost of their NHS dental treatment up to a maximum of £384 per course of treatment.\r\nHelp with the cost of glasses or contact lenses and NHS dental treatment is available to those in certain qualifying groups.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-13T15:09:54.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286687,"EventID":"S4W-16445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-16T15:09:54.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-16T11:50:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is undertaking to preserve the number of capercaillie across the country.","AnswerText":"Capercaillie conservation has been undertaken for many years through the following initiatives - \r\nThe 2001-2002 Capercaillie Challenge Fund, \r\nThe 2002–2007 LIFE Nature project “Urgent Conservation Management for \tScottish Capercaillie”, and \r\nthe 2007-2012 Capercaillie Species Action Framework.\r\nThese initiatives included removing and re-routing substantial amounts of deer fencing to reduce collision risks, creating and enhancing the brood habitat, improvements in wider habitat management through thinning forestry plantations, increasing blaeberry, and providing additional ground cover. These initiatives also promoted predator control of foxes and crows and offered advisory work to estates and land managers and produced a guide for forest managers.\r\nFinancial support is also available to land managers wishing to conserve capercaillie through the capercaillie package in the Scotland Rural Development Programme.\r\nFor their Saving the Scottish Capercaillie project, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has employed two capercaillie project officers who provide advisory support to land managers wishing to conserve capercaillie. These posts are supported by the Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage. \r\nIn addition to these capercaillie-focussed national conservation projects, there have also been a number of local projects. \r\nCapercaillie are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and there are a suite of Special Protection Areas, designated under the EC Wild Birds Directive, for capercaillie. Due regard is also given to potential impacts on the species through development control processes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-13T15:09:54.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286688,"EventID":"S4W-16446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-16T15:09:54.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-16T11:50:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has considered reintroduction projects to support capercaillie populations and, if so, with what result.","AnswerText":"A project is currently being led by Scottish Natural Heritage and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, on behalf of the National Species Reintroduction Forum, which involves a preliminary assessment of the feasibility and desirability of reintroducing a range of species, including capercaillie. The results will be published in early 2014.\r\nPreviously, reintroduction or translocation approaches to capercaillie conservation have been considered but not adopted because the Badenoch and Strathspey’s regional subpopulation size exceeds the minimum viable population size of 500 individuals and thus, with continued habitat management, should be self-sustaining. Regrettably none of the populations outwith the core Badenoch and Strathspey population exceed the minimum viable population. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Guidelines for Reintroductions and Other Conservation Translocations state that the “threat(s) that caused any previous extinction should be identified and removed or sufficiently reduced”. The precise reasons for capercaillie population declines are not fully understood and so reintroductions outwith the core population have not yet taken place.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-13T15:09:54.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286689,"EventID":"S4W-16447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-16T15:09:54.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-16T11:50:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government under what circumstances it will consider reintroduction of capercaillie and whether a protocol exists for implementing such reintroductions.","AnswerText":"The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission Re-Introduction Specialist Group has recently published revised guidelines for reintroductions and other types of conservation translocations.\r\nScottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, on behalf of the National Species Reintroduction Forum, is also producing a “Scottish Code for Conservation Translocations” and associated best practice guidance based around the IUCN guidelines. The Scottish Code for Conservation Translocations will be published in early 2014 and will set out the issues that need to be addressed when considering, planning or implementing any sort of conservation translocation, including biological issues (e.g. identifying why a species became extinct in the first place) and socio-economic issues (e.g. addressing the potential opportunities, for, or concerns of, local communities).\r\nThe IUCN Species Survival Commission Re-Introduction Specialist Group worked with the World Pheasant Association to produce, in 2009, “Guidelines for the Re-introduction of Galliformes for Conservation Purposes”. SNH expects that any practitioner considering capercaillie reintroduction would use these guidelines, in conjunction with the Scottish Code, to help plan their proposal. Anyone considering reintroducing capercaillie or reinforcing existing capercaillie populations should contact SNH as a licence may be required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-13T15:09:54.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286690,"EventID":"S4W-16457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-16T15:09:55.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-16T14:11:54.987","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it is issuing to GPs to increase awareness and surveillance in relation to Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and what arrangements it has made to ensure (a) rapid laboratory testing of suspected cases and (b) effective contact tracing of any diagnosed cases.\r\n","AnswerText":"Health Protection Scotland produced information and guidance for clinicians and public health professionals in relation to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV, referred to as “novel coronavirus”). This includes guidelines for case management, contact tracing and laboratory testing algorithms, available at: http://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/resp/coronavirus.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-13T15:09:55.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286691,"EventID":"S4W-16458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-16T15:09:55.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-16T14:11:54.987","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that people travelling on pilgrimage to Mecca in 2013 are given advice about Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, in light of the reported possible fatality rate of over 60%.","AnswerText":"Health Protection Scotland published its Weekly Report on 17 July 2013 (Volume 47 No. 2013/29) which provides advice to Hajj/Umrah pilgrims. This advice aims to reduce the spread of coronavirus. This is accessed online at:\r\nhttp://www.documents.hps.scot.nhs.uk/ewr/pdf2013/1329.pdf.\r\nTravel health information for Hajj/Umrah pilgrimage is also available on the fitfortravel website: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/advice-for-travellers/hajj-and-umrah-pilgrimage.aspx, a public access website provided by NHS Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-13T15:09:55.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286698,"EventID":"S4W-16438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-17T15:19:03.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-15T13:18:31.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-02219 by Nicola Sturgeon on 19 August 2011, how many cases of MRSA were recorded in NHS Grampian hospitals in (a) 2011 and (b) 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The publication of the number of MRSA cases by hospital is the responsibility of the board. These data can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.nhsgrampian.co.uk/nhsgrampian/gra_display_simple_index.jsp?pContentID=7455&p_applic=CCC&p_service=Content.show&.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-14T15:19:03.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286699,"EventID":"S4W-16439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-17T15:19:04.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-15T13:18:31.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-02221 by Nicola Sturgeon on 6 September 2011, how many doctors and nurses were employed by NHS Grampian in (a) 2011 and (b) 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Published information on headcount and whole time equivalent of medical staff and nursing and midwifery staff, broken down by NHS board at 30 September 2011 and 2012 can be found on the workforce statistics web site at:\r\nhttps://isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2013-05-28/Medical_Trend_M2013.xls?6192524.\r\nhttps://isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2013-05-28/Non-Medical_Trend_M2013.xls?22841388.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-14T15:19:04.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286700,"EventID":"S4W-16440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-17T15:19:04.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-15T13:18:31.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-02217 by Nicola Sturgeon on 19 August 2011, how many emergency ambulance incidents were responded to in NHS Grampian in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table sets out the number of emergency ambulance incidents in the NHS Grampian area in the financial years 2011-12 and 2012-13.\r\n2011-12\r\n57,272\r\n2012-13\r\n59,272\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-14T15:19:04.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286701,"EventID":"S4W-16441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-17T15:19:04.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-15T13:18:31.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-02218 by Nicola Sturgeon on 6 September 2011, what further funding it provided to NHS Grampian to purchase new ambulances and the up-to-date mobile equipment that these require, in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) provides services on a national basis to territorial boards for NHSScotland. Capital funding is therefore given by the Scottish Government to SAS to fund the provision of ambulances as part of a replacement programme and to meet equipment needs including medical and IT equipment.\r\nThe capital funding provided to SAS for the last two financial years to fund the investment in property, vehicles and equipment was:\r\n2011-12 – £13.8 million\r\n2012-13 – £17.2 million\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-14T15:19:04.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286702,"EventID":"S4W-16442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-17T15:19:05.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-15T13:18:31.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-02220 by Michael Matheson on 7 September 2011, how many people in the NHS Grampian area were screened for bowel cancer in (a) 2011 and (b) 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14340 on 25 April 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\nNew data for the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme will be published on \r\n27 August 2013 and can be accessed on the Information Services Division website: www.isdscotland.org/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-14T15:19:05.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286703,"EventID":"S4W-16453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-17T15:19:05.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-16T14:10:22.327","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason NHS Fife's Scottish Care Information results are not shared with other NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerText":"An NHS Board’s SCI Store can be accessed by another NHS Board in two ways – through a clinical portal or by the remote SCI Store access facility. NHS Fife’s SCI Store results can be accessed via the clinical portal currently operating in NHS Fife, NHS Lothian, NHS Borders and NHS Dumfries and Galloway. NHS Fife can also access the SCI Store results from the NHS Golden Jubilee via the clinical portal. Access to SCI Store is agreed between NHS Boards where there is a regular clinical reason for doing so, such as an established clinical treatment pathway.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-14T15:19:05.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286704,"EventID":"S4W-16455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-17T15:19:05.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-16T14:10:22.327","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Scottish Care Information's IT system will be fully compatible with all regional and special NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerText":"SCI Store is used in all NHS boards. National Services Scotland who manage SCI Store on behalf of NHSScotland are not aware of any compatibility issues with specific systems within NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-14T15:19:05.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286705,"EventID":"S4W-16456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-17T15:19:06.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-16T14:10:22.327","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how many of the elements of the most recent General Medical Services Quality and Outcomes Framework that relate to Scotland did not have electronic software support at the time of implementation, and which elements still have to receive such support.\r\n","AnswerText":"Every effort is made to ensure the codes and other software support needed for incorporation into GP clinical systems is available as quickly as possible following any changes to the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) at national level. Where Scotland specific codes or software are not available, we identify and agree alternatives with the Scottish General Practitioners Committee before sharing them with practices. All practices are now active on the QOF calculator and by mid-August all practices will be equipped for the 2013-14 QOF.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-14T15:19:06.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286706,"EventID":"S4W-16459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-17T15:19:06.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-16T15:18:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many meetings of the independent expert group on opiate replacement therapies have taken place.\r\n","AnswerText":"The independent expert group on opioid replacement therapies met four times. The group also corresponded electronically outwith these meetings.\r\nThe report of the independent expert group is available on the Scottish Government website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/08/9760.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-14T15:19:06.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286707,"EventID":"S4W-16460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-17T15:19:06.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-16T15:18:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether ministers have had meetings with the independent expert group on opiate replacement therapies to discuss progress on evidence gathering.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs had no meetings with the independent expert group on opioid replacement therapies to discuss progress on evidence gathering. However, the minister met with the researchers for the group, as a stakeholder, to provide information to the group as part of their evidence gathering process. The Minister was also kept informed of the group’s progress during the course of the evidence gathering.\r\nThe report of the independent expert group is available on the Scottish Government website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/08/9760.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-14T15:19:06.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286708,"EventID":"S4W-16461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-17T15:19:07.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-16T15:18:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether, as stated on the Scottish Drugs Strategy Delivery Commission website, the independent expert group on opiate replacement therapies made recommendations to it in Spring 2013 and, if so, whether these were made available to the Parliament and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The independent expert group on opioid replacement therapies made no recommendations to the Scottish Government in Spring 2013.\r\nThe report of the independent expert group is available on the Scottish Government website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/08/9760.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-14T15:19:07.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286709,"EventID":"S4W-16462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-17T15:19:07.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-16T15:18:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who the independent expert group on opiate replacement therapies has consulted.\r\n","AnswerText":"The report of the independent expert group on opioid replacement therapies, including a full list of stakeholders consulted, is available on the Scottish Government website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/08/9760.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-14T15:19:07.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286710,"EventID":"S4W-16463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-17T15:19:07.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-16T15:18:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the recommendations of the independent expert group on opiate replacement therapies will be made available to the Parliament.\r\n","AnswerText":"The report of the independent expert group on opioid replacement therapies was published on 22 August 2013. Notification of the publication was sent to the Scottish Parliament’s Justice and Health committees, the Cross Party Group on Drug and Alcohol Misuse and the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe).\r\nThe report is available on the Scottish Government website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/08/9760.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-14T15:19:07.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286711,"EventID":"S4W-16464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-17T15:19:08.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-16T18:15:11.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will make an announcement on whether the Babcock Marine Rosyth Limited application for the proposed Rosyth international container terminal has obtained approval.","AnswerText":"I indicated my intention to make The Rosyth International Container Terminal (Harbour Revision) Order in a letter to the applicant on 18 June 2013. The draft Order was laid before Parliament on 20 June 2013. The order cannot be made unless Parliament approves the draft and this is not expected to be considered until after the summer recess. No announcement will be made until after Parliament’s decision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-14T15:19:08.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286712,"EventID":"S4W-16468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-17T15:19:08.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-17T13:31:23.2","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people with multiple sclerosis there are in each NHS board area in the Highlands and Islands. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14160 on 2 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-14T15:19:08.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286713,"EventID":"S4W-16469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-17T15:19:08.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-17T13:31:23.2","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many diagnoses of multiple sclerosis there have been in each NHS board area in the Highlands and Islands in each of the last 15 years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14161 on 2 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nIt is intended that the 2012 data will be published in September 2013 and will be available at: http://www.msr.scot.nhs.uk/Reports/Main.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-14T15:19:08.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286725,"EventID":"S4W-16454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-18T15:02:32.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-16T14:10:22.327","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which NHS boards have a Scottish Care Information or equivalent laboratory IT system that produces results that that can be accessed by clinicians across (a) that board only, (b) all boards and (c) a limited number of boards, showing which boards the results are shared with.\r\n","AnswerText":"All territorial NHS boards, and the NHS Golden Jubilee have access to a SCI Store. Access rights to SCI Store information is managed by each NHS Board. Lab results are produced by different IT systems and mostly recorded on the NHS board’s SCI Store. At this time there is no SCI Store that can be accessed across all NHS boards. There are currently 39 SCI Store connections between boards. These are listed below:\r\nRequesting Board\r\nSource Board\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\nNHS Golden Jubilee\r\nNHS Borders\r\nNHS Lothian\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\nNHS Golden Jubilee\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\nNHS Lothian\r\nNHS Golden Jubilee\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\nNHS Golden Jubilee\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\nNHS Golden Jubilee\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nNHS Golden Jubilee\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\nNHS Golden Jubilee\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\nNHS Golden Jubilee\r\nNHS Lothian\r\nNHS Golden Jubilee\r\nNHS Shetland\r\nNHS Golden Jubilee\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nNHS Golden Jubilee\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nNHS Highland\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nNHS Lothian\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nNHS Orkney\r\nNHS Grampian \r\nNHS Shetland\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\nNHS Golden Jubilee\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\nNHS Highland\r\nNHS Golden Jubilee\r\nNHS Highland\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nNHS Highland\r\nNHS Shetland\r\nNHS Highland\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\nNHS Golden Jubilee\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\nNHS Lothian\r\nNHS Borders\r\nNHS Lothian\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\nNHS Lothian\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\nNHS Orkney\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nNHS Shetland\r\nNHS Golden Jubilee\r\nNHS Shetland\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nNHS Shetland\r\nNHS Highland\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\nNHS Golden Jubilee\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\nNHS Highland\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-15T15:02:33.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286726,"EventID":"S4W-16465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-18T15:02:34.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-17T10:02:13.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason consultants from the West of Scotland Cancer Network at the Beatson Oncology Centre do not have access through NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's portal to data on patients attending the centre who are on the clinical portals of NHS (a) Ayrshire and Arran and (b) Forth Valley.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lanarkshire, NHS Golden Jubilee and NHS Ayrshire and Arran have or are in the process of implementing the clinical portal using different instances of the same product platform (Orion). The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde clinical portal provides access to clinicians servicing the regional cancer centre at the Beatson Cancer Centre. Discussions have commenced with the system supplier to agree the most cost effective, efficient and secure means by which cross NHS board access can be granted. In the meantime ad-hoc requests for access to portals and other clinical data repositories to support patient flows between NHS boards are granted on a case by case basis. The regionally networked CEPAS (Chemotherapy ePrescribing and Administration System) in the West of Scotland Cancer Network allows consultants from the Beatson Oncology Centre to access shared information across the regional cancer service. NHS Forth Valley is implementing a clinical portal commencing September 2013 and will consider linkage options once implemented.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-15T15:02:34.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286727,"EventID":"S4W-16466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-18T15:02:34.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-17T10:02:13.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which NHS boards are using clinical portals and on what dates the remaining boards expect their portals to be operational.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following NHS boards are using clinical portals: NHS Borders, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, NHS Fife, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lanarkshire, NHS Lothian, NHS Tayside and NHS Golden Jubilee. NHS Ayrshire and Arran are piloting in August 2013 and plan to have fully operational by March 2014. NHS Grampian are developing their PMS Trakcare system as the clinical portal as, in their case, the majority of agreed information can be obtained through it. NHS Orkney plan to adopt the Grampian portal approach as part of their PMS implementation scheduled for late 2013. NHS Shetland are discussing options for adoption of the NHS Tayside portal and are aiming for March 2014. NHS Forth Valley will commence implementation in September 2013. NHS Western Isles will start implementation of their portal in November 2013. NHS Highland are currently developing their clinical portal strategy and do not yet have a firm date for live operation. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-15T15:02:34.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286728,"EventID":"S4W-16467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-18T15:02:35.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-17T10:02:13.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which  NHS boards (a) have and (b) plan to establish clinical portals with connectivity to (i) regional or tertiary centres and other (ii) NHS boards where their patients can be treated.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Lothian, NHS Fife, NHS Borders and NHS Dumfries and Galloway have a clinical portal built on the same product platform (CareFX) which provides connectivity for clinicians across these boards. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lanarkshire, NHS Golden Jubilee and NHS Ayrshire and Arran are currently discussing options around connectivity with their supplier (Orion). Remote Scottish care information store access is the established method of providing linkage between NHS boards to clinical information, and these connections reflect recognised patient pathways and regular clinical needs. Connectivity through clinical portals is being developed incrementally. Clinicians in NHS boards have agreed a standard set of 14 information categories that will be presented in each NHS board’s clinical portal, therefore simplifying connectivity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-15T15:02:35.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286729,"EventID":"S4W-16470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-18T15:02:35.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-18T11:28:40.78","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to reconsider the level of funding awarded to Glasgow City Council in light of the research finding that child poverty costs it £395 million every year.","AnswerText":"Funding to local authorities is allocated to individual local authorities using a needs-based formula which includes recognition of areas of deprivation and poverty. In agreement with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, three year local government settlements are not re-opened. As a result the local government finance settlements for 2013-14 and 2014-15 are fixed. Future settlements will however use the most up-to-date indicators of need including the number of income support dependants aged 0-19.\r\nThe Scottish Government's Child Poverty Strategy sets out a preventative approach to reducing child poverty. Prevention and early intervention in the early years is being taken forward by, for example, the £272 million Early Years Change Fund, with contributions from government, the NHS and local government. All 32 Community Planning Partnerships are also proactively working to impact on the outcomes for children through the Early Years Collaborative, a multi-agency, local, quality improvement programme delivered at a national scale.\r\nWhile we are doing all we can to tackle poverty and inequality in Scotland it is very difficult to make an impact on the headline figures when personal taxation and welfare benefits policy are reserved to the UK Government. This government believes that only with the full powers of independence can meaningful and long lasting progress be made to reduce child poverty.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-15T15:02:35.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286739,"EventID":"S4W-16481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-19T12:03:26.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-18T16:03:23.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will consider looking at establishing a parliamentary internship scheme to commemorate the life and work of Brian Adam.\r\n","AnswerText":"The SPCB does not operate an internship programme. It is of course open to any parliamentary group to introduce an internship scheme if it wishes.  \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-16T12:03:26.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Stewart ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286740,"EventID":"S4W-16477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-19T14:41:59.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-18T15:20:45.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact its decision to protect funding for the council tax benefit successor scheme for 2013-14 will have on the incomes of households containing an adult receiving a disability-related benefit.","AnswerText":"Working in partnership with local government, we responded quickly to put in place transitional arrangements to plug the estimated £40 million gap in funding from the UK Government following their abolition of council tax benefit. This ensures that around 560,000 people in Scotland who were receiving council tax benefit are protected from the UK Government’s 10% cut in successor arrangement funding. This means that vulnerable people have the same net liability for council tax as if council tax benefit were still in place, provided their circumstances remain the same. This includes around 70,100 people who are receiving employment and support allowance, indicating that they have an illness or disability that affects their ability to work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-16T14:42:00.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286741,"EventID":"S4W-16478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-19T14:42:01.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-18T15:22:14.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent contact it has had with GPs and their representative bodies regarding any increase in the number of patients seeking letters and other information in support of benefit applications and appeals.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials regularly meet with the Scottish General Practitioners Committee of the British Medical Association to discuss a range of issues, and we are aware the workload associated with patient requests for assistance with benefits appeals is of concern to GPs. The Scottish Government shares the profession’s concerns that the established contractual and agreed methods for GPs to directly provide medical information to the Department for Work and Pensions are not being used effectively by the department. These issues were discussed at a meeting on 13 March 2013 between Scottish Government officials and the Chair of the British Medical Association’s Scottish General Practitioners’ Committee.\r\nI also refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16479 and SW4-16480 on 14 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-16T14:42:01.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286742,"EventID":"S4W-16479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-19T14:42:01.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-18T15:22:14.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15020 by Alex Neil on 30 May 2013, whether it has had discussions with the UK Government regarding increased funding in relation to any increase in the number of requests to GPs for letters and other information in support of benefit applications and appeals.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Deputy First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing wrote to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in April 2013 with the full support of the British Medical Association in Scotland, to raise a number of points of concern about the demands that benefit reform is placing on GPs. Welfare benefit reform is placing intolerable demands on primary care and we have recommended that The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) undertakes urgent research on these demands. GPs are trying to do their best for their patients while coping with a growing demand for evidence for appeals.\r\nThe Secretary of State wrote back to say that his department’s Chief Medical Adviser had been actively engaging with GPs in Scotland and that progress was being made in reviewing the Work Capability Assessments through Professor Harrington’s three reviews.\r\nThe Deputy First Minister wrote again on 3 June 2013 in response to the Secretary of State’s reply highlighting that we remained concerned by the apparent inequities arising from variable behaviours of GPs in providing medical evidence, an activity which is outside of their contractual terms.\r\nThe DWP is currently carrying out its fourth independent review of the Work Capability Assessment, and we understand that Dr Paul Litchfield who is leading the review will be making a visit to Scotland in the near future to gather evidence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-16T14:42:01.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286743,"EventID":"S4W-16480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-19T14:42:01.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-18T15:22:14.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an analysis has been undertaken of whether there has been any additional workload for GPs arising from the implementation of welfare reform policies.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is very difficult to obtain an accurate analysis of this because GPs are often providing information for patients for benefits appeals in their own time, and this is not part of their contractual arrangements. GPs have reported that they are seeing a significant rise in requests from patients for medical information to support appeals against welfare benefit assessment findings. This is creating a workload problem, particularly for practices that serve communities with larger numbers of benefit claimants. We have asked the Department for Work and Pensions to urgently undertake research on the demands that welfare reform is placing on primary care.\r\nThe Health Impact Delivery Group, which comprises representatives from the Scottish Government policy directorates, local government, the NHS, the voluntary sector and the Glasgow Centre for Population Health has been established. This is a forum which will consider the impact of the introduction of reforms to the welfare benefits system in Scotland both on population health and the demand for healthcare services. As well as identifying areas of good practice, it will highlight where further discussion is required, or where action might be taken. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-16T14:42:01.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286744,"EventID":"S4W-16486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-19T14:42:02.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-19T14:24:34.613","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many small and medium-sized enterprise start-ups there have been in the Falkirk Council area in the last three years; what the survival rate has been, and how many of these start-ups have engaged with Business Gateway.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally, however, data on the number of new VAT/PAYE registrations are released annually by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). These figures are used to monitor the number of business start-ups (births) and survival. Please note that these figures do not account for all business activity as only businesses with an annual turnover above the VAT threshold (currently £79,000) or employing via PAYE are required to register.\r\nTable 1 shows the number of registered business births, for the last four years, and the latest 1-year/3-year survival rates for the Falkirk local authority area. The data is taken from the ONS Business Demography 2011 publication, which contains the most up to date data available.\r\nTable 1: Registered Business Births (2008 to 2011) and Survival Rates:\r\nLocal Authority Area\r\nBusiness Births (VAT/PAYE registrations) \r\nLatest Business Survival Rates\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n1 year survival rate (businesses born in 2010) \r\n3 year survival rate\r\n(businesses born in 2008)\r\nFalkirk\r\n400\r\n345\r\n395\r\n420\r\n86.1%\r\n61.3%\r\nSource: Business Demography 2011, Office for National Statistics\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-16T14:42:02.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286751,"EventID":"S4W-16497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-22T12:29:19.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-22T12:23:36.957","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it plans to register with Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"SPCB officials recently met with Stonewall representatives to find out more about the Workplace Equality Index. It was useful to gain a fuller understanding of the index. The SPCB is confident that its existing framework for equality takes account of the needs of all protected characteristics, including sexual orientation. This is reflected through our work on employee engagement; staff training; workforce monitoring; procurement; community engagement and staff feedback all of which are included in the criteria specified in the index.\r\nThe SPCB has committed this year to meeting other priorities in respect of equality – in particular we will concentrate on making it easier for people to engage with the Parliament and also to assist visitors to the Parliament. Given the need to prioritise resources, we do not currently plan to register with the index in 2014. \r\n \r\nThat said, the SPCB reviews its progress on equality every year to identify its key priorities for the year ahead. Sexual orientation will be reviewed as part of this process and any further work identified will be carried out in this area as necessary. The SPCB’s Equality Advisory group which is made up of representatives from each of the protected groups, including Stonewall, will assist us with any work we take forward. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-19T12:29:19.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Stewart ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286752,"EventID":"S4W-16482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-22T15:05:51.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-19T13:27:36.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason students from England studying at the Scottish Baptist College and the International Christian College in Glasgow are eligible for loans from the Student Loans Company to pay their fees and students from Scotland are not.","AnswerText":"Policy on fees and loans is different in Scotland and England.\r\nStudents living in Scotland who attend publically funded institutions in Scotland do not have to pay tuition fees whereas students in England are liable for fees of up to £9000 and are provided with an opportunity to apply for loans to cover the cost.\r\nStudents living in Scotland attending some private institutions receive fee support. It is a matter for each private institution to set their own level of fees, however the general level of contribution payable by the Scottish Ministers in 2012-13 was fixed at £1205. In the particular case of the International Christian College, the contribution was fixed at £1783. Beyond that, the student is responsible for paying the balance.\r\nProviding student loans involves a cost to the Scottish Government. In the case of private institutions, and in line with the policy that applies in the case of publicly funded institutions, the Scottish Ministers have decided to use the resources that are available to meet the cost of a fee contribution rather than provide a fee loan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-19T15:05:52.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286753,"EventID":"S4W-16483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-22T15:05:53.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-19T13:27:36.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide details of the 17 independent colleges in Scotland referred to in letter 2013/0016689, dated 8 July 2013, to John Mason from the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provides support with respect to courses delivered by 57 independent private institutions in Scotland. The names are as follows:\r\nAchievable Care Training Scotland\r\nCairellot Learning Centre\r\nCare Now\r\nCare Skills Direct\r\nCBT Ltd\r\nChildcare Management Company\r\nChildcare in the Community\r\nComplementary Therapy School\r\nConcentric Training\r\nEdinburgh Creche Group\r\nExperential Play Ltd\r\nFTS Training Ltd\r\nGibson Training and Care Ltd\r\nGlasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector\r\nGMD Community Services\r\nHappitots Day Nursery Training Ltd\r\nHealth and Social Care Training Consortium\r\nHighlang and Moray Accredited Training\r\nInternational Christian College\r\nInteractive Design Ltd\r\nJays Consultancy\r\nJHP Training\r\nL&G Learning Scotland Ltd\r\nLoretto Housing Association and Care\r\nLinked Work and Training Trust\r\nMinerva People Ltd\r\nMegans Specialist Training\r\nMicrocom Training\r\nNorth Edinburgh Childcare\r\nOilean Ltd\r\nOpus Learning Ltd\r\nPA Training\r\nQ Train Ltd\r\nQualitas International\r\nQuarriers\r\nQuest Scotland Ltd\r\nRT Resources\r\nRowan Consultancy\r\nRitchies Training Centre\r\nScottish Swimming Association\r\nSense Scotland\r\nScotia Law Training\r\nShelter Scotland\r\nSimpson House Training\r\nStep-Up\r\nStirling Council Children’s Services\r\nSupporta Care\r\nThistle Training\r\nTraining Matters\r\nTraining Solutions Scotland Ltd\r\nTESOL Training Scotland Ltd\r\nThe Care at Home Training Consortium\r\nTraining for Care\r\nTELL Organisation\r\nThe Zone\r\nVictim Support Scotland\r\nWLR Associates Ltd\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-19T15:05:53.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286754,"EventID":"S4W-16484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-22T15:05:54.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-19T13:27:36.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason a student from Scotland is eligible for full payment of tuition fees if studying theology at the University of Aberdeen but not if studying at the International Christian College in Glasgow, whose degrees are validated by the University of Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no control over the fees set by independent private colleges such as the International Christian College in Glasgow and therefore does not commit to meeting the full cost. Instead, the Scottish Government agrees to pay a fixed contribution.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-19T15:05:54.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286755,"EventID":"S4W-16485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-22T15:05:54.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-19T14:21:32.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact its decision to protect funding for the council tax benefit successor scheme for 2013-14 will have on the incomes of single female households.\r\n","AnswerText":"Working in partnership with local government, we responded quickly to put in place transitional arrangements to plug the estimated £40 million gap in funding from the UK Government following their abolition of council tax benefit. This ensures that around 560,000 people in Scotland who were receiving council tax benefit are protected from the UK Government’s 10% cut in successor arrangement funding. This means that vulnerable people have the same net liability for council tax as if council tax benefit were still in place, provided their circumstances remain the same. This includes around 289,400 single female households, of which around 85,000 have child dependants.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-19T15:05:54.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286756,"EventID":"S4W-16487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-22T15:05:54.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-22T08:41:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what advice it is giving to GPs on how to deal with requests for information in relation to appeals for benefit claimants in light of changes to the welfare system.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government supports the role of GPs in contributing to the welfare assessment process and this is reflected contractually in both our General and Primary Medical Services Regulations. GPs have a statutory obligation, negotiated on a UK basis, to provide information to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and those agencies acting on its behalf, in relation to medical certificates and assessments used to determine entitlements to benefits. Where individuals appealing against being found fit for work, have sought additional medical evidence from their GP, this is outwith the contractual arrangements for GPs. The Scottish Government shares the concerns that GPs have about the additional strain on workload this is creating and has written to DWP on two occasions to reinforce these concerns.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-19T15:05:54.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286757,"EventID":"S4W-16488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-22T15:05:54.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-22T09:52:01.653","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the mix of alleged criminals caught in Scotland as a result of calls from mobile phones in the recent Crimestoppers poster campaign reflects the ethnic mix in Scotland or in the UK.","AnswerText":"In Scotland data on crimes recorded by the police are based on an aggregated count of crimes and offences recorded and cleared up by the police. No details are held relating to the victims and perpetrators of individual crimes making it impossible to extract information on the basis of ethnic group, or on how the perpetrators were brought to the attention of the police.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-19T15:05:54.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286758,"EventID":"S4W-16489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-22T15:05:55.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-22T11:25:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact its decision to protect funding for the council tax benefit successor scheme for 2013-14 will have on the incomes of households aged over 65.","AnswerText":"Working in partnership with local government, we responded quickly to put in place transitional arrangements to plug the estimated £40 million gap in funding from the UK Government following their abolition of council tax benefit. This ensures that around 560,000 people in Scotland who were receiving council tax benefit are protected from the UK Government’s 10% cut in successor arrangement funding. This means that vulnerable people have the same net liability for council tax as if council tax benefit were still in place, provided their circumstances remain the same. This includes around 216,900 households containing at least one person aged 65 or over.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-19T15:05:55.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286759,"EventID":"S4W-16490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-22T15:05:55.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-22T11:48:52.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people died from heart disease in hospitals in the NHS Grampian area in (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010, (d) 2011 and (e) 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"National Records of Scotland reports that 568 deaths from heart disease in NHS hospitals in the NHS Grampian area were registered in 2011 and, provisionally,520 in 2012.\r\nFor the corresponding figures for 2008 to 2010, I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-02222 on 5 September 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-19T15:05:55.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286760,"EventID":"S4W-16491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-22T15:05:55.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-22T11:48:52.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of (a) NHS boards and (b) quangos met the target of 10 working days for the payment of invoices in 2011-12.","AnswerText":"In 2011-12, the percentage of invoices paid by NHS boards within 10 working days was:\r\n\r\nNumber of invoices\r\nNumber paid within 10 days\r\n% paid within 10 days\r\nNHS Boards\r\n1,991,440\r\n1,487,298\r\n74.7%\r\n\r\nIn 2011-12, the percentage of invoices paid by Scottish Government Agencies within 10 working days was:\r\n\r\nTotal number of invoices\r\nNumber paid within 10 days\r\n% paid within 10 days\r\nScottish Government Agencies*\r\n151,171\r\n139,632\r\n92.4%\r\n* For the purposes of this question, we have assumed that the request for “Quango” information relates to Scottish Government Agencies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-19T15:05:55.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286761,"EventID":"S4W-16493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-22T15:05:56.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-22T11:48:52.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government in what average number of days after receipt of an invoice it paid suppliers in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12.","AnswerText":"The average number of days taken from receipt of an invoice to payment to the supplier was:\r\n2010-11, six days and 2011-12, six days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-19T15:05:56.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286762,"EventID":"S4W-16494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-22T15:05:56.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-22T11:48:52.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of suppliers it paid within 10 days of receiving an invoice in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12.","AnswerText":"The core Scottish Government paid 98.1% of invoices in 2010-11 and 98.5% in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-19T15:05:56.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286763,"EventID":"S4W-16495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-22T15:05:56.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-22T12:23:36.957","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to register with Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2014.","AnswerText":"Yes, the Scottish Government will take part in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-19T15:05:56.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286764,"EventID":"S4W-16496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-22T15:05:57.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-22T12:23:36.957","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to encourage public bodies and other organisations to register with Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is leading by example by taking part in this year’s WEI in which our participation began in 2006.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-19T15:05:57.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286773,"EventID":"S4W-16498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-23T13:29:18.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-22T17:28:58.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of how the 2013-14 third sector budget has been allocated, showing the amounts allocated to each organisation funded.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table breaks down funding for third sector intermediaries (largely grant funding), business support contracts and support for third sector events and initiatives, which represents the major part of the third sector budget. \r\nThe table includes funding to be transferred to other Scottish Government Directorates under the Spring Budget Review process to support third sector purposes.\r\nThird Sector Organisation\r\n2013-14\r\nThird Sector Intermediaries and Related Activities\r\n\r\nScottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO)\r\n£929,536.00\r\nAssociation of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organisations (ACOSVO)\r\n£109,035.00\r\nVolunteer Development Scotland (VDS)\r\n£810,000.00\r\nDevelopment Trusts Association Scotland\r\n£150,000.00\r\nVoluntary Action Scotland (VAS)\r\n£250,000.00\r\nSenscot\r\n£45,250.00\r\nCommunity Health Exchange - Learning Exchanges\r\n£34,500.00\r\nSupporting Social Enterprise Alliance (Senscot, Social Enterprise Scotland, Social Firms Scotland)\r\n£320,000.00\r\nThird Sector Interfaces\r\n£8,135,094.00\r\nSocial Enterprise Academy\r\n£300,000.00\r\nScottish Community Alliance\r\n£50,000.00\r\nEvaluation Support Scotland\r\n£200,000.00\r\nBarnardos/Voluntary Action Scotland/Improvement Service - Getting it Right for Every Child - National Project\r\n£232,065.00\r\nRoyal College of General Practitioners Scotland  with Assist Social Capital/International Futures Form\r\n£21,107.00\r\nThird Sector Funds\r\n\r\nSocial Investment Scotland\r\n£385,000.00\r\nSocial Entrepreneurs Fund\r\n£500,000.00\r\nEnterprise Ready Fund\r\n£4,800,000.00\r\nVoluntary Action Fund\r\n£1,259,326.00\r\nInternational Social Enterprise Programme\r\n£110,000.00\r\nFunding Models\r\n£100,000.00\r\nFramework/Reserve\r\n£50,000.00\r\nBusiness Support Contracts\r\n\r\nReady for Business \r\n£600,000.00\r\nJust Enterprise\r\n£1,200,000.00\r\nPublic Social Partnerships (PSP)\r\n£500,000.00\r\nThird Sector Longitudinal Study\r\n£41,775.00\r\nSupport for Third Sector Events & Initiatives\r\n\r\nCEiS Conference\r\n£9,900.00\r\nSupplier Development Programme\r\n£7,000.00\r\nPilot Light\r\n£18,000.00\r\nProviders & Personalisation - Coalition of Care & Support Providers Scotland (CCPS)\r\n£40,000.00 (SBR)\r\nThe Change Fund: Enhancing the Role of the Third Sector Programme - The Alliance\r\n£180,000.00 (SBR)\r\nStrategic Lead for Third Sector Engagement and Partnership (Health, Care and Wellbeing)\r\n£35,000.00 (SBR)\r\nGlasgow Council for Voluntary Service (GCVS) Strategic Funding Partnership Early Years Initiative\r\n£141,000.00\r\nEdinburgh Castle Volunteering Reception\r\n£10,000.00\r\nHolyrood Conferences\r\n£179.00\r\nCore Solutions\r\n£3,000.00\r\nSenscot -Cultural/Sports Round Table\r\n£47,555.00\r\nFinancial Memorandum of the Public Bodies (Joint Working) Scotland Bill\r\n£180,000.00\r\n\r\n£21,422,588.00\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-20T13:29:19.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286774,"EventID":"S4W-16499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-23T13:29:23.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-23T11:59:49.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with (a) Fife Council and (b) Scottish Water regarding flood prevention measures in North East Fife.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has regular discussions with local authorities and with Scottish Water about flood risk management, although we have not had any specific discussions recently about flood protection measures in North East Fife. However, I understand Scottish Water has been in regular contact with Mr Campbell regarding flood prevention in his constituency, and will continue to keep him informed of measures that are being taken, such as the cleaning of fats, oils and greases from the sewer network to increase their efficiency, and investment to replace damaged infrastructure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-20T13:29:23.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286775,"EventID":"S4W-16501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-23T13:29:23.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-23T11:59:49.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10355 by Paul Wheelhouse on 2 November 2012, what progress it has made in producing flood hazard and flood risk maps for areas at significant risk.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Environment Protection Agency is on target to produce flood hazard and flood risk maps for areas at significant risk by the deadline of 22 December 2013, as required by the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-20T13:29:23.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286779,"EventID":"S4W-16502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-24T15:33:19.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-24T10:21:48.517","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its strategy is for tackling female genital mutilation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is addressed under the violence again women policy area and will be included in the violence against women strategy currently being developed. The FGM strand of this strategy will focus on prevention through awareness raising, supporting victims, empowerment of women and girls, community engagement, multi-agency action and enforcement.\r\nAppropriate action plans for FGM prevention, pathways for safeguarding children, protocols for referral and sharing of information will be strengthened in the new strategy and reviewed regularly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-21T15:33:19.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286780,"EventID":"S4W-16503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-24T15:33:19.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-24T10:21:48.517","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it encourages the police to identify that female genital mutilation has taken place.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is represented on Police Scotland’s Honour Based Violence Working Group which co-ordinates work on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in addition to other forms of honour based violence. Officials work closely with the police to provide advice and share information and participate in the development of documents such as the Police Scotland action plan and fact sheet on FGM.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-21T15:33:19.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286781,"EventID":"S4W-16504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-24T15:33:20.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-24T10:21:48.517","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had since July 2012 with (a) the police, (b) the NHS, (c) COSLA, (d) the Home Office, (e) social work departments and (f) support organisations regarding female genital mutilation. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has engaged on an ongoing basis since July 2012 with organisations, individuals and groups of people from the communities affected by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), to raise awareness of the harm caused by FGM, along with awareness about the law and the government’s position. The Scottish Government works closely with police, voluntary organisations, health professionals, social services and education departments, to share good practice and promote awareness across Scotland for the prevention of FGM, officials also liaise with Westminster colleagues on a regular basis.\r\nOfficials are members of Police Scotland’s Honour Based Violence Working Group and the Scottish Government promotes collaborative working with minority ethnic women’s organisations such as Saheliya, Dignity Alert Research Forum and Shakti Women’s Aid as well as voluntary and community groups and encourages links with relevant statutory bodies such as the police, health, social services and education to ensure that issues around FGM remain in focus.\r\nThe Scottish Government submitted written evidence to the House of Commons International Development Committee’s inquiry into violence against women and girls with regards to the Scottish Government’s position on FGM in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-21T15:33:20.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286782,"EventID":"S4W-16505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-24T15:33:20.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-24T10:25:07.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it is allocating in 2012-13 to tackle female genital mutilation.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2012, Saheliya was allocated £225,390 from the Violence Against Women Fund to tackle Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) over the period 2012-15, and will receive a further £137,000 from the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund during 2013-15 for work with minority ethnic young women, including FGM.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-21T15:33:20.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286783,"EventID":"S4W-16506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-24T15:33:20.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-24T10:25:07.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) women and (b) girls in Scotland are estimated to (i) have experienced or (ii) be at risk of genital mutilation.\r\n","AnswerText":"It has been estimated that 3,000 women and girls are at risk in Scotland. This figure for Scotland is a pro rata projection based on research by FORWARD in England and Wales in 2007. According to the 2001 Census data, there were 2,946 women between the ages of 0 to 49 living in Scotland and born in one of the 29 countries in which Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is reported to be a traditional practice.\r\nWe are currently considering data that might help us more accurately estimate the prevalence of FGM in Scotland. The numbers from the 2011 Census (when available later this year) are likely to be significantly higher, as is demonstrated by the increase over time in numbers of births registered in Scotland to mothers who were born in one of these countries (from 120 births in 2001 to 656 births in 2011).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-21T15:33:20.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286784,"EventID":"S4W-16508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-24T15:33:21.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-24T10:25:07.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance is available to the (a) police and (b) NHS to (i) identify and (ii) help women and girls who have experienced genital mutilation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The guidance available for police officers includes the Honour Based Violence, Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation Standard Operating Procedures document which provides officers with the necessary understanding and skills to deal appropriately and consistently with hepatitis B virus incidents including Female Genital Mutilation. They also receive regular training and a fact sheet has been prepared for Police Scotland’s intranet.\r\nNHS guidance available for health workers includes: NHS Scotland - Perineal Repair after Childbirth 2008, a procedure and standards tool to support practice development; The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has guidelines available on Female Genital Mutilation and Its Management and the Royal College of Nursing – Female Genital Mutilation – Education Resource for nursing and midwifery staff.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-21T15:33:21.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286785,"EventID":"S4W-16509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-24T15:33:21.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-24T10:25:07.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action is taken by the (a) police and (b) NHS when a woman or girl is identified as having experienced genital mutilation.\r\n","AnswerText":"If an incident of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is reported, the police will carry out a thorough investigation and report the case to the Procurator Fiscal for the appropriate action.\r\nMidwives, along with other health professionals such as doctors, nurses and health visitors, can play a crucial role in eradicating FGM because women from practicing communities are likely to use health services during pregnancy or for other health reasons. If women are identified as being victims of FGM, the NHS in Scotland offers all available assistance to ensure positive health outcomes for the women affected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-21T15:33:21.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286786,"EventID":"S4W-16510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-24T15:33:21.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-24T10:25:07.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) positions and (b) specific units there are in the (i) police and (ii) NHS to help prevent female genital mutilation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Police Scotland has a dedicated officer who will coordinate all actions against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) nationally. FGM is addressed by the Honour Based Violence Working Group chaired by a Detective Chief Superintendent. Victims of FGM can access NHS services such as the genital anomaly surgical service and the specialist midwife for asylum seekers and refugees provided by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-21T15:33:21.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286787,"EventID":"S4W-16511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-24T15:33:22.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-24T10:25:07.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it raises awareness about female genital mutilation in communities where it is considered that the practice is likely to occur.\r\n","AnswerText":"A number of methods are used to raise awareness and encourage the reporting of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) including engaging with individuals and minority ethnic women’s organisations such as Dignity Alert Research Forum, Saheliya and Shakti Women’s Aid which provide services to women who come from communities affected by FGM.\r\nThe Scottish Government awarded Saheliya £225,000 from the Violence Against Women Fund for the period 2012–15 to support and empower women from communities affected by FGM in order to increase their confidence to reject the practice.\r\nThe government also works in partnership with other voluntary organisations, social services, education departments and the police to support victims and engage with communities for the prevention of FGM.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-21T15:33:22.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286788,"EventID":"S4W-16512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-24T15:33:22.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-24T11:11:40.083","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many UK conferences have been held in Scotland in each year since 1999 and what the impact has been on the Scottish economy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not centrally hold information on the number of UK conferences held in Scotland since 1999.\r\nHowever, since the creation of the VisitScotland administered Conference Bid Fund in 2012, three UK conferences have been held in Scotland this year to date out of a total of twenty nine that have received support. These welcomed 2,413 delegates collectively. There are positive impacts from bringing these three conferences to Scotland, and VisitScotland has estimated that gross expenditure of conference delegates, that is, without taking account of deadweight and displacement, is £4.5 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-21T15:33:22.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286789,"EventID":"S4W-16513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-24T15:33:22.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-24T12:56:00.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the (a) police and (b) UK Government regarding the (i) licensing and (ii) control of guns made using 3D printing technology.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have not had any formal discussions with either the police or the UK Government on this issue.\r\nResponsibility for the policy on the licensing and control of such weapons currently lies with the Home Office. Informal contact with officials in that department suggests that guns made using 3D printing technology would be likely to fall within the definition of prohibited weapons, under section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968. A person manufacturing or in possession of such a weapon without the appropriate authority would be committing an offence and may be liable to a minimum term of five years imprisonment on conviction.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-21T15:33:22.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286790,"EventID":"S4W-16514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-24T15:33:22.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-24T13:07:14.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date each NHS board will hold its 2013 annual review and whether these will be open to the public with provision for open question and answer sessions.","AnswerText":"The following health boards are still to confirm their dates for annual reviews: NHS Shetland, NHS 24 and Education for Scotland. The dates of the annual reviews for the remaining health boards are copied in the following table. All reviews have a public session which includes provision for question and answer sessions:\r\nAnnual review date\r\nHealth board\r\nJULY\r\n\r\nFriday 19 July\r\nHighland\r\nWednesday 31 July\r\nTayside\r\nAUGUST\r\n\r\nWednesday 7 August\r\nAyrshire & Arran\r\nThursday 15 August\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\nThursday 22 August\r\nBorders\r\nWednesday 28 August\r\nNational Services Scotland \r\nThursday 29 August\r\nLanarkshire\r\nFriday 30 August\r\nLothian\r\nSEPTEMBER\r\n\r\nTuesday 10 September\r\nDumfries & Galloway\r\nWednesday 25 September\r\nState Hospital\r\nMonday 30 September\r\nOrkney\r\nOCTOBER\r\n\r\nMonday 7 October\r\nGrampian\r\nTuesday 22 October\r\nNational Waiting Times Centre\r\nTuesday 29 October\r\nWestern Isles\r\nNOVEMBER\r\n\r\nMonday 11 November\r\nNHS Health Scotland\r\nMonday 18 November\r\nGreater Glasgow & Clyde\r\nMonday 25 November\r\nNHS Fife \r\nThursday 28 November\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland\r\nDECEMBER\r\n\r\nMonday 9 December\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-21T15:33:22.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286796,"EventID":"S4W-16515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-25T15:00:50.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-25T10:45:47.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) scheduled sailings, (b) actual sailings and (c) sailings cancelled due to adverse weather conditions there were on each route operated by CalMac Ferries and Argyll Ferries in each month between October 2012 and June 2013.","AnswerText":"CalMac Ferries Limited and Argyll Ferries Limited regularly publish information on scheduled sailings, actual sailings and sailings cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, on a route by route basis on their own websites. These can be accessed by following the attached links: \r\nhttp://www.calmac.co.uk/corporate-calmac/Route-Performance-Figures/ \r\nhttp://www.argyllferries.co.uk/news.htm \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-22T15:00:50.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286797,"EventID":"S4W-16516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-25T15:00:51.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-25T13:23:50.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16196 by John Swinney on 24 July 2013, how much of the Business Innovation and Growth Programme funding comes from (a) underspends returned from projects, (b) anticipated underspends and (c) unallocated funding being allocated for the first time.\r\n","AnswerText":"Variations in the value of the programmes caused by exchange rate fluctuations means that it is not possible at this stage to provide this breakdown. The decision to allocate funding in this way is based on lessons learned from previous programmes which show that Scottish Government needs to commit more than the value of the available funding in order to allow it to reallocate underspends and recoveries that will emerge late in the programme period. If the Scottish Government does not declare sufficient spending, the unspent funds would be lost to Scotland. To ensure that the commitment to programmes is at the right level, the Scottish Government works closely with project sponsors to monitor delivery, identify underspends and recover funds when appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-22T15:00:51.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286798,"EventID":"S4W-16517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-25T15:00:51.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-25T13:23:50.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16191 by John Swinney on 24 July 2013, how much of the £20 million for the Business Innovation and Growth Programme is new money.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16516 on 2 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-22T15:00:51.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286799,"EventID":"S4W-16518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-25T15:00:52.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-25T13:23:50.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many applications it has received and at what total value for the Business Innovation and Growth Programme in the (a) Lowlands and Uplands and (b) Highlands and Islands programme area.\r\n","AnswerText":"101 applications were submitted for the Lowlands and Uplands Scotland Programme; seeking approximately £71 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) grant. 43 of these have been invited to proceed to Stage 2 of the application process. 34 applications were submitted for the Highlands and Islands Programme; seeking approximately £14 million from the ERDF grant. 20 of these have been invited to proceed to Stage 2 of the application process\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-22T15:00:52.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286800,"EventID":"S4W-16520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-25T15:00:52.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-25T14:23:35.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much subsidy Argyll Ferries was contracted for in 2012-13; how much it received, and what the reason was for any difference.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08559 on 19 July 2012 which details the annual subsidy payable to Argyll Ferries in respect of the six-year public service obligation contract for the passenger-only service between Gourock and Dunoon.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nAs set out in that reply, Argyll Ferries Limited were contracted to receive £1,215,330 in grant subsidy, in contract year 2012-13 (1 July 2012-30 June 2013). This figure does not include fuel costs.\r\nThe full level of subsidy given to Argyll Ferries Ltd for the contract year 2012-2013 has still to be finalised. Argyll Ferries Ltd’s published accounts for 2012-13 will detail the subsidy payments received during the financial year (1 April 2012-31 March 2013) and will be available, in due course by accessing the following link:\r\nhttp://www.david-macbrayne.co.uk/reports/\r\nThe published accounts for 2012-13 will include the subsidy (i.e. operating grant), fuel grant, and any other associated costs, under the terms of their contract with the Scottish Ministers.\r\nGiven that the reason for any difference between the subsidy contracted for, and the subsidy received, in contract year 2012-13 cannot be confirmed at this time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-22T15:00:52.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286810,"EventID":"S4W-16521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-26T14:35:35.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-25T15:48:29.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what basis its paper, Maximising the Return from Oil and Gas in an Independent Scotland, stated that \"Lloyds Banking Group forecast in March 2013 that future growth in the sector will create 34,000 jobs in the industry and related businesses in Scotland over the next two years\".","AnswerText":"This was a result of an incorrect interpretation of data presented by Lloyds Banking Group by Scottish Government officials in the original published version of “Maximising the Return from Oil and Gas in an Independent Scotland”.\r\nThe Scottish Government report was subsequently updated on the 26 July 2013, and it now states that “Lloyds Banking Group forecast in March 2013 that future growth in the sector will create 34,000 jobs in the industry and related businesses across the UK over the next two years, with all areas of Scotland expected to benefit”.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-23T14:35:35.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286811,"EventID":"S4W-16522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-26T14:35:36.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-25T15:48:29.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many jobs it estimates will be created in the oil and gas industry in the next two years.\r\n","AnswerText":"According to Oil and Gas UK, the oil and gas industry provides employment for around 200,000 people across Scotland both directly in the industry and by supporting jobs in other sectors of the economy. This is almost half of the UK employment supported by the sector. Lloyds Banking Group forecast in March 2013 that future growth in the sector will create 34,000 jobs in the industry and related businesses across the UK over the next two years, with all areas of Scotland expected to benefit.\r\nWith more than half the total wholesale value of oil and gas reserves still to be extracted, with record levels of field investment expected throughout 2013, and with investment in companies’ future plans worth around £100 billion, the sector in Scotland will continue to thrive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-23T14:35:36.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286812,"EventID":"S4W-16524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-26T14:35:36.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-25T16:12:37.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it awarded for oil and gas innovation in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise awarded grant funding totalling £ 2,726,604.93 to oil and gas research and development innovation projects in the operational year 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013.\r\nHighlands and Islands Enterprise does not have a specific measure for oil and gas innovation. However, 2012-13 investment in businesses that generate a significant proportion of their turnover from oil and gas activity totalled £5,963,340.00.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-23T14:35:36.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286813,"EventID":"S4W-16525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-26T14:35:36.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-25T16:12:37.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it plans to award for oil and gas innovation in (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerText":"In May 2012, Scottish Enterprise announced a grant fund of £10 million to oil and gas research and development and innovation projects over the three years from 2012-13 to 2014-15 as part of Scotland’s oil and gas Strategy.\r\nIn the first year, 2012-13, Scottish Enterprise awarded grant funding of £ 2.7 million to oil and gas research and development and Innovation projects and anticipates awarding at least £7.3 million in total over the two year period 2013-14 and 2014-15. It is not possible to determine the likely breakdown over those two years as it will depend on applications received.\r\nHIE have no plans to establish a ring fenced budget for oil and gas innovation, and will look to continue to support account managed businesses to invest and innovate in this sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-23T14:35:36.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286814,"EventID":"S4W-16527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-26T14:35:36.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-26T11:25:44.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Lawn Tennis Association regarding funding for Tennis Scotland in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"With Scottish Government policy and priorities, sportscotland enter into investment agreements with Scottish sport governing bodies in taking forward the development plan for their respective sports.\r\nThere are regular meetings and dialogue which take place between Scottish Government, sportscotland and Scottish sport governing bodies as part of routine operational business.\r\nFunding arrangements for sport will remain similar to those at present, we will continue to invest our expertise, our time and our money in developing a world class sporting system at all levels in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-23T14:35:36.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286815,"EventID":"S4W-16528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-26T14:35:37.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-26T12:25:18.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many companies in the oil and gas sector have been account-managed by its enterprise agencies in each of the last five years. \r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise (SE) account managed 291 oil and gas companies in April 2013. As part of Scotland’s oil and gas strategy, SE are aiming to engage with an additional 100 oil and gas companies over the period 2012 - 2015.\r\nThe following table shows the breakdown of the number of Scottish Enterprise account managed companies. Until 2012, SE’s information recording system was for energy as a whole and it is not possible to assess the oil and gas split before that time.\r\nDate\r\nOil and Gas\r\nApril 2013\r\n291\r\nJune 2012\r\n249\r\nApril 2011\r\n324*\r\nApril 2010\r\n312*\r\nApril 2009\r\n231*\r\nNote: *These figures represent total number of energy companies supported – SE did not have a separate classification for oil & gas companies before 2012 and it is therefore not possible to assess the oil and gas split before that time.\r\nHIE does not have a specific Oil & Gas classification. The numbers in the following table represent the companies HIE has account managed in each of the last 5 years which has been assessed as engaging in oil and gas activities but which may generate a proportion of their turnover from other activity:\r\nFinancial Year\r\nNo. of HIE Account Managed Companies engaged in oil and gas activities\r\n2008-09\r\n25\r\n2009-10\r\n41\r\n2010-11\r\n51\r\n2011-12\r\n59\r\n2012-13\r\n72\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-23T14:35:37.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286816,"EventID":"S4W-16529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-26T14:35:37.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-26T12:32:40.857","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to make assisted changing toilets available during the 2014 Commonwealth Games.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the need for suitable changing facilities in toilets for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities.\r\nProvision of appropriate facilities for the 2014 Commonwealth Games is the responsibility of the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee, and they are currently investigating the provision of assisted changing toilets in games venues.\r\nTheir review will consider existing provision in venues, client group requirements, venue capacities, venue location, design and space requirements and cost. Provision of temporary facilities is being considered in addition to the permanent assisted changing toilets which already exist at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Scotstoun Sports Campus and Tollcross International Swimming Centre.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-23T14:35:37.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286817,"EventID":"S4W-16531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-26T14:35:37.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-26T13:20:30.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports (a) disabled people and (b) households with disabled children who are at risk of fuel poverty.\r\n","AnswerText":"The results of our fuel poverty evidence review shows that fuel poverty is particularly high for older age groups, for those who are long term sick and/or disabled. This is why we have developed programmes which will ensure that disabled persons and households will benefit. The Scottish Government has created a £200 million per year initiative (£79 million from the Scottish Government and £120 million from major energy companies) to tackle fuel poverty. The new Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland aim to upgrade Scotland’s housing stock and tackle fuel poverty and offer a range of free or discounted heating and home insulation measures to all those across Scotland who struggle with fuel poverty.\r\nIn order to access the £60 million available for area based schemes local authorities must demonstrate that they are prioritising fuel poor areas and households.\r\nWe have also invested £16 million this year in the Energy Assistance Scheme, which provides heating and insulation measures to the most vulnerable and poor households in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-23T14:35:37.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286818,"EventID":"S4W-16532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-26T14:35:38.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-26T13:20:30.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that energy suppliers understand the energy needs of (a) disabled people and (b) households with disabled children.\r\n","AnswerText":"The regulation of energy suppliers is a reserved matter and the principal duty of Ofgem, as the energy sector regulator, is to protect the interests of gas and electricity consumers. Ofgem published its “Consumer Vulnerability Strategy” and workplan on 4 July 2013 which challenges energy suppliers to improve their approach to identifying all those vulnerable groups with particular energy needs and addressing those needs.\r\nThe independent Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum will be watching closely to see how the strategy is used in practice by suppliers to ensure that the energy needs of all vulnerable people are met.\r\nIn addition, I have met with each of the major energy suppliers individually to raise concerns about energy price rises and to press the individual energy suppliers to support vulnerable consumers. Earlier this year, Scottish Ministers co-hosted with the UK Government a fuel prices summit, which included representation from all the major energy suppliers, to press for further action to protect vulnerable consumers in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-23T14:35:38.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286819,"EventID":"S4W-16533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-26T14:35:38.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-26T13:20:30.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that any additional energy needs of (a) disabled people and (b) households with disabled children are met.\r\n","AnswerText":"The regulation of energy suppliers is a reserved matter and the principal duty of Ofgem, as the energy sector regulator, is to protect the interests of gas and electricity consumers. Ofgem published its “Consumer Vulnerability Strategy” and workplan on 4 July 2013 which challenges energy suppliers to improve their approach to identifying all those vulnerable groups with particular energy needs and addressing those needs.\r\nThe independent Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum, put in place by the Scottish Government, will be watching closely to see how the strategy is used in practice by suppliers to ensure that the energy needs of all vulnerable people are met.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government has created a £200 million per year initiative (£79 million from Scottish Government funding and £120 million from obligated energy companies) to upgrade Scotland’s housing stock and tackle fuel poverty. Our schemes under this initiative aim to ensure vulnerable consumers are prioritised to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, increase comfort and reduce energy bills.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-23T14:35:38.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286820,"EventID":"S4W-16534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-26T14:35:38.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-26T13:20:30.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is on target to eradicate fuel poverty by 2016.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has a statutory duty, “to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that people are not living in fuel poverty in Scotland by November 2016”. The Scottish Government is committed to eradicating fuel poverty and is increasing funding to do so. This year alone we have allocated £79 million to tackle fuel poverty, almost 40% higher in cash terms than the last Labour budget of £56.5 million in 2006-07. In total we will spend around a quarter of a billion pounds over this spending review period on fuel poverty and energy efficiency.\r\nFuel poverty statistics published in December 2012 show that Scottish Government action is mitigating swingeing fuel price increases. Despite punishing 14% fuel price increases in Autumn 2011, improved household energy efficiency prevented a further 35,000 households falling into fuel poverty.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-23T14:35:38.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286821,"EventID":"S4W-16537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-29T13:04:54.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-26T15:43:12.69","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will block internet access to payday loan companies on its IT network.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body tries to strike the correct balance between unencumbered internet access, and protecting the interests of all the users of the IT network. At this time we do not block internet access to payday loan companies but will keep this situation under review\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-26T13:04:55.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Stewart","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286822,"EventID":"S4W-16530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-29T15:03:38.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-26T13:15:30.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how many children in Scotland were affected by the abolition of child trust funds and how many were from (a) low income and (b) the poorest 30% of households.\r\n","AnswerText":"As this policy relates to a reserved matter, we do not hold detailed information on numbers affected as a result of the abolition of the policy.\r\nHowever, a broad estimate suggests that in total around 580,000 children in Scotland will have been affected by the abolition of this policy, up to June and the end of 2013. This includes 147,000 newborns who will have missed out on both the initial and the age seven top-up payment and a further 423,000 children who will have missed out on the age seven top-up payment.\r\n(a) Around 87,000 of these will have come from low income households\r\n(b) And within this total, 29,000 will have come from the poorest 30% of households.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-26T15:03:38.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286823,"EventID":"S4W-16535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-29T15:03:38.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-26T15:43:12.69","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the role that junior football clubs have in communities, what recent contact it has had with the Scottish Junior Football Association regarding the future of such clubs and (a) protecting and (b) developing junior football.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the important role Junior football clubs play in communities across Scotland and I wrote to the Scottish Junior Football Association on 9 April 2013.\r\nThe Scottish Junior Football Association are an affiliated national association member of the overall governing body for football, the Scottish Football Association.\r\nAs such the Scottish Government has regular meetings with the Scottish Football Association to help ensure that the game in Scotland, at all levels, is supported and we are investing record levels of investment into football with almost £8.5m invested during 2011-12 which has supported the development of youth and grassroots football across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-26T15:03:38.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286824,"EventID":"S4W-16538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-29T15:03:39.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-26T16:45:52.49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16190 by John Swinney on 26 July 2013, how much of the money allocated for 2012-13 each project spent.\r\n","AnswerText":"The provisional outturn figures for each project to 31 March 2013 is provided in the following table.\r\nThe main change from forecast spend was for renewable energy projects, as discussed with the Finance Committee at the 2012-13 Spring Budget Revision on 13 March 2013 and confirmed in subsequent correspondence on 3 April 2013. Much of the funding allocated for the Renewable Energy Investment Fund for 2012-13 could not be committed within that year, due to a lack of projects at the right stage for investment, and will be made available in future years instead.\r\nProject\r\nProjected Outturn £million\r\nSection A: Low Carbon Investment/Renewables  \r\n\r\nTransport Scotland: Green Bus Fund\r\n1.8\r\nRegeneration: Rutherglen Low Carbon Zone (RCLZ)\r\n0.8\r\nHighlands and Islands Enterprise:  Arnish Plant and Estate Improvements\r\n1.1\r\nRenewable Projects \r\n1.5\r\nTOTAL for section A\r\n5.2\r\n\r\nSection B: Housing and Regeneration\r\n\r\nHousing: Priority investments within Local Authority Strategic Housing Investment Plans - bring forward 300 homes\r\n15\r\nHousing year 2012-13 only: Priority investments within Local Authority Strategic Housing Investment Plans - further 350 homes in addition to those from accelerating budget above\r\n20\r\nGovanhill - Empty Homes Purchase\r\n0.5\r\nGovanhill - Backcourt Improvements            \r\n0\r\nAccelarated programme of developments in Riverside Inverclyde Urban Regeneration Company\r\n2.4\r\nRegeneration: High-growth pre-let office, Bridgeton 1,800 square meters.\r\n0.5\r\nTOTAL for section B\r\n38.4\r\n\r\nSection C: Infrastructure and Investment\r\n\r\nHealth: Maintenance to ensure assets are safe, effective and patient centred - accelerated spend\r\n15\r\nHighlands and Islands Enterprise: Inverness Campus\r\n6\r\nScottish Funding Council: West Highland College, Fort William – infrastructure expansion\r\n0.2\r\nTransport Scotland: Kennacraig,  Kintyre, Phase 2 – causeway1\r\n1.3\r\nTransport Scotland: A75 Hardgrove to Kinmount\r\n0.9\r\nTOTAL for section C\r\n23.4\r\n\r\nSection D: Enterprise\r\n\r\nHighlands and Islands Enterprise: Forres Enterprise Park – Extension of Roads\r\n1.4\r\nHighlands and Islands Enterprise: Forres Enterprise Park – Provide 2 Units\r\n0.6\r\nHighlands and Islands Enterprise: Building Development within  Forres Enterprise zone\r\n2.7\r\nTOTAL for section D\r\n4.7\r\n\r\nSection E: Investment in Tourism – our Year of Natural Scotland\r\n\r\nForestry Commission Scotland - upgrade of visitor facilities at David Marshall Lodge, Aberfoyle\r\n4.3\r\nRural: National Parks - visitor facility improvements within the National Parks\r\n1.8\r\nRoyal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh - commence replacement of the Garden's ageing glasshouses\r\n1.5\r\nForestry Commission Scotland - upgrade of visitor facilities at Queen's View Perthshire2\r\n0.3\r\nTOTAL for section E\r\n4.3\r\n\r\nF: Protecting our Cultural Assets/Investing in Tourism\r\nHistoric Scotland – Lews Castle development3\r\n1.4\r\nHistoric Scotland - essential maintenance of heritage assets\r\n0.6\r\nNational Records of Scotland - Thomas Thomson House - urgent roof repairs\r\n0.9\r\nNational Library of Scotland – internal and external fabric maintenance of city centre estate (George IV Bridge and Baden Powell House)4\r\n0.2\r\nNational Galleries of Scotland – Energy saving maintenance project at the National Gallery5\r\n0.5\r\nCreative Scotland capital grants programme for local and regional  cultural projects across Scotland\r\n1\r\nTOTAL for section F\r\n4.6\r\nTotal for all sections\r\n80.6\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-26T15:03:39.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286825,"EventID":"S4W-16539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-29T15:03:39.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-26T13:24:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of increases to VAT and national insurance since 2010 on families from low income households. \r\n","AnswerText":"VAT and national insurance are reserved matters. As such, it is the responsibility of the UK Government to assess the impact of its decisions on VAT and national insurance. However, it is widely understood that VAT, in particular, is a regressive tax. This, coupled with significant changes to welfare from 2010, will have reduced the spending power of low income households.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-26T15:03:39.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286826,"EventID":"S4W-16540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-29T15:03:39.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-26T15:46:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact that the replacement of Disability Living Allowance with personal independence payments will have on (a) disabled people in Scotland and (b) its poverty targets.\r\n","AnswerText":"Using Department for Work and Pensions forecasts, the changes from Disability Living Allowance to Personal Independence Payment is estimated to reduce the number of people in receipt of Personal Independence Payment by nearly 70,000 in Scotland by October 2018. Those changes to disability benefits, along with other coalition welfare cuts, will have a significant and detrimental impact on poverty in Scotland and will undermine our efforts to tackle its causes. The solution is for the Scottish Parliament to have control over welfare matters so that we can devise policies for the benefit of the Scottish people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-26T15:03:39.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286827,"EventID":"S4W-16541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-29T15:03:39.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-29T13:27:14.843","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the letter dated 1 July 2013 to the Gourock Dunoon Ferries Service Steering Group from the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities, what (a) level and (b) type of involvement it envisages for the group in meeting with potential operators and whether it will involve action groups for other ferry services in a similar way.\r\n","AnswerText":"In her letter dated 1 July 2013, to the Gourock Dunoon Ferry Services Steering Group, the Deputy First Minister explained the steps that would be taken following the publication of the MVA feasibility report.\r\nTransport Scotland will be engaging with potential operators, to gauge market interest in the route. A timetable for this to occur has yet to be finalised.\r\nThe Deputy First Minister indicated that the Gourock Dunoon Ferry Services Steering Group would be involved in this process in some way. Options for the level and type of involvement will be considered by Ministers before the start of the consultation/engagement process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-26T15:03:39.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286835,"EventID":"S4W-16544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-30T15:12:45.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-30T10:23:53.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to implement a pilot 50 mph limit for HGVs on the A9 between Perth and Inverness.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland will continue to monitor the A9 between Perth and Inverness and will reassess the suitability of a pilot speed limit increase for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes on single carriageways.\r\nConsideration was given by the A9 Safety Group to a pilot increase of the speed limit for HGVs. Accident records, however, show that HGVs are involved in a higher proportion of accidents on single carriageway sections of the A9 than they are on other similar routes and the speed data shows that the vast majority of HGVs are travelling above the speed limit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-27T15:12:46.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286836,"EventID":"S4W-16545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-30T15:12:47.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-30T12:57:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the outcome was of the meeting of the anti-trafficking progress group of 18 July 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The anti-trafficking progress group was established to take forward the eleven actions agreed at the summit held on 18 October 2012. The meeting on 18 July 2013 was to gauge progress made to date and the outcome of the group’s discussions can be viewed on the Scottish Government website via:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/crimes/humantraffick/humantraffick1\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-27T15:12:47.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286837,"EventID":"S4W-16546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-30T15:12:47.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-30T12:57:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to hold a further trafficking in human beings summit, and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"Following the summit on 18 October 2012 I stated my intention to hold a reconvened summit in early summer 2014. The specific date will be confirmed in due course. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-27T15:12:47.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286838,"EventID":"S4W-16547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-30T15:12:47.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-30T12:57:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to raise public awareness of human trafficking.","AnswerText":"The Human Trafficking Summit hosted by Scottish Ministers on 18 October 2012, identified a range of actions, including the need to improve training and awareness of human trafficking and the signs of potential trafficking amongst public agencies, businesses and the wider public.\r\nThe Anti-Trafficking Progress Group has been established involving relevant organisations and agencies to take forward the actions from the summit.\r\nAs part of this work, a new information leaflet entitled Human Trafficking – Reading the Signs, was launched as an awareness-raising initiative on 29 July 2013. The leaflet, which will be distributed throughout businesses and the community, was designed by Police Scotland with input from the Scottish Government and other delivery partners. \r\nThe launch of this leaflet endorsed the partnership approach we are taking to tackle human trafficking and is proof that we are making significant inroads towards helping to disrupt and stop those individuals who use human beings for profit.\r\nThe leaflet can be accessed on the Scottish Government’s website via:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/crimes/humantraffick/humantraffickleaf\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-27T15:12:47.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286839,"EventID":"S4W-16548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-30T15:12:48.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-30T13:35:04.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to prevent Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in wild deer from entering the country and what discussions it has had with the EU on the possible impact of CWD on (a) country sport tourism and (b) sales of venison.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government, in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage and the deer management round table recently published a leaflet “Chronic Wasting Disease – Protecting Scotland’s Deer”. This leaflet is aimed at raising awareness of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) among key target groups, including hunters from the UK who visit North America, hosts and sporting agents, visitors from North America and border control staff. The leaflet can be found at the following link on the Scottish Government website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/animal-welfare/Diseases/disease/wasting/CWDleaflet.\r\nCWD has not been witnessed in Scotland. However, through the work of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) roadmap, a survey was launched in order to detect the possible presence of TSEs in wild and farmed deer in the EU. Over 13,000 tests were carried out and there is no evidence to suggest that CWD has occurred in the EU.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-27T15:12:48.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286855,"EventID":"S4W-16549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-31T15:47:42.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-30T20:45:26.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is considering amending the Neighbour Notification Scheme to require planning authorities to notify premises within a wider area of a proposed development.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are considering the issues raised by Petition 1469, which is currently before the Public Petitions Committee and relates to concerns about neighbour notification of applications for wind turbines. However, we have no plans at present to amend the neighbour notification requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-28T15:47:43.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286856,"EventID":"S4W-16550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-31T15:47:43.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-31T10:20:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many young people were involved in (a) writing and (b) the consultations regarding the content of its Youth Sport Strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Young People’s Sport Panel has worked extensively with sportscotland in development of the Youth Sport Strategy. A member of the Panel sits on the associated Working Group, along with Youth Scotland, Young Scot and the Commissioner for Children and Young People.\r\nAn extensive consultation process will take place following publication of the Draft Strategy, engaging directly with children and young people across Scotland to ensure that their views are central to development of the final Strategy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-28T15:47:43.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286857,"EventID":"S4W-16551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-31T15:47:44.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-31T10:20:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it decided which young people it should (a) involve in writing and (b) consult regarding the content of its Youth Sport Strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16550 on 23 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-28T15:47:44.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286858,"EventID":"S4W-16554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-31T15:47:44.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-31T10:20:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many young people from Glasgow were involved in (a) writing and (b) the consultations regarding the content of its Youth Sport Strategy, broken down by postcode area.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16550 on 23 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-28T15:47:44.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286859,"EventID":"S4W-16557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-31T15:47:44.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-31T10:50:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) permanent and (b) temporary legal staff have been employed by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in each month since April 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the breakdown as requested. Trainee Solicitors are normally employed on a fixed term basis for a period of two years. \r\n \r\nLegal Staffing Figures (FTE): \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nDate\r\nPermanent\r\nFixed Term\r\nTrainee Solicitors\r\nTotal\r\n01 April 2007\r\n403.8\r\n1\r\n41\r\n445.8\r\n01 May 2007\r\n402.8\r\n0\r\n41\r\n443.8\r\n01 June 2007\r\n402.6\r\n1\r\n41\r\n444.6\r\n01 July 2007\r\n404.4\r\n1\r\n41\r\n446.4\r\n01 August 2007\r\n401.5\r\n1\r\n41\r\n443.5\r\n01 September 2007\r\n414.2\r\n2\r\n50\r\n466.2\r\n01 October 2007\r\n413.5\r\n2\r\n50\r\n465.5\r\n01 November 2007\r\n406.7\r\n2\r\n50\r\n458.7\r\n01 December 2007\r\n402.1\r\n2\r\n50\r\n454.1\r\n01 January 2008\r\n405\r\n1\r\n50\r\n456\r\n01 February 2008\r\n401.1\r\n1\r\n50\r\n452.1\r\n01 March 2008\r\n405.9\r\n2\r\n50\r\n457.9\r\n01 April 2008\r\n404.8\r\n2\r\n50\r\n456.8\r\n01 May 2008\r\n405.29\r\n2.41\r\n50\r\n457.7\r\n01 June 2008\r\n404.8\r\n2\r\n50\r\n456.8\r\n31 July 2008\r\n411.89\r\n1.41\r\n50\r\n463.3\r\n31 August 2008\r\n433.99\r\n4.41\r\n51\r\n489.4\r\n30 September 2008\r\n435.22\r\n5.41\r\n51\r\n491.63\r\n31 October 2008\r\n436.81\r\n7.41\r\n51\r\n495.22\r\n30 November 2008\r\n434.83\r\n8.41\r\n51\r\n494.24\r\n31 December 2008\r\n439.41\r\n6.41\r\n51\r\n496.82\r\n31 January 2009\r\n445.42\r\n3.41\r\n51\r\n499.83\r\n28 February 2009\r\n447.99\r\n4.41\r\n51\r\n503.4\r\n31 March 2009\r\n445.4\r\n5.22\r\n51\r\n501.62\r\n30 April 2009\r\n445.91\r\n5.22\r\n52\r\n503.13\r\nDate\r\nPermanent\r\nFixed Term\r\nTrainee Solicitors\r\nTotal\r\n31 May 2009\r\n446.05\r\n5.22\r\n54\r\n505.27\r\n30 June 2009\r\n442.37\r\n9.22\r\n54\r\n505.59\r\n31 July 2009\r\n442.37\r\n8.22\r\n54\r\n504.59\r\n31 August 2009\r\n465.93\r\n10.22\r\n54\r\n530.15\r\n30 September 2009\r\n471.85\r\n25.83\r\n54\r\n551.68\r\n31 October 2009\r\n472.84\r\n28.83\r\n53\r\n554.67\r\n30 November 2009\r\n471.72\r\n31.83\r\n54\r\n557.55\r\n31 December 2009\r\n473.51\r\n30.83\r\n54\r\n558.34\r\n31 January 2010\r\n471.46\r\n31.43\r\n54\r\n556.89\r\n28 February 2010\r\n470.27\r\n31.44\r\n54\r\n555.71\r\n31 March 2010\r\n464.86\r\n29.44\r\n53\r\n547.3\r\n30 April 2010\r\n463.3\r\n24.83\r\n53\r\n541.13\r\n31 May 2010\r\n464.41\r\n22.02\r\n51\r\n537.43\r\n30 June 2010\r\n462.74\r\n22.02\r\n51\r\n535.76\r\n31 July 2010\r\n463.19\r\n14.91\r\n51\r\n529.1\r\n31 August 2010\r\n465.52\r\n32.92\r\n53\r\n551.44\r\n30 September 2010\r\n465.74\r\n30.53\r\n52\r\n548.27\r\n31 October 2010\r\n467.12\r\n29.53\r\n51\r\n547.65\r\n30 November 2010\r\n466.93\r\n29.53\r\n51\r\n547.46\r\n31 December 2010\r\n466.28\r\n28.53\r\n50\r\n544.81\r\n31 January 2011\r\n459.4\r\n28.63\r\n49\r\n537.03\r\n28 February 2011\r\n458.67\r\n29.45\r\n50\r\n538.12\r\n31 March 2011\r\n454.95\r\n28.45\r\n50\r\n533.4\r\n30 April 2011\r\n451.9\r\n19.7\r\n50\r\n521.6\r\n31 May 2011\r\n450.28\r\n20.74\r\n49.61\r\n520.63\r\n30 June 2011\r\n443.23\r\n21.74\r\n49.61\r\n514.58\r\n31 July 2011\r\n447.39\r\n23.74\r\n49.61\r\n520.74\r\n31 August 2011\r\n445.43\r\n23.74\r\n44.61\r\n513.78\r\n30 September 2011\r\n443.13\r\n21.74\r\n44.61\r\n509.48\r\n31 October 2011\r\n443.41\r\n14.74\r\n44.61\r\n502.76\r\n30 November 2011\r\n442.7\r\n13.04\r\n44.61\r\n500.35\r\n31 December 2011\r\n441.48\r\n12.65\r\n45.61\r\n499.74\r\n31 January 2012\r\n438.07\r\n12.24\r\n44.61\r\n494.92\r\n29 February 2012\r\n440.07\r\n12.24\r\n44.61\r\n496.92\r\n31 March 2012\r\n428.51\r\n12.24\r\n44.61\r\n485.36\r\n30 April 2012\r\n430.84\r\n15.33\r\n44.61\r\n490.78\r\n31 May 2012\r\n427.96\r\n21.24\r\n44.61\r\n493.81\r\n30 June 2012\r\n429.12\r\n23.24\r\n44.61\r\n496.97\r\n31 July 2012\r\n426.28\r\n24.24\r\n44.61\r\n495.13\r\n31 August 2012\r\n431.89\r\n21.24\r\n38.61\r\n491.74\r\n30 September 2012\r\n427.3\r\n21.83\r\n38.61\r\n487.74\r\n31 October 2012\r\n425.99\r\n21.22\r\n38.61\r\n485.82\r\n30 November 2012\r\n427.3\r\n19.63\r\n38.61\r\n485.54\r\nDate\r\nPermanent\r\nFixed Term\r\nTrainee Solicitors\r\nTotal\r\n31 December 2012\r\n428.52\r\n23.06\r\n38.61\r\n490.19\r\n31 January 2013\r\n435.33\r\n25.06\r\n38.61\r\n499\r\n28 February 2013\r\n436.22\r\n23.06\r\n38.61\r\n497.89\r\n31 March 2013\r\n438.81\r\n22.06\r\n38.61\r\n499.48\r\n30 April 2013\r\n436.38\r\n21.84\r\n38.61\r\n496.83\r\n31 May 2013\r\n428.17\r\n22.41\r\n38.61\r\n489.19\r\n30 June 2013\r\n428.73\r\n21.45\r\n38.61\r\n488.79\r\n31 July 2013\r\n427.44\r\n22.02\r\n38.61\r\n488.07\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-28T15:47:44.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286860,"EventID":"S4W-16558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-31T15:47:45.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-31T10:50:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hours of ad hoc assistance has been provided by legal staff not normally employed by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in each month since April 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2010 COPFS has had a practice of offering fixed term contracts to legal staff not normally employed by COPFS rather than daily ad hoc assistance. This allows COPFS to better manage situations where cover has been required for permanent staff as a result of their absence on maternity leave, sickness leave, project work or secondment. Information regarding any ad hoc assistance over the period identified is not held on an hourly basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-28T15:47:45.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286861,"EventID":"S4W-16559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-31T15:47:45.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-31T10:50:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many sheriff court trials have been (a) abandoned and (b) delayed in each month since April 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Courts Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing within twenty days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-28T15:47:45.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286862,"EventID":"S4W-16560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-31T15:47:45.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-31T10:50:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance has been issued to Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service staff regarding the prioritising of high court cases since April 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"A number of factors inform the priority with which high court cases are prepared within COPFS.\r\nCOPFS staff work to strict time limits imposed by the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 both where accused persons are remanded in custody awaiting trial and where accused persons are released by the court on bail.\r\nIn cases where the accused is remanded in custody COPFS must serve an indictment within 80 days of full committal, for a preliminary hearing within 110 days and trial commencing within 140 days. \r\nIn cases where the accused has been granted bail COPFS must serve an indictment no later than 10 months after the date of first appearance on petition and a preliminary hearing must be held within 11 months of the date of first appearance on petition.\r\nCOPFS has a published target of serving all high court indictments in 80% of cases within 9 months of the first appearance of the accused. This target has been exceeded in each of the last six years. \r\nStaff specialising in high court work manage and prioritise their preparation of cases bearing in mind the time limits and associated supporting target outlined above, in line with COPFS internal guidance which directs further prioritisation on the basis of the vulnerability or age of the witnesses and the nature of the charges involved.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-28T15:47:45.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286863,"EventID":"S4W-16561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-31T15:47:46.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-31T10:50:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is taking to address allegations of bullying in the organisation.\r\n","AnswerText":"COPFS Fair Treatment at Work Policy highlights the rights and responsibilities of all employees in relation to fair treatment and re-iterates our organisational values, ‘Being Professional and Showing Respect’. The policy was last reviewed in 2012 and all our employees were reminded of the contents of the policy at that time.\r\nThe policy makes it clear that bullying behaviour towards our staff by any person will not be tolerated. It explains how to use the grievance procedure to raise a complaint with COPFS management regarding inappropriate behaviours of another employee. Staff members are also encouraged to report inappropriate behaviours towards them by persons not employed by COPFS. Any employee raising an allegation of bullying, from whatever source, will have their complaint taken seriously and be offered support from COPFS Staff Welfare Service and Employee Assistance Programme. These services are made available to staff at any time for the purposes of confidential advice and support. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-28T15:47:46.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286864,"EventID":"S4W-16562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-31T15:47:46.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-31T10:50:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the FDA union regarding the impact of workload pressure on staff of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.\r\n","AnswerText":"COPFS enjoys productive partnership working agreements with both FDA and PCS Trade Unions. A variety of regular meetings occur with TUS representatives including monthly meetings with senior management board members at which workload and staffing matters are discussed.\r\nWe are in agreement that every COPFS workplace should be safe and healthy for all staff and, to assist in planning for that, FDA and PCS conducted a stress audit in June 2013.\r\nAt an initial meeting between PCS, FDA and COPFS management thereafter the preliminary findings were discussed. It was agreed that PCS and FDA should be allowed further time to carry out a full analysis of the results.\r\nCOPFS is awaiting receipt of that further information from PCS and FDA and is committed to assessing any further materials provided and agreeing actions based on the full analysis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-28T15:47:46.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286865,"EventID":"S4W-16566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-07-31T15:47:46.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-31T12:10:28.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which local authorities have had their bid for additional funds to assist with wind turbine planning applications rejected.","AnswerText":"Every local authority that submitted a bid received funding. The bids and award amount can be seen on the Scottish Government’s website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/National-Planning-Policy/themes/renewables/windresources. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-28T15:47:46.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286868,"EventID":"S4W-16567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-01T12:19:57.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-31T15:18:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) discussions, (b) meetings and (c) correspondence it has had with the UK Government since April 2012 regarding (i) the Aberdeen Coastguard and (ii) coastguard management in Scotland, what matters were considered and who participated.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since April 2012, Scottish Ministers have written to the UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport three times, and once to the Chair of the UK Parliament Transport Committee regarding the UK Government’s modernisation of the Coastguard. Scottish Ministers received two responses from the then UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport Mike Penning and two from his successor Stephen Hammond. \r\nI also met Stephen Hammond in London on 1 November 2012 to discuss the Coastguard modernisation plans.\r\nThroughout this correspondence the Scottish Government has reiterated our belief that the UK Government was wrong to close Clyde and Forth and downgrade Aberdeen coastguard station. We pressed the UK Government to reverse the decision, and requested details of any staff shortages at Aberdeen following the increase in coastline responsibilities and reduction in staffing levels at the station. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-29T12:19:57.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286869,"EventID":"S4W-16568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-02T14:16:41.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-01T10:19:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) individuals and (b) companies it has recruited outside of the Temporary and Interim Staff Framework in each year since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of individuals recruited outside of the Temporary and Interim Staff Framework is as follows:\r\n\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nNumber of individuals\r\n82\r\n84\r\nInformation required to identify individuals recruited outside of the Temporary and Interim Staff Framework prior to 2011 is not held.\r\nInformation on the number of companies recruited outside of the Temporary and Interim Staff Framework is not held centrally. The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-30T14:16:41.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286870,"EventID":"S4W-16569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-02T14:16:42.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-01T10:19:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) individuals and (b) companies it has recruited outside of the national strategy for the procurement of Business Management Consultancy Services in each year since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of individuals and companies recruited outside of the Business Management Consultancy Framework is not held centrally and could not be obtained without disproportionate effort.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-30T14:16:42.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286871,"EventID":"S4W-16570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-02T14:16:42.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-01T10:19:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost of contracts awarded outside of the (a) Temporary and Interim Staff Framework and (b) the national strategy for the procurement of Business Management Consultancy Services has been in each year since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold any spend figures for the costs of contracts awarded outside the Temporary and Interim Staff Framework. Therefore we are unable to say what the cost of contracts awarded outside of the Temporary and Interim Staff Frameworks are.\r\nThe cost of contracts awarded outside of Business Management Consultancy Framework is not held centrally and could not be obtained without disproportionate effort.\r\nFigures on spend through the Temporary and Interim Staff Framework and Business Management Consultancy across the Scottish public sector are as follows:\r\nTemporary and Interim Staff Framework \r\nYear 1 – 2010-11\r\n£2,719,506.71\r\nYear 2 - 2011-12\r\n£16,677,302.34\r\nYear 3 - 2012-13\r\n£38,352,883.47\r\n \r\nBusiness and Management Consultancy Framework:\r\nYear 1: 2010-11, £363,035\r\nYear 2: 2011-12, £58,610\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-30T14:16:42.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286872,"EventID":"S4W-16573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-02T14:16:42.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-01T12:07:04.01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what bus operators applied for monies through each of the Scottish Green Bus Funds.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details of successful bidders under the Scottish Green Bus Fund are published annually and results for the three rounds to date can be found on the Transport Scotland Website at: \r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/public-transport/Buses.\r\nIn addition to the published information on successful bidders, bids were also received from MacEwans Coach Services in rounds one and two; Secure Airparks Ltd in rounds two and three and Stagecoach East in round three. These bids were subsequently withdrawn by the operators concerned and no funding was awarded.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-30T14:16:42.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286873,"EventID":"S4W-16574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-02T14:16:42.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-01T14:01:20.987","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much Salus, set up by NHS Lanarkshire, will receive from ATOS for work on DWP assessments.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11254 on 6 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-30T14:16:42.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286874,"EventID":"S4W-16575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-02T14:16:43.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-01T14:01:20.987","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS Lanarkshire established Salus and what governance and financial arrangements are in place.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Lanarkshire created Salus as an operating department in the mid 1990s. As part of NHS Lanarkshire, Salus are accountable to the board of NHS Lanarkshire.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-30T14:16:43.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286875,"EventID":"S4W-16576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-02T14:16:43.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-01T14:01:20.987","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether staff working for Salus remain employees of NHS Lanarkshire.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11254 on 6 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-30T14:16:43.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286876,"EventID":"S4W-16577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-02T14:16:44.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-01T14:01:20.987","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the then Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing met with Salus and/or NHS Lanarkshire to discuss the awarding of the contract with ATOS.\r\n","AnswerText":"My predecessor, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, and officials, met with a representative of Salus on 13 June 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-30T14:16:44.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286877,"EventID":"S4W-16578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-02T14:16:44.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-01T14:01:20.987","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the then Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing agreed to be pictured with ATOS to announce its sponsorship of the 2014 Commonwealth Games and when the request was made.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee invited the Deputy First Minister on 9 February 2012 to participate in the event to announce their sponsorship agreement with Atos, which took place on 16 March 2012.\r\nAll Games Partners including representatives from Glasgow City Council, Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Scottish Government attended the event to mark the significant contribution which Atos sponsorship will make towards the successful delivery of the Games.\r\nAtos is providing technology that will be used for accreditation services, volunteer recruitment and the instant relaying of results, all of which shall enhance the Glasgow 2014 Games experience. All Games Partners were pictured to mark the announcement.\r\nThe SG has every sympathy with individuals and families who have been adversely affected by the UK Government’s welfare reforms. Whilst appreciating that an assessment process is necessary, the alarming stories of peoples’ experiences suggest that what is in place just now is causing a great deal of undue stress and hardship to people across Scotland.\r\nThat is why Housing Minister, Margaret Burgess, wrote recently to the UK Work and Pensions Secretary, Iain Duncan Smith, highlighting  the Scottish Government’s concerns at Atos and DWP’s administering of the Work Capability Assessment process and urging him to take the necessary steps to ensure that the very worrying cases that are being reported are never repeated.\r\nSecuring sponsors is a matter for the organising committee and it should be acknowledged that Glasgow 2014’s  contract with Atos do not relate in any way to the services it provides on behalf of DWP. In addition, securing sponsorship is vital to the success of the Games and to reduce the need for additional public funds to stage them.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-30T14:16:44.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286878,"EventID":"S4W-16579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-02T14:16:45.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-01T15:19:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the UK Government's programme for privatisation of the Royal Mail will have on blind and visually impaired people in Scotland and their free access to the Articles for the Blind Service, and whether an independent Scotland will uphold the right to free access delivered by a public mail service.\r\n","AnswerText":"The provision of free postal services to blind or partially sighted people forms part of the current UK Universal Service Obligation. It is the responsibility of the UK Government to ensure that provision continues to operate under a privatised Royal Mail. We have made a clear commitment that with independence, Scotland will match, as a minimum standard, the Universal Service Obligation inherited from the UK Government, ensuring people across Scotland continue to receive the postal service they expect. Therefore the Articles for the Blind scheme will continue to be available in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-08-30T14:16:45.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286893,"EventID":"S4W-16580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:14.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-04T16:44:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Scottish Enterprise became aware of difficulties at Railcare in Springburn.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise (SE) has enjoyed a good relationship with the company meeting the management in Scotland every six months. SE had been aware that new owners were being sought for Railcare. SE became aware of Railcare’s current difficulties on Tuesday 30 July 2013, when Scottish Government officials contacted the organization, looking for confirmation of the support being provided to the company in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:14.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286894,"EventID":"S4W-16581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:14.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-04T16:44:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Scottish Enterprise alerted it to difficulties at Railcare in Springburn.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise, acting on behalf of Scottish Ministers, has supported Railcare as an account-managed company. This has meant regular dialogue with the company and support for the developments that have been undertaken.\r\nScottish Government Ministers were informed the company might be about to go into administration on Tuesday 30 July 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:14.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286895,"EventID":"S4W-16582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:14.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-04T16:44:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it became aware of difficulties at Railcare in Springburn.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise have been providing support to Railcare at Springburn through the account management approach. Through this dialogue Scottish Enterprise was aware that Railcare was in talks about new ownership.\r\nScottish Government officials in Transport Scotland were advised on 29 July 2013 by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (DBIS) that it was likely Railcare would be placed into administration within the next 24 to 48 hours.\r\nDBIS again contacted Transport Scotland officials on 31 July 2013 and advised that Railcare had unfortunately been placed into administration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:14.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286896,"EventID":"S4W-16583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:15.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-04T16:44:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to assist Railcare in Springburn.","AnswerText":"I met the administrator BDO on 7 August 2013 and emphasised that the Scottish Government is committed to providing assistance to achieve the best possible outcome for all involved. I also met union representatives and gave them my assurance that I would take any steps possible to secure the future of the company.\r\nThrough our Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative, we have supported Railcare staff since the company went into administration. Representatives from our local PACE team were on site to provide support when employees were made redundant and have continued to provide support to those employees.\r\nI am delighted to see that Railcare has now been bought by the German company, Knorr Bremse, and very much welcome their commitment to pay staff their wages. Railcare has a loyal workforce and a healthy order book and I am sure the company will now go forward on a healthy footing, helping to deliver the significant rail investment programme underway in Scotland. I understand Scottish Enterprise will now engage with the new owners to assist them in consolidating and strengthening their operation in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:15.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286897,"EventID":"S4W-16584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:15.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-04T16:44:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to assist employees of Railcare in Springburn who are made redundant.\r\n","AnswerText":"When Railcare was placed into administration on 31 July 2013, through our Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative, we immediately contacted the administrators BDO to offer support for any employees who may be facing redundancy at the Springburn site.\r\nBDO made 33 employees redundant at the Springburn site on 2 August 2013. PACE representatives were on site that morning to offer support to affected employees and all employees being made redundant received information on PACE. 23 employees also took advantage of the offer of a one to one interview with a PACE Adviser.\r\nUnite the Union held a “Railcare Back to Work Forum” on 23 August 2013 which PACE representatives attended to deliver a presentation on PACE support and to provide support to attendees.\r\nWe have also offered to deliver PACE Presentations and stand ready to provide support to remaining Railcare staff at Springburn in the unfortunate event of any further redundancies being made. We await a response to this offer from BDO.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:15.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286898,"EventID":"S4W-16585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:16.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-04T16:44:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contact it has had with the UK Government concerning difficulties at Railcare in Springburn and when.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials were advised on 29 July 2013 by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (DBIS) that the company was having difficulties and again on 31 July 2013 when the company went into administration.\r\nOn 27 August 2013, DBIS informed Scottish Government officials that Knorr Bremse had bought Railcare on 26 August 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:16.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286899,"EventID":"S4W-16587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:16.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-04T16:44:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contact it has had with the administrators appointed to Railcare and when.\r\n","AnswerText":"I met the administrators BDO on 7 August 2013. In addition, PACE colleagues first made contact with BDO on our behalf on 31 July 2013 to offer PACE support to Railcare employees, and are in continuing contact.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:16.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286900,"EventID":"S4W-16589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:16.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-04T16:44:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it can take to assist the administrators of Railcare to find a new buyer for the company.","AnswerText":"I had a very useful discussion with the administrator BDO, and was assured that they were actively pursuing possible purchasers for the company. I offered active support from the Scottish Government in trying to reach a solution. I was therefore delighted to hear the announcement on 27 August that Railcare has now been bought by the German company, Knorr Bremse. I understand Scottish Enterprise will now engage with the new owners to assist them in consolidating and strengthening their operation in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:16.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286901,"EventID":"S4W-16593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:17.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-05T12:44:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many local air quality management areas have been declared in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"The information requested is as follows:\r\n2007-2\r\n2008-5\r\n2009-1\r\n2010-3\r\n2011-5\r\n2012-0\r\n2013-3\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:17.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286902,"EventID":"S4W-16594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:17.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-05T12:44:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on how many occasions a local air quality management area has been deemed no longer necessary due to the achievement of air pollution standards in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"The information requested is as follows:\r\n2007-0\r\n2008-0\r\n2009-0\r\n2010-0\r\n2011-0\r\n2012-1\r\n2013-2\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:17.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286903,"EventID":"S4W-16595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:17.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-05T12:44:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many local air quality management areas (LAQMA) have been in place for five or more years since the establishment of the LAQMA policy.","AnswerText":"14 air quality management areas have been in place for five or more years since the establishment of the local air quality management system.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:17.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286904,"EventID":"S4W-16596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:18","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-05T12:44:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many deaths due to road traffic accidents there have been in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of deaths in road traffic accidents reported to the police since 2007.\r\nFatal Road Casualties 2007-12:\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012 (p)\r\n281\r\n270\r\n216\r\n208\r\n185\r\n170\r\nThe figures are available in table 2 of the Key Reported Road Casualtes Scotland 2012 bulletin which was published on 20 June 2012. The publication can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/strategy-and-research/publications-and-consultations/j276199-00.htm\r\nNote that the figures for 2012 are provisional. Final figures for 2012 will be published in Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2012 in October 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286905,"EventID":"S4W-16601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:18.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-05T12:44:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many deaths due to failure to meet air quality standards there have been in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data are not currently collected in ways that would allow the direct attribution of any individual death to exposure to air pollution. To separate out the specific impact of poor air quality from the many other influencing factors would be a complex piece of work for which we do not at present have a suitable methodology.\r\nIt is extremely unlikely that anyone dies directly from exposure to poor air quality alone. However, long term exposure to poor air quality is likely to be a contributory factor that will reduce the life expectancy further of anyone with pre-existing poor health.\r\nThe Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution, an expert committee that provides advice to the UK Government and devolved administrations on all matters concerning the effects of air pollutants on health, has developed a methodology to allow assessment of the theoretical impact of air pollution on mortality at a local authority level. It is anticipated that data resulting from this methodology will be available later in 2013, although the exercise will not provide any information on the actual impacts of air pollutants on individuals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:18.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286906,"EventID":"S4W-16602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:18.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-05T12:44:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have experienced poor health due to failure to meet air quality standards in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data are not currently collected in ways that would allow the direct attribution of any individual poor health effects to exposure to air pollution. Many different environmental and socio-economic factors interact to produce an overall effect on an individual’s health and to separate out the specific impact of poor air quality would be a complex piece of work for which we do not at present have a suitable methodology.\r\nExposure to air pollutants is a factor that may exacerbate the symptoms of anyone suffering from pre-existing lung disease such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or from heart disease. Extended exposure to poor air quality may worsen the course of these diseases in those who already have them, but is unlikely to have a significant impact on otherwise healthy individuals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:18.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286907,"EventID":"S4W-16603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:18.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-05T12:44:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) economic and (b) social damage has been caused by poor air quality in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"Data are not currently collected in ways that would allow the direct attribution of any such damage to poor air quality on an annual basis. To separate out the specific impact of poor air quality would be a complex piece of work for which we do not at present have a suitable methodology.\r\nCost benefit analysis is routinely undertaken to assess the potential impact on air quality of introducing or removing specific policies. However this approach produces only very broad estimates of future scenarios and does not generate any information on past trends nor on overall air quality.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:18.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286908,"EventID":"S4W-16604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:19.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-05T12:44:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what environmental damage has been caused by poor air quality in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data are not currently collected in ways that would allow the direct attribution of environmental damage in general to poor air quality. Such assessments are normally made only in relation to specific situations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:19.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286909,"EventID":"S4W-16605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:19.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-05T12:44:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) children have experienced poor health as a result of and (b) children's already poor health has been exacerbated by failure to meet air quality standards in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"Data are not currently collected in ways that would allow the direct attribution of poor health in individual children to the effects of exposure to air pollution. Many different environmental and socio-economic factors interact to produce an overall effect on children’s health and to separate out the specific impact of poor air quality would be a complex piece of work for which we do not at present have a suitable methodology.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:19.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286910,"EventID":"S4W-16606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:19.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-05T12:44:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown by socio-economic class of the health impacts that have arisen from failure to meet air quality standards in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data are not currently collected in ways that would allow the direct attribution of any poor health effects to exposure to air pollution in relation to socio-economic class. Many different factors interact to produce an overall effect on the health of any sub-group in the overall population and to separate out the specific impact of poor air quality would be a complex piece of work for which we do not at present have a suitable methodology.\r\nExposure to air pollutants is a factor that may exacerbate the symptoms of anyone suffering from pre-existing lung disease such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or from heart disease. Extended exposure to poor air quality may worsen the course of these diseases in those who already have them, but is unlikely to have a significant impact on otherwise healthy individuals.\r\nThe Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution, an expert committee that provides advice to the UK Government and devolved administrations on all matters concerning the effects of air pollutants on health, has developed a methodology to allow assessment of the theoretical impact of air pollution on mortality at a local authority level. It is anticipated that data resulting from this methodology will be available later in 2013, although the exercise will not provide any information of the actual impact by socio-economic class.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:19.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286911,"EventID":"S4W-16607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:20.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-05T14:38:42.317","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it was informed by Transport Scotland that FirstGroup would be paid a bonus of £51,989 following the Service Quality Incentive Regime outcomes for April to June 2013.","AnswerText":"No, there is no requirement for Transport Scotland to notify Scottish Government of individual or quarterly payments or penalties. For the SQUIRE Year (23 June 2012 – 22 June 2013) the overall annual financial result was a penalty of £133,126 (Before RPI).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:20.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286912,"EventID":"S4W-16608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:20.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-05T14:38:42.317","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the awarding of bonuses to private companies for meeting the standards required of franchises.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland’s well established Service Quality Incentive Regime provides incentives to the franchisee (First ScotRail) for above “benchmark” performance and penalties for areas that fall below. This covers 36 different areas which affect rail passengers experience. \r\nOver the period of the current franchise, ScotRail has never received an overall annual incentive payment for SQUIRE. Penalties have reduced year on year since the regime was rolled out to all Scottish stations and trains. Annual figures have reduced from £938,959 (before RPI) in 2009 to £133,126 (before RPI ) in 2013. This indicates that performance has improved without the Scottish Government providing additional payments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:20.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286913,"EventID":"S4W-16609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:20.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-05T14:38:42.317","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the Service Quality Incentive Regime for the ScotRail franchise requires bonus payments or whether penalties for not meeting targets would be sufficient.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Service Quality Incentive Regime is a vital aspect of the Franchise Agreement as it encourages and incentivises investment by the Franchisee to actually surpass the benchmark level thus improving the performance of facilities and services for passengers. Failure to meet the benchmark level can result in penalties to the Franchisee.\r\nThe robust and thorough regime has received numerous positive comments within the rail industry and from Audit Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:20.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286914,"EventID":"S4W-16610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-05T15:08:21.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-05T14:38:42.317","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to ensure that future ScotRail franchises do not include bonus payments. ","AnswerText":"The two new franchise contracts, Caledonian Sleeper and ScotRail, will include refinements of the current SQUIRE regime.\r\nIn the case of the Caledonian Sleeper Franchise, SQUIRE assessments of station and train quality will be undertaken. These will commence without any financial penalty or incentive payments, but the financial regime will be triggered if quality levels fall below the pre-agreed thresholds.\r\nFor the ScotRail Franchise, a refined SQUIRE regime with penalty and incentive payments will be in place from commencement.\r\nOther aspects of service quality will not be subject to out-performance or bonus payments from the Scottish Government in either franchise.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-02T15:08:21.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286924,"EventID":"S4W-16590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-06T15:04:37.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-05T12:30:42.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many closure notices have been (a) applied for and (b) enforced in each accounting period since January 2007.","AnswerText":"In March 2009, the Scottish Government and COSLA jointly published their Framework for tackling antisocial behaviour, Promoting Positive Outcomes: Working Together to Prevent Antisocial Behaviour in Scotland. Our emphasis since then has been to address the causes of antisocial behaviour, such as drink, drugs and deprivation, and not just the symptoms.\r\nThe number of closure notices authorised under section 26 of the Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004 is not held centrally. An analysis of the use of the powers provided for in the 2004 Act up to March 2008, which includes statistical information in relation to closure of premises provisions, can be found on the Scottish Government’s website at:\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/17141/practitioners/Commsafetypublications.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-03T15:04:37.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286925,"EventID":"S4W-16591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-06T15:04:38.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-05T12:30:42.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many closure notices have been (a) applied for and (b) enforced in 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":" I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16590 on 3 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-03T15:04:38.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286926,"EventID":"S4W-16592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-06T15:04:38.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-05T12:30:42.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14362 by Nicola Sturgeon on 2 May 2013, who would set the level of annual increase for pensions currently paid in Scotland by the Ministry of Defence if Scotland decided to leave the UK.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will shortly publish a paper on pensions in an Independent Scotland, covering the future of state pensions, private pensions and public sector pensions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-03T15:04:38.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286927,"EventID":"S4W-16611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-06T15:04:38.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-06T09:54:43.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the findings in the report, The hardest hit: Going beyond the mean, what discussions it has had with the UK Government about the impact of the UK Government's energy policies on Scottish households with electric heating.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has a full programme of joint working with the UK Government, aimed at ensuring electricity market reforms, regulation and legislation protect the long-term interests of all Scottish consumers.\r\nIn addition, earlier this year Scottish Ministers co-hosted a fuel prices summit with the UK Government, which included representation from all the major energy suppliers, to press for further action to protect vulnerable households in Scotland from the impact of energy price rises.\r\nHowever, the best way of cutting energy bills and saving money is by improving the energy efficiency of the home and the Scottish Government continues to fund energy efficiency and fuel poverty programmes to help Scottish households who struggle with fuel poverty, at a time when the UK Government has cut it’s fuel poverty funding in England from £366 million in 2010-11 to zero. From 1 April 2013 there is no longer any UK Government funded fuel poverty funding in England.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-03T15:04:38.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286928,"EventID":"S4W-16612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-06T15:04:39.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-06T11:54:30.997","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had regarding the provision of abattoirs in the north east.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the pivotal role that the processing sector plays within the supply chain and is in regular discussions with a number of parties on the provision of abattoirs in the North East, including the proposed new facility at Inverurie.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-03T15:04:39.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286929,"EventID":"S4W-16613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-06T15:04:39.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-06T11:54:30.997","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the provision of abattoirs across the country.","AnswerText":"The provision of abattoirs across the country is a key consideration for the Scottish Government to ensure that there is sufficient capacity in Scotland to process the output of the livestock sector. That is why we have awarded grant support totalling £9.7 million to 58 projects across the Scottish meat industry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-03T15:04:39.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286930,"EventID":"S4W-16614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-06T15:04:39.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-06T11:54:30.997","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the development of new IT software ahead of the implementation of the reform of the common agricultural policy.","AnswerText":"We have commenced a significant programme of work to update the business and IT processes which underpin the delivery of rural payments and inspections and to deliver CAP Reform. This is a long term programme of IT enabled business change, which will deliver significant improvements to the services which customers receive in the coming years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-03T15:04:39.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286931,"EventID":"S4W-16615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-06T15:04:39.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-06T11:54:30.997","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will review the advisory services that it provides to farmers to help with administration arising from the common agricultural policy.\r\n","AnswerText":"Draft EU regulations published by the European Commission, as part of the Common Agricultural Policy reform proposals for 2014-20, include specific reference to the Farm Advisory Services provision.\r\nThe proposals have been subject to discussion and stakeholder engagement, mainly through the Scottish Government’s Advisory Services Working Group. Potential changes to the design of the Advisory Services arising from these talks will now form part of the Stage 2 Scotland Rural Development Programme consultation to issue later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-03T15:04:39.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286940,"EventID":"S4W-16652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T14:31:19.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T13:48:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how the lodging fee for objections to private bills is set.\r\n","AnswerText":"Rule 9A.6.5 sets out five criteria of admissibility for objections to Private Bills, of which the last is that the objection must be “accompanied by any fee for lodging objections that may be determined by the Parliamentary corporation”.  The SPCB made a determination under this Rule on 8 May 2001 (announced in the Business Bulletin on 17 May 2001), and set £20 as the fee for lodging an objection.  The fee has remained unchanged since that date.\r\n \r\nThe paper considered by the SPCB in May 2001 recommended a £20 fee by reference to the Procedures Committee’s 2nd Report, 2000.  In paragraph 116 of that report, the Committee considered evidence for and against a fee. It ultimately decided to support its introduction, being persuaded that it would “discourage frivolous objections and could, where appropriate, encourage people e.g. residents in an area, to lodge one objection covering the same points rather than each individual resident lodging an objection”.  \r\n \r\nThe Procedures Committee’s report was subsequently agreed by the Parliament without division on 23 November 2000.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T14:31:19.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Scanlon ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286941,"EventID":"S4W-16653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T14:33:39.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T13:48:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how much has been paid in lodging fees for objections to private bills in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the beginning of 2010, the only private bill to which objections have been lodged is the City of Edinburgh Council (Portobello Park) Bill, which is currently at Preliminary Stage and to which 66 admissible objections have been lodged.  The total amount paid is therefore £1,320.  \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T14:33:39.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Scanlon ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286947,"EventID":"S4W-16616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:38:47.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-06T15:29:50.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4F-01345 by Alex Salmond on 2 May 2013 (Official Report, c. 19317), whether it remains Scottish Government policy that it would not seek an opt-out from EU pensions regulations in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government policy is as set out by the First Minister. We agree with the assessment by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland that discussions on this issue between the Scottish Government, the UK Government and the EU should start as soon as possible. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:38:47.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286948,"EventID":"S4W-16618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:38:48.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-06T15:29:50.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the European Commission regarding an opt-out from pensions regulations for an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16616 on 2 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:38:48.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286949,"EventID":"S4W-16619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:38:49.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-06T15:29:50.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it would split pension schemes between an independent Scotland and the rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16616 on 2 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:38:49.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286950,"EventID":"S4W-16620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:38:49.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-06T15:29:50.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its paper on pensions in an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will in due course publish a paper on pensions in an independent Scotland covering the future of the State pension, private pensions and public sector pensions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:38:49.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286951,"EventID":"S4W-16621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:38:50.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-06T15:29:50.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the comments by the First Minister reported in The Sunday Post on 4 August 2013 that the way to deal with pension fund deficits is to “get a derogation so nobody is forced into a more accelerated settlement of the pension deficit”, whether it considers that an opt-out from pensions regulations is required.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16616 on 2 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:38:50.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286952,"EventID":"S4W-16622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:38:51.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-06T17:03:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) ScotRail and (b) Scottish Water staff are employed on so-called zero-hour contracts.\r\n","AnswerText":"No staff are employed by ScotRail or Scottish Water on so-called zero-hour contracts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:38:51.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286953,"EventID":"S4W-16624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:38:52.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-06T17:03:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has a monitoring system to ensure that companies contracted by it do not use so-called zero-hour contracts and, if so, how this operates.\r\n","AnswerText":"Companies bidding for significant contracts are required to state whether they have been found guilty of any criminal offences, or have committed any acts of grave misconduct in the course of their business. \r\nThe Scottish Government's standard terms and conditions of contract also require that in performing the contract, the contractor must comply with all applicable law, including employment law. We are not aware of any evidence that contractors to the Scottish Government are using zero hours contracts inappropriately. If anyone has such evidence they should bring it to our attention and we will consider what action might be appropriate.\r\nThe Procurement Reform Bill will also address the ways in which purchasers assess a contractor’s approach to recruitment and terms of engagement of persons involved in delivering the contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:38:52.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286954,"EventID":"S4W-16625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:38:53.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T10:51:27.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients have registered with a community pharmacy to use the Minor Ailment Service in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides data on Minor Ailment Service (MAS) registrations for the last three years broken down by NHS board area.\r\nNHS Board \r\nRegistrations\r\n\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n73,220\r\n77,083\r\n82,140\r\nNHS Borders\r\n17,851\r\n19,858\r\n20,136\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n20,377\r\n20,723\r\n20,689\r\nNHS Fife\r\n52,340\r\n57,425\r\n58,356\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n40,966\r\n42,610\r\n45,086\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n60,953\r\n70,059\r\n77,640\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n212,890\r\n226,236\r\n238,207\r\nNHS Highland\r\n35,045\r\n36,613\r\n39,302\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n100,447\r\n105,986\r\n110,700\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n120,217\r\n125,558\r\n132,192\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n2,110\r\n2,597\r\n2,472\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n1,867\r\n2,311\r\n2,370\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n51,638\r\n56,941\r\n63,330\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n588\r\n843\r\n776\r\nScotland Total\r\n790,509\r\n844,843\r\n893,396\r\nData source: Prescribing Information System, ISD Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:38:53.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286955,"EventID":"S4W-16626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:38:54.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T10:51:27.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients have used the Minor Ailment Service provided by community pharmacists in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The number of people who access the Minor Ailment Service (MAS) is not available centrally, however, the number of treatments provided can be found in the following table.\r\nNHS Board \r\nTreatments\r\n\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n165,582\r\n178,095\r\n186,502\r\nNHS Borders\r\n38,068\r\n42,162\r\n47,156\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n37,436\r\n37,232\r\n37,547\r\nNHS Fife\r\n86,238\r\n96,540\r\n108,367\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n84,930\r\n89,314\r\n91,246\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n115,350\r\n134,660\r\n150,208\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n517,090\r\n579,074\r\n627,443\r\nNHS Highland\r\n71,650\r\n77,776\r\n83,578\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n237,228\r\n268,530\r\n295,547\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n227,600\r\n250,888\r\n267,728\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n5,546\r\n5,802\r\n6,451\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n4,235\r\n5,883\r\n6,072\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n98,941\r\n113,627\r\n126,040\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n1,304\r\n2,051\r\n1,675\r\nScotland Total\r\n1,691,198\r\n1,881,634\r\n2,035,560\r\nData source: Prescribing Information System, ISD Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:38:54.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286956,"EventID":"S4W-16627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:38:55.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T10:51:27.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost is of providing the Minor Ailment Service, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The following table provides data on the total remuneration and reimbursement costs relating to the Minor Ailment Service (MAS) broken down by NHS board area for 2012-13.\r\nNHS Board\r\nCost (£s)\r\n\r\n2012-13\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n1,612123\r\nNHS Borders\r\n437,629\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n464,581 \r\nNHS Fife\r\n1,245,004 \r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n1,004,592 \r\nNHS Grampian\r\n1,735,082 \r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n5,041,747 \r\nNHS Highland\r\n981,105 \r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n2,249,549 \r\nNHS Lothian\r\n2,792,165\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n 58,918 \r\nNHS Shetland\r\n59,962\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n1,359,239\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n30,950\r\nScotland Total\r\n19,072,653\r\nData source:  Prescribing Information System, ISD Scotland. \r\nNote: Total costs comprise the paid Gross Ingredient Cost (GIC) and Capitation Payments including adjustments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:38:55.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286957,"EventID":"S4W-16628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:38:56.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T10:51:27.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been spent on promoting the Minor Ailment Service, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:38:56.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286958,"EventID":"S4W-16629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:38:57.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T10:51:27.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients have registered with a community pharmacy for the Chronic Medication Service in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides data on the number of patients who have registered with a community pharmacy for the Chronic Medication Service (CMS) in the last three years, broken NHS board area.\r\nNHS Board \r\nCMS Registrations\r\n\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n4,570\r\n7,109\r\n14,773\r\nNHS Borders\r\n989\r\n2,761\r\n2,549\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n1,502\r\n3,088\r\n4,547\r\nNHS Fife\r\n5,609\r\n4,660\r\n9,825\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n3,931\r\n4,371\r\n8,101\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n8,059\r\n11,614\r\n14,040\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n16,202\r\n20,111\r\n42,098\r\nNHS Highland\r\n4,432\r\n5,267\r\n7,111\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n7,453\r\n11,409\r\n18,834\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n9,673\r\n11,051\r\n19,624\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n58\r\n267\r\n195\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n75\r\n208\r\n152\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n5,071\r\n8,051\r\n10,258\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n69\r\n157\r\n232\r\nScotland Total\r\n67,693\r\n90,124\r\n152,339\r\nData source: NSS: Practitioner Services Division.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:38:57.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286959,"EventID":"S4W-16631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:38:57.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T10:51:27.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been spent on promoting the Chronic Medication Service, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:38:57.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286960,"EventID":"S4W-16632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:38:58.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T10:46:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland 2012-13 will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland 2012-13 has been pre-announced for publication in March 2014. This information is available on the Scottish Government website “Forthcoming Publication” page. The exact date will be added at least one month in advance of publication. This is in accordance with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:38:58.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286961,"EventID":"S4W-16633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:38:59.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T10:46:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any of the methodologies applied in Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland 2012-13 will differ from previous editions and, if so, which.\r\n","AnswerText":"The methodologies used to produce Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland are peer reviewed, subject to consultation, and are widely accepted to be the best methods currently available. As with all such estimation methods they are subject to on-going refinements to improve the quality of the publication and to ensure that it continues to meet users’ needs. As with all National Statistics publications, any changes to the methodology will be communicated to users in line with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics. The chief statistician has final responsibility for deciding on statistical methods, standards and procedures used to produce national statistics, as set out in the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:38:59.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286962,"EventID":"S4W-16634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:39:00.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T10:46:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date the paper on pensions that the First Minister referred to in his interview with The Sunday Post on 4 August 2013 will be published, and what its scope will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16620 on 2 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:39:00.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286963,"EventID":"S4W-16636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:39:01.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T10:46:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the reported comment by the First Minister in The Sunday Post on 4 August 2013 that “the way to deal with [European pensions regulations] is to get a derogation so nobody is forced into a more accelerated settlement of the pension deficit” reflects a change in the Scottish Government's position from that of 2 May 2013 when the First Minister said that “the Scottish Government would not seek an opt-out from European pensions regulations in an independent Scotland because one is not required or necessary” and “we are not seeking an opt-out from the EU regulations\" (Official Report, c. 19317).\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16616 on 2 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:39:01.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286964,"EventID":"S4W-16638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:39:01.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T10:46:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the reported comment by the First Minister in The Sunday Post on 4 August 2013 that “the way to deal with [European pensions regulations] is to get a derogation so nobody is forced into a more accelerated settlement of the pension deficit”, what form of derogation it would seek.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16616 on 2 September 2013 All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:39:01.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286965,"EventID":"S4W-16639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:39:02.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T10:46:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the European Commission regarding an opt-out from pensions regulations for an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16616 on 2 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:39:02.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286966,"EventID":"S4W-16640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:39:03.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T10:46:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the reported comment by the First Minister in The Sunday Post on 4 August 2013 that “the way to deal with [European pensions regulations] is to get a derogation so nobody is forced into a more accelerated settlement of the pension deficit and secondly, an option of splitting the schemes between Scotland and the rest of the UK”, whether it can rule out the possibility of breaking up pension schemes..\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16616 on 2 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:39:03.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286967,"EventID":"S4W-16641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:39:04.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T10:46:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the reported comment by the First Minister in The Sunday Post on 4 August 2013 regarding EU pension regulations, what its position is on an independent Scotland (a) opting-out of such regulations, (b) breaking up cross-border schemes and (c) any other options in relation to these.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16616 on 2 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:39:04.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286968,"EventID":"S4W-16649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-07T15:39:05.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T12:58:44.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last reviewed the list of birds protected by special penalties as set out at Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; what its position is on whether this legislation is fit for purpose, and what criteria it uses to determine the birds to list.\r\n","AnswerText":"Schedule 1 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 may be amended by Scottish Ministers at any time and remains open to review as necessitated by consideration of the conservation needs of wild birds. Amendments in recent years include the addition of red kite, golden eagle and hen harrier to Schedule 1A in 2013 (along with the addition of golden eagle to Schedule A1), the addition of white tailed eagle to Schedules A1 and 1A in 2004, and the addition of capercaillie to Schedule 1 in 2001.\r\nThere are no set criteria to determine the birds on the list. Changes are normally initiated by advice from statutory advisors and are subject to public consultation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-04T15:39:05.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286973,"EventID":"S4W-16471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:21.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-18T14:47:33.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Scotland’s access to the internet is dependent on internet exchange points in London and Manchester and whether there are plans to establish (a) an internet exchange point in Scotland and (b) direct connections to internet exchange points in other European countries.\r\n","AnswerText":"Most internet traffic to, from and within Scotland currently goes through one of three internet exchange points in London, Manchester or Leeds.\r\nAs part of our work to improve Scotland’s digital infrastructure and achieve world class connectivity by 2020, the Scottish Government is facilitating discussions with industry aimed at establishing an internet exchange point in Scotland.\r\nThis work is being taken forward by LINX (London Internet Exchange Ltd), a not-forprofit member led organisation that operates exchanges in London and Manchester. Excellent progress is being made and we anticipate that an internet exchange, called IXScotland, will be installed in Edinburgh in October this year.\r\nIt will be for LINX to determine what connections are required to equivalent exchange points in Europe. These are negotiated and delivered depending on the needs of exchange members.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:22.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286974,"EventID":"S4W-16474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:22.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-18T14:47:33.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland would have the technical capability to protect internet traffic from surveillance by UK intelligence agencies.\r\n","AnswerText":"An independent Scotland will work in very close collaboration with the remaining UK and with wider international partners on security and intelligence matters: it is in everyone’s interests to keep our islands secure. This will be done within a strict legal framework set by the Scottish Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:22.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286975,"EventID":"S4W-16475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-18T14:47:33.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether internet (a) infrastructure and (b) surveillance will be addressed in the white paper on independence.","AnswerText":"The main legislation relating to surveillance of internet and other communications is the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 which currently makes provision for the acquisition of communications data and the authorisation of lawful interception of communications. This legislation would continue to operate in an independent Scotland at the point of independence. Any changes would be the responsibility of a future Scottish Government.\r\nThe Scottish Government will publish its detailed white paper with positive proposals on the opportunities and gains of independence in the autumn. Material on the referendum and the Scottish Government’s proposals for an independent Scotland can be found at: www.scotreferendum.com including published papers and speeches. This site will be regularly updated with additional material including the Scottish Government’s white paper in the run up to the referendum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:23.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286976,"EventID":"S4W-16476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:23.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-18T14:47:33.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many high-capacity cables taking internet traffic in and out of Scotland do so without passing through other parts of the UK.","AnswerText":"Other than those shared with the rest of the UK. Scotland has fibre optic cables running to Norway, North America via Iceland, and North America via the Faroe Islands.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:23.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286977,"EventID":"S4W-16598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:23.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-29T16:04:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there are part-time wildlife crime liaison officers based in (a) Orkney and (b) Shetland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information. The deployment of wildlife crime liaison officers within Police Scotland is a matter for the chief constable.\r\nAny operational officers within Police Scotland can deal with wildlife crime. In addition, 109 officers specialise in wildlife crime. The Scottish Government is aware that each division in Police Scotland has a wildlife crime liaison officer (WCLO). There are currently five full-time WCLO and nine part-time WCLO posts across Scotland. In addition, a full-time wildlife crime coordinator is based in the specialist crime division.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:23.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286978,"EventID":"S4W-16599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:23.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-07-29T16:04:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many wildlife crime cases there have been in the former Northern Constabulary area over the last five years and whether it considers this workload sufficient to base a full-time wildlife crime officer in this police division. \r\n","AnswerText":"Figures held by the Scottish Government show that from 2007 to 2012, there were 298 wildlife crime cases in the former Northern Constabulary area. The deployment of wildlife crime officers within Police Scotland is an operational matter for the Chief Constable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:23.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286979,"EventID":"S4W-16642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:24.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T12:26:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether funding from the latest round of the CashBack for Communities programme has been fully committed and, if so, when this was announced and how much has been secured since then for the next round of payments.\r\n","AnswerText":"All funding available to the CashBack for Communities programme has been fully committed. No specific announcement has been made.\r\nDue to the way in which the cashback programme is funded, it is inherently difficult to forecast when new monies will become available. Money surrendered under the Proceeds of Crime legislation is paid into the Scottish Consolidated Fund on a monthly basis by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and Scottish Court Service. \r\nAt Spring Budget Review, based on the level of receipts that have been surrendered to the Scottish Consolidated Fund a budget is set to cover Cashback for Communities programme expenditure incurred within that financial year to date, along with a forecast of outstanding payments up to the end of the financial year. The information for the current financial year will be part of the 2013-14 Spring Budget Revision and the relevant document is due for publication in early February 2014. Management is required throughout the year to match commitment made with recoveries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:24.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286980,"EventID":"S4W-16643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:24.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T12:26:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government until when funding from the latest round of the CashBack for Communities programme is fully committed.\r\n","AnswerText":"A financial overview of investment in the CashBack for Communities Programme and future funding commitment to partners in the CashBack for Communities Programme is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/17141/cashback/CashBack-Finance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:24.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286981,"EventID":"S4W-16644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:24.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T12:26:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the most recent criminal assets that funded the latest round of the CashBack for Communities programme were recovered.\r\n","AnswerText":"Money surrendered under Proceeds of Crime legislation is paid into the Scottish Consolidated Fund on a monthly basis by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and Scottish Court Service. \r\nAt Spring Budget Review, based on the level of receipts that have been surrendered to the Scottish Consolidated Fund a budget is set to cover CashBack for Communities programme expenditure to date, along with a forecast of outstanding payments up to the end of the financial year. The information for the current financial year will be part of the 2013-14 Spring Budget Revision and the relevant document is due for publication in early February 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:24.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286982,"EventID":"S4W-16645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:25.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T12:26:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the CashBack for Communities programme will next consider applications for funding.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government allocates available funds to large national partner organisations, which are responsible for running projects across Scotland. All funding currently available to the programme has been committed. As part of this Government’s commitment to develop the CashBack for Communities programme we will be discussing future CashBack funding opportunities with partner organisations and others in the autumn.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:25.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286983,"EventID":"S4W-16647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:25.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T12:26:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been recovered in Scotland under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and how much of this has been allocated to the CashBack for Communities programme in each year since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"The amount of cash and other assets recovered in Scotland under Proceeds of Crime legislation is available on the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal website at:\r\nhttp://www.crownoffice.gov.uk/media-site/media-releases/137-first-ten-years-of-proceeds-of-crime-act-nets-more-than-80-million.\r\nThe CashBack from Communities programme is funded entirely from the proceeds of crime obtained under the Act. A breakdown of the monies invested through the programme is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/17141/cashback/CashBack-Finance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:25.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286984,"EventID":"S4W-16648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:25.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T12:26:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been recovered in Scotland under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 following (a) drugs seizures, (b) fraud cases, (c) breaches of fishing quota regulations and (d) the sale of (i) counterfeit or stolen goods and (ii) contraband tobacco, and how much from each has been allocated to the CashBack for Communities programme in year since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the type of offence which money recovered under the Proceeds of Crime legislation relates to, is not held centrally. Information on the value and offence associated with confiscation orders is available on the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service website at:\r\nhttp://www.copfs.gov.uk/foi/responses-we-have-made-to-foi-requests/467-proceeds-of-crime-act-2002.\r\nA financial overview of investment in the CashBack for Communities Programme is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/17141/cashback/CashBack-Finance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:25.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286985,"EventID":"S4W-16656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:25.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-07T16:18:14.007","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what targets it has set for reducing income inequality and what its position is on the social impact of income inequality.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government Solidarity Target is to increase overall income and the proportion of income earned by the three lowest income deciles as a group by 2017. There are two parts to this - (1) increasing the overall income received by Scottish households and (2) increasing the percentage of income earned by households in the lowest three income deciles.\r\nTackling poverty and inequality is a central priority for this Government and we are committed to seeing greater equality and social justice. We are doing this not just because we believe it is the right thing to do for the benefit of everyone in Scotland, but also because international evidence shows that countries that achieve greater equality also perform better in economic terms. Social justice leads to social cohesion, and that is a building block of economic success.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:25.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286986,"EventID":"S4W-16657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:26.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T09:50:36.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many questions there have been in each Higher Mathematics paper in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I have asked the chief executive to write to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:26.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286987,"EventID":"S4W-16658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:26.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T09:50:36.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the pass mark was for each Higher Mathematics grade in (a) 2012 and (b) 2013. ","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I have asked the chief executive to write to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:26.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286988,"EventID":"S4W-16660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:27.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T09:50:36.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people marked the 2013 Higher Mathematics papers and when they were hired.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:27.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286989,"EventID":"S4W-16661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:27.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T09:50:36.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether additional people were hired to ensure that the 2013 Higher Mathematics papers were marked on time.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I have asked the chief executive to write to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:27.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286990,"EventID":"S4W-16662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:28.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T09:50:36.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times the 2013 Higher Mathematics papers were remarked and how this compares with each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I have asked the chief executive to write to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:28.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286991,"EventID":"S4W-16663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:29.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T09:50:36.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria were used for any changes to the pass mark for the 2013 Higher Mathematics paper compared with 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I have asked the chief executive to write to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:29.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286992,"EventID":"S4W-16664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:29.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T09:50:36.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people failed to complete the 2013 Higher Mathematics exam.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I have asked the chief executive to write to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:29.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286993,"EventID":"S4W-16665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:30.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T09:50:36.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the pass mark was for each grade in Advanced Higher Mathematics in (a) 2011, (b) 2012 and (c) 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I have asked the chief executive to write to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:30.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286994,"EventID":"S4W-16666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:30.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T09:50:36.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Institute of Engineering and Technology's comment in relation to the decline in the number of passes in Advanced Higher Mathematics in 2013 that \"economic prosperity could be at risk if more students did not successfully complete maths.\"\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of passes in Advanced Higher Mathematics actually increased this year from 2,156 in 2012 to 2,303 (pre-appeal figures).\r\nThe Scottish Government recognises the importance of science, technologies, engineering and maths (STEM) for the Scottish economy. Learning and skills development relating to STEM is an integral part of Curriculum for Excellence, and we continue to see good uptake of the relevant subjects at secondary, including mathematics qualifications.\r\nEducation Scotland has developed a range of resources to support teaching in STEM subjects, and build young people’s awareness of careers in the sector and the relevant skills. This includes a range of learning journeys within the STEM Central online resource.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:30.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286995,"EventID":"S4W-16667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:31.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T09:50:36.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for which Higher grade subjects the pass mark at grades A, B or C were reduced in 2013 and what the reason was for each.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I have asked the chief executive to write to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:31.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286996,"EventID":"S4W-16668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:31.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T09:50:36.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the decline in the number of passes in Higher Mathematics in 2013, what its position is on statements suggesting that the 2013 Higher results are the \"best ever\".\r\n","AnswerText":"There was a small decline in the number of passes in Higher Mathematics this year. The decline was entirely due to a decline in the pass rate. The Scottish Qualifications Authority advises that minor annual variations in pass rates are normal from year to year. The pass rate across all subjects at Higher reached a record high, making them the best ever overall results.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:31.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286997,"EventID":"S4W-16669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:32.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T09:56:34.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 provides the right to (a) cross land and (b) use any structure designed to facilitate passage, such as a level crossing.","AnswerText":"The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003:\r\na) provides that everyone has statutory access rights to cross land in Scotland, except land specified in or under section 6 of the Act. A person has access rights only if they are exercised responsibly.\r\nb) does not specifically consider the position of level crossings.\r\nIn 2010 the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission published a joint consultation paper setting out a number of proposals and questions about how the law relating to level crossings might be reformed.  In this, the commissioners refer to private level crossings as crossings over which there is a private right of way. There is no statutory definition of a private level crossing.\r\n\r\nIn their joint consultation paper the commissions took the view that:\r\nThe public do not automatically have a right of way over a private level crossing, but such a right could be established by operation of the law of prescription, namely uninterrupted use of the crossing over a continuous period of 20 years. In the absence of a core path, access rights do not apply in respect of private level crossings over an operational railway there is no automatic right under Scots law for a member of the public to use a private level crossing (as opposed to a public level crossing).\r\n\r\nThe 2010 consultation document on level crossings (Scottish Law Commission Discussion Paper 143) is available at: http://www.scotlawcom.gov.uk/publications/discussion-papers-and-consultative-memoranda/2010-present\r\nThe Commissions’ Report on Level Crossings is expected to be published in autumn 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:32.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286998,"EventID":"S4W-16670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:32.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T09:56:34.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the legal definition is of a private crossing and whether such crossings are exempt from provisions relating to (a) rights of way, (b) core paths and (c) access.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16669 on 2 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:32.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":286999,"EventID":"S4W-16671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:33.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T09:56:34.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the public has an automatic right under Scots law to use a crossing for access.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16669 on 2 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:33.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287000,"EventID":"S4W-16672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:33.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T09:58:38.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria apply to the designation of ferry services as lifeline services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ferry Services: Ferries Plan (2013-2022) identifies “lifeline” in its glossary of terms as “A lifeline ferry service is required in order for a community to be viable.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:33.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287001,"EventID":"S4W-16673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:34.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T09:58:38.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what process it will follow in determining whether to take over the running of the Kilcreggan to Gourock ferry service.","AnswerText":"Any request for the Scottish Government to assume responsibility for a ferry service will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and would be progressed following a formal request by the party responsible for the provision of the service, in this case Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.\r\nThe Scottish Government is willing to take on responsibility for all “lifeline” ferry services. This commitment was set out in detail in the Scottish Government’s Ferries Plan, published on 19 December 2012. Appendix 5 of the Ferries Plan sets out a number of “principles” that the Scottish Government will take into account when considering a possible transfer of responsibility. This appendix can be viewed by following the attached link:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/strategy-and-research/publications-and-consultations/j254579-20.htm.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:34.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287002,"EventID":"S4W-16674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:34.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T09:58:38.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the Kilcreggan to Gourock ferry service.","AnswerText":"No assessment has been made by the Scottish Government in relation to the lifeline nature of the Gourock to Kilcreggan ferry service. This route is currently the responsibility of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:34.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287003,"EventID":"S4W-16675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-08T15:15:35.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T09:58:38.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what ferry services are supported by non-government agencies.","AnswerText":"Annex 4 of the Scottish Ferry Services: Ferries Plan (2013-2022), published in December 2012, provides details on what ferry services are supported by non-government agencies. This can be accessed by following the attached link:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/strategy-and-research/publications-and-consultations/j254579-19.htm \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-05T15:15:35.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287008,"EventID":"S4W-16676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-09T14:44:40.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T15:07:37.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the issues raised by the Chief Executive of Aberdeen City Council with the Permanent Secretary on 1 July 2013 were answered in a letter from the First Minister dated 6 August 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Permanent Secretary responded to the Chief Executive of Aberdeen City Council on 6 August. The First Minister had also received letters from the Chief Executive on the issues raised by the Council and also responded on 6 August. The First Minister replied on the points raised in the letters to him and the Permanent Secretary’s reply referred to that letter, explaining the First Minister’s reply set out the facts and background on these issues. The Permanent Secretary’s letter dealt with the business of government during by-elections.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-06T14:44:40.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Joe FitzPatrick","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287009,"EventID":"S4W-16677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-09T14:44:41.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T15:07:37.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its publication, Scottish Parliament By-Election, Aberdeen Donside, 20 June 2013: Guidance on conduct for Scottish Government civil servants, which referred to “the period of sensitivity preceding Scottish Government by-elections\", for what reason the First Minister's letter to the Chief Executive of Aberdeen City Council dated 6 August 2013 stated that \"there is no such thing as a 'purdah' rule for by-elections.”\r\n","AnswerText":"When the Scottish Parliament is dissolved in the lead-up to general elections there is a recognised pre-election period (commonly referred to as ‘purdah’) when restrictions on the conduct of government business apply. In by-elections, the Parliament is not dissolved. Accordingly, the First Minister’s reference to the absence of “a ‘purdah’ rule for by-elections” explains that normal government business continues during the lead-up to such by-elections, subject to consideration of its impact in the constituency where the by-election is occurring.\r\nThe First Minister also makes clear in his letter that the Guidance on conduct for Scottish Government civil servants, published on 21 May 2013 at the start of the period of sensitivity, states that “the business of the Scottish Government continues, and national (i.e. Scotland-wide) announcements and events, including regional announcements and events, should continue as normal,” during a by-election campaign.\r\nA copy of the Scottish Government’s guidance is available at:\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/Elections/guidance/ElectionsGuidanceCS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-06T14:44:41.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Joe FitzPatrick","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287010,"EventID":"S4W-16678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-09T14:44:41.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T15:07:37.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the First Minister's comment in his letter to the Chief Executive of Aberdeen City Council dated 6 August 2013 that his visit to Bramble Brae Primary School was \"impromptu\" is consistent with reports that the SNP press office issued a calling notice to the local media in advance of the visit.\r\n","AnswerText":"The description of the visit to Bramble Brae School as “impromptu” was first made by the Chief Executive of Aberdeen City Council in a letter to the First Minister of 20 June 2013. This followed an 18 June report by the Headmaster of the school to Aberdeen City Council about the visit. This report – released under the Freedom of Information Act on 21 August 2013 – confirms the fact that the First Minister was unaccompanied by press or political colleagues and that the visit was indeed impromptu and in response to an invitation. An engagement immediately prior to the visit took place outwith the school premises, and was a political engagement for which a calling notice had been issued to the media.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-06T14:44:41.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Joe FitzPatrick","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287011,"EventID":"S4W-16679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-09T14:44:41.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-08T15:37:18.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15816 by Kenny MacAskill on 25 July 2013, whether it will provide a breakdown of the (a) full-time and (b) part-time wildlife crime liaison officers by local policing area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information. The deployment of wildlife crime liaison officers within Police Scotland is an operational matter for the Chief Constable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-06T14:44:41.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287012,"EventID":"S4W-16680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-09T14:44:42.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-09T10:28:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many rough sleepers there have been in each local authority area in each year since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available statistics on rough sleeping in Scotland provide information on homeless applications where the council recorded that a household member slept rough the night before applying for homelessness assistance. The following table shows the number of such applications in each local authority area from 2007-08 to 2012-13.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNumber of applications for homelessness assistance where a member of the household had slept rough the night before applying for assistance:\r\n\r\nFinancial year of application\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nScotland\r\n3,430\r\n3,302\r\n2,744\r\n2,517\r\n1,952\r\n1,741\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nAberdeen City\r\n364\r\n343\r\n184\r\n220\r\n84\r\n64\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n125\r\n138\r\n114\r\n103\r\n85\r\n78\r\nAngus\r\n30\r\n38\r\n18\r\n37\r\n28\r\n19\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n45\r\n61\r\n60\r\n35\r\n32\r\n29\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n35\r\n42\r\n23\r\n29\r\n20\r\n11\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n116\r\n77\r\n68\r\n50\r\n56\r\n43\r\nDundee City\r\n20\r\n216\r\n195\r\n133\r\n83\r\n96\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n58\r\n37\r\n24\r\n19\r\n32\r\n9\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n19\r\n11\r\n10\r\n13\r\n9\r\n6\r\nEast Lothian\r\n41\r\n26\r\n103\r\n61\r\n23\r\n18\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n19\r\n13\r\n14\r\n15\r\n19\r\n16\r\nEdinburgh\r\n784\r\n520\r\n467\r\n512\r\n446\r\n365\r\nEilean Siar\r\n18\r\n8\r\n6\r\n5\r\n8\r\n5\r\nFalkirk\r\n153\r\n183\r\n118\r\n65\r\n13\r\n0\r\nFife\r\n305\r\n228\r\n173\r\n373\r\n75\r\n156\r\nGlasgow City\r\n589\r\n638\r\n490\r\n369\r\n535\r\n475\r\nHighland\r\n188\r\n188\r\n187\r\n114\r\n87\r\n45\r\nInverclyde\r\n39\r\n28\r\n19\r\n23\r\n22\r\n11\r\nMidlothian\r\n3\r\n11\r\n15\r\n4\r\n7\r\n7\r\nMoray\r\n50\r\n32\r\n37\r\n38\r\n48\r\n31\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n80\r\n73\r\n43\r\n25\r\n12\r\n10\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n16\r\n16\r\n11\r\n13\r\n9\r\n15\r\nFinancial year of application\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n67\r\n91\r\n61\r\n63\r\n36\r\n28\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n79\r\n76\r\n62\r\n51\r\n51\r\n58\r\nScottish Borders\r\n19\r\n17\r\n42\r\n15\r\n15\r\n18\r\nShetland\r\n8\r\n12\r\n6\r\n7\r\n8\r\n5\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n37\r\n18\r\n42\r\n31\r\n32\r\n52\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStirling\r\n59\r\n102\r\n78\r\n47\r\n18\r\n13\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n56\r\n57\r\n69\r\n43\r\n57\r\n54\r\nWest Lothian\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSource:- Homelessness statistics HL1 returns from local authorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-06T14:44:42.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287013,"EventID":"S4W-16681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-09T14:44:43.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-09T10:28:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has provided to (a) local authorities, (b) housing associations and (c) others in relation to rough sleeping in each year since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not provided local authorities, housing associations or other bodies with specific, ring-fenced funding related to rough sleeping since 2007-08.\r\nLocal authorities determine what they allocate to homelessness services from their share of the local government settlement. This may include services to people who sleep rough.\r\nSince 2007-08, over £2.1 billion has been provided to housing associations to develop homes for social rent to help satisfy local housing need and demand.\r\nA range of Scottish Government funds including the Housing Voluntary Sector Grants scheme; People and Communities Fund; and the Hostels Deficit Grant all support activity assisting the prevention of homelessness.\r\nTo support homelessness prevention directly, we have committed £300,000 to fund local authority led housing options Hubs over the next two financial years. Since 2010, £650,000 in total has been provided for this purpose.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-06T14:44:43.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287014,"EventID":"S4W-16682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-09T14:44:43.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-09T10:28:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many overnight hostel places have been available for rough sleepers in each year since 2007-08, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-06T14:44:43.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287015,"EventID":"S4W-16683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-09T14:44:44.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-09T11:09:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to take forward the recommendations in Adapting for Change: Final Report of the Adaptations Working Group.\r\n","AnswerText":" We are aware of the importance of taking forward the recommendations from the Adaptations Working Group’s final report. The Scottish Government’s response to the Group’s report can be found on our website at:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/access/ROOPH/ADWG/sgresponse.\r\nThe work to take forward the recommendations has already commenced.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-06T14:44:44.31","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T09:38:47.573","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287016,"EventID":"S4W-16686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-09T14:44:44.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-09T12:30:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when its next trade mission to (a) Japan, (b) Brazil and (c) Russia is planned.\r\n","AnswerText":"Trade missions for the Scottish Government are planned and managed by Scottish Development International (SDI). SDI is a partnership between the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. SDI’s next trade mission to Japan is planned for September 2013. SDI’s next trade mission to Brazil is planned for March 2014. SDI currently has no trade missions to Russia planned. Please note that these are subject to change or cancellation and SDI may also plan additional missions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-06T14:44:44.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287017,"EventID":"S4W-16698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-12T13:49:47.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-12T13:23:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will set out its proposals for a system of consumer protection and representation in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will publish a discussion paper on possible options for consumer protection and representation in an independent Scotland on 13 August 2013. A copy will be lodged with SPICe under bib number 55162.\r\nWe have already set out proposals demonstrating how we could improve the system of economic regulation in areas like telecoms, postal services, transport, energy and competition to better serve Scotland. In this paper, we will build on those proposals and set out the ways in which the system of regulation and protection for consumers could be improved with independence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-09T13:49:47.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287023,"EventID":"S4W-16687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-12T15:52:53.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-09T14:02:21.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with (a) ScotRail, (b) Network Rail, (c) Police Scotland and (d) British Transport Police regarding theft and vandalism on railway lines.\r\n","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the safety and security of the rail infrastructure and passenger services in Scotland lies with Network Rail and relevant train operating companies respectively, with appropriate input from the British Transport Police. As the primary funders of Scotland’s railways the Scottish Government receives regular updates from the rail industry and the Office for Rail Regulation on performance targets in Scotland, including the impact of any delays caused by theft and vandalism and action being taken to mitigate future disruption. Recent discussions were held directly with Network Rail and First ScotRail regarding disruption to the network in the Keith, Huntly and Insch area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-09T15:52:53.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287024,"EventID":"S4W-16689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-12T15:52:53.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-09T14:02:21.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to protect rail services from theft and vandalism and has taken since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. Responsibility for the safety and security of the rail infrastructure and passenger services in Scotland lies with Network Rail and relevant train operating companies respectively, with appropriate input from the British Transport Police. As the primary funders of Scotland’s railways the Scottish Government receives regular updates from the rail industry and the Office for Rail Regulation on performance targets in Scotland, including the impact of any delays caused by theft and vandalism and action being taken to mitigate future disruption.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-09T15:52:53.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287025,"EventID":"S4W-16690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-12T15:52:53.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-09T14:02:21.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many instances of (a) theft and (b) vandalism on railway lines have been recorded in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Network Rail. The information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-09T15:52:53.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287026,"EventID":"S4W-16692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-12T15:52:54.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-09T14:07:31.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to promote tourism in the north east.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is determined to maximise tourism growth and draw more visitors to Scotland.\r\nThe North East is marketed by VisitScotland using the fantastic assets which it can offer its visitors. These great assets are promoted across the UK and overseas by VisitScotland in a number of ways, such as websites, print, direct mail and PR activity. Some of this focuses entirely on the North East, e.g. the relevant Visitor Guides and dedicated regional micro-sites, while others campaigns feature the North East as part of the wider promotion of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-09T15:52:54.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287027,"EventID":"S4W-16693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-12T15:52:54.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-09T14:07:31.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent to promote tourism in the north east in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The North East is marketed by VisitScotland using the fantastic assets which it can offer its visitors. These great assets are promoted across the UK and overseas by VisitScotland in a number of ways, such as websites, print, direct mail and PR activity. The resource for this type of marketing activity is not hypothecated to specific areas.\r\nOther Scottish Government public bodies (e.g. Scottish Enterprise) also provide funding to support enterprises across Scotland, many of whom are involved in tourism activities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-09T15:52:54.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287028,"EventID":"S4W-16694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-12T15:52:54.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-09T14:07:31.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many accidents there have been on rural roads in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of injury road traffic accidents that occurred on rural roads and were reported to the police since 2008.\r\nAccidents in rural areas, 2008-12\r\n\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nRoads in rural areas with single carriageways and speed limit greater than 40 mph\r\n     3,913 \r\n     3,915 \r\n     3,300 \r\n     3,067 \r\n     2,914 \r\nOther rural roads (includes dual carriageways and roads with a speed limit of 40 mph or less)\r\n     1,006 \r\n        911 \r\n        851 \r\n        721 \r\n        845 \r\nAll rural roads\r\n     4,919 \r\n     4,826 \r\n     4,151 \r\n     3,788 \r\n     3,759 \r\nThe information shown in the table has been split to show the differences in the type of rural roads that there are.\r\nNote that the figures for 2012 are provisional. Final figures for 2012 will be published in Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2012 in October 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-09T15:52:54.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287029,"EventID":"S4W-16699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-12T15:52:55.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-12T14:43:13.517","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its target to eradicate fuel poverty, what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the cost of the Energy Company Obligation on people in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"At the joint energy summit with the UK Government on 23 of January 2013 I raised six key demands, including “That the UK Government ensures that the costs of the Energy Company Obligation initiative are passed onto consumers in a way which best protects the poorest and most vulnerable households.”\r\nThe Scottish Government is making available £79 million of funding to establish the Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland (HEEPS). This will deliver on the Fuel Poverty Forum’s recommendations for Area Based Schemes to tackle areas of high fuel poverty alongside national schemes to provide support for the most vulnerable households wherever they live. Our spending will aim to help lever in around £120 million investment from Energy Companies through the Energy Company Obligation creating an annual fund of around £200 million to support energy efficiency in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-09T15:52:55.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287030,"EventID":"S4W-16700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-12T15:52:55.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-12T14:43:13.517","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its target to eradicate fuel poverty, what assessment it has made of the measures called for by the Energy Bill Revolution campaign and what information it has on how many properties in Scotland could be made more energy efficient if the UK Government used the estimated £4 billion collected from carbon taxes over the next 15 years to fund the measures called for by the campaign.\r\n","AnswerText":"Fuel poverty is a devolved issue and the Scottish Government is already committing funding to support the installation of measures to make homes in Scotland more energy efficient, as called for by the Energy Bill Revolution. Unlike England, where the only funding to improve household energy efficiency and tackle fuel poverty comes from obligations placed on energy companies in the Energy Bill and private funding through the Green Deal, the Scottish Government is doing all it can to improve the energy efficiency of homes in Scotland.\r\nThe new Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland were launched on 1 April 2013 and offer a package of support to help all those who are struggling to pay their energy bills and keep themselves warm. The Scottish Government is providing £79 million in the current year to support these area-based and national schemes and lever in energy company investment to create the £200 million fund. Over time all households should see positive benefits from improvements in energy efficiency as a result of these schemes and may help them reduce their fuel bills.\r\nIt is estimated funding allocated in the first funding round of the area based scheme will see 25,000 to 30,000 households receive around 40,000 measures to improve the energy efficiency of their home and help tackle fuel poverty. And it is estimated that around 300,000 poorer households in total are eligible for insulation and/or heating measures under the Affordable Warmth Scheme and Energy Assistance Scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-09T15:52:55.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287031,"EventID":"S4W-16702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-12T15:52:55.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-12T14:43:13.517","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what powers it has to extend new applications for accreditation under the Renewables Obligation beyond the proposed end date of 2017 and whether it plans to exercise these.\r\n","AnswerText":"Changes to the Renewables Obligation legislation in Scotland remain a matter for the Scottish Government, using powers conferred by section 32 of the Electricity Act 1989. Any such changes are subject to the approval of the Scottish Parliament.\r\nWe are seeking stakeholder views on these matters through a formal consultation, and will confirm our decision and proposals shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-09T15:52:55.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287032,"EventID":"S4W-16695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-13T15:19:27.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-09T15:17:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with local authorities regarding the impact of the so-called bedroom tax on discretionary housing payments (DHP), and what information it has on how many DHP (a) applications have been made and (b) awards have been granted by each local authority since April 2013, broken down by tenants in (i) council house, (ii) registered social landlord and (iii) privately-rented accommodation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Social security payments, including Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs), are a reserved matter.\r\nHowever the Scottish Government has been working closely with local authority representatives since the UK Government announced its welfare reforms in autumn 2010 to help understand, influence and, as far as reasonably possible, mitigate the impact of changes to housing benefit. A questionnaire was developed jointly between the Scottish Government and COSLA and was sent by COSLA to all local authorities on 24 May 2012. A summary of findings, which includes information on DHPs, is available at:\r\nhttp://www.cosla.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/briefing_-_bedroom_tax_main_findings.pdf.\r\nThe available information from the survey on the number of DHP applications received by individual councils and the number of awards made by end May or nearest available date is contained in the following table (rounded to the nearest 10). The survey did not gather information on the tenure of households applying for or receiving DHPs.\r\nThe number of awards only provides a snapshot between 1 April and the end of May 2013 (or nearest available date) and takes no account of the number of applications that were received and still being processed.\r\nIn October 2013 the Department for Work and Pensions is gathering data from councils on the numbers and total amounts of DHPs granted in the period April – September 2013. This will provide a more reliable indication of the scale and nature of DHPs being awarded by councils, set against their DHP allocation. The survey will not gather information on applications which were refused, nor on the tenure of the households being awarded DHPs.\r\nLocal Authority\r\nNumber of DHP Applications\r\nNumber of DHP Awards\r\nAberdeen City\r\n530\r\n250\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n170\r\n100\r\nAngus\r\n230\r\n30\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n260\r\n30\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n No data supplied\r\n No data supplied\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n480\r\n260\r\nDundee City\r\n830\r\n60\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n530\r\n270\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n150\r\n50\r\nEast Lothian\r\n150\r\n120\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n160\r\n10\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n1,830\r\n900\r\nEilean Siar\r\nIncomplete data\r\nIncomplete data\r\nFalkirk\r\n400\r\n10\r\nFife\r\n1,490\r\n910\r\nGlasgow City\r\n7,020\r\n3,430\r\nHighland\r\nIncomplete data\r\nIncomplete data\r\nInverclyde\r\n480\r\n190\r\nMidlothian\r\n260\r\n190\r\nMoray\r\n No data supplied\r\n No data supplied\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n880\r\n330\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n2,100\r\n120\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n70\r\n70\r\nPerth and Kinross \r\n230\r\n140\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n880\r\n440\r\nScottish Borders\r\n180\r\n120\r\nShetland Islands\r\n20\r\n20\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n No data supplied\r\n No data supplied\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n700\r\n300\r\nStirling\r\n300\r\n160\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n1,400\r\n1,120\r\nWest Lothian\r\n430\r\n140\r\nTotal\r\n22,000\r\n9,850\r\nSource – COSLA/Scottish Government Survey of Councils – 24 May 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-10T15:19:28.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287033,"EventID":"S4W-16703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-13T15:19:28.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-12T15:36:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what ministerial engagements the First Minister carried out in the City of Aberdeen in the period 14 to 18 June 2013 and, as specified in section 9.20 of the Scottish Ministerial Code, on what date(s) the constituency and regional members for the area were informed of these.\r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minister undertook one ministerial engagement, in Aberdeen, in this period. On Monday 17 June he announced that the Scottish Government would donate £100,000 to the Pound for Piper Memorial Trust to help maintain a memorial garden to the victims of the Piper Alpha disaster, at the memorial garden in Hazlehead Park. The event was trailed in the Press & Journal the morning of 17 June, further details of this engagement can be found online here:\r\nhttp://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Piper-Alpha-anniversary-commemorations-172.aspx.\r\nIt is routine for the Scottish Government to inform constituency and regional MSPs, in line with section 9.20 of the Ministerial Code, prior to ministerial engagements. In this case no record of a ministerial notification is held by the Scottish Government which may be down to an administrative error.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-10T15:19:28.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287034,"EventID":"S4W-16704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-13T15:19:28.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-12T17:26:26.503","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many breeding pairs of gull there have been in each of the last 10 years, broken down by species.\r\n","AnswerText":"Seabird 2000 which took place between 1998 and 2002 was the last national census of seabird populations. Further details of Seabird 2000 can be found at: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-3120\r\nBetween national censuses, the Seabird Monitoring Programme (SMP) collects data on breeding numbers and breeding success of 26 species of seabirds which enables populations to be estimated, where there is sufficient data to do so. Further details of the SMP and the data held can be found at: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-1550\r\nFor the gull species the following estimates can be derived;\r\nGull Species\r\nSeabird 2000 population estimate of breeding pairs for Scotland\r\n% Population change between Seabird 2000 population estimate and 2012\r\nEstimated 2012 population of breeding pairs for Scotland\r\nBlack-headed gull\r\n43,191\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nCommon gull\r\n20,467\r\n-36\r\nc. 13,000\r\nLesser black-backed gull\r\n25,057\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nHerring gull\r\n72,130\r\n-20\r\nc. 58,000\r\nGreat black-backed gull\r\n14,776\r\n-60\r\nc. 6,000\r\nBlack-legged kittiwake\r\n282,213\r\n-59\r\nc. 116,000\r\nNotes: \r\nAll figures refer to the number of breeding pairs.\r\nFigures quoted for 2012 are derived estimates, not actual population counts.\r\nThe data for common gull refers to coastal populations only (which held only 42% of the total population during Seabird 2000).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-10T15:19:28.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287035,"EventID":"S4W-16705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-13T15:19:29.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-12T17:26:26.503","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many complaints have been received by each local authority regarding nuisance gulls in each of the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information. However, during the last ten years, 17 MSP’s have written to the Scottish Government regarding this issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-10T15:19:29.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287036,"EventID":"S4W-16706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-13T15:19:29.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-12T17:26:26.503","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review the protection offered to gulls by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.\r\n","AnswerText":"All wild birds are protected by law in Scotland. The Scottish Government has no plans to review the protection offered to gulls.\r\nScottish Natural Heritage General Licence 03/2013, which allows local authorities and authorised persons to control or manage certain birds, including herring gulls, greater black-backed gulls, and lesser black-backed gulls, for the protection of public health, public safety and to prevent the spread of disease, is reviewed on an annual basis by Scottish Natural Heritage.\r\nIn recognition of the scale of the difficulties that can arise where gulls interact in urban environments, the Scottish Government has funded a study on control of gulls in Dumfries which provided a number of recommendations which should be of use to local authorities in their efforts to tackle similar difficulties regarding urban gull populations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-10T15:19:29.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287037,"EventID":"S4W-16707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-13T15:19:29.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-13T10:46:12.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients have received (a) primary and (b) secondary fracture-preventing medications in each of the last three years, also broken down by (i) gender, (ii) age and (iii) NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested has been lodged with the Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre (SPICe) under Bib number 55180.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-10T15:19:29.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287038,"EventID":"S4W-16708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-13T15:19:30.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-13T11:14:09.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11225 by Richard Lochhead on 28 November 2012, whether it will provide an update on what (a) discussions it has had and (b) further action it plans.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had recent discussions on the issue of internet pet sales with a variety of our stakeholders, including the Scottish SPCA, OneKind, Dog's Trust, the Kennel Club, Cats Protection and other members of the Pet Advertising Advisory Group.\r\nIt is clear from those discussions that there is a need for a better public understanding of the risks involved in purchasing pets online.\r\nWe strongly support the work of the Pet Advertising Advisory Group, in particular their minimum standards for online advertising of animals for sale that have recently been launched, and will continue to explore ways to help promote these standards to the public and to advertising websites.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-10T15:19:30.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287039,"EventID":"S4W-16710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-13T15:19:30.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-13T12:23:20.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many stillborn births there were in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13, broken down by NHS board area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on stillborn births for 2011, broken down by NHS board area is contained in the Scottish Perinatal and Infant Mortality and Morbidity Report, published by NHS Information Services Division (ISD) in March 2013 and available at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Maternity-and-Births/Publications/2013-03-26/2013-03-26-SPIMMR2011-report.pdf. \r\nInformation on stillborn births during 2011-12, broken down by NHS Board area, is contained in Births in Scottish Hospitals, published by ISD on 27 August 2013 and available at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Maternity-and-Births/.\r\nInformation on stillborn births during 2012, broken down by NHS board area, is contained in 2012 Births, Deaths and Other Vital Events - Preliminary Annual Figures, published by the National Records of Scotland on 14 March 2013 and available at:\r\nhttp://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/general/bmd-preliminary/2012.html.\r\nInformation on stillborn births during 2012-13, broken down by NHS Board area, is not yet available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-10T15:19:30.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287040,"EventID":"S4W-16711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-13T15:19:30.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-13T13:39:41.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to raise awareness of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to raising awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide and issues advice to doctors and health professionals to help raise awareness of the risks associated with carbon monoxide, seeking greater vigilance of the signs and symptoms of exposure in their patients.\r\nThe Scottish Government will issue health advice for the public to coincide with the onset of winter when fires and central heating boilers are being switched on.\r\nThe Scottish Government has also worked with Health Protection Scotland to produce a carbon monoxide factsheet aimed at the general public, available at: http://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/enviro/nonhpspublicationsdetail.aspx?id=39585.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-10T15:19:30.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287041,"EventID":"S4W-16712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-13T15:19:31.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-13T13:39:41.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support is available to people experiencing long-term chronic health problems as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning\r\n","AnswerText":"Exposure to carbon monoxide, a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas can be fatal. Early symptoms and signs are non-specific and can be mistaken for common viral illnesses or food poisoning. Early symptoms include headache, dizziness, lethargy and nausea. Higher level exposures can cause symptoms such as confusion, breathlessness, chest pain, drowsiness, collapse, loss of consciousness and seizures.\r\nPeople affected by high level exposures are admitted for urgent hospital treatment.  Patients who are exposed to low level carbon monoxide are generally managed in primary care, with the exception of pregnant women who are advised to undergo assessment in hospital. In addition, those with pre-existing cardiac or respiratory conditions, anaemia and children and the elderly may benefit from assessment in hospital.\r\nClinicians follow best practice professional guidance for the management of carbon monoxide poisoning. Survivors of carbon monoxide poisoning may experience long term chronic symptoms such as balance problems or memory loss. Such patients are referred on for specialist follow up in appropriate clinics. Services for people experiencing long-term chronic health problems that may be a result of carbon monoxide poisoning are managed through existing general medical services, with appropriate treatment guided by best practice.\r\nIt is important to re-emphasise the need for prevention of carbon monoxide exposure through raising awareness, advising appliance checks, installing carbon monoxide alarms and ensuring people are removed from the exposure to prevent further harm.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-10T15:19:31.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287042,"EventID":"S4W-16713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-13T15:19:31.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-13T13:39:41.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have (a) been affected by and (b) died from carbon monoxide poisoning in each year since 2008.\r\n","AnswerText":"The total number of people that have (a) been affected by carbon monoxide poisoning in each year since 2008 is not available from ISD. The number of emergency hospital admissions in Scotland with “Toxic effect of carbon monoxide” recorded as main or other diagnosis for 2008-11 is provided in Table 1. The data represent admissions and not patients and therefore a patient could be counted more than once if they have had more than one admission in a calendar year.\r\nTable 1. Emergency hospital admissions with “Toxic effect of carbon monoxide” as “Main” or “Other” diagnosis, Scotland, 2008-11\r\nCalendar Year*\r\nNumber of Hospital Admissions\r\n2008\r\n55\r\n2009\r\n34\r\n2010\r\n46\r\n2011\r\n42\r\nSource: ISD Scotland\r\nNote:* data for 2012 not yet available\r\nThe number of people that have (b) died from carbon monoxide poisoning is available from the National Records of Scotland (see: \r\nhttp://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files2/stats/ve-reftables-2011/ve-ref-tables-2011-section6.xls#'6.12'!A1.)\r\nSome cases resulting in death due to carbon monoxide poisoning will have involved a hospital admission. These cases will appear in both the data for admissions in addition to the data for deaths.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-10T15:19:31.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287052,"EventID":"S4W-16718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-14T15:12:22.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-14T14:53:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it can provide regarding the Minister for External Affairs and International Development’s recent visit to China and Hong Kong.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Minister for External Affairs and International Development, Humza Yousaf visited China and Hong Kong from 25 to 27 June 2013 spending one day in Beijing, one day in Shenzhen and one day in Hong Kong. The main purpose of the minister’s visit was to undertake a series of diplomatic, cultural, business and trade engagements and promote Sino-Scottish collaboration. The minister was joined on the visit by the Chief Executive of Scottish Development International, Anne MacColl.\r\nThe first meeting of the visit was with the British Ambassador to China, Sebastian Wood. The minister then met with the Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CFA) Mr Xie Yuan. The meeting provided an opportunity for the Minister to thank Mr Xie for the ongoing support of the CFA to our engagement with China and assistance they provide in facilitating ministerial visits for the Scottish Government.\r\nAt the meeting the minister formally presented Mr Xie with a copy of the Scottish Government’s latest China Plan Working With China, especially translated into Mandarin for the occasion. The four priority areas of the plan were outlined by the Minister as well as the four guiding principles of our engagement as being: Securing Sustainable Economic Growth, Respect for Human Rights and the Rule of Law, Understanding of Culture and Increasing Scotland’s Influence. The minister expressed our gratitude at the endorsement the Plan had received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, when it was published in December 2012.\r\nThe minister then met with Vice Minister Xia of the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC). Vice President Xie of the China Friendship Association and Consul General Li of the Chinese Consulate Edinburgh were also present at the meeting showing their collective support for the establishment of a direct air link between Scotland and China. The meeting was constructive and all sides reiterated their desire to see progress made, agreeing that the establishment of such a route should be mutually beneficial and economically viable.\r\nIn the afternoon in Beijing, the minister witnessed a number of contract signings the first being between Sgurr Energy and Guangdong Electric Power Design Institute (GEDI). The contract will be delivered over two years and will see Sgurr Energy advise one of China’s leading design institutions on its landmark Zhuhai offshore wind farm.\r\nThe minister then witnessed the signing ceremony for the launch of the Chartered Corporate Banker Qualification, a partnership between WMI China and BPP Professional Education. This is an accredited qualification based on the standards set in Scotland and the projections are that 50,000 Chinese corporate banking graduates and professionals will take this qualification within the first three years of launch.\r\nThe minister’s final engagement of the day was to witness the signing of a partnership agreement between TEFL Scotland Ltd and the National Website for Primary and Middle School Teacher’s Further Education (Teacher.com.cn). This partnership will result in TEFL Scotland doubling its workforce in the Highlands with a growth from 10 to 20 jobs in Scotland.\r\nWednesday was spent in Shenzhen and the first meeting of the day was with Madam Wu, the Vice Mayor of Shenzhen. The meeting was also attended by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, the Rt Hon Donald Wilson, and the British Consul General for Guangdong, Alastair Morgan. The meeting followed on from the First Minister’s visit to Shenzhen in December 2011 and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Scottish Government and Shenzhen Municipal Government in July 2012. The Vice Mayor and the minister discussed how to strengthen collaboration, particularly in the field of creative industries.\r\nThe minister’s meeting with the Vice Mayor was followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Edinburgh City Council and Shenzhen Municipal Government on establishing joint ","AnswerDate":"2013-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-11T15:12:22.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287053,"EventID":"S4W-16715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-14T15:13:37.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-13T15:47:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the reported £104,600 that was fraudulently spent on Creative Scotland's corporate credit card has been recovered and what steps are being taken to (a) recover the remaining money and (b) identify those who were involved.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Janet Archer, Chief Executive of Creative Scotland, the national organisation for Scotland’s arts, screen and creative industries, to write to the member. Further information about Creative Scotland’s activities is available at:\r\nhttp://www.creativescotland.com/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-11T15:13:37.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287054,"EventID":"S4W-16716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-14T15:13:38.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-13T15:47:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the reported £104,600 that was fraudulently spent on Creative Scotland's corporate credit card, what changes have been made to security and staff training to ensure that this is not repeated.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Janet Archer, Chief Executive of Creative Scotland, the national organisation for Scotland’s arts, screen and creative industries, to write to the member. Further information about Creative Scotland’s activities is available at:\r\nhttp://www.creativescotland.com/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-11T15:13:38.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287055,"EventID":"S4W-16717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-14T15:13:38.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-13T15:47:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the reported £104,600 that was fraudulently spent on Creative Scotland's corporate credit card and recent reports criticising the running and the management of the organisation, what steps it is taking to protect the profile of Creative Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The incident of fraud on Creative Scotland’s corporate credit card to which you refer, involved transactions which occurred in 2010 and 2011.\r\nSound management of public resources is a top priority for Scottish Ministers. Creative Scotland takes seriously the requirement to mitigate the risk of fraud in all its operations.\r\nMinisters are reassured that Creative Scotland has now introduced a robust financial monitoring and internal audit regime to minimise the risks of a similar incident occurring.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-11T15:13:38.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287072,"EventID":"S4W-16719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-15T15:09:20.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-14T15:06:19.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) average and (b) maximum time was between incident and trial, and how many specialist sheriffs were involved with cases, at the dedicated domestic violence court in (i) Glasgow and (ii) Edinburgh in each of the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold the information you request. You might wish to contact ASSIST (Advocacy, Support, Safety, Information Services Together) who in Glasgow, support victims from the point of contact. Notwithstanding the information sought is not available, the Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service has advised that some of the information may be available on the allocation of sheriffs and timeline from the point of case registration in court. If this information would be of assistance you may wish to contact SCS directly.\r\nDomestic abuse is completely unacceptable and has no place in a modern Scotland.\r\nSupporting victims of such a traumatic crime requires help from the point they make contact with the police, through the courts and beyond. This network of support is available throughout the country. Additional advocacy support is provided in Glasgow where, unfortunately, there is a high density of domestic abuse cases.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-12T15:09:20.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287073,"EventID":"S4W-16723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-15T15:09:21.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-14T15:43:01.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people had (a) brain, (b) tissue and (c) other body parts removed after death without the consent or knowledge of their next-of-kin or family in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The COPFS deals with the investigation of around 12000 deaths every year and instructs post mortem examinations in respect of some cases.\r\nSince 2007, in six instances nearest relatives were not made aware that organs had been retained for further examination after an initial post mortem examination instructed by the Procurator Fiscal concluded. Of these instances, there was one occurrence in each 2007, 2008, and 2010, there were two occurrences in 2011, and one further occurrence in 2012.\r\nWhile the consent of the nearest relative is not required to remove or retain organs or tissue from post mortem examinations instructed in the public interest by the Procurator Fiscal, COPFS practice requires that the nearest relative should be made aware of any retention of organs which may be required and consulted regarding their wishes in respect of any further steps once retention is no longer required.\r\nUnder section 38 of the Human Tissue (Scotland) Act 2006, tissue samples taken during a post mortem examination become part of the medical records. As such, nearest relatives will not routinely be asked about their preferences for disposal of tissue.\r\nThe Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit (SFIU) was launched in its initial form in September 2010. In April 2012, SFIU assumed national responsibility for matters related to deaths and post mortems, which previously would have been the responsibility of the local Procurator Fiscal offices. Since SFIU has assumed national responsibility for these matters, there have been no instances where families have not been made aware that organs have been retained for further examination after a post mortem examination has concluded.\r\nAdditionally, some post-mortems are instructed by the NHS rather than the Procurator Fiscal. Information related to the NHS is not held centrally. Individual health boards may hold the information related to their responsible area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-12T15:09:21.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287074,"EventID":"S4W-16724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-15T15:09:21.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-14T15:43:01.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps the Crown Office is taking to (a) identify and (b) contact the next-of-kin or families of deceased people who have not been given the opportunity to arrange for disposal of (i) brain, (ii) tissue and (iii) other body parts that were removed after the person's death.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) deals with the investigation of around 12000 deaths every year and instructs post mortem examinations in respect of some cases.\r\nUnder section 38 of the Human Tissue (Scotland) Act 2006, tissue samples taken during a post mortem examination become part of the medical records. As such, nearest relatives will not routinely be asked about their preferences for disposal of tissue.\r\nCOPFS has identified six instances in which the nearest relatives were not afforded the opportunity at the time of the retention to express their wishes in respect of any further steps once retention was no longer required. These related to one case in 2007, one case in 2008, one case in 2010, two cases in 2011 and one case in 2012. Arrangements were made to contact these relatives to ascertain their wishes on disposal.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-12T15:09:21.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287075,"EventID":"S4W-16726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-15T15:09:21.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-14T15:43:01.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on reports of people having (a) brain, (b) tissue and (c) other body parts removed after death without the consent or knowledge of their next-of-kin or family; whether it considers this to be a failure in procedure and, if so, what (i) the reason was for this and (ii) action it is taking to address it.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) cannot comment in respect of post mortem examinations carried out at the instance of the NHS or other medical practitioners.\r\nCOPFS deals with the investigation of around 12000 deaths every year and instructs post mortem examinations in respect of some cases.\r\nConsent does not need to be obtained in relation to the removal or retention of organs or tissue in respect of post mortems instructed by the Procurator Fiscal, families should be informed about the retention of organs unless they have indicated a wish not to be told, and should be given the opportunity to express their wishes in respect of next steps once retention is no longer required. \r\nIt is regrettable that in six such cases since 2007 (one in 2007, one in 2008, one in 2010, two in 2011 and one in 2012), the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service’s usual procedures were not followed.\r\nThe procedures and internal guidance have been reviewed to ensure that they are robust and to further minimise the scope for human error.\r\nCOPFS will continue to work closely with mortuaries to regularly reconcile the data held in this respect. This is done in order to ensure that the small number of families who require to be consulted regarding retention of an organ are made aware of the reason for that as soon as there is any organ retention and consulted on the steps they wish to be taken once such retention is no longer required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-12T15:09:21.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287076,"EventID":"S4W-16727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-15T15:09:22.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-14T15:43:01.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which (a) Crown Office and (b) NHS department is responsible for ensuring that a deceased person's next-of-kin or family is given the opportunity to arrange for the disposal of (i) brain, (ii) tissue and (iii) other body parts that have been removed after death, and which person has overall responsibility.\r\n","AnswerText":"Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) deals with the investigation of around 12,000 deaths every year and instructs post mortem examinations in respect of some cases.\r\nSince April 2012 in situations where the Procurator Fiscal has instructed a post mortem examination in the public interest and the pathologist has advised the Procurator Fiscal that it is necessary to retain the brain or another organ after the examination, the COPFS Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit now has responsibility for ensuring that the deceased person’s nearest relatives are made aware of the retention and consulted regarding their wishes in respect of any further steps once retention is no longer required. Prior to that, responsibility lay with Procurators Fiscal locally.\r\nIn the NHS, the arrangements for the disposal of an organ are the responsibility of the department carrying out the post-mortem examination, which may be the pathology department. The chief operating officer of the organisation undertaking the post-mortem examination would have overall responsibility for services delivered by his/her organisation.\r\nUnder section 38 of the Human Tissue (Scotland) Act 2006, tissue samples taken during a post mortem examination become part of the medical records. As such, nearest relatives will not routinely be asked about their preferences for disposal of tissue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-12T15:09:22.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287077,"EventID":"S4W-16728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-15T15:09:22.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-14T15:43:01.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many next-of-kin or families have been contacted regarding (a) brain, (b) tissue and (c) other body parts that have been removed from people after death in each of the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) is unable to provide this information for the last ten years as it is not easily accessible (it would require 10 years worth of case papers relating to criminal and non criminal cases to be examined manually) and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.\r\nCOPFS can confirm that between 1 January 2013 and 3 September 2013, 41 organs were retained by pathologists after post mortem examinations instructed by the Procurator Fiscal. As at 3 September 2013, only two of these organs remained with pathologists for further investigation. All nearest relatives have been contacted regarding these retentions.\r\nThe information about the brain and body parts related to the NHS is not held centrally. Individual health boards may have the information related to their responsible area.\r\nUnder section 38 of the Human Tissue (Scotland) Act 2006, tissue samples (including blocks and slides) taken during a post mortem examination become part of the medical records and as such, nearest relatives will not routinely be asked about their preferences for disposal of tissue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-12T15:09:22.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287078,"EventID":"S4W-16729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-15T15:09:22.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-14T15:43:01.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the procedure is for informing next-of-kin or families regarding the granting of consent for the removal of (a) brain, (b) tissue and (c) other body parts after death.\r\n","AnswerText":"COPFS deals with the investigation of around 12000 deaths every year and instructs post mortem examinations in respect of some cases.\r\nWhere a post mortem required in the public interest is instructed by the Procurator Fiscal and the pathologist determines that an organ should be retained for further examination after the conclusion of the initial post mortem examination, the Procurator Fiscal will rely upon the pathologist’s expertise and the organ will generally be retained until such time as the organ is no longer required for the purposes of the Procurator Fiscal’s investigation. The nearest relative will be advised of the organ retention. The consent of the nearest relative is not required to remove or retain organs or tissue following a post mortem examination instructed by the Procurator Fiscal.\r\nIn respect of any organ which may not have been returned, the nearest relative will be made aware of the retention and consulted regarding their wishes in respect of any further steps once retention is no longer required.\r\nIn the case of NHS hospital instructed post-mortems, authorisation has to be given before the examination can take place, and authorisation forms should take account of the wishes of the deceased (if known) and where appropriate, the wishes of the next of kin/relatives. The standards for health boards include that the relatives need to be informed immediately after the post-mortem if some organs are unable to be returned before the funeral, and have their wishes taken into account when the examination is complete and the organs are able to be disposed. The standards also include that the relatives and funeral directors are informed if the deceased or their organs taken for diagnosis need to be moved to another hospital. Organs taken for diagnostic purposes can only be retained or additional tissue slides or blocks taken for research if the appropriate authorisation is obtained. Authorisation obtained can be withdrawn at any time.\r\nUnder section 38 of the Human Tissue (Scotland) Act 2006, tissue samples taken during a post mortem examination become part of the medical records. As such, nearest relatives will not routinely be asked about their preferences for disposal of tissue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-12T15:09:22.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287079,"EventID":"S4W-16730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-15T15:09:22.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-14T16:10:46.683","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it has given to (a) Narcotics and (b) Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in prisons in each of the last five years and what information it has on how many (i) meetings have been held and (ii) prisoners attended, broken down by prison.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe Scottish Prison Service provides facilities for prisoner meetings of both Narcotics and Alcohol Anonymous when requested by both organisations and when it is practicable to do so.\r\nThe Scottish Prison Service does not routinely collect information on how many meetings are held or how many prisoners attend. We have, however, asked each establishment for information on when Narcotics and Alcohol Anonymous meetings are currently held on a regular basis and they have advised as follows:\r\nEstablishment\r\nNarcotics Anonymous\r\nAlcoholics Anonymous\r\nAberdeen\r\nYes (Weekly)\r\nNo\r\nBarlinnie\r\nYes (Every 2 weeks)\r\nYes (3 times per week)\r\nCastle Huntly\r\nNo\r\nYes (Weekly)\r\nCornton Vale\r\nNo\r\nYes (Weekly)\r\nDumfries\r\nNo\r\nYes (Ad Hoc)\r\nEdinburgh\r\nNo\r\nYes (Twice weekly)\r\nGlenochil\r\nNo\r\nYes (Ad Hoc)\r\nGreenock\r\nNo\r\nYes (3 times per week)\r\nInverness\r\nNo\r\nYes (Twice weekly)\r\nLow Moss\r\nYes (Every 2 weeks)\r\nYes (Every 2 weeks)\r\nPerth\r\nNo\r\nYes (Weekly)\r\nPeterhead\r\nNo\r\nNo\r\nPolmont\r\nNo\r\nYes (Weekly)\r\nShotts\r\nNo\r\nYes (Twice weekly)\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-12T15:09:22.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287080,"EventID":"S4W-16731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-15T15:09:23.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-14T16:04:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made in developing national cancer quality performance indicators for melanoma services and when these will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the auspices of the Scottish Cancer Taskforce, National Cancer Quality Performance Indicators (QPIs) are being developed to drive continuous quality improvement in cancer care across NHSScotland. An ambitious programme of work has been agreed, which will see QPIs developed for all main cancers by 2014.\r\nThe Melanoma QPI development group initially met in May 2013 and identified key areas for inclusion in the draft Melanoma QPIs. A set of draft indicators are being developed and they will be discussed further at the National Cancer Quality Steering Group meeting in September 2013. Public engagement on the draft indicators is scheduled to commence in January 2014.\r\nOnce completed the Melanoma QPIs will be made available on Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s website at: \r\nhttp://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/programmes/cancer_care_improvement/cancer_qpis.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-12T15:09:23.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287081,"EventID":"S4W-16733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-15T15:09:23.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-14T16:04:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what GP referral guidelines for melanoma services there are and when these were last updated.\r\n","AnswerText":"To support GPs in Scotland to refer patients with suspected cancer as early as possible, the Scottish Government published referral guidance in 2007 Scottish Executive Health Department Letter (2007) 9: Scottish Referral Guidelines for Suspected Cancer.\r\nThis guidance includes referral for suspected melanoma. In early 2009, the guidelines were shortened into a user-friendly version for quick reference. All GPs across NHS Scotland were sent a copy of this guidance, which is also available on the Scottish Government website:\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/quickreferenceguide/suspectedcancer\r\nThe guidance is currently being refreshed as part of the Detect Cancer Early Programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-12T15:09:23.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287082,"EventID":"S4W-16734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-15T15:09:23.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-15T10:14:21.077","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent meetings it has had with NATO regarding an independent Scotland and what was discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"An introductory meeting between representatives of the Scottish Government and NATO took place at NATO HQ in Brussels on 8 July 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-12T15:09:24.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287083,"EventID":"S4W-16735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-15T15:09:24.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-15T13:10:11.957","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who attended the recent meeting between it and NATO regarding an independent Scotland; what input it had into what was discussed; whether it will publish a record of the meeting and who requested that the meeting be held. ","AnswerText":"This was an introductory visit to NATO’s HQ in Brussels by officials from the Scottish Government’s International Division, Resilience Division and EU Office. It was arranged by the UK Delegation to NATO at the Scottish Government’s request. We can confirm that a useful initial discussion was had.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-12T15:09:24.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287084,"EventID":"S4W-16740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-15T15:09:24.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-15T13:52:48.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is regarding the feasibility of the construction of a road bridge linking Scotland with Northern Ireland.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have no plans to consider the feasibility of the construction of a road bridge linking Scotland with Northern Ireland.\r\nHowever, we recognise the importance of providing good passenger and freight links between Scotland and Northern Ireland via the Loch Ryan Port facilities. In this context, £26 million is currently being invested in the A75 with £9 million being spent on the Hardgrove to Kinmount scheme and £17.3 million on the Dunragit Bypass. Over £44 million is also being spent on the A77, including the Symington to Bogend Toll Improvements scheme and the Maybole Bypass. All these schemes will improve journey time reliability on these key strategic routes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-12T15:09:24.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287085,"EventID":"S4W-16741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-16T13:28:07.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-15T16:22:32.65","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it monitors whether there are gaps in the availability of defibrillators in remote and rural areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) is committed to monitoring the use of defibrillators, including locations in remote and rural areas through their continuing work of defibrillator mapping as part of their community resilience scheme. The SAS report on the scheme’s progress to the Scottish Government, as part of their annual review.\r\nThe SAS is working with NHS boards and partners including Caledonian MacBrayne and the British Heart Foundation to develop action plans for remote and rural communities to strengthen their resilience, recognising the different needs of communities they work with.\r\nFurther information on the Scottish Ambulance Service’s community resilience work can be found on their website:\r\nhttp://www.scottishambulance.com/YourCommunity/communityresilience.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-13T13:28:07.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287086,"EventID":"S4W-16744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-16T13:28:08.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-15T16:32:21.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many Higher Photography candidates there were in each year since 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of Photography candidates has increased steadily since 2010. The following table provides Photography candidate figures from 2010-2013.\r\nPhotography Higher\r\n2010*\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\n2013\r\nCandidates\r\n947\r\n1,153\r\n1,495\r\n1,729\r\n\r\nThe Higher Photography course changed its title in 2011 from Higher Photography in the Media to Higher Photography\r\nNote: *Photography in the Media qualification.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-13T13:28:08.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287087,"EventID":"S4W-16745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-16T13:28:08.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-15T16:36:37.13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many people were employed by and (b) what the backlog of cases was for police forensic services in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not collect this information centrally.\r\n\r\nHowever, the Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services has provided the following details.\r\nYear @\r\nForensic Services total staff in post (FTE)\r\nForensic Services caseload\r\nMarch 2009\r\n530\r\n4359\r\nMarch 2010\r\n548\r\n3429\r\nMarch 2011\r\n517\r\n3807\r\nMarch 2012\r\n431\r\n3981\r\nMarch 2013\r\n472\r\n3436\r\n\r\nThe figures detail caseload from the following disciplines within Forensic Services – Biology, Chemistry – General Chemistry, Drugs, Fingerprints, Toxicology, Firearms, Documents and Handwriting and relate to cases received by the Forensic Services which at the end of the financial year were either being examined or were awaiting examination.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-13T13:28:08.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287088,"EventID":"S4W-16746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-16T13:28:08.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-15T16:36:37.13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services (a) can and (b) does carry out work that has originated from the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services has the ability to, and where appropriate does, provide services to other agencies. However their primary focus is to provide the Police Service of Scotland, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner with a forensic service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-13T13:28:08.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287089,"EventID":"S4W-16747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-16T13:28:09.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-15T16:36:37.13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the effectiveness of the Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services and what information it has on Police Scotland's view on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"Forensic services are a critical part of the fight against crime in Scotland. The Scottish Government values the hard work and dedication of the forensic service and welcomes the recent advances in technology and other innovations which enable the service to function with even greater efficiency. The state-of-the-art laboratory in Dundee is one of the best in the world and the forthcoming move to the Scottish Crime Campus at Gartcosh will enhance the service even further.\r\nPolice Scotland’s view is a matter for the Chief Constable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-13T13:28:09.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287090,"EventID":"S4W-16748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-16T13:28:09.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-15T18:54:12.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the police performance measurements were for (a) driving while on a mobile phone, (b) not wearing a seatbelt, (c) dangerous driving, (d) stop and search and (e) drink driving in each of the last five years, also broken down by region.\r\n","AnswerText":"Performance measurements on these offences and tactics are not held centrally by the Scottish Government; such performance measurements were instead a matter for the legacy police forces and are now a matter for Police Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-13T13:28:09.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287091,"EventID":"S4W-16749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-16T13:28:09.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-15T18:54:12.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been stopped by police for (a) driving while using a mobile phone, (b) not wearing a seatbelt, (c) dangerous driving and (d) drink driving in (i) April, (ii) May, (iii) June, (iv) July and (v) August (A) 2012 and (B) 2013, broken down by region.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data on the number of people stopped by the police is not held centrally.\r\nRecorded crime data is based on an aggregated count of the numbers of crimes and offences recorded, and cleared up, by the police in Scotland. It is not possible to provide figures by the calendar month in which the crimes and offences were recorded. Figures are therefore provided for the financial year periods 2011-12 and 2012-13.\r\nThe following tables are based on selected crimes and offences recorded by the police in Scotland, by legacy police force area in i) 2011-12 and ii) 2012-13.\r\ni) Selected Crimes and offences recorded by the police, Scotland, 2011-12\r\n \r\nDangerous driving offences\r\nDrunk Driving etc.1\r\nSeat belt offences\r\nMobile Phone offences\r\nCausing death by dangerous driving\r\nDeath by careless driving while unfit through drink/drugs\r\nCentral\r\n148\r\n434\r\n1,649\r\n1,172\r\n1\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n119\r\n199\r\n919\r\n669\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFife\r\n86\r\n515\r\n1,922\r\n911\r\n1\r\n0\r\nGrampian\r\n341\r\n882\r\n1,111\r\n1,175\r\n2\r\n0\r\nLothian and Borders\r\n243\r\n1,163\r\n3,696\r\n4,070\r\n1\r\n0\r\nNorthern\r\n219\r\n559\r\n803\r\n691\r\n5\r\n0\r\nStrathclyde\r\n1,149\r\n3,170\r\n21,357\r\n20,012\r\n5\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n117\r\n523\r\n1,264\r\n1,113\r\n0\r\n0\r\nScotland\r\n2,422\r\n7,445\r\n32,721\r\n29,813\r\n15\r\n0\r\n1. This group includes offences where a vehicle was driven under the influence of drink/drugs. It is not possible to separate out those where alcohol was involved.\r\nSource: Justice Analytical Services, Scottish Government\r\n\r\nii) Selected Crimes and offences recorded by the police, Scotland, 2012-13\r\n \r\nDangerous driving offences\r\nDrunk Driving etc.1\r\nSeat belt offences\r\nMobile Phone offences\r\nCausing death by dangerous driving\r\nDeath by careless driving while unfit through drink/drugs\r\nCentral\r\n171\r\n380\r\n1,013\r\n822\r\n1\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n107\r\n179\r\n806\r\n756\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFife\r\n114\r\n420\r\n1,546\r\n932\r\n0\r\n0\r\nGrampian\r\n258\r\n751\r\n704\r\n952\r\n1\r\n0\r\nLothian and Borders\r\n237\r\n951\r\n2,906\r\n2,951\r\n1\r\n2\r\nNorthern\r\n194\r\n530\r\n740\r\n582\r\n1\r\n0\r\nStrathclyde\r\n1,271\r\n2,762\r\n24,925\r\n23,189\r\n5\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n124\r\n460\r\n1,069\r\n1,173\r\n0\r\n0\r\nScotland\r\n2,476\r\n6,433\r\n33,709\r\n31,357\r\n9\r\n2\r\n1. This group includes offences where a vehicle was driven under the influence of drink/drugs. It is not possible to separate out those where alcohol was involved.\r\nSource: Justice Analytical Services, Scottish Government\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-13T13:28:09.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287092,"EventID":"S4W-16750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-16T13:28:09.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-15T18:54:12.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many stop and searches were carried out by police in (a) April, (b) May, (c) June, (d) July and (e) August (i) 2012 and (ii) 2013 and how many recovered (A) alcohol, (B) drugs and (C) knives.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Police Service of Scotland. The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-13T13:28:09.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287093,"EventID":"S4W-16752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-16T13:28:09.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-15T18:54:12.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how often Police Scotland gathers key performance indicators (KPI) from each divisional command; what each KPI is, and how they are analysed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Police Scotland collect and analyse a range of management information. The information requested is an operational matter for Police Scotland and is not held centrally by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-13T13:28:09.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287094,"EventID":"S4W-16753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-16T13:28:10.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-15T18:54:12.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what role the so-called Star Chamber plays in Police Scotland’s analysis of the performance of divisional commands.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Star Chamber process has been introduced by Police Scotland. The Chief Constable leads this process which involves senior members of Police Scotland and its aim is to regularly review and assess where savings and efficiencies can be made. This process has no role in analysing the performance of divisional commands.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-13T13:28:10.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287095,"EventID":"S4W-16754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-16T13:28:10.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-16T10:21:13.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the budget was for police forensic services in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The budget from Scottish Government for police forensic services, up to and including 2012-13, was included within the overall allocation made to the Scottish Police Services Agency (SPSA). The annual expenditure by the SPSA on police forensics services for years 2008-09 to 2011-12 is included within each published annual report and accounts for the SPSA. The SPSA annual report and accounts for 2012-13 is due to be published in the Autumn of 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-13T13:28:10.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287096,"EventID":"S4W-16755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-16T13:28:10.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-16T11:15:02.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many stop and searches were carried out by police in each of the last five years and how many recovered (a) alcohol, (b) drugs and (c) knives.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Police Service of Scotland. The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-13T13:28:10.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287097,"EventID":"S4W-16756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-16T13:28:10.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-16T12:07:09.687","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many police support staff there were in (a) each local division, (b) the Scottish Police Services Authority and (c) Police Scotland on 31 July 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold data on police support staff by each local division, or hold breakdowns between police support staff employed by the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) and Police Scotland. This is matter for Police Scotland and the SPA.\r\nThe Scottish Government continues to collect the total number of police support staff working within the SPA and Police Scotland each quarter but do not hold numbers as at 31 July 2013. The latest total number of police support staff, as at 30 June 2013, is available in the HR Paper presented to the 21 August 2013 SPA board meeting, available at: \r\nhttp://www.spa.police.uk/meetings-events/board-meetings/178259/\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-13T13:28:10.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287113,"EventID":"S4W-16742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-19T15:19:31.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-15T16:23:06.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will implement the two-year moratorium on the use of neonicotinoids that will begin on 1 December 2013, and what advice is it giving to farmers regarding the use of pesticides for the protection of crops from that date.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have made sure that stakeholders have been made aware of the forthcoming changes through two articles in Scotland Rural University College (SRUC) Crop Protection reports (supported under the Scottish Government SRUC advisory activity), and through discussion in our Common Agricultural Policy stakeholder group and with the industry.\r\nIn Scotland the main implications of these restrictions will be for oilseed rape growers. Any crops sown before 1 December 2013 can be grown and harvested as normal. It will not be possible to sow any more seed treated with the three neonicotinoids named by the European Commission (imidacloprid, clothiandrin and thiametoxam) after 1 December 2013. We understand that the seed industry is already adapting to these new requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T15:19:31.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287114,"EventID":"S4W-16743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-19T15:19:32.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-15T16:23:06.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many commercially-reared bumblebee colonies are imported annually and what steps are taken to prevent the spread of any disease from them to wild bumblebees and honeybees.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the importation of bumblebees into Scotland is not held centrally, however recent changes to recording systems may allow us to gather this information in the future.\r\nAll beekeepers, both commercial and hobbyists are encouraged to control and manage their bees effectively through having a good knowledge of biosecurity, hygiene and the ability to recognise disease.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T15:19:32.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287115,"EventID":"S4W-16760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-19T15:19:32.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-16T15:17:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many skin cancer specialist nurses each NHS board has (a) employed and (b) appointed in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on skin cancer specialist nurses, that each NHS board has employed and appointed, in each year since 1999 is not available.\r\nHowever, statistical information regarding numbers of skin cancer specialist nurses is available from 2004 and can be accessed on the Information Services Division (ISD) website: http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/\r\nIt should be noted that skin cancer specialist nurses are part of the clinical nurse specialist staff grouping and delivery of this care would be as part of a multidisciplinary team, which could include dermatology, oncology and plastic surgery.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T15:19:32.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287116,"EventID":"S4W-16762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-19T15:19:32.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-16T15:17:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what resources it provides to help with the appointment of skin cancer specialist nurses.\r\n","AnswerText":"While the Scottish Government provides the policies, frameworks and resources for high quality health care in Scotland, it is for each NHSScotland board to decide how best to deliver those services, including specialist nursing services, taking into account national priorities and local needs. We expect NHSScotland boards to plan and utilise funding, facilities and staff to deliver high quality care and support for patients and families.\r\nNHSScotland board nurse directors are discussing issues regarding the provision of specialist nursing service across a range of conditions. In addition the Scottish Government will host a seminar in early 2014, followed by a series of fora, for specialist nurse groups and other stakeholders to discuss issues around the role of specialist nurses in relation to specific conditions, including skin cancer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T15:19:32.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287117,"EventID":"S4W-16763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-19T15:19:33.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-18T12:22:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what role Transport Scotland had in drawing up the 15-year financial projection for the Edinburgh tram project that was published by City of Edinburgh Council on 16 August 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is the responsibility of the City of Edinburgh Council. Transport Scotland was not involved in the drawing up of the 15-year financial projection for the Edinburgh tram project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T15:19:33.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287118,"EventID":"S4W-16764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-19T15:19:33.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-18T12:22:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the Edinburgh tram project should continue to have a positive benefit-to-cost ratio.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16765 on 13 September 2013. All answers to written questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T15:19:33.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287119,"EventID":"S4W-16765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-19T15:19:33.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-18T12:22:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of it being one of the conditions that it set in order to provide funding for it, how it will monitor the benefit-to-cost ratio of the Edinburgh tram project.\r\n","AnswerText":"The benefit-to-cost ratio was used as a conditions precedent for the approval of the Scottish Government grant. In order to qualify for the grant funding the business case had to demonstrate a benefit-to-cost ratio of greater than one. This conditions precedent was fulfilled.\r\nThe City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) will continue to monitor the performance of the tram system set out in the operating agreements between CEC and Edinburgh trams to ensure the benefits of the project are realised to the optimum level.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T15:19:33.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287120,"EventID":"S4W-16766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-19T15:19:34.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-18T12:22:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what role Transport Scotland will have with the operation of the proposed Transport for Edinburgh arms-length company.\r\n","AnswerText":"The new arms-length company will be wholly owned by the City of Edinburgh Council and Transport Scotland will have no direct involvement in its operation. Transport Scotland will however work with it as it carries out its functions on behalf of the council, as it already does with the council itself and with Lothian Buses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T15:19:34.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287121,"EventID":"S4W-16767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-19T15:19:34.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-19T10:37:52.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the publication of a recent report by the Institute of Economic Affairs suggesting that the High Speed Rail 2 network from London to Birmingham and Manchester could cost £80 billion, what benefits it expects that this investment will bring to Scotland's (a) people and (b) economy and what estimate it has made of what share of the cost will be met by Scotland's taxpayers.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are aware of the claims of the Institute of Economic Affairs, although the UK Government’s position remains that the budget for High Speed 2 is still at £42.6 billion, including a contingency fund of some £14 billion.\r\nBy any measure, High Speed 2 will require significant expenditure. However, it remains unclear how the project as currently reported will deliver benefit to Scotland, either in terms of rail capacity and journey time improvements, or in terms of economic benefit.\r\nHigh Speed 2 will extend from London to Birmingham and then to Manchester and Leeds. However, like London Crossrail, the scheme is to be funded from taxpayers from across all areas of the UK.\r\nFor all to benefit, it is our view that the line must extend further. That is why the Scottish Government is working with the UK Government to establish a joint study on options for high speed rail northwards to Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government is also investigating options for the development of high speed lines in Scotland, as an early contribution to a UK network.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T15:19:34.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287122,"EventID":"S4W-16768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-19T15:19:34.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-19T11:18:12.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many meetings ministers have had with representatives of Commonwealth nations in each year since 2007 and, in light of the assertion in Scotland’s International Framework that it “will have ongoing dialogue with states at Ministerial and official level, raising human rights where appropriate in a diplomatic and culturally sensitive fashion”, at which meetings were the rights of LGBT people in these countries discussed, broken down by country.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government publishes information on ministerial engagements which can be found at the following link: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/14944/Events-Engagements/MinisterialEngagements\r\nThe International Framework was indeed updated in October 2012 to include our commitment to raising human rights where appropriate. In meetings which ministers have had with representatives of commonwealth partners since, we have always sought to promote the values that underpin public life in Scotland. Commonwealth countries will be in no doubt about these values when we welcome them to Scotland next year for the Commonwealth Games. \r\nYou will also be aware of the Charter of the Commonwealth and that there was some disappointment at the lack of specific reference to discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation in the charter. I wrote to the Secretaries of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and Culture, Media and Sport in April to make this point, whilst also recognising my hope that the charter will prove a useful tool to reduce all forms of discrimination across the Commonwealth, including LGBT discrimination.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T15:19:34.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287123,"EventID":"S4W-16770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-19T15:19:35.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-19T11:18:12.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many visits ministers have made to Commonwealth nations in each year since 2007 and, in light of the assertion in Scotland’s International Framework that “…Scotland has a strong and enduring commitment to securing democracy, the rule of law and fundamental human rights across the world. We would expect all states to comply with international and human rights law, and condemn human rights abuses wherever they occur”, on which visits it held meetings with groups that represent LGBT people, broken down by country.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government Ministerial visits overseas are published on the Scottish Government’s website and you can access those by using the following link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/14944/travel/visitsoverseas \r\nNo meetings took place during these visits with groups that exclusively represent LGBT people. However, during a visit to Malawi in 2010 Fiona Hyslop, the then Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, raised human rights issues and met with charities working on raising HIV awareness, especially among the gay community.\r\nYou will be aware of the Charter of the Commonwealth and that there was some disappointment at the lack of specific reference to discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation in the charter. I wrote to the Secretaries of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and Culture, Media and Sport in April 2013 to make this point, whilst also recognising my hope that the charter will prove a useful tool to reduce all forms of discrimination across the Commonwealth, including LGBT discrimination.\r\nWe are fully committed to equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Scotland and across the world. The Scottish Government works very closely with a wide range of partners to promote equality of opportunity and inclusion, including the four national LGBT organisations: Equality Network, LGBT Youth Scotland, the Scottish Transgender Alliance and Stonewall Scotland. The Scottish Government has provided funding of over £2.3 million between 2012-15 to LGBT organisations to take forward LGBT equality work.\r\nMinisters have always sought to promote the values that underpin public life in Scotland when travelling overseas. Commonwealth countries will be in no doubt about those values when we welcome them to Scotland next year for the Commonwealth Games.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T15:19:35.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287124,"EventID":"S4W-16774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-19T15:19:35.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-19T13:11:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it will issue to residents of park homes regarding the changes to their rights arising from the Mobile Homes Act 1983 (Amendment of Schedule1) (Scotland) Order 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have produced a leaflet giving permanent park home residents information about their new and existing rights and responsibilities. This is being distributed to all affected residents and sites for which we have addresses. We are also writing to site owners and local authorities, and have contacted relevant advice organisations to make them aware of the changes. In addition the leaflet is available on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/08/9282.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T15:19:35.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287125,"EventID":"S4W-16775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-20T15:26:18.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-19T14:15:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is regarding the use of electronic shock collars on (a) dogs and (b) other animals.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware of concerns about the use of electronic shock collars on dogs and other animals and will work with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the industry to produce improved guidance on the proper use of these training aids. The misuse of shock collars or any other training aids in a way that causes unnecessary suffering would be an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T15:26:18.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287126,"EventID":"S4W-16776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-20T15:26:19.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-19T14:15:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the findings of the report by the universities of Bristol and Lincoln, Studies to assess the effect of pet training aids, specifically remote static pulse systems, on the welfare of domestic dogs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has carefully considered this research. Although the research found some adverse effects in some dogs studied, as previously indicated in the answer to question S4W-11777 on 18 December 2012, it did not provide adequate evidence of long-term or significant damage to the welfare of dogs that would justify a ban on these training aids.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that e-collars are used responsibly, so will co-operate with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to draw up guidance regarding how e-collars should be used.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T15:26:19.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287127,"EventID":"S4W-16778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-20T15:26:19.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-19T15:39:12.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to review the provision of public sector contracts to faith organisations for which job applicants are required to hold specific beliefs that are determined as an occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has issued guidance on the implications for public bodies on their procurement activities under the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012. In addition, the Scottish Government is working with the Equality and Human Rights Commission to provide further guidance on the Equality duty and public sector procurement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T15:26:19.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287128,"EventID":"S4W-16779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-20T15:26:19.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-19T16:02:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its annual report on wildlife crime for 2012.","AnswerText":"Scotland’s first Wildlife Crime Annual Report will be published shortly.?\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T15:26:19.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287129,"EventID":"S4W-16780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-20T15:26:19.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-20T09:05:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether school leavers who have been offered (a) higher and (b) further education places in 2013-14 are eligible for training opportunities through the Employability Fund before commencing their studies and, if so, whether the training providers can subsequently claim progression payments when the courses start.\r\n","AnswerText":"Access to the Employability Fund is subject to an individual satisfying specific eligibility criteria. Referral organisations are responsible for undertaking an assessment of the needs of the individual to ensure that entry to the Employability Fund is appropriate and that support is provided at the correct stage of the strategic skills pipeline. In instances where it is known that an individual intends to take up a place of further or higher education, this would not fit with the eligibility criteria, spirit or agreed referral arrangements of the Employability Fund. Skills Development Scotland will investigate any allegations of misuse of the fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T15:26:19.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287142,"EventID":"S4W-16783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-21T15:42:02.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-20T13:53:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the regulatory regime is for (a) offshore and (b) onshore underground coal gasification; what the licensing arrangements are; which body issues licences and how many have been issued, broken down by region. \r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Coal Authority is the licensing authority for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) in Scotland and the UK. The Coal Authority can grant conditional licences to companies which enable prospective operators to secure rights to the coal while projects are developed. There have been six licences granted for UCG in Scotland in the Kincardine and Largo Bay, Firth of Forth and the Solway Firth areas.\r\nPotential UCG operators who have been granted a licence from the UK Coal Authority cannot commence activities in Scotland until all other rights and permissions covering the various elements involved, such as drilling activities where there are robust licensing, permissions, permit regimes and monitoring arrangements which involve approvals from the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Health and Safety Executive and the Scottish Environmental protection Agency (SEPA).\r\nAny development proposal onshore, concerning onshore or offshore underground coal gasification would require planning permission along with the relevant SEPA licences and permits before activities can begin in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T15:42:03.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287143,"EventID":"S4W-16785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-21T15:42:03.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-20T13:53:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Cluff Natural Resources regarding underground coal gasification.\r\n","AnswerText":"Discussions took place on 27 August 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T15:42:03.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287144,"EventID":"S4W-16787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-21T15:42:03.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-20T13:53:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how underground coal gasification fits into its energy strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"In Scotland we need a diverse and balanced energy portfolio to provide us with secure and affordable heat and electricity for decades to come. Diversity of sources in our energy portfolio and reduced reliance on energy imports makes our energy system more resilient.\r\nClearly we are aware that the energy sector is a dynamic industry and that alternative energy sources and projects are constantly emerging including such technologies as underground coal gasification.The Scottish Government’s view is energy sources should only be pursued as long as their development and use is consistent with environmental objectives.\r\nIndividual proposals for energy production projects in Scotland will be studied on their merits. Each proposal will be considered through the normal planning process and the appropriate regulatory regimes. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T15:42:03.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287145,"EventID":"S4W-16788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-21T15:42:04.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-20T14:49:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money has been allocated for the (a) maintenance and (b) upgrade of trunk roads in each year since 2007, also broken down by road.\r\n","AnswerText":"A copy of a table showing how much money has been spent on the maintenance and upgrade of trunk roads in each complete financial year since 2007, listed by road, has been placed on SPICE, BIB number 55187.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T15:42:04.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287146,"EventID":"S4W-16790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-21T15:42:04.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-20T14:49:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15500 by Richard Lochhead on 14 June 2013, in light of figures from the National Fallen Stock Company suggesting that, in the last year, there has been a 50% increase in fallen stock recorded on farms in Scotland, what additional measures and resources it will deploy.\r\n","AnswerText":"This year’s severe winter weather resulted in a significant number of livestock deaths across Scotland. The Scottish Government has made £6.5 million compensation available to farmers, with more than £730,000 going directly to over 4,000 farmers for fallen stock collection costs.\r\nThe Scottish Government continues to ensure that the welfare needs of livestock in Scotland are met and continues to encourage pro-active farm health planning and best practice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T15:42:04.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287147,"EventID":"S4W-16791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-21T15:42:04.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-20T14:55:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16718 by Fiona Hyslop on 15 August 2013, whether it will provide a breakdown of the costs associated with the trip.\r\n","AnswerText":"As per paragraph 9.17 of the Ministerial Code, the Scottish Government publishes an annual list of all travel overseas by all Ministers by means of an answer to a parliamentary question. Costs and other information of overseas visits are also published on the Scottish Government website on a regular basis once all associated costs are available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T15:42:04.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287148,"EventID":"S4W-16792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-21T15:42:04.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-20T17:37:57.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to local authorities regarding the provision of support for parents with learning difficulties.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2009, the Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability funded by the Scottish Government published the Scottish Good Practice Guidelines for Supporting Parents with Learning Disabilities. The good practice guidance assists social work practitioners to provide the information, arrangements and supports that parents with learning disabilities need to raise their children.\r\nThe keys to life – the new learning disability strategy in Scotland recommends that by 2014 parents with learning disabilities should have access to local supported parenting services based on the principles of Supported Parenting and that the Scottish Good Practice Guidelines for Supporting Parents with Learning Disabilities are being followed by professionals working with parents with learning disabilities, to ensure better outcomes for families.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T15:42:04.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287149,"EventID":"S4W-16793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-21T15:42:05.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-20T17:37:57.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether local authorities should seek the views of looked-after children regarding their ongoing care.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is clear that children and young people should have their views listened to and should be involved in decisions that affect them.\r\nThe Looked After Children (Scotland) Regulations 2009 state that local authorities must seek and take into account the views of a child to be, or being, looked after by them. They must also consult with the child before preparing and when reviewing the child’s plan.\r\nThe Support and Assistance of Young People Leaving Care (Scotland) Regulations 2003 place a duty on local authorities to seek and take into account the views and wishes of young people leaving care, to determine what advice, assistance and support is needed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T15:42:05.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287150,"EventID":"S4W-16794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-21T15:42:05.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-20T17:37:57.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether local authorities are required to ensure the provision of appropriate advocacy for looked-after children when discussing their ongoing care.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no legal requirement on local authorities to ensure the provision of advocacy for all looked after children. However, as corporate parents, local authorities should ensure that looked after children, young people and care leavers are able to have their say and their views acted on wherever possible.\r\nThe Getting it right for every child approach to improving wellbeing of all children and young people recognises the central importance of involving them in decisions which affect their lives. It also recognises that sometimes children and young people will require support if their views and opinions are to be shared, including through the provision of advocacy. Work is on-going to implement Getting it right for every child in every local authority across Scotland and we have been consulting on principles and standards which should apply whenever children require advocacy support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T15:42:05.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287170,"EventID":"S4W-16795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:33:57.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-21T11:08:40.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its plans for improvements to Argyll Ferries. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s objective is that there shall be a safe, reliable, frequent, commuter ferry service between Dunoon town centre and the rail terminal at Gourock.\r\nShort term measures to improve the reliability of the current service over the coming winter are being investigated.\r\nWe are working with the Gourock Dunoon Ferry Services Steering Group, which has representation from Argyll and Bute Council, Inverclyde Council and the Dunoon Gourock Ferry Action Group, to find long-term solutions for the town centre route.\r\nFollowing the publication of the report into the feasibility of vehicles being carried on the route without subsidy, this government will engage with potential operators and with the European Commission, who maintain a keen interest in ensuring we continue to work within the parameters they have set. The Scottish Government will then be in a position to consider the way forward in the longer-term and looks forward to further discussions with the Gourock Dunoon Ferry Services Steering Group.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:33:58.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287171,"EventID":"S4W-16796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:33:58.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-21T11:54:05.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which accident and emergency units have consultant cover for at least 18 hours every day.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nAs the member will be aware work is currently being undertaken by health boards to address issues around unscheduled care.\r\nAs part of the National Unscheduled Care Improvement Programme a significant amount of work is being undertaken by boards around unscheduled care pathways to ensure access to a senior decision maker is available at all stage of the emergency care pathway.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:33:58.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287172,"EventID":"S4W-16797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:33:58.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-21T11:54:05.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which accident and emergency units have (a) community psychiatric and (b) mental health nurses to help patients with (i) mental health problems and (ii) alcohol or drug issues.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:33:58.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287173,"EventID":"S4W-16798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:33:59.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-21T11:54:05.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which accident and emergency units have social work attachments that assess access to emergency community social care.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nAs the member will be aware work is currently being undertaken by health boards to address issues around unscheduled care.\r\nWithin the National Unscheduled Care Improvement Programme a significant amount of work is being undertaken by boards around unscheduled care pathways to ensure suitable assessment is available at the appropriate stage in the patient journey.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:33:59.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287174,"EventID":"S4W-16799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:33:59.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-21T11:54:37.05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent changes there have been to the costs of indemnity for out-of-hours work levied on GPs, and what steps it is taking to ensure that this does not impact on the input of GPs in remote and rural communities.\r\n","AnswerText":"General practices are contracted to provide general medical services by their local health board and not the Scottish Government. It is a condition of that contract that the contractor shall at all times hold adequate insurance against liability arising from negligent performance of clinical services under the contract.\r\nGPs who work in the out of hours service are either directly employed, so will have crown indemnity via the health boards Clinical Negligence and Other Risks Indemnity Scheme arrangements, or are \"sessional\" i.e. GPs paid a sessional rate for the shifts that they work. This latter group of GPs will not be regarded as employed and will need to use their own indemnity cover with a Medical Defense Union (which they need for their everyday practice anyway).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:33:59.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287175,"EventID":"S4W-16800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:33:59.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-21T11:54:37.05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the recommendation at paragraph 28 of the Review of NHS Pharmaceutical Care of Patients in the Community in Scotland, which stated “We believe that an important part of the relationship with patients is to ensure that their privacy and confidentiality is safeguarded, and that pharmacy owners should actively consider how this can be achieved in their premises.”\r\n","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce that the Scottish Government has published today its vision and work programme for NHS pharmaceutical care for the next 10 years in the document, Prescription for Excellence: A Vision and Action Plan for the right pharmaceutical care through integrated partnerships and innovation. A copy can be obtained from the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/09/3025.\r\nThe vast majority of community pharmacies have a private consultation area and we actively encourage all pharmacy owners to strive to ensure that patients’ privacy is a priority. This has been supported in the past through Scottish Government investment. The Vision and Action Plan published today will seek to develop new and innovative models of pharmaceutical care through NHS Board pharmaceutical care services planning, underpinned with local needs assessment, driving a new approach to the provision of pharmaceutical care and the range of premises from which they are provided.\r\nAll pharmacy premises should already comply with General Pharmaceutical Council Standards for registered pharmacies, and in particular Standard 3.2, which requires that pharmacy premises protect the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of patients and the public who receive pharmacy services. This is reinforced in NHSScotland planning guidelines for Community Pharmacy Premises in Scotland (Health Facilities Scotland, Scottish Health Planning Note 36, 2007).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:33:59.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287176,"EventID":"S4W-16801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:34:00.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-21T11:54:59.693","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether, in light of the view expressed at paragraph 49 of the Review of NHS Pharmaceutical Care of Patients in the Community in Scotland, it will instigate an immediate moratorium on new community pharmacy licenses where there are existing dispensing practices.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has today set out its vision and programme of work for NHS pharmaceutical care for the next 10 years in the document, Prescription for Excellence: A Vision and Action Plan for the right pharmaceutical care through integrated partnerships and innovation’. A copy can be obtained from the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/09/3025.\r\nThe Vision and Action Plan acknowledge that in some parts of rural Scotland where patients are unable to secure the dispensing services of a community pharmacy, the dispensing GP practice service plays a vital role in the provision of NHS medicines.\r\nAs the process for considering applications for new community pharmacies is laid down in legislation, it cannot be suspended without Parliament making changes to that legislation. However, the Vision and Action Plan published today contains a firm Scottish Government commitment to work with patients, dispensing doctors and appropriate stakeholders to explore how rural communities can be further supported in the delivery of pharmaceutical care.\r\nAs a first step towards meeting this commitment, I have decided to review immediately the relevant regulatory frameworks, and will consult with key stakeholders to bring forward amended legislation that best meets the needs of those rural communities. I will report on the outcome of this work and timetable for legislative amendments in due course. \r\nThe outcome of the longer term work, also announced in the action plan today, to explore new powers that will underpin NHS board pharmaceutical care services planning, will be crucial in driving new and innovative models of pharmaceutical care across all communities in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:34:00.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287177,"EventID":"S4W-16805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:34:00.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-21T11:56:42.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to each of the recommendations in the Report on Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Humans in 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14441 on 8 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:34:00.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287178,"EventID":"S4W-16806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:34:00.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-21T11:56:42.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the review of the Scottish community pharmacy contract will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not commissioned or undertaken a review of community pharmacy contract arrangements in Scotland.\r\nI am, however, pleased to announce that the Scottish Government has published today our vision and work programme for NHS pharmaceutical care for the next 10 years in the document, Prescription for Excellence: A Vision and Action Plan for the right pharmaceutical care through integrated partnerships and innovation. A copy can be obtained from the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/09/3025.\r\nThe vision and action plan covers a wide range of issues and associated actions relating to NHS pharmaceutical care and will consider options to introduce new statutory powers to take forward NHS board pharmaceutical care services planning. This would be underpinned by local needs assessment to enhance local healthcare planning taking into account, for example, equitable access to services in deprived and remote and rural areas, as well as specific public health needs. It will also drive new and innovative models of pharmaceutical care, and service frameworks which prevent perverse incentives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:34:00.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287179,"EventID":"S4W-16807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:34:00.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-21T11:56:42.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many NHS staff (a) have and (b) have not been paid for public holidays while on maternity leave in each year since 2008.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\nTerms and conditions issues in NHSScotland are discussed and agreed in partnership between management and staff. It was recently agreed that staff on maternity leave should accrue public holidays and that this provision should be backdated to 1 April 2008. All staff who have been on maternity leave since that date are therefore entitled to accrue public holidays.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:34:00.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287180,"EventID":"S4W-16808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:34:01.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-21T11:56:42.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken since 2008 to ensure that NHS boards advise staff on maternity leave that they are entitled to be paid for public holidays and do not have to take time off in lieu instead.\r\n","AnswerText":"It was recently agreed through partnership discussions that staff on maternity leave should accrue public holidays from 1 April 2008, and a letter was sent to all NHS boards confirming this. It is for NHS boards, as employers, to ensure that staff receive any relevant information about their terms and conditions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:34:01.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287181,"EventID":"S4W-16809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:34:01.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-21T14:11:22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there have been discussions regarding Skills Development Scotland formally merging with DWP Job Centre Plus and, if so, what the outcomes were.\r\n","AnswerText":"No formal discussions regarding Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and DWP Jobcentre Plus merging have taken place. The Scottish Government is however engaging with a range of stakeholders on how employment services might be delivered under constitutional reform. The roles of SDS and DWP will be considered as part of this work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:34:01.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287182,"EventID":"S4W-16811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:34:01.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-21T14:11:22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on formalising links between Skills Development Scotland and DWP Job Centre Plus.\r\n","AnswerText":"Partnership agreements are in place between Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and DWP Job Centre Plus at both national and regional/district levels. SDS and DWP have also collaborated in a number of areas, including PACE local partnerships, the Integrated Employment and Skills project and the Local Employability Partnerships. SDS also receives data from DWP through the SDS-led Opportunities for All Data Hub. The Government welcomes such collaboration and is engaging with a range of stakeholders on how employment services might be delivered under constitutional reform. The role of SDS and DWP will be considered as part of this work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:34:01.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287183,"EventID":"S4W-16816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:34:02.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-22T09:41:52.193","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which accident and emergency units have specialist geriatric teams that assess patients’ suitability for same-day discharge.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information is not held centrally.\r\nAs the member will be aware work is currently being undertaken by health boards to address issues around unscheduled care.\r\nThe work of the National Unscheduled Care Improvement Programme will include a significant amount of work around unscheduled care pathways, particularly with regards to frail elderly patients to ensure suitable assessment is provided at the appropriate stage in the patient journey.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:34:02.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287184,"EventID":"S4W-16817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:34:02.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-22T10:22:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to increase the levels of prospective adopters; what funding it has provided to (a) charitable and (b) independent adoption providers in each year since 2008-09, broken down by organisation, and what the eligibility criteria were.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has been working with all key organisations in the sector including local authorities, voluntary adoption agencies and other adoption services providers to improve the adoption services in Scotland and extend the reach of voluntary adoption agencies and their capacity to meet demand including the establishment of the National Adoption Register.\r\nWe have provided funding to BAAF in Scotland, Birthlink and Adoption UK in Scotland, all of which have a charitable status, under the Unified Voluntary Sector Fund (UVSF) from 2008-09 to 2012-13. The amounts of funding and the assessment criteria for UVSF are listed in the following table.\r\nOrganisation\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14*\r\nAdoption UK\r\n£30,000\r\n£30,000\r\n£30,000\r\n£30,000\r\n£30,000\r\n£2,500\r\nBirthlink\r\n£45,292\r\n£45,292\r\n£45,292\r\n£45,292\r\n£45,292\r\n£3,774.33\r\nBAAF\r\n£71,080\r\n£71,080\r\n£71,080\r\n£71,080\r\n£71,080\r\n£5,923.33\r\n* transitional funding for April 2013 only\r\nFollowing a review of UVSF, a new funding mechanism was created under the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund (TSEIF) and Strategic Funding Partnership Funding (SFPF). The assessment criteria for these funds are listed in the following tables.\r\nThe following funding has been awarded to Adoption UK under TSEIF.\r\nOrganisation\r\n2013-14\r\n2014-15\r\nAdoption UK\r\n£44,558.50  \r\n£44,558.50  \r\n\r\nThe following funding has been awarded to Birthlink and BAAF under SFPF.\r\nOrganisation\r\n2013-14\r\n2014-15\r\nBirthlink\r\n£55,000\r\n£55,000\r\nBAAF\r\n£107,500\r\n£107,500\r\n\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government has provided the following grant funding to BAAF in Scotland to operate the National Adoption Register:\r\nOrganisation\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14\r\nBAAF\r\n£114,218.70\r\n£104,984.20\r\n£100,500\r\n\r\nThe Scottish Government have also provided grant funding of £10,000 in 2012-13 and £75,000 in 2013-14 to St Andrew’s Children Society to expand their adoption services in the North East of Scotland and recruit more prospective adopters in this part of Scotland. \r\nThe previously ring-fenced funding for adoption for local authorities that amounted to £2 million was rolled-up into the overall local government finance settlement with effect from 2008-09. From 1 April 2008 there is no longer a separate allocation of funding for adoption but the funding remains within the overall block grant. It is the responsibility of each local authority to allocate the total financial resources available to it on the basis of local needs and priorities having first fulfilled its statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities including the Scottish Government’s key strategic objectives.\r\nThe list of detailed eligibility criteria will be sent to the member directly and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament library.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:34:02.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287185,"EventID":"S4W-16819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:34:02.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-22T11:39:49.503","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16541 by Keith Brown on 21 August 2013, whether it will provide the information requested regarding whether it will involve action groups for other ferry services in a similar way.\r\n","AnswerText":"Further to the answer to S4W-16541, we will involve action groups regarding other ferry services as and when appropriate. The level and type of involvement for such groups can be considered by ministers on a case by case basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:34:02.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287186,"EventID":"S4W-16820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:34:03.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-22T11:40:59.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the percentage of Scottish salmon farming production that is controlled by (a) Scottish, (b) UK and (c) Norwegian-owned companies.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not record this information but industry sources (Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation) suggest that Norwegian-owned companies are responsible for around 66 per cent of farmed salmon production in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:34:03.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287187,"EventID":"S4W-16821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:34:03.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-22T11:40:59.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of Scottish farmed salmon is exported to (a) China and (b) Japan.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold the information to answer this question precisely because data on salmon production and on exports are not on an equivalent basis, but we estimate that approximately four per cent of total Scottish farmed salmon production by weight is exported to China from the UK as fresh product and approximately 0.4% of total production by weight is exported to Japan from the UK as fresh product.\r\nOf the total of all fresh Scottish salmon exported from the UK in 2012, 8 per cent of the total by value is to China and just over 1% is to Japan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:34:03.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287188,"EventID":"S4W-16822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:34:03.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-22T11:43:10.207","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any person other than a qualified veterinary surgeon is legally permitted to kill a dog using a captive bolt gun and, if so, for what purpose and under what circumstances.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no legal restriction under animal welfare legislation on who may kill a dog using a captive bolt gun for any purpose. If used correctly, a captive bolt gun should result in immediate loss of consciousness. However, if a captive bolt gun is used in a way that causes suffering, this would be an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:34:03.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287189,"EventID":"S4W-16823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:34:03.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-22T11:43:10.207","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is a legal requirement for an operator to hold a slaughter licence or certificate of competence in order to kill a dog using a captive bolt gun.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no legal requirement for an operator to hold a slaughter licence or certificate of competence to kill a dog using a captive bolt gun.\r\nHowever, if a captive bolt gun is used in a way that causes suffering this would be an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:34:03.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287190,"EventID":"S4W-16824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:34:04.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-22T11:43:10.207","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government under what circumstances a veterinary surgeon or other person may legally kill a dog using a captive bolt gun, and whether such killing must also involve bleeding or pithing of the animal.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no legal restriction on the circumstances under which a dog can be killed using a captive bolt gun or any legal requirement for bleeding or pithing, although this would be recommended.\r\nIf used correctly, a captive bolt gun should result in immediate loss of \r\nconsciousness. However if a captive bolt gun is used in a way that causes suffering, this would be an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:34:04.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287191,"EventID":"S4W-16825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:34:04.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-22T11:43:10.207","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when and for what purpose it is permissible to slaughter pregnant (a) cattle and (b) sheep in a slaughterhouse.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no restriction on the slaughter of pregnant cattle or sheep in a slaughterhouse. However, cattle and sheep that are in the last 10% of their pregnancy are classed as unfit for transport under European legislation concerning the welfare of animals during transport.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:34:04.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287192,"EventID":"S4W-16826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:34:04.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-22T11:43:10.207","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when and under what circumstances it is considered necessary to slaughter healthy cattle due to irregularities in, or non-availability of, cattle passports.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is required to ensure EU Law, which places responsibilities for cattle identification and tracing on all keepers, is met. This is vital in terms of disease control and public health. The British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) administer the Cattle Tracing System (CTS) on behalf of Ministers in Scotland, England and Wales.\r\nThere are various circumstances which mean an animal may be considered for destruction if its identification and traceability cannot be proved, which could be in relation to passport issues. BCMS deal with these on case by case basis with input from a number of professional bodies. Where a cattle keeper cannot prove an animal’s identity then the animal may be destroyed after a thorough assessment of the animal health and food safety risks posed by allowing the animal to live. However, in most cases animals will be registered on CTS and restricted to holding. These animals can be bred from but are not allowed to enter the food chain.\r\nTo date there have been no cases that have required the Scottish Government to authorise the compulsory destruction of cattle in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:34:04.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287193,"EventID":"S4W-16827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T13:34:05.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-22T11:43:10.207","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what provision is made in slaughterhouses to mitigate the welfare impacts experienced by a calf in utero when its mother is slaughtered.\r\n","AnswerText":"No particular provision is made as a foetus will die from lack of oxygen in the uterus without suffering after its mother is slaughtered. There is good evidence that ruminants do not have conscious awareness until after they are born and start breathing so there is no welfare impact experienced by a foetus when the mother is killed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:34:05.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287194,"EventID":"S4W-16812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T15:09:53.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-21T14:18:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the hydraulic fracturing process (fracking) being carried out offshore and what information it has on whether there are any plans for this and, if so, (a) where and (b) whether licences have been issued.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Government’s Department of Energy and Climate Change routinely issue Petroleum Exploration and Development Licences (PEDL) in competitive offerings (License Rounds) across the UK which grant exclusivity to operators in the license area.\r\nThese licenses can cover offshore and onshore areas but do not give consent for drilling to take place. Operators who are awarded such licenses are still required to obtain planning permissions and a suite of other licenses and permits before any exploration or development work can be carried out.\r\nThe Scottish Government strongly endorses the appropriate and robust regulation of drilling techniques such as hydraulic fracturing (fracking) associated with the extraction of shale gas.\r\nHydraulic Fracturing is a drilling technique usually associated with the extraction of gas from shale rock. Companies wishing to use this technique need to follow a rigorous permitting regime which requires approval from the UK DECC, from the HSE and from SEPA.\r\nDrilling activities are tightly regulated in the UK and in Scotland and drilling operations which propose hydraulic fracturing techniques require an added layer of permissions in the form of a licence under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (CAR license).\r\nCAR licenses are a conditioned license within which, strict parameters and instructions are applied to operational activities including detailed monitoring systems and reporting regimes which must be adhered to prior to commencing drilling, whilst drilling and after drilling.\r\nThere are no live applications which propose the use of hydraulic fracturing in Scotland at this time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T15:09:53.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287195,"EventID":"S4W-16813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T15:09:53.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-21T14:18:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the hydraulic fracturing process (fracking).\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Department of Energy and Climate Change DECC are in the process of developing a regulatory roadmap for the extraction of unconventional gas which will cover hydraulic fracturing as one of many regulated processes involved in the future extraction of unconventional gas. The Scottish Government and SEPA have been involved in the development processes of that document.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T15:09:53.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287196,"EventID":"S4W-16828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T15:09:53.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-22T13:54:40.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the Nice Way Code marketing campaign will cost and what budget this is drawn from.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland has provided £424,000 to Cycling Scotland to cover the costs of developing and running the Mutual Respect campaign, which features the “Nice Way Code”. This funding was allocated as follows:\r\n£260,000 from the Road Safety Framework Budget and £164,000 from the Support for Sustainable and Active Travel Budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T15:09:53.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287197,"EventID":"S4W-16829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T15:09:54.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-22T13:54:40.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what evidence it has that the Nice Way Code campaign will result in behaviour change on Scotland's roads.","AnswerText":"The campaign is based on the success of the “Give Me Cycle Space” campaign which has run for the last three years and complements continued infrastructure investment of £5.6 million for vulnerable road users through Cycling Walking and Safer Streets Funding to local authorities and over £10 million to Sustrans for projects including community links cycle paths. These campaigns are also supported by Police Scotland. It is recognised that such communication campaigns contribute to improved road safety when delivered with infrastructure improvements and enforcement. The ethos of mutual respect amongst road users fits with both the refreshed Cycling Action Plan for Scotland and Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T15:09:54.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287198,"EventID":"S4W-16830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T15:09:54.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-22T13:54:40.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the impact of the Nice Way Code campaign will be evaluated.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of the funding agreement, an independent research study was commissioned by Cycling Scotland to evaluate the effect the Nice Way Code campaign has had on people’s attitudes to their fellow road users and about key road behaviours. This will commence shortly, after the campaign has run its course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T15:09:54.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287199,"EventID":"S4W-16831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-22T15:09:54.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-22T14:26:56.49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what licences have been awarded for underground coal gasification-related activity in Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T15:09:54.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287211,"EventID":"S4W-16802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-23T14:23:03.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-21T11:55:49.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which of the agreed actions in the Final Report of the Remote and Rural Implementation Group have been implemented and when the outstanding actions will be implemented.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Remote and Rural Implementation Group (RRIG) which oversaw the implementation of the Scottish Government’s report, Delivering for Remote & Rural Healthcare, was disbanded in 2010. Their final report was published on the North of Scotland Planning Group (NoSPG) website:\r\nhttp://www.nospg.nhsscotland.com/wp-content/Final_Report_RRIG_Oct101.pdf.\r\nIt confirmed that 80 of 83 recommendations and forward issues had been delivered. Shortly after publication, RRIG confirmed that the three remaining recommendations had also been delivered.\r\nNoSPG continues to provide support to NHS boards in delivering sustainable remote and rural healthcare.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T14:23:04.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287212,"EventID":"S4W-16834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-23T14:23:04.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-22T15:30:20.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recent advice issued by the British Transport Police regarding luggage theft, what its position is on the adequacy of luggage space on trains in Scotland and whether it will make it a condition of the next franchise process that this should be increased.","AnswerText":"Within the next franchise, specification of the franchisee will be requested to improve upon the facilities for storing on-train, large items of luggage within sight/proximity of passengers when seated and overhead storage for smaller items of hand luggage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T14:23:04.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287213,"EventID":"S4W-16835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-23T14:23:05.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-22T15:30:20.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-05856 by Michael Matheson on 1 March 2012, what programmes are (a) in place and (b) planned to ensure that children receive adequate levels of vitamin D.\r\n","AnswerText":"As noted in response to S4W-05856, the Healthy Start scheme is in place to ensure free vitamins, including vitamin D, are available to families on some benefits.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to increasing uptake of the Healthy Start scheme in Scotland, as part of the implementation of Improving Maternal and Infant Nutrition: A Framework for Action.\r\nThe Scottish Government is currently running a one-year trial using Community Pharmacies to make Healthy Start vitamins available to those on the scheme, and for others to purchase. This trial will monitor the uptake of the vitamins, with a view to extending the scheme in future if uptake increases. Around 96% of Community Pharmacies across Scotland are taking part in the trial.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T14:23:05.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287214,"EventID":"S4W-16836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-23T14:23:05.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-22T15:30:20.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the proposed improvements to the Highland Main Line will include restoration of the double-track section between Culloden Viaduct and Daviot. \r\n","AnswerText":"Network Rail are currently carrying out timetable development work for phase two of the Highland Main Line Improvements project which will help to identify where infrastructure interventions are required. They are expected to deliver a report on the options for this phase of the project by the end of this year.\r\nPhase two of the project will be delivered between 2014-19. Phase one has been completed delivering two extra trains each way per day from December 2011 and journey time improvements of up to 18 minutes on some services as part of the December 2012 timetable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T14:23:05.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287215,"EventID":"S4W-16837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-23T14:23:05.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-22T15:30:20.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme timetable will ensure that fast paths are incorporated for services between Inverness and Edinburgh and Glasgow and that these will be compatible with the new timetable for services north of Perth.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Edinburgh. Glasgow, Inverness and Perth timetable is currently under development and will take account of Central Belt and Highland Main Line services including the Inverness to Edinburgh and Glasgow train paths. The timetable development currently underway by the rail industry recognises the importance of delivering fast paths for both routes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T14:23:05.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287216,"EventID":"S4W-16838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-23T14:23:05.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-22T15:30:20.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the timetables for rail services between the north of Perth and Edinburgh and Glasgow will be co-ordinated to optimise journey times.\r\n","AnswerText":"Network Rail are currently working on timetable development for phase 2 of the Highland Main Line project which will help to determine where infrastructure interventions are necessary to support an hourly service and achieve the required average journey time reduction of around 10 minutes in both directions between Inverness and Edinburgh/Glasgow (measured against the timetable in place in June 2012 or any improvements introduced between then and 31 March 2014). They are expected to deliver a pre-feasibility report on options later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T14:23:05.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287217,"EventID":"S4W-16840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-23T14:23:06.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-23T11:37:14.053","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16302 by Nicola Sturgeon on 15 July 2013, how many of the claims made to the Scottish Welfare Fund since 1 April 2013 were (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful.\r\n","AnswerText":"According to informal monitoring returns from local authorities, there have been 29,021 successful applications, and 19,264 unsuccessful applications made to the Scottish Welfare Fund from 1 April to 31 July 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T14:23:06.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287218,"EventID":"S4W-16841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-23T14:23:06.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-23T11:57:00.773","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the impact of welfare reforms introduced on 1 April 2013 on the number of people in Scotland attending GPs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware that GPs are reporting that they are seeing a significant rise in requests connected to welfare reforms and appreciate the challenges facing GPs in trying to do the best for their patients while coping with a growing demand for evidence for benefits appeals.\r\nGPs have many other competing priorities and completing paperwork in connection with benefit assessments cannot and should not be prioritised ahead of the immediate clinical needs of patients.\r\nThe Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing has recommended to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions that urgent research is undertaken on the demands that welfare benefit reform is placing on primary care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T14:23:06.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287219,"EventID":"S4W-16839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-23T14:30:59.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-23T11:24:37.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding has been provided to the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and initiatives sponsored by the SFA in each year since May 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"sportscotland has provided significant funding for the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and initiatives sponsored by the SFA in each of the last five years to support the implementation of the sport’s development plan. The level of investment is an operational matter and I have asked the Chief Executive of sportscotland to provide the detailed information requested.\r\nThe Scottish Football Association has also been awarded the following direct funding from the Scottish Government to deliver a wide range of football opportunities as part of the Cashback for Communities programme:\r\n2008-09 - £0.618m\r\n2009-10 - £1.002m\r\n2010-11 - £0.816m\r\n2011-12 - £0.738m\r\n2012-13 - £0.761m\r\nIn addition to direct support to the SFA, Scottish football will benefit from £12.5 million of Cashback for Communities funding between 2008-09 and 2014. This will deliver a range of free football activities for young people and see the development of high quality 3G football facilities to benefit communities across Scotland, allowing people to access excellent quality facilities all year round.\r\nThe Scottish Government is also providing £25 million to deliver a new National Performance Centre for Sport, which will provide state of the art training and coaching facilities to support the high performance needs of sport in Scotland, with football at its heart. Heriot-Watt University and the City of Edinburgh Council was recently announced as the preferred bidder, and this fantastic new facility will be operational by 2016.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T14:30:59.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287220,"EventID":"S4W-16842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-23T14:31:00.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-23T12:24:13.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will roll out NHS health board elections across the country and, if there are no plans to do so, whether the board in NHS (a) Fife and (b) Dumfries and Galloway will continue to be elected as set out by the Health Boards (Membership and Elections) (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government published the independent evaluation on health board elections and alternative pilots and lodged it in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) on 20 December 2012. This can also be found at the following link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/12/8580/downloads.\r\nThis issue remains under consideration and the final position will be confirmed in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T14:31:00.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287233,"EventID":"S4W-16844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-26T15:01:11.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-23T15:08:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has provided for cycling in each year since 2007 and will provide in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"Funding for Cycling 2007-08 to 2013-14\r\nGrant (m)\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14\r\nCWSS\r\n9.090\r\n9.09\r\n9.09\r\n9.09\r\n7.458 \r\n6.069\r\n 5.577       \r\nSchool Travel Coordinators (now in LA settlement)\r\n1.050\r\nN/a\r\nN/a\r\nN/a\r\nN/a\r\nN/a\r\nN/a\r\nCycling Scotland\r\n0.900\r\n1.400\r\n0.901\r\n2.237\r\n2.3\r\n2.424\r\n2.012\r\nSustrans\r\n8.3\r\n5.015\r\n4.150\r\n7.67\r\n5.784\r\n9.66\r\n10.81\r\nThe Bike Station \r\n\r\n0.028\r\n0.028\r\n0.028\r\n0.035\r\n0\r\n0.045\r\nSCSP \r\n\r\n3.333\r\n3.333\r\n3.334\r\n0.900\r\n0.250\r\n0.26\r\nClimate Challenge Fund \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n0.400\r\n0.250\r\n\r\nForth Environment Link (Stirling Cycle Hub)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n0.0275\r\n0.0871\r\nRoad Safety Fund (To Sustrans)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n0.180\r\n\r\n\r\nInvestment in Great Glen Project\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1.6\r\nRoad Safety Scotland\r\n0.049\r\n0.060\r\n0.059\r\n0.005\r\nN/a\r\nN/a\r\nN/a\r\nTotal\r\n19.389\r\n18.926\r\n17.561\r\n22.364\r\n17.057\r\n18.6805\r\n20.3911\r\n\r\nNote: The Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets grant (CWSS) and the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places (SCSP) funding relates support active travel broadly, including cycling; it is not possible to separate out specific shares for cycling alone. Since 2012-13, the CWSS grant includes a request to local authorities to consider a minimum spend of 36%, and preferably above 50% on cycling related projects. Local authorities are best placed to decide the allocation which meets their specific local priorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T15:01:11.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287234,"EventID":"S4W-16845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-26T15:01:11.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-23T15:08:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it has taken to improve trunk roads since 2007 in order to make them safer for cyclists, how much each measure has cost and what funding it will provide in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers take full account of cycling needs during investment in the trunk road network. The following cycling improvements have been delivered since 2007:\r\nScheme\r\nValue\r\nFinancial year\r\nA82 Lochybridge to Torlundy\r\n£2.9 million\r\n2007-2008\r\nA835 Tore to Maryburgh\r\n£0.627 million\r\n2008-2009\r\nA828 Oban to Fort William\r\n£2.7 million\r\n2008-2012\r\nA82 Glencoe to Ballachulish\r\n£1.16 million\r\n2009-2010\r\nA1 Skateraw to Bilsdean\r\n£0.3 million\r\n2009-2010\r\nA9 Moy 2+1 Scheme  \r\n£0.03 million\r\n2010-2011\r\nA75 Cairntop to Barlae\r\n£0.12 million\r\n2010-2011\r\nM80 Stepps to Haggs\r\n£0.03 million\r\n2011-2012\r\nA9 Crubenmore Extension\r\n£0.19 million\r\n2011-2012\r\nA96 Fochabers to Mosstodloch\r\n£1.25 million\r\n2012-2013\r\n\r\nIn addition, the A82 Fort William to Inverness (Great Glen) Cycleway project represents an investment of £2.6 million over a two year period (2013-2015).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T15:01:11.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287235,"EventID":"S4W-16846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-26T15:01:12.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-23T15:08:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that sufficient progress has been made toward achieving its Cycling Action Plan for Scotland target of 10% of all journeys to be by bike by 2020 and, if so, how this progress can be demonstrated.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Cycling Action Plan for Scotland (CAPS), updated in June 2013, sets out an aspirational vision shared with all our key stakeholders of 10% of everyday journeys by bicycle; it is not a target. This Scottish Government has a leadership role in providing investment and direction through the 19 actions in the updated CAPS document, howeverlocal authorities, other sectors and individuals all have an important role to play.\r\nThe updated CAPS 2013 document contains a summary of progress on actions from the CAPS 2010 document in Annex C. Through continued collective effort, we are steadily building the foundations for the longer-term change required; behaviour change in travel choices cannot happen overnight. The available data indicates that at national level everyday cycling journeys currently make up between 1-2% of the modal share, but with higher levels now being seen in some local areas. Sustrans monitoring data also indicates encouraging progress where investment in infrastructure and promotion is being made. On-going monitoring and evaluation is a key element of the refreshed CAPS and is included as actions at national and local level.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T15:01:12.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287236,"EventID":"S4W-16847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-26T15:01:12.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-23T15:08:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what cycling projects in the NESTRANS area it has supported and how much funding it has provided for these projects in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following grants have been made under Cycling Walking Safer Streets in the NESTRANS area\r\nGrant £millions\r\n2007-8\r\n2008-9\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14\r\nTotal\r\nAberdeen City Council\r\n0.365\r\n0.365\r\n0.365\r\n0.365\r\n0.307\r\n0.252\r\n0.232\r\n2.251\r\nAberdeenshire Council\r\n0.412\r\n0.412\r\n0.412\r\n0.412\r\n0.350\r\n0.286\r\n0.262\r\n2.546\r\nNESTRANS Total\r\n0.777\r\n0.777\r\n0.777\r\n0.777\r\n0.657\r\n0.538\r\n0.494\r\n4.797\r\n\r\nDetails of the individual projects funded would be held by the relative local authority.\r\nThe following projects have been funded through Sustrans in the NESTRANS area 2007-2013)\r\nSustrans Projects 2007-13\r\nNo of Projects\r\nFunding  £\r\nBehaviour change projects\r\n27\r\n42,297\r\nCycle parking / Infrastructure projects\r\n37\r\n101,381\r\nNCN Aberdeenshire / Aberdeen City\r\nNCN 195\r\n350,400\r\nCommunity Links\r\n14\r\n411,879\r\nTotal\r\n\r\n905,957\r\n\r\nScottish Government has also funded Cycling Scotland to deliver the following projects in the NESTRANS area:\r\nProject\r\nAmount £\r\nTotal £\r\n2007\r\n\r\n\r\nCycle to School Campaign\r\n4,330\r\n4,330\r\n2008\r\n\r\n\r\nCycle to School Campaign (Aberdeenshire)\r\n30,202\r\n\r\nCycling Action Plan for Scotland\r\n1,844\r\n\r\nCycle Trainer & Trainer’s Assistant Courses\r\n2,100\r\n34,146\r\n2009\r\n\r\n\r\nGive Me Cycle Space\r\n27,044\r\n\r\nCycle Friendly & Sustainable Community Grant\r\n4,670\r\n31,714\r\n2010\r\n\r\n\r\nNil\r\n0\r\n\r\n2011\r\n\r\n\r\nBikeability Scotland (Aberdeen City)\r\n1,440\r\n\r\nCycle Trainer, Trainer’s Assistant & Cycle Patrol Instructor Courses Events\r\n1,725\r\n\r\nCycle Friendly Employer workplace Grant (Aberdeen City)\r\n549\r\n\r\nBikeability Scotland resources* (2010-11 school year)\r\n5,716\r\n9,430\r\n2012\r\n\r\n\r\nGive Me Cycle Space\r\n84,416\r\n\r\nCycle Friendly & Sustainable Community Grant\r\n6,000\r\n\r\nCycle Trainer & Trainer’s Assistant Courses\r\n1,800\r\n\r\nBikeability Scotland resources* (2011-12 school year)\r\n4,087\r\n96,303\r\n2013\r\n\r\n\r\nGive Me Cycle Space\r\n65,563\r\n\r\nBikeability Scotland resources* (2012-13 school year)\r\n4,859\r\n\r\nBikeability Scotland Support Plus Grant (2012-13 Aberdeen City)\r\n9,405\r\n\r\nBikeability Scotland Support Plus Grant (2012-13 Aberdeenshire)\r\n20,000\r\n\r\nBikeability Scotland Support Plus Grant (2013-14 Aberdeen City)\r\n35,000\r\n\r\nBikeability Scotland Support Plus Grant (2013-14 Aberdeenshire)\r\n20,000\r\n\r\nCycle Trainer & Trainer’s Assistant Courses\r\n450\r\n\r\nFreshnlo Pedal for Scotland Aberdeen Bike Ride\r\n34,000\r\n189,277\r\nNESTRANS TOTAL\r\n\r\n365,200\r\nNote: *This figure covers the Grampian region, so includes figures from Moray which is outwith NESTRANS.\r\nNote that Cycling Scotland assumed responsibility for children’s cycle training from October 2010.\r\nIn addition, Road Safety Scotland has supplied Resources for the Scottish Cycle Training Scheme until it was handed over to Cycling Scotland during 2010-11. Since 2007, Road Safety Scotland provided road safety educational and campaign resources to all local authorities in the following amounts. It is not possible to break down these by local authority areas so these figures relate to the whole of Scotland:\r\n2007-08\t£49,391.55\r\n2008-09\t£59,703.50\r\n2009-10\t£58,967.32\r\n2010-11\t£4,843.82\r\nExcluding the Road Safety Scotland resources, Scottish Government has provided total funding of £6,068,157 to NESTRANS since 2007.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T15:01:12.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287237,"EventID":"S4W-16848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-26T15:01:12.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-23T15:08:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it has taken to complete the National Cycle Network since 2007, what funds have been invested in each and by whom.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2007 the Scottish Government has worked in partnership with Sustrans, local authorities, Scottish Canals, Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland and the National Parks to develop the National Cycle Network. \r\nTable 1 below identifies investment by Transport Scotland in individual routes. All routes have received some degree of matched funding of between 30% and 50% over the period from the partners listed in the second table. Individual partners will have details of exact spend from their own resources in their areas. As well as infrastructure, funding has been invested in mapping, signage and promotion of the Network, categorised as “other”.\r\nTable 1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNCN Route No\r\n07-08\r\n08-09\r\n09-10\r\n10-11\r\n11-12\r\n12-13\r\nTotal\r\n1\r\n396,400\r\n157,000\r\n32,200\r\n368,341\r\n328,700\r\n646,000\r\n1,928,442\r\n7\r\n444,000\r\n247,000\r\n580,000\r\n450,400\r\n910,800\r\n386,800\r\n3,019,000\r\n73\r\n153,500\r\n150,000\r\n\r\n73,350\r\n52,500\r\n\r\n429,350\r\n74\r\n\r\n\r\n150,000\r\n160,000\r\n100,000\r\n57,000\r\n467,000\r\n75\r\n346,000\r\n118,000\r\n224,700\r\n230,800\r\n474,900\r\n554,400\r\n1,948,800\r\n76\r\n529,500\r\n441,000\r\n230,800\r\n232,350\r\n19,200\r\n77,100\r\n1,529,950\r\n77\r\n\r\n40,000\r\n\r\n35,500\r\n\r\n\r\n75,500\r\n78\r\n980,000\r\n875,000\r\n868,000\r\n501,651\r\n1,007,050\r\n1,143,000\r\n5,374,701\r\n195\r\n85,000\r\n95,000\r\n\r\n167,000\r\n\r\n117,000\r\n464,000\r\n196\r\n112,000\r\n47,000\r\n\r\n149,000\r\n\r\n62,000\r\n370,000\r\n754\r\n137,700\r\n212,500\r\n91,000\r\n506,000\r\n76,900\r\n470,500\r\n1,494,600\r\n753\r\n166,000\r\n\r\n\r\n9,300\r\n22,000\r\n30,000\r\n227,300\r\n755\r\n19,500\r\n\r\n89,000\r\n15,500\r\n23,000\r\n\r\n147,000\r\n756\r\n20,000\r\n\r\n68,000\r\n103,900\r\n52,000\r\n400,000\r\n643,900\r\n765\r\n11,650\r\n20,600\r\n\r\n15,200\r\n\r\n34,000\r\n81,450\r\n767\r\n20,000\r\n15,000\r\n37,000\r\n162,500\r\n73,500\r\n40,000\r\n348,000\r\n768\r\n30,000\r\n35,000\r\n40,500\r\n70,000\r\n\r\n\r\n175,500\r\n775\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n15,000\r\n\r\n\r\n15,000\r\nother\r\n172,315\r\n426,680\r\n52,195\r\n545,540\r\n86,685\r\n227,180\r\n1,560,595\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTotal £m\r\n3.624\r\n2.878\r\n2.463\r\n3.811\r\n3.227\r\n4.295\r\n20.301\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTable 2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRoute No\r\nPartners\r\nEstimated investment from partners since 2007 (40% match)\r\n1\r\nScottish Borders, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Fife, Dundee, Angus, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland Councils\r\n\r\n771,377\r\n7\r\nDumfries & Galloway, North Ayrshire, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Stirling, Highland Councils and Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park\r\n\r\n\r\n120,760\r\n73\r\nEast Ayrshire, North Ayrshire Councils\r\n\r\n171,740\r\n74\r\nDumfries & Galloway, South Lanarkshire Councils\r\n\r\n186,800\r\n75\r\nWest Lothian, Glasgow City, City of Edinburgh Councils\r\n\r\n779,520\r\n76\r\nScottish Borders, East Lothian Councils, Transport Scotland Standards Branch\r\n\r\n611,980\r\n77\r\nDundee, Perth & Kinross Councils, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park\r\n\r\n30,200\r\n78\r\nArgyll & Bute, Highland Councils, Transport Scotland Standards Branch, \r\n2,149,880\r\n195\r\nAberdeen City, Aberdeenshire Councils, Cairngorm National Park\r\n\r\n185,600\r\n196\r\nEast Lothian, Midlothian Councils\r\n\r\n148,000\r\n754\r\nScottish Canals, Glasgow City Council\r\n\r\n597,840\r\n753\r\nInverclyde, North Ayrshire Councils\r\n\r\n90,920\r\n755\r\nNorth Lanarkshire, East Dunbartonshire, Stirling Council\r\n\r\n58,800\r\n756\r\nConnect2 (People’s Lottery), South  Lanarkshire, Glasgow City Councils\r\n\r\n257,560\r\n765\r\nStirling Council, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park\r\n\r\n\r\n32,580\r\n767\r\nClackmannanshire Council\r\n\r\n139,200\r\n768\r\nClackmannanshire Council\r\n\r\n70,200\r\n775\r\nPerth and Kinross and Stirling Councils\r\n\r\n6,000\r\nTotal\r\n\r\n6,408,957\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAdditionally, £7.2 million has been invested by Transport Scotland in the NCN75 Airdrie to Bathgate network. This was a fixed price contract with Network Rail where construction costs for the cycle path were estimated at £3.6m. On top of this would be Network Rail project management costs and significant land costs.\r\nThe NCN78 received additional funding by Transport Scotland which involved no match funding over the following years:\r\nNCN78\r\n2007-8\r\n2008-9\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nTotal\r\n£m\r\n2.9\r\n1.302\r\n2.135\r\n0.675\r\n0.675\r\n7.687\r\nAs","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T15:01:12.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287238,"EventID":"S4W-16849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-26T15:01:13.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-23T15:08:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) meetings and (b) correspondence the First Minister has had with the UK Government since April 2012 regarding (i) the Aberdeen Coastguard and (ii) coastguard management in Scotland, what matters were considered and with which UK Ministers.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details of Scottish Government correspondence and meetings with the UK Government on this subject were set out in the answer to question S4W-16567 on 21 August 2013. The First Minister has not had any meetings or correspondence with the UK Government since April 2012 regarding coastguard management in Scotland.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T15:01:13.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287239,"EventID":"S4W-16850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-26T15:01:13.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-25T12:16:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many members of the Young People’s Sport Panel there are and how they were selected.","AnswerText":"The membership and the selection process of the Young People’s Sport Panel is an operational matter for sportscotland. I have asked the Chief Executive of sportscotland, to provide the information requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T15:01:13.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287240,"EventID":"S4W-16852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-26T15:01:14.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-25T12:16:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many members of the Young People’s Sport Panel take part in competitive sport.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16850 on 10 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T15:01:14.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287241,"EventID":"S4W-16853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-26T15:01:14.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-25T12:16:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many young people with a disability are members of the Young People’s Sport Panel.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16850 on 10 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T15:01:14.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287242,"EventID":"S4W-16855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-26T15:01:14.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-25T12:16:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16550 by Shona Robison on 23 August 2013, how many members of the Working Group there are and how they were selected.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Youth Sports Strategy Short life Working Group has 23 members. The group has representatives from the Scottish Government and twelve youth and sports-related organisations. Members of the working group were selected on the basis on their interest and expertise in sport, and representing children and young people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T15:01:14.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287243,"EventID":"S4W-16856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-26T15:01:15.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-26T11:51:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many reports alleging domestic assault to injury were received by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13, also broken down by the number of cases (i) prosecuted on indictment, (ii) prosecuted on complaint, (iii) made subject to a direct measure as an alternative to prosecution and (iv) where no other proceedings were taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following tables show the number of charges alleging assault to injury with a domestic aggravator for each year in 2011-12 and 2012-13. The tables have been broken down into those prosecuted on Indictment, on complaint, subject to a direct measure and where no proceedings were taken.\r\nThe database is charge-based. The figures quoted therefore relate to the number of charges rather than the number of individuals charged or the number of incidents that gave rise to such charges.\r\nThe main reason for no proceedings being taken is insufficient admissible available evidence.\r\n2011–12 Number of Charges: 4,006\r\nProsecuted on Indictment \r\n121\r\nProsecuted on Complaint \r\n3,413\r\nDirect Measure \r\n64\r\nNo Proceedings taken \r\n376\r\n \r\n2012–13 Number of charges: 4,118\r\nProsecuted on Indictment \r\n182\r\nProsecuted on Complaint \r\n3,347\r\nDirect Measure \r\n33\r\nNo Proceedings taken \r\n430\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T15:01:15.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287244,"EventID":"S4W-16857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-26T15:01:15.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-26T11:51:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Lord Advocate will publish his policy and guidance for prosecuting domestic violence.\r\n","AnswerText":"Policy and guidance to prosecutors for offences involving domestic abuse is published and is contained within the joint protocol between the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS): “In partnership, challenging domestic abuse” which is available on the COPFS website. The protocol is kept under review and the current version has been in force since 2008.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T15:01:15.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287245,"EventID":"S4W-16858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-26T15:01:15.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-26T12:16:29.78","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on EU rules due to come into force that will impose limits on how long agricultural workers can be exposed to vibrations from tractors.\r\n","AnswerText":"Health and safety regulation is a matter reserved to the UK Government. The Scottish Government believes that while regulation of health and safety should not present an unnecessary burden on Scottish business, protecting the health and safety of workers should remain paramount.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T15:01:15.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287246,"EventID":"S4W-16861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-27T15:01:11.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-27T13:14:19.277","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of research findings from the USA and Australia that vaccinating children with 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) reduced hospital admission rates, what research it is undertaking on the impact of introducing a pneumococcal vaccination programme.","AnswerText":"The pneumococcal vaccine PCV7 was introduced into the Scottish routine immunisation schedule in 2006. In 2010 the vaccine was replaced by PCV13, which contains the seven serotypes included in the PCV7 vaccine, as well as six additional serotypes which broadens the protection against pneumococcal disease.\r\nHealth Protection Scotland (HPS) has been working to evaluate the impact of the pneumococcal vaccination programme in Scotland since its introduction in 2006. This has been in collaboration with laboratory, academic and clinical partners. HPS has also contributed to wider UK evaluation, reporting to the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Enhanced surveillance studies have also been undertaken with ISD colleagues to examine the impact on related hospitalisations, as well as additional surveillance work with European and US counterparts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T15:01:11.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287247,"EventID":"S4W-16862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-27T15:01:11.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-27T13:14:19.277","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what ongoing research programmes have received funding of more than £500,000 from the Chief Scientist Office since 2009.","AnswerText":"Research programmes are usually defined as a series of research projects linked through a single offer of grant funding. The following ongoing research programmes have received funding since 1 January 2009:-\r\nApplied Research Programme Grant – “Living well with multiple morbidity: the development and evaluation of a primary care-based complex intervention to support patients with multiple morbidities.” Value of grant £828,153.\r\nApplied Research Programme Grant – “Data-driven improvement in primary care: integrating better quality measures and better information technology with aligned incentives and support for change.” Value of grant £974,645.\r\nApplied Research Programme Grant – “Telemetric supported self-monitoring of long-term conditions.” Value of grant £986,816.\r\nApplied Research Programme Grant - “Pharmacovigilance for children: Signal generation from linked NHS administrative data.” Value of grant £987,540.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T15:01:11.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287260,"EventID":"S4O-02322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:17.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-26T12:13:33.257","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what reductions it anticipates there will be to the Scottish budget in the years to 2017-18 if Scotland remains part of the UK.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:18.1","MeetingDate":"2013-09-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287261,"EventID":"S4O-02323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:18.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-27T16:23:06.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the issues associated with underemployment.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:18.96","MeetingDate":"2013-09-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287262,"EventID":"S4O-02324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:19.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-26T12:13:33.803","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact it considers a reduction in VAT would have on the Scottish tourism industry.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:19.443","MeetingDate":"2013-09-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287263,"EventID":"S4O-02325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:19.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-28T11:20:07.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much its pledge to maintain the so-called triple lock for pensions will cost.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:19.943","MeetingDate":"2013-09-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287264,"EventID":"S4O-02326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:20.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-26T12:13:34.333","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government in what year it anticipates an oil fund could be set up in an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:20.55","MeetingDate":"2013-09-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287265,"EventID":"S4O-02327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:21.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-26T12:13:34.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it is providing to staff at the Philips Lighting plant in Hamilton following the company's announcement that it will phase out the production of luminaires at the plant.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:21.313","MeetingDate":"2013-09-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287266,"EventID":"S4O-02328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:21.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-26T12:13:34.85","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what opportunities it considers independence would bring for increased consumer protection.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:21.907","MeetingDate":"2013-09-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287267,"EventID":"S4O-02329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:22.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-26T12:13:35.083","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the latest employment figures.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:22.547","MeetingDate":"2013-09-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287268,"EventID":"S4O-02330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:23.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-26T12:13:35.333","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that pyrolysis energy from waste plants has a role to play in achieving its zero waste target and what its position is on the comment of Pete Wishart MP that they should not be given planning permission as they are a “pollutant belching monstrosity”.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:23.17","MeetingDate":"2013-09-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287269,"EventID":"S4O-02331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:23.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-28T11:39:07.997","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact is on employment of the reported increase in the use of zero-hours contracts.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:24.06","MeetingDate":"2013-09-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287270,"EventID":"S4O-02332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:24.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-26T12:13:35.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it gives to small businesses.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:24.683","MeetingDate":"2013-09-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287271,"EventID":"S4O-02333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:25.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-26T12:13:36.207","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to help people into employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:25.7","MeetingDate":"2013-09-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287272,"EventID":"S4O-02334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:26.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-28T10:53:31.243","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how planning and regeneration can help achieve sustainable economic growth.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:26.213","MeetingDate":"2013-09-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287273,"EventID":"S4O-02335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:26.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-26T12:13:37.063","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it estimates the difference is between the wholesale value of and taxation generated from remaining North Sea oil and gas resources.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:26.79","MeetingDate":"2013-09-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287274,"EventID":"S4O-02336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:27.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-28T09:46:00.223","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how an independent Scotland would deal with the impact of European pension regulations.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:27.493","MeetingDate":"2013-09-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287275,"EventID":"S4O-02337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:28.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-28T10:10:10.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with COSLA regarding the settlement of single status and equal pay claims.","AnswerText":"We are continuing to monitor the position on the settlement of single status and equal pay claims. This includes obtaining regular updates on the number of outstanding cases.\r\nWhile the settlement of single status and equal pay claims for local government are matters for individual councils, we are keen to see outstanding claims resolved as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:28.49","MeetingDate":"2013-09-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287276,"EventID":"S4O-02338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:29.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-28T11:57:28.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact on the Scottish economy will be of the recently reported record investment in the North Sea.","AnswerText":"Oil and Gas UK expect capital investment in the North Sea to reach an all-time record of £13.5 billion this year.\r\nThis will bring a significant boost to the Scottish economy. In 2012, oil and gas production was estimated to have contributed around £22 billion to Scottish GDP and approximately 225,000 people across Scotland are estimated to be employed directly or indirectly in the sector. It is therefore clear that the industry will continue to make an important contribution to the Scottish economy for years to come.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:29.257","MeetingDate":"2013-09-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287277,"EventID":"S4O-02339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:29.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-26T12:13:38.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the performance of the construction sector over the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working hard to support the construction sector by continuing to invest in Scotland’s infrastructure, our schools, roads and hospitals. Investment between 2012-13 and 2014-15 will total more than £10 billion. We are also continuing to engage with the sector to ensure we understand the issues they face, with a further construction summit planned to take place in Glasgow on 25 September 2013.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s quarterly Scottish GDP Index, shows that the construction sector in Scotland contracted by 2.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2013. On an annual basis, comparing the latest quarter with the same quarter of the previous year (2012 Quarter 1), the sector contracted by 6.3 per cent. However, the Scottish Construction Monitor reports a slight rise in confidence in 2013 Quarter 1, compared to the same quarter of the previous year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:29.88","MeetingDate":"2013-09-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287278,"EventID":"S4O-02340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:30.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-26T12:13:38.67","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the debt interest payments of an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government believes any apportionment of the UK national debt and associated interest payments should take into consideration, the historic balance of expenditures and revenues in Scotland relative to the UK as a whole.\r\nRecent analysis in the Scotland’s Balance Sheet publication found that over the period 1980-81 to 2011-12 as a whole, Scotland’s cumulative net fiscal deficit was equivalent to 5.1% of the UK total, considerably smaller than Scotland's share of the UK population.\r\nOn this basis, Scotland’s historic share of UK debt interest payments in 2011-12 would have been worth around £2.5 billion, compared to total UK debt interest payments of £48.6 billion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:30.457","MeetingDate":"2013-09-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287279,"EventID":"S4O-02341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:30.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-28T10:12:26.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it is providing to the owners of the former Kishorn oil yard in Wester Ross to regenerate the facility.","AnswerText":"Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Kishorn Port Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding in January 2013. HIE has agreed to contribute up to £106,500 towards the cost of Kishorn Port's masterplanning process. Kishorn Port is seeking permission from Highland Council to develop the site as a fabrication and assembly hub for the offshore energy sector.\r\nThis is in addition to the previous work HIE has undertaken, which includes a socio economic review and financial assistance towards an assessment of engineering feasibility. HIE has also recently commissioned a shipping and logistics study and a market assessment into the potential of the dry dock.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:30.91","MeetingDate":"2013-09-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287280,"EventID":"S4O-02342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:31.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-26T12:14:12.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Transport Scotland received Aecom's initial recommendations on public transport infrastructure options relating to Glasgow Airport.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:31.94","MeetingDate":"2013-09-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287281,"EventID":"S4O-02343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:32.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-26T12:14:14.257","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review its arrangements for dealing with civil emergencies.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:32.593","MeetingDate":"2013-09-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287282,"EventID":"S4O-02344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:33.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-26T12:14:14.52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what statutory duties local education authorities must consider when reorganising school estates.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:33.17","MeetingDate":"2013-09-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287283,"EventID":"S4O-02345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:33.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-26T12:14:14.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when ministers last met NHS Lanarkshire to discuss hospital standardised mortality rates.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:33.843","MeetingDate":"2013-09-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287284,"EventID":"S4O-02346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:34.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-26T12:14:15.067","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on distributing the funds arising from reforms to the common agricultural policy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:34.513","MeetingDate":"2013-09-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287285,"EventID":"S4O-02347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:35.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-26T12:14:15.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the under-occupancy charge, which is commonly known as the bedroom tax, is having on communities in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:35.323","MeetingDate":"2013-09-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287286,"EventID":"S4O-02348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:35.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-27T14:53:04.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports GP practices.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:35.963","MeetingDate":"2013-09-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287287,"EventID":"S4O-02349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:36.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-28T11:12:17.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports that the building of new houses is at its lowest for 65 years, what action it is taking to stimulate the housebuilding sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are under no illusion that these remain very challenging times for the house building industry. But this government is doing all it can to support the housing industry’s recovery, boost supply and create jobs. Our housing investment programmes are designed to maximise the combined impact on both the provision of affordable housing and the house building industry.\r\nWe will deliver at least 30,000 affordable homes during this parliament which includes the homes delivered through the National Housing Trust initiative. This government is also working actively with the house building industry and funders, for example with Homes for Scotland on the House building Infrastructure Loan Fund and the MI New Home mortgage indemnity scheme. \r\nWe have also committed £120 million over the next two years to support a new shared-equity scheme to help first time buyers and those looking to move to buy a new home. \r\nThis decisive action will not only meet the needs of people across Scotland but also deliver vital support for construction and house building companies throughout Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:36.603","MeetingDate":"2013-09-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287288,"EventID":"S4O-02350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:37.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-27T15:33:24.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that people in Aberdeenshire West will have access to high-speed broadband by 2020.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s Step Change programme, building upon commercial deployment by BT and other operators, will bring next generation broadband to at least 85% of premises in Scotland by 2015 and 95% by 2017.\r\nThe Scottish Government and its partners are investing over £280 million in the programme to achieve this commitment, and this includes a £16 million contribution from Aberdeenshire Council to deliver broadband to some of the hardest to reach areas in the region.\r\nOverall coverage of fibre broadband in Aberdeenshire is expected to exceed 89% as a direct result of the programme, compared to only around 25% if left to commercial rollout alone.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:37.29","MeetingDate":"2013-09-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287289,"EventID":"S4O-02351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:14:37.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-28T11:36:27.417","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment Transport Scotland has made of medium and long-term traffic volumes at the M8/M9 interchange at Newbridge.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Strategic Transport Project Review assessed the future performance of the transport network across Scotland.\r\nIn the Newbridge area we are delivering the Queensferry Crossing (including a bus lane on the M9) and the Edinburgh to Glasgow Rail Improvement Programme and work is also underway to identify the optimum deployment of managed motorway technologies on the most congested parts of the Scottish Trunk Road network, including the M8 and A720.\r\nWe are also working with local authorities to deliver further public transport improvements at the Newbridge roundabout.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:14:37.96","MeetingDate":"2013-09-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287290,"EventID":"S4W-16859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:32:09.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-27T13:13:05.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether legislation that contains a requirement to meet the public interest specifies the matters to be considered in order to do so.","AnswerText":"In relation to most exemptions used under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and all exceptions under the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004, information can only be withheld if, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in disclosing the information is not outweighed by that in maintaining the exemption or exception.\r\nThis legislation does not specify the matters to be considered in carrying out the public interest test as the public interest arguments in favour of and against release of information will vary significantly depending on the specific information requested. If an applicant does not agree with the way in which the public interest test has been applied by a public authority they have a right to seek an internal review and then, if they are still not happy, to appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:32:09.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287291,"EventID":"S4W-16860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:32:13.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-27T13:13:05.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that it complies with a requirement to meet the public interest when the matters to be considered in doing so are not laid out in the relevant legislation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provides guidance for its staff on applying the public interest test in relation to the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004. This is available on pages 44 and 45 at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0042/00427777.pdf. Staff are also directed to the Scottish Information Commissioner's guidance for public authorities on how to apply the public interest test in relation to different exemptions and exceptions which is available at:\r\nhttp://www.itspublicknowledge.info/Law/FOISA-EIRsGuidance/Briefings.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:32:13.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287292,"EventID":"S4W-16863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:32:13.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-27T16:29:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding was made available to NHS Dumfries and Galloway in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13 to promote young people’s health and wellbeing and how this was allocated.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of all children and young people to ensure they have the best start in life, are ready to succeed and live longer, healthier lives.\r\nAll NHS boards, including NHS Dumfries and Galloway, are expected to ensure that resources are spent in a way that improves the health and wellbeing of the community and that delivers best value for taxpayers.\r\nNHS boards receive funding allocations to meet the needs of their resident population. It is for boards to decide how best to utilise this funding to meet national and local priorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:32:13.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287293,"EventID":"S4W-16864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:32:14.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-27T16:29:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance is issued to individual colleges regarding eligibility criteria for college bursaries.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Funding Council issue the further education student support policy to colleges annually.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:32:14.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287294,"EventID":"S4W-16865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:32:14.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-27T16:29:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether colleges may specify private sector halls of residence as required accommodation for the receipt of a college bursary.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Funding Council rules for further education student support set no eligibility requirements relating to accommodation at specific halls of residence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:32:14.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287295,"EventID":"S4W-16866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-28T14:32:14.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-28T10:55:01.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16515 by Keith Brown on 21 August 2013, how many cancellations there were during the period due to (a) weather disruption and (b) technical breakdown as this information is not available on the website links provided.\r\n","AnswerText":"The detailed information requested has been collated and a copy has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 55207).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:32:14.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287312,"EventID":"S4W-16867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:41.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-28T12:32:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date it will publish its white paper on its plans to separate Scotland from the rest of the UK and whether this will be on a sitting day of the Scottish and UK parliaments.\r\n","AnswerText":"The white paper will be published in November 2013. The precise date will be confirmed in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:42.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287313,"EventID":"S4W-16870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:42.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-28T12:32:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a ministerial statement will be made on the day that it publishes its white paper on its plans to separate Scotland from the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"The white paper will be published in November 2013. Final plans for the launch of the document will be confirmed in due course. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:42.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287314,"EventID":"S4W-16872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:42.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-28T12:32:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of how much it will cost to (a) produce and (b) distribute its white paper on its plans to separate Scotland from the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"Parliament will be updated on the costs of production and distribution of the white paper following its production and publication.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:42.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287315,"EventID":"S4W-16874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:43.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-28T12:32:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many copies of its white paper on its plans to separate Scotland from the rest of the UK will be printed and how these will be circulated.\r\n","AnswerText":"The white paper will be widely available. Final details of print run and circulation will be confirmed on publication.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:43.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287316,"EventID":"S4W-16875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:43.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-28T12:32:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what companies will (a) design, (b) print and (c) distribute its white paper and associated material on its plans to separate Scotland from the rest of the UK, and what the cost will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"The white paper will be designed, printed and published in Scotland, in line with the Scottish Government Design, Printing, Publishing and Associated Services Framework which is used to produce all Scottish Government documents. Its distribution will reflect its significance and importance in the debate on Scotland’s future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:43.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287317,"EventID":"S4W-16876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:43.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-28T12:32:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason its website now states that its white paper on its plans to separate Scotland from the rest of the UK will be published in \"autumn 2013\" when it previously said \"November\".\r\n","AnswerText":"The white paper will be published in November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:43.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287318,"EventID":"S4W-16877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:43.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-28T13:06:39.347","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16592 by Nicola Sturgeon on 27 August 2013, whether the paper will address the issue as to who would set the level of annual increase for pensions currently paid in Scotland by the Ministry of Defence if Scotland decided to leave the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government published Pensions in an Independent Scotland on 23 September 2013, which sets out the Scottish Government’s plans for pensions in an independent Scotland. The document is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/09/3492 \r\nThe paper confirms that, on independence, the Scottish Government would ensure that the public service pensions of members of currently reserved schemes who live in or work in Scotland, such as members of the armed forces, will continue to be paid in full.\r\nDuring the transition to independence, the legislation and rules governing public service pension schemes would continue to apply under the “continuity of law” principle. The policy arrangements for these public service pension schemes in Scotland would therefore continue to operate as at present, until the Parliament of an independent Scotland decided to make changes. Thereafter, future Scottish Government’s would make decisions on annual increases.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:43.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287319,"EventID":"S4W-16878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:44.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T09:32:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the journey time between Inverness and Perth at an average speed of (a) 45mph, (b) 50mph and (c) 60mph.\r\n","AnswerText":"The A9 between Perth (Inveralmond roundabout) and Inverness (Raigmore roundabout) is approximately 108 miles long. To drive between these points would take approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes at an average speed of 45mph, 2 hours 10 minutes at an average speed of 50mph and 1 hour 50 minutes at an average speed of 60 mph.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:44.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287320,"EventID":"S4W-16879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:44.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T09:32:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what powers it has to restrict overtaking by heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) on three-lane sections of trunk roads.\r\n","AnswerText":"Regulation 11 of the Motorways Traffic (Scotland) Regulations 1995 includes general provision that restricts HGV use of the right-hand lane on three-lane motorways.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:44.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287321,"EventID":"S4W-16880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:44.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T09:32:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which supermarket chains have made use of rail freight grants on the Highland mainline.","AnswerText":"Awards of rail freight grants have been made to John G Russell (Transport) Limited, Safeway Stores PLC and Eddie Stobart Limited which have enabled Morrisons, Safeway and Tesco to transport freight on the Highland mainline.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:44.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287322,"EventID":"S4W-16881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:45.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T09:32:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what marketing exercises Transport Scotland has undertaken to encourage regular heavy goods vehicle (HGV) users of the A9 between (a) Inverness and Perth and (b) Inverness and Dunblane to use rail freight.","AnswerText":"We encourage modal shift of freight from road to rail and water across Scotland through our freight grant schemes, making improvements to the rail network and through the promotion of industry best practice. Awards of Freight Facilities Grant totalling £4.6 million for the development of the Needlefield inter-modal rail freight facility in Inverness and the expansion of Inverness Harbour have both contributed to the removal of HGV journeys from the A9 between Inverness, Perth and Dunblane. The availability of freight grant support from Transport Scotland is regularly brought to the attention of the rail freight industry who market their services to the wider business community – most recently on 2 August 2013.\r\nOur 2012 High Level Output Specification (HLOS), which includes a £30 million Scottish Strategic Rail Freight Investment Fund for Control Period 5 (2014-2019), makes clear the important contribution rail freight makes to economic growth in Scotland. The HLOS also specified that the Highland Main Line Improvements Project is to deliver more efficient operations for freight. Network Rail is currently developing a freight strategy to deliver Scottish Ministers’ requirements for the Project. In addition Transport Scotland facilitated a road to rail seminar in 2012 which brought together road freight hauliers with rail operators, with the aim of identifying potential opportunities for moving more freight by rail. A report of the event is available at: \r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/files/documents/roads/freight/Road_to_Rail_Seminar__-_Report_-_24_May_2012.pdf. Ultimately, however the choice of transport mode is a commercial and practical matter for individual businesses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:45.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287323,"EventID":"S4W-16882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:45.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T11:13:12.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how an independent Scotland would fund research in universities.","AnswerText":"Scotland’s universities have an unrivalled record of success in attracting funding from a range of sources, reflecting the excellence and global reputation of our universities, and that will continue in an independent Scotland.\r\nOur continuing commitment to supporting university research is widely recognised in the sector. We fully understand and recognise the importance of stability in long term funding for world class researchers and will be bringing forward our detailed proposals on enhancing research funding and reach as we move towards the referendum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:45.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287324,"EventID":"S4W-16883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:45.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T11:13:12.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to encourage GPs to refer patients with (a) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, (b) diabetes and (c) asthma who smoke to smoking cessation services.","AnswerText":"The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) rewards GP contractors for the provision of quality care and helps to standardise improvements in the delivery of primary medical services. There are 4 indicators specific to smoking cessation that reward practices for measuring smoking status for these high-risk patients and for offering smoking cessation advice.\r\nOur latest Tobacco Control Strategy, Creating a Generation Free from Tobacco, published in March, also includes an action for all NHS boards to ensure healthcare professionals address smoking in all care settings and provide effective and person-centred referral pathways to appropriate smoking cessation support. The strategy is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/03/3766.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:45.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287325,"EventID":"S4W-16884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:45.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T11:13:12.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent assessment it has made of how many people with (a) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, (b) diabetes and (c) asthma smoke.","AnswerText":"Responses to the Scottish Health Survey (combined data for 2010 and 2011) suggest that smoking prevalence for people aged over 16 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is 48.2%.\r\nPage 52 of the 2012 Scottish Diabetes Survey indicated that the percentage of people with diabetes (type 1 and type 2 combined) who were recorded as current smokers is 19.3%. The Survey can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.diabetesinscotland.org.uk/Publications/SDS%202012.pdf.\r\nResponses to the Scottish Health Survey (combined data for 2008 and 2010) suggest that smoking prevalence for people aged over 16 with Asthma is 25.3%.\r\nFurther information on the Scottish Health Survey can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Health/scottish-health-survey\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:45.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287326,"EventID":"S4W-16885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:45.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T11:13:12.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost was of hospital admissions related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the last year for which information is available.","AnswerText":"Information on the cost of hospital admissions related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is not available centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:45.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287327,"EventID":"S4W-16886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:46.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T11:13:12.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact of smoking is on NHS services.","AnswerText":"The 2012 Scottish Public Health Observatory Smoking Ready Reckoner suggests that costs to the NHS in Scotland from smoking could range from around £320 million to £510 million per annum. The ready reckoner is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotpho.org.uk/publications/reports-and-papers/868-smoking-ready-reckoner.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:46.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287328,"EventID":"S4W-16887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:46.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T11:13:12.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to encourage people with long-term conditions to quit smoking.","AnswerText":"We recognise that smoking increases the risk of serious clinical complications for people with long term conditions.\r\nGeneral Practices are incentivised through the Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF) to record the smoking status and offer treatment and support to people with the most common long term conditions. This facilitates the targeting of NHS Scotland’s smoking cessation programmes.\r\nOur latest Tobacco Control Strategy, Creating a Generation Free from Tobacco, published in March, also includes an action for all NHS boards to ensure healthcare professionals address smoking in all care settings and provide effective and person-centred referral pathways to appropriate smoking cessation support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:46.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287329,"EventID":"S4W-16888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:46.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T11:13:12.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many deaths have been related to smoking in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Smoking status is not recorded on death certificates. The most recent Scottish Public Health Observatory Tobacco Profiles, ScotPHO Tobacco Profiles 2013 NHS Board & CHP Overview suggests that over the period 2001-03 to 2009-11, around 24% deaths in Scotland can be attributed to smoking.\r\nScotPHO Tobacco Profiles 2013 NHS Board & CHP Overview can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotpho.org.uk/opt/Reports/ScotPHO%20Tobacco%20Profiles%202013%20-%20NHS%20Board%20&%20CHP%20Overview%20Report.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:46.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287330,"EventID":"S4W-16889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:46.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T11:13:12.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many pre-operative patients have been referred to smoking cessation services in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The number of pre-operative patients who have been referred to smoking cessation services is not recorded nationally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:46.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287331,"EventID":"S4W-16890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:46.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T11:13:12.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with NHS Health Scotland regarding its review of smoking cessation services.","AnswerText":"Our latest Tobacco Control Strategy, Creating a Tobacco-Free Generation, includes a commitment to commission a review of smoking cessation services. NHS Health Scotland is leading this and work is well underway. The review will inform recommendations to improve the effectiveness of service provision and service outcomes.\r\nThe Scottish Government has met regularly with NHS Health Scotland, as part of the Smoking Cessation Services Review national advisory group, to approve the project proposal and research specification and to receive progress updates.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287332,"EventID":"S4W-16891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:47.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T11:13:12.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what data it (a) collects and (b) plans to collect on the effectiveness of smoking cessation services.","AnswerText":"NHS Information Services Division (ISD) produces smoking cessation monitoring analysis which is used to provide evidence of the reach and success of NHS smoking cessation services at both national and NHS board level. These statistics allow progress towards the current smoking cessation HEAT target achievement to be monitored.\r\nThe latest annual national statistics are available within ISD’s NHS Smoking Cessation Service Statistics (Scotland) 1st January to 31st December 2012 at:\r\nhttp://www.scotpho.org.uk/publications/reports-and-papers/1022-nhs-smoking-cessation-service-statistics-scotland-1st-january-to-31st-december-2012.\r\nScotPHO/ISD also recently published a Local Tobacco Online Profiles tool which contains information relating to quit rates at 1, 3 and 12 months along with quit rates in the most deprived areas.\r\nThe profiles are available at:\r\nhttps://scotpho.nhsnss.scot.nhs.uk/scotpho/profileSelectAction.do.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:47.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287333,"EventID":"S4W-16892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:47.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T11:13:12.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the number of repeated attendances at smoking cessation services.","AnswerText":"No assessment is made of the numbers of repeat attendances at smoking cessation services at a national level.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:47.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287334,"EventID":"S4W-16893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:47.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T11:13:12.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the (a) impact and (b) effectiveness of smoking cessation services.","AnswerText":"Numbers of smokers attempting to quit using NHS Scotland smoking cessation services has risen from 46,466 in 2006 to 116,198 in 2012. Numbers of smokers who are recorded as having quit successfully at 1 month has risen from 15,471 in 2006 to 44,261 in 2012. Nationally, in 2012 the 75.2% of quit attempts were made in pharmacies and 24.8% in non-pharmacy services.\r\nNHS Smoking Cessation Service Statistics (Scotland) reports from 2006 to 2012 are available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotpho.org.uk/publications/reports-and-papers.\r\nThe review of the community pharmacy public health service for smoking cessation published in 2011 recommended improvements to the smoking cessation service. A national advisory group on pharmacy smoking cessation is working to implement the key recommendations of the review.\r\nOur latest Tobacco Control Strategy, Creating a Tobacco-Free Generation, also includes a commitment to commission a review of smoking cessation services. The\r\nreview will inform recommendations to improve the effectiveness of service provision and service outcomes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:47.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287335,"EventID":"S4W-16894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:47.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T11:13:12.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the relative efficacy of using a (a) four and (b) 12 week quit rate as a smoking cessation metric.","AnswerText":"The schedule of client follow-up is based on the internationally recognised Russell Standard, a standard for collection of data on the clinical effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions.\r\nFurther information on the Russell Standard is available at:\r\nhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15733243.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:47.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287336,"EventID":"S4W-16895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:48.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T11:13:12.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many people who quit for four weeks remain smoke free for one year.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest national statistics are available within the ISD Scotland NHS Smoking Cessation Service Statistics (Scotland) 1st January to 31st December 2012 at:\r\nhttp://www.scotpho.org.uk/publications/reports-and-papers/1022-nhs-smoking-cessation-service-statistics-scotland-1st-january-to-31st-december-2012.\r\nThe latest full annual statistics relate to 2011. Based on data for the 2011 calendar year, quit rates at one, three and 12 months were 37.6%, 15.8% and 5.5% respectively. The denominator for the percentages remains total quit attempts made in the year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:48.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287337,"EventID":"S4W-16896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:48.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T11:13:12.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the reasons are for a reported rise in accident and emergency attendances from 1.6 million in 2008-09 to 1.65 million in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"The increase in total new and unplanned accident and emergency attendances has mainly been at Minor Injury Units. In part this could be accounted for by the rise in Scotland’s population over this time of 2.81%. Older people over 75, who are the services greatest users, have grown at a faster rate of 6.4% over this same time period.\r\nThe Scottish Government, through the Unscheduled Care Expert Group, are working with clinicians to address this issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:48.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287338,"EventID":"S4W-16897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:48.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T11:13:12.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when each (a) NHS board and (b) hospital will achieve the (i) target of 95% and (ii) national waiting time standard of 98% of people attending accident and emergency being admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours.\r\n","AnswerText":"Targets are set at NHS board level. Monitoring of performance is undertaken at board and hospital level and ISD:Scotland publish statistics at both NHS board and hospital level.\r\nThe 98% 4 hour accident and emergency treatment HEAT Standard is being continued and the latest published statistics for June 2013 show that NHS borders, NHS Grampian, NHS Highland, NHS Orkney, NHS Shetland, NHS Tayside and NHS Western Isles are meeting this standard. We expect these boards to sustain this performance going forward. \r\nTo improve current delivery, an interim additional HEAT target was introduced to support sustainable all year round delivery, with a first milestone of 95% performance to be delivered in the year ending September 2014. This should be seen as a minimum and NHS boards will pursue further sustainable improvement towards the 98% four hour accident and emergency standard. We are working closely with NHS boards to support their accident and emergency improvement activity within their Local Unscheduled Care Action Plans to achieve this.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:48.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287339,"EventID":"S4W-16899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:48.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T11:06:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) fatal, (b) serious and (c) other accidents were recorded on trunk roads and motorways in the Dumfriesshire constituency in (i) 2009, (ii) 2010, (iii) 2011 and (iv) 2012, broken down by road.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides the statistics requested. \r\n \r\n \r\nFatal\r\nSerious\r\nSlight\r\nA701\r\n2009\r\n0\r\n2\r\n6\r\n2010\r\n0\r\n1\r\n11\r\n2011\r\n2\r\n4\r\n7\r\n2012\r\n0\r\n0\r\n6\r\nA75\r\n2009\r\n2\r\n2\r\n18\r\n2010\r\n1\r\n5\r\n13\r\n2011\r\n0\r\n1\r\n12\r\n2012\r\n1\r\n1\r\n10\r\nA76\r\n2009\r\n1\r\n5\r\n8\r\n2010\r\n0\r\n4\r\n13\r\n2011\r\n0\r\n2\r\n14\r\n2012\r\n0\r\n4\r\n8\r\nA7\r\n2009\r\n0\r\n1\r\n7\r\n2010\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\n2011\r\n1\r\n1\r\n3\r\n2012\r\n0\r\n0\r\n4\r\nM74\r\n2009\r\n1\r\n12\r\n20\r\n2010\r\n1\r\n2\r\n15\r\n2011\r\n1\r\n6\r\n17\r\n2012\r\n0\r\n6\r\n17\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:48.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287340,"EventID":"S4W-16901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:48.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T11:06:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what improvement schemes are proposed for the A76 between Dumfries and New Cumnock and when these will be implemented.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are three roads structural maintenance schemes planned for the A76 between Dumfries and New Cumnock, as follows:\r\nRoute      Scheme Name                                                    Implementation date\r\nA76         Newbridge Farm to Cluden Water Bridge            7-10-2013\r\nA76         Trigony to Thornhill South Gateway                    14-10-2013\r\nA76         Thornhill North Gateway                                     20-11-2013\r\nPlease note that the implementation dates are dependent on weather conditions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:49.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287341,"EventID":"S4W-16902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:49.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T11:06:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-03867 by Keith Brown on 15 November 2011, what measures (a) have been taken and (b) are planned to improve road safety on the A76 at Ellisland Farm.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no safety measures specific to Ellisland Farm, however Transport Scotland has carried out a route accident reduction plan study along the entire length of the A76 trunk road from Kilmarnock to Dumfries and a range of road safety measures were recommended.\r\nThe recommended measures from the report were completed in March 2013 and included surfacing, high friction surfacing, signing, lining and bend assessment works to provide drivers with a consistent message when approaching challenging bends along the route. These types of measures have proven to be successful in reducing casualties when implemented on other trunk roads in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:49.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287342,"EventID":"S4W-16903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:49.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T11:32:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its plans are for a provisional constitution should Scotland separate from the rest of the UK; who would (a) draft and (b) approve this; whether it would be in place on the day of secession, and how long it would take for the so-called people's constitution to come into force.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s plans for a constitutional platform to come into force from Scotland’s independence day are set out in the Scottish Government publication Scotland’s Future: from the Referendum to Independence and a Written Constitution:#\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0041/00413757.pdf.\r\nParagraphs 2.12 of the document states that the Scottish Government and parliament will have the leading role in legislating for the creation of the constitutional platform, while paragraph 2.13 explains that part of the platform will involve Westminster passing legislation, for example to acknowledge the end of its power to legislate for Scotland.\r\nParagraph 1.8 of Scotland’s Future states that the post-independence Scottish constitutional convention will convene under the auspices of the Scottish Parliament, that the remit and membership of the convention should be a matter for the parliament to determine and that the parliament should also determine the process by which the constitution produced by the convention will become the constitution of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:49.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287343,"EventID":"S4W-16907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:50.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T12:01:21.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average price per acre is of farmland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is not aware of any complete data sources for land values in Scotland. There are some private sources, such as Savills and the Royal institute of Chartered Surveyors, but the diverse nature of land in Scotland and the low number of sales means that these data cannot provide meaningful averages for land value.\r\nHowever, rental price offers another way of measuring the value of land. The Scottish Government carries out an annual survey of annual rent figures from a sample of holdings. The results for 2012 are published on the government website at the following link http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0042/00425434.pdf\r\nThe results from the survey showed that overall average was £32 per hectare (£13 per acre), but this was heavily weighted by large areas of Less Favoured Area (LFA) land. The average for non-LFA land was £200 per hectare and the overall average has gone up by an estimated 15% between 2008 and 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:50.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287344,"EventID":"S4W-16908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-29T15:25:50.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T14:24:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to introduce a statutory aggravation to make it easier to prosecute perpetrators of human trafficking.","AnswerText":"The legislative provisions for a statutory aggravation are contained within the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill which was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 20 June 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T15:25:50.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287345,"EventID":"S4W-16909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-30T14:44:47.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T15:22:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussion it had with officials from Dumfries and Galloway Council prior to the council's application under the Bellwin Scheme to cover additional expenditure incurred by the snowstorms of March 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"My officials discussed the terms and conditions of the Bellwin Scheme with council officials in the immediate aftermath of the snowstorms in late March 2013.\r\nThis included an email dated 27 March 2013 to the Council’s Head of Finance confirming that I had triggered the scheme and providing the web links to the Bellwin scheme guidance, claim process and the claim forms. The email also included a reminder of the timescales for making any claim.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-13T14:44:47.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287346,"EventID":"S4W-16910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-08-30T14:44:48.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-29T15:22:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which elements of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s claim under the Bellwin Scheme to cover additional expenditure incurred by the snowstorms of March 2013 were deemed ineligible for assistance because they were not (a) incurred as a result of providing relief or carrying out works to safeguard life or property or prevent suffering or severe inconvenience, (b) of a revenue nature, (c) net of any receivable income from other sources, (d) of an uninsurable nature and (e) incurred within a two month period from the date of the incident and what the total financial value was of these elements.\r\n","AnswerText":"Dumfries and Galloway’s claim under the Bellwin scheme following the severe winter weather in late March 2013 was submitted in two parts. The second part of the claim amounted to over £794,000 for repairing the damage caused to the roads by the severe snow storms. This part of the claim was ruled out because the expenditure was to be incurred outwith the two month period following the incident. The council, in submitting the claim accepted that this part of the claim was outwith the two month period.\r\nThis left the first part of the claim which amounted to almost £965,000 of which around £650,000 was in respect of the immediate snow clearing and providing an emergency response following the incident. Unfortunately, this did not breach the council’s published Bellwin threshold of £679,994 that they are expected to budget for (0.2% of their net revenue budget) to cope with emergency situations. The remainder of the first part of the claim (almost £315,000) was in respect of work on drainage, fencing, dyking, hedging, resurfacing, surface dressing and verge repair, none of which would fall under the eligible costs of the scheme as it was not work to safeguard life or property in the immediate aftermath of an emergency situation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-13T14:44:48.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287354,"EventID":"S4W-16924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-02T14:12:04.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-30T17:57:22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the average reduction in income per (a) household and (b) person in Scotland as a result of the UK Government's welfare reforms.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will publish indicative case studies of the financial impacts of welfare reform on example households shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T14:12:04.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287355,"EventID":"S4W-16926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-02T14:12:05.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-30T17:57:22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to tackle evictions resulting from non-payment of the so-called bedroom tax.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-12541 on 25 February 2013, S4W-13016 on 5 March 2013, S4O-01947 on 21 March 2013, S4W-14223 on 08 May 2013 and Bedroom Tax (Emergency Legislation) on 27 March 2013 and Bedroom Tax (Emergency Legislation) on 27 March 2013. All answers to parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website. The search facility for written questions can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n\r\nThe search for oral questions can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/OfficialReport.aspx\r\n\r\nAnd the emergency question can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=7893&mode=html#iob_71862.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T14:12:05.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287356,"EventID":"S4W-16927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-02T14:12:05.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-30T17:57:22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) the UK Government and (b) COSLA regarding the implementation of universal credit.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government Ministers have regular discussions with UK Government Ministers about implementation of the various welfare reforms including the implementation of Universal Credit. Scottish Government officials are working with COSLA officials to influence the implementation plans for Scotland and develop local support services.\r\nThe Joint Statement published by the Scottish Government and COSLA on 20 November 2012 established a regular joint political meeting between Scottish Government Ministers and council leaders to jointly oversee a coordinated programme of work. Senior COSLA and Scottish Government officials meet regularly to monitor progress and report to ministers and council leaders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T14:12:05.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287357,"EventID":"S4W-16929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-02T14:12:05.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T11:10:10.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) total investment was and (b) funding sources were for trunk road cycling facilities in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers take full account of cycling needs during investment in major trunk road projects. Although precise figures cannot be provided, the major trunk road projects together with an estimate of the value of any associated cycle infrastructure, are as follows:\r\n(a) 2010-11:\r\nA9 Moy 2+1 Scheme; £0.03 million\r\nA75 Cairntop to Barlae; £0.12 million\r\n(b) 2011-12:\r\nM80 Stepps to Haggs: £0.03 million;\r\nA9 Crubenmore Extension; £0.19 million\r\n(c) 2012-13:\r\nA96 Fochabers to Mosstodloch; £1.25 million\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T14:12:05.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287358,"EventID":"S4W-16930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-02T14:12:06.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T11:10:10.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the main trunk road cycling projects were in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13 and how much the projects cost.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers take full account of cycling needs during investment in the trunk road network. For example, £2.7 million was invested on cycling facilities on the A828 between Oban and Fort William over four financial years, 2008-2012.\r\nWhilst precise figures for cycling provision within major projects cannot be provided, as the costs are included in the overall scheme costs, the major trunk road projects together with an estimate of the value of any associated cycle infrastructure, are as follows:\r\n(a) 2010-11:\r\nA9 Moy 2+1 Scheme; £0.03 million\r\nA75 Cairntop to Barlae; £0.12 million\r\n(b) 2011-12:\r\nM80 Stepps to Haggs: £0.03 million;\r\nA9 Crubenmore Extension; £0.19 million\r\n\r\n(c) 2012-13\r\n\r\nA96 Fochabers to Mosstodloch; £1.25 million\r\n\r\n\r\nSCOTTISH GOVERNMENT\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T14:12:06.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287368,"EventID":"S4T-00422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-02T13:02:20.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T10:39:12.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support food banks.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T13:02:20.333","MeetingDate":"2013-09-03T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287369,"EventID":"S4T-00429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-02T13:02:22.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T11:30:42.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the offshore industry regarding the impact on the oil and gas industry in Scotland of the recent Super Puma tragedy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T13:02:22.517","MeetingDate":"2013-09-03T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287370,"EventID":"S4F-01509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-02T13:01:47.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T08:18:56.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T13:01:47.727","MeetingDate":"2013-09-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287371,"EventID":"S4F-01517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-02T13:01:50.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T10:41:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister, in light of it providing assistance to NGOs supporting humanitarian projects in Syria, what recent discussions the Scottish Government has had with the UK Government regarding the provision of humanitarian aid.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T13:01:50.597","MeetingDate":"2013-09-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287372,"EventID":"S4F-01520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-02T13:01:52.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T11:14:02.677","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister, in light of its report, The Gender Impacts of Welfare Reform, what impact the Scottish Government considers welfare reforms are having on women in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T13:01:52.407","MeetingDate":"2013-09-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287373,"EventID":"S4F-01521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-02T13:01:52.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T11:14:43.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T13:01:52.67","MeetingDate":"2013-09-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287374,"EventID":"S4F-01524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-02T13:01:53.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T11:35:34.787","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T13:01:53.547","MeetingDate":"2013-09-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287375,"EventID":"S4F-01527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-02T13:01:54.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T11:51:26.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government’s position is on the statement by the chief executive of Homes for Scotland that the country is “mired in a housing crisis\".\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T13:01:54.747","MeetingDate":"2013-09-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287376,"EventID":"S4W-16934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-02T16:32:04.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T14:36:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many brown hare there have been in (a) Scotland and (b) Orkney in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"No accurate population data for the period requested is available. The last brown hare population estimate for Scotland was in 1995. This indicated a population of 187,250 (+/- 25%). Population trend data for Scotland is available from the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust’s National Gamebag Census, and shows that there was a significant decline in the bag index between 1961 and 1985. The trend stabilised at this low level thereafter. It has been suggested that the decline may have resulted from the loss of arable pockets in a broadly pastoral landscape as agriculture intensified, especially in the uplands, as well as from increased predation pressure as fox numbers rose.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T16:32:04.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287377,"EventID":"S4W-16935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-02T16:32:04.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T14:36:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether there is a need for additional protection for brown hare (a) across the country or (b) in those areas where the species is considered to be under threat.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government believes that full legal protection for brown hares is unlikely to reverse the declines that the species has experienced. Hares are shot both as game and because of the damage they can cause to crops. There is evidence that even though spring shoots may reduce the population by 50% or more, there is little, or no, apparent long term effect on population levels. The main issues affecting this species are changes in farming practices and in particular the loss of mixed habitats.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T16:32:04.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287378,"EventID":"S4W-16937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-02T16:32:04.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T14:36:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what representations it has received since 2007 regarding the need for additional protection for brown hare and what its response was.\r\n","AnswerText":"Representations were received from the Hare Preservation Trust in 2010 as part of the consultations on the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill. The Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Scotland) Act 2011 subsequently introduced close seasons for brown hares and mountain hares, during which the animals could not be hunted. The aim of the close season was to protect hares during the period when they were most likely to have dependent young. The close season for the brown hare is from 1 February to 30 September.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T16:32:04.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287379,"EventID":"S4W-16938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-02T16:32:05.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T14:36:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on eagle owls (a) being released into the wild and (b) escaping captivity.","AnswerText":"The release of non-native animals can have unpredictable and serious impacts on biodiversity and human health. For these reasons it is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) to release, or allow to escape, any animal outwith its native range. The eagle owl is outwith its native range in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T16:32:05.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287380,"EventID":"S4W-16939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-02T16:32:05.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T14:36:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many eagle owls have escaped from captivity in each of the last five years and what action was taken or is being taken to deal with these incidents.","AnswerText":"It was estimated in 2008 that there were at least 3,000 eagle owls kept in the UK and that up to 65 birds escape or are lost on an annual basis. This estimate was based on the Independent Bird Register and CITES Article 10 certificates, as no register is kept of captive eagle owls.\r\nMany escapes occur in urban and suburban locations and attempts are made by owners and others such as Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to catch these birds where possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-16T16:32:05.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287385,"EventID":"S4W-16952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T09:49:39.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T09:41:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will announce the outcome of its consultation on business rates reform, Supporting Business - Promoting Growth.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to making Scotland the most attractive place to do business in Europe and, as part of that, is committed to ensuring the business rates system supports and encourages businesses to set up and prosper in Scotland.\r\nToday the Scottish Government published its response to “Supporting Business Promoting Growth”, along with independent analysis of the consultation responses.\r\nThe reforms outlined in that response will support Scottish businesses through a range of actions, including improving transparency, creating a more consistent approach, more local flexibility and a separate review of the valuation appeals system.\r\nCopies of both the independent analysis and SG response have been placed in SPICe. “Supporting Business, Promoting Growth” Scottish Government Response (Bib. number 55189) and “Supporting Business, Promoting Growth” Independent Analysis of Consultation responses (Bib number 55190).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T09:49:39.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287386,"EventID":"S4W-16912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T13:55:19.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-31T12:50:01.247","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it (a) took account of advice from its Ports and Harbours Division and (b) sought independent advice on the container market in Scotland and the need for new container capacity prior to the preparation of the National Planning Framework 2.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ministers received advice from relevant officials, including Ports and Harbours officials, consulted widely and took account of all responses to the consultation on the draft National Planning Framework 2 prior to preparing the final National Planning Framework 2.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T13:55:19.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287387,"EventID":"S4W-16913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T13:55:19.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-31T12:50:01.247","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the projections used to determine that new container capacity on the Forth was required by 2013 as a national priority.\r\n","AnswerText":"Identification of Additional Container Freight Capacity on the Forth as a national development in National Planning Framework 2 was not based on a determination that new capacity would be required by 2013. A range of publicly available evidence informed the preparation of National Planning Framework 2.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T13:55:19.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287388,"EventID":"S4W-16914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T13:55:20.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-31T12:50:01.247","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has a programme in place to obtain updated independent advice regarding current and future container capacity.","AnswerText":"No. It is for the ports industry to respond to anticipated demand based on market conditions and commercial considerations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T13:55:20.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287389,"EventID":"S4W-16915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T13:55:20.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-31T12:50:01.247","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce a harbour revision order to consent development of a container terminal at Rosyth before (a) an environmental impact assessment into the project has been completed and (b) the appropriate assessment is undertaken.","AnswerText":"The harbour revision order to authorise the Rosyth International Container Terminal is already before Parliament and an environmental impact assessment has been carried out by the applicant and an appropriate assessment of the landward elements has been carried out by Scottish Ministers. Further assessment of marine elements will be carried out by Marine Scotland when considering an application for a marine licence, without which the project may not proceed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T13:55:20.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287390,"EventID":"S4W-16916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T13:55:20.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-31T12:50:01.247","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the container handling capacity is of the proposed Rosyth international container terminal and how it compares with the capacity at other ports.","AnswerText":"Babcock’s projection of freight through the proposed facility was between 100,000 and 578,000 twenty foot equivalent units (TEU) depending on the level of growth between 2015 and 2025. We do not hold comparative figures for other ports.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T13:55:20.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287391,"EventID":"S4W-16917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T13:55:20.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-31T12:50:01.247","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that approving a new container terminal without multimodal capability accords with (a) its policy and (b) the principles of sustainable development. \r\n","AnswerText":"There is already a rail line to Port Babcock Rosyth which provides potential for multimodal operations. The future use of this rail line will be a matter for the operator and shippers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T13:55:20.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287392,"EventID":"S4W-16918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T13:55:21.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-31T12:50:01.247","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has a process in place to ensure delivery of multimodal capability at the proposed Rosyth international container terminal and whether it will publish details of the (a) process and (b) associated timescales.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16917 on 10 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T13:55:21.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287393,"EventID":"S4W-16919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T13:55:22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-31T12:50:01.247","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has a process in place to ensure a binding requirement on the developers of the proposed Rosyth international container terminal to undertake any mitigation measures identified in the associated environmental impact assessment.","AnswerText":"The harbour revision order currently before Parliament contains a Schedule relating to mitigation measures. The harbour authority must comply with the provisions of that Schedule in taking forward the project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T13:55:22.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287394,"EventID":"S4W-16920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T13:55:22.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-31T12:50:01.247","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that providing funding for the upgrading of rail facilities in the vicinity of the proposed Rosyth international container terminal to enable the terminal to function multimodally would constitute state aid.","AnswerText":"There are currently no plans to provide Scottish Government funding for such upgrading works. We would take a view on any potential state aid issue on a case by case basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T13:55:22.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287395,"EventID":"S4W-16921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T13:55:22.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-08-31T12:50:01.247","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that new container capacity on the Forth remains a national priority in light of the findings of two recent independent studies into the Scottish container market commissioned by Scottish Enterprise and the Freight Transport Association.","AnswerText":"The Main Issues Report for the third National Planning Framework proposes that Additional Container Freight Capacity on the Forth be retained as a national development. All the responses to the consultation on the Main Issues Report are being considered, and the proposed National Planning Framework 3 will be laid before Parliament in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T13:55:22.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287396,"EventID":"S4W-16922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T13:55:22.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-01T10:37:49.947","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many trade delegations to Turkey have been promoted by (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) Scottish Development International in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2007 there have been a total of seven trade missions to Turkey, one each year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T13:55:22.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287397,"EventID":"S4W-16923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T13:55:22.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-01T10:37:49.947","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support has been provided since 2007 by (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) Scottish Development International to firms seeking to enter the Turkish energy sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2007, Scottish Development International (SDI) commissioned reports into energy in key markets including Turkey.\r\nParallel to this, SDI worked to raise interest in the Turkish energy market among Scottish companies.\r\nSince 2007, most of SDI’s annual trade missions to Turkey have been energy related and these have provided a mechanism to introduce a number of Scottish companies to relevant contacts in Turkey.\r\nA senior Scottish Enterprise (SE) official has just completed a five week assignment in Turkey to enhance SE’s knowledge of the market and understanding of the opportunities for Scotland.\r\nIn addition SE’s CEO has also just returned from a three day visit to Turkey where she met with a number of CEO’s and senior executives of leading Turkish firms, including many energy related companies.\r\nSE will now reflect on the learning from these in order to determine their future trade and investment activities in Turkey.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T13:55:22.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287398,"EventID":"S4W-16933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T13:55:23.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T11:53:24.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) whole-time equivalent and (b) headcount places were available in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects at each college in (i) 2011-12 and (ii) 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest data on students in colleges in Scotland are Scottish Funding Council data for 2011-12. Data for 2012-13 will be published in January 2014. \r\nTable 1 contains student numbers expressed as headcount and full-time equivalent (FTE).\r\nTable 1 – Number of students studying on STEM courses at colleges in Scotland, 2011-12\r\nCollege\r\nHeadcount\r\nFTE\r\nAberdeen College                                  \r\n3,572\r\n                2,312 \r\nAdam Smith College                                \r\n4,575\r\n                1,522 \r\nAngus College                                     \r\n1,669\r\n                  524 \r\nAnniesland College                                \r\n1,206\r\n                  649 \r\nAyr College                                       \r\n1,090\r\n                  577 \r\nBanff and Buchan College of Further Education     \r\n3,157\r\n                  827 \r\nBarony College                                    \r\n12\r\n                      0* \r\nBorders College                                   \r\n389\r\n                  119 \r\nCardonald College                                 \r\n1,358\r\n                  717 \r\nCarnegie College                                  \r\n1,887\r\n                1,054 \r\nClydebank College                                 \r\n1,586\r\n                  569 \r\nCoatbridge College                                \r\n622\r\n                  423 \r\nCumbernauld College                               \r\n735\r\n                  416 \r\nDumfries and Galloway College                     \r\n1,251\r\n                  415 \r\nDundee College                                    \r\n2,070\r\n                1,139 \r\nEdinburgh's Telford College                       \r\n789\r\n                  627 \r\nElmwood College                                   \r\n247\r\n                    23 \r\nForth Valley College                              \r\n2,502\r\n                1,507 \r\nGlasgow Metropolitan                              \r\n3,048\r\n                1,943 \r\nInverness College                                 \r\n963\r\n                  476 \r\nJames Watt College of Further & Higher Education  \r\n2,457\r\n                1,341 \r\nJewel and Esk College                             \r\n1,483\r\n                  826 \r\nJohn Wheatley College                             \r\n5,918\r\n                  471 \r\nKilmarnock College                                \r\n1,057\r\n                  502 \r\nLangside College                                  \r\n1,019\r\n                  628 \r\nLews Castle College                               \r\n371\r\n                    93 \r\nMoray College                                     \r\n819\r\n                  293 \r\nMotherwell College                                \r\n2,693\r\n                1,547 \r\nNorth Glasgow College                             \r\n539\r\n                  446 \r\nNorth Highland College                            \r\n1,135\r\n                  241 \r\nOatridge College                                  \r\n26\r\n                      0* \r\nOrkney College                                    \r\n131\r\n                    27 \r\nPerth College                                     \r\n898\r\n                  343 \r\nReid Kerr College                                 \r\n3,358\r\n                  931 \r\nShetland College of Further Education             \r\n648\r\n                    90 \r\nSouth Lanarkshire College                         \r\n184\r\n                    71 \r\nStevenson College Edinburgh                       \r\n1,416\r\n                  825 \r\nStow College                                      \r\n1,427\r\n                  893 \r\nWest Lothian College                              \r\n718\r\n                  409 \r\nTotal\r\n59,025\r\n              25,819 \r\nSource: Scottish Funding Council\r\nNotes:\r\n* at some specialist colleges, general STEM subjects are not part of the core range of subject areas. However, these colleges do offer specialist courses in subjects which are classified as STEM (e.g. welding). Such courses are often very short in duration. For some colleges in the table above this gives rise to a relatively small headcount and an F","AnswerDate":"2013-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T13:55:23.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287399,"EventID":"S4W-16940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T13:55:23.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T09:24:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland would set a financial cap for welfare payments and, if so, what level this would be set at; what the timescale would be for its introduction; what annual savings it would bring, and how many people it would affect.\r\n","AnswerText":"It will be for the first Scottish Government of an independent Scotland to decide welfare policy and whether and at what level a financial cap should be set. The household benefit cap currently set by the UK Government will affect around 4,600 households in Scotland when fully rolled out and 65% of these households contain children. Any cap set in future would need to take account of Scottish circumstances and the priority that successive Scottish governments have given to tackling child poverty.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T13:55:23.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287400,"EventID":"S4W-16951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T13:55:23.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T09:45:09.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its response to The review of NHS Pharmaceutical Care of Patients in the Community.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-16800, S4W-16801 and S4W-16806 on 19 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T13:55:23.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287401,"EventID":"S4W-16953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T13:55:24.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T11:46:30.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many households have received support under the energy efficient discount scheme set out in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under section 66 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, the Scottish Government has a duty to report to Parliament on the operation and uptake of energy efficiency discount schemes.\r\nThe following table has been taken from Annex A in the first annual report, BIB number SG/2012/240, laid in SPICe on 23 November 2012.\r\nRelief from Council Tax through Energy Efficiency Discount Schemes\r\nScotland – 2011-12\r\n \r\nNumber of properties receiving relief from council tax through energy efficiency discount schemes\r\nTotal amount of relief from council tax through energy efficiency discount schemes in 2011-12 \r\n(£)\r\nProjection over 25 yrs of CO2 emission prevented\r\nIf Virgin loft insulation installed at 720kg/year \r\n           (kg)\r\nIf Loft top up insulation installed at 110 kg/year         \r\n           (kg)\r\nIf Cavity wall insulation installed at 550 kg/year \r\n           (kg)\r\nScotland\r\n                     579 \r\n              29,915 \r\n 10,422,000 \r\n  1,592,250 \r\n  7,961,250 \r\nAberdeen City\r\n                    -   \r\n                     -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\nAberdeenshire\r\n                    -   \r\n                     -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\nAngus\r\n                    5 \r\n                  250 \r\n       90,000 \r\n13,750 \r\n     68,750 \r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n                    3 \r\n                  195 \r\n       54,000 \r\n       8,250 \r\n     41,250 \r\nClackmannanshire\r\n                    2 \r\n                  120 \r\n       36,000 \r\n      5,500 \r\n     27,500 \r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n                    -   \r\n                     -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\nDundee City\r\n                    1 \r\n                    60 \r\n       18,000 \r\n       2,750 \r\n     13,750 \r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n                    -   \r\n                     -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n                    1 \r\n                    50 \r\n       18,000 \r\n       2,750 \r\n     13,750 \r\nEast Lothian\r\n                  35 \r\n             2,000 \r\n     630,000 \r\n    96,250 \r\n   481,250 \r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n                   -   \r\n                     -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n                  87 \r\n              4,525 \r\n  1,566,000 \r\n   239,250 \r\n1,196,250 \r\nEilean Siar\r\n                    -   \r\n                     -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\nFalkirk\r\n                    -   \r\n                     -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\nFife\r\n                157 \r\n              8,275 \r\n  2,826,000 \r\n   431,750 \r\n2,158,750 \r\nGlasgow City\r\n                  10 \r\n                  665 \r\n     180,000 \r\n    27,500 \r\n   137,500 \r\nHighland\r\n                    -   \r\n                     -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\nInverclyde\r\n                    -   \r\n                     -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\nMidlothian\r\n                    -   \r\n                     -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\nMoray\r\n                    2 \r\n                  100 \r\n       36,000 \r\n      5,500 \r\n     27,500 \r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n                    -   \r\n                     -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n                    4 \r\n                  200 \r\n       72,000 \r\n     11,000 \r\n     55,000 \r\nOrkney Islands\r\n                   -   \r\n                     -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n                   -   \r\n                     -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\nRenfrewshire\r\n                    -   \r\n                     -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\n              -   \r\nScottish Borders\r\n                150 \r\n              8,100 \r\n  2,700,000 \r\n   412,500 \r\n2","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T13:55:24.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287412,"EventID":"S4W-16954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T16:46:17.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T14:16:07.663","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Independent Expert Commission on Oil and Gas will publish a report prior to publication of the white paper on independence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The commissioners will feed views directly into the White Paper.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T16:46:17.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287413,"EventID":"S4W-16955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T16:46:17.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T14:16:07.663","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what dates the members of the Independent Expert Commission on Oil and Gas were invited to join the commission.\r\n","AnswerText":"The members of the commission were finalised following the publication of Maximising the return from Oil and Gas in an Independent Scotland on 23 July 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T16:46:17.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287414,"EventID":"S4W-16956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T16:46:18.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T14:16:07.663","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16521 by John Swinney on 16 August 2013, whether the Independent Expert Commission on Oil and Gas has been asked to consider the Lloyds Banking Group forecast from March 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The commission will consider all evidence and data which has relevance to its remit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T16:46:18.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287415,"EventID":"S4W-16957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T16:46:18.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T14:16:07.663","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has agreed with the members of the Independent Expert Commission on Oil and Gas that it will consider amendments to its plans for independence once it has received the conclusions from the commission’s work.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will consider the final report from the Independent Expert Commission in full.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T16:46:18.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287416,"EventID":"S4W-16958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T16:46:18.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T14:16:07.663","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will revise its white paper on independence after the publication of the final recommendations from the Independent Expert Commission on Oil and Gas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The white paper will be published this in autumn 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T16:46:18.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287417,"EventID":"S4W-16959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T16:46:18.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T14:16:07.663","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the remit is of the Independent Expert Commission on Oil and Gas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The commission will consider options for the implementation of the key principles set out in the Scottish Government’s paper Maximising the return from Oil and Gas in an Independent Scotland that was published on July 23, 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T16:46:18.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287418,"EventID":"S4W-16960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T16:46:19.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T14:16:07.663","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it expects its officials to supply presentation slides containing possible conclusions to the Independent Expert Commission on Oil and Gas.\r\n","AnswerText":"No.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T16:46:19.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287419,"EventID":"S4W-16961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T16:46:19.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T14:16:07.663","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the letters of appointment of the members of the Independent Expert Commission on Oil and Gas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to publish letters of appointment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T16:46:19.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287420,"EventID":"S4W-16962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T16:46:19.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T14:16:07.663","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Independent Expert Commission on Oil and Gas will publish minutes of its meetings.\r\n","AnswerText":"It will be for the commission to decide whether or not to publish minutes of its meetings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T16:46:19.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287421,"EventID":"S4W-16963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T16:46:19.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T14:16:07.663","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether members of the Independent Budget Review Panel were considered for appointment to the Independent Expert Commission on Oil and Gas.\r\n","AnswerText":"Several representatives from industry, and academics, were considered to ensure the commission has a range of expertise available to it.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T16:46:19.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287422,"EventID":"S4W-16964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T16:46:19.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T14:16:07.663","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the notice period will be for members of the Independent Expert Commission on Oil and Gas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Expert Commission will feed views directly into the white paper and will be concluded following the publication of their final report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T16:46:19.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287423,"EventID":"S4W-16965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-03T16:46:20.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T14:16:07.663","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how long it estimates it will take for the Independent Expert Commission on Oil and Gas to provide initial conclusions that can inform the white paper on independence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Independent Expert Commission will feed views directly into the White Paper prior to its publication.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-17T16:46:20.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287424,"EventID":"S4W-16972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:54:40.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T16:37:25.647","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O–01162 by Michael Matheson on 21 June 2012, what further consideration it has given to the introduction of a chickenpox vaccine. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the independent expert body who advise all UK Health Departments on immunisation issues has considered this issue a number of times, most recently in 2010.\r\nThe JCVI did not recommend the introduction of a universal vaccination programme for children at that time.\r\nThe JCVI advised at that time that the recommendation would be kept under review in light of emerging data on herpes zoster epidemiology. This recommendation does not override the previous advice on the use of varicella vaccine in children as outlined in Varicella: the green book chapter, which recommends the use of chickenpox vaccine in certain individuals, namely, non-immune healthcare workers/laboratory workers, and healthy susceptible close household contacts of immunocompromised patients.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:54:40.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287425,"EventID":"S4W-16975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:54:41.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T11:43:39.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to increase awareness of men's health issues, and what specific programmes there are in (a) Aberdeen and (b) NHS Grampian.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the importance of raising awareness of health issues amongst men and is committed to providing the best possible advice and support through NHS Scotland.\r\nThrough the Keep Well programme men and women aged 40-64 living in the most deprived areas of Scotland are offered a free health check. Through the check awareness is raised on the prevention and treatment of conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. The check presents an opportunity for people to be referred onto support services such as smoking cessation and weight management classes. Over 180,000 Keep Well health checks have been delivered across Scotland so far (between March 2009 and end June 2012).\r\nIt is up to each individual NHS board to provide tailored services to meet the needs of their local population. NHS Grampian offer programmes of work such as Detect Cancer Early and the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening programme which help to tackle health issues amongst men. A weekly sexual health and HIV medicine clinic for males only is run to encourage easier access to services. In Aberdeenshire, health and wellbeing is the key focus of the Mensheds programme across the region.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:54:41.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287426,"EventID":"S4W-16976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:54:41.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T11:43:39.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent assessment it has made of the cost of private rented accommodation in Aberdeen.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-13021 on 5 March 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:54:41.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287427,"EventID":"S4W-16977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:54:41.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T11:43:39.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people live in overcrowded dwellings in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish House Condition Survey (2009-2011 combined) estimates that; around 1% of dwellings (or 1,000 households) in Aberdeen City are overcrowded, compared to,around 3% of dwellings (or 3,000 households) in Aberdeenshire. The proportion of overcrowded dwellings in Scotland as a whole is approximately 3%.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:54:41.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287428,"EventID":"S4W-16978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:54:42.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T11:43:39.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made in addressing the availability of affordable housing in rural areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are investing over £970 million in affordable housing over the three year period to March 2015. The introduction last year of a three year resource planning approach to March 2015, will enable councils to exercise their strategic role more flexibly, which includes the provision of affordable housing in rural areas. We have recognised the challenges associated with developing in rural locations by providing higher subsidy levels to allow registered social landlords to develop in some of our most remote and rural areas. In addition to this we continue to work with stakeholders in the development of innovative funding partnerships and where possible will provide targeted investment to tackle the provision of affordable housing in rural areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:54:42.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287429,"EventID":"S4W-16979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:54:42.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T11:43:39.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) drink and (b) dangerous driving convictions there have been in the Grampian region in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Statistics relating to persons convicted for drink/drug driving and dangerous driving in the Grampian police force area, in each of the last five years, are available in table 4a of the additional data to the Criminal Proceedings in Scotland 2011-12 statistical bulletin. This is available via the following web link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/Datasets/DatasetsCrimProc/procpfa1112\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:54:42.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287430,"EventID":"S4W-16981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:54:42.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T11:43:39.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) academic, (b) non-academic managerial and (c) other non-academic staff were employed in each (i) college and (ii) university in (A) Aberdeen and (B) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on number of staff employed in colleges is held by the Scottish Funding Council. For colleges the latest information available is for 2010-11. It is not possible to provide the staff breakdown requested. Table 1 and 2 contains a headcount and full time equivalent information for, teaching and non-teaching staff at Aberdeen and Banff and Buchan College.\r\nTable 1: Aberdeen College: headcount and full-time equivalent staff employed by staff group\r\n \r\nStaff Group\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nHeadcount\r\nTeaching\r\n551\r\n561\r\n581\r\n524\r\n487\r\nHeadcount\r\nNon-Teaching\r\n428\r\n409\r\n360\r\n369\r\n309\r\nFull-time equivalents\r\nTeaching\r\n251\r\n249\r\n256\r\n246\r\n244\r\nFull-time equivalents\r\nNon-Teaching\r\n320\r\n320\r\n274\r\n275\r\n246\r\nSource: Scottish Funding Council\r\nTable 2: Banff and Buchan College: headcount and full-time equivalent staff employed by staff group\r\n \r\nStaff Group\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nHeadcount\r\nTeaching\r\n271\r\n262\r\n274\r\n288\r\n271\r\nHeadcount\r\nNon-Teaching\r\n187\r\n186\r\n171\r\n133\r\n131\r\nFull-time equivalents\r\nTeaching\r\n134\r\n145\r\n150\r\n157\r\n152\r\nFull-time equivalents\r\nNon-Teaching\r\n102\r\n109\r\n90\r\n86\r\n86\r\nSource: Scottish Funding Council\r\nFor universities the number of academic and non-academic staff is published on Higher Education Statistics Agency web site. It is not possible to provide the staff breakdowns you requested:\r\nhttp://www.hesa.ac.uk/component/option,com_datatables/Itemid,121/task,show_category/catdex,2/#inst_level_staff\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:54:42.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287436,"EventID":"S4O-02372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T14:42:17.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T09:12:57.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what provisions for bicycle access and storage on trains and at stations will be included in the contract for rail passenger services to be issued in 2014.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T14:42:18.14","MeetingDate":"2013-09-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287437,"EventID":"S4O-02373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T14:42:18.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T11:10:20.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to expand the network of cycle paths.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T14:42:18.687","MeetingDate":"2013-09-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287438,"EventID":"S4O-02374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T14:42:18.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T11:28:12.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it is meeting Cluff Natural Resources and what matters will be discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T14:42:18.907","MeetingDate":"2013-09-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287439,"EventID":"S4O-02375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T14:42:19.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T12:03:27.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure patient safety at Monklands, Wishaw and Hairmyres hospitals.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T14:42:19.157","MeetingDate":"2013-09-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287440,"EventID":"S4O-02376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T14:42:19.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T12:03:27.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing last met the chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and what was discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T14:42:19.373","MeetingDate":"2013-09-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287441,"EventID":"S4O-02377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T14:42:19.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T12:03:27.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it is giving to methods of providing broadband access to the hardest to reach remote rural communities in South Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T14:42:19.607","MeetingDate":"2013-09-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287442,"EventID":"S4O-02378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T14:42:19.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T12:03:27.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the number of local jobs that have been created as a result of the construction works for the Forth replacement crossing.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T14:42:19.827","MeetingDate":"2013-09-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287443,"EventID":"S4O-02379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T14:42:20.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T12:03:28.373","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to vary the speed limit for heavy goods vehicles on the A9 trunk road.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T14:42:20.06","MeetingDate":"2013-09-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287444,"EventID":"S4O-02380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T14:42:20.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T11:35:56.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of the UK Government.","AnswerText":"Ministers and officials meet regularly with representatives from the UK Government to discuss matters of importance to the people of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T14:42:20.373","MeetingDate":"2013-09-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287445,"EventID":"S4O-02381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T14:42:20.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T12:03:29.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last reviewed the provision of orthotic treatments for plagiocephaly.","AnswerText":"In June 2007, NHS Healthcare Improvement Scotland (formerly Quality Improvement Scotland) published evidence note No 16 on the use of cranial orthosis treatment for infant deformational plagiocephaly.\r\nThe QIS Evidence Note showed that there was no evidence that orthotics improved brain, cosmetic or development progress and paediatricians have not recommended any orthotic intervention for several years.\r\nThe consensus view from paediatric neurosurgeons in Scotland, is that the use of helmets for the treatment of this condition is not advised or necessary.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T14:42:20.62","MeetingDate":"2013-09-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287446,"EventID":"S4O-02352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:59:40.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T09:08:20.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent progress has been made in discussions with the UK Government on repatriating the annual £1.4 million of red meat levy income paid by Scotland's farmers.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:59:40.607","MeetingDate":"2013-09-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287447,"EventID":"S4O-02353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:59:40.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T12:02:33.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had regarding calls to reopen the market for Scotch beef in Japan.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:59:40.827","MeetingDate":"2013-09-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287448,"EventID":"S4O-02354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:59:41.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T12:02:33.417","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made in distributing financial support to farmers who experienced losses due to extreme weather earlier this year.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:59:41.09","MeetingDate":"2013-09-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287449,"EventID":"S4O-02355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:59:41.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T12:02:33.65","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what mechanisms are available to enforce nature conservation legislation regarding marine protected areas.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:59:41.34","MeetingDate":"2013-09-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287450,"EventID":"S4O-02356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:59:41.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T12:02:33.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is meeting its targets to reduce air pollution.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:59:41.573","MeetingDate":"2013-09-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287451,"EventID":"S4O-02357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:59:41.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T12:02:34.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to promote food recycling.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:59:41.807","MeetingDate":"2013-09-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287452,"EventID":"S4O-02358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:59:42.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T12:02:34.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to local authorities on gull management.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:59:42.15","MeetingDate":"2013-09-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287453,"EventID":"S4O-02359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:59:42.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T12:02:34.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met fishing representatives from North East Scotland and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:59:42.4","MeetingDate":"2013-09-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287454,"EventID":"S4O-02360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:59:42.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T11:05:17.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the outcomes were of the recent visit to Scandinavia by the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment.\r\n","AnswerText":"My recent trip to Scandinavia sought to learn about their experiences of implementing successful policies that relate to my portfolio, such as empowering rural communities, waste management, and the promotion of local food.\r\nAt Sweden’s national Deposit Return scheme I heard how it has boosted recycling, harnessed high volumes of good quality recyclables and helped tackle the problem of litter. I also visited the Copenhagen House of Food, which coordinates the distribution of fresh local food across the public sector.\r\nAs well as meeting the Swedish Secretary of State for Rural Affairs and the Environment Minister, I also met representatives of Sweden’s Rural Parliament and, of course, since then, I am pleased to have announced that the first meeting of Scotland’s first Rural Parliament will take place next year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:59:42.667","MeetingDate":"2013-09-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287455,"EventID":"S4O-02361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:59:42.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T12:31:57.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what environmental impact the proposed coal bed methane extraction at Canonbie will have on the town and the surrounding area.","AnswerText":"An assessment of the environmental impact of the coalbed methane proposal was set out in the environmental statement associated with the planning application.\r\nFindings from the environmental statement revealed that there are no designations regarding ecology or archaeological interests at or adjacent to the site. No significant adverse impacts were identified in the studies relating to landscape, ecology, hydrology, hydrogeology, noise, traffic, air quality, archaeology, recreation or tourism.\r\nThe Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) also assessed the environmental impact in issuing associated controlled activities regulations licences. SEPA has in place a robust regulatory environmental framework for the operation of activity regarding extraction of unconventional gases.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:59:42.947","MeetingDate":"2013-09-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287456,"EventID":"S4O-02362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:59:43.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T12:03:04.507","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times a procurator fiscal’s recommendation to proceed on solemn procedure has been rejected by the Crown Office since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:59:43.15","MeetingDate":"2013-09-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287457,"EventID":"S4O-02363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:59:43.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T12:03:04.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Justice last met the Chief Constable of Police Scotland and what matters were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:59:43.383","MeetingDate":"2013-09-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287458,"EventID":"S4O-02364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:59:43.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T12:03:05.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of court capacity following the implementation of its court closures policy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:59:43.65","MeetingDate":"2013-09-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287459,"EventID":"S4O-02365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:59:43.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T09:44:41.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps Police Scotland is taking to reduce the number of accidents involving cyclists due to dangerous driving.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:59:43.977","MeetingDate":"2013-09-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287460,"EventID":"S4O-02366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:59:44.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T10:22:52.467","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what issues were identified in the latest Inspection report on Lanarkshire Area of Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and what progress has been made on these.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:59:44.257","MeetingDate":"2013-09-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287461,"EventID":"S4O-02367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:59:44.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T10:19:43.777","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which police stations are being considered for closure or a reduction in counter opening hours in Police Scotland’s review of police station service delivery.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:59:44.507","MeetingDate":"2013-09-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287462,"EventID":"S4O-02368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:59:44.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T12:03:06.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to improve police complaints procedures.\r\n","AnswerText":"The establishment of the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner on 1 April put in place effective independent oversight of investigations into serious incidents involving the police.\r\nThe Commissioner also carries out the role previously exercised by the Police Complaints Commissioner for Scotland, in reviewing the police handling of complaints when referred to them. Working with partners we will continually look at ways to improve police complaints procedures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:59:44.74","MeetingDate":"2013-09-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287463,"EventID":"S4O-02369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:59:44.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-02T12:03:06.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve the safety of young people from so-called date rape drugs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is taking a range of actions to improve the safety of young people from date rape drugs, including supporting awareness raising by partners such as Rape Crisis Scotland and working alongside the alcohol trade through the Alcohol Industry Partnership which encourages licensed premises to adopt best practice to promote safer drinking.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:59:44.96","MeetingDate":"2013-09-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287464,"EventID":"S4O-02371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T13:59:45.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T10:39:33.81","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding is available for local crime prevention and community safety initiatives through sources other than Police Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government believes that everyone has the right to be safe and feel safe in their communities. The Scottish Government also firmly believes that prevention is better than cure and is working to tackle the underlying causes of crime.\r\nThat is why we continue to invest directly in centres of expertise such as Crimestoppers, Scottish Neighbourhood Watch and the Scottish Community Safety Network.\r\nLocal authorities are also responsible for identifying local needs and priorities and directing their resources appropriately.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T13:59:45.193","MeetingDate":"2013-09-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287465,"EventID":"S4W-16982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T16:42:06.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T13:09:19.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent assessment it has made of the road safety education provided by the police.\r\n","AnswerText":"The police in Scotland operate independently of Ministers and Road Safety is an operational matter for the Chief Constable and the Scottish Police Authority. However, I am aware that review of Police Road Safety Education was carried out in 2011 for the Scottish Policing Board as part of the Sustainable Policing Project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T16:42:06.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287466,"EventID":"S4W-16983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T16:42:07.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T13:09:19.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many police (a) visits to schools and (b) road safety education events there have been in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T16:42:07.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287467,"EventID":"S4W-16985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T16:42:07.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T13:09:19.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many farmers have been diagnosed with a malignant melanoma in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board. \r\n","AnswerText":"Data on incidence rates for cancer diagnosis is not recorded by occupation and therefore, data on melanoma among agricultural workers in Scotland is not available.\r\nGeneral population based statistics for skin cancer are available from the NHS Information Services Division at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Cancer/Cancer-Statistics/Skin/\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T16:42:07.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287468,"EventID":"S4W-16992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T16:42:07.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T15:37:37.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) diagnoses of and (b) deaths from cervical cancer there have been in each of the last five years, also broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Cervical cancer incidence and mortality data is published by ISD Scotland at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Cancer/Cancer-Statistics/Female-Genital-Organ\r\nThe number of a) new diagnoses (incidence) of and b) deaths from cervical cancer for 2007 to 2011 by NHS board are shown in Tables 1 and 2;\r\nTable 1: The number of new diagnoses (incidence) of cervical cancer from 2007 to 2011 by NHS Board. \r\nNHS Board\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n23\r\n24\r\n27\r\n26\r\n21\r\nBorders\r\n4\r\n8\r\n2\r\n7\r\n7\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n7\r\n10\r\n8\r\n4\r\n10\r\nFife\r\n20\r\n18\r\n20\r\n19\r\n23\r\nForth Valley\r\n10\r\n20\r\n18\r\n15\r\n13\r\nGrampian\r\n27\r\n21\r\n26\r\n32\r\n32\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n76\r\n77\r\n75\r\n90\r\n62\r\nHighland\r\n19\r\n26\r\n14\r\n19\r\n22\r\nLanarkshire\r\n34\r\n30\r\n56\r\n46\r\n32\r\nLothian\r\n51\r\n48\r\n53\r\n39\r\n59\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\n3\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\n2\r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n21\r\n29\r\n27\r\n30\r\n29\r\nWestern Isles\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nScotland\r\n293\r\n314\r\n328\r\n332\r\n313\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTable 2:  The number of deaths from cervical cancer from 2007 to 2011 by NHS Board. \r\nNHS Board\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n11\r\n8\r\n7\r\n8\r\n13\r\nBorders\r\n1\r\n4\r\n3\r\n8\r\n1\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n3\r\n3\r\n6\r\n5\r\n3\r\nFife\r\n10\r\n8\r\n11\r\n9\r\n5\r\nForth Valley\r\n5\r\n3\r\n2\r\n2\r\n8\r\nGrampian\r\n11\r\n3\r\n9\r\n5\r\n5\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n19\r\n27\r\n26\r\n20\r\n22\r\nHighland\r\n9\r\n8\r\n7\r\n4\r\n13\r\nLanarkshire\r\n20\r\n9\r\n9\r\n18\r\n14\r\nLothian\r\n9\r\n18\r\n19\r\n13\r\n15\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n7\r\n11\r\n6\r\n7\r\n9\r\nWestern Isles\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nScotland\r\n105\r\n102\r\n107\r\n99\r\n108\r\nCervical cancer (cancer of the cervix uteri) is defined as C53 in the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition.\r\nDeaths data are provided by year of death registration.\r\nDeaths data are provided by the National Records for Scotland (NRS).\r\nSource: ISD Scotland\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T16:42:07.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287469,"EventID":"S4W-16994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T16:42:08.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T15:37:37.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of eligible women has been screened for cervical cancer in each of the last 10 years, also broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) age group.","AnswerText":"Eligible women are invited to attend cervical screening once every three years and by convention uptake rates are reported on the previous 3.5 years. The latest figures on the percentage of eligible women who have been screened for cervical cancer in each of the last 10 years broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) age group are available on ISD’s Cervical Screening Annual Uptake Data webpage at:\r\nhttps://isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/Cancer/Publications/2013-08-27/Annual_uptake_data.xls\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T16:42:08.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287470,"EventID":"S4W-16995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-04T16:42:08.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T15:49:39.01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many modern apprenticeships it is supporting in the renewable energy and low-carbon sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are a number of Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks relevant to the renewable energy and low carbon sector in Scotland. As at the 28 June 2013 there were 8,299 Modern Apprentices being supported in engineering and related frameworks. Included in this is the Wind Turbine Operation and Maintenance Framework, which is currently the only one relevant solely to renewable energy, and 37 MAs are being supported through this framework.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-18T16:42:08.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287476,"EventID":"S4W-16987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-05T13:49:02.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T15:35:24.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether accelerating the upgrade of the A9 will lead to a shift from rail to road.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Strategic Transport projects Review formed a multi-modal appraisal of the Perth to Inverness corridor and concluded that both road and rail interventions should be taken forward. Our ambitious plans to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness and upgrade the Highland Mainline by 2025, will help achieve this government’s purpose of sustainable economic growth.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:49:02.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287477,"EventID":"S4W-16988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-05T13:49:03","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T15:35:24.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the comment made by the First Minister on 5 August 2008 that \"railways must at least compete with the roads\" reflects current government policy.\r\n","AnswerText":"An efficient and sustainable transport system is one of the key enablers for delivering the government’s purpose of increasing sustainable economic growth in a low carbon economy. Since 2007 this government has invested over £2.6 billion in the Trunk Road Network and over £4 billion in rail and a number of vital projects are planned or in construction which will bring a range of benefits to our economy. \r\nIn this context, the recommended interventions within the Strategic Transport Projects Review have assisted ministers in developing the Infrastructure Investment Plan which will help towards creating a more successful country through increasing sustainable economic growth and making a significant contribution to the National Transport Strategy. These interventions include fourteen relating to rail and eight relating to roads.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:49:03.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287478,"EventID":"S4W-16989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-05T13:49:03.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T15:35:24.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will be a condition of the next rail franchise for the operator to improve rolling stock and, if so, what impact it expects this to have on journey times.\r\n","AnswerText":"The selection criteria for the next ScotRail franchisee, creates an incentive for journey time improvements across the Scottish Rail network.\r\nThe selection criteria will also encourage improvements to rolling stock quality and journey time on the Scottish inter-city routes from the Central Belt to Inverness and to Aberdeen.\r\nThe next ScotRail franchisee is required to procure new electric rolling stock for the electrified Edinburgh to Glasgow route which must be capable of reducing the journey time for the fastest journey to 42 minutes.\r\nThe Caledonian Sleeper franchisee must introduce significantly improved rolling stock.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:49:03.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287479,"EventID":"S4W-16990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-05T13:49:03.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T15:35:24.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the production or development of chemical incapacitants for policing purposes.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have not held any discussions on this issue with the UK Government. Chemical incapacitants such as CS spray are classed as prohibited weapons by virtue of section 5(1)(b) of the Firearms Act 1968. The majority of firearms legislation remains reserved to Westminster.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:49:03.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287480,"EventID":"S4W-16991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-05T13:49:03.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T15:35:24.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Police Scotland regarding the use of the powers available under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and what information it has regarding how many people have been detained since 2010 at Scotland's airports under this legislation; how many were subsequently (a) charged and (b) convicted, and what the charges were.\r\n","AnswerText":"National Security, including the powers available under the Terrorism Act 2000, is a reserved matter and a matter for the Home Office. The Scottish Government has engaged with both the police and local communities regarding the use of the powers available under Schedule 7 in Scottish airports and will continue to do so when concerns are raised with us.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not hold information on the number of people detained at Scottish airports, or any subsequent charges or convictions. You may wish to know that the Home Office released the annual statistics on the operation of police powers under the Terrorism Act 2000 covering the period to 31 March 2013 on 12 September.\r\nThis release includes the total number of people stopped under Schedule 7 in the UK and can be found at:\r\nhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/operation-of-police-powers-under-the-terrorism-act-2000-2012-to-2013. The figures are not reported regionally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:49:03.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287481,"EventID":"S4W-16996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-05T13:49:04.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-04T17:21:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will consult on its proposals to introduce legislative reforms to end automatic early release for certain categories of offender at stage 2 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill. \r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minister announced to parliament on 3 September 2013 in the Programme for Government statement that the Scottish Government will bring forward legislative provisions to end automatic early release for serious offenders. The announcement followed discussion with the Scottish Prison Service and Scottish Parole Board officials.\r\nThe Scottish Government will engage with other key stakeholders, including victims’ organisations, over the coming months to discuss how the provisions will operate in practice before the legislative provisions are brought forward for consideration by parliament as part of Stage 2 consideration of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:49:04.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287482,"EventID":"S4W-16997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-05T13:49:04.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-05T11:00:31.773","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce price competitive tendering in the provision of legal aid.","AnswerText":"We have asked the Scottish Legal Aid Board to look at options for contracting for criminal legal assistance as set out in the paper A Sustainable Future for Legal Aid.\r\nThe board has been discussing this issue with the legal profession over the summer and I expect to receive proposals from the board in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T13:49:04.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287492,"EventID":"S4W-16998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-05T16:45:42.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-05T11:35:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, following publication of the Stroke Association report, Feeling Overwhelmed, what its position is on (a) the prioritisation of improved emotional and psychological support for people affected by stroke in the next Scottish Stroke Action Plan, (b) the needs of stroke survivors and their unpaid carers to be highlighted in future Scottish mental health policy and guidance, (c) improving understanding of the emotional and mental health impact of stroke among health and social care providers and how difficulties can be prevented or resolved, (d) improving information provision about emotional and mental health to people affected by stroke, including sources of local support and (e) improving community-based support for stroke survivors with emotional and mental health difficulties, through primary care, social care providers and voluntary groups.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our Better Heart Disease and Stroke Action Plan, backed by over £1m in Scottish Government funding recognises that services should focus on empowering and supporting people with stroke through the process of recovery. This includes meeting emotional and psychological needs.\r\nIn August 2012, the Scottish Government published the Mental Health Strategy (2012-15). It sets out a commitment to work with the Royal College of GPs and other partners to increase the number of people with long-term conditions who are also experiencing depression and anxiety who are receiving appropriate care and treatment for their mental illness.\r\nNHS Education for Scotland (NES) are supporting work to provide learning resources for staff working with patients with physical health problems, particularly long term conditions, which will help them understand the link between physical and emotional issues and deliver more holistic and effective care.\r\nFor all people with mental health problems, including those with stroke, we are committed to delivering faster access to psychological therapies. This is underpinned by the HEAT target which will ensure access to such therapies within 18 weeks by December 2014.\r\nWe have supported the development of an online educational tool “Stroke Training and Awareness Resources”. This includes a specific module which aims to provide Health and Social Care Staff with the skills and knowledge to meet the basic emotional needs of individuals following stroke. This includes: \r\nExplaining the reasons why an individual may be emotionally distressed following a stroke;\r\nDescribing the effects of being emotionally distressed following stroke;\r\nIdentifying strategies which may be used to assist an individual experiencing emotional problems following stroke.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T16:45:42.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287493,"EventID":"S4W-16999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-05T16:45:42.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-05T13:27:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of a finding by Jones Lang laSalle that most of the housebuilders it surveyed said that they believed that independence would result in less housing development, whether the white paper on Scottish independence will consider the implications for housing.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no evidence to substantiate such claims. Independence will bring substantial economic benefits to Scotland and allow the development of tailored policies which best suit every sector of the Scottish economy, including housing.\r\nThe Scottish Government will publish its detailed white paper with positive proposals on the opportunities and gains of independence in the autumn. Material on the referendum and the Scottish Government’s proposals for an independent Scotland can be found at www.scotreferendum.com, including published papers and speeches. This site will be regularly updated with additional material including the white paper in the run up to the referendum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-19T16:45:42.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287499,"EventID":"S4W-17001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-06T13:46:17.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-06T10:16:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria it uses to classify a family as living in poverty.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government currently uses two main indicators of low income poverty, both of which reveal slightly different information about changes in poverty over time. These indicators are relative and absolute poverty.\r\nRelative poverty:\r\nRelative poverty is measured as the percentage and number of individuals living in households whose equivalised income is below 60% of UK median income in the same year. This is a measure of whether those in the lowest income households are keeping pace with the growth of incomes in the population as a whole. In 2011-12 the relative poverty threshold for a couple with no children was an income of \r\n£256 per week (before housing costs) from all sources. For a couple with children the threshold would be higher and for a single person (without children) the threshold would be lower. \r\nAbsolute poverty:\r\nAbsolute poverty is measured as the percentage and number of individuals living in households whose equivalised income is below 60% of the (inflation adjusted) median income in 2010-11. This is a measure of whether those in the lowest income households are seeing their incomes rise in real terms. In 2011-12 the absolute poverty threshold for a couple with no children was an income of £264 per week (before housing costs) from all sources.\r\nThe absolute poverty threshold is higher than the relative poverty threshold in \r\n2011-12 as inflation increased at a faster rate than average earnings in 2011-12. This means households need to earn more, in real terms, to maintain their incomes compared with 2010-11 (the reference year for absolute poverty). \r\nThe relative and absolute poverty indicators are presented on two bases: Before Housing Costs (BHC) and After Housing Costs (AHC). This is principally to take into account variations in housing costs that themselves do not correspond to comparable variations in the quality of housing.\r\nAn additional measure for children is the combined low income and material deprivation indicator. This indicator aims to provide a measure of children’s living standards which, unlike relative and absolute poverty, is not solely based on income.\r\nRelative and absolute poverty indicators are estimated for all individuals, children, working age adults, and pensioners. The Child Poverty Act 2010 sets out four income related targets that the UK Government must meet by 2020. These are targets on relative child poverty, absolute child poverty, children in combined low income and material deprivation and children in persistent poverty. \r\nThese indicators are used to measure two of Scotland’s national indicators: reduce the proportion of individuals living in poverty, and reduce children’s deprivation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T13:46:17.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287500,"EventID":"S4W-17002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-06T13:46:18.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-06T10:16:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many children in Fife have been classified as living in poverty in each year since 2007, broken down by parliamentary constituency, and how this compares with the rest of the country.\r\n","AnswerText":"The national poverty figures from the households below average Income datasets cannot be broken down to local authority level in Scotland, meaning poverty figures for local authorities are not available.\r\nTax credit and benefit claimant data from HM Revenue and Customs can be used as proxy data for child poverty at a local authority level. This is defined as the \"percentage of children in each local authority that live in families in receipt of out of work benefits or tax credits where their reported income is less than 60% of median income\".\r\nIn 2009, 19.9% of children in Fife were classified as in poverty (compared with 19.0% for Scotland). In 2010, 19.4% of children were classified as living in poverty (compared with 18.6% for Scotland). Breakdowns into parliamentary constituency are not available. Data for earlier years is not available for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T13:46:18.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287501,"EventID":"S4W-17003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-06T13:46:18.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-06T10:16:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on tackling child poverty in Fife in each year since 2007, broken down by parliamentary constituency, and how this compares with the rest of the country.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government takes a national approach to tackling child poverty, with action at a local level being the responsibility of the local authority. It is therefore not possible to provide figures at that level. In terms of overall government spending, I would refer the member to the following link for further information:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/17534.aspx.\r\nIn the spring we will publish a revised child poverty strategy, building on our commitment to do all we can to maximise household incomes and improve children’s wellbeing and life chances. We will work with the Ministerial Advisory Group on Child Poverty and other interested parties to ensure that the strategy describes an approach through which we can work together to tackle child poverty in Scotland. Only with access to our own resources and the ability to join up policy across devolved and reserved areas, can we make the substantial difference we need to and tackle child poverty for good.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T13:46:18.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287502,"EventID":"S4W-17004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-06T13:46:18.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-06T10:16:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average household income has been in Fife in each year since 2007, broken down by parliamentary constituency, and how this compares with the rest of the country.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2012, the median gross weekly earnings for full time employees living in Fife was £499.30, compared with £498.30 for Scotland. Median gross weekly earnings (before deductions for Tax & National Insurance) of full-time employees on adult rates, is obtained from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). This is an Office of National Statistics (ONS) publication which replaces the New Earnings Survey (NES). It includes full time employed adults from whose pay for the survey period was not affected by absence. The self-employed are excluded from this study. \r\nData is not available at parliamentary constituency level.\r\nMedian gross weekly earnings for full-time employees (residence based):\r\nLocal Authority\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nFife\r\n439.0\r\n465.8\r\n465.2\r\n477.7\r\n468.8\r\n499.3\r\nScotland\r\n440.9\r\n462.9\r\n471.2\r\n486.6\r\n487.2\r\n498.3\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T13:46:18.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287503,"EventID":"S4W-17005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-06T13:46:19.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-06T10:16:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken in Fife to reduce child poverty since 2007.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government takes a national approach to tackling child poverty, with action at a local level being the responsibility of the local authority. We are working with local authorities, the NHS and others through the collective investment of £272 million in the Early Years Change Fund and over £125 million across government and our agencies to support young people towards and into work across Scotland.\r\nIndividual examples of nationally funded projects in Fife include the Communities and Families Fund project with the Ceres Nursery Trust, a group which delivers a nursery lunch club linking the morning and afternoon sessions; and Open Secret which provides art, play and talking therapy activities to children up to the age of eight and their families who have experienced a period of trauma including abuse. The Scottish Government continues to support the STV Appeal which has helped a number of charities throughout Scotland including specific projects in Fife such as the Save the Children Families and Schools Together initiative.\r\nHowever, only with access to our own resources and the ability to join up policy across devolved and reserved areas, can we make the substantial difference we need to and tackle child poverty for good.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T13:46:19.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287504,"EventID":"S4W-17006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-06T13:46:19.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-06T10:16:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to promote food recycling.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is taking action on a number of fronts.\r\nOur Waste Regulations, approved by the Scottish Parliament last year, include measures that will ensure most households in Scotland receive a food waste collection by the end of 2015. All businesses producing significant quantities of food waste, except those in rural areas, will also need to present that waste separately for collection by the end of 2015.\r\nThrough Zero Waste Scotland we are providing significant additional funding to local authorities to support the roll-out of household food waste collections. As a direct result of this support around 1.2 million households will have access to a food waste collection service by February 2014. We have also provided around £7 million to help expand the network of anaerobic digestion and composting facilities across Scotland. This has led to a three-fold increase in processing capacity since 2008.\r\nEarly next year we will launch a national campaign to promote household food waste collections and encourage uptake of this new service. This campaign will build on our 2012 food waste prevention campaign.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T13:46:19.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287505,"EventID":"S4W-17007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-06T13:46:19.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-06T10:16:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what role food recycling will play in its zero waste strategy.","AnswerText":"The capture and recycling of food waste from both households and businesses is key to achieving our 2025 recycling target for all waste. Historically, most of the food waste produced in Scotland was sent to landfill where it breaks down producing methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. The measures introduced last year in our Waste Regulations will ensure that this is no longer the case.\r\nInstead, collected food waste will now be sent for processing at anaerobic digestion or composting facilities allowing us to not only reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions but also produce outputs that can be used in agricultural applications. Where food waste is processed in anaerobic digestion plants we can also produce energy, thereby contributing to our renewable energy targets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T13:46:19.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287506,"EventID":"S4W-17008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-06T13:46:20.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-06T10:16:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it has allocated to the promotion of food recycling initiatives in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"To promote the recycling of food waste we have provided additional funding for a number of initiatives.\r\nIn 2011 Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) launched its Food Waste Support Programme. This runs through to 2014-15 and will see councils receive in the region of £20 million of additional support to help with the roll-out of household food waste collection and recycling services.\r\nIn 2012 the Scottish Government ran a national food waste prevention campaign. The cost of this was £0.58 million.\r\nFrom 2007-08 to 2010-11 we provided funding of £3.49 million for home composting initiatives. From 2011-12 home composting initiatives have been funded under ZWS’s food waste programme. Breakdown as follows:\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n£0.51 million\r\n£1.80 million\r\nNil\r\n£1.18 million\r\nSince 2007-08 we have provided around £7 million to support the development of anaerobic digestion and composting facilities, thereby helping the growth of this sector in Scotland. Breakdown as follows:\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\n£0.53 million\r\n£0.38 million\r\n£1.431 million\r\n£4.091 million\r\nNil\r\n£0.81 million\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T13:46:20.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287507,"EventID":"S4W-17009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-06T13:46:20.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-06T10:16:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its (a) current and (b) planned spend is on food recycling initiatives.","AnswerText":"Under the Food Waste Support Programme, delivered by Zero Waste Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, we have allocated £5 million for the 2013-14 financial year. A further £5 million has been allocated for 2014-15 for food waste recycling initiatives.\r\nEarly next year we will run a national campaign to promote household food waste collections and encourage uptake of this new service. This campaign is expected to cost around £0.6 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T13:46:20.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287508,"EventID":"S4W-17010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-06T13:46:20.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-06T10:16:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what dialogue it has had with local authorities on food recycling initiatives in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"There has been extensive dialogue with both COSLA and individual local authorities on food waste initiatives and on the development of our wider waste policy. This engagement continues both directly and through Zero Waste Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T13:46:20.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287509,"EventID":"S4W-17011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-06T13:46:20.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-06T10:16:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has set targets for an increase in food waste recycling.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has a target to recycle at least 70% of Scotland’s waste by 2025. No specific target for food waste has been set, but the capture and recycling of food waste is recognised as being key to the achievement of our 70% target.\r\nThe measures included in the Waste Regulations, approved by Parliament last year, will ensure that the majority of food waste produced by businesses and households in Scotland is captured for recycling.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T13:46:20.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287510,"EventID":"S4W-17012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-06T13:46:21.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-06T10:16:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what role it considers food recycling can play in the rural economy.","AnswerText":"Food waste recycling in rural areas has a number of roles to play and can bring significant benefits.\r\nLocal community composting groups for example can bring a number of benefits including much needed employment opportunities and enhanced community cohesion. Community composting also ensures that there are local outlets for compostable wastes with the end products also used locally in gardens, parks and small scale agricultural type holdings.\r\nFood waste recycling in rural areas may provide business opportunities for private sector service providers looking to offer a collection service to rural businesses with the material collected being processed in either local anaerobic digestion (AD) or composting facilities. Where food waste is processed in AD facilities there will be scope to produce energy that can be utilised locally to the benefit of the community. \r\nLocal solutions for food waste also have the potential to reduce costs as it removes the need to transport food waste, as part of the mixed waste stream, over long distances for processing elsewhere.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T13:46:21.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287511,"EventID":"S4W-17013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-06T13:46:21.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-06T10:16:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to include the need to meet air quality objectives in the Scottish Planning Policy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government works closely with local authorities, Transport Scotland, SEPA and other partners to ensure that air quality objectives are achieved. The planning system has a key role to play in this process.\r\nThe Scottish Government is currently reviewing the Local Air Quality Management system – a consultation concluded on 6 September 2013:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/06/5955/0.\r\nDraft Scottish Planning Policy (SPP), which was published for consultation from 30 April to 23 July 2013, highlights the important role of the planning system in encouraging and approving development which protects and enhances natural resources including air. SPP will be finalised by June 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T13:46:21.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287512,"EventID":"S4W-17014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-06T13:46:21.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-06T10:16:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to include the need to meet air quality objectives in the National Planning Framework 3.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government works closely with local authorities, Transport Scotland, SEPA and other partners to ensure that the air quality objectives are achieved. The planning system has a key role to play in this process.\r\nThe third National Planning Framework Main Issues Report was published for consultation from 30 April to 23 July 2013. Its spatial strategy emphasises the importance of reducing emissions from the energy and transport sectors, and notes the continuing role of planning in providing environmental protection. NPF3 will be finalised by June 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T13:46:21.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287513,"EventID":"S4W-17015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-06T13:46:21.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-06T10:16:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the new round of single outcome agreements will ensure that central and local government work together to ensure that air quality objectives are met.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities have statutory responsibilities for managing air quality in their areas under the Environment Act 1995 and associated regulations. These place clear expectations on local authorities to pursue air quality objectives. The Scottish Government provides practical and financial support to assist local authorities in undertaking these duties.\r\nThe Scottish Government places no separate expectation on community planning partnerships (CPPs) to reflect a local authority's air quality objectives in their single outcome agreements (SOAs). CPPs have developed their latest SOAs in accordance with guidance jointly published by the Scottish Government and COSLA in December 2012. It is for CPPs to establish the content of their SOAs, based on their understanding of local place and with partnership working at their heart. Their emphasis is towards themes on which integrated working can make a real difference to improving outcomes, preventing harm and reducing inequalities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T13:46:21.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287514,"EventID":"S4W-17016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-06T13:46:22.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-06T10:16:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many responses it received to its recent consultation on local air quality management and how many called for a Scottish air quality action plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"The three month consultation period was due to finish on 6 September 2013 but has been extended to 20 September 2013, following requests from stakeholders for further time. An analysis of responses will be undertaken and published on the Scottish Government website in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T13:46:22.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287526,"EventID":"S4W-17017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-06T13:50:25.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-06T13:36:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to bring forward a bill containing new measures to combat human trafficking.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish trafficking legislation is kept under review and the Scottish Government will respond as appropriate to any developments to reflect our commitment to tackle this crime. Trafficking is an international and cross border crime and a partnership approach is the most effective way to tackle the crime. The Scottish Government notes that the UK Government intends to bring forward a Modern Slavery Bill. We will give careful consideration to the UK Bill and explore with the UK Government the possibility of that Bill covering Scottish interests.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T13:50:26.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287529,"EventID":"S4W-17018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-06T15:39:27.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-06T14:52:58.247","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the traffic lights at the Longman roundabout in Inverness are permanent and, if not, when they will be removed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The traffic lights installed at Longman roundabout to improve traffic flows at peak times are permanent and there are no plans to remove them.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T15:39:27.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287530,"EventID":"S4W-17019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-06T15:39:27.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-06T15:04:44.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how often the Emissions Reduction Board met in 2013, and whether any of the meetings discussed the draft second report on proposals and policies.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Emissions Reduction Programme Board met on 28 February. The re-named Climate Change Delivery Board met on 25 July and is expected to meet again in September and December 2013.\r\nIssues discussed by the board are recorded in the notes of meetings published on the Scottish Government website. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T15:39:27.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287531,"EventID":"S4W-17020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-06T15:39:28.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-06T15:04:44.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the Climate Change Delivery Board will oversee delivery of the second report on proposals and policies; how regularly it will meet, and when the recent changes to the board's structure will be updated on the Scottish Government's website.\r\n","AnswerText":"A system of Check Point and Exception Reports is being developed to assist the board monitor delivery of the second report on proposals and policies.\r\nThe board meets quarterly and the board web pages are updated after each meeting.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-20T15:39:28.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287534,"EventID":"S4W-16944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T14:14:57.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T09:44:48.297","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when CalMac Ferries Limited's winter 2013 timetable will be published.","AnswerText":"CalMac Ferries Limited’s winter timetable for the period 20 October 2013 to 3 April 2014 is available on CalMac’s website at the following link;\r\nhttp://www.calmac.co.uk/timetables/calmac-winter-timetables.htm \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T14:14:57.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287535,"EventID":"S4W-16945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T14:14:57.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T09:44:48.297","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proposals it has received from CalMac Ferries Limited for a two-day-per-week ferry service between Lochboisdale and Mallaig.","AnswerText":"No formal proposals have been received from CalMac Ferries Limited for a two-day-per-week ferry service between Lochboisdale and Mallaig.\r\nDiscussions have however taken place in relation to the implementation of the Scottish Ferry Services Ferries Plan, including our commitment to further consider the case for a Mallaig to Lochboisdale service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T14:14:57.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287536,"EventID":"S4W-16946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T14:14:58.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T09:44:48.297","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the composition is of the management group of the Barra Special Area of Conservation and how it will achieve balanced representation of the communities affected.","AnswerText":"No decisions have been made regarding the composition of the community-led management group. The establishment of a community led management group is an innovative step and Marine Scotland have therefore commenced discussions with community interests to listen to their views and these discussions will continue until an appropriate structure, that can deliver balanced representation, is developed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T14:14:58.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287537,"EventID":"S4W-16947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T14:14:58.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T09:44:48.297","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who the members of the expert ferry group will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"Members of the group will be Professor Alf Baird; Michael Craigie, Zetrans; Professor Iain Docherty; Brian Fulton, CalMac; Professor Neil Kay; Gordon Maclennan, SPT; Roy Pederson; Guy Platten, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited; Ranald Robertson, HITRANS and Gordon Ross, Western Ferries. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T14:14:58.393","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287538,"EventID":"S4W-16949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T14:14:58.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T09:44:48.297","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the expert ferry group will advise on the provision of new ferry routes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The overarching purpose of the expert ferry group includes, when requested, providing Scottish Ministers with considered advice about key ferries related issues in Scotland. It will therefore be for Scottish Ministers to request any advice required. The expert ferry group will also be able to provide advice to ministers on the requirement for wider consultation on any particular issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T14:14:58.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287539,"EventID":"S4W-16950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T14:14:59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-03T09:44:48.297","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who the expert ferry group will meet and when.","AnswerText":"The expert ferry group is due to meet for the first time on 29 October 2013 and will meet with the Minister for Transport and Veterans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T14:14:59.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287540,"EventID":"S4W-17021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T14:14:59.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-08T18:07:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what rights members of a child's extended family have in relation to concerns about the child's welfare.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises and appreciates the role that the wider family can play in children’s lives. The position on rights depends on the precise concerns the extended family have about the child’s welfare.\r\nUnder section 11 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, a person with an interest in a child, including a family member, may apply to the courts for parental responsibilities and rights in respect of a child and for court orders on matters such as residence or contact with the child. When considering whether or not to make an order under section 11, the court must regard the welfare of the child as its paramount consideration.\r\nThe Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill, currently before the Parliament, makes provision for additional support to be provided, by the local authority, to family members and others who apply for certain types of orders under section 11 of the 1995 Act.\r\nWe would urge anyone, including family members, who may have child protection concerns to raise these with the police or with social work departments.\r\nAny person, including a family member, who has concerns about a child’s welfare has the right to make a referral to the Children’s Reporter.\r\nUnder the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011, where members of a child’s extended family have relevant person status, or deemed relevant person status, they are entitled to participate fully in any hearing held for the child. They also have a right of appeal where they disagree with the hearing’s decision, and the right to ask for any order made to be reviewed after three months.\r\nAdditionally, a person who does not have relevant person status may be invited, at the discretion of the panel, to participate in a hearing.\r\nFinally, section 126 of the 2011 Act also provides certain rights of participation at specified review hearings for individuals who are not relevant persons but who have rights of contact with the child under a contact or permanence order.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T14:14:59.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287541,"EventID":"S4W-17022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T14:14:59.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T09:46:43.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many serving police officers there are, broken down by (a) division and (b) local authority area. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information centrally. Police Scotland is currently completing work to standardise data and HR systems across the former eight forces. Although this means that a further geographical breakdown of police officers is not available at this time, Police Scotland is currently developing this.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T14:14:59.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287542,"EventID":"S4W-17024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T14:15:00.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T09:46:43.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the most recent Police Officer Quarterly Strength Statistics Scotland does not provide a regional breakdown of the number of serving officers; who decided not to provide this, and whether this information will be included in the next edition.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Police Officer Quarterly Strength Statistics Scotland publication is used to report the Government’s on-going commitment to provide 1,000 additional police officers nationally. Prior to 1 April 2013, data were collected from each of the legacy forces and that breakdown published. Since 1 April 2013 data are collected from a national police service which employs all police officers and the national figure will be reported in future Police Officer Quarterly Strength Statistics Scotland publications.\r\nThe deployment of police officers is an operational matter for the Chief Constable of Police Scotland. Police Scotland is currently completing work to standardise data and HR systems across the former eight forces. Although this means that a further geographical breakdown of police officers is not available at this time, Police Scotland is currently developing this.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T14:15:00.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287543,"EventID":"S4W-17025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T14:15:00.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T10:22:15.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many speech and language therapists there have been in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Published information on headcount and whole time equivalent of all speech and language therapy staff, broken down by NHS board from September 2007 to June 2013, can be found on the workforce statistics via the Information Services Division (ISD) website at:\r\nhttps://isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2013-08-27/Non-Medical_Trend_J2013.xls?67409260\r\nPublished information on headcount and whole time equivalent of speech and language therapy staff, broken down by NHS board, Agenda for Change (AfC) band, age, contract type and gender, and NHS region and board from June 2012 to June 2013, can be found on the workforce statistics via the ISD website at:\r\nhttps://isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/Workforce/publications/2013-08-27/AHP_Staff_J2013.xls?67409260\r\nPublished information on headcount and whole time equivalent of speech and language therapy staff, broken down by NHS board, AfC band, age, contract type and gender, and NHS region and board from September 2007 to September 2012, can be found on the workforce statistics via the ISD website at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/publications/2012-11-27/AHP_Staff_S2012.xls?1158780\r\nNumbers for speech and language therapists working in local authority areas are not centrally held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T14:15:00.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287544,"EventID":"S4W-17026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T14:15:00.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T10:22:15.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides for children with communication difficulties.\r\n","AnswerText":"Support for children with communication difficulties is provided through the provision of Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) services by local NHS boards and through the duties of education authorities and other agencies under the Additional Support for Learning Act 2004 to identify, provide for and review the additional support needs of their pupils.\r\nThe SLT input required is based on a comprehensive assessment and joint goal setting with the child and family.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T14:15:00.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287545,"EventID":"S4W-17027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T14:15:00.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T10:22:15.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it provides for speech and language therapy.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information about the funding provided for Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) services is not held centrally.\r\nFunding for NHS Speech and Language services is provided through general NHS Board funding; it is for each NHS board to determine locally what spend is needed in the provision of individual services.\r\nChildren’s SLT services are funded partly through both NHS board funding and partly by local authorities via service level agreements between local authorities and NHS boards.\r\nAs independent corporate bodies, local authorities are responsible for managing their own budgets and deciding how best to allocate the total financial resources available to them on the basis of local needs and priorities having first fulfilled its statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities including the Scottish Government’s key strategic objectives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T14:15:00.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287546,"EventID":"S4W-17028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T14:15:01.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T10:22:15.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to improve the provision of speech and language therapy for children with neurological conditions.\r\n","AnswerText":"All children access speech and language therapy services in the same way irrespective of whether they have been diagnosed with a neurological condition.\r\nAction 4.1 of the Allied Health Professions National Delivery Plan, published in 2012, specifically focuses on the development of a transformational children and young people’s service plan to meet the evolving needs of this care group. This plan will address the need for a national, sustainable model that reflects the early years agenda and the moves towards integration and will include services for children with neurological conditions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T14:15:01.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287561,"EventID":"S4F-01530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T12:51:56.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-05T14:02:40.273","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T12:51:56.693","MeetingDate":"2013-09-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287562,"EventID":"S4F-01534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T12:51:57.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T10:11:17.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T12:51:57.333","MeetingDate":"2013-09-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287563,"EventID":"S4F-01535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T12:51:57.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T10:11:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to encourage fostering.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T12:51:57.66","MeetingDate":"2013-09-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287564,"EventID":"S4F-01536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T12:51:58.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T10:32:51.49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government is doing to ensure that terminally ill patients with conditions other than cancer are given access to palliative care.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T12:51:58.02","MeetingDate":"2013-09-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287565,"EventID":"S4F-01538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T12:51:58.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T10:53:11.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government will take to address child poverty, in light of the findings in the Annual Report for the Child Poverty Strategy for Scotland 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T12:51:58.627","MeetingDate":"2013-09-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287566,"EventID":"S4F-01549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T12:52:01.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T11:26:51.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T12:52:01.78","MeetingDate":"2013-09-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287567,"EventID":"S4T-00433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T12:52:27.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T10:52:49.503","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take in relation to the 4% increase in Scotland’s carbon footprint between 2009 and 2010 as noted in its report, Scotland’s Carbon Footprint: 1998-2010.  \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T12:52:27.53","MeetingDate":"2013-09-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287568,"EventID":"S4T-00435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T12:52:28.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T11:20:42.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the recent Bank of Scotland Purchasing Managers' Index survey.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T12:52:28.297","MeetingDate":"2013-09-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287569,"EventID":"S4W-17030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T16:45:30.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T13:47:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the budget will be for the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The draft budget allocation for 2014-15 for the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund is £25 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T16:45:30.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287570,"EventID":"S4W-17031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T16:45:30.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T13:47:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many stage 1 applications for support from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund have been (a) accepted and (b) not accepted, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"There were 147 stage 1 applications to the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund. The Investment Panel invited 41 projects to submit stage 2 applications. A list of the projects successful at stage 1 is on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/regeneration/investment/capitalgrants/rcgf/invited-to-stage-2. \r\nA summary of the decisions of the Investment Panel, broken down by local authority, is provided in the following table.\r\nLocal Authority\r\nTotal Number of Applications\r\nSuccessful in being Invited to Stage 2\r\nUnsuccessful\r\nAberdeen City Council \r\n6\r\n0\r\n6\r\nAberdeenshire Council \r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\nAngus Council \r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\nArgyll and Bute Council \r\n2\r\n2\r\n0\r\nCity of Edinburgh Council\r\n11\r\n1\r\n10\r\nClackmannanshire Council\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\nComhairle Nan Eilean Siar \r\n3\r\n2\r\n1\r\nDumfries and Galloway Council \r\n2\r\n0\r\n2\r\nDundee City Council \r\n5\r\n0\r\n5\r\nEast Ayrshire Council \r\n2\r\n0\r\n2\r\nEast Dunbartonshire Council\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\nEast Lothian Council\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\nEast Renfrewshire Council \r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\nFalkirk Council\r\n5\r\n0\r\n5\r\nFife Council \r\n16\r\n4\r\n12\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\n8\r\n3\r\n5\r\nInverclyde Council \r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\nMidlothian Council \r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\nNorth Ayrshire Council\r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\nNorth Lanarkshire Council \r\n2\r\n2\r\n0\r\nOrkney Islands Council \r\n2\r\n2\r\n0\r\nPerth & Kinross Council\r\n3\r\n1\r\n2\r\nRenfrewshire Council \r\n3\r\n1\r\n2\r\nScottish Borders Council \r\n4\r\n2\r\n2\r\nSouth Ayrshire Council \r\n2\r\n0\r\n2\r\nSouth Lanarkshire Council \r\n4\r\n0\r\n4\r\nStirling Council \r\n2\r\n0\r\n2\r\nThe Highland Council \r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\nThe Moray Council \r\n3\r\n2\r\n1\r\nWest Dunbartonshire Council\r\n8\r\n1\r\n7\r\nWest Lothian Council \r\n6\r\n1\r\n5\r\nTotal For LA Applications\r\n113\r\n31\r\n82\r\nOther organisations SPV , URC etc.\r\n34\r\n10\r\n24\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T16:45:30.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287571,"EventID":"S4W-17032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T16:45:30.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T13:47:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the stage 1 application for support from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund submitted by (a) Aberdeen City Council for all-weather pitches for Riverbank Primary School and (b) Tillydrone Community Trust for the Wallace Tower was not accepted.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Regeneration Capital Grant Fund Investment Panel considered all applications submitted at stage 1. The panel’s view was that these projects did not meet all the criteria or the wider aims of the fund.\r\nScottish Government officials met with officials from Aberdeen City Council on 9 September 2013 and provided specific feedback on each of Aberdeen City Council’s applications.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T16:45:30.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287572,"EventID":"S4W-17033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T16:45:30.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T14:39:40.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the reasons are for the increase in emissions related to consumption in the last year, as noted in the report, Scotland's Carbon Footprint 1998–2010.","AnswerText":"The slight increase in emissions related to consumption in 2010 is due to the particularly cold weather and the associated increase in emissions from household heating which occurred at the beginning and end of that year, an increase in emissions associated with imports, and an increase in emissions associated with goods produced in the UK and consumed in Scotland.\r\nSince this Government first came to office in 2007, statistics show a 19% reduction in Scotland’s global carbon footprint.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T16:45:30.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287573,"EventID":"S4W-17034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T16:45:31.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T14:39:40.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government to seek an alteration to EU trade agreements relating to consumption-based carbon emissions in order to align the cost of imports with their full carbon cost with the aim of incentivising local production.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not had any discussions with the UK Government regarding an alteration to EU trade agreements relating to consumption-based carbon emissions. However, the Scottish Government is aware of the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) publication, Reducing the UK’s carbon footprint and managing competitiveness risks published in April 2013. This report concluded that border carbon adjustments were not an alternative to a global deal on reducing global emissions, but may have value as a transitional resource if a deal continues to prove elusive. The CCC indicated resource efficiency measures and sustainable consumption could help reduce the UK’s carbon footprint.\r\nScotland is committed to working to meeting its emissions reduction targets, cut waste and use resources more efficiently. For instance, Scotland’s Zero Waste Plan, including our new waste regulations, will help to reduce Scotland’s global emissions footprint through greater prevention, reuse and recycling of materials whilst also reducing Scotland's reliance on the world’s limited supply of primary resources. Scotland is also investing significant resources in encouraging more sustainable lifestyles through the Greener Together campaign and the Climate Challenge Fund supporting households and communities to reduce their emissions and make the transition to low carbon living.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T16:45:31.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287574,"EventID":"S4W-17035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T16:45:31.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T15:27:17.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides for students aged 16 to 24 with (a) cancer and (b) serious and complex long-term health conditions other than cancer to (i) access and (ii) maintain further and higher education opportunities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is determined to support all students, and in particular, those who are battling serious and complex long-term health conditions including cancer.\r\nIn general, access to further and higher education in Scotland is a competitive process where applicants need to be able to demonstrate that they have the potential to benefit from the opportunities that are on offer. In that context, there is a need to give due consideration to circumstances that may have affected a student’s attainment. Universities and colleges will make allowances when deciding admissions if prior performance has been impeded due to illness or a long-term health condition. Beyond that, and in terms of support once a student has been accepted, please refer to the response to S4W-17036 on 24 September 2013. \r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T16:45:31.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287575,"EventID":"S4W-17036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T16:45:31.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T15:27:17.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for future support for students aged 16 to 24 with (a) cancer and (b) serious and complex long-term health conditions other than cancer in further and higher education.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is determined to support all students, and in particular, those who are battling serious and complex long-term health conditions including cancer.\r\nFrom 2013-14, all students are eligible to apply for a maintenance support package worth up to £7250 if they are studying a course of higher education (HE) and to receive help from the Scottish Government’s £97 million investment in bursary funds if they are studying a course of further education (FE).\r\nFurther help is available related to the nature of any serious and complex long-term health condition and the additional study costs that arise. This is provided across HE and FE in the form of one or more of the Disabled Students Allowance, the Disabled Students Premium, Extended Learning Support and funding for Dominant Programme Group 18. Beyond that, and as set out in Partnership Matters, colleges and universities work with health and social services to agree support packages where the responsibility for meeting all the needs of a student with an underlying medical condition is shared.\r\nThe Student Awards Agency for Scotland can extend the number of years whereby a student qualifies for support if study is interrupted due to an underlying medical condition. Universities and colleges will also review their expectations around course progression where such a condition prevents a student from fully engaging with their studies, and will also consider what impact any such condition might have had on attainment leading up to application.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T16:45:31.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287576,"EventID":"S4W-17037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T16:45:31.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T15:27:17.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides for people aged 16 to 24 with (a) cancer and (b) serious and complex long-term health conditions other than cancer to (i) access and (ii) maintain employment and training opportunities.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that all young people with a disability, a long term health condition or an additional support need are supported as they access and maintain employment and training opportunities. This is done through a number strategic documents and through institutional and targeted student support some of which I have detailed.\r\nStrategic Guidance:\r\nThe Scottish Government document Opportunities for All Supporting all young people to participate in post-16 learning, training or work sets out the roles and responsibilities for all partners involved in the delivery of learning and training for young people. It details the multi-agency approach required to appropriately plan for a young person to move through learning and training and into work. Ensuring that every transition the young person makes is supported by the most appropriate partner. \r\nThe Scottish Government document “Partnership Matters” describes the roles and responsibilities of health boards, local authority social work departments, the College/University and others. It describes how they should come together and work in partnership to enable students with such conditions to access college or university and be supported during their studies.\r\nInstitutional and Targeted Support:\r\nMuch of the support in this area is provided by the third sector, supported in large part through Scottish Government funding. The third sector plays a critical role in supporting disabled people and people who live with long term conditions to access and maintain employment and training opportunities. A whole range of third sector organisations offer employment support, for example:\r\nCommunity Jobs Scotland, which is delivered in partnership with the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, provides support to unemployed young people into work and training opportunities across the third sector. Participants receive at least the minimum wage to undertake job related training for a minimum of six months in the third sector and additional training tailored to help them enhance their general employability. This programme is now entering its third year with a total investment to date of £29 million.\r\nMomentum delivers a range of programmes supporting people with acquired brain injuries and other disabled people and people who live with long term conditions to gain employment for the first time and assist disabled people and ensure people can realise their goals and achieve their potential.\r\nSITE (Supported Integration Training and Employment) provide training and support to people affected by sight loss.\r\nWork4ME is a social enterprise championing self-employment for people with long term conditions and offer a range of services to support people in self-employment.\r\nTargeted Employer Recruitment Incentive, is a £1.5 million investment by the Scottish Government over three years which seeks to encourage employers to assist the transition of young people with complex needs into sustainable employment. The eligibility criteria for this incentive has been extended to enable more young people to be supported and the Scottish Government has invested a further £500k to do this.\r\nSelf-Management Fund:\r\nSelf-management plays an important role in supporting disabled people and people who live with long term conditions to access and maintain employment and training opportunities. The Self-Management Fund, available to third sector organisations throughout Scotland since March 2009, aims to build the capacity of people with long term conditions to effectively self-manage.\r\nSince 2009, the Scottish Government’s Self-Management Fund, delivered by the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland, has supported a number of projects focussed specifically on employability for instance. \r\nSKS Scotland explored models of employment that reduce the likelihood of people living with M.E. having to give up work. This involved a two part action research project which aims to discov","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T16:45:31.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287577,"EventID":"S4W-17038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-09T16:45:32.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T15:27:17.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for future support for people aged 16 to 24 with (a) cancer and (b) serious and complex long-term health conditions other than cancer in employment and training.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to the support already in place and will continue to prioritise supporting young people into employment and training, especially those with serious health conditions and those furthest from the labour market.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-23T16:45:32.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287589,"EventID":"S4W-17039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T14:00:35.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T16:50:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is considering trials of recording sheep and goat movements by the Scottish livestock traceability research team (ScotEID) and, if so, for what reason.\r\n","AnswerText":"It was agreed at the joint Scottish Government/Industry Group meeting on 2 July 2013 to complete the sheep and goat part of the ScotEID database system. This will involve a stepped and controlled move across from the Scottish Animal Movement System (SAMS) which was set up in 2002 to the new ScotEID database system which became operational during 2010.\r\nIt will allow all sheep and goat movement reporting to be recorded on a single system which is visible to the keeper, movements can be recorded and reported in real-time, at individual animal identity level, leading to improved traceability in the event of a disease outbreak.\r\nThe ScotEID system will enable keepers to report and record movements electronically as well as via paper, operate an online holding register, view all their movement data and if necessary refine any anomalies in their movement data.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T14:00:36.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287590,"EventID":"S4W-17040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T14:00:36.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T16:50:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) will happen to staff in the Scottish Animal Movement Unit and (b) safeguards will be put in place if monitoring of sheep and goat movements is transferred to the Scottish livestock traceability research team (ScotEID).\r\n","AnswerText":"The staff within the Scottish Animal Movement Unit will record sheep and goat movements on the ScotEID database system in the same way they currently enter them on the Scottish Animal Movement System.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T14:00:36.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287591,"EventID":"S4W-17042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T14:00:37.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T16:50:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the status is of the Scottish livestock traceability research team (ScotEID).\r\n","AnswerText":"The team are part of the ScotEID research project which is governed by the joint Scottish Government/Industry Working Group, whose aim is to deliver workable and practical solutions for the implementation of EU legislation on the identification and traceability of livestock in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T14:00:37.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287592,"EventID":"S4W-17043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T14:00:37.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T16:52:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the current status is of discussions between the Scottish Government and the UK Government regarding press regulation in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government continues to liaise with the UK Government on press regulation in the context of the Privy Council’s consideration of these matters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T14:00:37.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287593,"EventID":"S4W-17044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T14:00:37.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T16:52:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the newspaper industry regarding press regulation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has met the Scottish Newspaper Society on four occasions since the publication of Lord Justice Leveson’s An inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press: report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T14:00:37.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287594,"EventID":"S4W-17045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T14:00:37.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T17:19:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide details of the meetings that the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has had with local authority (a) education conveners and (b) directors of education since January 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has had the following meetings which have included both local authority education convenors and directors of education since January 2013:\r\nAngus Council meeting regarding schools capital project: 28 February 2013\r\nEast Ayrshire Council meeting regarding Phase 3 school within the Schools for the Future Programme: 8 May 2013\r\nADES Conference on Curriculum for Excellence: 13 May 2013\r\nOfficial opening of Dreghorn Primary School in North Ayrshire: 15 May 2013\r\nOfficial opening of Spittal primary, Rutherglen: 9 September 2013\r\nThe Second Education Round-table event co-hosted by Cosla and the Scottish Government (education convenors and directors of education in attendance) 11 September 2013\r\nOfficial opening of Haddington Infants and St Mary’s primary: 12 September 2013 \r\nThe Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has also met with education convenors and directors of education during school visits and summer cabinet.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T14:00:37.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287595,"EventID":"S4W-17046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T14:00:38.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T17:19:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning will introduce the senior phase benchmarking tool.","AnswerText":"The senior phase benchmarking tool will go live in August 2014. The Scottish Government is working closely with local authorities, secondary schools and other partners throughout the development stages. This includes making available early prototype editions for stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the features and provide feedback. All local authorities can already access an early edopter edition. Local authorities and secondary schools will receive access to a preview edition at the end of September 2013. This will be followed by the release of an updated prototype in spring 2014 and then the live version in August 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T14:00:38.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287596,"EventID":"S4W-17051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T14:00:38.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T10:52:52.093","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16040 by Nicola Sturgeon on 6 August 2013, whether the number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have won public procurement contracts from Scotland Excel in the last year is consistent with the Scottish Government's stated objective to assist SMEs.","AnswerText":"Scotland Excel is independent of Scottish Government. It was established by local government following the 2006 McClelland Report to act as the Centre of Procurement Expertise for the sector.\r\nScotland Excel participates in Scotland’s Public Procurement Reform Programme and work actively towards its common goals including improving suppliers access to public contracts.\r\nReporting from data held on Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) does not enable us to provide information on an organisation or sector specific basis, but does provide information for all public sector bodies using PCS.\r\nOf the businesses winning contracts through PCS last calendar year: \r\n82% were registered as SMEs; \r\n80% were registered with a Scottish address; and,\r\n68% were registered as being both Scottish and SMEs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T14:00:38.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287597,"EventID":"S4W-17052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T14:00:38.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T10:52:52.093","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16040 by Nicola Sturgeon on 6 August 2013, whether the number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have won contracts from Scotland Excel for supplying educational goods in the last year is in line with the Scottish Government's stated objective to assist SMEs.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland Excel is independent of Scottish Government. It was established by local government following the 2006 McClelland Report to act as the Centre of Procurement Expertise for the sector.\r\nFigures for contracts from Scotland Excel for supplying educational goods in the last year are not available from Scottish Government systems. Details of contracts let by Scotland Excel can be found on their website.\r\nScotland Excel participates in Scotland’s Public Procurement Reform Programme and actively work towards its common goals including improving suppliers access to public contracts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T14:00:38.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287598,"EventID":"S4W-17053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T14:00:38.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T12:17:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the running costs for each of its directorates were in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13 and have been since April 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The running costs by Director General charged to the Scottish Government’s Administration Budget for the financial years 2011-12 (April 2011 to March 2012) and 2012-13 (April 2012 to March 2013), and from April 2013 to July 2013 are set out in the following table.\r\nDirector General\r\nFinancial Year\r\n2011-12\r\n£000\r\nFinancial Year\r\n2012-13\r\n£000\r\nSpend from April 2013 to end July 2013\r\n£000\r\nEnterprise, Environment and Digital\r\n20,988\r\n21,031\r\n7,039\r\nFinance\r\n23,796\r\n23,834\r\n5,079\r\nGovernance and Communities\r\n102,358\r\n89,427\r\n27,110\r\nHealth and Social Care\r\n24,924\r\n24,790\r\n8,078\r\nLearning and Justice\r\n23,677\r\n22,046\r\n6,295\r\nStrategy and External Affairs\r\n23,739\r\n23,238\r\n7,505\r\nTotal\r\n219,482\r\n204,366\r\n61,106\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Structural changes that have taken place over the period affect any year on year comparison.\r\n2. Expenditure up to end July 2013 reflects provisional outturn.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T14:00:39.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287599,"EventID":"S4W-17054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T14:00:39.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T12:17:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the hospitality bill was for events held in (a) Bute House and (b) Edinburgh Castle in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"The costs for Scottish Government hosted events at: a) Bute House; and b) Edinburgh Castle for: i) 2010-11; ii) 2011-12; and iii) 2012-13 are detailed in the following tables.\r\nBute House\r\nFinancial Year\r\nTotal Cost\r\n2010-11\r\n£28,581.82\r\n2011-12 \r\n£23,322.50\r\n2012-13 \r\n£9,308.42\r\n\r\nEdinburgh Castle\r\nFinancial Year\r\nTotal Cost\r\n2010-11\r\n£200,999.97\r\n2011-12 \r\n£71,335.17\r\n2012-13 \r\n£142,794.67\r\nThe Scottish Government use Bute House and Edinburgh Castle, which incur no facility fee, as a resource to host a range of meetings, dinners and receptions to conduct official business, showcase Scotland and to celebrate and recognise worthy causes.\r\nFor example, some events included in these costs are: a reception to recognise the work of Breast Cancer Care, as part of the charity’s 40th Anniversary celebrations during Breast Cancer Awareness Month; a dinner to celebrate the visit of Joyce Banda, the President of Malawi, during the bi-centenary celebrations of David Livingstone; a reception to celebrate the visit of the US Fulbright Scholars to Scotland; and the Brave@Heart Awards, recognising and celebrating extreme acts of bravery by the people of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2015-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T14:00:39.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287600,"EventID":"S4W-17055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T14:00:39.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T12:17:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it spent on press cutting services in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government figures are set out in the following table\r\nYear\r\nExpenditure\r\n2010-11\r\n£70,496\r\n2011-12\r\n£55,849\r\n2012-13\r\n£58,243\r\n\r\nThe 2011-12 costs are slightly lower than usual because the volume of press cuttings reduced during the pre-election period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T14:00:39.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287601,"EventID":"S4W-17056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T14:00:39.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T12:17:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it spent on newspapers in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government operates a central contract for the purchase of newspapers and weekly magazines. The annual spending under this contract for the periods specified was as follows:\r\nYear\r\nTotal spend\r\n2010-11\r\n£185,458.67\r\n2011-12\r\n£158,982.38\r\n2012-13\r\n£128,280.32\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T14:00:39.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287602,"EventID":"S4W-17057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T14:00:39.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T12:17:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what newspapers and magazines it buys for the specific use of its special advisers and at what cost.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Special Advisers Office subscribes to a range of newspapers and specialist periodicals for communication and research purposes. The office shares newspapers across private offices whenever possible to ensure value for money.\r\nThe Scottish Government operates a central contract for the purchase of newspapers and journals. The following tables list the current newspapers and journals that the Special Advisers Office subscribe to along with the cost:\r\nNewspapers\r\nAberdeen Evening Express £0.50\r\nThe Courier £0.60\r\nDundee Evening Telegraph £0.45\r\nEvening News £0.60\r\nEvening Times £0.60\r\nDaily Express £0.45\r\nSunday Express £1.35\r\nFinancial Times £2.50\r\nThe Guardian £1.40\r\nThe Herald £1.20\r\nSunday Herald £1.30\r\nThe Independent £1.40\r\nThe Independent on Sunday £2.20\r\nDaily Mail £0.60\r\nSunday Mail £1.40\r\nDaily Mirror £0.55\r\nSunday Mirror £1.10\r\nThe Observer £2.50\r\nAberdeen Press and Journal £0.60\r\nDaily Record £0.50\r\nScotland on Sunday £2.10\r\nThe Scotsman £1.20\r\nDaily Star £0.35\r\nThe Sun £0.40\r\nThe Sun on Sunday £0.60\r\nSunday Mail £1.40\r\nThe Mail on Sunday £1.50\r\nSunday Post £1.30\r\nDaily Telegraph £1.20\r\nSunday Telegraph £2\r\nThe Times £1.00\r\nThe Sunday Times £2.50\r\n\r\nJournals\r\nEuropean Voice £3.50\r\nFarmers’ Guardian £2.40\r\nHarvard Business Review £7.10\r\nThe Spectator £3.50\r\nFishing News £2.35\r\nBloomberg Business Week £3.50\r\nNew Statesman £3.50\r\nThe Scottish Farmer £2.40\r\nTESS £1.95\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T14:00:39.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287603,"EventID":"S4W-17058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T14:00:40.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T12:17:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many nurses the NHS employed and at what cost in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13. \r\n","AnswerText":"Information on how many NHSScotland staff are employed in nursing and midwifery positions, and at what cost, in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13 is shown in the following table.\r\nFinancial Year\r\nAverage WTE for Financial Year 1\r\nGross Charge \r\n(£ million) 2\r\n2010-11\r\n56,707.6\r\n2,119.2\r\n2011-12\r\n58,470.2\r\n2,137.1\r\n2012-13\r\n58,871.1\r\n2,164.7\r\nSource: ISD Scotland, Scottish Workforce Standard System, as at 31st March 2013\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) represents the average WTE worked over the financial year. This will not match the published ISD national statistic, as this is an average over the year and the National Statistic is taken as a snapshot at a particular time.\r\n2. Gross charge is defined as all payments received by the employee plus the additional employer costs (NI and Pension Contributions).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T14:00:40.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287604,"EventID":"S4W-17059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T14:00:40.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T12:17:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it spent on (a) government procurement cards and (b) travel and subsistence charge cards in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13.","AnswerText":"Total expenditure on government procurement cards and travel and subsistence charge cards for the financial years 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13 is published on the Scottish Government web site:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Information/expenditure/GPC.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T14:00:40.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287605,"EventID":"S4W-17060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T14:00:40.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T12:17:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cars it has provided for ministerial and associated travel from (a) its car pool and (b) private car hire firms in each of the last three years and at what cost.\r\n","AnswerText":"The government car service does not hold a breakdown of the number of journeys completed by its car pool and private hire.\r\nThe following table details the combined total number of journeys completed by both the government car service car pool and private hire firms, with the associated costs for the last three years.\r\nYear\r\nTotal number of journeys\r\nCost of Government car service\r\nCost of private hire\r\nTotal cost\r\n2010 - 11\r\n8,159\r\n£ 928,957\r\n£ 46,081\r\n£ 974,678\r\n2011 - 12\r\n9,201\r\n£ 975,130\r\n£ 99,584\r\n£ 1,074,714\r\n2012 - 13\r\n10,389\r\n£ 1,045,252\r\n£ 159,612\r\n£ 1,204,864\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T14:00:40.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287606,"EventID":"S4W-17061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T14:00:40.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T12:17:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the estimated cost has been of abolishing prescription charges since 1 April 2011.","AnswerText":"The introduction of free prescriptions for all in Scotland has been fully funded by the Scottish Government, and has been achieved at no cost to the NHS.\r\n£57 million was added to the baseline budgets of territorial NHS boards in 2011-12 to meet the costs of abolishing this tax on ill-health, and is therefore subject to annual uplifts in line with the overall budget for the NHS in Scotland.\r\nPrescription charges impose costs on people with chronic conditions for the medicines that keeps them well, or even alive, not to mention the additional costs if their illnesses flare-up. This was a key message in a report by the Prescription Charges Coalition in England (March 2013), Paying the Price, Prescription Charges and People with Long-Term Conditions.\r\nIn its survey of over 3,700 people with long-term conditions, the report highlights that over a third of respondents who pay for each prescription had not collected at least one item due to cost, with three quarters of this group reporting that their health got worse as a result, and 10% reporting that they ended up in hospital as a direct consequence of not taking their medication.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T14:00:40.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287607,"EventID":"S4W-17062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T14:00:41.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T12:17:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S3W-33910 by John Swinney on 11 June 2010, what quangos have been wound up since June 2010; what the net savings have been; what plans there are to reduce expenditure further on quangos, and what relevant savings are projected.","AnswerText":"The number of National Devolved Public Bodies has reduced from 162 in June 2010 to 113. Details of these changes and net savings can be found in Table 1. The SG remains committed to protecting and improving public services through improving performance, efficiency and simplifying the delivery landscape, for example through the recent consultation proposals concerning the merger of Historic Scotland and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments in Scotland. More broadly the Public Service Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 places a duty on listed public bodies to publish an annual statement of the steps they have taken to improve efficiency. Ministers have made clear their expectation that public bodies will deliver annual efficiency savings of at least 3% during the course of the current Spending Review.\r\nTable 1. \r\nPublic Bodies Abolished\r\nDate\r\nPeriod\r\nNet savings (£m)\r\nHistoric Environment Advisory Council for Scotland\t \r\nAugust 2010\r\n2008-14\r\n\r\n0.842\r\nSites of Special Scientific Interest Advisory Committee\t \r\nAugust 2010\r\n2008-14\r\n\r\n0.035\r\nScottish Industrial Development Advisory Board\t                                  \r\nAugust 2010\r\n2008-14\r\n\r\n0.020\r\nBuilding Standards Advisory Committee\t                                            \r\nAugust 2010\r\n2008-14\r\n\r\n0.01840\r\nScottish Records Advisory Council\t                                            \r\nAugust 2010\r\n2008-14\r\n\r\n0.0010\r\nSustainable Development Commission in Scotland                                  \r\nMarch 2011\r\n2008-13\r\n\r\n0.2454\r\nWaterwatch Scotland\t                                                                       \r\nAugust 2011\r\n2010-11 to 13-14\r\n\r\n0.408\r\nPublic Transport Users Committee for Scotland                                       \r\nApril 2013     \r\n2010-11 to 2013-15\r\n\r\n0.019\r\nDeer Commission Scotland\r\nAugust 2010\r\n2008-09 to 2013-14\r\n\r\n0.267\r\nScottish Prison Complaints Commissioner\r\nOctober 2010\r\n2008-09 to 2013-14\r\n\r\n0.45\r\nFisheries Electricity Committee \r\nOctober 2010\r\n2008-13\r\n\r\n0.160\r\nPublic Bodies Merged to make new organisation \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCreative Scotland\r\n(Scottish Arts Council; Scottish Screen)\t\r\nJuly 2010\r\n2008-09 to 2013-2014\r\n\r\n3.549\r\nCare Inspectorate\r\n(Social Work Inspection Agency; parts of the Care Commission; some functions of HM Inspectorate of Education) \t                                              \r\nApril 2011\r\n2008-09 to 2013-14\r\n\r\n3.040\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland\r\n(NHS Quality Improvement Scotland; parts of the Care Commission)\r\nApril 2011\r\n2009-10 to 2013-2014\r\n\r\n3.208\r\nJames Hutton Institute\r\n(Macaulay Institute; Scottish Crop Research Institute)\r\nApril 2011\r\n2008-09 to 2012-13\r\n\r\n-1.787\r\nCommission for Ethical Standards in Public Life Scotland\r\n(Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland; Parliamentary Standards Commissioner)\r\nApril 2011\r\n2008-09 to 2012-13\r\n\r\n0.047\r\nNational Records of Scotland\r\n(General Registers Office for Scotland; National Archives of Scotland)\r\nApril 2011\r\n2010-11 to 2014-15\r\n\r\n1.5\r\nEducation Scotland\r\n(HM Inspectorate of Education; Learning & Teaching Scotland)\r\nJuly 2011\r\n2010-11 to 2014-15\r\n\r\n6.71\r\nPublic Bodies which have been streamlined\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChildren’s Hearings Scotland  \r\nJune 2013  \r\n\r\nCost neutral\r\n(reduction of 31 bodies)                                                                            \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFOOTNOTE\r\nScottish Police and Scottish Fire and Rescue Services\r\nThe Scottish Police Services Authority ceased to exist as an Executive NDPB on 31 March 2013 and was subsumed into the new single Police Service of Scotland under the terms of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012. \r\nThe Scottish Police Authority (SPA) was established under the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 and became a new public body on 1 April 2013.\r\nPolice Scotland was formed from Scotland’s previous eight forces (not public bodies) and went live on 1 April 2013. It is outwith the scope of this question.\r\n\r\nScottish Fire and Rescue Service was formed from Scotland’s pre","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T14:00:41.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287627,"EventID":"S4W-17047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T16:49:11.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T09:18:22.02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has stopped providing tuition fee funding and grants for postgraduate educational psychology courses since 2012 and, if so, for what reason; whether this has created a two-tier system; whether it considers that this will have a negative impact on the number of full-time equivalent educational psychologists in local authorities, and what it is doing to address the shortage of educational psychologists predicted by the Association of Scottish Principal Educational Psychologists.","AnswerText":"Educational psychology remains on the list of approved courses for postgraduate support and we have no plans to change this.\r\nThe Scottish Government chairs the National Scottish Steering Group for educational psychologists whereby we work closely with the sector to plan around future workforce requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T16:49:11.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287628,"EventID":"S4W-17063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T16:49:12.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T13:04:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-03974, S4W-10157 and S4W-11225 by Richard Lochhead on 21 November 2011, 12 November 2012 and 28 November 2012 respectively, whether it plans to introduce secondary legislation under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 regarding the (a) sale of pets, including internet sales, (b) use of animal sanctuaries, (c) use of wild animals in circuses, (d) regulation of equine establishments, (e) use of electronic shock collars for dog training and (f) breeding and sale of dogs and, if so what the timetable is.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government met with stakeholders on 22 March to discuss the sale of pets, including internet sales, and we are currently considering what further action might be taken.\r\nA consultation regarding a possible ban on the use of wild animals in circuses has been drafted; we are currently awaiting clarification of the legal position of any ban before issuing.\r\nAn informal survey on the matter of equine establishments was carried out in 2012. A number of options are currently under consideration.\r\nThe latest Defra-funded research into the effect of electronic shock collars found no evidence of long-term or significant harm to dog welfare. Based on this evidence the Scottish Government do not believe that there are sufficient grounds for a ban.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T16:49:12.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287629,"EventID":"S4W-17064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T16:49:12.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T13:04:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Pet Advertising Advisory Group's suggested minimum standards for classified websites that advertise the sale of pet animals, and whether it considers that introducing these would improve animal welfare standards among online advertisers and protect people from acquiring sick, dangerous or illegal animals.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises that the sale of pets online is a growing animal welfare concern. We have met with stakeholders to discuss the issue of pet vending, including online pet sales. It is clear from those discussions that there is a need for a better public understanding of the risks involved in purchasing pets via the internet.\r\nWe therefore support the work of the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG) and fully endorse their recently launched minimum standards for the online advertisement of companion animals. Widespread uptake could have a significant positive impact on both animal welfare and customer satisfaction. We will endeavour wherever possible, to promote these standards to the general public and to advertising websites.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T16:49:12.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287630,"EventID":"S4W-17065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T16:49:13.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T14:33:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides or is considering to assist students with the cost of travel at peak times.\r\n","AnswerText":"The SFC’s rules for further education student support allow eligibility for travel allowance when a student lives more than two miles from the college he/she attends. This allowance is dependent upon the student’s personal circumstances.\r\nEligible students studying higher education level courses are awarded travel assistance as part of the overall higher education student support package, administered by the Students Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T16:49:13.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287631,"EventID":"S4W-17066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T16:49:13.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T15:19:03.327","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many NHS managers are being offered an improved pay deal in autumn 2013.","AnswerText":"There are 916 whole time equivalent staff in the executive and senior management cohorts. These employees have been subject to a complete pay freeze of up to four years. Details of the 2013-14 pay settlement covering this group will be announced in a forthcoming pay circular.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T16:49:13.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287632,"EventID":"S4W-17067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T16:49:13.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T15:19:03.327","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what average percentage pay increase is being offered to NHS managers.","AnswerText":"Details of the 2013-14 pay settlement for NHS executive and senior managers will be announced in a forthcoming pay circular. This will be entirely consistent with Scottish Government Pay Policy for 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T16:49:13.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287633,"EventID":"S4W-17068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T16:49:13.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T15:19:03.327","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which elements of the NHS management pay arrangements it plans to review.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to review elements of the current NHS executive and senior management pay arrangements. I have indicated that I would be interested in hearing views on how these arrangements might evolve in the future as we move towards our 2020 vision for an integrated health workforce.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T16:49:13.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287634,"EventID":"S4W-17071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T16:49:14.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T15:49:39.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will introduce the Procurement Reform Bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Procurement Reform (Scotland) Bill will be introduced shortly. The First Minister confirmed to members during his appearance in front of the Scottish Parliament Conveners’ Group on 12 September that the Bill had been submitted to the Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T16:49:14.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287635,"EventID":"S4W-17072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-10T16:49:14.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T15:49:39.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it planned to introduce the Procurement Reform Bill as part of its 2012-13 legislative programme and, if so, for what reason it did not do so.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15200 on 23 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-24T16:49:14.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287636,"EventID":"S4O-02382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:23.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T10:17:15.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing last met NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:23.513","MeetingDate":"2013-09-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287637,"EventID":"S4O-02383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:24.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T12:03:40.78","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that all families with children up to two years old have regular access to a health visitor.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:24.53","MeetingDate":"2013-09-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287638,"EventID":"S4O-02384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:24.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T12:03:41.203","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the effectiveness of the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing's letter of 22 February 2013 to NHS boards encouraging them to support a culture of openness among staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:24.793","MeetingDate":"2013-09-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287639,"EventID":"S4O-02385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:25.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T15:38:37.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that people who care for stroke patients are given a carer’s assessment.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:25.137","MeetingDate":"2013-09-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287640,"EventID":"S4O-02386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:25.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T12:03:42.107","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government to what extent personal circumstances are taken into account when considering middle-aged men for a free health check.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:25.403","MeetingDate":"2013-09-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287641,"EventID":"S4O-02387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:25.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T12:03:42.483","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the NHS pays each year in PFI service charges.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:25.793","MeetingDate":"2013-09-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287642,"EventID":"S4O-02388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:26.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T10:46:26.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its response to The Review of NHS Pharmaceutical Care of Patients in the Community in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:26.043","MeetingDate":"2013-09-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287643,"EventID":"S4O-02389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:26.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T12:03:43.013","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many reports of female genital mutilation have been made to the police by NHS staff since 2005.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:26.37","MeetingDate":"2013-09-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287644,"EventID":"S4O-02390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:26.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T12:25:09.803","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde regarding the filling of vacant positions.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:26.667","MeetingDate":"2013-09-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287645,"EventID":"S4O-02391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:26.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T12:03:43.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met NHS Grampian and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:26.9","MeetingDate":"2013-09-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287646,"EventID":"S4O-02392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:27.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T16:00:08.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation's decision not to recommend the introduction of the meningitis B vaccine.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:27.227","MeetingDate":"2013-09-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287647,"EventID":"S4O-02393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:27.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T12:03:43.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the effectiveness of the Douglas Street treatment suite in Hamilton and whether NHS Lanarkshire plans to introduce similar services elsewhere. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:27.46","MeetingDate":"2013-09-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287648,"EventID":"S4O-02394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:27.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T12:03:44.54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will extend the inspection of older people programme to include NHS continuing care beds.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:27.79","MeetingDate":"2013-09-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287649,"EventID":"S4O-02395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:28.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T12:03:44.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent action it has taken to reduce waiting times at accident and emergency departments.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:28.273","MeetingDate":"2013-09-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287650,"EventID":"S4O-02396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:28.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T12:03:45.477","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle bowel cancer.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:28.537","MeetingDate":"2013-09-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287651,"EventID":"S4O-02397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:28.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T12:03:45.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to warn parents and carers of the danger from children swallowing laundry or dishwasher tablets.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provides funding to the Royal Society of the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) to promote and raise awareness of home safety issues across Scotland, including poisonings as a consequence of ingesting the contents of the laundry and dish washing products.\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde with support from RoSPA has recently launched an initiative called “Not for play…keep them away”. This is raising awareness to families in the Glasgow area with a three or four month old child in an effort to curb liquitab poisonings. As part of the campaign, free cupboard locks are also being provided, which should help to make sure that laundry and dishwasher tablets are kept away from children.\r\nIt must be recognised however, that cupboard catches are child resistant, not child-proof so there is still a need for ongoing awareness and vigilance. Any accident is one too many and the Scottish Government will continue to work closely with RoSPA to promote home safety. I will instruct my officials to seek feedback on how this campaign is received and to continue to consider what more can be done on a national basis to support this issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:28.757","MeetingDate":"2013-09-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287652,"EventID":"S4O-02398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:28.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T12:03:46.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the implications are of the proposals in the Draft Budget 2014-15 for the resource budget of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is planned to provide NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde with a resource funding uplift of 2.7 per cent in 2014-15, which represents 0.8 per cent in real terms.\r\nIn 2014-15 we are planning to adjust NHS boards baselines in respect of the Adult and Social Care Change fund, For NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde this has the presentational effect of reducing the headline uplift from 2.7 per cent to 2.6 per cent.\r\nIt is also worth noting that the £842 million investment on the new South Glasgow Hospitals Project remains on time and on budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:29.007","MeetingDate":"2013-09-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287653,"EventID":"S4O-02399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:29.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T09:07:53.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the changes to the treatment room suite in Hamilton, what action it is taking to review the patient experience.\r\n","AnswerText":"The operation of the treatment room suite in Hamilton is a matter for NHS Lanarkshire. We expect all NHS boards to regularly and rigorously review their service provision and to ensure that they are safe and sustainable and that patients are receiving the best quality healthcare. A patient experience survey into the treatment room service in Douglas Street, Hamilton, was carried out by the board in July 2013. The vast majority of the feedback received from patients was positive, with 98.5% of responses being either wholly or partly favourable.\r\nSimilar patient experience surveys have been undertaken by NHS Lanarkshire in the other treatment room areas. The board advises that the patient experience survey, which includes waiting times, attendance and access forms part of an ongoing review process, and will be repeated in the future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:29.303","MeetingDate":"2013-09-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287654,"EventID":"S4O-02400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:30.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T09:53:33.847","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it gives to NHS Highland to assist the delivery of services in island communities.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards, including NHS Highland, receive annual allocations based on the National Resource Allocation Committee or NRAC formula, which takes account of remoteness and rurality. Within this funding allocation, it is for NHS Highland to plan and provide services to meet the needs of the communities it serves.\r\nAdditionally, the Minister for Public Health recently announced £1.5 million of funding for the launch of pilots by NHS Highland to develop and test new models of delivering sustainable healthcare in remote and rural areas, including island communities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:30.02","MeetingDate":"2013-09-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287655,"EventID":"S4O-02401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:30.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T12:03:46.96","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask Scottish Government, in light of its investment in support of grassroots football, what recent discussions it has had with the football authorities regarding clubs being owned on a cooperative basis. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government continues to fund Supporters Direct Scotland, an organisation who works with the football authorities and supporters trusts to develop a community fans based ownership model.\r\nSupporters Direct Scotland are actively supporting fans group including the foundation of Hearts and Dunfermline fans. Pars United secure a sustainable ownership model by providing expert advice and support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:30.253","MeetingDate":"2013-09-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287656,"EventID":"S4O-02402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:30.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T12:04:03.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress the Cabinet Secretary for Justice has made on implementing plans for the introduction of video-link facilities and family hearings in those towns where courts are to close.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:30.487","MeetingDate":"2013-09-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287657,"EventID":"S4O-02403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:30.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T10:33:18.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the participation of police officers makes a positive difference to road safety education in schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:30.8","MeetingDate":"2013-09-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287658,"EventID":"S4O-02404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:31.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T12:04:04.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made on implementing an injury surveillance programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:31.113","MeetingDate":"2013-09-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287659,"EventID":"S4O-02405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:31.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T12:04:04.93","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to achieve access to high speed broadband across the Highlands and Islands.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:31.377","MeetingDate":"2013-09-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287660,"EventID":"S4O-02406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:31.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T12:04:05.133","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Justice last met the chief executive of the Scottish Court Service and what was discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:31.643","MeetingDate":"2013-09-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287661,"EventID":"S4O-02407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:31.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T12:04:05.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to install average speed cameras on the A96.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:31.923","MeetingDate":"2013-09-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287662,"EventID":"S4O-02408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:32.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T11:40:26.083","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent progress it has made in taking forward the business rates incentivisation scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:32.22","MeetingDate":"2013-09-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287663,"EventID":"S4O-02409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:32.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T12:04:06.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on implementing the Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:32.61","MeetingDate":"2013-09-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287664,"EventID":"S4O-02410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:32.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T12:04:06.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the proposed National Planning Framework 3.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Proposed Framework will be published and laid in the Scottish Parliament by early 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:32.937","MeetingDate":"2013-09-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287665,"EventID":"S4O-02411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:47:33.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-09T12:04:06.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the disposal of land at 55 Clark Street, Paisley was subject to Crichel Down rules.\r\n","AnswerText":"The land at 57 Clark Street, Paisley was subject to the Crichel Down Rules. Having been acquired from a company that was subsequently dissolved, it could not be offered back to the original owner in terms of those Rules. It was disposed of on the open market, having regard to guidance set down in the Scottish Public Finance Manual.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:47:33.31","MeetingDate":"2013-09-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287671,"EventID":"S4W-17078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:49:24.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T16:47:03.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16819 by Keith Brown on 9 September 2013, whether it will involve local ferry action groups in the tendering process for the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services contract for 2013-16.","AnswerText":"No tender process has occurred for the Clyde and Hebrides ferry service for2013-2016 as a contract extension for this period has been directly awarded.\r\nThe tender for the next Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services contract, post 2016, is set to commence in Autumn 2014. As stated in answer to S4W-16819, we will involve action groups regarding other ferry services as and when appropriate. The level and type of involvement for such groups can be considered by Ministers on a case by case basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:49:24.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287672,"EventID":"S4W-17079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:49:25.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T16:48:44.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will legislate to make the use of CCTV mandatory in abattoirs for animal welfare purposes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government position on CCTV is currently under review. Legislating to make the use of CCTV mandatory in abattoirs is one of a range of possible options being considered.\r\nCCTV is already installed in many abattoirs voluntarily and welfare at slaughter in abattoirs is monitored by FSA Official Veterinarians. Before taking any action with regard to CCTV we would need to be satisfied that it would be a proportionate and effective additional measure to improve animal welfare.\r\nWe are continuing to collect information from a number of sources. Once a clear picture has been reached, we will decide what further action is appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:49:25.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287673,"EventID":"S4W-17080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:49:25.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T16:48:44.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will issue a statutory code under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 to regulate the voluntary use of CCTV in abattoirs for animal welfare purposes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government position on CCTV is currently under review. The issuing of a statutory code to regulate the voluntary use of CCTV in abattoirs is one of a range of possible options being considered.\r\nCCTV is already installed in many abattoirs voluntarily and welfare at slaughter in abattoirs is monitored by FSA Official Veterinarians. Before taking any action with regard to CCTV we would need to be satisfied that it would be a proportionate and effective additional measure to improve animal welfare.\r\nWe are continuing to collect information from a number of sources. Once a clear picture has been reached, we will decide what further action is appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:49:25.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287674,"EventID":"S4W-17081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:49:25.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-10T16:48:44.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will issue guidance on the voluntary use of CCTV in abattoirs for animal welfare purposes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government position on CCTV is currently under review. The issuing of guidance on the voluntary use of CCTV in abattoirs is one of a range of possible options being considered.\r\nCCTV is already installed in many abattoirs voluntarily and welfare at slaughter in abattoirs is monitored by FSA Official Veterinarians. Before taking any action with regard to CCTV we would need to be satisfied that it would be a proportionate and effective additional measure to improve animal welfare.\r\nWe are continuing to collect information from a number of sources. Once a clear picture has been reached, we will decide what further action is appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:49:25.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287675,"EventID":"S4W-17082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:49:25.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T12:15:39.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what powers it has to prevent adverts that might be considered offensive, misleading or liable to incite racial hatred being placed in public buildings.","AnswerText":"Under the Public Order Act 1986 and other legislation, it is a criminal offence for a person to display written material which is threatening, abusive or insulting if he or she intends thereby to stir up racial hatred or if, having regard to all the circumstances, racial hatred is likely to be stirred up thereby. Investigation of these issues is a matter for Police Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:49:25.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287676,"EventID":"S4W-17083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:49:26.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T12:16:07.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the use of zero-hours contracts in universities.","AnswerText":"Employment law is currently reserved to the UK Government. Universities are autonomous institutions that set terms and conditions for their own staff. However, the Scottish Government welcomes the announcement on 6 September 2013 that the University of Edinburgh has agreed to review its use of zero hours contracts. We commend this approach and urge employers in all sectors who employ staff on zero hours contracts to consider carefully their use of such contracts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:49:26.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287677,"EventID":"S4W-17084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:49:26.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T12:56:41.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its anti-poverty strategy, what information it has on the number of widowers in Scotland affected by the 1988 contributions cut-off date in social security legislation.","AnswerText":"Given that this legislation was implemented before devolution, and is a reserved matter, figures are not collected separately for Scotland by the Scottish Government.\r\nThe Department for Work and Pensions will be able to advise on the 1988 contributions cut-off in the social security legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:49:26.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287678,"EventID":"S4W-17085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T13:49:26.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T12:57:53.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made regarding improvement works on the Inveramsay bridge.\r\n","AnswerText":"Draft Road Orders were published for the A96 Inveramsay bridge scheme in April 2013 which signalled the start of the formal consultation period. A number of objections were received and it was recently confirmed that the last outstanding objection has been withdrawn. This clears the way for the Made Orders which will be published in the coming months.\r\nConstruction is due to commence in late 2014 subject to satisfactory completion of the statutory process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T13:49:26.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287679,"EventID":"S4W-17086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T14:25:28.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T14:16:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will make a decision on the location of the proposed national performance centre for sport.\r\n","AnswerText":"I am pleased to inform parliament that following a detailed assessment of each of the three high quality bids received, I have today invited the bid team from Heriot-Watt University and the City of Edinburgh Council to take forward their proposals to deliver the National Performance Centre for Sport. The centre will be a crucial part of the sporting infrastructure and will support Scotland’s top athletes to prepare for competing on the international stage. \r\nThere can be only one successful bid, but such was the quality of the competing bids that I have asked officials to work with Stirling and Dundee to identify how they can be supported to help deliver improvements to the sporting infrastructure in their respective areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T14:25:28.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287680,"EventID":"S4W-17087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-11T16:41:32.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:16:55.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the A801 River Avon Gorge crossing is to be part-funded through Falkirk Council's £67 million tax incremental financing scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Falkirk and West Lothian Councils are responsible for the delivery of the A801 Avon Gorge upgrade.\r\nThe Scottish Government has approved a Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) business case from Falkirk Council. The business case envisages a £6.67 million contribution from the TIF towards the A801 Avon Gorge upgrade, with further contributions assumed from West Lothian Council and the Scottish Government.\r\nThe business case notes that in due course a review will be required to confirm that the upgrade is viable to commence. Any potential allocation of funding to this project by the Scottish Government will be determined by its fit with other Ministerial priorities and the availability of resources in future spending reviews.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-25T16:41:32.747","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T09:38:47.573","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287697,"EventID":"S4W-17117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T14:09:38.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:52.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it needs in advance of confirming the harbour revision order for the proposed Rosyth international container terminal in order to determine that there will be no adverse impact on the Firth of Forth Special Protection Area and how it will obtain this information.\r\n","AnswerText":"No further information is required to allow the Harbour Revision Order to be considered by Parliament.\r\nMarine Scotland will determine what further information is required to assess the marine elements when considering a marine licence application and that information will be provided by the applicant.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T14:09:38.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287698,"EventID":"S4W-17119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T14:09:38.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:52.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09947 by Keith Brown on 24 October 2012 and the findings in the report of the public inquiry into the proposed Rosyth international container terminal, what action will be required if the order is confirmed but adverse impacts on the Firth of Forth Special Protection Area cannot be ruled out.\r\n","AnswerText":"Works authorised by the order cannot commence until a Marine Licence is issued for the marine elements. The assessment by Marine Scotland of possible impacts on the Firth of Forth Special Protection Area will be based on information provided in support of that application.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T14:09:38.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287699,"EventID":"S4W-17120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T14:09:39.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:52.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09952 by Keith Brown on 24 October 2012 and the findings in the report of the public inquiry into the proposed Rosyth international container terminal, whether it will receive advice from Scottish Natural Heritage on the implications of confirming the harbour revision order.\r\n","AnswerText":"Before taking the decision to proceed with the order, I received advice from SNH on the terrestrial elements of the project to enable an appropriate assessment to be undertaken. No works can commence until a Marine Licence has been issued and SNH will provide advice to Marine Scotland in relation to any application for a Marine Licence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T14:09:39.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287700,"EventID":"S4W-17122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T14:09:39.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:52.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10368 by Keith Brown on 31 October 2012, under what circumstances a harbour authority wishing to carry out dredging operations (a) requires and (b) does not require powers to dredge under the Harbours Act 1964 in addition to licences issued under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, and whether it will issue guidance on this matter.","AnswerText":"Harbour authorities generally have a power to dredge within their local legislation as part of their obligations as a statutory undertaker to maintain their harbour, however dredging may be carried out by any interested party within or out with harbour areas subject to receiving a Marine Licence and any other relevant authorisation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T14:09:39.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287701,"EventID":"S4W-17124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T14:09:39.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:52.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information is required by competent authorities wishing to consent plans or projects in cases where adverse impacts on European wildlife sites cannot be ruled out, and whether it will issue guidance on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"In keeping with the requirements of the EU Habitats Directive, the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (“the Habitats Regulations”) set out certain procedural requirements which competent authorities must apply when considering plans or projects which are not directly connected with or necessary to the management of European sites and are likely to have a significant effect on such sites.\r\nIn general terms, the regulations prohibit competent authorities from granting consent unless such authorities can ascertain, by means of an appropriate assessment (and in consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage), that the plan or project will not adversely affect the integrity of a European site. However, the Habitats Directive provides a derogation for exceptional situations whereby consent may be granted in spite of a negative assessment. The derogation may be applied if there are no alternative solutions, there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest and provided any necessary compensatory measures are taken to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected. Accordingly, regulations 49 and 53 of the Habitats Regulations make provision and, in this context, the information required by competent authorities will vary on a case-by-case basis subject to the particulars of the plan or project and the European sites which might be affected.\r\nA further revision of the Scottish Government’s revised guidance updating Circular No. 6/1995 on implementation in Scotland of the Habitats and Birds Directives is in preparation. Guidance on various aspects of the EU Habitats Directive is provided by the European Commission at the following web address:\r\nhttp://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/habitatsdirective/index_en.htm.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T14:09:39.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287703,"EventID":"S4W-17140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T14:09:40.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T18:14:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it includes the local authority contribution to non-profit distributing or other privately financed projects when calculating the 5% cap on its revenue-funded investment programme.","AnswerText":"Annex A of the Draft Budget 2014-15 sets out how the Scottish Government is monitoring the long term investment commitments to manage within 5% of our expected future annual total DEL budget. As stated there, the assessment includes only those elements that impact on Scottish Government budgets, not those met from other public bodies’ own resources. For local authority contracts, where the costs are shared between the Scottish Government and local authorities, only the Scottish Government share is included.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T14:09:40.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287704,"EventID":"S4W-17141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T14:09:40.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T18:14:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what checks it makes to ensure that regional selective assistance and other government grants do not support companies that employ workers on zero-hours contracts.","AnswerText":"Checks on the proper application of regional selective assistance are an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. We will ask the Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise to write to you on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T14:09:40.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287705,"EventID":"S4W-17142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T14:09:41.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T18:14:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it applies non-employment of workers on zero-hours contracts as a criterion for regional selective assistance funding.","AnswerText":"Application of the criteria for regional selective assistance are an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. We will ask the Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise to write to you on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T14:09:41.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287706,"EventID":"S4W-17143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T14:09:41.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T09:45:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on examining the benefits of a national park strategy.","AnswerText":"Scotland’s national parks are two of our greatest national assets and the Scottish Government fully recognises the valuable contribution they make to our tourism industry and wider Scottish economy. Our national park authorities, working closely with a range of partners, play a vital role in managing the parks, in supporting sustainable rural development, in promoting and enhancing the visitor experience and ensuring that the parks’ landscapes and special qualities are conserved and enhanced for future generations.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s priority, at a time of a 10.9% real terms reduction by the UK Government in the Scottish Government’s Fiscal Department Expenditure Limit (DEL) over 2010-11 to 2015-16, which includes a 26.6% capital budget reduction, has been to focus support on Scotland’s existing national parks. This includes supporting their five-year Partnership Plans and investing substantial capital in visitor infrastructure and facilities, rather than on the development of a separate national park strategy.\r\nThe Scottish Government has noted the recommendations made by the Scottish Campaign for National Parks (SCNP) and the Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland in their report ‘Unfinished Business’, and the welcome commitment to national parks in Scotland that this represents. However, the report’s recommendations, including the call for new national parks and the development of a national park strategy, must be viewed in the context of the current financial climate and the Government’s focus on supporting our existing national parks. This matter was discussed with representatives of SCNP and the Association for Protection of Rural Scotland when we met on 5 September 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T14:09:41.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287707,"EventID":"S4W-17144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T14:09:41.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T09:45:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the report, Unfinished Business: A National Parks Strategy for Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17143 on 26 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T14:09:41.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287708,"EventID":"S4W-17145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T14:09:42.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T09:45:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to explore the creation of a new national parks strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17143 on 26 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T14:09:42.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287709,"EventID":"S4W-17146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T14:09:42.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T11:07:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on reports that NHS boards have been purchasing private care following a reduction in the number of acute orthopaedic beds in 2012 and whether it considers that this is consistent with its reported position that all services should be provided outwith the private sector. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government policy on the use of the private sector is very clear in we expect the funding approved by the Scottish Parliament for the NHS is used to build sustainable capacity in NHS Scotland. NHS board have plans in place to increase their capacity. NHS boards are making available over £67 million to boost capacity across Scotland during 2013-14 to ensure patients get swift access to hospital treatment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T14:09:42.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287710,"EventID":"S4W-17147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T14:09:42.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T11:07:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that NHS boards deliver anthroplasty services locally and what its position is on the national contract for such services.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHSScotland continue to effectively deliver waiting time standards for orthopaedic services with the vast majority of patients being treated locally. There is no national contract currently in place specifically for anthroplasty services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T14:09:42.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287711,"EventID":"S4W-17148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T14:09:43.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T11:07:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recent announcement that it will provide additional support for the Golden Jubilee National Hospital,  whether it plans to centralise routine orthopaedic procedures.\r\n","AnswerText":"No. The Scottish Government has no plans to centralise routine orthopaedic procedures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T14:09:43.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287712,"EventID":"S4W-17149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T14:09:43.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T11:07:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports of significant reductions in waiting times for orthopaedic services, whether it will write to the staff who provide these services to thank them for their work. \r\n","AnswerText":"The lowest waiting times ever in Scotland, including in orthopaedics, is clearly down to the dedication and commitment of staff across the NHS. I have on many occasions commended staff for their hard work and I am happy to reaffirm this.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T14:09:43.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287713,"EventID":"S4W-17160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T14:09:43.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T14:04:51.79","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-05956 by Kenny MacAskill on 8 March 2013, how many (a) investigations have been carried out and (b) control notices have been issued by each local authority in each year since 5 March 2012.","AnswerText":"Based on the most recent information provided to the Scottish Government by individual local authorities, the following table provides a breakdown of the number of investigations carried out and the number of Dog Control Notices served by each local authority during the period 27 February 2012 to 26 February 2013. The Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 came into force on 26 February 2011 and so the period covered in the table below represents the second full year of operation of the 2010 Act.\r\nLocal Authority\r\nNumber of Dog Control Notices served during period 27 February 2012 to 26 February 2013\r\nNumber of investigations conducted during period 27 February 2012 to 26 February 2013\r\nAberdeen City Council\r\n4\r\n317\r\nAberdeenshire Council\r\n14\r\n198\r\nAngus Council\r\n0\r\n80\r\nArgyll and Bute Council\r\n5\r\n43\r\nClackmannanshire Council\r\n0\r\n51\r\nDumfries and Galloway Council\r\n4\r\n17\r\nDundee City Council\r\n0\r\n136\r\nEast Ayrshire Council\r\n9\r\n17\r\nEast Dunbartonshire Council \r\n0\r\n20\r\nEast Lothian Council\r\n4\r\n5\r\nEast Renfrewshire Council\r\n0\r\n1\r\nEdinburgh City Council\r\n4\r\n164\r\nFalkirk Council \r\n4\r\n82\r\nFife Council\r\n37\r\n159\r\nGlasgow City Council \r\n1\r\n5\r\nHighland Council\r\n8\r\n38\r\nInverclyde Council\r\n1\r\n3\r\nMidlothian Council\r\n1\r\n39\r\nMoray Council\r\n0\r\n99\r\nNorth Ayrshire Council \r\n1\r\n24\r\nNorth Lanarkshire Council\r\n0\r\n13\r\nOrkney Council\r\n0\r\n1\r\nPerth and Kinross Council\r\n1\r\n36\r\nRenfrewshire Council\r\n9\r\n89\r\nScottish Borders Council\r\n8\r\n35\r\nShetland Islands Council\r\n2\r\n9\r\nSouth Ayrshire Council\r\n0\r\n21\r\nSouth Lanarkshire Council \r\n4\r\n48\r\nStirling Council\r\n1\r\n8\r\nWest Dunbartonshire Council\r\n7\r\n55\r\nWest Lothian Council\r\n18\r\n214\r\nWestern Isles Council\r\n0\r\n53\r\nTotal\r\n147\r\n2,080\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T14:09:43.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287725,"EventID":"S4W-17091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:18.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to mitigate any adverse effects of capping the General Dental Practice Allowance for practice owners who employ general dental practitioners as associates.\r\n","AnswerText":"The cap on the General Dental Practice Allowance (GDPA) is one element of a wider settlement for independent dentists providing NHS dental services.\r\nDental practices that are affected by the cap will also benefit from a 2.51 per cent increase on item-of-service fees. This award is worth around £4.9 million (in terms of net fees), substantially more than the value of the GDPA cap.\r\nAssociates are not employed by the practice owner. Both practice owner and associate are independent contractors. Associates receive a percentage of gross fees that will vary between dental practices.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:18.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287726,"EventID":"S4W-17092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:19.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the proposed cap on GP allowances paid to general dental practitioners who provide NHS general dental services will impact on the rates of pay of associates employed by practice owners.","AnswerText":"Associates are not employed by the practice owner. Both practice owner and associate are independent contractors. Associates receive a percentage of gross fees that will vary between dental practices. These arrangements are particular to the practice owner and associate, and are affected by many factors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:19.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287727,"EventID":"S4W-17093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:19.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many practices will be affected by the proposed cap on GP allowances paid to general dental practitioners who provide NHS general dental services.\r\n","AnswerText":"On the basis of data from 2012-13, we estimate the number of practices that could be affected by the cap on General Dental Practice Allowance at 57 practices.\r\nSource: Practitioner Services Division\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:19.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287728,"EventID":"S4W-17094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:20.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it had prior to setting the proposed cap on GP allowances paid to general dental practitioners who provide NHS general dental services at £80,000. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government had a number of discussions at different levels.\r\nAs well as number of meetings between officials (including the Chief Dental Officer) and the Scottish Dental Practice Committee and British Dental Association Scotland, the Minister for Public Health met with representatives of independent dentists providing NHS general dental services on 19 June 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:20.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287729,"EventID":"S4W-17095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:20.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what advice it has taken from (a) doctors and (b) dentists since 2010 when considering pay review body recommendations.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government works in partnership with the professional organisations that represent both doctors and dentists.\r\nWe meet with representatives from the British Medical Association and the British Dental Association on a regular basis to discuss various issues including the evidence provided to and the recommendations made by the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Pay Review Body.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:20.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287730,"EventID":"S4W-17096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:20.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the proposed cap on GP allowances paid to general dental practitioners who provide NHS general dental services will impact on employment in larger practices.\r\n","AnswerText":"We anticipate that the impact on employment will be negligible.\r\nThose practices affected by the cap will also benefit from the increase in item-of-service fees.\r\nThe purpose of the General Dental Practice Allowance, as set down in the Statement of Dental Remuneration, is to ensure the practice has access to high quality premises, that the practice is compliant with health and safety standards, and that staff are able to access the requisite training and continuous professional development. It is not the specific purpose of this allowance to support a staffing complement within a practice. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:20.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287731,"EventID":"S4W-17097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:21.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many practices will be negatively affected by the proposed cap on GP allowances paid to general dental practitioners who provide NHS general dental services.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17093 on 26 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:21.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287732,"EventID":"S4W-17098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:21.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has made of whether the General Dental Practice Allowance has (a) widened access to and (b) improved the professionalism and complexity of dentistry.\r\n","AnswerText":"The purpose of the GDPA is as outlined in the answer to question S4W-17096 on 26 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:21.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287733,"EventID":"S4W-17099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:22.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact setting the General Dental Practice Allowance payment for non-committed practices has had on increasing access to NHS dentistry. \r\n","AnswerText":"The General Dental Practice Allowance (GDPA) was not introduced as a measure to impact on access to NHS general dental services.\r\nThe purpose of the GDPA is as outlined in the answer to question S4W-17096 on 26 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:22.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287734,"EventID":"S4W-17100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:22.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact changes to the cost of precious metals has had on NHS dentistry provision since 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"As the cost of precious metals have increased, there has been a shift towards increased usage of non-precious metals by dentists.\r\nFor example, published data by Information Services Division shows that between 2010-11 and 2012-13 the number of precious metals crowns has decreased whereas the number of non-precious metal crowns has increased.\r\nHowever the number of metal crowns and bonded metal crowns has increased overall.\r\nSource: ISD Dental Statistics – NHS Fees and Treatments.  (25th June 2013) \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:22.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287735,"EventID":"S4W-17101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:23.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the VAT rate being set at 20% has had on the dentistry sector. \r\n","AnswerText":"Dentists are not exempt from VAT and so their costs will reflect the increase in VAT.\r\nWe are currently working with the British Dental Association Scotland and the Scottish Dental Practitioner Committee on providing robust information on the earnings and expenses of independent dentists providing NHS services in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:23.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287736,"EventID":"S4W-17103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:23.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the General Dental Practice Allowance has had on the number of practices, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is not possible to establish what impact, if any, the General Dental Practice Allowance (GDPA) has had on the number of dental practices.\r\nThe GDPA is one element in the overall funding package available to independent dentists providing NHS general dental services. For example dental practitioners receive fees for items of service (by far the largest funding stream), capitation and continuing care payments and a range of other allowances including reimbursement for rent and seniority payments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:23.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287737,"EventID":"S4W-17105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:23.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the proposed cap on the General Dental Practice Allowance will have on practices that have NHS fees in excess of £670,000.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers to questions S4W-17091, S4W-17096 and S4W-17106 on 26 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:23.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287738,"EventID":"S4W-17106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:24.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the proposed cap on the General Dental Practice Allowance will have on the amount of work carried out by dental practices, broken down by size of practice.\r\n","AnswerText":"We do not anticipate any significant adverse impact on workload.\r\nThe cap is one element in a funding package that will mean an increase of 2.51 per cent in item-of-service fees (by far the largest element of funding to dental practices) for independent dentists providing NHS dental services. All practices will benefit from this increase, including those practices that would be affected by the GDPA cap.\r\nThe settlement for 2013-14 has increased the amount of resource for independent dentists providing NHS general dental services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:24.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287739,"EventID":"S4W-17108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:24.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to increase the number of vocational trainees in dentistry. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government remains committed to matching the number of dental vocational training (DVT) places in Scotland to the expected graduate output of Scottish dental schools. Our commitment to provide 172 dental vocational places in 2013 was met.\r\nIt is NHS Education for Scotland (NES) which co-ordinates the recruitment of dental practices that offer DVT places to dental graduates and, with anticipated dental school graduate output in 2014 anticipated to be 193, Scottish Government officials have commenced discussions with NES to ensure appropriate steps are taken to meet this anticipated need.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:24.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287740,"EventID":"S4W-17109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:24.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it uses combined practice inspection to determine the effective use of the General Dental Practice Allowance.\r\n","AnswerText":"The combined practice inspection process does not specifically look at how a dental practice has used the General Dental Practice Allowance (GDPA).\r\nHowever it does inspect the decontamination facilities, practice information systems, health and safety requirements and staff training and continuing professional development records. The GDPA is considered to fund improvement in these specific areas of NHS dental practice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:24.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287741,"EventID":"S4W-17110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:25.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many NHS patients are registered with practices that will be negatively affected by the proposed cap to the General Dental Practice Allowance.\r\n","AnswerText":"On the basis of data from 2012-13, we estimate that approximately 600,000 people are registered with 46 general practices affected by the cap on GDPA. The remaining eleven specialist practices that are affected by the cap do not register patients.\r\nSource: Practitioner Services Division.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:25.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287742,"EventID":"S4W-17111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:25.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on reducing the General Dental Practice Allowance for non-committed practices. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no current plans to reduce the General Dental Practice Allowance for non-committed dental practices.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:25.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287743,"EventID":"S4W-17112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:26.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the effectiveness of the (a) Continuing Professional Development and (b) Clinical Audit Allowance in NHS dentistry. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Continuing Professional Development Allowance and Clinical Audit Allowance allow NHS dentists to take time away from clinical practice to undertake these tasks and is an effective use of these allowances.\r\nMaintaining up to date knowledge and skills in dentists and encouraging reflective practice in order to improve patient care are key to delivering a high quality NHS dental service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:26.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287744,"EventID":"S4W-17114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:26.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the level at which dentistry charges are split between the NHS and patients.\r\n","AnswerText":"Patients who are not exempt from dental charges are required to pay 80% of their treatment costs up to a maximum patient charge of £384. Any NHS dental charge above £384 is 100% funded by the NHS.\r\nThe 80:20 split is believed to be set at an appropriate level.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:26.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287745,"EventID":"S4W-17115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:27.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether having salaried dentists (a) has led to an increase in access to NHS dentistry and (b) is cost effective.\r\n","AnswerText":"Salaried dental services have a significant role in remote and rural areas, and particularly in island communities. They also provide an effective solution in areas where there is a gap in NHS general dental services provided by independent dentists.\r\nThe Scottish Government currently has in train an annual process with NHS Boards to ensure that salaried dental services provide a cost effective solution for the needs of the local population.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:27.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287746,"EventID":"S4W-17118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:27.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on raising the prior approval limit for NHS dentistry treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"Strategic responsibility for this aspect of the management of general dental services lies in Scotland with the SDPB. Practitioner Services Division acts as an agent on behalf of SDPB in operating the prior approval process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:27.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287747,"EventID":"S4W-17121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:27.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has made of the effectiveness of the process for claims exceeding the prior approval limit for NHS dentistry treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Dental Practice Board (SDPB) regularly receives reports from Practitioner Services Division (PSD) on performance related to prior approval.\r\nSDPB have recently undertaken a review of the current prior approval process with a view to improving effectiveness.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:27.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287748,"EventID":"S4W-17123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:28.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:25:39.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to introduce an online system for claims that exceed the prior approval limit for NHS dentistry treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Dental Practice Board are considering alternatives to the existing paper-based system of prior approval and have commissioned Practitioner Services Division to investigate establishing an electronic system of prior approval.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:28.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287749,"EventID":"S4W-17127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:28.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:46:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what voluntary control agreements under section 7 of the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 (a) are in force and (b) have expired since 2000, broken down by (i) location, (ii) estate and (iii) area covered.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information is available from 2003. The following table gives detail on the Section 7 agreements signed since 2003:\r\n \r\nArea\r\nYear Signed\r\nStatus\r\n1\r\nArdvar\r\n2009\r\nCurrent\r\n2\r\nBeinn Dearg SAC\r\n2010\r\nCurrent\r\n3\r\nBen Wyvis SAC\r\n2010\r\nCurrent\r\n4\r\nBreadalbane\r\n2010\r\nCurrent\r\n5\r\nCaenlochan\r\n2003\r\nCurrent\r\n6\r\nFannnichs SAC \r\n2010\r\nCurrent\r\n7\r\nInverpolly SAC\r\n2010\r\nCurrent\r\n8\r\nKinveachy\r\n2005\r\nCurrent\r\n9\r\nMar Lodge \r\n 2010\r\nCurrent\r\n10\r\nGlenfeshie\r\n2000\r\nConcluded\r\n11\r\nInchnadamph\r\n2003\r\nConcluded\r\n12\r\nGlen Prosen Agreement Area ( Caenlochan Extension)\r\n2005\r\nCurrent\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe following tables list Section 7 Agreements currently in force broken down by (i) location, (ii) estate and (iii) area covered:\r\nCaenlochan - Angus / Aberdeen - shire\r\n\r\nProperty\r\nPlanar Area (ha)\r\nAlrick (Part)\r\n1,406\r\nAuchavan\r\n952\r\nBalmoral (Bachnagairn)\r\n3,411\r\nCorrie Fee\r\n164\r\nGlen Isla\r\n1,544\r\nGlencally, Fergus and Glenmarkie\r\n2,077\r\nInvercauld (Glencallater) (Part)\r\n6,111\r\nInvercauld (Glenshee)\r\n4,057\r\nTulchan\r\n4,926\r\nFcs Glendoll\r\n690\r\nTotal Area\r\n25,338\r\n\r\nCaenlochan Extension - Angus\r\n\r\nProperty\r\nPlanar Area (ha)\r\nGlen Prosen\r\n5,707\r\nGlenhead / Glen Damff\r\n2,700\r\nTotal Area\r\n8,407\r\n\r\nBen Wyvis SAC - Ross -shire\r\n\r\nProperty\r\nPlanar Area (Ha)\r\nBen Wyvis Nnr\r\n2300\r\nClach Liath\r\n998\r\nWyvis Estate\r\n7848\r\nTotal Area\r\n11,146\r\n\r\nBeinDearg SAC - Ross-shire\r\n\r\nProperty\r\nPlanar Area (Ha)\r\nAlladale and Deanich\r\n9,245\r\nBraemore\r\n4,433\r\nCorriemulzie\r\n9,595\r\nInverlael\r\n5,893\r\nInverlael Farm\r\n1,536\r\nLoch Droma\r\n569\r\nStrathvaich and Strathrannoch\r\n15,156\r\nTotal Area\r\n46,427\r\nBreadalbane DMG - Perth-shire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nProperty\r\nPlanar Area (Ha)\r\nAuch Estate\r\n3,524\r\nAuchessan\r\n1,147\r\nAuchlyne/Bovain\r\n4,138\r\nBen Lawers\r\n4,803\r\nBlackmount (East Of Railway)\r\n3,431\r\nBlackmount Dalness andEtive\r\n2,171\r\nBlackmount West Of Railway\r\n5,208\r\nBoreland\r\n6,227\r\nCarie Farm\r\n526\r\nCashlie\r\n3,007\r\nChesthill North\r\n2,746\r\nChesthill South\r\n1,509\r\nCoire Carie\r\n1,090\r\nCroftintygan\r\n133\r\nCrossmount\r\n1,595\r\nDalchosnie\r\n350\r\nDun Coillich\r\n411\r\nEast Schiehallion\r\n793\r\nFcs Lassintulloch\r\n210\r\nFcs South Rannoch\r\n3,522\r\nFinnart\r\n2,468\r\nGarth\r\n1,679\r\nGlenlochay\r\n5,171\r\nGlenlyon Estate\r\n3,006\r\nInnerhadden\r\n1,743\r\nInnerwick\r\n2,395\r\nInnischoarach\r\n2,106\r\nInverinian\r\n837\r\nInvermearan\r\n7,811\r\nKiltyrie Farm\r\n77\r\nKirkton and Auchtertyre\r\n2,209\r\nKynachan\r\n1,314\r\nLochdochart\r\n2,443\r\nLochs\r\n7,193\r\nMeggernie\r\n7,427\r\nMorenish\r\n150\r\nRannoch Moor Nnr\r\n1,416\r\nRoro\r\n2,996\r\nTirarthur\r\n213\r\nWest Tempar\r\n737\r\nTotal Area\r\n99,932\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nArdvar Woodlands - Sutherland\r\n\r\nProperty\r\nPlanar Area (Ha)\r\nArdvar\r\n1,881\r\nQuinag\r\n3,563\r\nTotal Area\r\n5,444\r\n\r\nMar Lodge - Aberdeen - shire\r\n\r\nProperty\r\nPlanar Area (Ha)\r\nMar Lodge\r\n29,322\r\nTotal Area\r\n29,322\r\n\r\nFannich Hills - Ross-shire\r\n\r\nProperty\r\nPlanar Area (Ha)\r\nFannich\r\n3,761\r\nStrone (Foich)\r\n3,945\r\nKinlochewe, Loch Rosque and West Fannich\r\n12,702\r\nKinlochluichart\r\n9,611\r\nTotal Area\r\n30,019\r\n\r\nInverpolly Ross-shire / Sutherland\r\n\r\nProperty\r\nPlanar Area (Ha)\r\nInverpolly Estate\r\n4,885\r\nEisg-brachaidh Estate\r\n2,000\r\nDrumrunie\r\n4,764\r\nTotal Area\r\n11,649\r\n\r\nKinveachy - Inverness-shire\r\n\r\nProperty\r\nPlanar Area (Ha)\r\nKinveachy Estate\r\n5,335\r\nTotal Area\r\n5,335\r\n\r\nThe following tables list Section 7 Agreements which have expired since 2000 broken down by (i) location, (ii) estate and (iii) area covered:\r\nInchnadamph - Sutherland\r\n\r\nProperty\r\nPlanar Area (Ha)\r\nInchnadamph Estate\r\n3,600\r\nTotal Area\r\n3,600\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGlen Feshie - Inverness-shire\r\n\r\nProperty\r\nPlanar Area (Ha)\r\nGlenfeshie\r\n17,212\r\nInvereshie\r\n3,078\r\nKilliehuntly\r\n1,787\r\nMar Lodge (part)\r\n2,951\r\nTotal Area\r\n25,028\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:28.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287750,"EventID":"S4W-17128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:29.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:46:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many compulsory control schemes have been implemented since the introduction of the Deer (Scotland) Act 1959, broken down by (a) location, (b) estate and (c) area covered.\r\n","AnswerText":"No compulsory control schemes have been implemented since the introduction of the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996. Prior to 1996 the former Red Deer Commission operated control schemes under the Deer (Scotland) Act 1959 but these were entered into on a voluntary basis. The Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 made a distinction between voluntary control agreements and statutory control schemes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:29.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287751,"EventID":"S4W-17129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:29.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:46:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the cost of negotiating and implementing voluntary control agreements in each year since 1993.","AnswerText":"The costs to Deer Commission Scotland (DCS) and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) of implementing Section 7 agreements since 2006 are shown in the following table. Data for 2003-05 could only be recovered at disproportionate cost.\r\nThe financial costs incurred by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), and previously the Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS), in implementing Section 7 control agreements have been broken down into four elements. These are:\r\nassessing habitats to determine extent of impact by deer within proposed control agreement area; assessing deer populations over defined areas of control; \r\nDCS/SNH staff time in negotiating and administering the control agreement; and\r\ndirect culling support by DCS/SNH through Section 10 or Section 12 of the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996.\r\n\r\nHabitat Assessment Costs (£)\r\nDeer Census (£)\r\nDirect Assistance (£)\r\n\r\n\r\nStaff Costs (£)\r\nTotal (£)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2006\r\n18,000\r\n33,000\r\n160,000 (1)\r\n104,459\r\n315,459\r\n2007\r\n71,030\r\n35,800\r\n \r\n104,459\r\n211,289\r\n2008\r\n126,725\r\n78,944\r\n \r\n104,459\r\n310,128\r\n2009\r\n74,000\r\n76,000\r\n \r\n104,459\r\n254,459\r\n2010\r\n25,500\r\n76,000\r\n \r\n104,459\r\n205,959\r\n2011\r\n39,483\r\n34,327\r\n \r\n97,770\r\n171,580\r\n2012\r\n69,088\r\n64,393\r\n \r\n97,770\r\n231,251\r\n2013 \r\n45,115\r\n32,439\r\n \r\n97,770\r\n175,324 (2)\r\n(1) Assistance provided by DCS in 2005-06 and 2006-07 to estates in the Caenlochan area to reduce deer numbers in order to prevent damage to designated habitats.\r\n(2) Projected expenditure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:29.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287752,"EventID":"S4W-17130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:29.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:46:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) areas are covered by deer management groups, (b) groups have deer management plans in place that are regarded by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) as competent and (c) groups have implemented plans in a way regarded by SNH as competent.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) A link to a map showing areas covered by deer management groups (DMGs) and a table setting out the area of land covered by each DMG are as follows:\r\nhttp://www.deer-management.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/dmgmap.jpg\r\nDMG\r\nArea (Ha)\r\nNorth Uist\r\n30,016\r\nHarris and Lewis\r\n109,468\r\nSouth Uist\r\n30,765\r\nSkye\r\n174,730\r\nRum\r\n10,731\r\nNorthern \r\n180,963\r\nGairloch Conservation Group\r\n42,600\r\nWest Ross\r\n113,493\r\nWest Sutherland\r\n149,344\r\nNorth Ross\r\n148,432\r\nNorth West Sutherland\r\n169,975\r\nEast Ross\r\n20,476\r\nEast Sutherland\r\n127,141\r\nSouth West Ross\r\n64,434\r\nSouth Ross\r\n222,475\r\nGlenelg\r\n38,394\r\nKnoydart\r\n77,416\r\nWest Lochaber\r\n51,937\r\nMoidart\r\n22,010\r\nEast Loch Shiel\r\n47,972\r\nMorven\r\n48,607\r\nArdnamurchan\r\n22,827\r\nMull\r\n88,171\r\nJura\r\n36,505\r\nIslay\r\n14,081\r\nArran\r\n21,832\r\nMonadhliaths\r\n175,734\r\nCairngorm/ Speyside\r\n104,493\r\nMid West Association\r\n109,602\r\nWest Grampians\r\n80,852\r\nEast Grampians\r\n263,586\r\nBlackmount\r\n112,533\r\nEast LochEtricht\r\n35,261\r\nBreadalbane\r\n95,135\r\nStrathtay\r\n17,324\r\nSouth Perthshire\r\n76,910\r\nInveraray and Tyndrum\r\n56,982\r\nCowal\r\n86,430\r\nBalquhidder\r\n46,172\r\nWest Loch Lomond\r\n36,081\r\nEast Loch Lomond\r\n20,306\r\nGlenartney\r\n20,063\r\nTotal Upland DMG Area\r\n3,402,259\r\n\r\nLowland DMGs\r\n \r\nSouth West Scotland\r\n681,571\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n47,212\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n158,531\r\nWest Lothian\r\n43,159\r\nBorders\r\n129,346\r\nEskdalemuir\r\n125,694\r\nBuchan\r\n693,459\r\nTotal Lowland DMG Area\r\n1,878,972\r\n(b) There are 42 areas identified as upland DMG areas in Scotland, of which two no longer function (Cowal and West Loch Lomond). Of the remaining 40 groups, 16 have current deer management plans in place, 13 have plans in development or which require review, and 11 groups have no current deer management plan.\r\n(c) For privately funded deer management plans, SNH are not required to assess the competence of their implementation. Deer managers are beginning to implement the SNH Code of practice on Deer Management, agreed by the Scottish Parliament in 2012, to which a deer management planning process is central. SNH is required to assess overall compliance with the Deer Code and is working with the deer sector to develop an agreed methodology.\r\nIn cases where plan development has been in receipt of public funding, SNH take an active role in the plan development, ensuring plans are competent in content and will, along with DMG members, monitor implementation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:29.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287753,"EventID":"S4W-17131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:30.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:46:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the percentage participation is of eligible proprietors in each deer management group.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not currently collected by the Scottish Government or its agencies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:30.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287754,"EventID":"S4W-17132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:30.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:46:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many deer have been culled in each of the last 10 years, broken down by species, and what Scottish Natural Heritage's estimate is of the current population of each species.\r\n","AnswerText":"Deer cull figures are provided in the following table. The cull returns reported here are from approximately 3,000 landholdings from which the Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS) and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) have sought statutory annual returns. These are principally upland properties within deer management group structures, woodland properties, and properties where SNH issue authorisation for out of season or night shooting control. It is recognised that this will not capture all deer shot in Scotland.\r\nYear\r\nRed Cull\r\nRoe Cull\r\nSika Cull\r\nFallow Cull\r\nTotal Cull\r\nReported Mortality (3)\r\nTotal Cull plus Mortality\r\n2003-04 (1)\r\n61,957\r\n32,913\r\n3,900\r\n1,645\r\n100,415\r\n N/A\r\n N/A\r\n2004-05\r\n(1)\r\n68,685\r\n31,781\r\n4,735\r\n1,352\r\n106,553\r\n N/A\r\n N/A\r\n2005-06\r\n(2)\r\n63,611\r\n33,597\r\n8,110\r\n1,634\r\n106,952\r\n N/A\r\n N/A\r\n2006-07\r\n(2)\r\n62,563\r\n31,808\r\n5,923\r\n1,398\r\n101,692\r\n N/A\r\n N/A\r\n2007-08\r\n(2)\r\n61,354\r\n32,058\r\n5,167\r\n1,818\r\n100,397\r\n N/A\r\n N/A\r\n2008-09\r\n(2)\r\n58,496\r\n32,026\r\n5,465\r\n2,306\r\n98,293\r\n N/A\r\n N/A\r\n2009-10\r\n(2)\r\n58,185\r\n28,076\r\n3,733\r\n1,828\r\n91,822\r\n13,074\r\n\r\n104,896\r\n2010-11\r\n(2)\r\n56,275\r\n31,291\r\n6,528\r\n1,923\r\n96,017\r\n4,395\r\n\r\n100,412\r\n2011-12\r\n(2)\r\n52,902\r\n32,097\r\n6,141\r\n1,863\r\n93,003\r\n2,199\r\n\r\n95,202\r\n2012-13  (2) (4)\r\n56,779\r\n33,175\r\n5,977\r\n1,696\r\n97,627\r\n1,935\r\n\r\n99,562\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Source – DCS Annual Report.\r\n2. Source – Deerline.\r\n3. Following the severe weather of 2009-10 DCS starting requesting deer mortality in annual returns.\r\n4. Cull returns from 200 properties in 2012-13 are still outstanding.\r\nScotland has significant populations of red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and sika (Cervus nippon) as well as more localised populations of fallow (Dama dama). The most recent population estimates (5) suggest overall numbers at between 360,000-400,000 red deer, 200,000-350,000 roe deer, 25,000 sika deer and an estimated 2,000 fallow deer.\r\n\r\nThere are significant difficulties in counting deer and large margins of error must be taken into account. This is particularly difficult in a woodland environment.\r\n\r\n(5) Sources:\r\n\r\nWard, A.I. 2007. Trends in deer distribution and abundance within the UK. Presentation to \"Deer, Habitats and Impacts\".\r\n\r\nPutman, R.J. 2010. Ungulates and their management in Great Britain and Ireland. In:European Ungulates and their Management in the 21st century.\r\n\r\n\r\nSCOTTISH GOVERNMENT\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:30.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287755,"EventID":"S4W-17133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:31.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:46:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many deer have been culled by Forestry Commission Scotland  in each of the last 10 years, broken down by species.","AnswerText":"The number of deer culled by Forestry Commission Scotland on the National Forest Estate from 2003-04 to 12-13, broken down by species is set out in the following table:\r\nYear\r\nTotal Red Cull\r\nTotal Roe Cull\r\nTotal Sika Cull\r\nTotal Fallow Cull\r\nTotal Deer Cull\r\n2003-04\r\n10,263\r\n12,922\r\n2,562\r\n273\r\n26,020\r\n2004-05\r\n10,436\r\n12,794\r\n2,662\r\n274\r\n26,166\r\n2005-06\r\n9,414\r\n12,282\r\n2,830\r\n434\r\n24,960\r\n2006-07\r\n9,027\r\n11,659\r\n2,913\r\n426\r\n24,025\r\n2007-08\r\n8,821\r\n11,485\r\n2,662\r\n367\r\n23,335\r\n2008-09\r\n8,579\r\n12,063\r\n2,639\r\n419\r\n23,700\r\n2009-10\r\n11,523\r\n12,315\r\n2,775\r\n332\r\n26,945\r\n2010-11\r\n11,157\r\n12,255\r\n3,196\r\n424\r\n27,032\r\n2011-12\r\n10,633\r\n13,254\r\n3,247\r\n408\r\n27,542\r\n2012-13\r\n11,854\r\n14,259\r\n3,241\r\n432\r\n29,786\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:31.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287756,"EventID":"S4W-17134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:31.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:46:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the gross cost has been to Forestry Commission Scotland of deer culling in each of the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The estimated gross cost of culling deer on the National Forest Estate from 2003-04 to 2012-13 is shown in the following table. The figures include all deer management costs, other than deer fence costs. The culling costs include the deer shooting activity itself, salaries, the cost of equipment, the supporting infrastructure, such as deer larders and access tracks, deer surveys and contributions to partnership work with the deer and venison industries.\r\nYear\r\nEstimated Gross Cost of Culling\r\n\r\n£ million\r\n2003-04\r\n5.6\r\n2004-05\r\n5.4\r\n2005-06\r\n5.2\r\n2006-07\r\n5.1\r\n2007-08\r\n5.1\r\n2008-09\r\n4.7\r\n2009-10\r\n4.8\r\n2010-11\r\n5.7\r\n2011-12\r\n5.5\r\n2012-13\r\n5.6\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:31.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287757,"EventID":"S4W-17135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:31.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:46:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what income has been derived by Forestry Commission Scotland from (a) deer carcases and (b) stalking lets in each of the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The income derived by Forestry Commission Scotland from its deer management activities during the 10 year period 2003-04 to 2012-13 is shown in the following table. The income breakdown by carcasses or stalking lets is not available from 1 April 2008 due to change in the Forestry Commission Scotland accounts structure:\r\nYear\r\nDeer Carcasses (Venison Income)\r\n(a)\r\nStalking, Leases and Permissions Income\r\n(b)\r\nTotal Income\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n£ million\r\n£ million\r\n£ million\r\n2003-04 \r\n0.5\r\n0.3\r\n0.8\r\n2004-05\r\n0.4\r\n0.3\r\n0.7\r\n2005-06\r\n0.5\r\n0.3\r\n0.8\r\n2006-07\r\n0.5\r\n0.3\r\n0.8\r\n2007-08\r\n0.5\r\n0.3\r\n0.8\r\n2008-09\r\n\r\n\r\n1.1\r\n2009-10\r\n\r\n\r\n1.3\r\n2010-11\r\n\r\n\r\n1.5\r\n2011-12\r\n\r\n\r\n1.4\r\n2012-13\r\n\r\n\r\n1.8\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:31.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287758,"EventID":"S4W-17136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:32.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:46:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been paid to landowners in grants in each of the last 10 years to support activities designed to protect agricultural and forestry production from damage by deer.\r\n","AnswerText":"The amount of grants paid out in each of the last 10 years to support activities designed to protect agricultural and forestry production from damage by deer is shown in the following table. The figures include legacy agri-environment and Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme payments and the current SRDP Rural Priorities. The figures include all participants who have claimed these grants, not just landowners. The costs also include “one off” capital works such as fencing:\r\nYear\r\nLegacy Agri-Environment\r\nScottish Forestry Grant Scheme - Grant S2 Reducing Deer Numbers\r\nRural Priorities\r\nTotal\r\n2004\r\n18,134\r\n192,681\r\n-\r\n210,815\r\n2005\r\n11,304\r\n667,551\r\n-\r\n678,855\r\n2006\r\n22,191\r\n148,555\r\n-\r\n170,746\r\n2007\r\n18,700\r\n120,809\r\n-\r\n139,509\r\n2008\r\n14,098\r\n6,706\r\n-\r\n20,804\r\n2009\r\n13,451\r\n16,791\r\n349,886\r\n380,128\r\n2010\r\n4,248\r\n347,245\r\n1,931,831\r\n2,283,324\r\n2011\r\n7,628\r\n112,823\r\n3,416,241\r\n3,536,692\r\n2012\r\n685\r\n79,972\r\n3,093,543\r\n3,174,200\r\n2013*\r\n-\r\n1,561\r\n2,000,025\r\n2,001,586\r\nNote: *The 2013 figure is the position at 18-09-2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:32.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287759,"EventID":"S4W-17137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:32.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:46:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost has been of deer damage to (a) forestry and (b) agricultural production in each of the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"No figures are available for the overall cost of deer damage to agricultural production in Scotland. However, by way of a comparator, an analysis commissioned by SNH has put the annual cost of lost agricultural production in England at £4.3 million (see Putman, R. (2012) Scoping the economic benefits & costs of wild deer and their management in Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 526).\r\nNo figures are available for the overall cost of deer damage to the forestry sector, however surveys on the national forest estate indicate that 15-20% of young trees have suffered some deer damage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:32.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287760,"EventID":"S4W-17139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:32.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:46:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what cost has arisen from road traffic accidents caused by collisions with deer in each of the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data about injury road accidents are collected by the police and reported to the Scottish Government using the Stats 19 statistical report form. Data on road traffic accidents caused by collisions with deer are not available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:32.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287761,"EventID":"S4W-17151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:33.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T11:55:51.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle revenge porn.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are a range of laws that may be applicable in dealing with the issue of revenge porn, including both criminal laws and civil laws, depending on the specific circumstance of each incident.\r\n\r\nThe Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service officials met with representatives from Scottish Women’s Aid, Rape Crisis Scotland, White Ribbon Scotland, Victim Support Scotland and Police Scotland on 5 September 2013 to discuss the issue of ‘revenge porn’ and how best it could dealt with. The Scottish Government  will consider any issues or specific proposals arising from the event”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:33.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287762,"EventID":"S4W-17152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:33.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T11:55:51.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what legal actions are available to tackle revenge porn and whether such actions are  monitored.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are a number of offences which may, depending on the facts and circumstances of each specific case, be used to prosecute a person who publishes, or threatens to publish, pornographic images of another person without their consent. These include the common law offences of breach of the peace or blackmail, statutory offences of “threatening or abusive behaviour” and “stalking” at sections 38 and 39 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 and the offence at section 127 of the Communications Act 2003 of “improper use of a public electronic communications network”. Where the images are of a child under the age of 18, the offences at sections 52 and 52A of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 will be relevant. It is not possible to separately identify convictions for these offences which relate to the publication of ‘revenge porn’ as opposed to other conduct which is criminal but not falling with the definition of “revenge porn”.\r\nIn addition, it may also be open to victim to seek remedies under civil law. The availability of civil remedies will turn on the facts and context of each case, including who is being sued and for what reason. Anyone who considers they have been the subject of “revenge porn” should consider seeking legal advice as to the legal options available to them.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:33.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287763,"EventID":"S4W-17153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:34.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T11:58:47.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15294 by Shona Robinson on 11 June 2013, when work was undertaken with stakeholders to consider a refreshed race equality statement; who these stakeholders were, and when it will issue the statement for consultation.\r\n","AnswerText":"In April, we published our current thinking on how race equality should develop over the next three years. We will shortly begin work to develop the Scottish Government approach to race equality with communities and stakeholders with a view to publishing the statement in Spring 2014. This will allow us to take into consideration information provided by the 2011 Census which will be available later this month.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:34.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287764,"EventID":"S4W-17155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:35.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T11:58:47.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it has decided to issue a race equality statement rather than a race equality strategy.","AnswerText":"The 2008-11 Race Equality Statement is still largely relevant and continues to inform the work we do today. The updated statement will be a refresh providing more detail on how we intend to take forward our plans in practice. The Scottish Government does not have strategies for individual protected equality characteristics.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:35.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287765,"EventID":"S4W-17156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:35.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T11:58:47.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken since 2007 to improve access to health and social care for black and minority ethnic communities.","AnswerText":"Under the Equality Act 2010, NHS boards and local authorities are required to achieve equality for people including those from black and minority ethnic communities. This is primarily done through Equality Impact Assessments, an approach which NHSScotland has operated since 2005. Specific “Fair for All” guidance on responding to the needs of black and minority ethnic communities has been in place since 2002.\r\nNHSScotland is supported by the equality team within NHS Health Scotland, who are working to strengthen equality access for all through their Health Inequalities Impact Assessment. Support has included training for staff in equality and diversity, improving equality monitoring particularly for ethnicity and delivering interpreting and translation services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:35.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287766,"EventID":"S4W-17157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:36.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T11:58:47.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken since 2007 to increase the employment of people from black and minority ethnic communities.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the importance of increasing employment rates for specific groups who are disadvantaged in the labour market, including people from some ethnic minority backgrounds. Working for Growth, the refreshed Employability Framework published in 2012, recognises this and sets out its expectation that where appropriate, local employability partnerships will develop specific interventions to support unemployed people from an ethnic minority background.\r\nBetween 2008 and 2015, direct Scottish Government Equality Programme funding for employability services for this group will total £5.756 million across 24 organisations.\r\nIn addition, between January 2008 and March 2011, the Scottish Government provided funding of £107k to support a range of actions in Glasgow which included an Ethnic Minority Employment Policy Manager post and the development of a toolkit of resources which can be used to support people from an ethnic minority background into work. This is available to all employability partnerships and other service providers through the employability in Scotland website:\r\nhttp://www.employabilityinscotland.com/workingwithethnicminorityclientsatoolkitfo.aspx\r\nAlthough published data are not considered statistically robust, we know that employment rates for ethnic minority women are much lower than for males. Since the Women’s Employment Summit in September last year, work has been underway to establish an understanding of what works to support this group and discussions have been held with a number of service providers to consider what more can be done at both a national and local level to help increase employment rates among ethnic minority women. Angela Constance will update the Scottish Parliament on this work later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:36.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287767,"EventID":"S4W-17158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:37.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T11:58:47.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it provides for work on race equality.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are committed to promoting equality across Scotland and working with others to do so. To help achieve that aim, we are providing significant funding (nearly £21 million) during 2012-15 to core organisations to help tackle inequality and discrimination. £5.3 million of this will support specific projects and initiatives in combating racist and religious bigotry and hatred.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:37.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287768,"EventID":"S4W-17159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:38.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T11:58:47.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether levels of poverty and deprivation are greater in black and minority ethnic communities and, if so, what action it is taking to address them.\r\n","AnswerText":"People from minority ethnic (non-white) groups are more likely to be in relative poverty (before housing costs) compared to those from the “White” groups (28% and 15% respectively).\r\nTable 1 - Percentage of people in relative poverty (before housing costs) by ethnic group: Scotland 2009-10 to 2011-12\r\nEthnic Group\r\nPercentage\r\nWhite - British\r\n15\r\nWhite - Other\r\n19\r\nAsian / Asian British\r\n24\r\nMixed, Black / Black British, Chinese & Other\r\n32\r\n\r\n\r\nTotal White\r\n15\r\nTotal Minority Ethnic\r\n28\r\nSource: Family Resources Survey, Households Below Average Income datasets - figures aggregated from three years of data from 2009-10 to 2011-12 inclusive.\r\nWe are committed to promoting race equality in Scotland and working with others to do so. We are providing £5.3 million of funding in 2012-15 to address issues around race equality in Scotland. In April we published our current thinking on how race equality should develop over the next three years, and in Spring 2014 we intend to publish an updated Race Equality Statement, providing more detail on how we intend to take forward our plans in practice.\r\nAlongside this, the Child Poverty Strategy for Scotland expresses our commitment to tackle the long term drivers of poverty through early intervention and prevention. That commitment includes a range of actions such as harnessing over £125 million across government and our agencies to support young people towards and into work across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:38.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287769,"EventID":"S4W-17161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:39.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T15:13:30.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the shingles vaccination is being made available only to people aged between 70 and 79.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and all other UK Health Departments take advice on immunisation issues from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).\r\nPrior to the introduction of the shingles vaccination programme, the JCVI considered data from GP based studies which suggested that the severity of shingles increased with age, with the majority of shingles cases occurring in people aged 70 years and above.\r\nBased on medical, epidemiological and economic evidence and vaccine safety and efficacy data, the JCVI recommended a shingles vaccination programme for adults aged 70 years with a catch-up programme up to and including 79 years, provided that a licensed vaccine was available at a cost effective price. The efficacy of the vaccine declines with age and it is therefore not recommended for people aged 80 years and older.\r\nFollowing the JCVI recommendation, Scottish Ministers agreed that a routine shingles vaccination programme should be offered to 70 year olds from 1 September 2013, with the catch up programme directed at people aged 79 years old in the first year. The rest of the catch-up programme will be rolled out over the next few years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:39.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287770,"EventID":"S4W-17162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:39.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T15:13:30.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 it has made available to organisations that facilitate the reporting and detection of crime in each year since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following amounts have been made available to organisations involved in facilitating the reporting and detection of crime:\r\nPolice\r\n2012-13\r\n£0.730m\r\n2011-12\r\n£0.250m\r\n2010-11\r\n£0.250m\r\n2009-10\r\n£0.125m\r\n2008-09\r\nNil \r\n2007-08\r\nNil\r\n\r\nCrown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service\r\n2012-13\r\n£0.170m\r\n2011-12\r\n£1.133m\r\n2010-11\r\n£0.400m\r\n2009-10\r\n£0.400m\r\n2008-09\r\n£0.400m\r\n2007-08\r\nNil\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:39.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287771,"EventID":"S4W-17163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:39.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T15:13:30.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has responded to the UK Government’s consultation on the controlled substances and impairment thresholds in relation to the offence of driving under the influence of drugs.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17164 on 25 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:39.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287772,"EventID":"S4W-17164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:40.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T15:13:30.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will bring forward regulations on the controlled substances and impairment limits for the offence in Scotland of driving under the influence of drugs and whether it plans to hold a separate consultation from the UK Government’s consultation on the issue.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Government consultation on “Regulations to specify the drugs and corresponding limits for the new offence of driving with a specified controlled drug in the body above the specified limit” covers Scotland following a request made by the Scottish Government.\r\nThe GB-wide consultation closed on 17 September 2013. Following the analysis of Scottish consultation responses, it will be for the Scottish Government to consider bringing forward regulations to the Scottish Parliament for approval setting the drug driving limits that might apply in Scotland and for the UK Government to do likewise for England and Wales in the UK Parliament.\r\nAny final policy proposals on the specific issue of drug driving in Scotland will be for the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament and will be taken within the wider context of Scotland’s national drugs strategy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:40.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287773,"EventID":"S4W-17165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:40.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T15:13:30.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what actions it is considering taking to ensure that people with chronic pain are not criminalised when the offence of driving under the influence of drugs is introduced.","AnswerText":"The proposed new offence of drug driving in section 5A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 contains a medical defence. This defence applies where the specified controlled drug, which the person has taken was prescribed or supplied for medical or dental purposes; where the accused person took the drug in accordance with any directions given by the healthcare professional who prescribed it or supplied it, or with any accompanying instructions given by the manufacturer (to the extent that these were consistent with the advice of the healthcare professional); and provided that the accused person’s possession of the drug was not unlawful under section 5(1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.\r\nThe approach taken in the offence provides specific protection to those who legitimately and safely use medicines which contain controlled drugs. The proposed approach will not criminalise drivers who have taken properly prescribed or supplied medicines in accordance with the advice of a healthcare professional.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:40.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287774,"EventID":"S4W-17166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:41.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T15:25:18.383","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support is available for private waste management companies that will need to make changes to their equipment in order to comply with the zero-waste regulations that will be introduced in 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) ran a capital grant programme earlier this year, and in 2012-13, for waste management companies operating a collection service to the commercial and industrial sectors. Total funding available under this programme over the two years is £1.75 million.\r\nThe capital funding was open to private and the third sector waste management operators as well as local authority trade waste services. Funding was available for collections infrastructure that sought to capture paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, metals and food waste from the commercial and industrial sector.\r\nThis year available funding of £750,000 has been allocated to nine recipients, with final contracts due to be signed this week. On-going business development support is also available from ZWS, although this does not include capital support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:41.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287775,"EventID":"S4W-17167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-12T16:50:41.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T15:49:41.99","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it requires in order to determine whether compensatory measures under regulation 49 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) are sufficient.","AnswerText":"Regulation 53 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) provides for compensatory measures to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected. In this context, the information required will vary on a case-by-case basis subject to the particulars of the plan or project, the nature of the European sites which might be affected and the range of options available for the implementation of compensatory measures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-26T16:50:41.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287776,"EventID":"S4W-17177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-13T14:00:35.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T17:32:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the right to independent advocacy for looked-after children and young people will be included in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The right to independent advocacy for looked after children and young people will not be included in the Children and Young People Scotland) Bill.\r\nThe Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) approach to improving wellbeing of all children and young people recognises the central importance of involving them in decisions which affect their lives. It also recognises that sometimes children and young people will require support if their views and opinions are to be shared, including through the provision of advocacy. Work is on-going to implement GIRFEC in every community planning partnership across Scotland and we have been consulting on principles and standards which should apply whenever children required advocacy support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-27T14:00:35.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287777,"EventID":"S4W-17178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-13T14:00:37.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T09:37:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation’s finding that the number of Scotland-domiciled students from the most deprived quintile who attended university increased by 122 between 2007 and 2012, and what action it is taking to address this issue.\r\n","AnswerText":"This administration was elected on a manifesto commitment to do more to widen access. In making this commitment, the government recognised that while there had been progress around bringing students from non-traditional backgrounds into higher education, the rate of increase was too slow.\r\nThe government has now included statutory widening access agreements in the Post-16 Education Act. This will place a statutory duty on our universities to do more to widen access, a duty that we have supported through our announcement in December 2012 to fund an extra 2089 places this year, including 727 places specifically for widening access students and 1020 for students articulating from college to university (a traditional widening access route).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-27T14:00:37.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287778,"EventID":"S4W-17179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-13T14:00:37.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T09:37:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the report by the Centre for Educational Sociology, University of Edinburgh, What’s the evidence? Comparing the impact of career websites and other career support, which concluded that the Skills Development Scotland’s website, My World of Work, “'had a limited impact on pupil's careers management skills compared to other sources of career support.”\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government welcomes the report by the Centre for Educational Sociology as it reinforces some of the key recommendations of the Careers IAG Strategy.\r\nGiven the timing of changes to the careers service however, this survey was carried out very early in the process, as highlighted by the Wood Commission’s interim report, for it to be able show the true impact of careers modernisation.\r\nThis will be fully assessed as part of the Education Scotland external reviews which will be taking place starting from  April 2014 to quality assure the careers service and assess the impact it is having on building pupils career management skills.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-27T14:00:37.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287779,"EventID":"S4W-17180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-13T14:00:38.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T09:43:14.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what VisitScotland is doing to promote the whisky industry and distillery visitor centres as an integral part of the tourism industry.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is determined to maximise tourism growth and draw more visitors to Scotland. A strategy of delivering themed years aims to support and drive Scotland’s tourism and events industries by appealing to both domestic and international markets.\r\nThere are opportunities for the whisky industry and distillery visitor centres to engage in these years. Next year is our second Year of Homecoming and food and drink is one of the five key themes underpinning the year. Whisky Month will be a month-long, country-wide celebration taking place throughout May 2014.\r\nIn 2015 the year will be designated the Year of Scotland’s Food and Drink and there are also opportunities in 2016 with the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design and in 2017, the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.\r\nIn addition to this VisitScotland already work extensively with whisky attractions and retailers to help promote whisky tourism across Scotland, both as attractions in their own right and as an asset for further marketing of Scotland.\r\nVisitScotland and the enterprise agencies, working in partnership with The Scotch Whisky Association and The Scotch Whisky Experience, supported the establishment of Scotlandwhisky.com, a dedicated site exploring where tourism and whisky can work together. This is addition to the dedicated whisky section on the VisitScotland website available using the url:\r\nhttp://www.visitscotland.com/about/food-drink/whisky. Whisky content unique to each region is covered in articles within relevant regional sections of the site.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-27T14:00:38.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287780,"EventID":"S4W-17181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-13T14:00:38.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T09:43:48.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what representations it has received regarding the £384 maximum charge for patients using NHS dental services.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are unaware of any representations being made with regard to the £384 maximum patient charge for NHS dentistry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-27T14:00:38.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287781,"EventID":"S4W-17192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-13T14:00:38.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T12:28:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership talks will have on (a) public policy and (b) the NHS in Scotland; what its position is on the talks; whether it has discussed them with the UK Government, and, if so, what specific areas it has discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government welcomes the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) talks and is maintaining close contact with the negotiations and ensuring that our views are fed into the UK Government Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, which leads the UK input into the council.\r\nNegotiations are at an early stage and EU member states are still considering priorities. We have looked carefully at the initial assessments prepared by the European Commission and the UK Government, which show a considerable net economic benefit for the EU. As the negotiations continue it will be important to consider what benefits can be derived for Scotland.\r\nIn England the role of competition in the delivery of healthcare has increased with the private sector having a greater role in providing NHS-funded healthcare. Some commentators suggest that this may open up the NHS to further commercialisation under the TTIP. The position in Scotland is quite different. The Scottish Government has always protected, and will continue to protect, the NHS in Scotland from privatisation. The Scottish Government’s commitment to the people of Scotland is for a publicly funded health service providing care free at the point of delivery.\r\nThe UK will remain fully engaged in the negotiations and Scottish Ministers will take a close interest.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-27T14:00:38.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287796,"EventID":"S4W-17176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-13T16:00:27.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T18:51:25.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on the Scottish economy, whether it will participate in the second round of talks on the EU-US Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership in Brussels in October 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) taking place on 7 – 11 October 2013, is negotiated by EU Commission through the EU Trade Policy. The EU Commission has sole power to negotiate on behalf of all Member States through close co-operation with the Foreign Affairs (Trade) Council and European Parliament.\r\nScottish Government is maintaining close contact with the negotiations and ensuring that our views are fed into the UK Government Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, which leads the UK input into the council. The European Trade Commissioner, Karel De Gucht will be briefing an audience of business leaders about the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership at Gleneagles on \r\n23 September prior to the second round of talks. The First Minister will meet the Commissioner to discuss the TTIP and will take part in the briefing, emphasising the importance to Scotland of this deal.\r\nEU Commission provide various reports on their website detailing the current position with the trade negotiations between EU and US which can be found at:\r\nhttp://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/in-focus/ttip/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-27T16:00:27.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287797,"EventID":"S4W-17182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-13T16:00:28.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T10:04:37.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on employment in the oil and gas sector in Scotland, what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the recent fatal helicopter accident in the North Sea and what the outcomes were.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government worked closely with UK government on a range of issues in response to this tragic event. We will continue to do so until the causes are known and any safety recommendations are implemented to enhance the safety of those working offshore in the North Sea.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-27T16:00:28.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287798,"EventID":"S4W-17183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-13T16:00:29.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T10:04:37.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on employment in the oil and gas sector in Scotland, whether it has sought assurances from the UK Government that (a) employers and (b) licensed operators in the North Sea will not seek to blacklist or discriminate against offshore workers who refuse to board Super Puma helicopters in light of their safety record.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government continues to work with unions, operators, Oil and Gas UK and UK Government to ensure the continuation and safety of offshore operations in the North Sea, and to ensure that support is given to build confidence in helicopter travel based on a dialogue and quality information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-27T16:00:29.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287799,"EventID":"S4W-17184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-13T16:00:29.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T10:04:37.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on employment in the oil and gas sector in Scotland, whether it will discuss with the UK Government a formal agreement between employers' representatives and trade unions regarding trade union access to employees offshore, including the provision of regular berths on helicopters transporting workers offshore.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will continue to work with industry, unions, UK Government and the Helicopter Safety Steering Group to ensure that issues such as this are fully considered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-27T16:00:29.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287800,"EventID":"S4W-17185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-13T16:00:30.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T10:04:37.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on employment in the oil and gas sector in Scotland, what its position is on calls for an independent public inquiry into the cause of the recent fatal helicopter accident in the North Sea.\r\n","AnswerText":"Law officers will consider the result of all the investigations and whether any criminal proceedings or fatal accident inquiry is in the public interest. Ministers will then consider the need for further inquiries once the findings of the AAIB investigation are known and considered by the Civil Aviation authority. The Scottish Government would have to reach an agreement with the United Kingdom Government about the nature of any inquiry, as it would have to be undertaken under the Inquiries Act 2005, which is reserved legislation\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-27T16:00:30.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287801,"EventID":"S4W-17186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-13T16:00:30.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T10:04:37.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on employment in the oil and gas sector in Scotland, what its position is on the Helicopter Safety Steering Group (HSSG) commissioning an independent review of the safety of helicopter operations in the UK Continental Shelf, and whether it has made recommendations to the HSSG on review membership.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government supports the review announced by the Helicopter Safety Steering Group. We have been working closely with the HSSG since the accident and we will continue to offer our assistance and support where appropriate. The Scottish Government has made no specific recommendations to the HSSG on review membership but has encouraged a wide workforce participation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-27T16:00:30.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287802,"EventID":"S4W-17187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-13T16:00:31.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T10:04:37.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on employment in the oil and gas sector in Scotland, what representations it will make to the Helicopter Safety Steering Group regarding the appointment of a group to review the seating configuration on Super Puma helicopters, and to ensure that its terms of reference include seating configurations on all other helicopters operating offshore.  \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will continue to work with industry, unions, UK Government and the Helicopter Safety Steering Group to ensure that issues such as this are fully considered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-27T16:00:31.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287803,"EventID":"S4W-17188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-13T16:00:31.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T10:04:37.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on employment in the oil and gas sector in Scotland, what its position is on the adoption of Norwegian standards of (a) safety, (b) inspection and (c) regulation of helicopter operations in the North Sea, and whether it will make representations to the UK Government in this regard.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will support cross-industry discussions as part of the HSSG review to see whether any lessons can be learned from Norwegian safety and maintenance regime. The Scottish Government will support the HSSG review with industry, unions and UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-27T16:00:31.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287804,"EventID":"S4W-17189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-13T16:00:32.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T10:04:37.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on employment in the oil and gas sector in Scotland, what steps it has taken to reassure offshore workers about the safety of Super Puma helicopters following the recent fatal accident.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has held a number of discussions with industry and unions, and will continue to do so. In addition, the Scottish Government is working with the Helicopter Safety Steering Group and will support the far reaching independent and strategic safety review of helicopter safety in the North Sea as a key starting point for rebuilding confidence of the workforce.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-27T16:00:32.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287805,"EventID":"S4W-17190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-13T16:00:32.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T10:04:37.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on employment in the oil and gas sector in Scotland, what discussions it has had on the safety of helicopters used offshore with (a) employers and (b) trade unions on the Helicopter Safety Steering Group, and what the outcomes of those discussions were.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the tragic accident, the Scottish Government has had numerous discussions directly with unions and Oil and Gas UK, and has worked closely with wider industry as part of the Helicopter Safety Steering Group. These discussions have covered a range of issues and the Scottish Government has sought to reassure that necessary investigations are underway and, once completed, that lessons must be learned to enhance the safety of the offshore oil and gas sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-27T16:00:32.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287806,"EventID":"S4W-17191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-13T16:00:32.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T10:04:37.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the holding of a fatal accident inquiry into the circumstances of a Super Puma helicopter crash in the North Sea on 1 April 2009 has not yet commenced, and on what date it will.\r\n","AnswerText":"A timeline detailing the investigations which were conducted into the crash of the Super Puma helicopter on 1 April 2009, the decisions that were taken following these investigations and all the relevant dates has been published on the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service(COPFS) website and can be accessed here:\r\nhttp://www.copfs.gov.uk/media-site/latest-news-from-copfs/531-super-puma-g-redl-2009-investigation-timeline.\r\nThe programming of FAIs is a matter for Scottish Court Service (SCS). Following the decision of Crown Counsel on 19 January 2013 that there should be no criminal proceedings and that a FAI should be held COPFS contacted the Sheriff Principal of Grampian Highland and Islands in February 2013 who identified the date of \r\n28 October 2013 as suitable for holding the FAI. However, in June SCS advised they were unable to source suitable accommodation in Aberdeen for an FAI of this magnitude at that time.\r\nA new date has now been scheduled for the FAI of 6 January 2014 and it will take place in Aberdeen.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-27T16:00:32.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287807,"EventID":"S4W-17205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-13T16:00:33.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T14:15:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it calculates budget allocations for NHS boards.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Resource Allocation formula is used in the allocation of around 70% of the total NHS budget between the 14 territorial NHS boards in Scotland. This provides funding to NHS boards for the provision of hospital and community health services and GP prescribing.\r\nThe formula calculates target shares (percentages) for each NHS board based on a weighted capitation approach that starts with the number of people resident in each NHS board area. The formula then makes adjustments for the age/sex profile of the NHS board population, their additional needs based on morbidity and life circumstances (including deprivation) and the excess costs of providing services in different geographical areas.\r\nFurther details on the formula are available online:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Finance/Resource-Allocation-Formula/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-27T16:00:33.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287808,"EventID":"S4W-17206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-13T16:00:33.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T14:15:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has allocated to each NHS board in each of the last three financial years.","AnswerText":"Over the last three years, the baseline allocation of NHS boards has been:\r\nNHS Board\r\nBaseline Allocations\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14\r\n£ms\r\n£ms\r\n£ms\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran \r\n574.7\r\n586.9\r\n603.4\r\nNHS Borders \r\n167.3\r\n170.7\r\n175.4\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway \r\n241.7\r\n246.4\r\n253.3\r\nNHS Fife \r\n507.1\r\n520.8\r\n539.5\r\nNHS Forth Valley \r\n402.8\r\n418.2\r\n434.2\r\nNHS Grampian \r\n691.1\r\n713.1\r\n743.8\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n1,895.6\r\n1,937.9\r\n1,995.1\r\nNHS Highland \r\n484.8\r\n496.0\r\n509.8\r\nNHS Lanarkshire \r\n815.6\r\n837.9\r\n865.1\r\nNHS Lothian \r\n1,054.4\r\n1,092.7\r\n1,141.2\r\nNHS Orkney \r\n31.5\r\n32.8\r\n34.3\r\nNHS Shetland \r\n36.7\r\n37.6\r\n38.7\r\nNHS Tayside \r\n596.4\r\n611.2\r\n629.1\r\nNHS Western Isles \r\n57.7\r\n59.1\r\n60.7\r\nUnified Boards\r\n7,557.4\r\n7,761.3\r\n8,023.6\r\nNational Waiting Times Centre\r\n39.1\r\n39.4\r\n44.7\r\nNHS 24\r\n59.4\r\n60.1\r\n61.5\r\nNHS Education\r\n393.4\r\n391.1\r\n390.4\r\nNHS Health Scotland\r\n20.2\r\n19.3\r\n18.5\r\nNHS NSS\r\n266.0\r\n277.3\r\n281.7\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland\r\n17.2\r\n16.6\r\n15.9\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n197.7\r\n203.8\r\n207.6\r\nState Hospital\r\n33.2\r\n33.2\r\n33.6\r\nSpecial Boards\r\n1,026.2\r\n1,040.8\r\n1,053.9\r\nTotal\r\n8,583.6\r\n8,802.1\r\n9,077.5\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-27T16:00:33.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287809,"EventID":"S4W-17207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-13T16:00:33.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T14:15:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of the NHS budget it has allocated to NHS Lanarkshire in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2013-14, NHS Lanarkshire’s initial resource allocation was £865.1 million which was 10.78% of the total baseline budget allocated to NHS territorial boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-27T16:00:33.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287810,"EventID":"S4W-17208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-13T16:00:34.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T14:15:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it is giving to Lanarkshire hospitals following recent reports of increased mortality rates.","AnswerText":"As announced on 27 August Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) has been commissioned by the Scottish Government to lead a review to look at the reasons and causes behind NHS Lanarkshire’s pattern of Hospital Standardised Mortality Ratios.\r\nThe Scottish Government, HIS and NHS Lanarkshire are committed to working together to ensure patient safety in each of these hospitals.\r\nIt is reassuring that NHS Lanarkshire already have a plan in place to make improvements. However, in light of the latest statistics it is the right time to offer more enhanced support. The review will identify whether any additional action needs to be taken, or whether any aspects of the action plan need to be strengthened or accelerated. The report of this review shall be published.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-27T16:00:34.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287812,"EventID":"S4W-17088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:46.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:20:16.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many licences for the spreading of human sewage sludge on agricultural land have been issued in the last 18 months and for what locations.","AnswerText":"Sewage sludge can be used as soil fertiliser and also for ecological benefit on both agricultural land and on land being restored. The use of sewage sludge on farmland is controlled by the Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989 which control the build-up of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil and restrict the planting, grazing and harvesting of certain crops following the application of sludge. The statutory controls on the application must be complied with and failure to do so could result in a cross compliance penalty on individual land managers. The Safe Sludge Matrix, developed by Water UK, water and sewerage operators across the UK and also the British Retail Consortium in 1998 resulted in the phasing out of the use of untreated sludge in agriculture. This matrix is still in force and goes beyond the statutory cropping and grazing restrictions of the Department of Environment Code of Practice published in 1996.\r\nSludge producers, like Scottish Water, are required to analyse field soils and sewage sludge prior to application and maintain detailed records when used in agriculture. There are specific annual limits which cannot be exceeded; limits for individual applications rates to farm land is based on PTE levels and soil pH, thus the tonnage of sewage sludge applied per hectare can range from around 20 to 50 tonnes depending on PTE levels in the soil after application. These records are made available annually to the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), who are the regulatory authority. SEPA also carries out soil monitoring on a number of sites where sewage sludge has been applied.\r\nFurthermore, the application of sewage sludge to farmland should also follow the Scottish Government's Code of Good Practice for the Prevention of Environmental Pollution From Agricultural Activity (The PEPFAA Code) for the protection of water, soil and air. This document identifies good practices of applying sludge to land, and also summarises the Sludge Regulations and the Safe Sludge Matrix requirements, and is available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/37428/0014235.pdf.\r\nTreated sewage sludge is currently applied to both grass and arable land and, based on the Sludge Register for 2012, a total of 230 farms received sewage sludge in Scotland during that year.\r\n\r\n\r\nSCOTTISH GOVERNMENT\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:47.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287813,"EventID":"S4W-17089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:48.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:20:16.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a maximum limit applies to the amount of human sewage sludge that can be spread per hectare of agricultural land under licence per (a) application and (b) annum and, if so, how this is monitored.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17088 on 26 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:48.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287814,"EventID":"S4W-17090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:48.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-11T16:20:16.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) restrictions and (b) criteria apply when a licence is granted for the spreading of human sewage sludge on agricultural land.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17088 on 26 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:48.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287815,"EventID":"S4W-17168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:48.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T17:04:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of red meat reared in Scotland is sold (a) in the UK, (b) in the rest of the EU and (c) outwith the EU labelled as British meat.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not collect such data. However, the labelling of red meat is determined by the customers specification and marketing strategy, and these are commercial issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:48.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287816,"EventID":"S4W-17169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:49.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T17:04:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent meetings it has had with (a) the UK Government, (b) Quality Meat Scotland, (c) the Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board and (d) EBLEX regarding the red meat levy and what was discussed.","AnswerText":"I have discussed the red meat levy repatriation issue with Quality Meat Scotland and the UK Government on a number of occasions, most recently with David Mundell, Parliamentary under Secretary of State at the Scotland Office, on 12 September.\r\nAs AHDB and EBLEX are accountable to Ministers in England in relation to red meat the Scottish Government does not engage directly with them on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:49.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287817,"EventID":"S4W-17170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:49.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T17:04:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been collected by Quality Meat Scotland in red meat levy in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Quality Meat Scotland collected red meat levy income totalling £4.43 million in 2012-13, £4.85 million in both 2011-12 and 2010-11, £3.85 million in 2009-10 and £3.93 million in 2008-09.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:49.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287818,"EventID":"S4W-17171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:49.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T17:04:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the reported £13 billion turnover for food and drink in 2011 came from (a) Scottish meat and (b) British meat sold in the (i) UK, (ii) rest of the EU and (iii) rest of the world.\r\n","AnswerText":"The food and drink turnover figure of £13 billion was sourced from Scottish Annual Business Statistics 2011, which does not disaggregate the data down to this level of detail.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:49.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287819,"EventID":"S4W-17172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:49.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T17:04:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much livestock born and reared in Scotland has been slaughtered in England in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Livestock movements from Scotland to England is complex because most animals move several times in their lifetime prior to slaughter, in addition production and movements are driven by market conditions, furthermore not all of the data requested is held by the Scottish Government.\r\nThe following table shows the data we have available for moves from Scotland direct to English abattoirs:\r\nSpecies\r\n\r\nYear\r\nNumber of animals\r\nCattle\r\n2008\r\n56,239\r\n\r\n2009\r\n60,957\r\n\r\n2010\r\n66,491\r\n\r\n2011\r\n79,333\r\n\r\n2012\r\n77,303\r\nSheep and goats\r\n2008\r\n716,973\r\n\r\n2009\r\n666,230\r\n\r\n2010\r\n405,198\r\n\r\n2011\r\n435,636\r\n\r\n2012\r\n575,300\r\nPigs\r\n2008\r\n96,457\r\n\r\n2009\r\n100,954\r\n\r\n2010\r\n102,883\r\n\r\n2011\r\n72,745\r\n\r\n2012\r\n113,921\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:49.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287820,"EventID":"S4W-17173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:50.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T17:04:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government under what national label livestock born and reared in Scotland and slaughtered in England is marketed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Quality Meat Scotland advise that livestock born and reared in Scotland which are slaughtered in England would be marketed under either the red tractor scheme or the Quality Standard Mark, which is administered by EBLEX.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:50.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287821,"EventID":"S4W-17174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:50.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T17:04:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which levy board will promote and sell livestock born and reared in Scotland and slaughtered in England.","AnswerText":"The English Beef and Lamb Executive and the British Pig Association respectively are responsible for the promotion of livestock processed in England.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:50.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287822,"EventID":"S4W-17175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:50.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T17:04:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many abattoirs there are in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency Scotland is responsible for ensuring that abattoirs in Scotland meet the required regulatory requirements.\r\nFSA/S have advised that there are currently 30 approved red meat slaughterhouses and six poultry meat slaughterhouses in Scotland. There are also 20 approved establishments that handle wild game, and 14 authorised on-farm slaughter facilities for farmed game.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:50.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287823,"EventID":"S4W-17198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:50.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T14:29:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce a national disabled graduates training scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to delivering a consistent person-centred approach to supporting all people with disabilities who want to work, including graduates.\r\nWe are working with partners, including local authorities, representative bodies for disabled people and the Scottish Union for Supported Employment to encourage the adoption of a supported employment model in all local authorities.\r\nIn addition, we are funding the pilot of a supported employment qualification in Stow and Motherwell colleges. This qualification should help to raise standards and ensure consistency.\r\nIn February, I announced that we would earmark a proportion of Community Jobs Scotland opportunities for young people with a disability or long term health condition\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:50.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287824,"EventID":"S4W-17199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:51.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T14:29:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports people with muscular dystrophy into work.","AnswerText":"We want to ensure that people living with neuromuscular conditions, including their families, get access to the best possible care and support.\r\nWe have funded three neuromuscular care advisor posts in the South East and Tayside, the North of Scotland, and the West of Scotland for two years. These regional care advisors will be able to signpost people living with neuromuscular conditions and their families to services and support in their local area.\r\nWe also fund the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives to provide advice to employers on supporting and promoting health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace. This includes offering advice on adjustments that can be made in the workplace to accommodate employees with limiting health conditions and guidance on employers’ obligations under the Equality Act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:51.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287825,"EventID":"S4W-17200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:51.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T14:29:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have (a) been hospitalised and (b) died from asbestos poisoning in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The specific information requested is not available centrally as there are no exact ICD-10 diagnosis codes which solely relate to asbestos poisoning. It is also likely that acute asbestos poisoning is very rare. Information on the number of hospital admissions and deaths for asbestos-related conditions are available and provided in the following tables.\r\nTable 1: shows the number hospital admissions for asbestos-related conditions for each of the last six financial years ending 31st of March, broken down by health board.\r\nHealth Board of Treatment\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nGolden Jubilee National Hospital \r\n3\r\n21\r\n84\r\n109\r\n97\r\n85\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n50\r\n45\r\n81\r\n81\r\n92\r\n69\r\nNHS Borders\r\n9\r\n10\r\n13\r\n23\r\n17\r\n6\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n31\r\n19\r\n21\r\n43\r\n43\r\n28\r\nNHS Fife\r\n192\r\n158\r\n181\r\n141\r\n172\r\n259\r\nNHS Forth Valley \r\n25\r\n31\r\n31\r\n28\r\n37\r\n28\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n101\r\n179\r\n226\r\n216\r\n241\r\n214\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n532\r\n496\r\n603\r\n627\r\n711\r\n656\r\nNHS Highland\r\n53\r\n84\r\n77\r\n118\r\n108\r\n127\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n100\r\n115\r\n98\r\n91\r\n72\r\n76\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n282\r\n290\r\n293\r\n319\r\n261\r\n281\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n-\r\n3\r\n5\r\n7\r\n1\r\n2\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n2\r\n-\r\n10\r\n2\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n96\r\n74\r\n85\r\n84\r\n130\r\n109\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n1\r\n-\r\n-\r\n7\r\n10\r\n10\r\nTotals\r\n1,475\r\n1,525\r\n1,800\r\n1,894\r\n2,002\r\n1,952\r\n\r\nTable 2: shows the number of deaths caused by asbestos-related conditions for each of the last six financial years ending 31st of March, broken down by health board. \r\nHealth Board of Treatment\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nGolden Jubilee National Hospital \r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\n-\r\n1\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n9\r\n4\r\n9\r\n11\r\n11\r\n9\r\nNHS Borders\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n3\r\n5\r\n -\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n2\r\n4\r\n4\r\n4\r\n3\r\n4\r\nNHS Fife\r\n20\r\n21\r\n25\r\n13\r\n11\r\n19\r\nNHS Forth Valley \r\n6\r\n4\r\n2\r\n6\r\n5\r\n3\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n11\r\n9\r\n16\r\n19\r\n18\r\n15\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n35\r\n44\r\n31\r\n44\r\n49\r\n43\r\nNHS Highland\r\n5\r\n9\r\n2\r\n6\r\n8\r\n13\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n16\r\n10\r\n15\r\n19\r\n13\r\n13\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n24\r\n27\r\n22\r\n24\r\n23\r\n16\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\n1\r\n-\r\n1\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n10\r\n10\r\n10\r\n8\r\n18\r\n14\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\nTotals\r\n139\r\n143\r\n139\r\n159\r\n164\r\n153\r\nSource: ISD Scotland, SMR01.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:51.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287826,"EventID":"S4W-17201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:51.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T14:29:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many civil servants it employs and what information it has on how many are members of a trade union.","AnswerText":"Figures on civil servant employment are already in the public domain. The information requested can be found on the Office for National Statistics website by searching for the Quarterly Public Sector Employment Survey. The latest version is available at:\r\nhttp://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/pse/public-sector-employment/q2-2013/stb-pse-2013q2.html\r\nThe Scottish Government figure (excluding agencies) is contained in table 10. The most recent figure as at 30 June 2013 is 5,070 civil servants.\r\nAs at 30 June 2013, 1,985 civil servants had deductions direct from salary for trade union membership. The number of civil servants who pay for their membership directly is not known.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:51.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287827,"EventID":"S4W-17202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:51.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T14:29:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fixed penalty notices have been issued under the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 for (a) failing to comply with display restrictions and (b) selling tobacco from automatic vending machines.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287828,"EventID":"S4W-17203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:52.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T14:29:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) violent and (b) non-violent crimes have been recorded against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in each year since the introduction of the Offences (Aggravation by Prejudice) (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"The requested information is not held centrally.\r\nThe police recorded crime data collected centrally is based on an aggregate return from each of the eight legacy police forces in Scotland and does not include details relating to aggravations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:52.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287829,"EventID":"S4W-17204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:52.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-13T14:29:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many people participating in the modern apprenticeship programme identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender and what percentage this represents of the total number of apprentices taking part in the programme.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. I will ask the Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland to write to you on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:52.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287830,"EventID":"S4W-17209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:52.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-14T18:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether ministers were informed that the original owner of the land at 57 Clark Street in Paisley had bought back the land.\r\n","AnswerText":"The land at 57 Clark Street in Paisley was not bought back by the original owner, Airlink Security Parking Ltd, as they had ceased to exist.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:52.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287831,"EventID":"S4W-17210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:53.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-14T18:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who (a) approved and (b) was informed of the offer to buy the land at 57 Clark Street in Paisley after the public auction.\r\n","AnswerText":"The disposal of 57 Clark Street was undertaken by the relevant officials in compliance with the requirements of the Scottish Public Finance Manual.\r\nI refer the member to the answers to the following parliamentary questions, which notified the Scottish Parliament of the intention to dispose of surplus land and the processes which would guide the disposal: S3W-31078, \tanswered on 4 February 2010; S3W-32289, answered on 19 March 2010; S3W-32290, answered on 19 March 2010; S3W-33248, answered on 23 April 2010; and S3W-36879, answered on 9 November 2010.\r\nAll answers to parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website. The search facility for written questions can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:53.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287832,"EventID":"S4W-17211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:53.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-14T18:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether ministers were informed of how much land originally bought for the Glasgow Airport Rail Link project was sold for.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17209 on 30 September 2013. All answers to parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website. The search facility for written questions can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:53.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287833,"EventID":"S4W-17212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:53.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-14T18:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what land it holds that was bought under compulsory purchase order or the threat of compulsion that is no longer required for the purpose for which it was bought.","AnswerText":"None, all of the land previously bought for the Glasgow Airport Rail Link has been sold off.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:53.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287834,"EventID":"S4W-17213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:53.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-14T18:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government from what companies land was acquired for the Glasgow Airport Rail Link project and how much each land purchase cost.","AnswerText":"The cost of the land and property acquired by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) for the Glasgow Airport Rail Link and subsequently transferred to the Scottish Government in May 2008 was as follows:\r\nPlot Nos\r\nOriginal Owner\r\nPurchase Date\r\nLand Purchase Price (excl VAT)\r\n93\r\nRentokil Ailsa\r\n19 March 2008\r\n£880,000.00\r\n94, 96, 96a\r\nKenyart Ltd\r\n19 March 2008\r\n£115,000.00\r\n97\r\nJ&M Taylor (Holdings) Ltd\r\n19 March 2008\r\n£240,000.00\r\n101, 102, 103, 107a, 108\r\nAirlink Security Parking\r\n27 February 2008\r\n£715,000.00\r\n114, 117, 119a, 119c\r\nBRB (Residuary) Limited\r\n19 March 2008\r\n£5,340.00\r\nTotal\r\n£1,955,340.00\r\nWith the exception of Plot 97 above, all of the costs reflect the full and final settlement, agreed with the original owners, with respect to the acquisition of the land owners interest in the land and property.\r\n\r\nPlot 93 included 3 buildings: a vehicle maintenance building (9,032 ft2); main office building (9,881 ft2) and a storage building (1,917 ft2). These buildings were included in the overall cost of £880,000.\r\nPlot 101, 102, 103, 107a (part of) and 108: the valuation was based upon the plots having rights of access from the main road. SPT secured access rights but these were temporary and only for GARL.\r\nThe purchase prices were based upon a professional valuation of the plots by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport’s property services consultants.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:53.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287835,"EventID":"S4W-17214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:54.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-14T18:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which of the original owners bought back the land that it had acquired for the Glasgow Airport Rail Link project under compulsory purchase order or the threat of compulsion.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following original owners bought back land which had been acquired through compulsory purchase:\r\nKenyart Limited\r\nJ & M Taylor Holdings Limited\r\nIt should be noted that the original owner of the land at 57 Clark Street Paisley was Airlink Security Parking Limited, a company purchased by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport in February 2008 and which has since ceased to exist.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:54.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287836,"EventID":"S4W-17215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:54.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-14T18:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it received for each sale of land acquired for the Glasgow Airport Rail Link project that it disposed of.","AnswerText":"The sale prices were as follows:\r\nPlot Nos\r\nPurchaser\r\nSale Date\r\nSelling Price\r\n93\r\nAKV Vehicle Rentals\r\n6 July 2012\r\n£80,000.00\r\n94, 96, 96a\r\nKenyart Ltd\r\n24 August 2011\r\n£99,600.00\r\n97\r\nJ&M Taylor (Holdings) Ltd\r\n16 April 2012\r\n£124,500.00\r\n101, 102, 103, 107a, 108\r\nSPG Properties Limited\r\n26 June 2013\r\n£50,000.00\r\n114, 117, 119a, 119c\r\nMTS Properties\r\nAugust 2011\r\n£5,400.00\r\nTotal\r\n£359,500.00\r\n\r\nPlot 93, when purchased by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), included three buildings: a vehicle maintenance building (9,032 ft2); main office building (9,881 ft2) and a storage building (1,917 ft2). These buildings were subsequently demolished in preparation for the Glasgow Airport Rail Link branch line works and therefore it was only the land which was available for resale.\r\nPlot 101, 102, 103, 107a (part of) and 108 valuation of sale price was on the basis of the plots having no access from the main road.\r\nThe sale prices were based upon a professional assessment by Transport Scotland’s property services consultants of the current market value of each plot.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:54.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287837,"EventID":"S4W-17216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:54.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-14T18:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it spent on the Glasgow Airport Rail Link project.","AnswerText":"In response to question S3W-33877, answered on 3 June 2010, it was stated that the forecast spend for the cancelled branch line element of the Glasgow Airport Rail Link project would be £33.13 million. As of 19 September 2013, £29.91 million has been expended, with an estimated £0.12 million of close out final costs, giving a cost of £3 million less than previously forecast.\r\nAll answers to parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website. The search facility for written questions can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:54.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287838,"EventID":"S4W-17217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:54.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-14T18:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for how much the land at 57 Clark Street in Paisley was sold.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17215 on 30 September 2013. All answers to parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website. The search facility for written questions can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:54.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287839,"EventID":"S4W-17218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:55.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-14T18:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it decided to sell the land at 57 Clark Street in Paisley at auction.\r\n","AnswerText":"Disposal by public auction offered the most effective means of achieving full market value for the site.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:55.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287840,"EventID":"S4W-17219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:55.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-14T18:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the land at 57 Clark Street in Paisley was offered back to its original owner and, if so, at what price.","AnswerText":"The land at 57 Clark Street in Paisley was not offered back to the original owner, Airlink Security Parking Ltd, as the company had ceased to exist.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:55.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287841,"EventID":"S4W-17220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:55.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-14T18:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether ministers confirmed any of the land acquisitions for the Glasgow Airport Rail Link project under compulsory purchase order or threat of compulsion.","AnswerText":"The acquisition of land for the Glasgow Airport Rail Link project, under compulsory powers, was undertaken solely by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:55.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287842,"EventID":"S4W-17221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:55.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-14T18:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much compensation it paid to companies that sold it land for the Glasgow Airport Rail Link project.","AnswerText":"As at 23 September 2013 a total of £8.532 million has been paid out of the public purse to settle all claims for Land Compensation related to the Glasgow Airport Rail Link project. This includes payments with respect to: acquisition of land owners interest in land and property; disturbance; fees; injurious affection; and severance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:55.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287843,"EventID":"S4W-17222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:56.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T10:05:18.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what harbour charges Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) is applying at Gourock harbour; whether they include a subsidy for other CMAL-owned harbours, and, if so, whether this contravenes EU law.\r\n","AnswerText":"Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) apply a network wide charge for their harbours which includes Gourock.\r\nThe harbour charges at Gourock do not include subsidy for other CMAL owned harbours.\r\nCMAL’s schedule of dues is published at:\r\nwww.cmassets.co.uk/en/harbours/fees-and-charges.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:56.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287844,"EventID":"S4W-17224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:56.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T10:05:18.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on Transport Scotland's advice in relation to harbour charges and whether such charges should be based on an analysis of actual cost recovery.","AnswerText":"As with any Statutory Harbour Authority, the harbour charges set by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) must comply with the requirements of Section 27 of the Harbours Act 1964.\r\nCMAL’s harbour charges reflect the costs to maintain, operate and provide the necessary capital investment to improve their harbour facilities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:56.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287845,"EventID":"S4W-17225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T14:30:56.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T13:34:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Scottish Firearms Consultative Panel last met and whether it will meet to discuss the licensing of air weapons under the proposed Licensing Bill and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Firearms Consultative Panel last met on 14 August 2012. There are no plans at present to reconvene the full panel. We continue to engage with stakeholders, including panel members, as we develop a system of air weapon licensing that is both practicable and effective.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T14:30:56.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287859,"EventID":"S4T-00448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T12:56:07.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T11:30:38.927","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what benefits the recently announced development in the Pentland Firth of the largest tidal array in Europe will bring to the marine renewable energy industry.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T12:56:07.993","MeetingDate":"2013-09-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287860,"EventID":"S4T-00452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T12:56:09.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T11:38:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to prevent attacks by dangerous dogs.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T12:56:09.097","MeetingDate":"2013-09-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287861,"EventID":"S4F-01554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T12:57:14.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-12T14:57:39.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T12:57:14.457","MeetingDate":"2013-09-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287862,"EventID":"S4F-01559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T12:57:15.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T10:04:03.63","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T12:57:15.837","MeetingDate":"2013-09-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287863,"EventID":"S4F-01561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T12:57:16.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T10:08:22.663","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the economic impact will be on Scotland of the privatisation of the Royal Mail.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T12:57:16.497","MeetingDate":"2013-09-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287864,"EventID":"S4F-01567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4965,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T12:57:18.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T11:19:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when a publicly accessible register of fishing quota allocation holdings and transactions will be established.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T12:57:18.53","MeetingDate":"2013-09-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287865,"EventID":"S4F-01563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T15:01:32.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T10:42:31.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government considers the impact will be on local policing of reported plans to replace local police officers with officers from other divisions on public holidays to avoid double-time payments.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T15:01:32.48","MeetingDate":"2013-09-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287866,"EventID":"S4F-01572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-16T15:01:32.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T11:50:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government will spend the £20 million that it announced on 11 September 2013 to help people affected by the so-called bedroom tax.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-09-30T15:01:32.777","MeetingDate":"2013-09-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287878,"EventID":"S4W-17226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T13:54:47.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T16:31:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16411 by John Swinney on 24 August 2013, how many employees there are in the estate’s 79 buildings.\r\n","AnswerText":"At 31 August 2013 there were a total of 5,827 people working for the Scottish Government based across the 79 buildings which form the Scottish Government estate. This figure includes permanent, temporary, fixed term, agency workers, consultants, contractors and inward secondees assigned to the Scottish Government Core Directorates. It does not include any people occupying the buildings who are assigned to an agency or other body.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T13:54:48.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287879,"EventID":"S4W-17227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T13:54:48.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T16:36:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many offenders there were in each trial area of the Fiscal Work Order Pilot Scheme in each year since 2008.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information is provided in the following table. Fiscal Work Orders have been available in West Lothian, West Dunbartonshire, South Lanarkshire and Highland since 2008. Their availability was extended to Edinburgh City, Dundee City and Aberdeen City in 2011.\r\nFiscal Work Orders Issued\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nWest Lothian\r\n53\r\n122\r\n56\r\n48\r\n32\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n89\r\n91\r\n22\r\n108\r\n73\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n73\r\n56\r\n46\r\n118\r\n78\r\nHighland\r\n71\r\n29\r\n68\r\n48\r\n70\r\nEdinburgh City\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n88\r\n70\r\nDundee City\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n34\r\n56\r\nAberdeen City \r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n84\r\n111\r\nTotal\r\n286\r\n298\r\n192\r\n528\r\n490\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T13:54:48.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287880,"EventID":"S4W-17228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T13:54:48.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T16:36:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many offenders in each trial area of the Fiscal Work Order Pilot Scheme whose fiscal work orders were (a) not completed and (b) returned to the Procurator Fiscal (i) had their case marked for court proceedings and (ii) subsequently appeared in court in relation to their original charge in each year since 2008.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held in a manner which can be obtained electronically from the COPFS database. There is information from the Evaluation of Fiscal Orders published in January 2011 which provides data in relation to the first 2 years of the operation of the Fiscal Work Orders at the attached link. \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/01/24140850/6.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T13:54:48.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287881,"EventID":"S4W-17229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T13:54:49.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T16:36:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making with its plan to roll out fiscal work orders nationally and whether this will be completed before the end of 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"Work is underway in collaboration with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Criminal Justice Social Work and the Scottish Police Authority to ensure that robust processes are in place to support the use of fiscal work orders nationwide.\r\nThe roll-out will not be completed before the end of 2013. We remain committed to ensuring that fiscal work orders are made available across the country and it is planned that the roll-out will now be completed by the end of 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T13:54:49.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287882,"EventID":"S4W-17230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T13:54:49.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T16:36:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it gives to local authorities for the supervision of people serving fiscal work orders.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government currently provides £50,000 a year to each local authority in which a Fiscal Work Order pilot scheme is running. These funds are paid through the annual grant to Community Justice Authorities as part of the ring-fenced funding allocations for the delivery of Criminal Justice Social Work Services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T13:54:49.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287883,"EventID":"S4W-17231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T13:54:49.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T17:04:38.07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many pupils have studied advanced higher computing in each year since 2009, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of learners entered for the advanced higher computing qualification from 2009 broken down by local authority is as follows:\r\nNumber of pupils entered in advanced higher computing at publicly funded secondary schools\r\nLocal Authority Area\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\n2013 \r\nAberdeen City\r\n9\r\n5\r\n5\r\n7\r\n12\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n*\r\n9\r\n11\r\n13\r\n18\r\nAngus\r\n8\r\n8\r\n9\r\n8\r\n9\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n8\r\n*\r\n9\r\n10\r\n6\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n*\r\n*\r\n0\r\n0\r\n*\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n*\r\n0\r\n*\r\n*\r\n0\r\nDundee City\r\n23\r\n22\r\n19\r\n13\r\n18\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n*\r\n5\r\n6\r\n*\r\n*\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n26\r\n23\r\n11\r\n24\r\n23\r\nEast Lothian\r\n*\r\n11\r\n13\r\n5\r\n*\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n18\r\n15\r\n14\r\n24\r\n*\r\nEdinburgh City\r\n38\r\n39\r\n52\r\n60\r\n37\r\nEilean Siar\r\n*\r\n*\r\n6\r\n*\r\n6\r\nFalkirk\r\n*\r\n*\r\n9\r\n11\r\n13\r\nFife\r\n35\r\n37\r\n42\r\n45\r\n42\r\nGlasgow City\r\n13\r\n9\r\n24\r\n15\r\n22\r\nHighland\r\n7\r\n8\r\n6\r\n5\r\n10\r\nInverclyde\r\n6\r\n*\r\n6\r\n12\r\n8\r\nMidlothian\r\n18\r\n23\r\n15\r\n15\r\n22\r\nMoray\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n13\r\n8\r\n12\r\n11\r\n13\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n*\r\n6\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n*\r\n*\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n24\r\n34\r\n30\r\n39\r\n39\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n*\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nScottish Borders\r\n9\r\n*\r\n*\r\n0\r\n8\r\nShetland Islands\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n37\r\n33\r\n37\r\n28\r\n29\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n25\r\n24\r\n47\r\n20\r\n35\r\nStirling\r\n9\r\n7\r\n*\r\n6\r\n0\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n9\r\n*\r\n7\r\n*\r\n*\r\nWest Lothian\r\n22\r\n25\r\n15\r\n16\r\n11\r\nGrant aided\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\nAll\r\n383\r\n378\r\n418\r\n412\r\n404\r\nNote: *Numbers of less than 5 are supressed for quality and disclosure reasons.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T13:54:49.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287884,"EventID":"S4W-17232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T13:54:50.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T17:04:38.07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many schools have provided advanced higher computing in each year since 2009, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of centres with students entered for advanced higher computing in each year since 2009, broken down by local authority is as follows:\r\nNumber of publicly funded secondary schools with pupils entering advanced higher computing\r\nLocal Authority\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\n2013\r\nAberdeen City\r\n3\r\n2\r\n4\r\n3\r\n6\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n2\r\n6\r\n6\r\n6\r\n6\r\nAngus\r\n2\r\n4\r\n3\r\n4\r\n5\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n2\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\nDundee City\r\n7\r\n5\r\n5\r\n6\r\n7\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n2\r\n3\r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n5\r\n5\r\n3\r\n6\r\n5\r\nEast Lothian\r\n2\r\n5\r\n5\r\n2\r\n4\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n2\r\n3\r\n4\r\n3\r\n2\r\nEdinburgh City\r\n9\r\n9\r\n11\r\n11\r\n13\r\nEilean Siar\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\nFalkirk\r\n1\r\n2\r\n3\r\n2\r\n2\r\nFife\r\n11\r\n11\r\n11\r\n9\r\n13\r\nGlasgow City\r\n3\r\n5\r\n5\r\n7\r\n4\r\nHighland\r\n5\r\n4\r\n4\r\n3\r\n5\r\nInverclyde\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\nMidlothian\r\n4\r\n3\r\n2\r\n4\r\n4\r\nMoray\r\n2\r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n3\r\n4\r\n3\r\n3\r\n3\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n1\r\n3\r\n1\r\n2\r\n2\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n1\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n5\r\n6\r\n5\r\n5\r\n5\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nScottish Borders\r\n3\r\n2\r\n1\r\n0\r\n3\r\nShetland Islands\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n6\r\n6\r\n6\r\n6\r\n6\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n5\r\n6\r\n8\r\n7\r\n5\r\nStirling\r\n3\r\n3\r\n3\r\n2\r\n0\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n3\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\nWest Lothian\r\n6\r\n7\r\n6\r\n6\r\n5\r\nGrant aided\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\nAll\r\n103\r\n113\r\n108\r\n108\r\n117\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T13:54:50.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287885,"EventID":"S4W-17233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T13:54:50.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T17:04:38.07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it encourages schools to provide advanced higher computing classes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number and range of courses on offer is a decision for schools to make in consultation with learners and parents, taking into account the local context and resources available.\r\nThe Scottish Government sees learning in science and technology subjects as important for young people, and for the economy, helping them to develop skills for learning, life and work. We are providing BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT with £200k per annum over two years to support professional learning for secondary school teachers of computing science. The opportunities provided will help ensure learning incorporates new programming languages and current thinking on teaching approaches.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T13:54:50.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287886,"EventID":"S4W-17234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T13:54:50.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T17:04:38.07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average size is of advanced higher classes, broken down by (a) subject and (b) local authority.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T13:54:50.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287887,"EventID":"S4W-17235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T13:54:50.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T17:04:38.07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much per pupil it allocates to local authorities for advanced highers.","AnswerText":"In 2013-14 the Scottish Government is providing local authorities with total revenue funding of over £9.7 billion. It is for local authorities to decide how this is allocated. The Scottish Government does not decide how much funding is allocated to specific subjects.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T13:54:50.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287888,"EventID":"S4W-17237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T13:54:50.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T09:17:24.187","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what arrangements Police Scotland is putting in place to ensure effective policing cover on bank holidays in the former Grampian Police region.\r\n","AnswerText":"The deployment of police officers throughout Scotland is an operational matter for the Chief Constable. Redeploying police officers according to operational need is not new. Within the former Strathclyde police force, for example, officers were redeployed between urban, rural and island areas, when the operational need arose.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T13:54:51.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287889,"EventID":"S4W-17238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T13:54:51.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T09:17:24.187","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the provision of community policing by officers with limited local knowledge.","AnswerText":"The training and deployment of police officers is an operational matter for the Chief Constable. Redeploying police officers according to operational need is not new. Within the former Strathclyde police force, for example, officers were redeployed between urban, rural and island areas, when the operational need arose.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T13:54:51.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287890,"EventID":"S4W-17239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T13:54:51.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T09:06:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what organisations it funds to provide care and support to children who have been trafficked.\r\n","AnswerText":"Within Scotland our policy around child trafficking is robust. We have firmly embedded child trafficking into the wider child protection system through multi agency working at local level. We do not hold information centrally on the resources these agencies may provide.\r\nWe are providing the Scottish Refugee Council, in partnership with Aberlour Childcare Trust, a grant of £200,000 a year for the next three years starting in 2013 to help fund the Scottish Guardianship Service. The Scottish Guardianship Service help unaccompanied asylum seeking and trafficked children and young people navigate through the immigration and welfare processes and get the help they need when they need it. It is a unique service in the UK and provides independent advocacy both on the matters of immigration and welfare.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T13:54:51.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287891,"EventID":"S4W-17247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T13:54:51.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T11:26:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Winchburgh tunnel will be closed during the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme construction works and, if so, for how long.\r\n","AnswerText":"Whilst further work is required to reach a definitive position, Network Rail have confirmed that, having examined all the options with a view to minimising disruption, a closure will be necessary. However, Network Rail also advise that this closure will be significantly less than the 12 weeks that have been reported elsewhere. The works will be carried out during the summer months and all connections will be maintained via diversionary routes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T13:54:51.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287892,"EventID":"S4W-17248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T13:54:52.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T12:21:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it would cost to include the Dalmeny chord in the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme using a (a) flat and (b) grade-separated junction.\r\n","AnswerText":"The original estimate for the full Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme included provision of £175 million for the Dalmeny Chord. The estimate included two grade separated junctions and one flat junction.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T13:54:52.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287893,"EventID":"S4W-17249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T13:54:52.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T12:28:17.137","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on (a) the relationship between Police Scotland and external media organisations, (b) Police Scotland's openness regarding the release of details of crimes and other incidents to the media and (c) the availability to the public of up-to-date information on crime.","AnswerText":"Police Scotland recognises external media organisations are one of the main ways the public receive information on policing and other issues.\r\nPolice Scotland adheres to guidelines agreed with the Crown Office which clearly set out what information it is appropriate to provide to the media. There has been no change to this since the establishment of Police Scotland.\r\nInformation is issued proactively to external media organisations on many issues, from crime which has taken place to forthcoming initiatives. However, operational considerations are also taken into account, it is not always appropriate to give information to the media about incidents while they are ongoing.\r\nInformation on crime is regularly published.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T13:54:52.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287894,"EventID":"S4W-17240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T16:48:29.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T11:20:58.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the feature activity sensitivity tool to assist people who want to respond to the consultation, Planning Scotland's Seas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The feature activity sensitivity tool, known as FEAST, is available online. FEAST enables users to explore what is known about the proposed protected features of Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas (MPA) and their sensitivity to pressures, and the marine activities that can cause pressures.\r\nThe information within FEAST is also provided as generic guidance regarding matters which are capable of affecting the protected feature(s) of a MPA as described in s81(1) as read with s80(1)(a) of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, as well as s127(1)(a) of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. This will help future developments to be planned in a sustainable manner when proposed in, or adjacent to, a nature conservation MPA.\r\nPlease see the following web page for details of how to access the system;\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/marine-environment/FEAST-Intro\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T16:48:29.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287895,"EventID":"S4W-17241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T16:48:29.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T11:20:58.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will provide information on fisheries activity that is needed for decision making in the proposed marine protected areas but is not given by the ScotMap project.\r\n","AnswerText":"A draft Business Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) is provided for each proposed Marine Protected Area (MPA). Each BRIA contains the available fisheries data. For over 15 metres vessels, official landings data is spatially distributed using VMS pings. For fishing vessels under 15 metres, for which VMS data are not available, official landings data is used and ScotMap provides a qualitative assessment of the spatial distribution. In addition we are currently undertaking a series of public consultation events around Scotland which have been attended by local and national fishing interests. These events are serving to add context and knowledge of fishing activity in and around the possible MPAs. Marine Scotland will assess all responses to the consultation and we encourage the fisheries industry to supply additional information on their activities to get a better representation of where activities are taking place.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T16:48:29.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287896,"EventID":"S4W-17242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T16:48:30.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T11:20:58.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will provide guidance on the coordinates of the explicit management zones in the proposed marine protected areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The boundaries of the Marine Protected Area (MPAs) proposals currently out to public consultation are based on best available evidence on the distribution of habitats, species and geological features. The management options papers include information on activities that may need to be managed for particular features as well as best available information on the distribution of these features.\r\nThe proposed boundaries and information on the distribution of features will be assessed in light of consultation responses and any other new information that becomes available before final decisions are taken on the case for designation of nature conservation MPAs. Scottish Natural Heritage and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee are also currently completing a project which aims to improve the available information on the distribution of features within 13 of the 33 MPA proposals. The work will be completed later in 2013 and the results will be made publicly available.\r\nWe have a policy of protecting MPA features while supporting sustainable use. Therefore management zones for activities in relation to certain features may differ from the overall boundary of an MPA. For example, MPAs may be designated to protect several features but only one of those features may be sensitive to a particular activity and it may be preferable to only control that activity within part of the MPA boundary where that feature occurs.\r\nWe will provide guidance on how management boundaries will be created before the first designations occur in 2014. This will outline the types of data that can be used to delineate the distribution of features and management boundaries and will be based on advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea and our statutory nature conservation advisers. Improvements to our knowledge of the distribution of features will be combined within revised management options papers for discussion with stakeholders. Co-ordinates for management zones will be provided once finalized.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T16:48:30.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287898,"EventID":"S4W-17243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T16:48:30.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T11:20:58.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, other than that provided on its website, what information has been shared with stakeholders with regard to the consultation, Planning Scotland's Seas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Planning Scotland’s Seas consultation covers five distinct but linked sets of proposals, a) draft national marine plan, b) Marine Protected Areas network; c) draft sectoral plan for Offshore Renewables; d) Priority Marine Features; and e) draft Planning Circular on terrestrial and marine planning and associated assessments. These proposals have each been subject to on-going discussion with stakeholders over a number of years and relevant information has been shared via a number of mechanisms. Most notably these include meetings of the Marine Strategy Forum; national level stakeholder workshops on the proposed Marine Protected Areas; and stakeholder advisory groups established to contribute to relevant sustainability appraisals and impact assessments. The consultation process to date has also resulted in a number of additional requests for specific information which have been responded to as appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T16:48:30.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287900,"EventID":"S4W-17259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T16:48:30.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T14:25:57.043","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what procurement advice in relation to blacklisting it has given to (a) NHS boards and (b) the Scottish Futures Trust on new build projects.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards and the Scottish Futures Trust were made aware that Ministers are opposed to blacklisting and will work with the Scottish Government to respond to the final report from the Scottish Affairs Committee’s Inquiry on this matter.\r\nNew guidelines for purchasers on dealing with companies found to have been involved in blacklisting are being developed and will be published shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T16:48:30.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287902,"EventID":"S4W-17260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-17T16:48:31.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T14:25:57.043","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many companies identified on the Consulting Association's database have been awarded NHS contracts in Scotland in the last 18 months.","AnswerText":"A total of four companies that have been awarded contracts by the Scottish Government and its agencies since 2007 have been named, or associated with companies named by the Information Commissioner’s Office, as companies which subscribed to the Consulting Association.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-01T16:48:31.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287906,"EventID":"S4O-02432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:04:44.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T12:05:43.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its financial commitment is to the regional performance centre in Dundee and when it will open.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:04:44.567","MeetingDate":"2013-09-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287907,"EventID":"S4O-02433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:04:49.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T12:05:44.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how preparations for the 2014 Commonwealth Games are progressing.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:04:49.043","MeetingDate":"2013-09-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287908,"EventID":"S4O-02434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:04:49.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T12:05:44.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to universities to attract students from overseas.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:04:49.637","MeetingDate":"2013-09-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287909,"EventID":"S4O-02435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:04:49.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T12:05:44.807","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s consultation on providing additional support for renewables on Scotland’s islands.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:04:49.947","MeetingDate":"2013-09-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287910,"EventID":"S4O-02436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:04:50.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T11:46:22.187","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve child protection services.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:04:50.883","MeetingDate":"2013-09-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287911,"EventID":"S4O-02437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:04:51.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T15:53:22.497","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions ministers have had with local authorities regarding the community benefits that arise from environmental projects.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:04:51.18","MeetingDate":"2013-09-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287912,"EventID":"S4O-02438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:04:51.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T10:45:45.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has made of the issues faced by people under 65 with dementia.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:04:51.727","MeetingDate":"2013-09-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287913,"EventID":"S4O-02439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:04:52.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T11:48:42.19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what financial support it will provide to East Ayrshire Council to assist with the restoration of open cast mines.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:04:52.07","MeetingDate":"2013-09-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287914,"EventID":"S4O-02440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:04:52.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T12:05:46.273","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what help it provides for people who have had a stroke.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHSScotland has made great progress in improving outcomes for people with stroke:\r\nOver the last ten years mortality rates for stroke have reduced by over 41%.\r\nBetween 2010 and 2011 mortality rates dropped by 5.7%\r\nOur Better Heart Disease and Stroke Action Plan, backed by over £1 million of funding each year, contains actions aimed at ensuring people with stroke get access to effective, safe and person-centred care, as quickly as possible.\r\nFull implementation will help ensure we maintain momentum and continue to improve the quality of care and support available to people with stroke.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:04:52.32","MeetingDate":"2013-09-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287915,"EventID":"S4O-02441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:04:52.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T12:05:46.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to deal with the reported increase in waiting times for neurological services in NHS Lanarkshire.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government remain committed to ensuring patients get swift access to treatment. Whilst some patients are waiting slightly over the 12 weeks first outpatient consultation standard, I can reassure the member that patients with an urgent clinical need will be seen within around six weeks in Lanarkshire.\r\nDespite a shortage of trainees, Lanarkshire have been able to recruit an additional 0.8 whole time equivalent consultant who will take up post in February 2014. The board are also in the process of recruiting to a further consultant post. In addition they have also recruited an epilepsy specialist nurse will also take up post in December 2013.\r\nScottish Government officials continue to support the board to explore options for reducing waits for neurology patients to ensure that they are seen and treated within waiting time standards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:04:52.71","MeetingDate":"2013-09-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287916,"EventID":"S4O-02412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:06:53.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T12:03:58.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the Youth Music Initiative dovetails with voluntary sector programmes such as Scotland Sings and the Feisean movement.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:06:53.09","MeetingDate":"2013-09-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287917,"EventID":"S4O-02413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:06:53.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T12:03:59.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what benefit the 2013 summer festivals have brought to the Scottish economy.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:06:53.45","MeetingDate":"2013-09-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287918,"EventID":"S4O-02414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:06:53.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T12:03:59.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to boost production of both domestic and foreign films in Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:06:53.697","MeetingDate":"2013-09-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287919,"EventID":"S4O-02415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:06:54.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T12:04:00.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to provide support to take the Great Tapestry of Scotland to communities around the country.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:06:54.087","MeetingDate":"2013-09-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287920,"EventID":"S4O-02416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:06:54.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T11:29:27.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the set-up and running costs would be of a new national, independent broadcaster in the event of Scotland becoming independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:06:54.4","MeetingDate":"2013-09-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287921,"EventID":"S4O-02417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:06:54.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T12:54:18.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it gives to Scotland's film industry and individual film-makers.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:06:54.62","MeetingDate":"2013-09-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287922,"EventID":"S4O-02418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:06:54.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T12:04:00.893","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to increase digital participation among people over 65.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:06:54.867","MeetingDate":"2013-09-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287923,"EventID":"S4O-02419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:06:55.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T10:59:03.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs last met the chief executive of Creative Scotland and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:06:55.21","MeetingDate":"2013-09-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287924,"EventID":"S4O-02420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:06:55.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T12:04:03.22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of it providing assistance to NGOs supporting humanitarian projects in Syria, whether it shares growing concerns at the mounting humanitarian crisis in the country.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:06:55.617","MeetingDate":"2013-09-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287925,"EventID":"S4O-02421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:06:55.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T12:04:03.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent representations it has received regarding the terms and conditions of gallery attendants and security staff employed by the National Galleries of Scotland.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS). I understand that the NGS is currently negotiating with the staff unions on the proposals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:06:55.883","MeetingDate":"2013-09-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287926,"EventID":"S4O-02422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:06:56.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T09:47:24.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the national indicators used in the National Performance Framework feed into decisions relating to its investment commitments.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:06:56.133","MeetingDate":"2013-09-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287927,"EventID":"S4O-02423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:06:56.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T12:04:50.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the draft budget supports people affected by fuel poverty.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:06:56.367","MeetingDate":"2013-09-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287928,"EventID":"S4O-02424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:06:56.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T10:21:29.387","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to combat poverty.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:06:56.833","MeetingDate":"2013-09-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287929,"EventID":"S4O-02426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:06:57.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T15:29:03.743","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made toward funding the A801 River Avon gorge crossing.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:06:57.13","MeetingDate":"2013-09-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287930,"EventID":"S4O-02427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:06:57.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T12:04:51.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to make rail travel more attractive under the 2014 rail franchise renewal.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:06:57.363","MeetingDate":"2013-09-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287931,"EventID":"S4O-02428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:06:57.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T11:08:15.86","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Scotland’s airports regarding an aviation strategy for Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:06:57.597","MeetingDate":"2013-09-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287932,"EventID":"S4O-02429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:06:57.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T12:04:52.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce measures to improve the safety of the A76 between Dumfries and Kirkconnel.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:06:57.833","MeetingDate":"2013-09-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287933,"EventID":"S4O-02430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:06:58.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T12:04:52.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to mitigate the impact of welfare reforms.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:06:58.237","MeetingDate":"2013-09-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287934,"EventID":"S4O-02431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T14:06:58.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-16T12:04:52.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the proposed Sustainable Procurement Bill will include provisions relating to fairly traded products.","AnswerText":"The Procurement Reform (Scotland) Bill is aimed at ensuring public procurement processes are transparent, streamlined and proportionate and that they take into account social and environmental sustainability, including fair trade where appropriate. The Bill will also seek to address the use of technical specifications in procurement, again including fair trade where appropriate. The Scottish Fair Trade Forum has agreed to work with the Scottish Government to progress the uptake of fair and ethically traded goods and services through public procurement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T14:06:58.52","MeetingDate":"2013-09-25T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287935,"EventID":"S4W-17244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:50.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T11:30:06.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the effect of so-called zero-hours contracts in colleges and universities on (a) educational outcomes and (b) student satisfaction.\r\n","AnswerText":"Employment law is a reserved matter and we have not made an assessment of the effects of zero hours contracts in colleges and universities. However, we are urging employers in all sectors to carefully consider their use of such contracts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:50.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287936,"EventID":"S4W-17245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:50.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T11:30:06.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will encourage further and higher education institutions not to use so-called zero-hours contracts.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17083 on 25 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:50.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287937,"EventID":"S4W-17246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:50.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T11:30:06.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it collates regarding the use of so-called zero-hours contracts.\r\n","AnswerText":"Employment law is a reserved matter and statistics on zero-hours contracts are currently produced by the UK Government using the Labour Force Survey.  Estimates for Scotland are not available due to the size of the sample. The Scottish Government welcomes the recent statement from the Director General of the Office for National Statistics which confirmed that “there is a clear need for better statistics” and outlined plans to enhance business surveys. The Scottish Government considers that this important work should be progressed quickly, and also provide improved Scotland-specific information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:50.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287938,"EventID":"S4W-17250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:51.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T13:49:32.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with local authorities regarding its plans for a nationally coordinated programme to partner schools.","AnswerText":"Education Scotland is leading the development of this work and has had regular discussions with the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland and other stakeholders about plans for the School Improvement Partnership Programme. Education authorities were provided with materials on the partnership programme which outlined the purpose and rationale of the partnerships and are being supported by Education Scotland in drafting proposals for partnership working in line with this rationale.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:51.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287939,"EventID":"S4W-17251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:51.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T13:49:32.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will provide details of its plans for a nationally coordinated programme to partner schools and who will decide which schools are partnered.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details of the School Improvement Partnership Programme were provided to education authorities at the beginning of August 2013. A panel made up of representatives from Education Scotland, the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland  and Glasgow University evaluated initial proposals on 5 September 2013. The panel agreed to progress three successful partnership proposals. A project team led by Education Scotland will continue to work with these Education Authorities to confirm the schools that will be involved in the partnerships. Further proposals will be evaluated in early November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:51.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287940,"EventID":"S4W-17252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:51.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T13:49:32.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether additional resource will be required or allocated to support its plans for a nationally coordinated programme to partner schools.","AnswerText":"Some resource will be required to support plans for the School Improvement Partnership Programme. However, these resources will be funded from within the current Education and Lifelong Learning budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:51.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287941,"EventID":"S4W-17253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:52.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T13:49:32.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to begin its consultation on class sizes.\r\n","AnswerText":"I announced in March that I was keen to explore and debate, in partnership and consultation with COSLA and other stakeholders, the extent to which our policies on class sizes and teacher numbers can play a role in delivering improved outcomes and closing the attainment gap.\r\nDiscussions with COSLA are continuing and I remain committed to consulting on class sizes and plan to issue a consultation paper very soon.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:52.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287942,"EventID":"S4W-17254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:52.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T13:49:32.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many copies of its guide to the curriculum for excellence it has produced and what the cost was, also broken down into (a) print, (b) design and (c) distribution costs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The leaflet “Great Learning in Scotland” was developed in partnership with the National Parent Forum of Scotland, responding to parental requests to explain Curriculum for Excellence. 710,000 copies of the leaflet have been distributed to all families with a school age child and for events. Print and design costs were £64,000 and distribution £15,000 approximately.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:52.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287943,"EventID":"S4W-17255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:52.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T13:49:32.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it raises awareness of its website, Schools-Online, to parents and at what cost.","AnswerText":"Education Scotland hosts the Scottish Schools Online website and raises awareness of it through links from various parts of the wider Education Scotland Online Service including Parentzone and the standard page footer. There are also links to Scottish Schools Online from within the schools area on the Scottish Government site.\r\nThere is no additional cost to Education Scotland for hosting the Schools-On-Line site.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:52.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287944,"EventID":"S4W-17256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:53.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T13:49:32.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to increase the involvement of parents in children’s education and how it will ensure that children from poorer backgrounds are not marginalised in the process.","AnswerText":"Curriculum for Excellence recognises the important role that all parents and carers have in supporting children’s learning and development. We are committed to promoting parental involvement at all levels and with all parents, in line with the Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006. This includes engaging with the full range of partners who work with and can support parents, from Parent Councils to third sector organisations. Education Scotland provides support and resources to help build the capacity of schools to involve their whole school community.\r\nWe are committed to improving the education system and in particular to closing the attainment gap including for children from poorer backgrounds. We recognise that working with parents is one of the ways which can help us achieve this and are engaging with the third sector and others as part of our plans to improve attainment for all.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:53.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287945,"EventID":"S4W-17257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:53.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T13:49:32.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has had with (a) Barnardo's, (b) Children in Scotland, (c) NSPCC and (d) Children 1st since 1 January 2013 and what issues were discussed in each case.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ministers and Officials from the Education and Lifelong Learning portfolio are in regular contact with representatives from each of these organisations. The specific ministerial meetings were: \r\nThe Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning met with Children in Scotland in June 2013 to discuss issues relating to raising educational attainment.\r\nThe Minister for Children and Young People met with the NSPCC in May 2013 to discuss the work which the NSPCC are doing in Scotland.\r\nThe Minister for Children and Young People chairs the Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) Programme Board which is attended by Barnardo’s. They met in February, April and September to discuss issues relating to the implementation of GIRFEC. Ms Campbell also chairs the Looked after Children Strategic Implementation Group, which is attended by Children 1st and Children in Scotland. They met in March 2013 and discussed issues relating to looked after children.\r\nThe Minister for Youth Employment met with Barnardo’s and Action for Children in May 2013 to discuss the Draft Youth Employment Strategy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:53.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287946,"EventID":"S4W-17258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:53.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T13:49:32.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to launch its new college for educational leadership; how much resource has been allocated to the work, and when it will open.\r\n","AnswerText":"I announced on 25 September 2013 that I had endorsed the proposal to establish a Scottish college for educational leadership and have asked Tony Finn to take on the role of interim chair. I anticipate that the college will move quickly to establish an on-line presence and start delivering support for teachers by spring 2014. The college will also need to establish a clear operational plan including governance arrangements early next year and I expect it to be fully operational by August 2014. The Scottish Government has set aside funding of up to £1.3 million to establish the college and to provide initial running costs. The establishment of the college has been agreed by partners across education who are committed to supporting the new body.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:53.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287947,"EventID":"S4W-17261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:53.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T15:29:06.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02348 by Michael Matheson on 5 September 2013 (Official Report, c. 22063), whether it will provide a breakdown of the £757 million to deliver primary medical services.","AnswerText":"As published on 25 September 2013, a breakdown of the latest figures to deliver primary medical services can be accessed via this link:\r\nhttps://catalogue.ic.nhs.uk/publications/primary-care/general-practice/inve-gene-prac-eng-wal-ni-scot-08-13/inve-gene-prac-eng-wal-ni-scot-08-13.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:53.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287948,"EventID":"S4W-17262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:54.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T15:29:06.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02348 by Michael Matheson on 5 September 2013 (Official Report, c. 22063), whether the £8 million increase in funding for general practice is new money.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 26 April 2013, I announced a 1.25% uplift to the value of the General Medical Services contract in Scotland for 2013-14.\r\nThis meant an increase in funding of £8 million, (£7,990,125.00) for all GP practices across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:54.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287949,"EventID":"S4W-17263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:54.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T15:29:06.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02348 by Michael Matheson on 5 September 2013 (Official Report, c. 22063), what the increase in the number of general (a) practitioners and (b) practices has been in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"The latest information and historical information on general practitioners practicing in Scotland is available from the NHS Information Services Division (ISD) website at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/General-Practice/GPs-and-Other-Practice-Workforce/.\r\nThe latest information and historical information on the number of GP practices operating in Scotland is available from the ISD website at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/General-Practice/Practices-and-Their-Populations/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:54.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287950,"EventID":"S4W-17265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:54.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T15:29:06.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has provided for GP practices in each year since 2007-08.","AnswerText":"As published on 25 September 2013, historical figures to deliver Primary Medical Services can be accessed via this link:\r\nhttps://catalogue.ic.nhs.uk/publications/primary-care/general-practice/inve-gene-prac-eng-wal-ni-scot-08-13/inve-gene-prac-eng-wal-ni-scot-08-13.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:54.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287951,"EventID":"S4W-17267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:54.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T15:29:06.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure the provision of health services for the increasing population of people over 65.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2010, the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities launched the Reshaping Care for Older People programme to improve the quality and outcomes of care, and to help address the challenges of an ageing population. This ten-year change programme, underpinned by the 20:20 Vision and the Healthcare Quality Strategy, builds on previous policies and focuses on supporting people to live independently in their own home and in good health for as long as possible. We introduced the Change Fund in 2011-12, to support the Reshaping Care for Older People programme. The fund is worth £300 million over four years \r\nOn 28 May 2013, The Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill 2013 was introduced to Parliament. The Bill will put in place arrangements for integrating adult health and social care, in order to improve outcomes for patients, service users, carers and their families, and to enable Health Boards and Local Authorities to work together effectively to deliver quality, sustainable care services; to provide seamless, joined up quality health and social care services in order to care for people in their homes or a homely setting where it is safe to do so; and to ensure resources are used effectively and efficiently to deliver services that meet the increasing number of people with longer term and often complex needs, many of whom are older.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:54.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287952,"EventID":"S4W-17268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:54.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T15:29:06.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its spending plans are for health centres.","AnswerText":"In terms of capital investment in NHSScotland, health boards continue to invest in infrastructure, including health centres. This can take the form of a rolling programme of maintenance or refurbishment of existing premises, or of redevelopment.\r\nExamples of developments that are in the pipeline are set out in the following table.\r\nNHS Board\r\nHealth Centre\r\nNHS Borders\r\nLauder Health Centre\r\nRoxburgh St Health Centre, Galashiels\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\nDalbeattie Health Centre\r\nDunscore Health Centre\r\nNHS Fife\r\nGlenwood Health Centre\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\nDoune Health Centre\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nAberdeen Community Health and Care Village\r\nForres Health Centre\r\nWestside Health Centre\r\nInverurie Health Centre\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\nMaryhill Health Centre\r\nWoodside Health Centre\r\nGorbals Health Centre\r\nEastwood Health Centre\r\nAlexandria Health Centre\r\nPossilpark Health Centre\r\nEast Pollockshiels Health Centre\r\nNHS Highland\r\nTain Health Centre\r\nDrumnadrochit Health Centre\r\nDingwall Health Centre\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\nKilsyth Health Centre\r\nWishaw Health Centre\r\nEast Kilbride Health Centre\r\nNHS Lothian\r\nWestend Medical Practice\r\nGullane Health Centre\r\nMuirhouse Partnership Centre\r\nFirhill Partnership Centre\r\nBlackburn Partnership Centre\r\nNHS Orkney\r\nEday Health Centre\r\nStronsay Health Centre\r\nWestray Health Centre\r\nNorth Ronaldsay Health Centre\r\nSanday Health Centre\r\nSt Margaret’s Hope Health Centre\r\nRousay Health Centre\r\nNHS Shetland\r\nScalloway Health Centre\r\nNHS Tayside\r\nBridge of Earn Health Centre\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\nStornoway Medical Centre\r\nSt Brendan’s Hospital (Barra) including GP services\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:54.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287953,"EventID":"S4W-17269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:55.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T17:00:38.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there was an increase or decrease in the amount of waste being sent to landfill between 2010 and 2011 and, if so, by how much.\r\n","AnswerText":"SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT\r\nWRITTEN ANSWER\r\n9 October 2013\t(Holding Reply Issued 2 October 2013)\r\nIndex Heading: Enterprise & Environment\r\n Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether there was an increase or decrease in the amount of waste being sent to landfill between 2010 and 2011 and, if so, by how much.\r\n(S4W-17269)\r\nRichard Lochhead:The amount of Municipal Solid Waste landfilled decreased from 1,850,716 tonnes in 2010 to 1,744,155 tonnes in 2011. The total amount of all landfilled material increased from 4,535,232 tonnes in 2010 to 4,684,725 tonnes in 2011.\r\nThis is against a background of falling landfill from 7,319,302 tonnes in 2007 to 4,684,725 tonnes in 2011, a decline of 46%.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:55.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287954,"EventID":"S4W-17270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:55.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T17:00:38.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take between now and 2020 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the reported 16.3% necessary to meet the interim target of 42% by 2020 compared with the 1990 base year.","AnswerText":"Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting the Emissions Reduction Targets 2013-2027, published on 27 June, sets out the policies and proposals that can deliver a 42% reduction in emissions by 2020. The Scottish Government will be implementing and developing these policies and proposals between now and 2020, and the draft budget 2014-15 outlines plans to boost investment in meeting our world-leading climate change targets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:55.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287955,"EventID":"S4W-17271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:55.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T18:18:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of the abolition of tolls on the Forth Road Bridge on (a) jobs and (b) economic development in Fife.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government took the decision to abolish the tolls on the Forth Road Bridge and the Tay Road Bridge in the belief that it was unfair and unacceptable to continue charging. This introduced equality on all bridges in Scotland, ending an injustice whereby those crossing the Forth Road Bridge and the Tay Road Bridge, commuters, drivers of commercial vehicles, tourists or local residents, were singled out for road charging.\r\nOur transport system contributes to this government’s purpose of sustainable economic growth through connecting people to jobs, education, services and recreation, and connecting businesses with customers and suppliers. The removal of tolls on the Forth Road Bridge contributes to increased mobility and equality, enabling faster and more reliable journeys, and increasing access to employment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:55.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287956,"EventID":"S4W-17272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:56.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T18:18:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S3W-38767 by Keith Brown on 27 January 2011, whether it will provide an update on the average annual saving for a commuter since the abolition of tolls on the Forth Road Bridge.","AnswerText":"On abolition in February 2008, the tolls on the Forth Road Bridge (FRB) for cars and light goods vehicles were £1.00 per crossing. This was for the north bound crossing only.\r\nThis meant an annual cost of tolls of £230 per annum (based on a five day working week over a 46 week working year, assuming six weeks holiday per annum). Frequent user discount vouchers were available on the FRB. If these were used then the reduced rate of £0.90 was applied and the annual cost would have been £207 per annum based on the same conditions above.\r\nAssuming that an increase in tolls would have taken place, uprating the 2008 frequent traveller cost of £207 annually to allow for inflation would mean a bridge toll in 2013 of £233 per annum, the amount a commuter would save in 2013 if tolls had not been abolished. This is an increase of £26 or 12.6% since 2008. This uprated figure is calculated using GDP deflators from the latest National Accounts figures produced by the Office of National Statistics and HM Treasury forecasts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:56.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287957,"EventID":"S4W-17273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:56.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T18:18:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it maintains a record of the number of vehicles using the Forth Road Bridge since the abolition of bridge tolls.","AnswerText":"On behalf of Transport Scotland, the Scottish Roads Traffic Database operates a number of automatic traffic counters at Echline. These were installed in 2004 to record traffic flows on the bridge.\r\nThe Forth Estuary Transport Authority is responsible for the management, maintenance and operation of the Forth Road Bridge. Detailed traffic statistics recording the number of vehicles using the Forth Road Bridge are available on their website:\r\nhttp://www.forthroadbridge.org/the-bridgetraffic-statistics/the-bridge-traffic-statistics-2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:56.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287958,"EventID":"S4W-17274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:56.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T21:14:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have waited over (a) six, (b) nine, (c) 12 and (d) 24 weeks for an MRI scan in each NHS board in the last year.","AnswerText":"The specific information is not available centrally. Waiting times for MRI scans are published each quarter and show the number of patients on the waiting list on the  month end census date and on how long they had been waiting.\r\nOn 30 June 2013, 878 patients on the waiting list had been waiting more than 6 weeks for an MRI scan. Of these 7 had been waiting longer than 9 weeks and no patient on the waiting list had been waiting more than 12 weeks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:56.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287959,"EventID":"S4W-17275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:57.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T21:14:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have waited over 12 hours to be seen at accident and emergency departments in each NHS board in the last year.","AnswerText":"The following table presents the number of attendances (new and unplanned returns) that were not seen within 12 hours by NHS board and by month for 12 months to June 2013.\r\nNumber of attendances (new and unplanned returns) that were not seen within 12 hours by NHS Board; July 2012 to June 2013.\r\n\r\nJuly 2012\r\nAugust\r\n2012\r\nSeptember\r\n2012\r\nOctober 2012\r\nNovember\r\n2012\r\nDecember\r\n2012\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n6\r\n2\r\n-\r\n2\r\n1\r\n24\r\nBorders\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n-\r\n-\r\n2\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nFife\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\n6\r\n43\r\n65\r\nForth Valley\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\n7\r\n-\r\n22\r\nGrampian\r\n-\r\n1\r\n1\r\n14\r\n9\r\n8\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n9\r\nHighland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nLanarkshire\r\n17\r\n3\r\n44\r\n59\r\n47\r\n117\r\nLothian\r\n17\r\n10\r\n13\r\n9\r\n38\r\n78\r\nOrkney\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\n-\r\n-\r\nShetland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nTayside\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nWestern Isles\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nScotland\r\n40\r\n16\r\n62\r\n98\r\n138\r\n323\r\nScotland as a % of all Attendances\r\n0.0%\r\n0.0%\r\n0.0%\r\n0.1%\r\n0.1%\r\n0.2%\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJanuary \r\n2013\r\nFebruary 2013\r\nMarch 2013\r\nApril 2013\r\nMay \r\n2013\r\nJune 2013\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n13\r\n22\r\n3\r\n16\r\n5\r\n14\r\nBorders\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nFife\r\n28\r\n14\r\n4\r\n3\r\n4\r\n-\r\nForth Valley\r\n42\r\n-\r\n33\r\n38\r\n7\r\n2\r\nGrampian\r\n4\r\n1\r\n2\r\n4\r\n1\r\n-\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n40\r\n21\r\n4\r\n5\r\n2\r\n-\r\nHighland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\nLanarkshire\r\n223\r\n23\r\n18\r\n85\r\n3\r\n6\r\nLothian\r\n75\r\n8\r\n27\r\n9\r\n1\r\n2\r\nOrkney\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nShetland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nTayside\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\n-\r\nWestern Isles\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nScotland\r\n425\r\n89\r\n92\r\n161\r\n25\r\n25\r\nScotland as a % of all Attendances\r\n0.3%\r\n0.1%\r\n0.1%\r\n0.1%\r\n0.0%\r\n0.0%\r\nSource: A&E data mart, ISD Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:57.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287960,"EventID":"S4W-17276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:57.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T21:14:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what hospital departments have been under pressure due to high waiting times in each NHS board in the last three months.","AnswerText":"The information is not available centrally.\r\nHowever, all health boards experience pressures from time to time in delivering services as demand for services increase. To address this NHS boards are making available over £67 million to boost capacity across Scotland during 2013-14 to ensure patients get swift access to hospital treatment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:57.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287961,"EventID":"S4W-17277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:58.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-17T21:14:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what is being done to reassure staff at NHS Lanarkshire who are concerned at proposed changes to the board's boundaries.","AnswerText":"To ensure a smooth transition during the implementation of the changes, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lanarkshire have established a project board, with a shared project manager, to manage the transition.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:58.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287962,"EventID":"S4W-17278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:58.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T11:45:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to publicise its personal footcare guidance and ensure that it is adopted by NHS boards and implemented in full.","AnswerText":"The recently published National Footcare Guidance has been issued to all NHS boards in Scotland as well as to the partner organisations involved in its development. In addition, the Allied Health Professionals national lead for footcare will be meeting with podiatry managers from each NHS board over the next few months to provide support with local implementation.\r\nDevelopment of the guidance was an action of the Allied Health Professionals national delivery plan, and as such, monitoring of implementation will form part of NHS board reporting arrangements to Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:58.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287963,"EventID":"S4W-17279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:58.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T12:01:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16411 by John Swinney on 24 August 2013,  what the make and model numbers of the defibrillators are and how much each cost.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is as follows:\r\nModel name: Heartstart \r\nModel number: FR2+\r\nCost to renew: £354.50 and battery: £153.00\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:58.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287964,"EventID":"S4W-17280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:58.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T12:10:15.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to foodbanks.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to the question S4T-00422 on 3 September 2013 which is available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/OfficialReport.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:58.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287965,"EventID":"S4W-17281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:53:59.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T12:10:15.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is aware of the location of foodbanks.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15751 on 27 June 2013. The member may wish to note that the Scottish Government recently commissioned a study exploring the provision of emergency food-aid in Scotland. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:53:59.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287966,"EventID":"S4W-17282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:54:00.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T12:10:15.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is aware of the circumstances and nature of people using foodbanks.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17281 on 27 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:54:00.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287967,"EventID":"S4W-17297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-18T16:54:00.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T14:37:38.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average response time is of the Scottish Ambulance Service to (a) an emergency call and (b) a medical request for patient transfer between hospitals, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The average response times for (a) emergency calls for the last three years are set out in the following table.\r\nNHS Board Area\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nCat A (mins)\r\nAll\r\n(mins)\r\nCat A\r\n(mins)\r\nAll\r\n(mins)\r\nCat A\r\n(mins)\r\nAll\r\n(mins)\r\nArgyll and Clyde\r\n6.3\r\n8.1\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n6.7\r\n8.6\r\n6.9\r\n9.3\r\n6.6\r\n8.6\r\nBorders\r\n8.5\r\n9.7\r\n8.1\r\n9.8\r\n7.5\r\n9.7\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n7.6\r\n9.5\r\n7.9\r\n10.3\r\n7.5\r\n9.4\r\nFife\r\n6.6\r\n7.9\r\n6.4\r\n8.2\r\n6.3\r\n8.1\r\nForth Valley\r\n7.6\r\n9.6\r\n7.1\r\n9.6\r\n6.7\r\n9.5\r\nGrampian\r\n6.6\r\n8.4\r\n6.8\r\n8.6\r\n7.1\r\n8.9\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde (from 2011-12)\r\n6.8\r\n9.7\r\n6.5\r\n9.6\r\n6.1\r\n8.4\r\nHighland\r\n7.4\r\n9.1\r\n7.9\r\n9.7\r\n7.8\r\n9.4\r\nLanarkshire\r\n7.0\r\n8.8\r\n6.4\r\n8.3\r\n6.6\r\n8.4\r\nLothian\r\n6.9\r\n9.6\r\n6.5\r\n9.8\r\n6.1\r\n9.1\r\nOrkney\r\nN/A\r\n10.2\r\nN/A\r\n10.4\r\nN/A\r\n10.7\r\nShetland\r\nN/A\r\n11.3\r\nN/A\r\n11.1\r\nN/A\r\n11.8\r\nTayside\r\n6.9\r\n8.3\r\n6.6\r\n8.3\r\n6.3\r\n8.3\r\nWestern Isles\r\nN/A\r\n9.3\r\nN/A\r\n9.5\r\nN/A\r\n9.5\r\nSCOTLAND\r\n6.9\r\n9.0\r\n6.7\r\n9.2\r\n6.5\r\n8.7\r\n* Information provided by the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), and published in their annual report each year.\r\n** Until 2011/12 SAS systems recorded data under the previous structure of 15 geographic health boards.\r\n*** ‘All’ emergency is defined as Category A, B and C calls.\r\n**** For the years set out above, Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles were subject to different performance management measures so figures are provided at an all emergency level. From 2013-14 emergency incidents on the Island Boards will be categorised on the same basis as mainland Scotland.\r\n\r\nAverage response times for (b) medical requests for patient transfer between hospitals are not held in the format requested. All such requests are prioritised on a case by case basis, within a timeframe agreed with the requesting clinician and based on the clinical needs of the patient. The clinician may request an emergency transfer and these will be included within the table. Requests might also be made for non-emergency transfers within any other timeframe.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-02T16:54:00.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287985,"EventID":"S4W-17298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-19T13:50:31.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T15:02:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to help ensure that there is sufficient production of maize, wheat and barley to meet the reported increase in demand for whisky.\r\n","AnswerText":"While it is the business of each individual producer to decide what crops to grow, the Scottish Government (SG) supports the cultivation of Scottish cereal crops through the provision of a range of services, knowledge, training and advice to growers.\r\nIndustry research on wheat and barley is funded at a range of institutes and universities through our Rural Affairs and Environment research portfolio. In addition, the Scottish Government science and inspection divisions ensure that any seed used for planting cereal crops in Scotland is of high quality and that crops are free from quarantine pests. The Scottish Government also funds staff at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) to monitor commercially representative crops for pests, weeds and diseases.\r\nThe Scottish Government also funds demonstration farms and grower events to ensure effective knowledge exchange by all organisations involved in cereal crop research and monitoring. This includes SRUC publishing its results in grower reports, informing arable consultants, and updating farmers at grower meetings, open days and online. SRUC staff also support farmers by advising on the use and timing of appropriate cereal crop treatments with the aim to safe guard both yield and quality and building more resilience into the crop.\r\nAs the demand for Scotch whisky increases, it is important Scottish farmers recognise the opportunities this could bring them. By being market focussed, and providing the right quality of grain that whisky producers need, our farmers should be well placed to take advantage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-03T13:50:31.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287986,"EventID":"S4W-17299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-19T13:50:32.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T18:00:01.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will begin consulting on crofting law reform in 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"My officials have already begun discussions with key stakeholders on how to take this issue forward and discussions will continue on an ongoing basis.\r\nHowever, as I indicated in the Scottish Parliament on 25 June 2013 (Official Report column 21444), addressing issues relating to crofting legislation is a complex task which cannot happen overnight. All concerned need some time to take stock and to ensure that what we do next is right for crofting and for remote and rural Scotland.\r\nScottish Ministers will keep members informed of progress via correspondence with the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee and the Cross Party Group on crofting.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-03T13:50:33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287987,"EventID":"S4W-17300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-19T13:50:33.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T10:26:57.647","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many ministerial cars have been caught speeding in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The following table details the number of government car service vehicles issued with speeding fines. No records are held prior to 2011.\r\nYear\r\nTotal number\r\n2011\r\n2\r\n2012\r\n2\r\n2013 (1)\r\n2\r\n1. Partial data up until 01 September 13\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-03T13:50:33.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287988,"EventID":"S4W-17301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-19T13:50:34","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T10:26:57.647","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on ministerial cars since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table details the yearly cost of the Government Car Service since 2007.\r\nYear\r\nTotal cost £ (1) (2)\r\n2007-08\r\n1,130,487\r\n2008-09\r\n1,108,426\r\n2009-10\r\n1,131,010\r\n2010-11\r\n1,058,341\r\n2011-12\r\n1,109,232\r\n2012-13\r\n1,204,864\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Total costs include staff salaries, employer’s contributions, fuel, vehicle maintenance, private hire and travel and subsistence.\r\n2. The figures have been adjusted to take account of inflation since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-03T13:50:34.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":287999,"EventID":"S4W-17304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-19T16:55:46.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T14:17:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review the compensation procedures for self-employed members of a jury.","AnswerText":"There are no current plans to review compensation procedures for self-employed members of a jury.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-03T16:55:47.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288000,"EventID":"S4W-17305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-19T16:55:47.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T14:17:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to remove (a) religious and (b) medical professionals from the list of \"persons excusable from jury service as of right\".","AnswerText":"There are no current plans to remove religious and medical professionals from the list of persons excusable from jury service as of right.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-03T16:55:47.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288001,"EventID":"S4W-17312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-19T16:55:47.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T15:27:30.81","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many children in kinship care are living in (a) formal arrangements, (b) under section 11 orders of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 and (c) other informal arrangements, also expressed as a percentage of all children in the country.","AnswerText":"At 31 July 2013 there were 4,076 (0.39%) children living in formal kinship care arrangements. Information on the numbers of children living in kinship care arrangements under a section 11 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 order and other informal arrangements is not centrally held but we estimate that the figure is approximately 15,668 (1.5%). This is based on the most recent evidence collected and trend assumptions. The rationale behind this estimate can be found at page 69, paragraph 125 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill financial memorandum.\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/62233.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-03T16:55:47.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288002,"EventID":"S4W-17313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-19T16:55:47.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T15:27:30.81","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it estimates that (a) it and (b) local authorities will spend annually for each (i) formal, and (ii) informal kinship care placement, following the introduction of the proposed kinship care order.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not pay for care placements directly but supports local authorities through block grant funding.\r\nTable 28 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill Financial Memorandum sets out what the Scottish Government estimates that local authorities will spend on formal care following the introduction of the proposed kinship care order.\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/62233.aspx.\r\nLocal authorities are not currently obliged to provide specific support to those in informal kinship care arrangements, except under their general duties set out in section 22 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995. The estimated cost of specific new support to informal kinship carers in possession of a Kinship Care Order from 2015-16 is set out in table 32 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill Financial Memorandum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-03T16:55:48.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288003,"EventID":"S4W-17314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-19T16:55:48.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T15:27:30.81","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) informal and (b) formal kinship care placements it estimates there will be in 2015.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government estimates the figure for informal kinship care is around 15,668. This is based on the most recent evidence collected and trend assumptions. The rationale behind this estimate can be found at page 69, paragraph 125 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill Financial Memorandum.\r\nThe estimated number of children in formal kinship care placements in 2015 is 5,039. This estimate can be found in table 28, page 72 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill Financial Memorandum.\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/62233.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-03T16:55:48.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288004,"EventID":"S4W-17315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-19T16:55:48.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T15:27:30.81","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether children in formal kinship care have comparable needs to those in informal kinship care.","AnswerText":"Children in formal kinship care arrangements are deemed by the Children’s Hearings System to have needs which require them to be placed under a compulsory supervision order.\r\nChildren in informal kinship care arrangements are not deemed to require formal supervision but may have other support needs.\r\nThe Kinship Care Order proposed through the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill aims to provide additional support, that will offer a more stable environment for children living in kinship families, who do not require regular supervision from the Children’s Hearings System or Social Work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-03T16:55:48.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288005,"EventID":"S4W-17316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-19T16:55:48.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T15:27:30.81","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the finding in the report, Spotlight on Kinship Care, that (a) in 2001, one in every 71 children in Scotland was being brought up by grandparents or other relatives and (b) informal kinship carers save the taxpayer between £23,500 and £56,000 a year, despite many of these carers finding themselves in poverty.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware of the report and its findings. The figures given for savings reflect a view that these children would otherwise be looked after in foster care or residential care. This does not reflect the reality that in general, families recognise their responsibility to look after children of the wider family when this is needed, but they are looking for more support in doing so.\r\nWe believe that kinship carers of non-looked after children should be supported, as any parents would, through the welfare system. The UK government needs to ensure the benefits system matches the needs of kinship carers.\r\nThe Kinship Care Order, which we propose to put in place through the Children and Young People Bill, provides an alternative option in terms of securing permanence for children who cannot live with their birth parents and for the first time, makes statutory provision in relation to support. It will provide further support for eligible kinship carers, in recognition of their parenting role.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-03T16:55:48.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288006,"EventID":"S4W-17317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-19T16:55:49.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T15:27:30.81","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether psychological and therapeutic services are available as a priority to children in kinship care subject to (a) a residence order under section 11 of the Children Scotland Act 1995 and (b) looked-after child status.","AnswerText":"Access to specialist psychological and therapeutic services is based on need and is the same for all children whether they have looked after status or not. The Named Person proposal in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill will ensure a single point of contact for services that children and families use and will further assist families in accessing the services they need.\r\nUnder the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2009 a child or young person looked after by a local authority (within the meaning of section 17(6) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 (c.36) including those in kinship care arrangements is automatically deemed as having additional support needs until they are assessed otherwise, however all children with Additional Support for Learning needs should be able to access support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-03T16:55:49.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288007,"EventID":"S4W-17318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-19T16:55:49.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T15:38:54.93","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what sanctions can result from a failure to comply with a Notice Requiring the Proper Maintenance of Land.\r\n","AnswerText":"Where a Notice Requiring the Proper Maintenance of Land is not complied with within the period allowed for such compliance, the planning authority which issued the Notice has the power to enter the land and carry out any works required by the Notice. It is an offence for any person to wilfully obstruct the planning authority from exercising this power.\r\nAny expenses incurred in taking this action are recoverable from the owner or lessee of the land.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-03T16:55:49.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288017,"EventID":"S4W-17337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-20T14:30:50.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T16:06:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether the amendment to the Parliament’s salary scheme to include the deduction of a member’s salary by 90% if on remand is ECHR compliant and whether the salary deducted plus any notional interest accruing together with pensionable service and entitlement will be payable if the member is not subsequently given a prison sentence or convicted.\r\n","AnswerText":"Appropriate legal advice was taken on this matter and consideration was given to all the relevant issues before we reached the decision to bring the motion before Parliament.\r\n \r\nThe core principle behind the motion remains the availability of a Member, whilst in prison, to carry out the clear majority of the tasks for which he or she is paid. This applies equally to any such person on remand as it does to others imprisoned.\r\n \r\nThe SPCB is examining consequential pension and salary issues in order to identify any adjustments that should be made.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-04T14:30:50.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Liam McArthur","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288018,"EventID":"S4W-17359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-20T14:49:33.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T13:24:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16620 by John Swinney on 2 September 2013, when it will publish a paper outlining proposals for pensions policy in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I am pleased to advise that Pensions in an Independent Scotland will be published today. It can be accessed via the publications section of the Scottish Government’s website - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/.\r\nA copy of the publication has also been placed in SPICe (Bib.number 55271).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-04T14:49:35.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288031,"EventID":"S4W-17306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-20T15:09:43.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T15:06:49.963","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last reviewed sex education in schools and whether it plans to do so in the future.","AnswerText":"Relationships, sexual health and parenthood education was reviewed when Curriculum for Excellence was introduced into schools in 2010 and there are no plans for a further review. The Scottish Government, Education Scotland and Health Scotland are currently conducting a review of resources to support relationships, sexual health and parenthood education.\r\nWe have recently published draft revised guidance for teachers on the conduct of relationships, sexual health and parenthood education to take account of the introduction of Curriculum for Excellence and the bill on same sex marriage. We are engaging with key education stakeholders on the draft guidance. This engagement exercise ends on the 8 November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-04T15:09:43.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288032,"EventID":"S4W-17307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-20T15:09:43.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T15:06:49.963","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) Students Awards Agency for Scotland-funded and (b) self-funded students have undertaken a Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE) in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This matter falls within the responsibility of the Scottish Funding Council. I have asked its Chief Executive to write to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-04T15:09:43.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288033,"EventID":"S4W-17308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-20T15:09:44.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T15:06:49.963","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of college lecturers has a teaching qualification, broken down by institution.","AnswerText":"This matter falls within the responsibility of the Scottish Funding Council. I have asked its Chief Executive to write to the member. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-04T15:09:44.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288034,"EventID":"S4W-17309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-20T15:09:44.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T15:06:49.963","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) strategic forums and (b) stakeholder reference groups have been set up by its education directorate; who the members are; how regularly they meet; whether they are time-limited, and what their relationship is with each other.\r\n","AnswerText":"Please see table below. Following clarification and for completeness, the response covers details of all groups in existence during the last three years.\r\nName of Strategic forums and stakeholder reference groups\r\nPurpose\r\nWho the members are\r\nHow regularly they meet\r\nIs this time limited?\r\nWhat is the relationship with other groups\r\nEarly Years Taskforce\r\nTo provide strategic leadership for the early years change programme and co-ordinate policy across Government and the wider public sector to ensure that early years spending is prioritised by the whole public sector.\r\nThe Taskforce will guide and oversee delivery of the early years change programme and have an active role in implementation.\r\nBill Alexander, Director of Health and Social Care, Highland Council\r\nTam Baillie, Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People\r\nSir Harry Burns, Chief Medical Officer (Scotland)\r\nMike Burns, Director of Social Care & Wellbeing, Aberdeen City Council,  Association of Directors of Social Work(ADSW)\r\nAileen Campbell, Minister for Children and Young People\r\nPaul Carberry, Operational Director of Children’s Services, Action for Children Scotland\r\nJohn Carnochan, Retired - Det. Chief Superintendent and Head of Scottish Violence Reduction Unit\r\nDouglas Chapman, Children and Young People Spokesperson, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (CoSLA)\r\nMalcolm Chisholm, MSP Edinburgh North and Leith\r\nLesley Gibb, Service Manager, Early Years, Stirling Council, Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES) Pre-5\r\nAnne Houston, Chief Executive, CHILDREN 1st\r\nSally-Ann Kelly, Acting Director, Barnardo’s Scotland\r\nBrian Livingston Executive Director of Finance and Resource, Fife Council\r\nIain Livingstone, Detective Chief Constable, Police Scotland\r\nDr Nancy Loucks, Chief Executive, Families Outside\r\nDavid Martin, Chief Executive Renfrewshire Council, Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE)\r\nElaine Mead, Chief Executive, National Health Service (NHS) Highland\r\nDavid O’Neill, President, CoSLA\r\nSue Palmer, Chair of the Scottish Play Policy Forum, Play Scotland\r\nCaroline Selkirk, Deputy Chief Executive, NHS Tayside HQ\r\nJulie Wild, Early Years Lead on National Parent Forum of Scotland\r\nMalcolm Wright, Chief Executive, NHS Education for Scotland\r\nQuarterly\r\nContinuing\r\nVarious sub groups\r\nPlay Strategy Working Group\r\n\r\nTo develop a national play strategy for Scotland\r\nJulia Abel – Inspiring Scotland\r\nTam Baillie, Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People\r\nKathie Cameron, CoSLA\r\nLesley Fox, Smart Play Network\r\nMarguerite Hunter Blair, Play Scotland\r\nIan McLaughlan, Scottish Pre-School Association\r\nIrene Miller, NHS Health Scotland\r\nEric Mitchell, Capability Scotland\r\nSian Neil, Education Scotland\r\nJulia Robertson, Creative Star Learning\r\nAlastair Seaman, Grounds for Learning\r\nMargaret Westwood,  International Play Association Scotland\r\nShort life group – anticipate 3-4 meetings\r\nContinuing through implementation period\r\n\r\nGetting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) Programme Board\r\nProviding Governance and direction to the GIRFEC Programme with members contributing to deliver the programmes action plan. It also functions as a senior stakeholder reference group\r\nAileen Campbell MSP\r\nMichael Burns, ADSW\r\nKathy Cameron, COSLA\r\nMartin Crewe, Barnardo’s\r\nLorraine Currie, NHS Grampian\r\nAlistair Delaney, Education Scotland\r\nCalum Irving, Voluntary Action Scotland  (VAS)\r\nSharon Johnston, Stirling Council\r\nCarol Kirk, ADES\r\nRosemary Lyness, NHS Lanarkshire\r\nKaren Anderson, Care Inspectorate\r\nMichelle Miller, SOLACE\r\nAllan Moffat, Police Scotland\r\nRalph Roberts, NHS Shetland\r\nQuarterly\r\nThe Board is crucial to the on-going implementation of the GIRFEC Programme and will remain so for at least another two years\r\nSub Groups on Communications and Implementation\r\nScottish Children’s Rights Monitoring Group\r\nTo regularly monitor progress and plan future activity linked to the implementation of the United Nations Convention on th","AnswerDate":"2013-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-04T15:09:44.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288035,"EventID":"S4W-17310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-20T15:09:44.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T15:06:49.963","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of higher education it expects to be delivered in colleges by 2020.","AnswerText":"Through the outcome agreement process individual colleges work with the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to determine the profile of learning activity that will best meet the needs of the learners and employers in the communities they serve.\r\nThe annual nature of outcome agreement development sees frequent dialogue between colleges and the SFC. It does not however allow for a prediction of the likely proportion of higher education studied in Scottish colleges in 2020.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-04T15:09:44.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288036,"EventID":"S4W-17311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-20T15:09:44.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T15:06:49.963","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the spend per head is in each of the sectors involved in the delivery of post-16 education.\r\n","AnswerText":"A number of organisations are involved in delivering post-16 education. I have asked the chief executives of both the Scottish Funding Council and Skills Development Scotland to write to the member.\r\nLocal authorities also deliver post-16 education to S5 and S6 pupils in secondary schools. Information on local authorities’ spend per secondary school stage is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-04T15:09:44.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288037,"EventID":"S4W-17336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-20T15:09:45.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T16:07:19.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16945 by Keith Brown on 18 September 2013, whether it will provide details of the discussions that have taken place.\r\n","AnswerText":"Regular discussions have taken place with CalMac about the introduction of the Ferries Plan proposals.\r\nWe announced on 26 September 2013 that a three year winter pilot ferry service between Mallaig and Lochboisdale will start from this winter. This will be in addition to the planned improvements to the winter timetable for Barra and Lochboisdale.\r\nTimetables for these services will be published very shortly, following a short period of consultation with local community representatives on the detailed timetable proposals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-04T15:09:45.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288038,"EventID":"S4W-17339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-20T15:09:45.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T16:31:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much each local authority has spent on supporting (a) bus services and (b) new bus routes  in each of the last five years, and how much each was given for these through (i) block local government finance arrangements and (ii) bus route development grants.\r\n","AnswerText":"The amount spent by each local authority to support private operators in the provision of bus services for the last five years is set out in the following table. The table distinguishes between the costs of tendered services and other costs. The other costs, includes spending on bus route development.\r\nBus route development was centrally funded for the period 2004-05 to 2007-08. In that period, fifty projects were approved, with a total value of £27 million.\r\nFrom 2008-09, the funding was transferred to local authorities as part of the local government finance settlement.\r\nSupport for Bus services, Gross Expenditure and Annual bus subsidy for tendered mileage (Excluding loan and leasing charges)£ thousands\r\n \r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nScotland\r\n42,434 \r\n43,503 \r\n50,751 \r\n46,642 \r\n49,021 \r\nAberdeen City\r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\nAberdeenshire\r\n2,059 \r\n3,650 \r\n4,009 \r\n3,654 \r\n3,066 \r\nAngus\r\n1,261 \r\n1,350 \r\n1,832 \r\n1,876 \r\n2,078 \r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n625 \r\n1,167 \r\n1,173 \r\n1,266 \r\n1,386 \r\nClackmannanshire\r\n266 \r\n377 \r\n386 \r\n314 \r\n272 \r\nDumfries and Galloway 2\r\n0 \r\n3,162 \r\n3,271 \r\n3,248 \r\n3,312 \r\nDundee City\r\n773 \r\n660 \r\n511 \r\n496 \r\n444 \r\nEast Ayrshire  \r\n280 \r\n453 \r\n387 \r\n403 \r\n516 \r\nEast Dunbartonshire \r\n348 \r\n337 \r\n345 \r\n527 \r\n545 \r\nEast Lothian\r\n558 \r\n903 \r\n918 \r\n870 \r\n905 \r\nEast Renfrewshire \r\n146 \r\n357 \r\n317 \r\n444 \r\n460 \r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n2,944 \r\n2,195 \r\n1,990 \r\n2,305 \r\n2,924 \r\nEilean Siar\r\n1,925 \r\n1,995 \r\n2,338 \r\n3,001 \r\n3,221 \r\nFalkirk\r\n1,462 \r\n1,641 \r\n1,640 \r\n2,003 \r\n2,123 \r\nFife\r\n3,384 \r\n3,681 \r\n4,053 \r\n4,229 \r\n4,437 \r\nGlasgow City\r\n1,142 \r\n1,069 \r\n1,465 \r\n1,977 \r\n2,202 \r\nHighland\r\n2,992 \r\n2,261 \r\n2,371 \r\n3,230 \r\n4,902 \r\nInverclyde 1\r\n0 \r\n159 \r\n294 \r\n412 \r\n426 \r\nMidlothian\r\n1,267 \r\n1,459 \r\n1,039 \r\n733 \r\n640 \r\nMoray\r\n729 \r\n800 \r\n911 \r\n620 \r\n608 \r\nNorth Ayrshire \r\n634 \r\n569 \r\n479 \r\n672 \r\n662 \r\nNorth Lanarkshire \r\n833 \r\n897 \r\n921 \r\n921 \r\n895 \r\nOrkney Islands\r\n355 \r\n397 \r\n407 \r\n450 \r\n529 \r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n2,314 \r\n2,608 \r\n2,570 \r\n2,863 \r\n2,595 \r\nRenfrewshire\r\n545 \r\n297 \r\n595 \r\n837 \r\n889 \r\nScottish Borders \r\n9,001 \r\n2,509 \r\n10,902 \r\n3,859 \r\n3,517 \r\nShetland Islands\r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\nSouth Ayrshire 1\r\n0 \r\n531 \r\n358 \r\n502 \r\n519 \r\nSouth Lanarkshire \r\n462 \r\n361 \r\n481 \r\n481 \r\n467 \r\nStirling\r\n2,889 \r\n4,384 \r\n1,614 \r\n1,607 \r\n1,697 \r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n252 \r\n410 \r\n356 \r\n356 \r\n360 \r\nWest Lothian\r\n2,988 \r\n2,864 \r\n2,818 \r\n2,486 \r\n2,424 \r\nSource: as reported on the Local Financial Return (LFR 5) for roads and transport \r\n\r\nFigures include expenditure on support to private operators only.\r\n\r\n\r\n1. Councils unable to provide data for 2007-08\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2. 2007-08 Dumfries and Galloway figures should be treated with caution.\r\n\r\n\r\nSupport for Bus services, Gross Expenditure and Annual bus subsidy for tendered mileage (Excluding loan and leasing charges)£ thousands\r\n \r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nScotland\r\n10,261 \r\n9,485 \r\n10,313 \r\n10,428 \r\n8,996 \r\nAberdeen City\r\n570 \r\n419 \r\n322 \r\n249 \r\n191 \r\nAberdeenshire\r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\nAngus\r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\nClackmannanshire\r\n127 \r\n180 \r\n381 \r\n224 \r\n74 \r\nDumfries and Galloway 2\r\n2,796 \r\n337 \r\n233 \r\n56 \r\n49 \r\nDundee City\r\n111 \r\n29 \r\n72 \r\n163 \r\n0 \r\nEast Ayrshire  \r\n209 \r\n111 \r\n137 \r\n188 \r\n146 \r\nEast Dunbartonshire \r\n135 \r\n146 \r\n157 \r\n244 \r\n154 \r\nEast Lothian\r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\nEast Renfrewshire \r\n157 \r\n86 \r\n137 \r\n193 \r\n130 \r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n0 \r\n406 \r\n455 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\nEilean Siar\r\n384 \r\n714 \r\n770 \r\n238 \r\n176 \r\nFalkirk\r\n195 \r\n356 \r\n273 \r\n283 \r\n267 \r\nFife\r\n669 \r\n1,033 \r\n1,125 \r\n1,137 \r\n905 \r\nGlasgow City\r\n1,083 \r\n1,226 \r\n1,560 \r\n1,804 \r\n1,796 \r\nHighland\r\n141 \r\n134 \r\n131 \r\n542 \r\n815 \r\nInverclyde 1\r\n0 \r\n183 \r\n154 \r\n191 \r\n121 \r\nMidlothian\r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\nMoray\r\n275 \r\n333 \r\n142 \r\n100 \r\n114 \r\nNorth Ayrshire \r\n234 \r\n193 \r\n251 \r\n311 \r\n187 \r\nNorth Lanarkshire \r\n937 \r\n1,009 \r\n1,036 \r\n1,036 \r\n1,007 \r\nOrkney Islands\r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n0 \r\nRenfrewshire\r\n45 \r\n117 \r\n194 \r\n290 \r\n286 \r\nScottish Borders \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-04T15:09:45.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288039,"EventID":"S4W-17342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-20T15:09:45.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T16:42:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what projects the £23.5 million legacy funding has been allocated to, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The Commonwealth Games provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make lasting improvements the whole of Scotland can benefit from.\r\nIn September 2009, ‘A Games Legacy for Scotland’ outlined the Government and its partners’ ambitious programme to capitalise on the economic, social and cultural advantages of the 2014 Commonwealth Games coming to Glasgow. At this time £23.5 million of legacy funding was announced, comprising £18 million from sportscotland and £5.5 million from BIG Lottery Fund to deliver its 2014 Communities Fund.\r\nsportscotland has allocated £10.5 million of that to improve facilities and support athletes and coaches participating in High Performance Sport, and £7.5 million to work with local authorities to create a network of 150 Community Sports Hubs across Scotland by 2016.\r\nA breakdown by local authority of Community Sports Hubs which have been established or are currently in development can be viewed at:\r\nhttp://www.sportscotland.org.uk/content/sportscotland/Documents/Club_resources/CSH/CSH_Website_Information_-_May2013.pdf. Information broken down by project and local authority relating to investment in High Performance Sport, is not held centrally. I have asked sportscotland’s Chief Executive, Stewart Harris, to contact you with further information.\r\n\r\nThe 2014 Communities Fund has to date made 3,080 awards of between £300 and £1,000 (worth more than £4 million collectively) to local sports clubs, voluntary and communities organisations, community councils and schools, who wish to take part or volunteer in physical activity or sport. A breakdown of awards by local authority area is provided in Table 1.\r\n\r\n\r\nSince 2009, Legacy 2014 has continued to map its journey throughout Scotland by launching a range of additional programmes delivering opportunities across the whole of Scotland. Key examples of this include the £10 million Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund, the £5 million Legacy 2014 Young Persons’ Fund, the £4 million Celebrate Fund and the £5 million Sport Relief Home and Away programme.\r\nIn order to demonstrate the reach of these programmes throughout Scotland we have recently launched an interactive legacy map, as part of our website, which is available at: www.legacy2014.co.uk.\r\n\r\n\r\nTable 1: 2014 Communities Awards \r\nLocal Authority\r\nTOTAL\r\nNo of awards\r\nValue of awards\r\nAberdeen City\r\n49\r\n£67,331\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n101\r\n£121,595\r\nAngus\r\n77\r\n£110,340\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n84\r\n£105,018\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n22\r\n£26,594\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n125\r\n£169,859\r\nDundee City\r\n44\r\n£67,139\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n77\r\n£99,582\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n55\r\n£77,328\r\nEast Lothian\r\n45\r\n£64,216\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n49\r\n£70,908\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n155\r\n£210,578\r\nEilean Siar\r\n32\r\n£43,997\r\nFalkirk\r\n59\r\n£87,400\r\nFife\r\n166\r\n£202,114\r\nGlasgow City\r\n475\r\n£646,664\r\nHighland\r\n214\r\n£272,620\r\nInverclyde\r\n43\r\n£54,498\r\nMidlothian\r\n20\r\n£25,920\r\nMoray\r\n31\r\n£36,758\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n75\r\n£103,858\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n253\r\n£313,087\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n23\r\n£24,819\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n68\r\n£85,819\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n92\r\n£142,085\r\nScottish Borders, The\r\n44\r\n£55,423\r\nShetland Islands\r\n19\r\n£24,302\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n115\r\n£149,005\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n285\r\n£408,784\r\nStirling\r\n54\r\n£70,400\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n93\r\n£133,274\r\nWest Lothian\r\n36\r\n£42,695\r\nTOTAL\r\n3080\r\n£4,114,010\r\nSource: Big Lottery Fund, 25 September 2013\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-04T15:09:45.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288040,"EventID":"S4W-17343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-20T15:09:45.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T16:53:49.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on how many occasions local authorities took action without notice on dangerous buildings in 2011-12 under sections 29(2) and (3) of the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.","AnswerText":"In 2011-12 local authorities took action 992 times under subsection 29 (2) and (3) of the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 on buildings they considered to be dangerous. \r\nThe following figures are taken from the Building Standards Annual Return that shows there were 212 dangerous buildings notices under section 30 served on owners in 2011-12.\r\nA breakdown by local authority is given in the following table.\r\nLocal Authority\r\nNumber of dangerous building notices issued under section 30\r\n2010-11\r\nNumber of cases where action taken under section 29\r\n2010-11\r\nNumber of dangerous building  notices issued under section 30\r\n2011-12\r\nNumber of cases where action taken under section 29\r\n2011-12\r\nAberdeen City\r\n6\r\n0\r\n7\r\n12\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n15\r\n7\r\n9\r\n0\r\nAngus\r\n2\r\n1\r\n2\r\n3\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n0\r\n20\r\n2\r\n39\r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n5\r\n6\r\n14\r\n12\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\n2\r\n\r\n1\r\n5\r\n\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n2\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nDundee City\r\n0\r\n90\r\n7\r\n258\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n6\r\n6\r\n15\r\n10\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n0\r\n\r\n0\r\n3\r\n\r\n0\r\nEast Lothian\r\n3\r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n6\r\n0\r\n0\r\n19\r\nFalkirk\r\n5\r\n0\r\n8\r\n0\r\nFife\r\n8\r\n34\r\n0\r\n8\r\nGlasgow City\r\n3\r\n85\r\n4\r\n376\r\nHighland\r\n18\r\n5\r\n2\r\n8\r\nInverclyde\r\n4\r\n14\r\n7\r\n23\r\nMidlothian\r\n21\r\n9\r\n10\r\n4\r\nMoray\r\n2\r\n3\r\n6\r\n0\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n6\r\n1\r\n10\r\n0\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n17\r\n2\r\n29\r\n35\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\n4\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n10\r\n23\r\n18\r\n27\r\nScottish Borders\r\n9\r\n10\r\n10\r\n10\r\nShetland Islands\r\n2\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n1\r\n38\r\n4\r\n67\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n8\r\n7\r\n14\r\n13\r\nStirling\r\n3\r\n8\r\n7\r\n10\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n0\r\n\r\n11\r\n2\r\n\r\n42\r\nWest Lothian\r\n18\r\n20\r\n20\r\n10\r\nScotland\r\n187\r\n402\r\n212\r\n992\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-04T15:09:45.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288041,"EventID":"S4W-17344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-20T15:09:46.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T09:36:27.963","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason clause 17(6) was removed from the draft harbour revision order application for the proposed Rosyth international container terminal and how it will ensure that the environmental protection conditions recommended by the reporter will be legally binding. \r\n","AnswerText":"The article was considered inappropriately drafted as its terms were somewhat vague for a statutory order. I have made it clear that we are committed to maintaining the level of protection in the draft Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) which will be further consulted upon before approval.\r\nFurther, the order states clearly that Ministers will consult with interested parties on the CEMP before it is finalised. Babcock cannot start work until the CEMP has been approved to my satisfaction.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-04T15:09:46.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288042,"EventID":"S4W-17346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-20T15:09:46.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T10:18:23.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to the supplementary to question S4F-01561 by Alex Salmond on 19 September 2013 (Official Report, c. 22684), what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the renationalisation of the Royal Mail in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The privatisation of the Royal Mail was opposed by the majority of Scottish MPs in a vote in the House of Commons. On 15 September 2013 the First Minister called on the UK Government to put in place a moratorium on the privatisation of the Royal Mail. The First Minister announced on 19 September 2013 that with independence this Scottish Government will bring the Royal Mail back into public ownership if it has been privatised. The First Minister also wrote to Labour leader Ed Miliband urging the Labour party to support an approach to renationalisation, a position endorsed by Labour party conference on 25 September 2013. The Scottish Government is in contact with a range of stakeholders over its proposals for the future of the postal service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-04T15:09:46.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288043,"EventID":"S4W-17347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-20T15:09:46.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T10:18:23.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to the supplementary to question S4F-01561 by Alex Salmond on 19 September 2013 (Official Report, c. 22684), what the cost of renationalisation of the Royal Mail would be in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The privatisation of the Royal Mail was opposed by the majority of Scottish MPs and is opposed by the majority of people in Scotland alongside the National Federation of SubPostmasters and the Communication Workers Union. The First Minister wrote to the Prime Minister on 19 September 2013 opposing the privatisation of the Royal Mail and calling for a moratorium on the privatisation of the Royal Mail. The First Minister announced on 19 September 2013 that with independence this Scottish Government will bring the Royal Mail back into public ownership if it has been privatised. The First Minister also wrote to Ed Miliband urging the Labour party to support an approach to renationalisation, a position endorsed by Labour party conference on 25 September 2013. The cost of securing a publicly owned mail service in Scotland will be based on the value of assets at the time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-04T15:09:46.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288044,"EventID":"S4W-17348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-20T15:09:46.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T10:18:23.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to the supplementary to question S4F-01561 by Alex Salmond on 19 September 2013 (Official Report, c. 22684), what discussions it has had with the Royal Mail regarding renationalisation of the service in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17346 on 10 October 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s web site, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-04T15:09:46.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288045,"EventID":"S4W-17349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-20T15:09:47.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T10:18:23.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to the supplementary to question S4F-01561 by Alex Salmond on 19 September 2013 (Official Report, c. 22684), what legal advice it has sought on the practicalities and legality of renationalising the Royal Mail in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not disclose the nature of any legal advice which it has received.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-04T15:09:47.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288046,"EventID":"S4W-17356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-20T15:09:47.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T12:16:59.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the extra capital funding allocated for ferries in 2015-16 is specifically for the Dunoon-Gourock route.","AnswerText":"Decisions on which projects will be funded from the capital allocation for 2015-16 will be taken in consultation with Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd and David MacBrayne Ltd and in the context of the commitments set out in the Scottish Government’s Ferries Plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-04T15:09:47.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288048,"EventID":"S4W-17345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-20T15:36:00.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T10:17:05.54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its policy is in relation to applying the Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents should Scotland become independent; whether it has made any representations to the UK Government on this issue, and whether it has made any assessment of whether it currently meets the principles of the convention.","AnswerText":"The UK Government is not a signatory. Becoming a signatory would be a matter for the government of an independent Scotland to consider.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-04T15:36:00.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288059,"EventID":"S4W-17283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:10.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T12:27:48.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16534 by Nicola Sturgeon on 27 August 2013, whether it is on target to eradicate fuel poverty by 2016.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has a statutory duty, “to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that people are not living in fuel poverty in Scotland by November 2016”.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to eradicating fuel poverty and is doing everything within its limited powers to achieve this. As fuel poverty statistics published in December 2012 show, Scottish Government action is mitigating swingeing fuel price increases. Despite 14% fuel price increases in Autumn 2011, Scottish Government action to improve household energy efficiency prevented a further 35,000 households falling into fuel poverty.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:11.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288060,"EventID":"S4W-17284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:11.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T12:27:48.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16531 by Nicola Sturgeon on 27 August 2013, how much of the (a) £79 million and (b) £120 million from major energy companies has been spent on tackling fuel poverty.","AnswerText":"The Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland (HEEPS) have a current budget of £74 million for this financial year and it is the Scottish Government’s intention that this is all spent on tackling fuel poverty and improving energy efficiency.\r\nIt should be noted that an unallocated amount of £5 million has been reallocated from the original budget of £60 million for area based schemes to mitigate the impacts of welfare reform. A further £5 million from underutilised accruals (i.e. unused provision) from 2012-13 takes the total contribution to £10 million. \r\nIt is not possible at this time to know how much Scottish Government funding has been spent as schemes are still developing and monitoring processes are being put in place. However, in June we announced the first £46 million of funding for local authorities from our HEEPS area based schemes and local authorities advise us that, currently, they intend to leverage almost £130 million of ECO funding from energy companies.\r\nInformation on HEEPS spend will be published in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:11.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288061,"EventID":"S4W-17285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:11.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T12:27:48.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16531 by Nicola Sturgeon on 27 August 2013, how much of the £60 million for area based local authority schemes has been spent on tackling fuel poverty.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland (HEEPS) area based local authority schemes have a current budget of £55 million for this financial year and it is the Scottish Government’s intention that this is all spent on tackling fuel poverty and improving energy efficiency.\r\nIt should be noted that an unallocated amount of £5 million has been reallocated from the original budget of £60 million for area based schemes to mitigate the impacts of welfare reform. A further £5 million from underutilised accruals (i.e. unused provision) from 2012-13 takes the total contribution to £10 million.\r\nDelays in the publication of the ECO guidance, leading to uncertainty about how the new schemes would work, and a shift in focus under ECO away from cheaper, easier to install measures, such as loft insulation, to more technically complex insulation techniques, has meant that there have been delays in developing ECO-eligible schemes.\r\nIt is not possible at this time to know how much Scottish Government funding has been spent as schemes are still developing and monitoring processes are being put in place.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:11.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288062,"EventID":"S4W-17286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:12.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T12:27:48.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16531 by Nicola Sturgeon on 27 August 2013, which local authorities have received funding from the £60 million for area based schemes; how much has been allocated to each local authority, and how much has been bid for.","AnswerText":"All of Scotland’s local authorities have been offered funding from the current budget of £55 million for this financial year for area based schemes.\r\nIt should be noted an unallocated amount of £5 million has been reallocated from the original budget of £60 million for area based schemes to mitigate the impact of the “bedroom tax”. A further £5 million from underutilised accruals (i.e. unused provision) from 2012-13 takes the total contribution to £10 million.\r\nDetails of funding requested by councils as at end June 2013 are set out in the table below. All requests have been allocated in full. Requests for further funding are currently being considered and will be announced in due course.\r\nSummary of Local Authority Funding Requests – to end June 2013\r\nLocal Authority\r\nCore Funding Requested (£)\r\nAdditional Funding Requested (£)\r\nTotal requested and allocated (£)\r\nAberdeen City\r\n871,759\r\n360,041\r\n1,257,441\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n1,257,947\r\n3,162,053\r\n4,420,000\r\nAngus\r\n584,835\r\n0\r\n584,835\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n967,019\r\n1,056,134\r\n2,023,153\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n400,500\r\n298,000\r\n698,500\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n1,270,671\r\n0\r\n1,270,671\r\nDundee\r\n854,839\r\n1,080,912\r\n1,935,751\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n992,338\r\n0\r\n992,338\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n266,200\r\n0\r\n266,200\r\nEast Lothian\r\n679,500\r\n403,522\r\n1,083,022\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n277,120\r\n0\r\n277,120\r\nEdinburgh\r\n2,072,528\r\n539,348\r\n2,611,876\r\nEilean siar\r\n831,051\r\n190,758\r\n1,021,809\r\nFalkirk\r\n614,597\r\n0\r\n614,597\r\nFife\r\n1,471,055\r\n954,559\r\n2,425,614\r\nGlasgow\r\n2,799,996\r\n3,984,770\r\n6,784,766\r\nHighland\r\n1,349,150\r\n518,687\r\n1,867,837\r\nInverclyde\r\n654,624\r\n450,559\r\n1,105,183\r\nMidlothian\r\n657,000\r\n684,446\r\n1,341,446\r\nMoray\r\n688,848\r\n98,327\r\n787,175\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n978,253\r\n0\r\n978,253\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n1,149,266\r\n434,834\r\n1,584,100\r\nOrkney\r\n200,000\r\n0\r\n200,000\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n922,500\r\n294,381\r\n1,216,881\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n539,882\r\n436,867\r\n976,749\r\nScottish Borders\r\n979,943\r\n330,569\r\n1,310,512\r\nShetland\r\n444,403\r\n0\r\n444,403\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n808,578\r\n0\r\n808,578\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n1,321,512\r\n877,422\r\n2,198,934\r\nStirling\r\n627,442\r\n689,019\r\n1,316,461\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n379,269\r\n0\r\n379,269\r\nWest Lothian\r\n985,500\r\n197,315\r\n1,182,815\r\nTotal\r\n28,898,125\r\n17,042,523\r\n45,940,648\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:12.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288063,"EventID":"S4W-17287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:12.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T12:27:48.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16531 by Nicola Sturgeon on 27 August 2013, for what reason the £60 million for area based schemes has not been fully taken up.","AnswerText":"In June offers of grant totalling £46 million were issued for the first round of HEEPS area based schemes.\r\nA second funding round is currently being assessed and allocations will be announced shortly.\r\nHowever, delays in the publication of the ECO guidance, leading to uncertainty about how the new schemes would work, and a shift in focus under ECO away from cheaper, easier to install measures, such as loft insulation, to more technically complex insulation techniques, has meant that there have been delays in developing ECO-eligible schemes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:12.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288064,"EventID":"S4W-17288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:13.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T12:27:48.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the level of fuel poverty is according to the Scottish House Condition Survey: Key Findings 2011, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The SHCS shows that fuel poverty for Scotland in October 2011, following a steep fuel price increase, was nearly 29% (approximately 684,000 households).\r\nLocal authority levels of fuel poverty are published on the internet and are publicly available on the Scottish Government website under: Scottish House Condition Survey - 2009-2011 Local Authority Report: Table 8.10.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:13.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288065,"EventID":"S4W-17289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:13.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T12:27:48.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the assertion in the Scottish House Condition Survey of 2009 that for every 5% rise in fuel prices an estimated 46,000 more households would go into fuel poverty and whether fuel poverty is now affecting around 900,000 households. ","AnswerText":"The 46,000 increase per 5% fuel cost rise was calculated based on the SHCS data from 2009. It takes no account of changes to the energy efficiency of the stock or the income of householders since then.\r\nThe SHCS Key Findings 2011 report illustrated that fuel poverty was estimated at 684,000 households as at October 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:13.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288066,"EventID":"S4W-17291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:14.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T12:27:48.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is monitoring whether the £120 million in investment through the Energy Company Obligation will be achieved in 2013.","AnswerText":"We are working closely with Ofgem to ensure the monitoring information they publish on ECO investment covers all of Scotland and provides sufficient level of detail to enable us to monitor the effectiveness of our programmes. And we will collect monitoring information from local authorities setting out how our investment has been used to deliver energy efficiency measures and help to tackle fuel poverty.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:14.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288067,"EventID":"S4W-17292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:14.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T12:27:48.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will use such measures as the number of (a) households assisted and (b) measures delivered to assess the effectiveness of the Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are currently considering a number of options for assessing the effectiveness of the Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland. As part of this we will closely monitor the number of households assisted and the number of measures delivered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:14.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288068,"EventID":"S4W-17293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:15.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T12:27:48.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what budget will be allocated for Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland in the (a) 2014-15 draft budget and (b) 2015-16 budget plans and whether this will be sufficient to eradicate fuel poverty by 2016.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government spending plans of 11 September announced funding allocations of £79 million to tackle fuel poverty for each of the next two years ,2014-15 and 2015-16.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to eradicating fuel poverty and is doing everything within its limited powers to achieve this. We will continue to use this funding for the Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland to lever in private sector funding from the energy companies seeking to meet their obligations under ECO, to ensure the future of our £200 million fund to tackle fuel poverty.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:15.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288069,"EventID":"S4W-17294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:15.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T12:27:48.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16532 by Nicola Sturgeon on 27 August 2013, what action energy companies have taken to protect vulnerable customers as a result of the meeting with the cabinet secretary.","AnswerText":"I met with each of the major energy suppliers individually over the autumn/winter of last year to raise concerns about energy price rises and to press the individual energy suppliers to support vulnerable consumers and will be looking to arrange further meetings with the utilities in due course to keep up the dialogue on fuel poverty.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:15.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288070,"EventID":"S4W-17295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:16.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T12:27:48.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities last met the major energy companies to discuss fuel poverty and when the next meeting is planned.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17294 on 7 October 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:16.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288071,"EventID":"S4W-17296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:16.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-18T12:27:48.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings of the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum have taken place in the last year and whether these were attended by the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum is an independent Ministerial advisory body which Ministers attend when invited. In the last 12 months, the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum has met six times, on the following dates:\r\n9 October 2012\r\n12 December 2012\r\n12 March 2013\r\n9 May 2013\r\n18 June 2013\r\n18 September 2013\r\nFurther information on the Forum and its meetings is available on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/warmhomes/fuelpoverty/ScottishFuelPovertyForum.\r\nI attended the meeting on 12 December 2012 and confirmed that Scottish Ministers believe the Forum should continue to challenge the work of the Scottish Government when appropriate and continue to work with Ministers and Scottish Government officials to tackle fuel poverty.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:16.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288072,"EventID":"S4W-17328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:17.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T15:57:01.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding has been allocated to (a) NHS Fife and (b) the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, in each of the last 10 years and how the figure for NHS Fife compares with the national average.\r\n","AnswerText":"The baseline funding allocations for NHS Fife (also shown as a percentage share of the total allocation for NHSScotland territorial health boards) and the revenue expenditure at the Victoria Hospital Kirkcaldy for the last 10 years are provided in the following table:\r\nNHS Fife\r\nBaseline Allocation\r\nShare of NHS Scotland Territorial Baseline\r\nExpenditure at Victoria Hospital\r\nYear\r\n£m\r\nPercentage\r\n£m\r\n2004-05\r\n356.2\r\n6.59%\r\n58.2\r\n2005-06\r\n399.6\r\n6.65%\r\n67.4\r\n2006-07\r\n430.9\r\n6.70%\r\n73.6\r\n2007-08\r\n462.4\r\n6.73%\r\n84.7\r\n2008-09\r\n479.7\r\n6.76%\r\n86.3\r\n2009-10\r\n490.3\r\n6.77%\r\n85.2\r\n2010-11\r\n502.9\r\n6.76%\r\n80.9\r\n2011-12\r\n507.1\r\n6.71%\r\n101.1\r\n2012-13\r\n520.8\r\n6.71%\r\nAvailable Nov-13\r\n2013-14\r\n539.5\r\n6.72%\r\nNot Applicable\r\n\r\nNHS Fife is funded according to the same formula as all other NHS boards, NHSScotland Resource Allocation Committee (NRAC). This ensures that funds are distributed fairly, on the basis of the relative healthcare needs of each Board area, and fully recognises the influences of remoteness and deprivation. All Boards are expected to manage within these resources, and must prioritise in order to provide high quality services for patients.\r\nThe NRAC formula has been phased in from 2009-10. The NRAC formula was introduced to ensure that NHS board funding was better aligned to local characteristics such as deprivation, population age profile and rurality. It is right that this was phased in gradually to minimise disruption to board finances. As a result of this phased process we have ensured that no board has lost out financially and have “levelled up” funding to support this.\r\nNHS Fife has had an above real terms increase in resource funding. In 2013-14 NHS Fife received £539.5 million resource funding, a 3.6% or £18.7 million increase.\r\nInformation on individual hospital expenditure  across NHS Scotland is available on the NHS National Services Scotland Information Services Division (ISD) website. The most up to date figures available are for the financial year 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:17.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288073,"EventID":"S4W-17329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:17.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T15:57:01.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many nurses have been employed at (a) NHS Fife and (b) the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, in each of the last 10 years and how the figure for NHS Fife compares with the national average.\r\n","AnswerText":"National average figures for nursing staff are not recorded, information on the total number of nurses working in NHSScotland can be found by following the link below:\r\nhttps://isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2013-08-27/Nursing_and_Midwifery_SIP_J2013.xls?83948261.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:17.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288074,"EventID":"S4W-17330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:17.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T15:57:01.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hospital beds have been available at (a) NHS Fife and b) the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy in each of the last 10 years and how the figure for NHS Fife compares with the national average.","AnswerText":"Table 1 presents the number of average available staffed beds for acute specialties in Victoria Hospital, NHS Fife and NHS Scotland for 2003-04 to 2012-13 and those in Victoria Hospital and NHS Fife as a percentage of NHS Scotland.\r\nTable 1 – Average available staffed beds for acute specialties in Victoria Hospital, NHS Fife and NHS Scotland; 2003-04 to 2012-13\r\nYear\r\nNHS Scotland\r\nNHS Fife\r\nVictoria Hospital\r\nAcute beds\r\nAcute beds\r\nPercentage of NHS Scotland\r\nAcute beds\r\nPercentage of NHS Scotland\r\n2003-04\r\n17,710\r\n834\r\n4.7\r\n308\r\n1.7\r\n2004-05\r\n17,559\r\n869\r\n4.9\r\n311\r\n1.8\r\n2005-06\r\n17,537\r\n832\r\n4.7\r\n297\r\n1.7\r\n2006-07\r\n17,505\r\n842\r\n4.8\r\n301\r\n1.7\r\n2007-08\r\n17,344\r\n845\r\n4.9\r\n301\r\n1.7\r\n2008-09\r\n17,374\r\n828\r\n4.8\r\n292\r\n1.7\r\n2009-10\r\n17,078\r\n797\r\n4.7\r\n280\r\n1.6\r\n2010-11\r\n16,673\r\n778\r\n4.7\r\n247\r\n1.5\r\n2011-12\r\n16,470\r\n783\r\n4.8\r\n301\r\n1.8\r\n2012-13\r\n16,230\r\n745\r\n4.6\r\n543\r\n3.3\r\nSource: ISD(S)1, ISD Scotland.\r\nIn 2012, NHS Fife General Hospitals and Maternity services (GH&MS) Project saw a transfer of services between the Victoria Hospital and Queen Margaret Hospital.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:17.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288075,"EventID":"S4W-17331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:18.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T15:57:01.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many complaints have been made regarding the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy in each of the last 10 years and how this compares with the national average. \r\n","AnswerText":"National annual statistics for NHS complaints are published by the Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland.\r\nThe 2012-13 statistics were published on 24 September 2013 and are available at: http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Quality-indicators/Publications/index.asp#1143. This publication includes details of complaints since 2007-08.\r\nNHS Fife will be able to provide additional local information in relation to complaints received.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:18.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288076,"EventID":"S4W-17332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:18.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T15:57:01.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of referrals for cancer was treated within the 62-day cancer waiting time target for the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, in each of the last 10 years and how this compares with the national average. \r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nInformation Services Division (ISD) does not hold cancer waiting times information by hospital of treatment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:18.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288077,"EventID":"S4W-17333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:18.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T15:57:01.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of patients has been seen within the (a) four-hour and (b) 12-hour waiting time target at Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, in each of the last 10 years and how this compares with the national average. \r\n","AnswerText":"Table 1 presents the percentage of attendances (new and unplanned returns) that were seen within four hours and within twelve hours at Victoria Hospital and in NHSScotland for 2005 to 2013. There is no HEAT Standard for patients to wait less than twelve hours from arrival to admission, discharge or transfer for accident and emergency treatment.\r\n\r\nTable 1 - Percentage of attendances (new and unplanned returns) seen within four and twelve hours at Victoria Hospital and NHS Scotland; April 2005 and April 2006; July 2007 to March 2013.\r\nNHS Board\r\nSurvey\r\nA&E datamart\r\n\r\n\r\n2005**\r\n2006**\r\n2007-08*\r\n2008-09*\r\n2009-10*\r\n2010-11*\r\n2011-12*\r\n2012-13*\r\nVictoria Hospital\r\nSeen within 4 hours\r\n89.0%\r\n87.5%\r\n96.0%\r\n96.0%\r\n97.0%\r\n95.0%\r\n92.0%\r\n93.7%\r\nSeen within 12 hours\r\n-\r\n-\r\n99.9%\r\n99.9%\r\n100.0%\r\n99.8%\r\n99.4%\r\n99.7%\r\nNHS Scotland\r\nseen within 4 hours\r\n93.8%\r\n93.0%\r\n97.2%\r\n97.7%\r\n97.4%\r\n96.3%\r\n95.7%\r\n93.6%\r\nSeen within 12 hours\r\n-\r\n-\r\n100.0%\r\n100.0%\r\n100.0%\r\n100.0%\r\n99.9%\r\n99.9%\r\nSource: Survey April 2005 and April 2006, SMR30C, ISD Scotland; July 2007 onwards A&E data mart, ISD Scotland.\r\nNotes:\r\n*A&E data mart was established in June 2007 to monitor compliance against waiting times targets, with data collected from July 2007 onwards. As such, figures cannot be provided for the full twelve months for 2007-08.\r\n**Statistics relate to snapshot surveys at core A&E sites in a seven day period April 2005 and April 2006, ISD Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:18.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288078,"EventID":"S4W-17334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:18.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T15:57:01.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research it will undertake on best practice when using the planning system to address air quality issues before finalising the Scottish Planning Policy and the National Planning Framework 3.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government works closely with local authorities, Transport Scotland, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and other partners to ensure that air quality objectives are achieved. We have no plans at present to commission new research into air quality issues, but we will take into account available evidence before finalising the Scottish Planning Policy and the National Planning Framework 3, due to be published in June 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:18.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288079,"EventID":"S4W-17335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:18.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T15:57:01.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will include guidance on the appropriate use of low emissions zones in reducing air quality issues in the final Scottish Planning Policy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government works closely with local authorities, Transport Scotland, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and other partners to ensure that air quality objectives are achieved. We are currently developing a low emission strategy for Scotland and will consult on this in due course. It is not intended that the guidance will be included in the finalised Scottish Planning Policy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:19.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288080,"EventID":"S4W-17357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:19.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T12:43:06.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many car journeys were undertaken by ministers and to where in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Details of all ministerial car journeys are proactively published on the Scottish Government website. These can be accessed via the following link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/14944/travel/MinisterialCarJourneys.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:19.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288081,"EventID":"S4W-17358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:19.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T12:43:06.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) make, (b) model and (c) acquisition cost was of each Government Car Service vehicle in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The following table provides details of the make, model and overall procurement cost of the Government Car Service fleet.\r\nMake\r\nModel\r\nAcquisition date\r\nBMW\r\n520d\r\nOct-08\r\nBMW\r\n520d\r\nOct-08\r\nBMW\r\n520d\r\nOct-08\r\nBMW\r\n520d\r\nMar-09\r\nBMW\r\n520d\r\nMar-09\r\nBMW\r\n520d\r\nMar-09\r\nBMW\r\n520d\r\nOct-09\r\nLexus\r\nRX450h\r\nNov-11\r\nSkoda\r\nSuperb\r\nDec-11\r\nSkoda\r\nSuperb\r\nJan-12\r\nSkoda\r\nSuperb\r\nJan-12\r\nSkoda\r\nSuperb\r\nJan-12\r\nSkoda\r\nSuperb\r\nSep-12\r\nSkoda\r\nSuperb\r\nOct-12\r\nSkoda\r\nSuperb\r\nOct-12\r\nSkoda\r\nSuperb\r\nFeb-13\r\nSkoda\r\nSuperb\r\nFeb-13\r\nSkoda\r\nSuperb\r\nFeb-13\r\nSkoda\r\nSuperb\r\nFeb-13\r\nSkoda\r\nSuperb\r\nFeb-13\r\nSkoda\r\nSuperb\r\nFeb-13\r\n\r\nTotal cost (1)\r\n£526,750\r\nNote: 1. Individual costs are not quoted due to commercial in confidence restrictions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:19.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288082,"EventID":"S4W-17360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:19.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T14:35:31.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16991 by Kenny MacAskill on 19 September 2013, which communities it has engaged with; what the outcome was, and what plans it has for future engagement.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government, alongside police officers and MSPs, attended a number of public meetings across Scotland with members of the Muslim community during 2011. These public meetings were organised by the local Muslim communities with the relevant local police forces.\r\nSince then the Scottish Government has met with police colleagues, most recently, the former Strathclyde Police Force, to discuss their contained community engagement strategy which has been taken up across Police Scotland. The Scottish Government will continue to meet with communities on a range of matters where concerns are raised with us.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:19.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288083,"EventID":"S4W-17361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:20.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T14:35:31.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who (a) would take the decision to and (b) can detain someone in Scotland under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000.","AnswerText":"An “examining officer” as defined by the Terrorism Act 2000 may make the decision to detain someone under Schedule 7. An “examining officer” is defined as a police constable, an immigration officer, or a customs officer who is designated for the purpose of Schedule 7 by the Secretary of State and the Commissioners of Customs and Excise.\r\nHowever, only exceptionally would an immigration officer or customs officer exercise functions under the Act. This would include when a police officer is not readily available; or if specifically requested to do so by a police officer of the rank of sergeant or above. In practice in Scotland both the detention and the decision are the responsibility of the police.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:20.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288084,"EventID":"S4W-17362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:20.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T14:35:31.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a Police Scotland officer can be subject to operational direction from a member of the (a) security services and (b) UK Border Agency.","AnswerText":"Police Service of Scotland officers are not subject to operational direction from the security service or UK Border Agency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:20.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288085,"EventID":"S4W-17363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:20.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T14:35:31.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what advice the Lord Advocate has issued regarding use of Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Lord Advocate has not issued any formal advice regarding the use of Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000. A code of practice for examining officers is produced by the Home Office as the Terrorism Act 2000 is UK wide and relates to reserved matters. General advice has, on occasion, been provided to the police by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service on request.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:20.473","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288086,"EventID":"S4W-17364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:20.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T14:35:31.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has ever requested information on the number of people detained at Scottish airports, or any subsequent charges or convictions, under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not collect or hold statistics on the number of people detained, charged or convicted under the Terrorism Act 2000 as this is a matter for the UK Government. The figures are not reported regionally due to the national security implications of identifying where and how often the powers are utilised.\r\nAs I indicated in my answer to written question S4W-16991 on 19 September 2013, the Home Office recently released the annual statistics on the operation of police powers under the Terrorism Act 2000 covering the period to 31 March 2013.\r\nThis release includes the total number of people stopped under Schedule 7 in the UK and can be found at:\r\nhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/operation-of-police-powers-under-the-terrorism-act-2000-2012-to-2013.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:20.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288087,"EventID":"S4W-17365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:20.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T14:35:31.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to ask Police Scotland on how many occasions since 2010 police officers have used powers under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not have any plans to request information on the operational matters relating to Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000. This is a reserved matter and the responsibility of the UK Government. These figures are not reported regionally due to national security implications relating to identifying where and how often the powers are utilised.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:20.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288088,"EventID":"S4W-17366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:21.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T14:35:31.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government to whom a Police Scotland officer using powers under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 would be required to report their actions.","AnswerText":"As in any other operational matter, the normal reporting arrangements for Police Scotland officers would require to be followed where the decision to examine or detain and individual is taken.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:21.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288089,"EventID":"S4W-17367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:21.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T14:35:31.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government to whom a person detained in Scotland under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 can complain about their treatment.","AnswerText":"Operational matters, including the investigation of complaints, are a matter for the Chief Constable of Police Scotland. Persons who are examined or detained under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 should therefore make any complaints about their treatment to Chief Constable Sir Stephen House in the first instance.\r\nShould the person remain dissatisfied following received a response from Police Scotland they can refer the matter to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) who has responsibility to provide independent scrutiny of the way the police respond to complaints from the public.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:21.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288090,"EventID":"S4W-17370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:21.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T15:01:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much Housing Association Grant was awarded to each registered social landlord in (a) Aberdeenshire and (b) Aberdeen City in 2011-12.","AnswerText":"The amounts of Housing Association Grant spend for registered social landlords in (a) Aberdeenshire and (b) Aberdeen City in 2011-2012 was:\r\nHousing Association\r\nAberdeenshire\r\nAberdeen\r\nAberdeenshire Housing Partnership\r\n\r\n£150,000\r\n\r\nNone\r\nCastlehill Housing Association\r\n\r\n£366,000\r\n\r\nNone\r\nGrampian Housing Association\r\n\r\n£665,000\r\n\r\n£8,000\r\nLangstane Housing Association\r\n\r\n£161,000\r\n\r\n£19,000\r\nTenants First Housing Association\r\n\r\nNone\r\n\r\n£4,199,000\r\n\r\nCouncil House Build\r\n\r\n£2,250,000\r\n\r\n£3,082,000\r\n\r\nAlso in 2011-12, the Scottish Government awarded Innovation and Investment grant funding to the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire Council areas totalling £1.17 million and £2.02 million respectively. This includes the following projects:\r\nArea\r\nOrganisation\r\nGrant\r\nAberdeen City\r\nCouncil\r\n£600,000\r\nAberdeenshire\r\nCouncil\r\n£330,000\r\nAberdeen City\r\nLangstane Housing Association\r\n£570,000\r\nAberdeenshire\r\nLangstane Housing Association\r\n£368,000\r\nAberdeenshire\r\nCornerstone Community Care\r\n£303,300\r\nAberdeenshire \r\nAberdeenshire Housing Partnership\r\n£480,000\r\nAberdeenshire\r\nCastlehill Housing Association\r\n£542,000\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:21.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288091,"EventID":"S4W-17371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:21.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T15:01:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it is providing to measures to tackle antisocial behaviour in Aberdeen.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is providing local government in Scotland with over £10.3 billion in 2013-14. The vast majority of this funding is being provided by means of a block grant. It is the responsibility of each local authority to allocate the total financial resources available to it on the basis of local needs and priorities having first fulfilled its statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities including the Scottish Government’s key strategic objectives.\r\nThe Scottish Government has continued to maintain its commitment to keeping 1,000 extra police officers in our communities with the latest quarterly statistics on police numbers, as at 30 June 2013, showing 17,324 full-time equivalent officers. This represents an increase of 1,090 officers compared to the position as at 31 March 2007.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:21.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288092,"EventID":"S4W-17372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:22.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T15:01:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent action it has taken to encourage participation in sports in (a) schools, (b) colleges and (c) universities and with what results.\r\n","AnswerText":"Physical education experiences and outcomes form a key element of the delivery of health and wellbeing within the Curriculum for Excellence. That is why the Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that by 2014 all pupils across Scotland receive at least two hours of PE in primary schools and at least two periods of PE in secondary schools in S1-S4. We are making good progress towards our PE target and the 2013 Healthy Living Survey outlined that 89% of all schools are now meeting the target, up from 10% in 2004-05.\r\nWe are also supporting the Winning Students scholarship programme that helps 150 students compete in high performance sport whilst undertaking their studies in colleges and universities across Scotland. This is delivering significant results with five athletes from this programme already been named as team Scotland members for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. We will be drawing on these types of good practise in developing a draft Youth Sport Strategy.\r\nThis adds to our already significant investment into providing opportunities for children and young people to get involved in a wide range of sport and physical activities through support by sportscotland. I have asked the chief executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, to write to you separately with detailed information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:22.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288093,"EventID":"S4W-17373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:22.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T15:01:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on meeting the target of having an equivalent of 100% of the country’s electricity demand from renewables by 2020.\r\n","AnswerText":"The most recent statistics, published on Thursday 26 September and available at:\r\nhttps://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-energy-climate-change/series/energy-trends, confirm that renewable generation in Scotland during 2012 amounted to 14,756 GigaWatt hours.\r\nAlthough final electricity consumption figures for 2012 will not be published until the end of this year, the use of 2011’s consumption figure as a proxy allows us to estimate that renewable electricity generation accounted for around 39% of gross Scottish electricity demand during 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:22.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288094,"EventID":"S4W-17374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:22.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T15:01:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the outstanding student loan debt has been of students and graduates domiciled in Scotland in each of last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information available is given in the table below and relates to students and graduates who originally took out loans while studying in Scotland.\r\nTotal Public Debt Outstanding at the end of the Financial Year (£ Billion)\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\n2.23\r\n2.38\r\n2.53\r\n2.68\r\n2.87\r\nSource (Student Loans Company / Office for National Statistics).\r\nStudent Loan Company figures published in 2013 show that average student loan debt for Scottish students is £6,850 compared to £18,740 in England and £14,910 in Wales.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:22.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288095,"EventID":"S4W-17375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:22.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T15:01:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consortia are bidding for the work relating to the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route project.","AnswerText":"The consortia bidding for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie to Tipperty project are Granite City Roads, North East Roads Partnership and Connect Roads.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:22.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288096,"EventID":"S4W-17376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:23.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T15:01:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the make-up is of each consortium bidding for work on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route project.","AnswerText":"The make-up of each consortium bidding for work on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is as follows\r\nConsortium\r\nMembers\r\nGranite City Roads\r\nMacquarie Capital\r\nVialia\r\nKier\r\nIridium\r\nNorth East Roads Partnership\r\nCintra Infrastructures SA\r\nJohn Laing Investments\r\nConnect Roads\r\nBalfour Beatty Investments\r\nCarillion Prívate Finance\r\nGalliford Try\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:23.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288097,"EventID":"S4W-17377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:23.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T15:01:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what reasons Scotia Roads Group gave for withdrawing from the bidding process for work on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route project.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotia Roads Group withdrew because they took the decision to pursue commercial interests elsewhere.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:23.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288098,"EventID":"S4W-17378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:23.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T15:01:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when an announcement will be made regarding the awarding of contracts for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route project.","AnswerText":"The contract award announcement for Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/ Balmedie to Tipperty is expected in autumn 2014. This date remains unchanged from the programme announcement made in October 2012.\r\n10 smaller contracts for advanced works have already been awarded in the past 12 months with a further 2 scheduled to be awarded in the coming months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:23.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288099,"EventID":"S4W-17379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:24.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T15:01:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take if companies in the consortia bidding for the contracts for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route project have been identified as operating a blacklist.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15076 on 29 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:24.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288100,"EventID":"S4W-17380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:24.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T15:07:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the £9.9 million reduction in the Clean Hospitals/MRSA Screening Programme budget in the 2014–15 draft budget will affect NHS patients; what the reason is for the reduction, and how it will affect hospitals in Lanarkshire.\r\n","AnswerText":"This budget reflects a rolling programme, where a number of major investments have already been made to embed good practice across NHS boards, as demonstrated by the very significant reductions in cases of healthcare associated infection (HAI) that have been achieved in recent years.\r\nAs a result, direct funding is not needed on practices that are now embedded and already in place. For example, the Scottish Government provided £6.9 million to NHS boards in 2011-12  to support the transition to the new national MRSA screening practice, and a further £2 million in 2012-13 to ensure the practice was embedded sustainably across NHS Scotland as “business as usual”. There is absolutely no suggestion that MRSA screening has become any less important. It remains a key component of the widespread work to reduce hospital infections which takes place on a daily basis across Scotland.\r\nWe have also invested substantially (£5.8 million between 2011-13) in research into HAIs. This money is now in place and will support a range of research projects.\r\nWe continue to work with the National HAI Task Force and stakeholders to develop  the programme of interventions to reduce HAIs and to support health boards  deliver improvements for patients. As and when new interventions are identified which require additional resources, the Scottish Government will prioritise these appropriately. And investment in reducing HAIs goes far wider than this budget.  Scotland’s world leading Patient Safety Programme is also delivering substantial results.\r\nNHS Lanarkshire, as is the case in boards throughout Scotland, will continue, as usual, to receive funding for key infection control personnel and additional cleaners, this is not affected. There should be no impact on patients in Scotland or on hospitals in NHS Lanarkshire, or elsewhere in Scotland, from changes to this budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:24.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288101,"EventID":"S4W-17383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:24.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T15:21:08.263","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will include a requirement for a carriage or carriages to carry motor vehicles in the Caledonian Sleeper Service franchise.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no requirement in the Caledonian Sleeper Service franchise for a carriage, or carriages, to carry motor vehicles; however it is not precluded if Bidders were to consider that it enhanced their offer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:24.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288102,"EventID":"S4W-17395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T13:53:24.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T09:12:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the reported concerns that the minimum height for clearance of electricity cables over arable fields can be unsafe for large-scale farm machinery.\r\n","AnswerText":"We welcome the initiative from Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution in distributing stickers to the UK farming community warning of the risks from overhead power cables.\r\nEmployers and operators of industrial and agricultural machinery have statutory obligations under health and safety regulations. This is an issue reserved to the UK Government.\r\nThe Health and Safety Executive have produced guidance for the operation of agricultural machinery in the presence of overhead power cables.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T13:53:24.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288103,"EventID":"S4T-00454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T12:32:06.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T09:13:28.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the main cost implications are of the policies outlined in Pensions in an Independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T12:32:06.077","MeetingDate":"2013-09-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288104,"EventID":"S4T-00457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T12:32:08.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T10:44:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to address the shortage of supply teachers.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T12:32:08.197","MeetingDate":"2013-09-24T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288105,"EventID":"S4F-01573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T12:31:32.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T13:51:53.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T12:31:33.463","MeetingDate":"2013-09-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288106,"EventID":"S4F-01574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T12:31:34.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-19T14:16:51.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what recent discussions the Scottish Government has had with providers of mobile phone services to improve coverage in rural areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T12:31:34.4","MeetingDate":"2013-09-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288107,"EventID":"S4F-01577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T12:31:36.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-21T08:52:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to improve the quality of residential care for older people.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T12:31:36.57","MeetingDate":"2013-09-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288108,"EventID":"S4F-01582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T12:31:40.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T10:06:30.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T12:31:40.563","MeetingDate":"2013-09-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288109,"EventID":"S4F-01584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T12:31:42.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T10:55:16.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T12:31:42.077","MeetingDate":"2013-09-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288110,"EventID":"S4F-01587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T12:31:43.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T11:37:18.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Prime Minister has responded to his letter calling for a moratorium on the privatisation of the Royal Mail.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T12:31:43.963","MeetingDate":"2013-09-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288111,"EventID":"S4W-17384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T16:54:55.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T15:39:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how NHS Lothian assesses whether patients with Parkinson’s and dystonia are candidates for deep brain stimulation surgery.","AnswerText":"NHS Lothian reports that patients with Parkinson’s and dystonia are reviewed by a specialist neurologist as part of a wider Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) approach and where appropriate a referral is made to a neurosurgeon for deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery.\r\nFollowing the retiral of the Lothian-based neurosurgeon who specialised in DBS, patients are reviewed by the MDT on a case by case basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T16:54:56.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288112,"EventID":"S4W-17385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T16:54:56.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T15:39:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how NHS Lothian provides follow-up support to people who have received deep brain stimulation surgery.","AnswerText":"The Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) service in NHS Lothian is currently in transition following the retirement of the neurosurgeon DBS Specialist.\r\nNHS Lothian are planning to support those patients, who have previously received DBS surgery, with follow up neurosurgical specialist support in NHS Tayside. In addition there is ongoing clinical support provided locally through the board’s network of Clinical Nurse Specialists.\r\nThe Managed Service Network for Neurosurgery is aware of the current transitional arrangements in place in NHS Lothian and is working with services to explore future arrangement for DBS services across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T16:54:56.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288113,"EventID":"S4W-17386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T16:54:56.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T15:39:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients in NHS Lothian are awaiting assessment of their suitability for deep brain stimulation surgery.","AnswerText":"The specific information requested is not available centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T16:54:56.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288114,"EventID":"S4W-17387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T16:54:56.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T15:39:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients in NHS Lothian have been assessed as suitable for deep brain stimulation surgery and are waiting to undergo the procedure.\r\n","AnswerText":"The specific information requested is not available centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T16:54:56.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288115,"EventID":"S4W-17388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T16:54:56.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T15:39:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients in NHS Lothian have been waiting to receive deep brain stimulation surgery for more than (a)18 weeks, (b) six months and (c) one year.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17387 on 7 October 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T16:54:56.977","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T09:38:47.573","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288116,"EventID":"S4W-17389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T16:54:57.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T15:39:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients resident in Scotland have received deep brain stimulation surgery in (a) Scotland and (b) England in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"The specific information requested is not available centrally as there are no exact OPCS4 codes (Office of Population Censuses and Surveys - Classification of Interventions and Procedures).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T16:54:57.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288117,"EventID":"S4W-17390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T16:54:57.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T15:39:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients have been referred for deep brain stimulation surgery in each NHS board in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17387 on 7 October 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T16:54:57.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288118,"EventID":"S4W-17391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T16:54:57.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T15:39:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients have received deep brain stimulation surgery in (a) Dundee, (b) Edinburgh and (c) Glasgow in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"The specific information requested is not available centrally as there are no exact OPCS4 codes (Office of Population Censuses and Surveys - Classification of Interventions and Procedures) which solely relate to deep brain stimulation surgery.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T16:54:57.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288119,"EventID":"S4W-17396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T16:54:57.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T13:41:53.59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve (a) radio and (b) mobile phone reception on the A82.\r\n","AnswerText":"Radio reception falls under the reserved policy area of broadcasting, which is regulated by Ofcom. Improving radio reception would rest with the UK Government in discussion with the BBC and the commercial radio sector.\r\nLast year, the UK Government announced that the A82 will benefit from its £150 million Mobile Infrastructure Project, which will improve mobile phone coverage in so-called “Not Spots”. The project is now underway.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T16:54:57.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288120,"EventID":"S4W-17398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T16:54:58.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T13:59:07.957","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether jobs on so-called zero-hours contracts are eligible for support from regional selective assistance.\r\n","AnswerText":"Only permanent positions part time (15-30 hours per week – 0.5 full time equivalent) or full time (30 hours or more per week) are eligible for regional selective assistance funding. The minimum conditions period for jobs created under aid for job creation rules are three years for small and medium-sized enterprises and five years for large businesses. These have to be certified by an independent accountant. Zero-hours contracts and/or seasonal contracts terminated before the qualifying period are not eligible for this assistance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T16:54:58.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288121,"EventID":"S4W-17399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T16:54:58.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T14:51:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many police officers have (a) been off work due to stress and (b) applied to leave the force in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The requested statistics are not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T16:54:58.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288122,"EventID":"S4W-17401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T16:54:58.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T14:51:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what best practice Police Scotland has developed regarding dealing with officers who are off work due to stress.\r\n","AnswerText":"The management of Police Officers who are off work due to stress is a matter for the Chief Constable. Police Scotland take their responsibility for the health and wellbeing of their staff seriously and have recently published their Stress Management Standard Operating Procedures, which are freely available to all staff and incorporate various initiatives, such as:\r\nFor psychological trauma a review of support to specialist post holders;\r\nIntroduction of TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) for acute trauma;\r\nGeneral well-being support through the portal Wellbeing at Work;\r\nA link with Commonwealth Games and Fit for 14; and\r\nA toolkit for managers using the IIP (Investors in People) Health and Wellbeing mode.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T16:54:58.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288123,"EventID":"S4W-17402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-23T16:54:59.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T15:23:06.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16944 by Keith Brown on 18 September 2013, for what reason the online link for the winter 2013 Oban-Castlebay-Lochboisdale service advises that \"for operational reasons we are currently unable to take bookings for this route.\"\r\n","AnswerText":"We have been working closely with CalMac Ferries Limited to agree the final winter timetable for Barra and South Uist. This work has involved ensuring that we meet all of our Ferries Plan commitments, and considering what other opportunities might be available to improve services to South Uist and Barra.\r\nTimetables for these services will be published very shortly, following a short period of consultation with the local community representatives on the detailed timetable proposals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-07T16:54:59.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288140,"EventID":"S4W-17350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:26.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T12:15:12.857","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16847 by Keith Brown on 23 September 2013, what cycling projects it has supported in each of the other regional transport partnership areas and how much funding it has provided for these in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following grants have been made to local authorities within regional transport partnerships (RTPs) under the Cycling Walking Safer Streets programme:\r\nGrant £millions\r\n2007-8\r\n2008-9\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nRTP Total\r\nAberdeen City \r\n0.365\r\n0.365\r\n0.365\r\n0.365\r\n0.307\r\n0.252\r\n\r\nAberdeenshire \r\n0.412\r\n0.412\r\n0.412\r\n0.412\r\n0.350\r\n0.286\r\n\r\nNESTRANS Total\r\n0.777\r\n0.777\r\n0.777\r\n0.777\r\n0.657\r\n0.538\r\n4.797\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n0.163\r\n0.163\r\n0.163\r\n0.163\r\n0.129\r\n0.104\r\n\r\nEilean Siar\r\n0.045\r\n0.045\r\n0.045\r\n0.045\r\n0.038\r\n0.030\r\n\r\nHighland\r\n0.374\r\n0.374\r\n0.374\r\n0.374\r\n0.317\r\n0.258\r\n\r\nMoray\r\n0.154\r\n0.154\r\n0.154\r\n0.154\r\n0.126\r\n0.102\r\n\r\nOrkney\r\n0.034\r\n0.034\r\n0.034\r\n0.034\r\n0.029\r\n0.023\r\n\r\nHITRANS Total\r\n0.770\r\n0.770\r\n0.770\r\n0.770\r\n0.639\r\n0.517\r\n4.711\r\nAngus\r\n0.191\r\n0.191\r\n0.191\r\n0.191\r\n0.158\r\n0.129\r\n\r\nDundee City\r\n0.249\r\n0.249\r\n0.249\r\n0.249\r\n0.206\r\n0.168\r\n\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n0.247\r\n0.247\r\n0.247\r\n0.247\r\n0.209\r\n0.172\r\n\r\nStirling\r\n0.160\r\n0.160\r\n0.160\r\n0.160\r\n0.127\r\n0.104\r\n\r\nTACTRAN Total\r\n0.847\r\n0.847\r\n0.847\r\n0.847\r\n0.700\r\n0.573\r\n5.187\r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\n0.818\r\n0.818\r\n0.818\r\n0.818\r\n0.686\r\n0.565\r\n\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n0.086\r\n0.086\r\n0.086\r\n0.086\r\n0.073\r\n0.059\r\n\r\nEast Lothian\r\n0.170\r\n0.170\r\n0.170\r\n0.170\r\n0.139\r\n0.113\r\n\r\nFalkirk\r\n0.267\r\n0.267\r\n0.267\r\n0.267\r\n0.219\r\n0.178\r\n\r\nFife\r\n0.639\r\n0.639\r\n0.639\r\n0.639\r\n0.522\r\n0.424\r\n\r\nMidlothian\r\n0.149\r\n0.149\r\n0.149\r\n0.149\r\n0.116\r\n0.094\r\n\r\nScottish Borders\r\n0.196\r\n0.196\r\n0.196\r\n0.196\r\n0.162\r\n0.131\r\n\r\nWest Lothian\r\n0.303\r\n0.303\r\n0.303\r\n0.303\r\n0.246\r\n0.200\r\n\r\nSESTRAN Total\r\n2.628\r\n2.628\r\n2.628\r\n2.628\r\n2.163\r\n1.764\r\n16.062\r\nGrant £millions\r\n2007-8\r\n2008-9\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nRTP Total\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n0.212\r\n0.212\r\n0.212\r\n0.212\r\n0.173\r\n0.140\r\n\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n0.191\r\n0.191\r\n0.191\r\n0.191\r\n0.150\r\n0.122\r\n\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n0.165\r\n0.165\r\n0.165\r\n0.165\r\n0.128\r\n0.104\r\n\r\nGlasgow City\r\n1.021\r\n1.021\r\n1.021\r\n1.021\r\n0.845\r\n0.689\r\n\r\nInverclyde\r\n0.146\r\n0.146\r\n0.146\r\n0.146\r\n0.115\r\n0.093\r\n\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n0.241\r\n0.241\r\n0.241\r\n0.241\r\n0.195\r\n0.157\r\n\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n0.579\r\n0.579\r\n0.579\r\n0.579\r\n0.468\r\n0.379\r\n\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n0.304\r\n0.304\r\n0.304\r\n0.304\r\n0.244\r\n0.198\r\n\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n0.199\r\n0.199\r\n0.199\r\n0.199\r\n0.160\r\n0.130\r\n\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n0.544\r\n0.544\r\n0.544\r\n0.544\r\n0.446\r\n0.362\r\n\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n0.164\r\n0.164\r\n0.164\r\n0.164\r\n0.130\r\n0.105\r\n\r\nSPT Total\r\n3.766\r\n3.766\r\n3.766\r\n3.766\r\n3.054\r\n2.479\r\n22.874\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n0.262\r\n0.262\r\n0.262\r\n0.262\r\n0.213\r\n0.172\r\n\r\nSWESTRANS Total\r\n0.262\r\n0.262\r\n0.262\r\n0.262\r\n0.213\r\n0.172\r\n1.591\r\nShetland\r\n0.040\r\n0.040\r\n0.040\r\n0.040\r\n0.032\r\n0.026\r\n\r\nZETTRANS Total\r\n0.040\r\n0.040\r\n0.040\r\n0.040\r\n0.032\r\n0.026\r\n0.242\r\nTOTAL\r\n9.090\r\n9.090\r\n9.090\r\n9.090\r\n7.458\r\n6.069\r\n55.464\r\n\r\nTotal Sustrans Scotland funding (broken down by programme and area over page):\r\nGrant £millions\r\n2008-9\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nTotal\r\nSustrans Scotland projects\r\n2.782\r\n1.817\r\n2.001\r\n3.970\r\n5.788\r\n16.358\r\n\r\nDetails of the individual projects funded would be held by the relevant local authority.\r\nThe Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS) is the statutory regional transport partnership covering Eilean Siar (Western Isles), Orkney, Highland, Moray and most of the Argyll and Bute area (Helensburgh and Lomond is covered by SPT). These figures include Helensburgh and Lomond within\r\nArgyll and Bute Council as it is not possible to separate these projects.\r\n\r\nThe SPT area comprises of the following council areas: East Dunbartonshire, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and the Helensburgh and Lomond area of Argyll and Bute. These figures omit the Helensburgh and Lomond area of Argyll and Bute.\r\n\r\nScottish Government funded Sustrans Scotland to deliver the following projects:\r\n\r\nYear 2008-9\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLocal Authority/Partner\r\nSchool Travel Hard measure Funding awarded (match funded 50% with Local Authorities)\r\nSchool Travel soft measure","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:26.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288141,"EventID":"S4W-17392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:27.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T16:16:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it has not reconvened the Expert Group on Prostitution and when the decision was made.","AnswerText":"The Expert Group on Prostitution was established by the previous administration in 2003 and produced the report Being Outside: Constructing A Response to Street Prostitution in December 2004. The group produced no further reports. In 2007, the Scottish Parliament passed the Prostitution (Public Places) (Scotland) Act which criminalises soliciting or loitering in a public place for the purpose of obtaining the services of someone engaged in prostitution.\r\nThe Scottish Government continues to keep under review any relevant specific issues relating to prostitution.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:27.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288142,"EventID":"S4W-17393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:27.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T16:16:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to tackle indoor prostitution.","AnswerText":"Scots criminal law provides for offences which target those who seek to profit from the prostitution of others, whether this occurs on the streets or indoors.\r\nThe Scottish Government legislated through the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 to increase the maximum penalties for the offences of “brothel-keeping” and “living on the earnings of prostitution” to seven years imprisonment and an unlimited fine. The 2010 Act also made provision to assist the police by providing explicit powers for the closure of premises associated with human exploitation, which includes prostitution.\r\nWe fully support our police, prosecutors and courts in using their powers to deal with those who have committed these types of offences.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:27.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288143,"EventID":"S4W-17394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:27.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-20T16:16:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to take action to progress the plans of the Expert Group on Prostitution to investigate indoor prostitution.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S4W-17392 on 2 October 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:27.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288144,"EventID":"S4W-17403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:28.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T16:46:05.513","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17141 by John Swinney on 23 September 2013, whether this response is consistent with the statement by Fergus Ewing on 11 September 2013 that “regional selective assistance is not paid for zero-hours contracts” (Official Report, c. 22330).\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to S4W-17398 on 4 October 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:28.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288145,"EventID":"S4W-17404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:28.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T16:46:05.513","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17141 by John Swinney on 23 September 2013, in what ways it monitors the use of regional selective assistance grants to ensure that “regional selective assistance will not be granted to companies that espouse the use of zero-hours contracts” (Official Report, c. 22755).\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise is fully accountable for regional selective assistance (RSA). To claim an instalment of grant under the terms of an RSA offer, a business has to complete a grant claim form to confirm that project investment and permanent job creation/safeguarding targets have been achieved in respect of the instalment being claimed. This claim form has to be signed by an executive director or the company secretary. Depending on the size of the grant, some or all of the grant instalments have to be certified by an accountant independent of the company (qualified under the Companies Act to undertake audit work). The independent accountant confirms either the interim progress or final outcome of the project in terms of capital investment and full time permanent jobs created and/or safeguarded by the project. Grant will only be paid after the provision of all required documentation in respect of the grant claim and overall progress with the RSA project can be seen to be satisfactory and in compliance with the offer of grant.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:28.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288146,"EventID":"S4W-17405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:28.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T16:46:05.513","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17142 by John Swinney on 23 September 2013, what direction it gives to Scottish Enterprise regarding the granting of regional selective assistance.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise is fully accountable for Regional Selective Assistance (RSA).  RSA Guidelines have been in place, with regular updates, since the scheme was introduced in the 1980’s. These guidelines were originally developed in consultation with operating Government  Departments in England and Wales. In 2009 responsibility for RSA Appraisal in Scotland was transferred to Scottish Enterprise to enable the integration of RSA with other financial support and advice that SE provides to achieve the objectives of its business plan.\r\nThe grant is discretionary and each project is assessed against scheme criteria. Approval is in line with SE approval processes and delegated authorities (which varies with the level of support being offered).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:28.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288147,"EventID":"S4W-17406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:28.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T17:15:04.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has issued on the needs of pupils in kinship care.","AnswerText":"Under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2009 a child or young person looked after by a local authority (within the meaning of section 17(6) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 (c.36), including those in formal kinship care arrangements, is automatically deemed as having additional support needs until they are assessed otherwise.\r\nThe Supporting Children’s Learning code of practice explains the duties on education authorities and other agencies to support children's and young people's learning. It provides guidance on the Act’s provisions as well as on the supporting framework of secondary legislation.\r\nThe Scottish Government have also published the following guides aimed at improving education and attainment for all Looked After children:\r\nImproving the Education of Looked After Children: A Guide for Local Authorities and Services Providers.\r\nCore Tasks for Designated Managers in Educational and Residential Establishments.\r\nWe Can and Must Do Better Training Materials\r\nThese Are Our Bairns: A Guide for Community Planning Partnerships on Being a Good Corporate Parent.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:28.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288148,"EventID":"S4W-17407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:29.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T17:15:04.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it provides (a) pastoral care and (b) help with behavioural difficulties resulting from early years traumas for pupils in kinship care and what support it provides to help get parent/guardian consent for extracurricular activities.","AnswerText":"The issue of consent for extracurricular activities and the provision of pastoral care and help with behavioural difficulties for all pupils, including those in kinship care, is a matter for education authorities.\r\nAuthorities are supported in delivering this through the Additional Support for Learning Act 2004 (as amended), and associated code of practice. This provides the framework for the provision of support to pupils who have additional support needs, including the need for pastoral care support and support for behavioural difficulties. Parents and Carers who care for pupils with additional support needs may benefit from the advice and information provided by Enquire, the national advice and information service for additional support for learning.\r\nIn March 2013 we published Better Relationships, Better Learning, Better Behaviour, our updated policy on promoting positive relationships and behaviour in schools which emphasises the importance of whole school approaches and the responsibilities of all staff for identifying the care and wellbeing needs of all children and young people.\r\nEducation Scotland’s Rights, Support and Wellbeing Team provides support and training to Local Authorities and schools in a range of whole school approaches to develop positive relationships and promote positive behaviour. For example, the approaches “Towards Social and Emotional Health and Wellbeing” and “Nurturing Approaches” include a variety of topics such as attachment, brain science, trauma, and barriers to a child's learning and development. There are also Health and Wellbeing curricular programmes available such as Creating Confident Kids to support children develop their own emotional and social Health and Wellbeing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:29.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288149,"EventID":"S4W-17408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:29.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T17:15:04.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what services are available to support newborn babies with alcohol or drug withdrawal symptoms who (a) go home with their parents and (b) enter a kinship care placement.","AnswerText":"If the mother is already known to maternity or social care services, prior to delivery, then there will be pre-birth, multi-agency planning meetings. The outcome of these meetings would be to agree a care plan for both mother and baby post-delivery and subsequent follow up meetings will be scheduled.\r\nMany infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) require admission to a neonatal unit (NNU) for medication, observation and expert medical and nursing care. The length of hospital stay either in a neonatal unit or postnatal ward would be dependent upon the severity of NAS in each case.\r\nWhether the child goes home with a parent or a kinship carer, support will continue  from a health visitor, paediatrician and allied health professions. They will work with parents/carers in assessing and planning the care for ongoing and arising health and developmental needs of babies and children affected by NAS once babies have been discharged from hospital.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:29.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288150,"EventID":"S4W-17409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:29.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T17:15:04.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research has been carried out on the benefits of kinship care for children who cannot live with their birth parents; whether further research has been proposed, and how it will ensure that kinship care is (a) prioritised and (b) supported.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not carried out research in relation to the benefits of kinship care for children who cannot live with their birth parents although extensive international research has been conducted including the Mentor Foundation UK study, “EU Kinship Carers Project” and reviews of family group conferencing and the benefits of children remaining in the care of the wider family.\r\nOver the next two years, through a strategic funding partnership, the Scottish Government is funding Mentor Foundation UK to undertake work to look at breaking the inter-generational cycle of children being looked after receiving poorer outcomes.\r\nKinship care continues to be a priority for the Scottish Government and the introduction of the kinship care order, as an addition to other options to secure permanence for children and young people will ensure that even more kinship families are being supported.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:29.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288151,"EventID":"S4W-17410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:29.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T17:15:04.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the benefits of kinship care.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the publication of our strategy Getting it Right for Every Child in Kinship and Foster Care in December 2007, the Scottish Government has fully recognised the value and benefits of keeping children within the family unit, minimising disruption in the children’s lives and reinforcing the child’s sense of identity and self-esteem. In recognising the benefits of kinship care we have worked hard to ensure kinship carers are fully supported. To date we have:\r\nLegislated in 2009 to recognise kinship care for the first time.\r\nProvided significant funding to local authorities to support kinship carers;\r\nFunded Children 1st, Citizens Advice Scotland, Mentor UK and the Child Poverty Action Group to provide support to kinship families.\r\nTo further improve on support to kinship families we are conducting a review of financial allowances to kinship carers with a view to tailoring support and tackling inconsistencies across Scotland. We are also, through the Children and Young People Bill, providing additional support to many more kinship carers and families who are in the early stages of distress.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:29.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288152,"EventID":"S4W-17411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:30.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T17:15:04.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the average number of standard grade passes for pupils in kinship care in each of the last three years and how this compares with pupils (a) who live with their parents, (b) in foster care and (c) in residential care homes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government collects information on average tariff scores of looked after children (total points earned across different qualifications) but not standard grades specifically.\r\nThe attached link to table 1.3 of the Scottish Government publication Education Outcomes for Scotland’s Looked After Children 2011-2012 provides information on the average tariff score of looked after children who left school by placement type.\r\nThis information refers only to looked after children who left school during the academic year and spent the entire academic year in a single placement, therefore it covers only a small number of children. A link to the publication is attached.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/06/9231/downloads.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:30.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288153,"EventID":"S4W-17418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:30.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T09:51:03.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the responses of (a) support groups for kinship carers and (b) the Scottish Kinship Care Alliance to the kinship care orders proposed by the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has outlined its position on all the responses to the Children and Young People Bill proposals, including those on kinship care orders, in the Scottish Government Response To “A Scotland for Children: A Consultation on a Children and Young People Bill”.\r\nYou can see our response by following this link; http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Young-People/legislation/consultation-2012/stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:30.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288154,"EventID":"S4W-17419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:30.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T09:51:03.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason kinship care was not included in its 2010-2015 carers strategy. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Carers Strategy published in 2010 acknowledges kinship in the following ways:\r\n“support for people who are kinship carers through the carers’ route should always be considered if appropriate.”\r\nthat kinship carers are different from carers in that they are the family and friends of young people who are in the care system or are at risk of coming into the care system. A Kinship carer can also be a carer if, for example, the child they are caring for has a disability and/or if the kinship carer is also caring for their partner, parent or someone else.\r\nthat kinship carers should be supported if they have caring responsibilities as well as kinship caring responsibilities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:30.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288155,"EventID":"S4W-17420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:30.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T09:51:03.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason kinship carers were not invited to join the Carers Parliament in 2012. \r\n","AnswerText":"The invitations to attend the Carers Parliament in 2012 were widely circulated throughout Scotland. Carers were invited to self-nominate from each geographical area. Thereafter the selection process to attend the Carers Parliament involved two delegates being selected from each of the 73 Scottish parliamentary constituencies to represent carers interests across Scotland. Kinship carers who also had caring responsibilities were eligible to attend.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:30.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288156,"EventID":"S4W-17421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:30.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T09:51:03.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it has not published the response by the New Fossils, East Glasgow Kinship Care support group to the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill. \r\n","AnswerText":"The New Fossils, East Glasgow Kinship Care support group did not formally submit a response to the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill Consultation which closed on 25 September 2012.\r\nThey did however, send an email on 15 October 2012 outlining their views on the proposals in the Bill. An official reply to this email was issued to the group on 23 November 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:30.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288157,"EventID":"S4W-17422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:31.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T09:51:03.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the support of kinship carers for the Children 1st Kinship Care project. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government funded Kinship Care National Training and Outreach Service delivered by Children 1st is the first service of its kind in Scotland which builds the capacity of carers and their communities to help each other. \r\nProviding regular support and information to over 509 kinship carers and 42 groups across Scotland the service has helped to helped create new peer support groups and given voice to carers.\r\nChildren 1st carried out a service user survey between 16 May and 13 June 2013. The results of this survey can be found at the attached link.\r\nhttp://www.children1st.org.uk/media/162911/july-newsletter.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:31.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288158,"EventID":"S4W-17423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:31.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T09:51:03.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings it has had with (a) Children 1st and (b) kinship care support groups since April 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since April 2011, the Scottish Government has met with Children 1st and kinship care support groups on many occasions to discuss a variety of kinship care issues. These meetings are in addition to our extensive consultation on the proposals set out in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:31.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288159,"EventID":"S4W-17424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:31.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T09:51:03.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many meetings it has had with organisations regarding kinship care since April 2011, broken down by group. \r\n","AnswerText":"Since April 2011 the Scottish Government has met with Children 1st, Citizens Advice Scotland, Mentor UK, the Child Poverty Action Group, Children in Scotland and kinship care groups such as the South West Kinship Care Group, Grandparents Parenting Again, Kinsfolk Carers and the Scottish Kinship Care Alliance, on many occasions to discuss a variety of kinship care issues. \r\nThese meetings are in addition to our extensive consultation on the proposals set out in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:31.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288160,"EventID":"S4W-17425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:31.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T09:51:03.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Minister for Children and Young People (a) has met and (b) plans to meet the Scottish Kinship Care Alliance on the issue of kinship care and what the reasons are for its position on the matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Minister for Children and Young People met with representatives of the Scottish Kinship Care Alliance on 25 September 2013 to discuss, part 9 - Counselling Services and part 10 – Support for Kinship Care Order, of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill.\r\nA link to the Scottish Governments Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill and its accompanying documents is attached.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Young-People/legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:31.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288161,"EventID":"S4W-17426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:32.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T09:51:03.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it takes account of the views and experiences of (a) kinship carers and (b) children with (i) formal, (ii) informal and (iii) other kinship care arrangements or who are subject to (A) residence and (B) supervision orders and, if so, how it does this and since when. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has regularly sought the views and experiences of all kinship carers and children living in kinship care arrangements whether formally through a supervision order or informally , including through a residence order.\r\n\r\nIn seeking the views and experiences of kinship carers, the Scottish Government has engaged regularly with kinship carers from across Scotland, including groups such as the Scottish Kinship Care Alliance. To seek the views of children and young people, including those in a range of care arrangements we have engaged with organisations that have expertise in working with children and young people, such as Children 1st, Who Cares, Through Care and Aftercare Forum, Children’s Parliament, Scottish Youth Parliament, Young Scot and others.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:32.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288162,"EventID":"S4W-17427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:32.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T09:51:03.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what work it has carried out in the last three years to establish and consolidate links with groups, charities and other non-governmental bodies that have specialist knowledge and skills in kinship care arrangements.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since April 2011, the Scottish Government has funded Children 1st, Citizens Advice Scotland and Mentor UK to provide support to kinship carers. Funding these organisations has led to us regularly engaging with individual kinship carers and kinship care groups such as the South West Kinship Care Group, Grandparents Parenting Again, Kinsfolk Carers and the Scottish Kinship Care Alliance, on a variety of kinship care issues. The Scottish Government has also engaged with other key third sector organisations such as Child Poverty Action Group and Children in Scotland. \r\nThese meetings are in addition to our extensive consultation on the proposals set out in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:32.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288163,"EventID":"S4W-17428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:32.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T10:03:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Department of Work and Pensions on the benefit entitlements for kinship carers proposed by the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is in regular contact with the UK government on a wide range of issues, including benefit entitlements for kinship carers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:32.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288164,"EventID":"S4W-17429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:32.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T10:03:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether priority access to specialist psychological and therapeutic services will be available to children subject to kinship care orders under the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"All children in need are entitled to access services and those with a kinship care order will require to ask for a referral in the same way as families of other children. The therapeutic services introduced by the Bill will be available to all children  and will be available based on need not status. It is further expected that the statutory implementation of a “named person” will allow families to access services more easily.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:32.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288165,"EventID":"S4W-17430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:32.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T10:03:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many children have been given formal kinship care status in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Children Looked After Statistics for the last three years show the following numbers of children were looked after by family or friends, as at 31st July each year:\r\n2010 – 3223 children\r\n2011 – 3910 children\r\n2012 – 4076 children.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:32.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288166,"EventID":"S4W-17431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:33.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T10:03:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has issued guidance to local authorities on reducing the number of children receiving formal kinship care.\r\n","AnswerText":"No guidance has been issued to local authorities in relation to reducing the numbers of children receiving formal kinship care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:33.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288167,"EventID":"S4W-17432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:33.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T10:03:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has commissioned research on whether there are barriers to the full use of the available legislation for the provision of kinship care placements.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has funded CELCIS (the Centre for Excellence for Looked after children In Scotland) specifically to address issues and improve practice for Looked After Children. Further, significant engagement has been undertaken with a wide range of stakeholders to explore areas where legislation or practice could be improved to achieve better outcomes for children and young people and this consultative work is currently on-going.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:33.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288168,"EventID":"S4W-17433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:33.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T10:03:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that there are barriers to the full implementation of the kinship care orders proposed by the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill and, if so, what these are.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is currently taking submissions from stakeholders in relation to the Bill and this includes views on barriers to implementation. Evidence sessions are also being heard by Education and Culture Committee on Stage 1.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:33.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288169,"EventID":"S4W-17434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:33.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T10:03:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide extra funding to support kinship care placements.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will provide funding as set out in The Financial Memorandum page 75. This shows a lower estimated cost in 2015–16 of £1,433,512 and an upper estimated cost of £3,897,160.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:33.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288170,"EventID":"S4W-17435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:34.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T10:03:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had regarding how kinship care would be resourced in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Independence would enable the Scottish Government to take spending decisions on a range of issues, including kinship care, which reflect the needs and desires of the Scottish people and allow us to prioritise the public services, policies and outcomes which best serve Scotland’s needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:34.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288171,"EventID":"S4W-17436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:34.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T12:47:07.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to review the needs of children in kinship care and their carers and what recent work it has carried out on this.  \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government, through the organisations we fund such as Children 1st, Citizens Advice Scotland and Mentor UK, will continue review the needs of children in kinship care. We will also continue to engage with individual kinship carers and kinship care groups such as the Scottish Kinship Care Alliance, Kinsfolk Carers and Grandparents Parenting Again. \r\nWe have just recently completed an extensive engagement period with kinship carers, kinship care groups and other key stakeholders, such as those mentioned above during the consultation of the Children and Young People Bill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:34.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288172,"EventID":"S4W-17437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T13:54:34.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T12:47:07.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how much it has cost each local authority to provide services for children with (a) formal and (b) informal kinship care arrangements in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information regarding how much it has cost each local authority to provide services for children with (a) formal and (b) informal kinship care arrangements in each of the last three years is not centrally held by the Scottish Government.\r\nThe data that we collect from local authorities on looked after children is about demographic information and not the cost of keeping a child in care.\r\nWe do not collect information on non-looked after children living in kinship care arrangements as local authorities are not currently obliged to provide specific support to those in informal kinship care arrangements, except under their general duties set out in section 22 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995.\r\nEstimated costings of some of the services provided to children living in formal and informal kinship care arrangements in relation to the Kinship Care Order proposed through the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill can be found at pages 65 – 75 of the Bill Financial Memorandum.\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/62233.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T13:54:34.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288173,"EventID":"S4W-17454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T15:40:02.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T14:59:11.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its plans for the international development small grants scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s International Development Small Grant Scheme will be launched on 7 October 2013 by the Lloyds TSB Foundation. At the launch the Lloyds TSB Foundation will provide further details on the timetable for applications.\r\nThe Scheme will distribute approximately £500,000 per year between 2014-2017. Organisations with an annual turnover of £150,000 or less will be eligible to apply. The Scheme will be used to support projects that fit within the Scottish Government’s International Development Policy. This means that eligible projects must be based in one of our priority countries, contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (and under the post-2015 Framework in due course), and the alleviation of poverty and economic growth in our priority countries. Applications will therefore be sought for activities in relation to the following priority areas:\r\nEducation\r\nHealth\r\nSustainable Economic Development\r\nCivic Governance and Society\r\nFood Security\r\nRenewable Energy\r\nClimate Change\r\nWater.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T15:40:02.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288186,"EventID":"S4W-17412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:21.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T18:11:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making with its review of kinship care allowances and when it will be published.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is currently carrying out a review of financial support to formal kinship carers, with a view to tailoring support and tackling inconsistencies across Scotland. We aim to publish the findings by the end of 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:21.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288187,"EventID":"S4W-17413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:22.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T18:11:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research on kinship care arrangements it has funded in each of the last three years and whether it plans to fund future research on this.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of the on-going funding to CHILDREN 1st National Kinship Care service and Citizens Advice Scotland we continually seek the views of individual kinship carers, kinship carer groups and key stakeholders in respect of arrangements, resources and learning needs. \r\nIn addition over the next two years, through strategic funding partnerships, the Scottish Government also funds the Mentor Foundation UK to undertake work to look at breaking the inter-generational cycle of children being looked after and having poorer outcomes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:22.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288188,"EventID":"S4W-17414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:22.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T18:11:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has researched or will research whether there is a link between kinship care and the likelihood of developing (a) foetal alcohol and methadone syndromes, (b) separation anxiety and (c) attachment disorder.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not researched whether there is a link between kinship care and the likelihood of developing foetal alcohol and methadone syndromes as these both develop during pregnancy as a direct result of a mother drinking alcohol excessively or using methadone.\r\nThe Scottish Government has also not researched separation anxiety and/or attachment disorder. However, we do recognise that some children within the care system may experience this at some point and that it is related to a child’s early life experiences and the impact of poor attachment from birth.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:22.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288189,"EventID":"S4W-17415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:22.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T18:11:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many informal kinship care placements under section 11 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 have been applied for in each of the last three years and how many permanence orders were granted.","AnswerText":"Information on the numbers of children living in informal kinship care placements under section 11 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 is not centrally held.\r\nThe number of permanence orders granted in each of the last three years is:\r\nNumber of permanence orders and permanence orders with authority to\r\nadopt issued each year from 2008-2009 and 2011-2012\r\nYear\r\n2008-\r\n2009\r\n2009-\r\n2010\r\n2010-\r\n2011\r\n2011-\r\n2012*\r\nNumber of Permanence Orders\r\n\r\n1\r\n110\r\n105\r\n233\r\nNumber of Permanence Orders\r\nWith Authority to Adopt\r\n1\r\n32\r\n67\r\n109\r\nTotal Permanence Orders\r\n2\r\n142\r\n172\r\n342\r\nNote:\r\n*This refers to the number of permanence orders granted between the\r\n1 August 2011 and 31 July 2012.\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:22.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288190,"EventID":"S4W-17416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:22.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T18:11:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what duties local authorities have in relation to informal kinship care placements and what guidance it provides to them on what support should be provided to the carers.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are not currently obliged to provide specific support to those in informal kinship care arrangements, except under their general duties set out in section 22 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995.\r\nIn 2007 and 2008 the Scottish Government published the documents Getting It Right for Every Child in Kinship and Foster Care and Moving Forward in Kinship and Foster Care to identify good practice in kinship and foster care across Scotland.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/205513/0054689.pdf.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/262356/0078450.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:22.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288191,"EventID":"S4W-17417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:23.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T18:11:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to kinship carers who provide informal care arrangements.\r\n","AnswerText":"Children in informal kinship care arrangements are not deemed to require formal supervision but may have other support needs. In recognition of those needs, the Kinship Care Order proposed through the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill aims to provide additional support, that will offer a more stable environment for children living in kinship families, who do not require regular supervision from the Children’s Hearings System or Social Work.\r\nIn financial years 2012-13 and 2013-2014, we are providing funding of £446,109 to Children 1st to deliver the Kinship Care National Training and Outreach Service and £305,700 to Citizens Advice Scotland to deliver a dedicated Kinship Care Advice and Information Service.\r\nWe are providing Mentor UK with a two year Strategic Funding Partnership Grant of £175,000 to help break the inter-generational cycle of children becoming looked after and having poorer outcomes. Mentor UK were also funded by the Scottish Government to produce a resource guide for kinship carers. The guide, Kinship Care – children cared for by family and friends, aims to inform kinship carers and help them to have a better understanding of what is involved in taking on the care of a child, it also explains what support they may expect to receive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:23.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288192,"EventID":"S4W-17438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:23.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T14:25:36.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the so-called Munby judgement (R v Manchester Council, ex parte L and others, and ex parte R and others), has had on its approach on differences between how foster and kinship carers are treated.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Munby judgment is an English case relating to a particular local authority’s policy on the payment of foster carers and the interpretation of English legislation and so therefore it does not have any direct impact in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:23.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288193,"EventID":"S4W-17439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:23.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T14:25:36.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many carers with (a) formal and (b) informal care arrangements receive  financial support packages from their local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"At 31 July 2012 there were 4,076 children living in formal kinship care arrangements in Scotland. All carers of children in formal kinship care arrangements are entitled to receive financial support from their local authority.\r\nInformation on the number of carers of children living in informal care arrangements who receive financial support from their local authority is not centrally held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:23.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288194,"EventID":"S4W-17440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:24.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T14:25:36.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many children with (a) formal, (b) informal and (c) other kinship care arrangements have been placed on the child protection register in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold data centrally on (b) informal or (c) other kinship care arrangements. Individual-level child protection data is only held centrally as at 31 July 2012, so data for (a) formal care is not available over time.\r\nOn 31 July 2012 there were 149 children with formal kinship care arrangements who were also on the child protection register.\r\nSource: Scottish Government Looked after children and child protection data 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:24.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288195,"EventID":"S4W-17441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:24.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T14:25:36.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average cost has been of keeping a child in (a) residential, (b) foster and (c) kinship care in each of the last three years and what research it has carried out on the cost differentials.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on what the average cost has been of keeping a child in (a) residential, (b) foster and (c) kinship care in each of the last three years is not centrally held and no research has been carried out on cost differentials.\r\nThe data that we collect from local authorities on looked after children is about demographic information and not the cost of keeping a child in care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:24.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288196,"EventID":"S4W-17442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:25.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T14:25:36.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its average annual expenditure will be for (a) formal and (b) informal kinship care placements if kinship care orders are introduced and what information it has on what the cost will be for local authorities.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not pay for care placements directly but supports local authorities through block grant funding.\r\nTable 28 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill Financial Memorandum sets out what the Scottish Government estimates that local authorities will spend on formal care following the introduction of the proposed kinship care order.\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/62233.aspx.\r\nThe estimated cost of specific new support to informal kinship carers in possession of a Kinship Care Order from 2015-16 is set out in table 32 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill Financial Memorandum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:25.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288197,"EventID":"S4W-17443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:25.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T14:25:36.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research it has carried out on the benefits of children being placed with kinship carers rather than being placed in care\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government fully recognises the value of keeping children within the family unit, minimising disruption in their lives and reinforcing the child’s sense of identity and self-esteem. Published research as well as on-going engagement with kinship carers has heavily influenced our policy making and that is why we have, through the Children and Young People Bill, introduced additional support to kinship carers and families in the early stages of distress.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:25.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288198,"EventID":"S4W-17444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:26.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T14:25:36.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether children in kinship care have comparable needs to those in foster or residential care.","AnswerText":"Children in formal kinship care arrangements are deemed by the Children’s Hearings System to have needs which require them to be placed under a compulsory supervision order.\r\nChildren in informal kinship care arrangements are not deemed to require formal supervision but may have other support needs.\r\nThe Kinship Care Order proposed through the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill aims to provide additional support, that will offer a more stable environment for children living in kinship families, who do not require regular supervision from the Children’s Hearings System or Social Work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:26.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288199,"EventID":"S4W-17445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:26.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T14:25:36.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason there are differences between the levels of support offered for children in formal kinship care and foster care placements.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government believes that the needs of children should be the determining factor behind decisions about placements and what support is provided. This is set out in our 2007 strategy Getting it Right for Every Child in Kinship and Foster Care.\r\nWe are committed to ensuring that children receive personalised care, which meets all of their needs, regardless of whether they live in a kinship care or foster care arrangement. That is why we are putting elements of Getting it Right for Every Child change programme on a statutory footing through the Children and Young People Bill, making the wide range of children’s services more responsive and better coordinated around the needs of the child.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:26.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288200,"EventID":"S4W-17446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:27.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T14:25:36.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many children in kinship care have siblings in (a) residential  and (b) foster care.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:27.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288201,"EventID":"S4W-17447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:27.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T14:25:36.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether children in kinship and foster care have the same access to (a) housing benefit, (b) carers respite, (c) psychological services and (d) educational services.\r\n","AnswerText":"Children and Carers in Kinship and Foster Care have the following access to service:\r\nBoth Kinship and Foster Care Allowances are fully disregarded as income for Housing Benefit.\r\nThe Scottish Government is providing over £13 million for short breaks (respite) between 2010-15 to be channelled through the voluntary sector. We know that organisations supporting Kinship Carers such as Children 1st and Geeza Break have benefitted from this fund.\r\nAccess to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services is available to all children and young people equally and is assessed on their clinical needs. \r\nThe Education (Additional Support for Learning) Act 2009 places education authorities under a duty to identify, meet and review the additional support needs of all children and young people for whose education they are responsible. The Act automatically deems all children and young people who are looked after to have additional support needs, unless the authority determine that they do not require additional support to benefit from their school education.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:27.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288202,"EventID":"S4W-17448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:28.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T14:31:01.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to providing a further town centre regeneration fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Town Centre Regeneration Fund was always intended to be a one year capital fund. The current Scottish budget constraints preclude a repeat of that.\r\nWe met our commitment to carry out a national review of Scotland’s town centres. The review report was published on the 4 July 2013 and we are actively considering the recommendations within the review.\r\nOn 1 October 2013, we launched a £2 million Town Centre Housing Fund for housing providers, whether public or private, to encourage empty town centre properties to be brought back into use for affordable housing. We have invited bids for the fund by 30 October 2013. Further information about the fund, including guidance and application detail is on our website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/regeneration/town-centres/housing-fund. \r\nWe will also fund a range of projects demonstrating the key actions from the national review of town centres.\r\nLocal authorities have responsibility for delivering local economic development and local regeneration. It is the responsibility of each local authority to allocate the total financial resources available to it on the basis of local needs and priorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:28.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288203,"EventID":"S4W-17449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:28.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T14:31:01.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it is providing to local authorities as a result of the financial implications of the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will provide support to local authorities in the form of guidance on implementation of the legislation, including financial issues. For the reasons set out in response to question S4W-17451 on 4 October 2013, it is expected that the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013 will be broadly cost-neutral for local authorities. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:28.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288204,"EventID":"S4W-17450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:28.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T14:31:01.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its town centre action plan.","AnswerText":"We are currently discussing the town centre action plan with COSLA with a view to publishing in the autumn.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:28.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288205,"EventID":"S4W-17451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:29.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T14:31:01.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the projected annual costs to local authorities are of implementing the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The expected costs relating to the High Hedges legislation are set out in the Financial Memorandum for the Bill, which is available on the Scottish Parliament website. However, the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013 provides that local authorities may charge fees to recover the costs associated with the operation of the legislation. As such, it is expected that the Act will be broadly cost-neutral for local authorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:29.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288206,"EventID":"S4W-17452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:29.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T14:52:22.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on clarifying the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984 in relation to charges made while granting a tenancy.","AnswerText":"The Rent (Scotland) Act 1984 states that it is an offence to require payment of any premium (in addition to rent and a refundable deposit of no more than two months’ rent), as a condition of the grant, renewal or continuance of a tenancy.\r\nAs many tenants were being charged a range of additional fees in order to access privately rented accommodation, section 32 of the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011, which came into force on the 30 November 2012, clarified the law by amending the definition of a premium in the 1984 Act, to make clear that a premium means “any fine, sum or pecuniary consideration, other than rent, and includes any service or administration fee or charge”.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:29.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":true},{"UniqueID":288207,"EventID":"S4W-17453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:29.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T14:57:52.243","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it plans with the Department for Transport regarding the next east coast franchise and whether these will include making provision for a hot food service for services travelling north of Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland is in regular dialogue with the Department for Transport as it prepares plans to re-let the InterCity East Coast franchise.\r\nIn these discussions, and in previous written advice to the Department, we have highlighted that services between London and Aberdeen and Inverness represent some of the longest duration passenger rail services in Britain, and that it is important that a full catering service is maintained on those services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:29.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288208,"EventID":"S4W-17455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:30.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T15:01:24.2","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16862 by Alex Neil on 18 September 2013, how many new programmes have been funded since 1 January 2010.","AnswerText":"No new programmes have been funded since 1 January 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:30.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288209,"EventID":"S4W-17456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:30.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T16:04:10.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had regarding the possible inclusion of tilting trains in the next ScotRail franchise.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17457 on 3 October 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:30.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288210,"EventID":"S4W-17457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-24T17:12:30.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T16:04:10.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Network Rail regarding weight restrictions on bridges that would require tilting trains to reduce their speed; which bridges it has identified as requiring tilting trains to reduce their speed, and what remedial work will be undertaken as a result.\r\n","AnswerText":"No specific discussions have been held with Network Rail regarding weight restrictions on bridges that would require tilting trains to reduce their speed.\r\nIt will be for bidders for the next ScotRail franchise to propose a rolling stock, timetable and service pattern solution to address the Scottish Government’s output requirements. To do this we expect them to engage with Network Rail to ensure that the rail industry works together to deliver the best value solution.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-08T17:12:30.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288211,"EventID":"S4O-02442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:29.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T09:57:18.137","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to increase the availability of educational psychologists.  \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:30.52","MeetingDate":"2013-10-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288212,"EventID":"S4O-02443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:31.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T12:03:33.02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the educational benefits are of learning a second language.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:31.16","MeetingDate":"2013-10-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288213,"EventID":"S4O-02444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:31.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T09:37:31.4","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it considers the benefits are of the performance of Scottish universities in recent polls for students domiciled in Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:31.473","MeetingDate":"2013-10-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288214,"EventID":"S4O-02445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:32.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T13:35:22.323","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting local authorities in relation to the availability of supply teachers.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:32.033","MeetingDate":"2013-10-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288215,"EventID":"S4O-02446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:32.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T12:03:34.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with local authorities about teacher employment issues.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:32.423","MeetingDate":"2013-10-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288216,"EventID":"S4O-02447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:32.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T12:03:34.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to increase the number of adult learners in Fife.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:32.737","MeetingDate":"2013-10-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288217,"EventID":"S4O-02448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:33.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T13:55:55.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent action it has taken to improve teacher employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:33.08","MeetingDate":"2013-10-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288218,"EventID":"S4O-02449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:33.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T12:03:35.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to protect young people using the internet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:33.377","MeetingDate":"2013-10-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288219,"EventID":"S4O-02450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:33.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T16:51:26.963","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning last met the board of the University of the Highlands and Islands and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:33.687","MeetingDate":"2013-10-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288220,"EventID":"S4O-02451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:33.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T09:23:51.67","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the replacement for the Glow network will be operational by December 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:33.97","MeetingDate":"2013-10-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288221,"EventID":"S4O-02452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:34.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T12:03:36.107","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to ensure that looked-after children who have been in multiple placements have access to a stable education.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:34.313","MeetingDate":"2013-10-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288222,"EventID":"S4O-02453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:34.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T12:03:36.59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many female students were enrolled in colleges in 2007 and 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:34.61","MeetingDate":"2013-10-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288223,"EventID":"S4O-02454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:35.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T12:03:36.997","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve the quality of careers guidance provision in schools. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:35.03","MeetingDate":"2013-10-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288224,"EventID":"S4O-02455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:35.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T10:59:06.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that all schools have adequate internet connections.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:35.357","MeetingDate":"2013-10-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288225,"EventID":"S4O-02456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:35.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T12:03:37.653","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what procedure local authorities should follow when taking decisions to close schools.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:35.683","MeetingDate":"2013-10-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288226,"EventID":"S4O-02457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:35.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T12:03:37.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it considers the impact is of UK student visa rules on Scotland's universities and colleges.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:35.98","MeetingDate":"2013-10-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288227,"EventID":"S4O-02458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:36.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T11:30:51.797","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to encourage and nurture innovation in schools.   \r\n","AnswerText":"Education Scotland promotes excellence and supports innovation and transformation in its dealings with schools and authorities on a daily basis. In addition Education Scotland provides a wide range of guidance and tools to support practitioners in schools to innovate as they, for example, implement Curriculum for Excellence. Education Scotland’s commitment to innovation and transformation is set in its Corporate Plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:36.37","MeetingDate":"2013-10-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288228,"EventID":"S4O-02459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:36.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T11:25:33.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether rising primary school intakes are affecting the deliverability of smaller class sizes in early years schooling.\r\n","AnswerText":"Class size limits are set either in statute, for example in Primary 1, 2, and 3, or in teachers’ terms and conditions of employment.\r\nWe have a shared commitment with local authorities that teacher numbers will be maintained in line with pupil numbers. This means that in areas where school rolls are rising we would expect to see teacher numbers rising too.\r\nIt is, however, a matter for local authorities and headteachers to determine staffing levels in individual schools and classes. Local authorities must meet their statutory responsibilities in relation to school education and class size limits.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:36.653","MeetingDate":"2013-10-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288229,"EventID":"S4O-02460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:36.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T17:09:07.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on increasing the number of teachers employed on permanent contracts.\r\n","AnswerText":"My answer to Angus MacDonald a few minutes ago covered this.\r\nWe now have the strongest level of teacher employment in years, and the lowest level of teacher unemployment since the current Jobseekers Allowance time-series began in 2005. This constitutes tremendous progress.\r\nYou will appreciate, of course, that the employment of teachers is a matter for local authorities. That includes the nature of contracts they offer, for example, whether permanent or temporary.\r\nOn the specific matter of permanent contracts, which is what the question asks about, the General Teaching Council for Scotland’s post-probation employment surveys have shown a rising trend in the use of permanent contracts over recent years; up from 22.9% in spring 2011 to 50.3% in spring 2013, better than doubling over two years.\r\nThere is also now a Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers pay offer on the table, which I hope the teacher unions will accept.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:36.95","MeetingDate":"2013-10-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288230,"EventID":"S4O-02461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:37.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T12:03:39.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making in  rolling out the EU 1+2 model of language teaching in schools.","AnswerText":"Good progress is being made towards our ambitious languages policy in schools across Scotland. We are supporting local authorities as they actively develop their strategy for the introduction of 1+2 by 2020, building on existing good practice and extending provision further. This includes piloting aspects of 1+2 and local authorities working together to consider issues such as training.\r\nTo help with this, we have provided all local authorities with £4 million additional funding in 2013-14 and are in discussions about the detail of further additional funding for 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:37.277","MeetingDate":"2013-10-02T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288231,"EventID":"S4O-02462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:37.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T12:03:57.653","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to improve rail services to Edinburgh from areas to the west and south-west of Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:37.587","MeetingDate":"2013-10-03T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288232,"EventID":"S4O-02464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:37.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T11:24:24.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what priority it attaches to community policing.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:37.9","MeetingDate":"2013-10-03T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288233,"EventID":"S4O-02465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:38.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T13:18:58.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the additional seven day wait for new claimants of job seekers allowance will have on its welfare reform mitigation measures.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:38.337","MeetingDate":"2013-10-03T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288234,"EventID":"S4O-02466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4965,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:38.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T12:03:59.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met the managing director of Opito to discuss the energy sector.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:38.617","MeetingDate":"2013-10-03T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288235,"EventID":"S4O-02467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:38.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T12:03:59.85","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its plans are for the regulation of energy markets should Scotland become independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:38.853","MeetingDate":"2013-10-03T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288236,"EventID":"S4O-02468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:39.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T16:01:09.067","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to expand community ownership of Scotland's natural assets.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:39.21","MeetingDate":"2013-10-03T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288237,"EventID":"S4O-02469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:39.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T09:29:09.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to ensure that draff remains available to the agriculture industry as a source of protein.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:39.507","MeetingDate":"2013-10-03T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288238,"EventID":"S4O-02470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:39.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-23T12:04:00.85","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many jobs will be lost in Dumfries and Galloway if the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service transfers its call handling facility to Johnstone.","AnswerText":"No jobs will be lost. The Scottish Government has a clear policy of no compulsory redundancies within the public sector, which includes the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.\r\nEmployees who are displaced as a result of functions relocating will be presented with a range of options including relocation and redeployment within the service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:40.007","MeetingDate":"2013-10-03T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288239,"EventID":"S4O-02471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:15:40.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T11:10:09.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it can provide to low-income commuters who will depend on the Borders railway line.","AnswerText":"Fares for the new Borders Railway will be set at an appropriate level to encourage passenger usage.\r\nWithin the next franchise agreement the Scottish Government will cap fares increases at the rate of inflation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:15:40.413","MeetingDate":"2013-10-03T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288240,"EventID":"S4W-17458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:55:57.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-24T17:16:08.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it has provided for sports projects in Fife through the CashBack  for Communities scheme in each year since 2008-09, broken down by project.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has invested almost £570,000 of CashBack funding in sports projects in Fife since 2008-09. The funding provided to individual CashBack partners is detailed in the following table:\r\nCashBack Project Expenditure for Sporting Activities and Facilities in Fife (£)\r\nYear\r\nAmateur Boxing Scotland\r\nbasketball scotland\r\nScottish FA\r\nScottish Rugby Union\r\nScottish Sports Futures\r\nSport facilities*\r\nTotal\r\n2008-2009\r\n\r\n\r\n23,802\r\n2,956\r\n\r\n\r\n26,758\r\n2009-2010\r\n\r\n\r\n39,079\r\n22,928\r\n\r\n100,000\r\n162,007\r\n2010-2011\r\n\r\n\r\n40,354\r\n13,050\r\n22,380\r\n\r\n75,784\r\n2011-2012\r\n22,124\r\n5,569\r\n24,736\r\n23,978\r\n34,236\r\n\r\n110,643\r\n2012-2013\r\n42,500\r\n8,938\r\n28,501\r\n33,373\r\n31,042\r\n50,000\r\n194,354\r\nTotal\r\n64,624\r\n14,507\r\n156,472\r\n96,285\r\n87,658\r\n150,000\r\n569,546\r\nNote: *managed through sportscotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:55:57.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288241,"EventID":"S4W-17459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:55:57.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T10:14:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many play parks there have been in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nThe Scottish Government launched the national Play Strategy in June 2013. The strategy recognises that play is a fundamental part of childhood, taking place within the home from birth, through formal and informal learning, and in community settings through the use of public spaces and services.\r\nThe Scottish Government wants Scotland to be the best place to grow up. A nation which values play as a life enhancing daily experience for all our children and young people; in their homes, nurseries, schools and communities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:55:57.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288242,"EventID":"S4W-17460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:55:58.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T11:18:42.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it would cost to reinstate the road equivalent tariff scheme for all vehicles using Western Isles services.\r\n","AnswerText":"The cost of reinstating Road Equivalent Tariff for Commercial Vehicles on routes to the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree is estimated at £3.5 million per annum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:55:58.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288243,"EventID":"S4W-17461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T13:55:58.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T11:18:42.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it would cost to introduce the road equivalent tariff scheme for all vehicles using (a) south west and (b) Clyde services. \r\n","AnswerText":"The cost to introduce a Road Equivalent Tariff (RTE) scheme for all vehicles (cars and commercial vehicles) on South West Services is estimated to be £4.4 million.\r\nThe cost to introduce RET scheme for all vehicles (cars and commercial vehicles) on Clyde Services is estimated to be £3.8 million.\r\nThese estimates exclude all passengers and are based on an analysis of the following routes:\r\nSouth West: \r\nArdrossan - Brodick\r\nClaonaig - Lochranza\r\nLargs - Cumbrae Slip\r\nWemyss Bay - Rothesay\r\nColintraive - Rhubodach\r\nTarbert LF – Portavadie\r\nClyde:\r\nArdrossan - Brodick\r\nClaonaig - Lochranza\r\nWemyss Bay - Rothesay\r\nColintraive - Rhubodach\r\nGourock – Dunoon\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T13:55:58.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288257,"EventID":"S4W-17473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T15:00:01.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T14:28:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Registrar General will publish the second tranche of results from the 2011 Census and what topics will be included.\r\n","AnswerText":"National Records of Scotland has today published 2011 Census: Key results on Population, Ethnicity, Identity, Religion, Health, Housing and Accommodation in Scotland - Release 2A (Laying number: SG/2013/167). This report presents the first part of the second release of results from the 2011 Census in Scotland, which was held on 27 March 2011. Release 2A consists of the Key and Quick Statistics tables for the following topics: \r\n\r\nPopulation \r\nEthnicity, Identity, Language and Religion \r\nHealth\r\nHousing and Accommodation\r\n\r\nThese topics are published at Scotland, council area and health board level. A copy of the report is available from the Scotland’s Census website at:\r\nwww.scotlandscensus.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T15:00:02.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288265,"EventID":"S4W-17463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T17:03:52.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T11:35:59.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Professional Golf Association on developing a foundation degree similar to the course that it operates with the University of Birmingham and whether it will offer student loans to undergraduates from Scotland who study the course in Birmingham.    \r\n","AnswerText":"While we recognise the importance of golf to Scotland, the provision of degree courses in Scotland is a matter for universities rather than the Scottish Government and we have not been involved in any discussions on the matter.\r\nSubject to the proviso that Regulations do not allow us to support distance-learning courses outside Scotland, we will support students studying at foundation degree level on a full-time basis for a recognised course not available in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T17:03:52.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288266,"EventID":"S4W-17464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T17:03:53.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T13:02:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact would be on NHS boards of UK legislation to make HIV home testing kits available. ","AnswerText":"Allowing the sale of HIV self-testing kits is a positive step towards addressing undiagnosed HIV and late diagnosis of HIV in Scotland. However, self-testing is not a replacement for the testing that takes place in sexual health clinics and other NHS services. We would continue to expect the vast majority of HIV testing to continue in those settings, and that self-testing will be of interest to only a minority of people.\r\nScottish Government is currently working with NHS Board HIV clinical leads to consider the implications of these tests. The Government will provide advice to the NHS prior the tests becoming available next year to ensure services are ready to support individuals who wish to use or who have used these tests.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T17:03:53.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288267,"EventID":"S4W-17465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T17:03:53.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T14:00:56.177","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the findings of the recent survey by trade unions representing Care Inspectorate staff. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government welcomes the constructive discussions taking place between the Care Inspectorate and trade unions to support staff during a period of organisational change and address concerns highlighted in the recent staff survey.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T17:03:53.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288268,"EventID":"S4W-17467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T17:03:54.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T14:00:56.177","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many Care Inspectorate staff have been absent due to sickness in each of the last three years, broken down by (i) length of absence and (ii) sickness.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following tables provide information on sickness absence of Care Inspectorate staff since the organisation was established on 1st April 2011.\r\n\r\nThe sickness absence rate in 2011-12 was 4.2%. The sickness absence rate in 2012-13 was 4.7%.\r\nCare Inspectorate staff sickness absence in 2011-12 by reason for absence\r\nNumber of Employees: 571*\r\nReason for Absence\r\nTotal No. of Days lost  through all absences\r\nNo. of Employees Absent\r\n**\r\nNo of Short Term Absences\r\n(< 20 days)\r\nNo of Long Term Absences\r\n(> 20 days)\r\nMinor Illness\r\n2256\r\n194\r\n497\r\n0\r\nAcute and Chronic Conditions\r\n890\r\n17\r\n10\r\n13\r\nBack and Neck Problems\r\n475\r\n24\r\n25\r\n3\r\nInjuries/Accidents\r\n342\r\n17\r\n10\r\n7\r\nMusculo-skeletal problems\r\n751\r\n11\r\n7\r\n6\r\nPregnancy-related\r\n147\r\n6\r\n9\r\n2\r\nPsychological/\r\nMental Health\r\n1084\r\n20\r\n15\r\n12\r\nRecurring Medical Conditions\r\n469\r\n17\r\n23\r\n5\r\nStress\r\n623\r\n20\r\n14\r\n11\r\n\r\nCare Inspectorate staff sickness absence in 2012-13 by reason for absence \r\nNumber of Employees: 631 *\r\nReason for Absence\r\nNo. of Days lost\r\nNo. of Employees Absent\r\n**\r\nNo of Short Term Absences\r\n(< 20 days)\r\nNo of Long Term Absences\r\n(> 20 days)\r\nMinor Illness\r\n3212\r\n219\r\n525\r\n0\r\nAcute and Chronic Conditions\r\n1160\r\n24\r\n14\r\n15\r\nBack and Neck Problems\r\n515\r\n31\r\n29\r\n7\r\nDisability Related \r\n44\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\nInjuries/Accidents\r\n176\r\n6\r\n4\r\n2\r\nMusculo-skeletal problems\r\n559\r\n13\r\n8\r\n5\r\nPregnancy-related\r\n62\r\n4\r\n3\r\n1\r\nPsychological/\r\nMental Health\r\n1328\r\n23\r\n10\r\n17\r\nRecurring Medical Conditions\r\n581\r\n11\r\n8\r\n5\r\nStress\r\n1082\r\n25\r\n12\r\n14\r\nNotes:\r\n*Number of Employees includes all employees within that year including temporary contracts.\r\n**Number of Employees Absent may include individuals absent on more than one occasion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T17:03:54.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288269,"EventID":"S4W-17468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T17:03:54.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T14:00:56.177","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the bodies that merged to establish the Care Inspectorate did so successfully and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Care Inspectorate, as an executive non-departmental public body, operate within an agreed accountability and governance framework. This includes preparation of a corporate plan which is aligned with the Scottish Government’s National Performance Framework and approved by Scottish Ministers. This allows the Scottish Government to monitor delivery against priorities and enables the Care Inspectorate to report progress against agreed key performance indicators.\r\nFull details of the Care Inspectorate’s performance against Key Performance Indicators is provided in its annual report. The 2011-12 annual report is available from SPICE and the Care Inspectorate website at:\r\nhttp://www.scswis.com. The 2012-13 annual report will be laid before Parliament by the end of 2013.\r\nThe annual reports detail how the Care Inspectorate performed against:\r\nthe three outcomes defined in its corporate plan for 2011 to 2014;\r\nthe key objectives under each outcome; and\r\nthe Key Performance Indicators associated with each outcomes.\r\nRegular monthly and quarterly reporting on progress against objectives, with a particular focus on Key Performance Indicators, provides robust monitoring of progress and allows the organisation to take action where necessary.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T17:03:54.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288270,"EventID":"S4W-17469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T17:03:54.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T14:00:56.177","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what training is provided to Care Inspectorate staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Care Inspectorate invests heavily in developing its workforce. Staff have a wide range of professional backgrounds, including trained social workers, nursing and care staff, medical staff, teachers, and those with a criminal justice and police background. All inspectors have achieved the Regulation of Care Award, an academic and practice-based qualification developed in conjunction with Anglia Ruskin University.\r\nDedicated development time is built into inspector and other staff caseloads for learning and training, including during two discrete learning weeks. A staff coaching and mentoring scheme is also available to all staff.\r\nAn employee development team ensures inspection and support staff have access to continuous professional development, in line with the Care Inspectorate’s needs. Staff are also supported with relevant academic study or, where deemed necessary, advanced professional qualifications.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T17:03:54.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288271,"EventID":"S4W-17470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T17:03:55.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T14:00:56.177","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many staff have been employed by the Care Inspectorate in each of the last three years\r\n","AnswerText":"The Care Inspectorate was established on 1 April 2011. 571 staff were employed in 2011-12. 631 staff were employed in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T17:03:55.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288272,"EventID":"S4W-17471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T17:03:55.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T14:00:56.177","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many Care Inspectorate inspections were carried out from 1 October 2012 to 31 March 2013 and how many there have been since 1 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the numbers of inspections completed by the Care Inspectorate in 2011-12, 2012-13 and between 1 April 2013 and 31 August 2013.\r\n\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14 (provisional)\r\nPeriod in which inspection was completed\r\nnumber\r\n%\r\nnumber\r\n%\r\nnumber\r\n1 April to 31 August\r\n2,949\r\n39.3%\r\n2,877\r\n32.5%\r\n3301\r\n1 September to 30 September\r\n615\r\n8.2%\r\n589\r\n6.7%\r\n\r\n1 October to 31 March\r\n3,940\r\n52.5%\r\n5,369\r\n60.8%\r\n\r\nTotal - 1 April to 31 March\r\n7,504\r\n100.0%\r\n8,835\r\n100.0%\r\n\r\nThe number of inspections completed between 1 April 2013 and 31 August 2013 is not directly comparable with the number of inspections completed between 1 October 2012 and 31 March 2013 as the former covers five months and the latter six months, and in previous years the Care Inspectorate has carried out a higher number of inspections in the second half of the year than in the first half.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T17:03:55.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288273,"EventID":"S4W-17472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T17:03:55.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T14:12:19.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what PFI contracts to build schools were approved in Fife between 1999 and 2007, what the capital cost was for each and how much will be paid over the lifetime of the contracts.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is available from the Scottish Government website under PPP/PFI Projects (operational) by way of the following link: www.scotland.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T17:03:55.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288274,"EventID":"S4W-17474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-25T17:03:56.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T14:37:52.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what average number of weeks was taken to determine major planning applications in each local authority in the last year for which information is available.\r\n","AnswerText":"For those cases submitted post August 2009 the average time taken to determine a major application in Scotland was 36.3 weeks (1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013). The overall decision time for all major applications including legacy cases was 61.1 weeks. Information on the average timescales taken to determine major planning applications by local authority are available at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Planning/Publications/planapps2013annual.\r\nThe 2012-13 annual figures were published on 18 July 2013.\r\nThe 2013-14 Quarter 1 figures were published on 2 October 2013 and are available at the following link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Planning/Publications.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-09T17:03:56.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288275,"EventID":"S4W-17476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-26T13:52:48.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-26T11:09:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which elements of Perth and Kinross Council’s claim under the Bellwin Scheme to cover additional expenditure incurred by flooding in Comrie in 2012 were deemed ineligible for assistance because they were not (a) incurred as a result of providing relief or carrying out works to safeguard life or property or prevent suffering or severe inconvenience, (b) of a revenue nature, (c) net of any receivable income from other sources, (d) of an uninsurable nature and (e) incurred within a two month period from the date of the incident and what the total financial value was of these elements.","AnswerText":"Perth and Kinross Council submitted a claim, under the Bellwin Scheme, for additional funding of £1,044,751 following the flooding in Comrie in November 2012. Approximately £855,000 of the Council’s claim was ineligible as it was expenditure on improvements to prevent future flooding.\r\nUnder the rules of the Bellwin Scheme local authorities are expected to set aside a small amount (0.2% of their revenue budget) for such events and this is known as the threshold. After the deduction of the ineligible expenditure the balance of around £190,000 was less than the Council’s 2012-13 threshold of £675,196 and as a result the Council did not qualify for any additional funding under the Bellwin Scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-10T13:52:49.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288276,"EventID":"S4W-17477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-26T13:52:49.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-26T11:09:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it had with officials from Perth and Kinross Council prior to the council's application under the Bellwin Scheme to cover additional expenditure incurred by flooding in Comrie in 2012.","AnswerText":"Following the severe flooding incident in Comrie in November 2012, Scottish Government officials provided Perth and Kinross Council officials with general advice on how to make a claim for additional expenditure under the Bellwin Scheme. This advice included reference to the published guidelines and a reminder that the Bellwin Scheme is discretionary with no automatic right to additional funding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-10T13:52:49.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288277,"EventID":"S4W-17478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-26T13:52:49.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-26T11:09:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of potential future flooding in Comrie.","AnswerText":"The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 required SEPA to undertake a national assessment of flood risk, to help identify the areas in Scotland most vulnerable to flooding. The first National Flood Risk Assessment was published in  2011 and shows that Comrie is situated in a Potentially Vulnerable Area (PVA) i.e. an area where the potential impact of flooding is sufficient to justify further assessment and appraisal of flood risk management actions. The national flood risk assessment, including the individual PVA datasheets, can be found on the SEPA website at:\r\nhttp://www.sepa.org.uk/flooding/flood_risk_management/national_flood_risk_assessment.aspx.\r\nThe risk of flooding in Comrie, is from multiple sources including both the Ruchill Water and the River Earn, as well as a risk of surface water flooding. A detailed assessment of potential future flooding in Comrie has also been undertaken by Perth and Kinross Council, who are working in partnership with SEPA, Scottish Water and the other local authorities in the Tay Local Plan District (LPD) to consider what measures will be required to reduce flood risk across the whole of the LPD. This is part of the on-going development of flood risk management strategies and local flood risk management plans.\r\nThis collaborative approach will allow the best combination of actions to reduce flood risk to be determined. Flood risk management strategies and local flood risk management plans will be at the heart of efforts to tackle flooding in Scotland and will explain what actions will be taken, by whom and at what time. This will help us to target investment in reducing impacts in areas most vulnerable to flooding\r\nFollowing the flood events in Comrie in August and November last year, we worked with SEPA to expedite a new flood warning scheme for the Ruchill Water in Comrie. The scheme became operational on 28 January 2013 and residents, emergency responders and local elected members were kept informed of the developments by SEPA. To date, 181 people in Comrie have signed up for Flood Warnings from SEPA. This represents around 40% of properties at risk of flooding. SEPA are actively encouraging sign up in the area, and have hosted in drop-in sessions and participated in the Comrie Fayre earlier this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-10T13:52:49.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288278,"EventID":"S4W-17479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-26T13:52:50.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-26T11:09:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will undertake a review of the Bellwin Scheme.","AnswerText":"A consultation on the terms and conditions of the Bellwin Scheme was carried out with all 32 local authorities and other interested parties in 2005. Perth and Kinross Council were amongst those local authorities that responded. Various improvements were introduced from 1 October 2006.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-10T13:52:50.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288289,"EventID":"S4W-17480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-26T14:59:04.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-26T14:52:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to make changes to the 20-year security rule in the Land Tenure Reform (Scotland) Act 1974.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government plans to make an amendment to the “20 year security rule” as part of the forthcoming Housing Bill. The amendment will aim to remove the right to redeem securities after 20 years for those participating in designated schemes, including the new Help to Buy (Scotland) shared equity scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-10T14:59:05.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288305,"EventID":"S4W-17486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T14:03:56.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-26T16:37:01.613","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much each NHS board has spent on chaplaincy and spiritual care in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nNHS boards will be able to provide local information on spend on chaplaincy and spiritual care. It is the responsibility of NHS boards, through a credible analysis of need within their respective areas to ensure that spiritual care and chaplaincy services are appropriately resourced and monitored.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T14:03:56.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288306,"EventID":"S4W-17487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T14:03:56.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-26T16:51:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is a legal impediment to using CCTV in hospital wards to monitor patient safety.","AnswerText":"Neither the Scottish Government nor NHSScotland have undertaken detailed consideration of installing CCTV in hospital wards. However, there are a number of legal, ethical, and practical considerations, which would need to be taken into account before instituting a blanket policy.\r\nAny board or hospital wishing to institute such a policy would have to consider the implications for patient privacy and dignity through their local Caldicott process. The Caldicott guardians uphold the principles of the Data Protection Act, as well as protecting patient privacy and confidentiality.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to care that is safe, effective and person centred. The Scottish Patient Safety Programme is delivering a range of improvements in acute settings, and is focused on spreading evidence based interventions to protect patients.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T14:03:56.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288307,"EventID":"S4W-17494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T14:03:57.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-27T10:17:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it expects the public inquiry into Clostridium difficile at the Vale of Leven Hospital to report.\r\n","AnswerText":"I recently received a progress report from Lord MacLean, Chairman, Vale of Leven Hospital Inquiry in which he indicated that he will now endeavour to publish his final report by 31 March 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T14:03:57.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288308,"EventID":"S4W-17495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T14:03:57.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-27T10:17:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the final report of the public inquiry into Clostridium difficile at the Vale of Leven Hospital has been delayed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Whilst I have been assured by Lord MacLean, Chairman of the Vale of Leven Hospital Inquiry that good progress is being made, Lord MacLean advises that he requires additional time for the warning letter process and to fully consider all evidence to ensure a robust report.\r\nThe timing of the report is entirely a matter for Lord MacLean.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T14:03:57.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288309,"EventID":"S4W-17496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T14:03:58.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-27T11:03:03.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it monitors (a) access to and (b) the quality of rail travel for disabled people.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government requires ScotRail to monitor and report on a range of service provision including in some areas that impact specifically on disabled passengers.\r\nFor example, the performance of passenger assistance is monitored and those using this service are encouraged to provide feedback on their experience. ScotRail also provides customer feedback forms tailored for disabled passengers. Extensive engagement with local access panels and disability groups also provides ScotRail with a strong understanding of disabled passengers needs and aspirations.\r\nTransport Scotland employs a Rail Accessibility Manager who is tasked with taking a broader overview of disabled access to the rail network in Scotland. Transport Scotland has built up good relationships with the rail industry and disability organisations which ensure the range of issues that concern disabled passengers can be addressed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T14:03:58.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288310,"EventID":"S4W-17497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T14:03:58.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-27T11:03:03.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the House of Commons Transport Committee's report, Access to transport for disabled people.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government notes the report and will consider the relevance of its conclusions for disabled people in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T14:03:58.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288311,"EventID":"S4W-17498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T14:03:59.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-27T11:03:03.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to reduce the length of notice that disabled people have to give rail companies before setting out on their journey.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has encouraged ScotRail to lead in efforts by train companies to reduce the period of notice they ask is given by disabled passengers for booking assistance. ScotRail recently reduced the recommended notice from 24 to 4 hours, being one of the first train companies in Britain implementing this service improvement.\r\nScotRail staff aim to assist any passenger asking for help regardless if they have booked assistance in advance, but the reliability and quality of service they can provide is significantly enhanced if passengers pre-book the assistance they require.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T14:03:59.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288312,"EventID":"S4W-17499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T14:03:59.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-27T11:03:03.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will commission a review of rail travel for disabled people and, if so, how it will ensure that disabled people can participate in it.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government currently has no plans to commission a specific review of rail travel for disabled people. There was an opportunity for all rail passengers to comment on plans for the new franchise during the Rail 2014 public consultation.\r\nThe Scottish Government, in partnership with the rail industry in Scotland, regularly engages with disability organisations. Transport Scotland chairs the Scottish Rail Accessibility Forum and attends meetings held by the Scottish Accessible Transport Alliance. This engagement ensures that a wide range of disabled people participate and contribute to the development of improved access to rail services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T14:03:59.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288313,"EventID":"S4W-17500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T14:04:00.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-27T11:03:03.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the needs of disabled people will be taken into account in the next ScotRail franchise.\r\n","AnswerText":"In developing the specification for the next ScotRail franchise, the Scottish Government gathered the views of disabled and other passengers through the Rail 2014 Consultation. Transport Scotland met with Mobility Access Committee Scotland (MACS) as part of the consultation, and made presentations at the Scottish Rail Accessibility Forum and to the Scottish Accessible Transport Alliance.\r\nBidders for the next franchise to operate ScotRail services are required as a condition of their operating licence issued by the Office of Rail Regulation to provide a range of services to assist disabled passengers, for example they must publish a disabled persons protection policy. These obligations are not affected by the franchise arrangements to ensure a consistent level of service is provided by all train operating companies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T14:04:00.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288314,"EventID":"S4W-17501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T14:04:01.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-27T11:03:03.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it makes disabled people aware of their rights in relation to rail travel.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland established and chairs quarterly meetings of the Scottish Rail Accessibility Forum which provides an opportunity for representatives from disability organisations as well as the rail industry and Passenger Focus to discuss pertinent issues. As part of their franchise commitment ScotRail engages extensively at a national and local level with rail passengers including with numerous disability groups.\r\nScotRail and other train companies operating in Scotland are required to publish a Disabled Persons Protection Policy as one element of their operating licence, which is reviewed and updated on an annual basis. The policy provides a comprehensive guide to passenger rights and the range of services available to assist disabled passengers and can be viewed online or in booklet format available at all staffed stations across the country.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T14:04:01.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288315,"EventID":"S4W-17505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T14:04:01.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-27T11:46:27.79","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16954 by Fergus Ewing on 26 September 2013, whether it will publish the views submitted by the Independent Expert Commission on Oil and Gas prior to publication of the white paper.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to do this.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T14:04:01.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288316,"EventID":"S4W-17506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T14:04:01.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-27T11:46:27.79","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16954 by Fergus Ewing on 26 September 2013, whether it will set out in the white paper which views of the Independent Expert Commission on Oil and Gas have been included and which have not.\r\n","AnswerText":"The commissioners will provide views to ministers on the matters covered by the remit of the commission.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T14:04:01.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288317,"EventID":"S4W-17507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T14:04:02.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-27T11:46:27.79","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16954 by Fergus Ewing on 26 September 2013, whether it expects the Independent Expert Commission on Oil and Gas to ensure that its final conclusions, to be published in 2014, match the policies set out in the white paper.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Expert Commission will provide a final report to ministers around Spring 2014. It will be for the commission to agree the content of that report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T14:04:02.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288318,"EventID":"S4W-17508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T14:04:02.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-27T11:46:27.79","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16954 by Fergus Ewing on 26 September 2013, whether the Independent Expert Commission on Oil and Gas will endorse every policy point in the white paper relating to the industry.\r\n","AnswerText":"The commissioners will provide views to ministers on the matters covered by the remit of the commission. The commission will not have sight of the white paper in advance of doing so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T14:04:02.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288319,"EventID":"S4W-17509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T14:04:02.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-27T11:46:27.79","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16954 by Fergus Ewing on 26 September 2013, what dialogue it expects to have with the Independent Expert Commission on Oil and Gas prior to publication of the white paper.\r\n","AnswerText":"The commissioners will provide views to ministers on the matters covered by the remit of the commission.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T14:04:02.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288320,"EventID":"S4W-17510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T14:04:02.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-27T11:46:27.79","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16954 by Fergus Ewing on 26 September 2013, whether it will indicate in the white paper whether any policy proposals relating to oil and gas have not been endorsed by the Independent Expert Commission on Oil and Gas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The commissioners will provide views to ministers, which will be incorporated into the white paper.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T14:04:02.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288321,"EventID":"S4W-17512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T14:04:03.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-27T11:46:27.79","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16964 by Fergus Ewing on 24 September 2013, whether the Independent Expert Commission on Oil and Gas will be able to publish minority viewpoints.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Expert Commission will provide a final report to ministers around Spring 2014. It will be for the commission to agree the content of that report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T14:04:03.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288322,"EventID":"S4W-17513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T14:04:03.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-27T12:10:17.323","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prosecutions for cruelty have been made under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 for forcible removal of a dog’s microchip.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has prosecuted 1879 charges under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 in Courts across Scotland of which 1381 charges have been for causing unnecessary suffering to animals under section 19 of that Act.\r\nThe information requested as to whether any of those charges related to the forcible removal of a dog’s microchip is not centrally held on the COPFS database and is therefore not available without a manual extraction of each case record. The costs involved in doing so would be disproportionate. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T14:04:03.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288323,"EventID":"S4W-17517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T14:04:03.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-27T13:18:24.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16865 by Michael Russell on 24 September 2013, whether further education colleges are permitted to make it a condition of receiving a bursary that a student resides at a particular hall of residence and to withhold part of that bursary to pay the student’s rent and, if so, whether the college may continue to withhold that part of the student’s bursary if the student no longer resides at that hall of residence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Funding Council issue further education student support policy guidance to colleges each year. Within that policy framework, individual colleges may set their own accommodation policy which may contain further requirements. I have nonetheless asked the SFC’s Chief Executive to write to you so that any concerns can be discussed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T14:04:03.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288328,"EventID":"S4W-17481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T15:43:35.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-26T15:56:38.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many compulsory purchase orders for land were requested by each (a) local authority and (b) Scottish Government agency in (i) 2009, (ii) 2010, (iii) 2011 and (iv) 2012 and how many were approved by the Scottish Ministers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows all compulsory purchase orders received and which have been confirmed, or are in the process of being confirmed, by the Scottish Ministers from 2009 to 2012 where the local authority was the acquiring authority.\r\nThe Scottish Government holds information on those compulsory purchase orders submitted to Scottish Ministers as the confirming authority. We do not hold information on those orders instigated by a local authority but not submitted for confirmation or on the outcome of the order following confirmation by ministers.\r\nLocal authority\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\n\r\nRequested\r\nConfirmed\r\nRequested\r\nConfirmed\r\nRequested\r\nConfirmed\r\nRequested\r\nConfirmed\r\nAberdeen\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAngus\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDundee\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEast Lothian\r\n1\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEdinburgh\r\n\r\n\r\n2\r\n2 \r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n1\r\nEilean Siar\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFalkirk\r\n2\r\n1\r\n\r\n1\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n1 \r\nFife\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\nGlasgow\r\n2\r\n1\r\n\r\n2 \r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\nHighland\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\nInverclyde\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMidlothian \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMoray\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOrkney\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nScottish Borders\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n1\r\n4\r\n1 \r\n\r\n2 \r\nShetland\r\n1\r\n\r\n1\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStirling \r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWest Lothian\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Scottish Ministers have the power to promote compulsory purchase orders (CPO) using the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984. The CPO process is set out in legislation and requires them to publish the CPO in draft, consider any objections (and if appropriate hold a public local inquiry) and decide whether to proceed. If they decide to proceed, they will publish the made CPO.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T15:43:36.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288329,"EventID":"S4W-17482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T15:43:36.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-26T15:56:38.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a site can be designated as a (a) site of special scientific interest and (b) special protection area without the approval of the Scottish Ministers.\r\n","AnswerText":"A Site of Special Scientific Interest can be notified without the approval of the Scottish Ministers. The power to notify such sites is conferred on Scottish Natural Heritage by the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004.\r\nA Special Protection Area under Directive 2009/147/EC (the Wild Birds Directive) must be approved by the Scottish Ministers in exercise of the duty to classify such sites as placed on them by Regulations 9A to 9C of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T15:43:36.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288330,"EventID":"S4W-17483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T15:43:37.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-26T15:56:38.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what account the Scottish Ministers must take of the public interest when considering the approval of compulsory purchase orders and what other criteria they must meet.\r\n","AnswerText":"In deciding whether or not to confirm a compulsory purchase order, the Scottish Ministers will consider each case on its merits considering whether the acquisition of the property by compulsory means is proportionate and in the public interest weighing the balance of the public interest against the private rights of the owner and those affected.\r\nIn doing so the Scottish Ministers take into account all relevant factors, including the purposes for which the land is being acquired, the criteria in the legislation enabling the compulsory acquisition and any objections to the order.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T15:43:37.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288331,"EventID":"S4W-17485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T15:43:37.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-26T15:56:38.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish Ministers can delegate final decisions on approving compulsory purchase orders and, if so, to whom.\r\n","AnswerText":"Where the Scottish Ministers are acting as the confirming authority in relation to a compulsory purchase order, the decision whether or not to confirm the order may not be delegated to a third party.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T15:43:37.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288332,"EventID":"S4W-17488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T15:43:38.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-26T21:59:35.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times the expert group on sexual and reproductive health issues in relation to Community Pharmacy (a) has met and (b) will meet between September and December 2013.","AnswerText":"To date, the Sexual and Reproductive Health Pharmacy Expert Working Group has met twice.\r\nThe Expert Working Group will meet on a further two occasions before December 2013 (in November and December, dates to be confirmed).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T15:43:38.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288333,"EventID":"S4W-17490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T15:43:39.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-26T21:59:35.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government from which external bodies or groups the expert group on sexual and reproductive health issues in relation to Community Pharmacy will seek advice.","AnswerText":"To date, the Expert Working Group has sought advice from all NHS boards. This is in order to determine current practice around emergency hormonal contraception and the extent of existing sexual and reproductive health services being offered via community pharmacies.\r\nConsideration will be given to seeking advice from other bodies or groups as and when appropriate. It is for the experts on the group to determine what additional advice or evidence they may need.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T15:43:39.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288334,"EventID":"S4W-17491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T15:43:39.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-26T21:59:35.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the expert group on sexual and reproductive health issues in relation to Community Pharmacy will report its findings.","AnswerText":"The Expert Working Group has not been established with a specific reporting deadline, but it is anticipated that recommendations will be made to the Scottish Sexual Health Lead Clinicians Group (of which the Working Group is a sub-group) in time for their meeting in March 2014.\r\nThe recommendations will be considered by the Lead Clinicians Group. Depending on the recommendations and the views of the Lead Clinicians, advice will then be provided to Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T15:43:39.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288335,"EventID":"S4W-17492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T15:43:40.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-26T21:59:35.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the remit of the expert group on sexual and reproductive health issues in relation to Community Pharmacy includes consideration of issues relating to preventable unplanned pregnancies.","AnswerText":"The Expert Working Group was convened to consider sexual and reproductive health issues in relation to the provision of services through community pharmacies. Therefore their remit includes, but is not exclusive to, how to support reductions in levels of unintended pregnancy in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T15:43:40.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288336,"EventID":"S4W-17493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-27T15:43:40.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-25T14:33:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it is having with the UK Government regarding Barnett consequentials arising from the HS2 project and when it expects such discussions to be concluded.","AnswerText":"We believe that decisions about Scotland should be taken by the people who care most about Scotland: those who live and work here. It is only with full decision-making powers that the Scottish Parliament will be able to access all of Scotland’s resources to deliver a more prosperous and fairer Scotland.\r\nIn the meantime, the Scottish Government will continue to work with HM Treasury to ensure that Scotland continues to receive the full Barnett Consequentials from decisions taken in Westminster.\r\nIn the case of HS2, the Scottish Government has had no discussions with the UK Government regarding Barnett.\r\nIt is our view that the proposed high speed network should be extended ‘further and faster’ than the current plans. This will capture the benefits of a wider network returning greater economic benefits for all. As you identified in S4W-16767 on 13 September 2013, all UK taxpayers will contribute to this scheme. That is why we are concentrating current efforts on working with the UK Government to establish a joint study on options for high speed rail northwards to Scotland.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-11T15:43:40.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288338,"EventID":"S4W-17514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T14:59:35.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-27T12:48:54.777","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures are in place to prevent the teaching of creationism in Scotland's schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"Evolution is specifically covered in the experiences and outcomes for the sciences that form a core element of the Curriculum for Excellence.\r\nIt is of course for teachers, schools and local authorities to determine how best to deliver learning and teaching on any topic and subject in line with the Curriculum for Excellence and we expect teachers to use their professional judgement, experience and understanding of their pupils to respond sensitively to complex and challenging issues, such as those posed by the existence of differing belief systems.\r\nThere are support materials on how best to achieve this, including how best to teach evolution, and these are available to all teachers via the Education Scotland website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T14:59:35.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288339,"EventID":"S4W-17515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T14:59:35.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-27T12:48:54.777","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance exists for schools regarding the appropriate way to teach evolution.","AnswerText":"Curriculum for Excellence includes guidance on learning and teaching in all curricular areas through the principles and practice papers and the experiences and outcomes. It is for schools and local authorities to determine how best to deliver learning and teaching of any topic and subject, such as evolution, in line with Curriculum for Excellence.\r\nEvolution is specifically covered in the experiences and outcomes for the sciences, and can be introduced when learners relate the physical and behavioural characteristics of living things to their survival and extinction. Learners may also have opportunities to learn about evolution in other curricular areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T14:59:35.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288340,"EventID":"S4W-17516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T14:59:36.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-27T12:48:54.777","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that teacher training courses and in-service training address concerns regarding staff who hold creationist beliefs being given responsibility to discuss evolution or Earth sciences.\r\n","AnswerText":"The accreditation of initial teacher education courses is the responsibility of the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTC Scotland) which, since April 2012, has been the independent, self-regulatory body of the teaching profession in Scotland.\r\nIn-service training is the responsibility of local authorities and they will address issues of concern to their teachers.\r\nAll teachers are required to adhere to GTC Scotland’s Code of Professionalism and Conduct which describes to the profession and members of the public the standards of conduct and competence expected of teachers. Notwithstanding that teachers will hold a range of personal beliefs, the Code includes a requirement that all teachers should help pupils to understand different views, perspectives and experiences.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T14:59:36.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288341,"EventID":"S4W-17521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T14:59:36.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-29T18:41:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the First Minister last met the Australian High Commissioner and what was discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minister has not met with the Australian High Commissioner. The Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs met with the Australian Deputy High Commissioner on 20 November last year. A number of issues were discussed including:\r\nThe Scottish 10 digital scanning of the Sydney Opera House;\r\nThe forthcoming return of the clipper, the City of Adelaide, to the city of Adelaide and;\r\nThe 2014 year of homecoming.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T14:59:36.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288342,"EventID":"S4W-17522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T14:59:36.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-29T18:41:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what evidence it has to support the assertion in its news release of 7 September 2013, Tobacco plain packaging, that \"the evidence is clear, plain packaging is an effective way to prevent the uptake of smoking among young people.\"\r\n","AnswerText":"The Public Health Research Consortium (PHRC) published a systematic review of the evidence on plain, standardised tobacco packaging to accompany the UK consultation last year. That report can be accessed at:\r\nhttp://phrc.lshtm.ac.uk/project_2011-2016_006.html.\r\nThis review, based on findings from 37 individual studies, concluded that there is evidence to support the propositions that standardised packaging would reduce the attractiveness and appeal of tobacco products, increase the noticeability and effectiveness of health warnings and messages, and reduce the use of design techniques that may mislead consumers about the harmfulness of tobacco products.  \r\nThe review also found that plain, standardised packaging was most likely to be effective in preventing the uptake of smoking among young people.\r\nA review of a further 17 recent research studies was published by Stirling University in September of this year. It confirmed the main findings of the earlier PHRC review on the benefits of plain, standardised packaging. That review can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.stir.ac.uk/media/schools/management/documents/Plain%20Packaging%20Studies%20Update.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T14:59:36.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288343,"EventID":"S4W-17523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T14:59:36.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-29T18:41:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has carried out research on the impact that standardised packaging might have on trade in illicit tobacco products and, if so, whether it will publish its findings.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will undertake a full Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment to accompany the introduction of a Bill on plain, standardised packaging of tobacco products.\r\nAs made clear in the recent report of the UK All Party Parliamentary Group on Smoking and Health (March 2013), enforcement agencies do not rely on pack design to test whether packs are illicit. Instead they use a number of security features found on existing packaging, including coded numbers and covert anti-counterfeit marks, all of which would also be present on plain, standardised packs. The report of the UK All Party Parliamentary Group on Smoking and Health can be accessed here: http://www.ash.org.uk/about-ash/all-party-parliamentary-group-on-smoking-and-health/appg-documents#IllicitTrade.\r\nA recent report from the National Audit Office on tackling tobacco smuggling (June 2013) showed a reduction in the market share for illicit tobacco products between 2000-01 and 2010-11, from 21%to 9 % for cigarettes, and from 61% to 38 % for hand rolling tobacco. We remain committed to tackling illicit trade and will continue to work with the HMRC on this matter. The National Audit Office report on tackling tobacco smuggling can be accessed here:\r\nhttp://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/10120-001-Tobacco-smuggling-Executive-summary.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T14:59:36.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288344,"EventID":"S4W-17524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T14:59:37.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-29T18:41:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how much the introduction of plain packaging for tobacco products would cost manufacturers in lost intellectual property rights.\r\n","AnswerText":"Legislation on plain, standardised packaging will improve public health by regulating the marketing of tobacco. It will not regulate intellectual property. We will undertake a full business and regulatory impact assessment to accompany the introduction of a Bill on standardised packaging.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T14:59:37.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288345,"EventID":"S4W-17525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T14:59:37.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-29T18:41:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research it has carried out on the impact of the current tobacco control legislation and whether it will publish the findings.\r\n","AnswerText":"Findings from Scotland’s evaluation of smoke-free legislation were published in 2010 and provides an overview of findings from 2005 to 2009.\r\nThe information can be accessed here:\r\nhttp://www.healthscotland.com/scotlands-health/evidence/smokefreelegislation/findings.aspx\r\nA study sponsored by NIHR Public Health Research Programme is currently being conducted by the University of Stirling. The aims of the study are to assess the impact of measures in The Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 that ban point of sale tobacco displays and advertising on young people's exposure to tobacco advertising, their attitudes towards smoking and their smoking behaviour. The before and after study is due for completion in 2017.\r\nIn addition NHS Health Scotland will conduct an analysis of data relating to tobacco retail sales. This analysis will complement the work conducted by the University of Stirling.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T14:59:37.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288346,"EventID":"S4W-17526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T14:59:37.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-29T18:41:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prosecutions there have been under the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15685 on 27 June 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T14:59:37.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288347,"EventID":"S4W-17527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T14:59:37.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-29T14:13:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02429 by Keith Brown on 25 September 2013 (Official Report, c. 22874), which aspects of the Ellisland project (a) are being taken forward and (b) will be funded by (i) Dumfries and Galloway Council, (ii) SWESTRANS and (iii) Transport Scotland.","AnswerText":"A review of the cost and benefits of the Ellisland improvement was carried out and this has shown that the cost of the proposed scheme had increased and no longer provided value for money. Transport Scotland are currently not progressing any element of the Ellisland Improvement scheme.\r\nThe provision of a bus shelter at Courthill caravan park was included as part of the Ellisland Improvement Scheme and this provision is now being taken forward by SWESTRANS and Dumfries and Galloway Council.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T14:59:37.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288348,"EventID":"S4W-17528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T14:59:38.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-29T14:13:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it takes to increase awareness of (a) myasthenia gravis and (b) stiff person syndrome among medical staff.","AnswerText":"It is the aim of the Scottish Government to ensure that everyone with neurological conditions can access the care and support they need, and in support of this aim we are ensuring the Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s(HIS) Neurological Standards are implemented effectively.\r\nAt present there are no specific awareness campaigns commissioned by the Scottish Government regarding myasthenia gravis or stiff person syndrome, however implementation of the HIS neurological standards will drive improvements in services for those effected by neurological conditions, and help increase knowledge and awareness of those healthcare staff delivering such services. The Scottish Government worked with the Neurological Alliance of Scotland in designing the improvement programme, and contributed £40K to support the establishment of the newly formed National Neurological Advisory Group to provide overarching\r\nco-ordination and advice to assist health boards deliver their improvement plans.\r\nMore generally, healthcare professionals have to demonstrate knowledge, skills and competence relevant to their profession during their undergraduate and postgraduate training, including in areas of diagnosis and appropriate treatments. It is also a professional obligation that such staff participate in continuous professional development activities in order to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T14:59:38.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288349,"EventID":"S4W-17529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T14:59:38.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T10:16:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when improvement works to the Inveramsay Bridge will be completed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Construction of the A96 Inveramsay Bridge scheme is estimated for completion in early 2016 subject to satisfactory completion of the statutory process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T14:59:38.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288350,"EventID":"S4W-17530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T14:59:38.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T10:28:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what powers it has to restrict overtaking by heavy goods vehicles in the overtaking sections of the A9.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have powers under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to make provision to restrict overtaking by heavy goods vehicles on the A9.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T14:59:38.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288351,"EventID":"S4W-17531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T14:59:39.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T11:21:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which of the drugs made available by NHS England's Cancer Drugs Fund are only accessible in Scotland through individual patient treatment requests.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. The Individual Patient Treatment Request (IPTR) process allows a clinician to submit a clinical case to their NHS Board on behalf of an individual patient where they believe that the patient would benefit from a medicine which the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has not accepted it for use within the NHS in Scotland. SMC advice is publicly available on its website: http://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk.\r\nNHS England published its latest National Cancer Drugs Fund List on 23 September 2013, the list can be viewed via the attached link:\r\nhttp://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/pe/cdf/.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s response to the Health and Sport Committee’s Inquiry into Access to New Medicines outlining that IPTR would be replaced with PACS can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/29829.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T14:59:39.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288352,"EventID":"S4W-17532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T14:59:39.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T11:21:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many individual patient treatment requests have been (a) approved and (b) refused in each year since 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nIndividual patient treatment requests (IPTRs) were introduced on 1 April 2011. NHS board data provided to the Scottish Government indicates that in 2011-12 there were 291 IPTRs applications in NHSScotland, of which 194 (66%) were accepted and 97 (34%) rejected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T14:59:39.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288353,"EventID":"S4W-17534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T14:59:39.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T11:21:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what grounds individual patient treatment requests can be refused and whether it will provide a breakdown of how often each of these reasons has been used.\r\n","AnswerText":"The individual patient treatment request (IPTR) process allows a clinician to submit a clinical case to their NHS board on behalf of an individual patient where they believe that the patient would benefit from a medicine which the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has not accepted it for use within the NHS in Scotland. The clinician is expected to provide evidence that the patient is likely to gain significantly more benefit from the medicine than would normally be expected. In order to do so, the clinician is expected to clarify that the patient’s clinical circumstances are significantly different from either the general population of patients covered by the medicine’s licence; or the population of patients included in the clinical trials for the medicine’s licensed indication as appraised. This would indicate that the medicine in question is likely to be more clinically and cost-effective for treating the patient in question than was demonstrated in the evidence submitted to the SMC.\r\nWhere the IPTR panel accepts that the clinical evidence provided suggests that the patient will achieve a significantly improved clinical response for the individual patient than would normally be expected, the IPTR will be approved. Where the panel does not accept this, the IPTR will be rejected.\r\nInformation on the reasons for IPTRs refused are not held centrally.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s response to the Health and Sport Committee’s Inquiry into Access to New Medicines outlining that IPTR would be replaced with PACS can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/29829.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T14:59:39.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288354,"EventID":"S4W-17536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T14:52:54.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T13:02:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will introduce legislation to improve outcomes for carers and young carers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minister announced on 1 October 2013, at the second annual Carers Parliament, that the Scottish Government plans to introduce legislation to improve outcomes for carers and young carers.\r\nWe will consult widely on legislation that aims to improve both the assessment and support for carers and young carers. In relation to young carers, this will take account of the existing measures within the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill.\r\nWe believe that this legislation, focused on carers and young carers, will: improve carers’ health and wellbeing;sustain the caring role;enable carers to have a life alongside caring;assist carers to remain in or return to work;enable access to community support networks and prevent or delay hospital or residential care admissions for cared-for persons.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T14:52:54.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288365,"EventID":"S4T-00464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T15:09:42.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T11:28:22.807","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the publication of the report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, what action it is taking to ensure that all relevant policies and proposals are properly costed and acted on to ensure that annual emissions targets are met.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T15:09:42.987","MeetingDate":"2013-10-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288366,"EventID":"S4F-01592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T12:49:26.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-26T14:13:39.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T12:49:27.33","MeetingDate":"2013-10-03T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288367,"EventID":"S4F-01594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T12:49:28.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T09:16:18.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T12:49:28.75","MeetingDate":"2013-10-03T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288368,"EventID":"S4F-01596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T12:49:29.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T09:36:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is on the decision taken at the COSLA leaders meeting to back the petition from the No2Bedroom Tax campaign calling for £50 million to mitigate the impact of the so-called bedroom tax.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T12:49:29.453","MeetingDate":"2013-10-03T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288369,"EventID":"S4F-01603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T12:49:31.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T11:02:07.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T12:49:31.963","MeetingDate":"2013-10-03T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288370,"EventID":"S4F-01606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T12:49:32.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T11:36:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress the Expert Working Group on Welfare and Constitutional Reform is making.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T12:49:32.697","MeetingDate":"2013-10-03T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288371,"EventID":"S4F-01607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T12:49:33.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T11:37:21.263","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether he will provide an update on the national flu campaign.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T12:49:33.183","MeetingDate":"2013-10-03T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288372,"EventID":"S4W-17518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T16:37:00.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-29T17:26:33.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made on implementing each of the recommendations of the Commission on the Future Delivery of Public Services.","AnswerText":"Renewing Scotland’s Public Services set out the Scottish Government’s priorities for reform in response to the Commission on the Future Delivery of Public Services. The approach closely reflects the themes and aims of the Commission and is built on four pillars: \r\na decisive shift towards prevention\r\ngreater integration and collaboration between public services at a local level\r\ngreater investment in workforce development and leadership\r\na sharp focus on improving performance.\r\nA Public Service Reform Delivery Update is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/09/9971.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T16:37:00.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288373,"EventID":"S4W-17519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T16:37:00.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-29T17:26:33.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much (a) it has and (b) NHS boards have spent annually on the One Year Job Guarantee Scheme.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s One Year Job Guarantee Scheme (OYJG) was introduced in 2002 to support transition into employment and to maximise the opportunity to build on the clinical experience gained by nurses and midwives during their pre-registration programme. Initially, the scheme focussed upon linking new registrants looking for posts with existing vacancies across Scotland.\r\nHowever, in 2010, recognising that the emerging financial and employment context was presenting very real challenges for newly registered nursing and midwifery staff in identifying job opportunities and had equally limited the type of opportunities which had previously been available under the OYJG scheme, the Scottish Government and NHS Education for Scotland (NES) developed an internship scheme to meet the One Year Job Guarantee commitment, in partnership with NHS Boards. The following table sets out the funding provided for the internship scheme since its introduction in August 2011.\r\nOne Year Job Guarantee Scheme for Newly Qualified Nurses\r\nFunding provided to support NHS Boards\r\n\r\nAug 11 - Mar 12\r\nApr 12 - Mar 13\r\nApr 13 - Aug 13\r\n\r\n£'000\r\n£'000\r\n£'000\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n209\r\n716\r\n148\r\nNHS Borders\r\n51\r\n143\r\n21\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n34\r\n103\r\n32\r\nNHS Fife\r\n96\r\n435\r\n65\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n85\r\n713\r\n112\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n141\r\n490\r\n57\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n812\r\n2,726\r\n480\r\nNHS Highland\r\n76\r\n388\r\n65\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n320\r\n983\r\n198\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n447\r\n1,572\r\n253\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n40\r\n46\r\n5\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n26\r\n34\r\n5\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n31\r\n76\r\n35\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n73\r\n115\r\n10\r\nNational Waiting Times Centre\r\n36\r\n136\r\n33\r\nState Hospital\r\n\r\n\r\n50\r\nBlood Transfusion Service\r\n\r\n\r\n13\r\nTotal\r\n2,477\r\n8,676\r\n1,582\r\nScottish Government funding %\r\n100%\r\n100%\r\n50%*\r\n*State Hospital and SNBTS funded at 100%.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T16:37:00.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288374,"EventID":"S4W-17520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T16:37:00.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-29T17:26:33.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many places (a) it has and (b) NHS boards have supported annually under the One Year Job Guarantee Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s One Year Job Guarantee Scheme (OYJG) was introduced in 2002 to support transition into employment and to maximise the opportunity to build on the clinical experience gained by nurses and midwives during their pre-registration programme. Initially, the scheme focussed upon linking new registrants looking for posts with existing vacancies across Scotland.\r\nHowever, in 2010, recognising that the emerging financial and employment context was presenting very real challenges for newly registered nursing and midwifery staff in identifying job opportunities and had equally limited the type of opportunities which had  previously been available under the OYJG scheme, the Scottish Government and NHS Education for Scotland (NES) developed an internship scheme to meet the One Year Job Guarantee commitment, in partnership with NHS boards. The following table sets out headcount data relating to the internship scheme since its introduction in August 2011.\r\nOne Year Job Guarantee Scheme for Newly Qualified Nurses\r\nAverage Headcount for each NHS Board\r\nNHS Board Area\r\nAug 11 - Mar 12\r\nApr 12 - Mar 13\r\nApr 13 - Aug 13\r\nAverage Headcount\r\nAverage Headcount\r\nAverage Headcount\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n20\r\n43\r\n41\r\nNHS Borders\r\n4\r\n9\r\n5\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n3\r\n6\r\n9\r\nNHS Fife\r\n10\r\n25\r\n20\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n10\r\n42\r\n31\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n15\r\n29\r\n16\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n81\r\n160\r\n137\r\nNHS Highland\r\n9\r\n22\r\n20\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n35\r\n56\r\n59\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n45\r\n96\r\n81\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n4\r\n3\r\n1\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n2\r\n2\r\n1\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n3\r\n5\r\n11\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n7\r\n7\r\n3\r\nNational Waiting Times Centre\r\n4\r\n8\r\n10\r\nState Hospital\r\n\r\n\r\n5\r\nBlood Transfusion Service\r\n\r\n\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTotal\r\n252\r\n513\r\n452\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T16:37:00.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288375,"EventID":"S4W-17537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-09-30T16:37:01.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T15:28:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce a register of teachers of deaf people.\r\n","AnswerText":"Keeping the register of teachers in Scotland is one of the functions of the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). The GTCS became the independent, profession-led regulatory body for the teaching profession under The Public Services Reform (General Teaching Council for Scotland) Order 2011, on 2 April 2012. It is the statutory duty of the GTCS to maintain the register of teachers and they fulfil this duty by setting out registration criteria for applicants who are seeking inclusion in that register and who subsequently can be employed by local authorities to teach in schools.\r\nIn particular at Article 14(1) of the 2011 Order: \r\nIt is for the GTCS to sub-divide or otherwise organise entries in the register in such manner as it thinks fit.\r\nAs part of the Doran Review implementation, we will work with the GTCS and other partners to find a pragmatic solution to the issue of knowledge of the skills and qualifications of teachers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-28T16:37:01.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288378,"EventID":"S4W-17538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:25.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T15:44:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact assessment was carried out in advance of the launch of the Nice Way Code campaign.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Nice Way Code campaign was undertaken following the success of Cycling Scotland’s Give Me Cycle Space campaign, which asks drivers to watch out for children cycling to school and give them plenty of space when passing. In 2012, 85% of drivers surveyed in the target areas said the campaign would make them give children more space on the road, 58% of parents surveyed in the target areas said the campaign made them more confident about children cycling to school and across the participating schools there was an average increase in levels of cycling of 22%. The development of the Nice Way Code campaign was undertaken in order to continue this successful approach and speak to a wider range of road users to encourage mutual respect in the shared road space.\r\nThe impact of the Nice Way Code will be assessed when the evaluation is carried out.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:25.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288379,"EventID":"S4W-17539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:26.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T15:44:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the planned outcomes were of the Nice Way Code campaign and whether they were achieved.","AnswerText":"The planned outcomes of the campaign were to educate all road users about the importance of mutual respect, highlighting key behaviours that would help foster better relations between different road user groups and stimulate debate about these issues. The main aim was to make the road a less intimidating place for more vulnerable users. The evaluation of the campaign is still being finalised and once completed will show to what extent these outcomes were achieved. Cycling Scotland, who developed the campaign, anticipate that this will be completed by the end of October.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:26.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288380,"EventID":"S4W-17540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:26.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T15:44:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many complaints (a) it, (b) the campaign's advertising agency and (c) any other body received about the Nice Way Code campaign and what the nature was of any such complaints.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) Scottish Government received nine complaints directly though the Ministerial correspondence system. The nature of these complaints was as follows:\r\nFour did not like the campaign materials\r\nThree felt the money spent on the campaign could be better spent elsewhere\r\nOne complained that campaigns do not change people’s behaviour\r\nOne complained about the ‘Give Cyclists Enough Space’ advertisement\r\nDuring this time Scottish Government also received five letters or emails requesting that more money be allocated to such campaigns, three of these requesting adverts aimed at irresponsible cyclist behaviour.\r\nCycling Scotland has received 10 complaints directly. These can be broken down as follows:\r\nThree of these raised concerns about the overall campaign\r\nThree complaints were about the bus back advertising\r\nTwo were specifically about the “Give Cyclists Enough Space” execution which showed an illustrated cyclist swinging an illustrated cat with the text “Give Cyclists Enough Space”\r\nTwo complaints raised concerns over the TV adverts\r\n\r\n(b) Newhaven Communications, the campaign’s advertising agency, has not received any formal complaints.\r\n(c) Two organisations who are not official partners contacted Cycling Scotland to highlight a complaint they had received about the “Give Cyclists Enough Space” poster. These were SSSPCA and Cats Protection League.\r\nThe SCOTS Traffic and Safety Group received four comments, two about the messaging on the bus backs and two about the overall campaign messaging.\r\nCycling Scotland were made aware of five complaints received by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) about the lack of a helmet and road positioning in the final scene of the “Think Horse” television advert.\r\nThe ASA received a further two complaints objecting to the “Give Cyclists Enough Space” execution. None of these complaints were upheld by the ASA.\r\nOf the supporting partner organisations:\r\nCTC (UK) received a number of comments about the campaign\r\nScottish Taxi Federation received one complaint about the “Give Cyclists Enough Space” execution. \r\nPolice Scotland received one comment regarding improvements in enforcement measures\r\nSustrans Scotland received two letters of complaint about the overall campaign\r\nScottish Cycling received one complaint about the overall campaign\r\nLothian Buses received one complaint about the bus backs\r\nBritish Horse Society received one complaint about the “Give Cyclists Enough Space” execution.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:26.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288381,"EventID":"S4W-17542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:26.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T15:44:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what feedback it has received from cycling groups regarding the Nice Way Code campaign.\r\n","AnswerText":"There has been positive feedback from various cycling groups such as CTC, Sustrans, Scottish Cycling and Cycling Scotland who all supported the campaign. There has been concerns from some other cycling groups and individual cyclists who for various reasons do not like the campaign. These responses are detailed in my answer to Parliamentary Question S4W-17540 on 28 October 2014.\r\nThe development of a Mutual Respect campaign aimed at all road users was requested by respondents to the consultation with key stakeholders, undertaken by Transport Scotland as part of the refresh exercise of the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland. Therefore, the creation of the Nice Way Code campaign was as a direct result of feedback from cycling groups.\r\nCycling Scotland held extensive stakeholder consultations and focus groups during the creative process for the Nice Way Code. The stakeholders consulted included cycling groups, B-Spokes, Spokes and Pedal on Parliament. Stakeholders gave feedback on different creative options which included the Nice Way Code and also chose which messages they felt that the campaign should deliver through workshops.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:26.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288382,"EventID":"S4W-17543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:27.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T15:44:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many accidents involving cyclists occurred during the Nice Way Code campaign and during the same months in (a) 2012, (b) 2011 and (c) 2010.","AnswerText":"The campaign was run in August and September and the following table shows \r\naccidents involving pedal cyclists in August and September from 2010 to 2012: \r\n\r\nAugust\r\nSeptember\r\n2010\r\n105\r\n92\r\n2011\r\n74\r\n83\r\n2012\r\n104\r\n104\r\n\r\nThe statistics for 2013 are still being collected. Provisional figures for 2013 will become available in June 2014, following the publication of Key Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:27.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288383,"EventID":"S4W-17544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:27.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T15:44:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers the Nice Way Code campaign to have been good value for money.","AnswerText":"The evaluation of the campaign will determine how successful it has been and its value for money. Cycling Scotland anticipate that the evaluation will be completed by the end of October.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:27.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288384,"EventID":"S4W-17545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:27.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T15:44:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that cyclists being nicer to motorists will result in a reduction in road accidents involving cyclists.","AnswerText":"The campaign messages called on all roads users to be more respectful towards each other with a view to supporting a reduction in road accidents involving cyclists.\r\nThe campaign is intended to raise awareness about the issues that can lead to accidents. This educational element is designed to be supported by enforcement measures and improvements to infrastructure to help reduce road accidents.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:27.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288385,"EventID":"S4W-17546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:28.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T15:58:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to conduct a review of the effectiveness of Police Scotland's (a) set-up and (b) operations before April 2015.\r\n","AnswerText":"Police Scotland operates independently of Ministers. The Scottish Police Authority (SPA) has a statutory function of delivering continuous improvement of policing and holding the Chief Constable to account. At the end of each financial year the SPA will prepare an annual report providing an assessment of its performance in delivering its own functions as well as an assessment of the Police Service’s performance. In addition, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland will report on the efficiency and effectiveness of the police service in Scotland and Audit Scotland have indicated they will undertake a series of performance audits on police reform.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:28.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288386,"EventID":"S4W-17547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:28.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T09:45:46.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which minister has responsibility to ensure that the National Gaelic Language Plan 2012-17 is delivered.","AnswerText":"As Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages I have overall responsibility to ensure that National Gaelic Language Plan commitments are met. However, other ministerial portfolios, authorities and bodies across Scotland also have a role to play in ensuring the delivery of the Plan’s aims.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:28.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288387,"EventID":"S4W-17548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:28.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T09:45:46.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to strengthen the delivery of the National Gaelic Language Plan 2012-17.","AnswerText":"The National Gaelic Language Plan is key to the delivery of the Scottish Government’s ambitions for Gaelic in Scotland. We will ensure that National Gaelic Language Plan priorities are at the centre of our Gaelic activity and, along with other key partners, we will seek to improve effectiveness and strengthen delivery in key areas such as early years, school education and promotion in communities. The delivery of the priorities in the plan is a demanding task and cannot be delivered by one body working in isolation. It is essential that all public bodies work in a coordinated manner to ensure the commitments highlighted in the Plan are met. I have asked Bòrd na Gaidhlig to review progress with these commitments and that this is reported to me at our Quarterly meetings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:28.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288388,"EventID":"S4W-17549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:28.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T09:45:46.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to ensure the visibility of Gaelic at major events such as the Commonwealth Games, the Year of Homecoming and the Ryder Cup.","AnswerText":"It is important that Gaelic is visible at these major events and that is why both myself and officials are making the necessary representations to responsible delivery bodies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:28.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288389,"EventID":"S4W-17550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:29.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T09:45:46.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what role single outcome agreements play in the delivery of the National Gaelic Language Plan 2012-17. \r\n","AnswerText":"In line with Scottish Government/COSLA guidance issued in December 2012 single outcome agreements (SOA) set out the key priorities and outcomes for each Community Planning Partnership (CPP) and how partners are going to work together to deliver those outcomes. It is for CPPs to decide if and how the delivery of the National Gaelic Language Plan 2012 in their area forms part of their SOA.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:29.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288390,"EventID":"S4W-17551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:29.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T09:45:46.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its definition is of Gaelic-medium education.\r\n","AnswerText":"Gaelic medium education has been defined in recent acts of the Scottish Parliament, including the Gaelic (Scotland) Act 2005 and Schools (Consultation) Act 2010, as “teaching by means of the Gaelic language as spoken in Scotland”. The Scottish Government is currently working to prepare National Guidance on Gaelic education. This will provide a more detailed definition of Gaelic medium education.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:29.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288391,"EventID":"S4W-17552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:29.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T09:45:46.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what outcomes it envisages from Gaelic-medium education.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government wants to see a rising number of children in Gaelic Medium Education, and that this should play an important part on stabilising and growing the number of Gaelic speakers nationally.\r\nFrom an individual learners journey and as identified through the work of Education Scotland, the Scottish Government has two outcomes from Gaelic Medium Education. We wish to ensure that our children and young people are equally confident in the use of both Gaelic and English; and are able to use Gaelic and English in a full range of contexts within and outwith school.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:29.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288392,"EventID":"S4W-17553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:29.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T09:45:46.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it started production of, and what plans it has to publish, statutory guidance on Gaelic education.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has asked Education Scotland to prepare National Guidance on Gaelic Medium Education. This process started in 2012. Education Scotland are working closely with all interested parties on this including Bòrd na Gaidhlig, local authorities, parents and other interests. We expect this national Guidance to be available for public consultation in 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:29.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288393,"EventID":"S4W-17554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:30.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T09:45:46.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it would give prospective parents of a pupil in Gaelic-medium education as to the length of time their child should be immersed in Gaelic.","AnswerText":"This is currently a matter for local authority decision making. However, there is a consensus in the Gaelic medium sector that the initial immersion phase should extend from P1 to P3 and that Gaelic should continue to be the dominant medium of learning up to P7.\r\nWe will look at this very closely as we prepare and consult on National Guidance on Gaelic education.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:30.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288394,"EventID":"S4W-17555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:30.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T09:45:46.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to outline the differences between Gaelic-medium education and Gaelic learners’ education and the outcomes that could be expected from each.\r\n","AnswerText":"The differences between Gaelic medium education and Gaelic learners’ education have been briefly dealt with in legislation of the Scottish Parliament. For Gaelic medium pupils we hope to ensure that young people are both equally confident in the use of both Gaelic and English; and are able to use Gaelic and English in a full range of contexts within and outwith school. The outcomes for Gaelic Learners Education are described in the experiences and outcomes of Curriculum for Excellence and then in the criteria for national qualifications in the senior phase. It is our intention that this will receive further attention in the National Guidance that is being prepared.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:30.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288395,"EventID":"S4W-17556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:30.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T09:45:46.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many local authorities have cited lack of teachers as a reason for denying access to Gaelic-medium education.","AnswerText":"We have received no formal approaches from any local authority citing lack of teachers as a reason for denying access to Gaelic Medium Education. However, we are aware of the difficulties in the recruitment and retention of teachers in the Gaelic medium sector and for this reason we have been working closely with Bòrd na Gaidhlig, teacher education institutions, local authorities and the Scottish Funding Council to ensure that Gaelic teaching is promoted and information on the routes in to teacher training are clear and those entering the system are supported while given CPD opportunities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:30.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288396,"EventID":"S4W-17557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:31.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T09:45:46.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many teachers trained to teach Gaelic-medium education have moved to teaching in English at the conclusion of their probationary period since 2007 because there was no full-time post available in Gaelic.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:31.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288397,"EventID":"S4W-17558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:31.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T09:45:46.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what timetable it has set for the development of Gaelic education.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working continually with partners to ensure that Gaelic education is developed and expanded across the country. It is essential that this work is carried out in a manner that addresses local needs and demands.\r\nThe Scottish Government has written to local authorities seeking bids to Gaelic Specific Grant Scheme. These bids must show evidence of planned growth over the next 2 financial years and how work will help deliver more places in all levels of Gaelic education.\r\nWork in this area has helped realise new schools and units across Scotland with further schools opening in Fort William, Glasgow and Portree over the next three years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:31.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288398,"EventID":"S4W-17559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:31.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T09:45:46.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to ensure that a course, similar to Ceumannan, is made available to students fluent in the Gaelic language.","AnswerText":"Ceumannan is an excellent course for Gaelic learner education at secondary level. A multi-year project is on the current Stòrlann Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig publishing programme. The aim is to produce a suite of graded materials comprising of new and existing material. A comprehensive language framework will be a key feature of the new resource. The rationale for such a framework was the focus of practitioner workshops at An t-Alltan in Aviemore.\r\nThe language framework articulates with CfE and existing grammar resources such as Mìrean. Materials and resources will be linked to the framework at the various levels. Stòrlann will develop the resource in close collaboration with the teaching profession, Education Scotland, SQA, and local authority advisors.\r\nThe materials will be made available to schools and students fluent in the Gaelic language as they are developed and produced. More information can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.storlann.co.uk/ceumannan/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:31.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288399,"EventID":"S4W-17560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:32.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T09:45:46.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to bring forward legislation offering a statutory entitlement to Gaelic education.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has a manifesto commitment to consider a parental right to Gaelic medium education. We are currently at the very early stages of considering how this commitment can be developed and taken forward. We will consult on any proposals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:32.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288400,"EventID":"S4W-17561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:32.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T09:45:46.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what encouragement it is giving to the establishment of more standalone Gaelic schools.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to the expansion of Gaelic medium education through support to local authorities who wish to establish new units and schools in their areas. Every encouragement is being given to the establishment of more standalone schools. We are in regular contact with local authorities on this matter and recognise the importance that these developments have for increasing the numbers of those who are able to use the language and that is why I announced on 23 September an additional £4 million over the next two financial years to the Gaelic Schools Capital Fund. Local authorities will be approached again to highlight the funds availability and to invite bids.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:32.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288401,"EventID":"S4W-17562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:32.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T09:45:46.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to ensure that, in addition to French, German and Spanish, the SCHOLAR programme provides for Advanced Higher Gaelic.","AnswerText":"SCHOLAR, a Heriot-Watt University programme providing online learning resources for National Qualifications courses to Scottish secondary schools, is receiving Education Scotland funding to align existing resources with the new Curriculum for Excellence developments. This includes updating the existing provision for Gaelic (Learners) at Higher. It does not currently include provision for Gaelic at Advanced Higher but, as a member-led independent body, subscribed to by all 32 local authorities, SCHOLAR keeps its development programme and demand under regular review. SCHOLAR is also currently developing Gaelic Sciences at Curriculum level 3 with a grant from Bord Na Gaidhlig/Storlann.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:32.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288402,"EventID":"S4W-17563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:32.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T10:41:22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what capital spending projects costing at least £2 million have been carried out by NHS Lanarkshire in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Capital spending projects costing at least £2 million have been carried out by NHS Lanarkshire in each of the last three years as follows:\r\n2013-14\r\n£5 million investment programme in Monklands Hospital (relating to business continuity).\r\n£2 million on the development of labs and single site pathology at Monklands Hospital.\r\n2012-13\r\n£6.467 million on backlog maintenance at Monklands Hospital.\r\n£2.076 million on the completion of Airdrie Resource Centre.\r\n2011-12\r\n£12.5 million on construction of Airdrie Health Centre.\r\n£7.9 million on on-going refurbishment work at Monklands Hospital.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:32.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288403,"EventID":"S4W-17564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:33.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T10:41:22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been declared bankrupt in each of the last three years, broken down by constituency.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB) publishes the official personal insolvency statistics for Scotland on a quarterly basis on its website (see www.aib.gov.uk). Annual statistics on insolvency, including bankruptcies broken down by local authority, are also published in their annual report.\r\nThe system used in AiB to administer bankruptcies in Scotland does not record the Scottish Parliament constituency for each individual. However this can be obtained using the debtor’s postcode to give the following breakdown for bankruptcies awarded in 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13:\r\nConstituency\r\nIndividuals Awarded Bankruptcy\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nAberdeen Central\r\n138\r\n139\r\n103\r\nAberdeen Donside\r\n176\r\n151\r\n113\r\nAberdeen South and North Kincardine\r\n97\r\n104\r\n83\r\nAberdeenshire East\r\n96\r\n88\r\n80\r\nAberdeenshire West\r\n71\r\n90\r\n57\r\nAirdrie and Shotts\r\n183\r\n157\r\n148\r\nAlmond Valley\r\n340\r\n277\r\n168\r\nAngus North and Mearns\r\n126\r\n112\r\n89\r\nAngus South\r\n139\r\n134\r\n100\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n107\r\n120\r\n78\r\nAyr\r\n105\r\n112\r\n79\r\nBanffshire and Buchan Coast\r\n151\r\n114\r\n111\r\nCaithness, Sutherland and Ross\r\n111\r\n144\r\n95\r\nCarrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley\r\n137\r\n162\r\n111\r\nClackmannanshire and Dunblane\r\n108\r\n114\r\n100\r\nClydebank and Milngavie\r\n207\r\n179\r\n207\r\nClydesdale\r\n210\r\n214\r\n162\r\nCoatbridge and Chryston\r\n148\r\n164\r\n159\r\nCowdenbeath\r\n213\r\n222\r\n157\r\nCumbernauld and Kilsyth\r\n162\r\n161\r\n127\r\nCunninghame North\r\n167\r\n194\r\n113\r\nCunninghame South\r\n164\r\n199\r\n176\r\nDumbarton\r\n253\r\n225\r\n221\r\nDumfriesshire\r\n126\r\n124\r\n97\r\nDundee City East\r\n225\r\n192\r\n204\r\nDundee City West\r\n227\r\n194\r\n176\r\nDunfermline\r\n159\r\n181\r\n157\r\nEast Kilbride\r\n202\r\n182\r\n154\r\nEast Lothian\r\n226\r\n182\r\n103\r\nEastwood\r\n57\r\n80\r\n68\r\nEdinburgh Central\r\n88\r\n76\r\n79\r\nEdinburgh Eastern\r\n162\r\n121\r\n99\r\nEdinburgh Northern and Leith\r\n156\r\n135\r\n106\r\nEdinburgh Pentlands\r\n111\r\n109\r\n84\r\nEdinburgh Southern\r\n73\r\n62\r\n46\r\nEdinburgh Western\r\n104\r\n93\r\n71\r\nEttrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire\r\n146\r\n130\r\n95\r\nFalkirk East\r\n170\r\n171\r\n144\r\nFalkirk West\r\n204\r\n218\r\n171\r\nGalloway and West Dumfries\r\n175\r\n150\r\n150\r\nGlasgow Anniesland\r\n140\r\n138\r\n99\r\nGlasgow Cathcart\r\n168\r\n141\r\n115\r\nGlasgow Kelvin\r\n128\r\n115\r\n91\r\nGlasgow Maryhill and Springburn\r\n171\r\n170\r\n144\r\nGlasgow Pollok\r\n207\r\n211\r\n164\r\nGlasgow Provan\r\n212\r\n163\r\n143\r\nGlasgow Shettleston\r\n191\r\n154\r\n140\r\nGlasgow Southside\r\n143\r\n137\r\n101\r\nGreenock and Inverclyde\r\n158\r\n150\r\n113\r\nHamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse\r\n167\r\n228\r\n168\r\nInverness and Nairn\r\n192\r\n184\r\n155\r\nKilmarnock and Irvine Valley\r\n179\r\n168\r\n121\r\nKirkcaldy\r\n254\r\n259\r\n188\r\nLinlithgow\r\n351\r\n266\r\n198\r\nMid Fife and Glenrothes\r\n247\r\n237\r\n162\r\nMidlothian North and Musselburgh\r\n171\r\n169\r\n103\r\nMidlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale\r\n128\r\n121\r\n103\r\nMoray\r\n157\r\n157\r\n139\r\nMotherwell and Wishaw\r\n166\r\n147\r\n120\r\nNa h-Eileanan an Iar\r\n29\r\n37\r\n41\r\nNorth East Fife\r\n127\r\n130\r\n94\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n17\r\n22\r\n21\r\nPaisley\r\n172\r\n141\r\n139\r\nPerthshire North\r\n101\r\n122\r\n81\r\nPerthshire South and Kinrossshire\r\n138\r\n114\r\n87\r\nRenfrewshire North and West\r\n112\r\n135\r\n104\r\nRenfrewshire South\r\n153\r\n170\r\n138\r\nRutherglen\r\n163\r\n182\r\n149\r\nShetland Islands\r\n34\r\n21\r\n15\r\nSkye, Lochaber and Badenoch\r\n137\r\n163\r\n115\r\nStirling\r\n93\r\n143\r\n117\r\nStrathkelvin and Bearsden\r\n117\r\n95\r\n84\r\nUddingston and Bellshill\r\n189\r\n193\r\n142\r\n\r\nNote that these totals are slightly lower than the annual totals published by AiB. This is due to some records containing incomplete data which means the constituency could not be matched. However less than 1 per cent of the bankruptcies awarded each year fall into this category.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:33.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288404,"EventID":"S4W-17570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T14:01:33.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T11:42:07.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what medical services the proposed new town of Chapelton of Elsick will have and what discussions it has had with NHS Grampian regarding the (a) provision and (b) financing of these and the building of the town’s medical facilities. \r\n","AnswerText":"There are no confirmed plans for medical facilities at the present time. However, NHS Grampian has been in discussion with the local authority on the matter, and those discussions will continue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T14:01:33.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288416,"EventID":"S4W-17606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T16:20:37.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T16:16:19.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the next report of the Fiscal Commission Working Group will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"I’m pleased to advise that the second Fiscal Commission Working Group report will be published at 09:00 on Wednesday 2 October 2013. The report on Stabilisation and Savings Funds for Scotland can be accessed at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Economy/Council-Economic-Advisers/FCWG.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T16:20:37.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288417,"EventID":"S4W-17576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T17:11:11.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T12:36:25.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17153 by Shona Robison on 26 September 2013, who was consulted prior to the publication of the statement in April.\r\n","AnswerText":"In April the Scottish Government published its thinking on how race equality should look over the next three years. The approach states “that towards the end of 2013 we will commence work with stakeholders to develop the approach to be taken and we will publish the refreshed statement in Spring 2014”.\r\nA copy of our approach can be found under the heading Statement of Race Equality Refresh at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Equality/18934/historyofstatement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T17:11:11.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288418,"EventID":"S4W-17577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T17:11:12.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T12:36:25.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17153 by Shona Robison on 26 September 2013, how it will consult communities and stakeholders to inform the statement to be published in Spring 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials will shortly be conducting one-to-one meetings with their intermediary bodies (Black and Ethnic Minority Infrastructure in Scotland (BEMIS), Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Organisations (CEMVO), Scottish Interfaith Council (SIFC) and the Scottish Refugee Council (SRC)), to help form a project plan for the most appropriate way to consult with communities and stakeholders. They will also discuss which organisations and community groups would be best placed to consult in the formulation of the statement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T17:11:12.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288419,"EventID":"S4W-17578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T17:11:12.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T12:36:25.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17158 by Shona Robison on 26 September 2013, how much it has provided for each year from 2007-08 to 2014-15 for work on race equality, also broken down by organisation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government has provided significant funding over the period 2007–15 to promote equality and help tackle inequality and discrimination. The Equality budget supports funding to address issues of race equality through its Equality Fund, through strategic interventions and through its support for intermediary organisations. Figures relating to the support for organisations are broken down by organisation and detailed in the table placed in the Parliament’s reference centre (Bib. number 55361).\r\nIn addition, resources from the Equality budget also contribute to race and religious equality work elsewhere in the Scottish Government such as sectarianism and Gypsy/ Traveller educational projects.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T17:11:12.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288420,"EventID":"S4W-17579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T17:11:13.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T12:36:25.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17158 by Shona Robison on 26 September 2013, to what projects and initiatives the £5.3 million is allocated.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government is providing significant funding (nearly £21 million per annum) over the period 2012–15 to help tackle inequality and discrimination. The £5.3 million is the amount of money provided by Scottish Government’s Equality Fund for specific work to tackle issues around race and religious equality. A detailed breakdown of this is shown in Table A of the information placed in the Parliament’s reference centre (Bib. number 55362). In addition the Equality budget also supports strategic interventions and provides support to intermediary bodies which also contribute to tackling race inequality and religious intolerance and discrimination. These are detailed in Table B and Table C of the information placed in the Parliament’s reference centre (Bib. number 55362).\r\nIn addition resources from the Equality budget also contribute to race and religious equality work elsewhere in the Scottish Government such as sectarianism and gypsy/traveller educational projects.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T17:11:13.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288421,"EventID":"S4W-17580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T17:11:13.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T12:36:25.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17155 by Shona Robison on 26 September 2013, what the reason is for the preference for a statement rather than a strategy for individual protected equality characteristics.","AnswerText":"Although the Scottish Government does not currently have any strategies for individual protected equality characteristics, there are a number of strategic approaches under development around various specific characteristics, e.g. Violence Against Women Strategy.\r\nThe Scottish Government has committed to refreshing the 2008-11 Race Equality Statement. However, our approach to any long term work is always informed through consultation with key stakeholders and communities. The contents and form will be drawn out through the consultation process when discussions take place and areas for development are identified.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T17:11:13.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288422,"EventID":"S4W-17582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T17:11:14.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T12:41:03.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to the supplementary to question S4F-01561 by Alex Salmond on 19 September 2013 (Official Report, c. 22684), what estimate it has made of how much (a) first and (b) second class stamps would cost if an independent Scotland renationalised the Royal Mail.","AnswerText":"We will ensure that postal service provision meets the needs of the people of Scotland in terms of a fair price and quality of service. This could be supported by the regulation of stamp prices by an independent regulator. Currently the regulator only influences the prices of a second class stamp. We are concerned by comments from the chief executive of the Royal Mail, immediately following its privatisation, which implied that the price of stamps may increase.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T17:11:14.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288423,"EventID":"S4W-17584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T17:11:14.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T12:42:49.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people with learning disabilities have been enrolled at a college in each year since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Funding Council produces statistics for students in colleges. The latest data is for the academic year 2011-12.\r\nThe disability categories used by SFC do not allow us to separately identify students with learning disabilities. The following table shows the percentage of enrolments for students with any recorded disability.\r\nPercentage of enrolments in Scottish Colleges for students with a recorded disability: 2007-08 to 2011-12\r\n \r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nPercentage of enrolments for students with any recorded disability\r\n10.4%\r\n11.0%\r\n11.6%\r\n12.3%\r\n12.3%\r\nSource: Scottish Funding Council (SFC).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T17:11:14.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288424,"EventID":"S4W-17585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T17:11:15.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T12:42:49.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people with learning disabilities have been employed (a) full-time and (b) part-time in each year since 2007-08. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Annual Population Survey (APS) provides estimates of employment across Scotland; however the only data available for those specific conditions requested covers those who have any learning difficulties or disabilities. The latest APS data covers the period from July to June 2013.\r\nNumber of people aged 16+ with learning difficulties or disabilities in full-time and part-time employment, Scotland\r\nYear\r\nJul 2007- Jun 2008\r\nJul 2008- Jun 2009\r\nJul 2009- Jun 2010\r\nJul 2010- Jun 2011\r\nJul 2011- Jun 2012\r\nJul 2012- Jun 2013\r\nFull-time employment\r\n      * \r\n      5,000 \r\n      4,000 \r\n      5,000 \r\n      * \r\n      6,000 \r\nPart-time employment\r\n*\r\n      5,000 \r\n      5,000 \r\n      5,000 \r\n*\r\n      5,000 \r\nSource: Annual Population Survey, Office for National Statistics.\r\nNotes: \r\n1. Level rounded to nearest thousand. \r\n2. The sub-group of interest here is relatively small therefore this estimate is not as reliable as those for the total population aged 16+.\r\n3. Figures exclude those who did not state whether they were in full-time or part-time employment.\r\n4. Learning difficulties and disabilities includes conditions such as dyslexia or dyscalculia; mental impairments or mental handicap.\r\n5.*denotes disclosive value.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T17:11:15.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288425,"EventID":"S4W-17586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T17:11:16.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T12:48:22.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the £20 million to mitigate the impact of the so-called bedroom tax in 2013-14 will be allocated, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The breakdown of the £20 million is contained in the following table:\r\nLocal Authority\r\nAmount (£)\r\nAberdeen\r\n444,174\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n883,262\r\nAngus\r\n614,019\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n550,390\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n264,794\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n977,596\r\nDundee\r\n501,166\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n254,766\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n160,250\r\nEast Lothian\r\n203,724\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n123,577\r\nEdinburgh\r\n2,124,473\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\n159,461\r\nFalkirk\r\n266,868\r\nFife\r\n800,381\r\nGlasgow\r\n3,553,117\r\nHighland\r\n1,465,777\r\nInverclyde\r\n227,449\r\nMidlothian\r\n236,818\r\nMoray\r\n374,539\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n460,059\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n697,402\r\nOrkney\r\n95,568\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n777,525\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n396,992\r\nScottish Borders\r\n669,031\r\nShetland\r\n107,593\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n389,269\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n731,422\r\nStirling\r\n594,445\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n515,964\r\nWest Lothian\r\n378,129\r\nTotal\r\n20,000,000\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T17:11:16.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288426,"EventID":"S4W-17587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T17:11:16.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T12:48:22.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government from what budget the £20 million to mitigate the impact of the so-called bedroom tax in 2013-14 was taken and how many people it will help.\r\n","AnswerText":"The £20 million is comprised of £10 million from underspend within the fuel poverty budget (available due to delays with UK energy schemes) together with £10 million which is being made available from a combination of further savings from enterprise bodies and demand led budgets.\r\nThis money will enable local authorities to add to their own provisions to increase their budgets for discretionary housing payments (DHPs) within the legal limit set by the UK Government. Scottish councils now have up to £35 million to allocate to DHPs in 2013-14 and will enable thousands more tenants to receive financial assistance.\r\nIt is not possible to predict the exact number of people this will help due to the different circumstances of each application and the demand led nature of DHPs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T17:11:16.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288427,"EventID":"S4W-17588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T17:11:17.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T12:48:22.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funds local authorities have set aside to top up discretionary housing payments and how many people this will help.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information is not held centrally. However, the £20 million allocated by the Scottish Government will enable local authorities to top up their discretionary housing payment budgets to the legal maximum permitted by the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T17:11:17.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288428,"EventID":"S4W-17590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T17:11:17.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T13:33:53.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17281 by Margaret Burgess on 27 September 2013, when it commissioned the study, who is carrying it out and when the findings will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"A scoping study of the food aid landscape in Scotland was commissioned by the Scottish Government in mid-August 2013.\r\nThe study is being conducted by the Institute for Housing, Urban and Real Estate Research Centre in the School of the Built Environment at Heriot-Watt University.\r\nPublication of the final report and research findings is expected sometime in November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T17:11:17.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288429,"EventID":"S4W-17591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T17:11:18.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T13:39:04.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is an independent review mechanism for the Scottish Welfare Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"Second tier reviews for the Scottish Welfare Fund are carried out by an impartial panel in each local authority. We have published details of the second tier review in our guidance. The guidance is available on our website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/welfarereform/scottishwelfarefund/scottishwelfarefuindguidance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T17:11:18.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288430,"EventID":"S4W-17592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T17:11:18.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T13:39:04.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the first and second review tiers are for applications to the Scottish Welfare Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17591 on 29 October 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T17:11:18.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288431,"EventID":"S4W-17593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T17:11:19.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T13:39:04.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has replicated the functions of the Social Security Commissioners.","AnswerText":"We have not replicated the functions of the Social Security Commissioners.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T17:11:19.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288432,"EventID":"S4W-17594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T17:11:19.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T13:39:04.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what average level of grant it anticipates for (a) community care and (b) crisis grants.","AnswerText":"We have not estimated the average award for Community Care Grants, or Crisis Grants. Informal monitoring information from local authorities shows that, for the period April to August inclusive, the average award for a Community Care Grant was £550 and the average award for a Crisis Grant was £57.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T17:11:19.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288433,"EventID":"S4W-17595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T17:11:20.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T13:39:04.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people will be eligible for the council tax benefit successor scheme in 2013-14 and how many it estimates will be eligible in 2014-15.","AnswerText":"The entitlement criteria for the council tax reduction (CTR) scheme replicate, as far as possible, entitlement to the previous council tax benefit and will depend upon the demography, the employment rate, levels of council tax, wage levels and hours worked. Currently the only available estimates of potential entitlement to CTR are the Department of Work and Pensions’ forecasts for Council Tax Benefit, available at:\r\nhttps://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/222849/ctb_country_statgroup_autumn12.xls, which indicate that 556,000 will be eligible in 2013-14 and 544,000 in 2014-15.\r\nHowever, the Scottish Government, with local authorities, have implemented monitoring arrangements for the new CTR scheme which will be used to inform future policy development and evaluation of the scheme, including forecasting caseload and expenditure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T17:11:20.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288434,"EventID":"S4W-17596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-01T17:11:20.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T13:39:04.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made with COSLA on the funding of the council tax benefit successor scheme for 2014-15. \r\n","AnswerText":"Our draft Budget includes a commitment to roll forward the Scottish Government’s contribution of £23 million in 2014-15 to continue to mitigate the estimated £40 million gap in funding from the UK Government for Council Tax Benefit successor arrangements. COSLA leaders agreed on 27 September 2013 that local government will again contribute £17 million. This joint commitment will enable us to maintain our support for the most vulnerable households in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-29T17:11:20.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288449,"EventID":"S4W-17608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T11:47:48.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T11:28:53.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide the names of its special advisers; what their responsibilities are; what their pay bands are for 2013-14; how many special advisers are in each pay band, and what the total salary cost of employing special advisers was in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are currently 13 special advisers. They are appointed in accordance with Part 1 of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 by the First Minister as a special adviser for the purpose of providing assistance to the Scottish Ministers.\r\nThe total costs of the special adviser team employed during financial year 2012-13 was £925,105, a real terms decrease of £60,653 from the uprated 12 month cost of the 2006-07 Special Adviser team which was £985,758.\r\nThe specific responsibilities of the special advisers are as follows:\r\nName\r\nRole\r\nAppointed\r\nGeoff Aberdein\r\nChief of Staff\r\nResponsible for the First Minister's strategic programme in Government\r\nFirst Minister’s senior intermediary with key internal and external stakeholders\r\nCoordination of the Special Adviser team \r\nPolicy support on Commonwealth Games and Sport portfolio\r\n\r\n26 May 2011\r\nStuart Nicolson\r\nHead of Communications \r\nSenior Political Spokesperson\r\n26 May 2011\r\nNoel Dolan\r\nSenior Special Adviser to the Deputy First Minister\r\nPolicy advice on Infrastructure and Investment portfolio\r\nPolicy advice on Welfare\r\n26 May 2011\r\nLiz Lloyd\r\nSenior Special Adviser for Finance (Policy and Communications)\r\nConstitution Communications\r\n30 January 2012\r\nCampbell Gunn\r\nSenior Special Adviser and Political Spokesperson\r\n8 July 2013\r\nAlexander Anderson\r\nSupport to the First Minister’s Private Office\r\nContributing to FM’s keynote speeches and new media\r\nPolicy advice for Culture and External Affairs\r\n8 October 2012\r\nMalcolm Fleming\r\nPolicy advice on Energy, Rural Affairs and the Environment portfolios\r\nPolicy advice on International Development portfolio\r\n25 July 2011\r\nJohn MacInnes\r\nLead on political research \r\nSupport for First Minister’s Questions \r\nSupport to the Communications Special Advisers\r\n3 June 2011\r\nEwan Crawford\r\nSenior Special Adviser supporting Ministers on Government Strategy and Constitutional issues\r\n13 February 2013\r\nColin McAllister\r\nHead of Policy\r\nSenior Adviser for Education and Lifelong Learning\r\n3 October 2012\r\nDavid Hutchison\r\nPolicy advice on the Health and Wellbeing portfolio\r\nAdviser for Broadcasting\r\nLead on FOI legislation\r\n8 June 2011\r\nJohn McFarlane\r\nPolicy advice on Justice portfolio\r\nPolicy advice on Parliamentary Business portfolio, including engaging with Parliamentary Liaison Officers\r\n26 May 2011\r\nDelancy Johansson\r\nCross portfolio special adviser reporting to Head of Policy\r\n8 October 2012\r\n\r\nThe current special adviser pay bands and ranges and the number of special advisers within each pay band are:\r\n\r\nPay Band\r\nCurrent Pay Range\r\nNumber of Special Advisers\r\n1\r\n£39,445 - £52,904\r\n7\r\n2\r\n£51,041 - £67,709\r\n3\r\n3\r\n£65,017 - £83,963\r\n3\r\n3 (premium)\r\n£83,549 - £100,942\r\n0\r\n4\r\n£86,965 - £104,462\r\n0\r\nTotal Costs include salary, ERNIC and employer pension contributions. Total costs figures have been converted into real terms (2012-13 prices) to adjust for inflation using HM Treasury deflators, published on 27th June 2013. These were the latest available deflators at the time of calculation; September 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T11:47:48.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288450,"EventID":"S4O-02472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:40:56.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T12:02:50.093","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason its planned investment in 2014-15 using the non-profit distributing model has decreased by £164 million since September 2012.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:40:56.967","MeetingDate":"2013-10-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288451,"EventID":"S4O-02473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:40:57.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T12:02:53.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how its small business bonus scheme has helped businesses in West Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:40:57.45","MeetingDate":"2013-10-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288452,"EventID":"S4O-02474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:40:57.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T09:23:55.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what programmes it has to reduce underemployment among black and ethnic minority people and support them into employment. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:40:57.683","MeetingDate":"2013-10-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288453,"EventID":"S4O-02476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:40:57.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T12:02:53.963","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many jobs will be directly created as a result of offshore wind farm developments.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:40:57.9","MeetingDate":"2013-10-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288454,"EventID":"S4O-02477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:40:58.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T10:11:08.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what economic opportunities will arise from the decommissioning of oil and gas installations.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:40:58.197","MeetingDate":"2013-10-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288455,"EventID":"S4O-02478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:40:58.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T11:10:43.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what economic measures the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth can introduce to help improve towns.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:40:58.417","MeetingDate":"2013-10-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288456,"EventID":"S4O-02479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:40:58.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T12:02:54.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Aberdeen City Council regarding economic development.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:40:58.667","MeetingDate":"2013-10-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288457,"EventID":"S4O-02480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:40:58.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T15:34:06.273","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it monitors the Business Gateway contract in Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:40:58.977","MeetingDate":"2013-10-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288458,"EventID":"S4O-02481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:40:59.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T11:00:13.927","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports Fife's economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:40:59.26","MeetingDate":"2013-10-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288459,"EventID":"S4O-02482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:40:59.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T10:10:25.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has with the UK Government regarding economic development programmes.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:40:59.587","MeetingDate":"2013-10-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288460,"EventID":"S4O-02483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:40:59.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T12:02:55.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met South Lanarkshire Council to discuss economic development.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:40:59.883","MeetingDate":"2013-10-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288461,"EventID":"S4O-02484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:41:00.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T12:02:56.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the findings of the second report of the Fiscal Commission Working Group.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:41:00.35","MeetingDate":"2013-10-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288462,"EventID":"S4O-02485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:41:01.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T12:02:56.63","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on progress on the proposed community empowerment and renewal bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:41:01.083","MeetingDate":"2013-10-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288463,"EventID":"S4O-02486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:41:01.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T12:02:56.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how its economic policy protects family budgets.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:41:01.35","MeetingDate":"2013-10-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288464,"EventID":"S4O-02487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:41:01.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T12:02:57.067","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what avenues of redress are available to residents and community councils involved in local authority planning disputes.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:41:01.567","MeetingDate":"2013-10-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288465,"EventID":"S4O-02488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:41:01.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T13:28:50.803","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for pensions in an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"We set out our plans in our paper Pensions in an Independent Scotland which was published on 23 September 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:41:01.91","MeetingDate":"2013-10-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288466,"EventID":"S4O-02489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:41:02.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T09:45:52.89","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the level of local government funding is per head of population for Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2013-14 Orkney Islands Council is in receipt of revenue funding amounting to £3,372 per head, Shetland Islands Council is receiving £,3906 per head and the Western Isles, £3,980 per head.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:41:02.19","MeetingDate":"2013-10-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288467,"EventID":"S4O-02490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:41:02.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T10:07:56.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will set out the 2014-15 funding allocation for local government.","AnswerText":"The provisional 2014-15 local government funding allocations were last published on 7 February and they will now be finalised and announced to Parliament in early December.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:41:02.503","MeetingDate":"2013-10-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288468,"EventID":"S4O-02491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:41:03.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T10:25:32.663","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it monitors companies in receipt of government grants to ensure that they do not use so-called zero-hours contracts.\r\n\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is responsible for a wide range of grants either directly or through our agencies and partners. My officials are currently looking at how these are monitored and will report back to me in due course. The Scottish Government does not directly use so called zero hour contracts, nor do our primary providers of temporary employees and last week we confirmed in our proposals for procurement reform that we are looking into how these contracts are used. Employment law is currently reserved to the UK Government. We await with interest the UK Government’s response to its forthcoming consultation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:41:03.253","MeetingDate":"2013-10-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288469,"EventID":"S4O-02492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:41:03.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T12:03:43.477","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many additional accident and emergency consultants and nurses have been recruited under the unscheduled care action plan.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:41:03.767","MeetingDate":"2013-10-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288470,"EventID":"S4O-02493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:41:03.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T17:02:23.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people in Fife have been affected by fuel poverty in the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:41:04","MeetingDate":"2013-10-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288471,"EventID":"S4O-02494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:41:04.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T11:27:28.727","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding has been provided to Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Housing Association to replace poor quality social housing with new-build social housing.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:41:04.297","MeetingDate":"2013-10-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288472,"EventID":"S4O-02495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:41:04.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T12:03:44.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what public consultation there will be on the proposed closure of Scottish Fire and Rescue Service control rooms.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:41:04.563","MeetingDate":"2013-10-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288473,"EventID":"S4O-02496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4965,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:41:04.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T12:03:44.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to encourage people to both buy locally and eat Scottish fish.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:41:04.89","MeetingDate":"2013-10-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288474,"EventID":"S4O-02497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:41:05.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T12:03:45.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service regarding the planned closure of control rooms across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:41:05.11","MeetingDate":"2013-10-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288475,"EventID":"S4O-02498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:41:05.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T12:03:45.303","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Aberdeen City Council regarding the timescale for improvements to the Haudagain roundabout.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:41:05.483","MeetingDate":"2013-10-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288476,"EventID":"S4O-02499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:41:05.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T12:03:45.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on promoting climate justice.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:41:05.827","MeetingDate":"2013-10-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288477,"EventID":"S4O-02500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:41:06.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T10:55:26.443","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with relevant agencies in Ayrshire about the hospitalisation of people under 18 as a consequence of underage drinking.\r\n","AnswerText":"The provision of prevention activity, recovery focussed treatment and support services is for each local area to consider, taking account of local needs, circumstances and resources. Responsibility is devolved to Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) to commission evidence-based, person-centred and recovery-focused prevention and treatment services to meet the needs of their resident populations which includes young people.\r\nThe Scottish Government has made a record investment of £236 million to tackle alcohol use since 2008, the bulk of our funding - £211 million has been via NHS health boards to ADPs for investment in local prevention, treatment and support services. We continue to work with ADPs through our planning and reporting guidance, which aims to support the embedding of outcomes based planning and reporting at local level.\r\nThe three ADPs within NHS Ayrshire and Arran are taking action on a number of fronts to protect children and young people from the harm caused by alcohol misuse. Any dialogue with relevant agencies would be undertaken by the local ADP.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:41:06.107","MeetingDate":"2013-10-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288478,"EventID":"S4O-02501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:41:06.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-09-30T12:03:46.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service regarding proposals to close the Fire Service College at Gullane.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has regular meetings with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). Decisions on the allocation of its resources, including training facilities, is a matter for the SFRS Board.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:41:06.48","MeetingDate":"2013-10-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288479,"EventID":"S4W-17603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:57:48.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T15:05:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to paragraph 3.3 of the Annual State of the NHSScotland Assets and Facilities Report for 2012, whether it will provide a breakdown by NHS board of the (a) £20 million spent on leasing cars and (b) £18 million spent on fuel.","AnswerText":"The following table provide a breakdown of the car leasing and fuel costs contained within paragraph 3.3 of the Annual State of the NHSScotland Assets and Facilities Report for 2012: \r\nHealth Board\r\nCar Leases\r\n£\r\nNHS Board\r\nFuel\r\n£\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n2,301,972\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n756,703\r\nBorders\r\n958,735\r\nBorders\r\n259,630\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n1,214,594\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n309,982\r\nEducation for Scotland\r\n-\r\nEducation for Scotland\r\n4,000\r\nFife\r\n708,649\r\nFife\r\n408,563\r\nForth Valley\r\n1,047,997\r\nForth Valley\r\n435,009\r\nGrampian\r\n2,091,405\r\nGrampian\r\n1,354,213\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n3,945,435\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n1,940,905\r\nHealth Improvement Scotland\r\n-\r\nHealth Improvement Scotland\r\n1,000\r\nHighland\r\n2,002,497\r\nHighland\r\n1,604,716\r\nLanarkshire\r\n3,170,723\r\nLanarkshire\r\n1,238,263\r\nLothian\r\n1,738,525\r\nLothian\r\n1,161,488\r\nNHS 24\r\n1,145,344\r\nNHS 24\r\n13,000\r\nNational Services Scotland\r\n-\r\nNational Services Scotland\r\n665,187\r\nNational Waiting Times Centre\r\n-\r\nNational Waiting Times Centre\r\n25,647\r\nOrkney\r\n4,796\r\nOrkney\r\n2,196\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n295,590\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n8,088,198\r\nShetland\r\n120,454\r\nShetland\r\n21,500\r\nTayside\r\n702,170\r\nTayside \r\n684,294\r\nThe State Hospital\r\n7,196\r\nThe State Hospital\r\n18,327\r\nWestern Isles\r\n5,812\r\nWestern Isles\r\n4,000\r\nTotal\r\n21,461,893\r\nTotal\r\n18,996,822\r\n\r\nFigures were based on best estimates at the time of publication. A detailed analysis was carried out post publication which showed that actual net Car Leasing costs were £13.2 million for 2012.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Car Lease costs are for Staff Car Lease Scheme vehicles and for all other Operational/Pool cars that are leased.\t\t\t\r\n2. The fuel costs include fuel for operational vehicles and claims that are made by staff for their Lease Cars.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:57:49.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288480,"EventID":"S4W-17605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:57:49.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T15:05:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made on the £948 million backlog expenditure requirement on the NHS estate identified in the Annual State of the NHSScotland Assets and Facilities Report for 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The 2013 Annual State of the NHSScotland Assets and Facilities Report is currently in preparation and will be published shortly. This will include an update on the backlog expenditure requirement identified in the 2012 report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:57:49.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288481,"EventID":"S4W-17607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:57:49.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T10:59:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it responds to the finding in the Scottish Health Survey that Scotland has more than 30,000 problem gamblers.","AnswerText":"Whilst problem gambling levels are relatively low at 0.7% of the population we recognise the serious impacts on those involved and their families.\r\nGambling is a reserved matter. The Scottish Government has corresponded with the UK Government regarding our concerns about the impact of the introduction of new technologies and the liberalisation of gambling laws upon problem gambling. We welcome steps that have now been taken to fully evaluate the impact of new gambling developments such as fixed odds betting terminals.\r\nThe Scottish Government would welcome further powers to alleviate the impact of problem gambling.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:57:49.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288482,"EventID":"S4W-17609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:57:50.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T11:39:35.07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many homes in rural areas not connected to mains gas or the electricity grid it expects to receive support from the Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"We do not hold information on the number of homes in rural areas expected to receive support from the Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland (HEEPS).\r\nThe method agreed with COSLA to distribute HEEPS funding for area-based schemes includes a needs-based element which takes into account levels of fuel poverty within councils. This ensures that funding is distributed across Scotland and that rural local authorities receive the funding required to tackle fuel poverty.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:57:50.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288483,"EventID":"S4W-17610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:57:50.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T11:39:35.07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria it requires local authorities to comply with to ensure that rural communities receive support from the Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Among other criteria, to access HEEPS funding local authority area-based schemes should:\r\nclearly target fuel poor areas beginning with those households in most need of assistance;\r\nbe designed to maximise carbon reductions; and\r\nsupport the local economy and use local installers as far as possible.\r\nFurther information on the criteria for accessing HEEPS funding is available on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/warmhomes/uhis/heepsguidance.\r\nAll 32 local authorities, including rural and island authorities, have received offers of grant funding for 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:57:50.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288484,"EventID":"S4W-17611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:57:50.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T11:39:35.07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that homes not connected to mains gas will receive funding to replace inefficient heating systems under stage 4 of the Energy Assistance Package.","AnswerText":"Customers of the Energy Assistance Scheme (which replaced stage 4 of the Energy Assistance Package in April 2013) requiring gas connections as part of the installation currently get any gas connection costing less than £2,022.25 for free (as this is funded by Scotland Gas Networks). For more expensive connections, the customer has to pay a contribution. Alternatively, customers may opt for an electric dry heating system for which no customer contribution is required, unless an electric load upgrade is needed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:57:50.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288485,"EventID":"S4W-17612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T13:57:50.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T11:50:54.987","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will instruct the NHS to amend all forms that include questions on ethnicity to include the term “showpeople\" next to the term \"Gypsy/Traveller\".\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans at this time to instruct NHS Scotland to include showpeople as a specific category in forms that include ethnicity questions. Harmonised ethnicity questions have been developed to promote consistency. A Scottish Government guidance note: asking questions on ethnic group, is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/resource/0039/00394314.pdf.\r\nThe number and description of the categories in the guidance aims to represent the vast majority of ethnic groups as far as that can be achieved given our diverse population. However, provision is made in the forms for people who do not feel that they are properly represented by the categories listed to enter a category that they believe best describes their particular ethnicity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T13:57:50.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288495,"EventID":"S4W-17597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T17:11:44.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T15:01:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what priority it gives to promoting and developing Scotland’s world heritage sites.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government fully endorses the global accolade that inscription on the World Heritage List represents and the international obligations that come with this, and actively supports and promotes Scotland’s five World Heritage Sites (WHSs). The Scottish Government’s Cultural Heritage Directorate sets strategic policy and acts as State Party for Scotland. Historic Scotland oversees the review and implementation of the Site Management Plans, is an active Partner in the delivery of each Site Plan, undertakes direct works on properties within the WHSs and actively promotes WHSs. To facilitate and improve this work, Historic Scotland has recently set up a dedicated World Heritage Team, overseen by a programme board of senior staff.\r\nAt an international level, Historic Scotland continues to promote its WHSs through the Scottish Ten initiative, an ambitious five year project using cutting edge technology to create exceptionally accurate digital models of Scotland’s five WHS and five international heritage sites. The Scottish Government’s commitment to the promotion and development of UNESCO World Heritage is further demonstrated by its strong desire to secure World Heritage status for the iconic Forth Bridge. The nomination dossier, currently in preparation, will be submitted to UNESCO, via the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, in January 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T17:11:44.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288496,"EventID":"S4W-17598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T17:11:44.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T15:01:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to promote Scotland’s world heritage sites in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland promotes individual World Heritage Sites in its marketing activities, and works with other agencies to market and promote the WHS more widely, including Visit Scotland, Scottish Canals and Scottish Natural Heritage.\r\nHS has recently produced a series of promotional materials specifically to raise awareness of Scotland’s five World Heritage Sites, in English and selected foreign languages. This information is detailed below for the period 2009-13.\r\nPromotional activities related to World Heritage Sites for the period 2009-13\r\n2008 \r\nPublication “Edge of Empire: The Antonine Wall – Rome’s Scottish Frontier”\r\nBreeze, DJ \r\nAntonine Wall Leaflet\r\nWebsite : www.antoninewall.org  \r\n2009-2013\r\nThe Orkney and Antonine Wall sites are promoted annually in the Historic Scotland (HS) Membership Handbook (65,000 copies printed), which goes to all members with the spring magazine.\r\nThe Orkney and Antonine Wall sites are included in the 78 “Sites Guide” – print 450,000 in 2013.\r\nThese sites are included in the Explorer Pass & Map leaflet  - print 210,000\r\nOrkney Islands leaflet – print 60,000\r\nLandmarkPress http://www.welcometoscotland.com/search?q=Antonine+Wall\r\nListings on Welcome to Scotland website which has up to 1.5 million unique users per year\r\nHistoric Scotland Website each site is listed at www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places\r\nWHSs marketed via HS social media channels.\r\nOrkney sites marketed via entries in What to See & Do Guides\r\nDevelopment of the Orkney Explorer Pass which includes entry to all HS sites.\r\nProduction of a specific Orkney rangers leaflet - reprint of 5000 in 2013.\r\nTrade marketing via inclusion in Scottish Heritage Pass and participation at Expo on the Scotland’s Heritage Aisle.   \r\nWorked closely with the cruise operators over the period to develop day visits to Orkney WHS in particular.  \r\nPartnership working across visitor attractions and businesses in Edinburgh Old Town via Castlehill Group and Edinburgh Capital Group.\r\nMembers of Orkney Tourism Group and Outdoor Orkney.\r\n2009 \r\nWinter 09 - news piece on 3D scanning of World Heritage sites\r\nPublication (in English and German) of Frontiers of the Roman Empire: The Antonine Wall by Breeze, DJ with Jilek,S & Thiel, A \r\nProduction of 1:25,000 Map of the Antonine Wall (HS, RCAHMS and Hunterian Museum)\r\n2010 \r\nSummer 10 - Antonine Wall included in the “three to view” piece\r\n2011\r\nYear of Scotland’s Islands promotion – inclusion of Orkney\r\nSpring 11 - news piece featured in HS Members’ magazine promoting World Heritage day\r\nAutumn 11 - news piece in HS Members’ magazine on scanning St Kilda\r\nWinter 11 - Orkney sites featured in HS Members’ magazine as part of island monuments blog piece\r\n2012\r\nRoyal Highland Show, Edinburgh – WHS leaflets provided on HS stand\r\nAntonine Wall and Generic WHS leaflets in German provided to Saalburg Roman Fort, Germany, for distribution to visitors\r\nOrkney – Dounby Show and County Show – WHS leaflets provided to WHS Rangers\r\nEnglish Heritage Festival of History – WHS leaflets provided\r\nSpring 12 - News piece in HS Members’ magazine on the Scottish Ten\r\nSummer 12 - Orkney included in a days out piece (full page) in HS Members’ magazine.\r\nWinter 12 - Maeshowe news piece in HS Members’ magazine. \r\nVisit Scotland’s Brave Movie Map\r\nDistributed across Scotland in Visitor Information Centres and accommodation providers, highlights the Antonine Wall as being a World Heritage Site and features listings for Croy Hill, Rough Castle and Bar Hill Fort.\r\nPart of the Ancient Scotland itinerary map which can be downloaded from:\r\nhttp://www.visitscotland.com/brave/itineraries/pdfs/ancient-scotland.pdf\r\nSeries of information postcards of all five Scottish World Heritage Sites, together with a generic one\r\n6ft pop up display stands for each WHS, together with a generic one\r\nSmall display counter with imagery of all 5 WHS’s \r\nGeneric WHS Leaflet in  English, French, Gaelic, German and the “Scottish 10” languages (Gujurati, Hindi, Japanese","AnswerDate":"2013-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T17:11:44.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288497,"EventID":"S4W-17599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T17:11:45.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T15:01:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what work has been done to promote the Antonine Wall as a place of interest.","AnswerText":"The Antonine Wall was inscribed in 2008 as part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site (FRE (AW)), along with Hadrian’s Wall and the German Limes. The initial five-year Management Plan (2008-2012) included various promotional objectives: some of these have been completed, while others will continue into the next plan period (2014-19), including signage strategies, the development of a new website and app, engagement with local tourism providers and the preparation of a five year tourism and destination marketing strategy.\r\nThe existing Management Plan, available at:\r\nhttp://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/antonine-wall-management-plan.pdf.\r\nwas developed and is delivered through a Partnership of five local authorities (East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire and Falkirk) and Historic Scotland.\r\nA new management plan for the period 2014-19 has been drafted in the same collaborative manner. The consultation version is available at:\r\nhttp://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/about/consultations/antonineconsultation.htm. The finalised plan is expected to be adopted by all Partners in December 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T17:11:45.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288498,"EventID":"S4W-17600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T17:11:45.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T15:01:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what promotional work Historic Scotland has undertaken concerning the Antonine Wall in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland promotes the Antonine Wall through its marketing activities and through the series of promotional materials produced specifically to raise awareness of Scotland’s five World Heritage Sites. This information is detailed in the answer to question S4W-17598 on 30 October 2013.\r\nIn addition specific promotional events to engage the public with the Antonine Wall involved contributions form Historic Scotland as summarised below.\r\n2009\r\nA partnership project to work with young people of secondary school age along the length of the Antonine Wall, in partnership with Glasgow City Council, Falkirk Council and the Hunterian Museum.\r\n2010\r\nOn World Heritage Day an Antonine Wall celebration at the Croy Miners’ Welfare community centre, arranged by a partnership of groups all represented on the Access Sub-Group for the Antonine Wall, and two ‘Roman’ costumed interpreters performed in front of 2000 visitors about the Antonine Wall.\r\nThe Historic Scotland Colossal Celebration of the Centuries at Fort George. Included a Roman element in which The Antonine Guard, a living history re-enactment group, informed large audiences about Roman history in Scotland. \r\nAs part of the Big Roman Week, run by the Friends of Kinneil House, a costumed interpreter performed at Bonnybridge Library and a guided walk of Rough Castle took place.\r\nTwo Historic Scotland Rangers were trained by staff from the Hunterian Museum to conduct guided tours along the Antonine Wall.\r\nLearning and Teaching Scotland’s “Scotland’s History” website was launched, including information from Historic Scotland and other partners to promote Roman history in Scotland.\r\n2011\r\nThe Antonine Wall Co-ordinator gave talks to the Hadrian’s Wall public Conference and Croy Historical Society on the development of projects on the Antonine Wall.\r\nHistoric Scotland engaged a consultant to lead on a World Heritage Day schools event in Falkirk, involving pupils from local schools.\r\n2012\r\nHistoric Scotland engaged a consultant to lead on a World Heritage Day community event across all five Scottish World Heritage Sites that culminated in an evening of presentations and displays at Croy Community Centre. \r\nThe Antonine Wall Co-ordinator gave talks to the Friends of Kinneil and Hadrian’s Wall public Conference.\r\nVisit Scotland’s Brave Movie Map was distributed across Scotland in Visitor Information Centres and accommodation providers, and included the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site (available from:\r\nhttp://www.visitscotland.com/brave/itineraries/pdfs/ancient-scotland.pdf).\r\n2013\r\nThe Antonine Wall Co-ordinator gave talks to the Falkirk Rotary Club and Hadrian’s Wall public Conference.\r\nHS staff led a walk to Croy Hill and Bar Hill forts as part of the North Lanarkshire Doors open Day Programme, and contributed to a talk on the Scottish Ten project as part of Big Roman Week.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T17:11:45.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288499,"EventID":"S4W-17601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T17:11:45.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T15:01:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what promotional material exists to encourage interest in the Antonine Wall.\r\n","AnswerText":"Promotional material has been developed by all the Partners to the Management Plan as set out below.\r\nHistoric Scotland\r\nAntonine Wall promotional materials have been developed as part of a suite of World Heritage Site (WHS) branded leaflets, postcards, pop up display boards, flags and fact sheets have been developed over the last few years, in English and foreign languages, as in the following table. Some formal publications have also been produced. Pages on the HS website in the WHS section allow downloads of information such as the fact sheets, while pages on the ‘visiting sites’ section provides background and access information. The Partnership website www.antoninewall.org provides lots of background information and some detail on visiting the Wall. Material on the Scottish Ten website and social media feeds highlights recent work on the Antonine Wall and promotes it for visitors. \r\nHS Material\r\nPrinted\r\nDigital Download\r\nDisplay Material\r\nLanguage\r\nYear\r\nAntonine Wall Leaflet\r\nYes (now superceded by new leaflet)\r\nYes (now superceded by new leaflet)\r\n\r\nEnglish\r\n2008\r\n“Edge of Empire: The Antonine Wall – Rome’s Scottish Frontier”\r\nBreeze, DJ\r\nYes\r\n\r\n\r\nEnglish\r\n2008\r\nWebsite : www.antoninewall.org  \r\n\r\nYes\r\n\r\nEnglish, some German\r\n2008\r\n“Frontiers of the Roman Empire: The Antonine Wall” Breeze, DJ with Jilek,S & Thiel, A.\r\nYes\r\n\r\n\r\nEnglish, German\r\n2009\r\n1:25,000 Map of the Antonine Wall produced in association with RCAHMS and the Hunterian Museum\r\nYes\r\n\r\n\r\nEnglish\r\n2009\r\nAntonine Wall postcard\r\nYes\r\n\r\n\r\nEnglish\r\n2012\r\n6ft pop up display stand\r\n\r\n\r\nYes\r\nEnglish\r\n2012\r\nSmall display counter with imagery of all 5 WHS’s, including Antonine Wall\r\n\r\n\r\nYes\r\nEnglish\r\n2012\r\nAntonine Wall Leaflet\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\n\r\nEnglish,\r\nGaelic, German\r\n2012\r\nExploring WHS’s Poster, including Antonine Wall\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\n\r\nEnglish\r\n2013\r\nAntonine Wall Fact Sheet\r\n\r\nYes\r\n\r\nEnglish\r\n2013\r\n\r\nNorth Lanark Council\r\nThe council has produced a walking guide/map to the new trail it has signposted across the local authority stretch of the Antonine Wall. It also has a page on its website dedicated to the Antonine Wall. It is in the process of developing orientation panels to be placed at five key locations around the Antonine Wall in North Lanarkshire.\r\nFalkirk Council\r\nThe council has produced both English and German versions of its walking guides to sections of the Antonine Wall across the local authority area. It has a page on the Council website dedicated to the Antonine Wall and funded the interpretation panels at Bo’ness about the Bridgeness Slab and wider Antonine Wall. It also has interpretation panels about the Wall at other locations around the local authority area such as Polmont Woods and Polmont ski slope.\r\nHadrian’s Wall Website \r\nHadrian’s Wall are one of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire partners and a page on this website is dedicated to promoting the Antonine Wall.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T17:11:45.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288500,"EventID":"S4W-17602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T17:11:46.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-01T15:01:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what organisation is responsible for protecting and promoting the Antonine Wall.","AnswerText":"UNESCO requires management plans to be produced for each WHS to bring together all responsible parties and ensure a coordinated approach to management of the site to preserve its outstanding universal value. Each WHS in Scotland is governed by a board of management plan partners which sets, implements and reviews agreed objectives for a five-year period. National policy and guidance additionally requires planning authorities to establish specific policies to assist in managing development within WHSs and within their wider setting.\r\nFor the Antonine Wall, the management plan partners (Historic Scotland and the five local authorities) all own and manage sections of the site. In implementing the management plan, all share responsibility for promotion and protection: through planning processes; through management of visitor attractions (both the site itself and the museums displaying the finds from the site); through direct ownership / guardianship; through individual and partnership websites; through delivering road and path signage; through collaboration on joint projects and investments; through educational and events work both joint and collaborative; and through the development of joint policy such as supplementary planning g uidance.\r\nAs part of a transnational Site, the Antonine Wall has an additional international management dimension. \r\nOrganisation responsible for protecting and promoting the Antonine Wall.\r\nAs a serial transnational World Heritage Site, the Frontiers of the Roman Empire (FRE) WHS presently includes Partners in Scotland, England and Germany. The number of international Partners could grow further in the future as other countries with sections of the second century Roman frontier submit nomination bids to UNESCO. Co-ordination and delivery of this complicated international management arrangement is undertaken at several levels within the Partnership, from strategic to operational.\r\nAt a strategic level, the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) meets annually and consists of delegations of the State Parties from the countries already inscribed. Delegations include at least one member of the administration in charge of the national section(s) of the FREWHS as well as at least one archaeological expert. The rules and function of the IGC are approved and accepted by all the participating State Parties in the FREWHS, and the IGC is responsible for the co-ordination of the joint international management of the FREWHS and for maintaining compliance with WHC obligations.  Delegations of State Parties caring for a section of the\r\nRoman frontier not yet inscribed are welcomed as observers, particularly if considering nomination or already on the tentative list.\r\nAt an academic level, a panel of international experts (the Bratislava Group) meets annually, and advises the FREWHS IGC on all cultural heritage management issues. This group forms a key link for passing on “lessons learned” from inscribed sections to those on the tentative list or considering nomination.\r\nAt an operational level, co-ordinators and Site managers (the Hexham Group) meet at least once a year, usually more often, to discuss monitoring issues and share best practice approaches to Site management and presentation.\r\nIn Scotland, the partners responsible for delivering the management plan for the Antonine Wall are East Dunbartonshire Council, Falkirk Council, Glasgow City Council, Historic Scotland, North Lanarkshire Council and West Dunbartonshire Council. Representatives from each of these organisations form a steering group which prioritises and guides implementation of the aims and objectives set out in the WHS management plan. Specific projects and activities are agreed and delivered through a suite of delivery groups: protection and planning; education; access and interpretation; and conservation and landscape. These delivery groups, as well as including representatives from appropriate services in the partner organisations, also include sta","AnswerDate":"2013-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T17:11:46.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288501,"EventID":"S4W-17613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T17:11:46.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T13:06:59.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether and, if so, how many prisoners from HMP Aberdeen and HMP Peterhead will be moved to other parts of the country before being moved to HMP Grampian; at what cost; to which prisons, and for how long.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nIn preparation for the opening of HMP Grampian on 3 March 2014 around 300 prisoners will be transferred to other establishments following the closure of HMP Peterhead in December 2013 and HMP Aberdeen in January 2014.\r\nAdult male remand prisoners will be located in HMP Perth and the majority of adult male convicted prisoners will be located in HMP Barlinnie. The small number of women located in HMP Aberdeen will be relocated to HMP and YOI Cornton Vale. Any male young offenders will be relocated to HMYOI Polmont although numbers are likely to be small: only 1 untried male young offender was held in HMP Aberdeen on Monday 21 October.\r\nThere are no additional costs for relocations such as these as they are within the general operating costs of SPS.\r\nThe transfer of prisoners from HMP Peterhead and HMP Aberdeen will commence in mid November with the majority being transferred during the period 6 to 10 January 2014. The transfer of the relocated prisoners who are from the HMP Grampian catchment area will commence on 3 March and will be concluded by the end of April 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T17:11:46.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288502,"EventID":"S4W-17617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T17:11:46.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T13:06:59.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to ensure that the public is consulted on the future of Aberdeen fire control room.","AnswerText":"The proposed closure of fire control rooms is a matter for the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS). SFRS is meeting with key stakeholders in areas which are affected by its strategic plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T17:11:46.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288503,"EventID":"S4W-17618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T17:11:47.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T13:06:59.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the possibility of no public consultation being held on the future of Aberdeen fire control room.","AnswerText":"The proposed closure of fire control rooms is a matter for the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS). SFRS is meeting with key stakeholders in areas which are affected by its strategic plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T17:11:47.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288504,"EventID":"S4W-17619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T17:11:47.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T13:06:59.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board on the future of Aberdeen fire control room.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has regular meetings with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). Decisions on the allocation of its resources including control rooms, is a matter for the SFRS board.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T17:11:47.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288505,"EventID":"S4W-17620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T17:11:47.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T13:06:59.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the future of Aberdeen fire control room.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the board of the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T17:11:47.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288506,"EventID":"S4W-17621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T17:11:48.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T13:06:59.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) discussions it has had with the Scottish Police Authority and (b) its position is on the removal of public counter services at police stations in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials meet the Scottish Police Authority on a regular basis to discuss a range of matters. The police in Scotland operate independently of Ministers and public counter services is an operational matter for the Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T17:11:48.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288507,"EventID":"S4W-17623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T17:11:48.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T13:06:59.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to ensure that there is public consultation on the removal of public counter services at police stations in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.","AnswerText":"The police in Scotland operate independently of Ministers and the provision of public counters is an operational matter for Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority. However, I am aware that Police Scotland commenced a four-week public consultation on public counter provision on 1 October.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T17:11:48.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288508,"EventID":"S4W-17626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-02T17:11:48.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-02T14:33:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17247 by Keith Brown on 1 October 2013, which rail services use the Winchburgh tunnel; what the diversionary routes will be for each service, and whether the franchise holder will receive compensation for extended journey times.","AnswerText":"The following rail services currently use the Winchburgh tunnel:\r\nEdinburgh to Glasgow via Falkirk High\r\nDunblane to Edinburgh\r\nAlloa to Edinburgh\r\nEast Coast\r\nArriva cross country \r\nScotRail West Highland Sleeper\r\n\r\nThe diversionary route for these services will be via Dalmeny. Compensation will be paid to the franchise holder for the disruption caused by the Winchburgh tunnel closure. The closure is currently estimated to last 44 days with a current estimate for compensation of £10 million. Ongoing work continues to be undertaken by the relevant parties to reduce these figures further.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-30T17:11:48.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288521,"EventID":"S4W-17627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-03T13:59:49.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T09:57:54.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has ensured that the new live attenuated influenza vaccine is evaluated.","AnswerText":"At the end of the current flu season, the childhood flu vaccination pilots will be evaluated by the Scottish Government, Health Protection Scotland and NHS health boards representatives involved in the pilots. This will include an evaluation of the vaccine.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-31T13:59:50.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288522,"EventID":"S4W-17628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-03T13:59:51.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T10:07:37.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last reviewed the (a) financial and (b) pricing plans for Business Stream.","AnswerText":"Business Stream's delivery plan is agreed annually with ministers. The plan for 2013 was agreed on 16 April 2013.\r\nThe wholesale charges payable by licensed providers and maximum default charges payable by customers for the period were set by the Water Industry Commission for Scotland in November 2009. These set the bandwidth within which pricing structures will lie. Business Stream's pricing structure was set in the context of its delivery plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-31T13:59:51.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288523,"EventID":"S4W-17629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-03T13:59:51.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T11:11:42.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with NHS boards regarding the 2013-14 winter flu vaccination programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has regular discussions with Scottish NHS boards in relation to the winter flu vaccination programme. These discussions began very early in the year to ensure that sufficient planning for the programme has been undertaken, and continue throughout the year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-31T13:59:51.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288524,"EventID":"S4W-17630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-03T13:59:52.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T11:13:58.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on the 2013-14 winter flu vaccination programme campaign.","AnswerText":"Although full costs will not be confirmed until the end of the flu season, the overall annual cost of the seasonal flu vaccination programme is estimated to be approximately £17 million.\r\nThis figure includes costs in relation to the purchase of vaccines, payments to general practice, seasonal influenza surveillance activity and programme management and the communications and marketing campaign.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-31T13:59:52.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288532,"EventID":"S4W-17662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-03T15:34:34.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T15:19:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the final cost was of its appeal to the Court of Session regarding the Freedom of Information Commissioner’s decision on releasing information on the legal advice that it received with regard to an independent Scotland's EU membership.\r\n","AnswerText":"The total cost incurred by the Scottish Government was £19,452.92. This breaks down as:\r\nScottish Government’s legal costs for Counsel: £3,960 inc VAT\r\nLaw accountant fees: £1,680\r\nInformation Commissioner’s fees: £13,812.92\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-31T15:34:35.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288536,"EventID":"S4W-17631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-03T16:44:47.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T12:39:44.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the eligibility criteria are for travellers to use the national concessionary travel scheme.","AnswerText":"The Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel for Older and Disabled People scheme is available to anyone who is a resident of Scotland and is aged 60 or over and/or meets the eligibility criteria as follows:\r\n\r\nThey receive Disability Living Allowance under the higher rate of mobility or higher/middle rate of care. \r\nThey receive a Personal Independence Payment.\r\nThey receive Attendance Allowance. \r\nThey live in a care/residential home or hospital and are eligible for the higher or middle rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance, or a Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance. \r\nThey are a Blue Badge holder. \r\nThey are profoundly or severely deaf (bilateral hearing loss greater than or equal to 70dBHLs averaged over 1, 2 and 4KHz). \r\nThey are registered blind or partially sighted.\r\nThey are not able to drive because they have been refused a driving licence on medical grounds or have surrendered their licence or had it cancelled due to medical grounds.\r\nThey have a mental illness, learning difficulty or personality disorder that is recognised under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and need to travel to keep appointments which are part of their treatment, care or rehabilitation. \r\nThey have a terminal illness. \r\nThey have a progressive degenerative condition that severely impedes their mobility and effects their day to day activities\r\nThey have lost one or both legs, both arms or an arm and a leg.\r\nThey are an injured HM Forces veteran with mobility problems. They will qualify if they have received a lump sum benefit under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) within tariff levels 1 - 8 (inclusive) and the Secretary of State certifies that they have a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking. Or, if their injuries do not hinder their mobility but the injury can be cross referenced to the descriptors within the AFCS Injuries Table as supplied by the AFCS. If they receive a War Pensioner Mobility Supplement they are also eligible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-31T16:44:47.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288537,"EventID":"S4W-17632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-03T16:44:47.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T12:39:44.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what grounds travellers can be excluded from using the national concessionary travel scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland acting on behalf of the Scottish Ministers have the authority to withdraw or suspend a cardholder’s access to the Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel for Older and Disabled People scheme when:\r\n(a) It is identified that the cardholder has knowingly allowed their travel card to be used by another person.\r\n(b) In such other circumstances as the Scottish Ministers may determine.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-31T16:44:47.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288538,"EventID":"S4W-17633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-03T16:44:47.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T12:39:44.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what types of transport are (a) eligible for and (b) exempt from inclusion in the national concessionary travel scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) The Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel for Older and Disabled People scheme allows for free bus travel on all local registered and long-distance bus services.\r\n(b) No other forms of transport are eligible to access the Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel for Older and Disabled People scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-31T16:44:47.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288539,"EventID":"S4W-17635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-03T16:44:48.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T12:39:44.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what routes are (a) eligible for and (b) exempt from inclusion in the national concessionary travel scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) The Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel for Older and Disabled People scheme allows for travel across Scotland as well as cross border travel to and from Berwick-upon-Tweed or Carlisle. \r\n(b) Any other cross border services or services not operated within Scotland are exempt from the scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-31T16:44:48.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288540,"EventID":"S4W-17637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-03T16:44:48.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T12:39:44.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what transport companies run services on routes that are (a) eligible for and (b) exempt from inclusion in the national concessionary travel scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) A list of the 258 bus operators who operate services within the Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel for Older and Disabled People scheme is provided in the following table.\r\n(b) The Scottish Government do not hold information on those operators that are not eligible to access the Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel for Older and Disabled People scheme. \r\n24/7 Cars\r\nA & C Coaches Ltd\r\nA & F Irvine & Sons\r\nA & J Ballantyne\r\nA Trip In Time\r\nA1 Minibus and Coach Services\r\nABC Travel\r\nAberdeenshire CB\r\nAirbles Bus & Coach Services Ltd\r\nAitken Island Travel\r\nAlasdair MacDonald\r\nAlexander Wait & Son\r\nAllan & Black Coaches\r\nAllan's Group\r\nAnderson's of Langholm\r\nAndrew's\r\nArthur Coaches\r\nAvondale Coaches Ltd\r\nAwe Service Station\r\nBab's DAB\r\nBains Coaches\r\nBARC Coach Hire\r\nBay Travel\r\nBen Mundell Ltd\r\nBilly Davies Coaches\r\nBlue Bus Ltd\r\nBremner's of Aviemore\r\nBroons Buses & Taxis\r\nBryan's Coaches Ltd\r\nBuchanan Bros\r\nBuchanan Cabs Ltd\r\nBurnbrae Garage\r\nBuskers Ltd\r\nC & R Coaches Limited\r\nCaber Coaches\r\nCentral Taxis (Aberdeen)\r\nClan Travel\r\nClassy Taxis Ltd\r\nCoakley Bus Company\r\nColchri Ltd\r\nCrescent Cabs\r\nCumberland Motor Services Ltd\r\nCumbrae Coaches\r\nD & E Coaches Ltd\r\nDA Coaches Ltd\r\nDeveron Coaches Ltd\r\nDMK Motors\r\nDonald J MacKay\r\nDouglas L Jack\r\nDumfries and Galloway Council Buses\r\nDunns Coaches (C+M Coaches)\r\nDunn's Coaches Ltd\r\nEarnside Coaches\r\nEaster Ross Coach Co\r\nEdinburgh City Private Hire\r\nEdinburgh Coach Lines\r\nElizabeth Yule\r\nEve Car and Coaches\r\nFerguson's Mini Bus Hire\r\nFirst Aberdeen\r\nFirst Glasgow\r\nFirst Scotland East\r\nFirst Scotland East Ltd\r\nFisher Tours\r\nFreddies Taxis\r\nGalson Motors Ltd\r\nGarelochhead Minibuses & Coaches Ltd\r\nGibson Direct Ltd\r\nGlen Valley Tours Limited\r\nGlenedin Coaches\r\nGlenesk Travel Company Ltd\r\nGlenn's Private Hire\r\nGrenitote Travel Ltd\r\nHamilton Coaches\r\nHarry-O-Transport\r\nHebridean Coaches\r\nHebridean Transport\r\nHector MacNeil\r\nHenderson Travel\r\nHighland Glen Travel\r\nHouston's Mini Coaches\r\nHugh Sinclair & Co\r\nHunter's Executive Coaches\r\nHunter's Executive Coaches Limited\r\nI P MacKay\r\nIsland of Hoy Development Trust\r\nJ & D S Halcrow\r\nJ D Coaches\r\nJ McCulloch & Son\r\nJ Morgan Taxis\r\nJA & GD Nicolson\r\nJames Accessible Solution\r\nJames Robertson\r\nJamies Transport Services\r\nJJ Travel Ltd\r\nJMB Travel Ltd\r\nJohn Kennedy\r\nJohn Leask & Son\r\nJohn O'Groats - The Orkney Bus\r\nJohnson Transport\r\nJura Bus Service (Charles Maclean)\r\nKenneth MacLennan\r\nKey Coaches\r\nKineil Coaches Ltd\r\nLiddell's Coaches\r\nLindsay Coaches\r\nLoch Lomond Bus Service Ltd\r\nLochaber Action on Disability\r\nLochryan Commercials\r\nLochs Motor Transport Ltd\r\nLothian Buses plc\r\nM & J Harcus\r\nMacEwan's Coach Services\r\nMacKenzies Bus & Coach Services Ltd\r\nMackie's Coaches of Alloa.\r\nMacLean Coaches Limited\r\nMacleod's Coaches\r\nMacrae Kintail\r\nMargaret S Morrison\r\nMaynes Coaches\r\nMcCreadie Coaches\r\nMcGills Bus Service Ltd\r\nMcLeans Taxis & Coach Hire\r\nMcNairns Coaches\r\nMiller's Coaches Scotland Ltd\r\nMillport Motors Ltd\r\nMitchell's Coaches\r\nM-Line International Coaches\r\nMoray Council Community Bus\r\nMuirs Coaches Ltd.\r\nMundole Taxis\r\nMunro's of Jedburgh Limited\r\nNairn Community Transport\r\nNational Express\r\nNational Express Dundee\r\nNicholas Hird\r\nOban & District Buses Ltd\r\nOban Minibus Services\r\nOor Coaches\r\nOrkney Coaches Ltd.\r\nP & T Coaches\r\nP Canavan & Co\r\nParks of Hamilton (Coach Hirers) Ltd.\r\nPerryman's Buses Ltd\r\nPeter MacLennan\r\nPhilips Coaches (Alford) Ltd\r\nPost Bus\r\nPrentice Coaches Ltd\r\nQuarrybank Garage\r\nR B Coaches Ltd.\r\nR G Jamieson & Sons\r\nR MacMillan Motors\r\nRaft Services\r\nRennies of Dunfermline Ltd\r\nRiverside Transport\r\nRobert Stables\r\nRoss's Minibuses\r\nRowan Travel\r\nSanday Dial-a-Ride\r\nSanday Enterprises CIC\r\nScotbus Ltd\r\nScottish Borders Council\r\nScottish Citylink Coaches Ltd\r\nShetland Islands Council\r\nShuttle Buses Ltd\r\nSilverdale Coaches\r\nSkyeways\r\nSkyline Coaches Ltd\r\nSmith & Sons Coaches\r\nSmiths Coaches\r\nSPA Coaches\r\nStagecoach (Scotland) Ltd\r\nStagecoach Fife\r\nStagecoach Glasgow\r\nStagecoach in the Highlands\r\nStagecoach Strathtay\r\nStara","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-31T16:44:48.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288541,"EventID":"S4W-17639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-03T16:44:48.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T13:17:22.273","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08998 by Keith Brown on 21 August 2012 and in light of the incident on the A83 at the Rest and be Thankful on 3 October 2013, what action it is taking to prevent landslips at vulnerable areas, and what specific contingencies it will introduce at the A83 to prevent future closures of the road.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government fully appreciates the effect of landslips on the A83 to the communities of Argyll. However, landslips are a natural result of the topography and climate of Scotland and cannot be prevented. We can reduce the effects of landslips on the road network and significant investment has been made in the last few years.\r\nOn the A83, we have concentrated our efforts on the area of the road around the Rest and be Thankful, which has suffered most from landslips in the last few years. The section of the road between the Rest and be Thankful and Loch Fyne, on which there was a landslip on 3 October, has been identified as an area that may require further remedial work. As noted at the last A83 Taskforce meeting, studies are underway on the section of the A83 through Glen Kinglas to Cairndow. If these identify additional locations for debris netting or drainage work, these will be prioritised subject to the availability of funding. In the meantime, measures are being taken to ensure that any clear up can be as fast as possible and to ensure communications are strengthened further.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-31T16:44:48.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288542,"EventID":"S4W-17641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-03T16:44:48.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T13:39:32.947","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on fuel poverty in the Glasgow (a) parliamentary region and (b) Shettleston constituency.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold information on the number of households in fuel poverty for individual parliamentary constituencies.\r\nInformation is available at local authority level from the Scottish House Conditions Survey. The most recent available figures show that there were on average 62,000 households in fuel poverty in Glasgow City between 2009 and 2011, representing 22% of households.\r\nFigures for the 2010 to 2012 period will be published in December 2013.\r\nFuel poverty estimates for local authorities are only available for three year aggregated periods, as the sample sizes in the Scottish House Conditions Survey are too small to produce reliable annual estimates.\r\nGlasgow City Council has received an offer of grant under the Scottish Government HEEPS: Area-Based Schemes funding programme. The council has indicated it will use the funding to assist delivery of energy efficiency measures to 6,220 homes in the Glasgow City Council area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-31T16:44:49.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288543,"EventID":"S4W-17646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-03T16:44:49.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T14:32:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to control the spread of the plant, ranunculus, in rivers with freshwater pearl mussel beds.\r\n","AnswerText":"Research has shown that the presence of ranunculus may be detrimental to freshwater pearl mussels, particularly where the roots of the plant lead to a build-up of sediment which can smother the mussel beds. However, this is not well understood and other factors may be involved. A working group, involving the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Natural Heritage and representatives from the Dee, Don and Spey District Salmon Fishery Boards, are in the process of commissioning a good practice guide for river managers. In addition to this, the Spey Fishery Board has commissioned a review of the literature on the use of herbicides for the control of ranunculus.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-31T16:44:49.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288544,"EventID":"S4W-17647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-03T16:44:49.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T15:14:57.207","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to produce further copies of its May 2010 booklet, Decisions about cardiopulmonary resuscitation – Information for patients, relatives and carers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Decisions about Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation - Information for patients, relatives and carers fact sheet is available for download on the Scottish Government website at the address below. It is available in this format to allow stocks to be printed locally as required.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/Quality-Improvement-Performance/Living-Dying-Well/DNACPR/decisionsCPR \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-31T16:44:49.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288545,"EventID":"S4W-17648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-03T16:44:50.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T15:13:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to support British Sign Language (BSL) in schools.","AnswerText":"The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, as amended, places a duty on education authorities to identify, meet and keep under review the additional support needs of all pupils for whom they are responsible and to tailor provision according to their individual needs.\r\nThe new model for language learning and teaching in Scottish schools – 1+2 model - has flexibility to enable local authorities and schools to agree the nature and content of language provision for the children and young people in their area. This could include, where considered appropriate, the learning of British Sign Language.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-31T16:44:50.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288546,"EventID":"S4W-17649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-03T16:44:50.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T15:13:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to train schoolteachers in British Sign Language (BSL).","AnswerText":"The Requirements for Teachers (Scotland) Regulations 2005 state that where an education authority employs a teacher wholly or mainly to teach pupils who are hearing impaired, visually impaired or both hearing and visually impaired, then that teacher must possess an appropriate qualification to teach such pupils or be in the process of obtaining such a qualification.\r\nIn addition, the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, as amended in 2009, places a duty on education authorities to identify, meet and keep under review the additional support needs of all pupils for whom they are responsible and to tailor provision according to their individual needs.\r\nIt is, therefore, a matter for local authorities to ensure that the teachers they employ to teach visually and/or hearing impaired pupils have, or acquire through continuing professional development (CPD), the appropriate professional skills and knowledge to undertake the teaching duties allocated to them, including an appropriate level of proficiency in British Sign Language.\r\nFor its part, the Scottish Government has provided £150,000 in 2013-14 to enable the Scottish Sensory Centre to support teachers of pupils who are hearing impaired, visually impaired or both hearing and vision impaired by producing high quality CPD.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-31T16:44:50.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288547,"EventID":"S4W-17652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-03T16:44:50.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T15:13:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many British Sign Language (BSL) teachers are employed in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-31T16:44:50.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288548,"EventID":"S4W-17653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-03T16:44:50.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T15:13:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it has provided in each year since 1999 to support British Sign Language (BSL).","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government via the equality unit have allocated £1,474,000 for the period 2012-15 directly to deaf organisations and a BSL Consortium. This money was provided via the equality fund, which focused on:\r\nHate crime\r\nEarly intervention and prevention\r\nMeeting the Equality Duty\r\nEmployment and transitions.\r\nThese activities will all involve an element of BSL use.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-31T16:44:50.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288549,"EventID":"S4W-17654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-03T16:44:51.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T15:13:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it will provide to increase the number of British Sign Language (BSL) teachers in schools.","AnswerText":"The Requirements for Teachers (Scotland) Regulations 2005 state that where an education authority employs a teacher wholly or mainly to teach pupils who are hearing impaired, vision impaired or both hearing and vision impaired, then that teacher must possess an appropriate qualification to teach such pupils or be in the process of obtaining such a qualification.\r\nIn addition, the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, as amended in 2009, places a duty on education authorities to identify, meet and keep under review the additional support needs of all pupils for whom they are responsible and to tailor provision according to their individual needs.\r\nTeachers in Scotland are required to undertake 35 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) each year and local authorities are responsible for ensuring that appropriate development opportunities are made available to teachers to meet personal, school, authority and national priorities.\r\nThe Scottish Government has provided £150,000 in 2013-14 to enable the Scottish Sensory Centre to support teachers of pupils who are hearing impaired, visually impaired or both hearing and vision impaired by producing high quality CPD.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-10-31T16:44:51.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288556,"EventID":"S4W-17642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:01.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T14:01:48.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with drinks companies regarding the potential for a wider deposit return scheme to encourage recycling of drink containers.","AnswerText":"I recently met with AG Barr to discuss the potential for a deposit return scheme in Scotland, and plan to meet with other companies shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:02.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288557,"EventID":"S4W-17643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:02.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T14:01:48.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will consider the feasibility of a wider deposit return scheme to encourage recycling of drink containers and whether it plans to make a statement to the Parliament on the matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Zero Waste Scotland to examine the feasibility of a Scotland wide approach to deposit-return, building on the current recycle and reward pilots, and engaging with key business and local authority stakeholders. I will be meeting with business and other stakeholders during this process. In looking at options for such a scheme, the study will include consideration of the products to be in scope and the level of reclaimable deposit to be paid at the point of sale. The study will examine these effects as well as the overall economic impacts; implications for manufacturers, retailers and consumers; and the interaction with local authority recycling services. As I discussed with delegates at the Scottish Resources Conference on 2 October, I am open to considering alternative approaches to achieve the same benefits for litter, recycling, and Scotland’s reprocessing sector.\r\nI will take a view on how best to engage Parliament once the findings of the study emerge.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:02.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288558,"EventID":"S4W-17644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:03.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T14:01:48.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it considers a consumer would receive under a wider deposit return scheme to encourage recycling of drink containers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17643 on 1 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:03.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288559,"EventID":"S4W-17645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:03.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T14:01:48.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that a wider deposit return scheme to encourage recycling of drink containers would lead to an increase in the retail price of the product.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17643 on 1 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:03.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288560,"EventID":"S4W-17655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:03.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T15:16:40.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of the population was of working age in each local authority area in the last year for which information is available, and what the projected figures are for 2033.\r\n","AnswerText":"The estimated number and percentage of working age population in each local authority for 2012 and the latest available projected figures for 2033 are shown in the following table.\r\nNumber and percentage of working age population for 2012 and 2033 \r\nLocal Authority\r\n2012 estimates\r\n2033 projections1\r\nAll ages\r\nWorking age2\r\nPercentage\r\nAll ages\r\nWorking age3\r\nPercentage\r\n\r\nAberdeen City\r\n224,970\r\n154,363\r\n69\r\n268,012\r\n177,493\r\n66\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n255,540\r\n158,482\r\n62\r\n295,965\r\n170,956\r\n58\r\nAngus\r\n116,210\r\n68,746\r\n59\r\n115,302\r\n62,265\r\n54\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n86,900\r\n49,955\r\n57\r\n83,613\r\n44,631\r\n53\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n51,280\r\n31,997\r\n62\r\n57,257\r\n33,374\r\n58\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n150,830\r\n87,562\r\n58\r\n142,694\r\n73,908\r\n52\r\nDundee City\r\n147,800\r\n95,674\r\n65\r\n153,247\r\n95,838\r\n63\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n122,720\r\n75,788\r\n62\r\n121,467\r\n69,904\r\n58\r\nEast Dunbartonshire \r\n105,880\r\n63,116\r\n60\r\n95,661\r\n51,735\r\n54\r\nEast Lothian\r\n100,850\r\n60,985\r\n60\r\n127,056\r\n72,866\r\n57\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n91,030\r\n54,013\r\n59\r\n89,530\r\n49,093\r\n55\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n482,640\r\n328,739\r\n68\r\n603,145\r\n414,939\r\n69\r\nEilean Siar\r\n27,560\r\n16,025\r\n58\r\n23,623\r\n12,420\r\n53\r\nFalkirk\r\n156,800\r\n98,037\r\n63\r\n167,849\r\n100,088\r\n60\r\nFife\r\n366,220\r\n225,168\r\n61\r\n398,363\r\n232,176\r\n58\r\nGlasgow City\r\n595,080\r\n405,113\r\n68\r\n656,095\r\n447,958\r\n68\r\nHighland\r\n232,910\r\n140,557\r\n60\r\n253,382\r\n142,446\r\n56\r\nInverclyde\r\n80,680\r\n49,976\r\n62\r\n67,895\r\n38,000\r\n56\r\nMidlothian\r\n84,240\r\n51,389\r\n61\r\n90,449\r\n52,319\r\n58\r\nMoray\r\n92,910\r\n55,850\r\n60\r\n95,942\r\n53,931\r\n56\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n137,560\r\n82,514\r\n60\r\n129,762\r\n71,753\r\n55\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n337,870\r\n213,339\r\n63\r\n332,449\r\n199,074\r\n60\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n21,530\r\n12,912\r\n60\r\n21,500\r\n11,811\r\n55\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n147,740\r\n87,811\r\n59\r\n191,622\r\n114,351\r\n60\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n174,310\r\n109,087\r\n63\r\n169,437\r\n100,537\r\n59\r\nScottish Borders\r\n113,710\r\n66,302\r\n58\r\n124,306\r\n66,851\r\n54\r\nShetland Islands\r\n23,210\r\n14,268\r\n61\r\n22,687\r\n12,485\r\n55\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n112,910\r\n66,189\r\n59\r\n108,793\r\n59,694\r\n55\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n314,360\r\n196,215\r\n62\r\n330,638\r\n193,799\r\n59\r\nStirling\r\n91,020\r\n56,683\r\n62\r\n103,410\r\n61,895\r\n60\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n90,340\r\n56,898\r\n63\r\n85,207\r\n49,940\r\n59\r\nWest Lothian\r\n175,990\r\n111,593\r\n63\r\n203,107\r\n121,019\r\n60\r\nScotland\r\n5,313,600\r\n3,345,346\r\n63\r\n5,729,465\r\n3,459,549\r\n60\r\nNotes:\r\n1. 2010-based projections published in 2011, based on the 2001 Census and do not take account of the 2011 Census results.\r\n2. Working age at 30 June 2012 is defined as men aged 16 to 64 and women aged 16 to approximately 60 years and 240 days as per the 2011 Pensions Act.\r\n3. Includes the change in women’s state pension age from 60 to 65 between 2010 and 2018 and the subsequent changes of both male and female state pension age to 66 by 2033.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:03.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288561,"EventID":"S4W-17657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:04.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T15:16:40.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of the population was of pensionable age in each local authority area in the last year for which figures are available, and what the projected figures are for 2033.\r\n","AnswerText":"The estimated number and percentage of pensionable age population in each local authority for 2012 and the latest available projected figures for 2033 are shown in the following table.\r\nNumber and percentage of pensionable age population for 2012 and 2033 \r\nLocal Authority Area\r\n2012 estimates\r\n2033 projections1\r\nAll ages\r\nPensionable age2\r\nPercentage\r\nAll ages\r\nPensionable age3\r\nPercentage\r\n\r\nAberdeen City\r\n224,970\r\n37,704\r\n17\r\n268,012\r\n47,807\r\n18\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n255,540\r\n49,302\r\n19\r\n295,965\r\n71,922\r\n24\r\nAngus\r\n116,210\r\n27,486\r\n24\r\n115,302\r\n33,492\r\n29\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n86,900\r\n22,876\r\n26\r\n83,613\r\n25,671\r\n31\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n51,280\r\n10,117\r\n20\r\n57,257\r\n13,693\r\n24\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n150,830\r\n38,652\r\n26\r\n142,694\r\n45,308\r\n32\r\nDundee City\r\n147,800\r\n28,400\r\n19\r\n153,247\r\n31,586\r\n21\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n122,720\r\n25,370\r\n21\r\n121,467\r\n31,012\r\n26\r\nEast Dunbartonshire \r\n105,880\r\n24,278\r\n23\r\n95,661\r\n29,091\r\n30\r\nEast Lothian\r\n100,850\r\n21,095\r\n21\r\n127,056\r\n28,380\r\n22\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n91,030\r\n19,160\r\n21\r\n89,530\r\n24,041\r\n27\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n482,640\r\n80,480\r\n17\r\n603,145\r\n107,495\r\n18\r\nEilean Siar\r\n27,560\r\n6,961\r\n25\r\n23,623\r\n8,092\r\n34\r\nFalkirk\r\n156,800\r\n30,340\r\n19\r\n167,849\r\n39,006\r\n23\r\nFife\r\n366,220\r\n76,678\r\n21\r\n398,363\r\n97,989\r\n25\r\nGlasgow City\r\n595,080\r\n93,704\r\n16\r\n656,095\r\n107,574\r\n16\r\nHighland\r\n232,910\r\n51,472\r\n22\r\n253,382\r\n68,148\r\n27\r\nInverclyde\r\n80,680\r\n17,301\r\n21\r\n67,895\r\n19,314\r\n28\r\nMidlothian\r\n84,240\r\n16,916\r\n20\r\n90,449\r\n21,557\r\n24\r\nMoray\r\n92,910\r\n20,396\r\n22\r\n95,942\r\n25,007\r\n26\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n137,560\r\n30,876\r\n22\r\n129,762\r\n36,007\r\n28\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n337,870\r\n60,090\r\n18\r\n332,449\r\n74,274\r\n22\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n21,530\r\n5,046\r\n23\r\n21,500\r\n6,314\r\n29\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n147,740\r\n34,957\r\n24\r\n191,622\r\n44,842\r\n23\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n174,310\r\n34,823\r\n20\r\n169,437\r\n40,400\r\n24\r\nScottish Borders\r\n113,710\r\n28,276\r\n25\r\n124,306\r\n36,027\r\n29\r\nShetland Islands\r\n23,210\r\n4,538\r\n20\r\n22,687\r\n6,594\r\n29\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n112,910\r\n28,466\r\n25\r\n108,793\r\n32,211\r\n30\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n314,360\r\n62,713\r\n20\r\n330,638\r\n80,565\r\n24\r\nStirling\r\n91,020\r\n18,414\r\n20\r\n103,410\r\n23,717\r\n23\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n90,340\r\n17,529\r\n19\r\n85,207\r\n21,023\r\n25\r\nWest Lothian\r\n175,990\r\n29,167\r\n17\r\n203,107\r\n42,976\r\n21\r\nScotland\r\n5,313,600\r\n1,053,583\r\n20 \r\n5,729,465\r\n1,321,135\r\n23\r\nNotes:\r\n1. 2010-based projections published in 2011, based on the 2001 Census and do not take account of the 2011 Census results.\r\n2. Pensionable age at 30 June 2012 is defined as men aged 65 and women aged approximately 61 years and 57 days as per the 2011 Pensions Act.\r\n3. Includes the change in women’s state pension age from 60 to 65 between 2010 and 2018 and the subsequent changes of both male and female state pension age to 66 by 2033.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:04.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288562,"EventID":"S4W-17660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:04.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T15:19:28.54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it will issue to local authority planning departments dealing with wind turbine applications from developers without an OFGEM electricity generation licence or an exemption from the Department of Energy and Climate Change.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has issued an on-line statement setting out its position concerning wind turbine planning applications without or exempt from a licence to generate electricity.\r\nThe statement dated 24 October 2013 is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/Infrastructure/Energy-Consents/Whatsnew.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:04.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288563,"EventID":"S4W-17661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:05.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T15:19:28.54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether and, if so, how it will ensure that wind turbine applications currently in the planning process are refused planning permission if they are without an OFGEM licence or exemption from the Department of Energy and Climate Change.","AnswerText":"Matters concerning OFGEM licences or exemptions relate to the interpretation of electricity legislation in the Court of Session’s decision in the Viking wind farm judicial review. The decision does not concern applications for planning permission made under planning legislation and to how the planning system operates.\r\nConsequently, the Scottish Government considers that it is not appropriate to refuse planning permission for wind turbine applications without OFGEM licences or exemptions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:05.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288564,"EventID":"S4W-17663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:05.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T16:26:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17162 by Kenny MacAskill on 2 October 2013, which organisations that facilitate the reporting and detection of crime have received funding in each year since 2008-09 and how much each has received.","AnswerText":"The following table sets out the funding that the police and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service received in each year since 2008-09.\r\nPolice\r\nYear\r\n£000\r\n2012-13\r\n£1,408\r\n2011-12\r\n£1,370\r\n2010-11\r\n£1,412\r\n2009-10\r\n£1,388\r\n2008-09\r\n£1,307\r\n\r\nCrown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service\r\nYear\r\n£000\r\n2012-13\r\n£108.5\r\n2011-12\r\n£109.3\r\n2010-11\r\n£118.5\r\n2009-10\r\n£119.5\r\n2008-09\r\n£110.1\r\n\r\nIn addition over 300 organisations are registered to report crimes to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Many of these organisations receive funding from the Scottish Government as well as other sources. All funding allocations and their purposes are set out in the Scottish Government’s budgets from 2008-09 to present.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:05.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288565,"EventID":"S4W-17664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:06.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T16:26:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02470 by Roseanna Cunningham on 3 October 2013, how many people other than firefighters are employed in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service call handling facility in Dumfries.\r\n","AnswerText":"All 15 staff at Dumfries and Galloway Fire Control are firefighters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:06.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288566,"EventID":"S4W-17665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:06.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T16:26:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02470 by Roseanna Cunningham on 3 October 2013, whether all displaced employees will be offered relocation and redeployment in Dumfries and Galloway and, if not, what will happen to employees who are unable to accept relocation or deployment elsewhere.","AnswerText":"The best solution for each individual will be sought, and there will be no compulsory redundancies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:06.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288567,"EventID":"S4W-17666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:07.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T16:26:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02470 by Roseanna Cunningham on 3 October 2013, how it will ensure that local knowledge is not lost when the call handling facility in Dumfries is closed.","AnswerText":"Local knowledge is not vested in the physical location of control rooms but in the professional knowledge of our firefighters, including of course not only those firefighters in control rooms, but also the firefighters at fire stations across the country who provide the backbone of the local service on which communities depend.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:07.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288568,"EventID":"S4W-17667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:08.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T16:31:06.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it expects to receive notification from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills of its response to the Pub Companies and Tenants consultation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have received no notification from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) on the outcome of their Pub Companies and Tenants consultation. Should BIS Ministers decide they wish to proceed to legislation following that consultation, it is expected that they will formally write to Scottish Ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:08.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288569,"EventID":"S4W-17668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:08.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T16:32:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many traffic wardens Police Scotland employs, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware that there are currently 84 traffic warden posts in Police Scotland, Police Scotland inherited these arrangements, which were agreed by the previous legacy police forces and local authorities across Scotland. The following table shows the breakdown of traffic warden posts by local authority area:\r\nLocal Authority Area\r\nNo of Posts\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n2\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n4\r\nAngus\r\n2\r\nHighland\r\n12\r\nOrkney\r\n2\r\nWestern Isles\r\n1\r\nStirling\r\n6\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n2\r\nFalkirk\r\n6\r\nEdinburgh\r\n14\r\nMidlothian\r\n2\r\nEast Lothian\r\n3\r\nWest Lothian\r\n3\r\nScottish Borders\r\n3\r\nFife\r\n10\r\nAberdeen City\r\n3\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n6\r\nMoray\r\n3\r\n\r\n84\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:08.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288570,"EventID":"S4W-17673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:08.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T23:07:28.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of Microsoft's ending of security patching of the XP operating system, what audit it has undertaken of (a) its directorates, (b) NHS boards, (c) special NHS boards and (d) agencies to determine  how many computers use XP; what transitional arrangements it has put in place, and whether it has considered introducing an open source system to replace XP.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has completed an audit of all its directorates and those Agencies and Non Ministerial Departments which share its network. Of the 11,678 computers on the network 9,901 have already been upgraded to Windows 7 and 155 upgraded to Windows 8. The projects to migrate the remaining 1,622 by end March 2014 are well underway.\r\nThe Scottish Government investigated a number of options prior to planning for the migration from XP and open source was considered at that time. In 2012 NHSScotland completed a commission to explore the future options for PC software and the potential for open source was part a key of this study.\r\nNo central record is maintained of the numbers of computers and their operating systems operated by the agencies themselves.\r\nNHS boards are managing transitional arrangements locally, and ensuring that there are security and monitoring arrangements in place. There is a National Infrastructure Group whose membership is drawn from all NHS boards which works collaboratively to discuss such issues and share practices across the NHSS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:08.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288571,"EventID":"S4W-17674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:09.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T23:08:04.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many follow-up inspection reports since 2011 by (a) Healthcare Improvement Scotland and (b) the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate on the care of older people have led to a referral to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing because the recommendations in the original report were not carried out, and what action was taken, broken down by (i) NHS board and (ii) hospital.","AnswerText":"None of the follow-up inspection reports have led to a referral.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:09.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288572,"EventID":"S4W-17675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:09.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T23:09:31.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it expects NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to be in a position to supply data comparable to other NHS boards in respect of long-acting reversible contraception.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for 2012-13, as published in ISD’s report “Long Acting Reversible Methods of Contraception (LARC)”, are considered to be complete and accurate, so are therefore comparable to other NHS boards. Data for all NHS boards are checked and signed off by the NHS Board Sexual Health Lead.\r\nHowever, the data for some methods of long-acting reversible contraception from central pharmacies in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde were incomplete for 2011-12 and are therefore not directly comparable to 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:09.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288573,"EventID":"S4W-17676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:10.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T23:09:31.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the prescribing of long-acting reversible contraception, what steps Health Improvement Scotland will take to support those NHS boards where there is (a) significant deprivation, (b) a high rate of unplanned teenage pregnancies and (c) below average prescribing, in order to improve performance, and which boards will receive support.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2008, NHS Quality Improvement Scotland published standards for Sexual Health Services, which included a standard that all individuals should have access to intrauterine and implantable methods of contraception. Subsequently, practice in NHSScotland was assessed against these standards and an overview report was published. Since the publication of this report, NHS QIS (now Healthcare Improvement Scotland) has undertaken no further work in this area and currently has no plans to do so.\r\nScottish Government is working with a number of stakeholders in order to consider how best to increase the uptake of effective contraception. As set out in the Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Framework, multi-agency partners should ensure that vulnerable women who are most at risk of unintended pregnancy receive support, advice and, where appropriate, provision of LARC. Provision of LARC will also be considered within the new Teenage Pregnancy and Young Parent strategy, currently in development.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:10.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288574,"EventID":"S4W-17677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:10.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T23:09:31.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of Information Services Division Scotland's (ISD) report on long-acting reversible methods of contraception, published in September 2013, which showed that the presence of a local enhanced primary care contract was associated with greater uptake, whether it will consider making the provision of long-acting reversible contraception a national enhanced service rather than a local one.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not have any plans to introduce a national enhanced service for long-acting reversible contraception. Statutory responsibility for the provision of healthcare services rests with NHS Health Boards and it is for each NHS Board to put in place services that best meet the needs of their patient populations, including this service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:10.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288575,"EventID":"S4W-17678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:11.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T23:09:31.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will invite Information Services Division Scotland (ISD) to include under-15s in future statistics that it publishes on long-acting reversible contraception.\r\n","AnswerText":"The ISD publication on Long Acting Reversible Methods of Contraception includes data on the number of contraceptives dispensed in primary care and the number distributed from central pharmacies.\r\nThe ages of a high proportion of women using these contraceptives are unknown as data relating to contraceptives supplied via central pharmacies are not collated at an individual level.\r\nIt is expected that the majority are in the age group 15-49, although some women outside this age range may be included. The denominator used in the calculation of rates in the publication comprises females in Scotland aged 15-49 years. This is a standard age range used for studies on contraception.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:11.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288576,"EventID":"S4W-17679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:12.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T23:10:01.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the planned integration of health and social care, whether it will ensure that GPs and primary and intermediate care community teams have electronic access to hospital clinical data to ensure patient safety.","AnswerText":"A specific piece of work to improve the electronic exchange of patient information between primary and secondary care, particularly around medicines information in support of patient safety, was initiated in September 2013. In addition, a new health and social care information sharing strategy will be consulted upon in early 2014, with a view to improving the sharing of information across sectors, in support of integrated health and social care. That will identify the priority areas for the wider sharing of hospital clinical data.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:12.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288577,"EventID":"S4W-17680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:12.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T23:10:01.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it publishes the list of Caldicott Guardians.","AnswerText":"The names of lead Caldicott Guardians in NHSScotland health boards are published on a public web-site.\r\nhttp://www.knowledge.scot.nhs.uk/caldicottguardians/nhssscotland-caldicott-guardians.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:12.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288578,"EventID":"S4W-17681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:13.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T23:10:36.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consultation it had with the Department of Health prior to the abolition of NHS Connecting for Health.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government was not formally consulted in regard to the creation of the Health and Social Care Information Centre (which replaces many of the functions of Connecting for Health). The Scottish Government does however have regular and routine discussions with HSCIC and the Department for Health (England) about a wide range of eHealth policy and Information Governance issues that are of common concern to all parts of the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:13.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288579,"EventID":"S4W-17682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:13.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T23:11:58.677","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, following the abolition of NHS Connecting for Health, how it ensures that Caldicott Guardians are (a) coordinated, (b) supported, (c) provided with training and (d) afforded the opportunity of collective representation to the Scottish Government and special NHS boards.","AnswerText":"NHSScotland has always had separate arrangements in place for the support of Caldicott Guardians. These arrangements include a National Caldicott Forum, which meets regularly, a Caldicott scrutiny panel that deals with requests to use patient data for a range of purposes and Information Governance and security fora. Each of these has representation from territorial and special boards and are coordinated by Scottish Government officials. Training materials are created or sponsored by Scottish Government, in partnership with boards. In the light of the Caldicott2 Review, and the possibility of the expansion of this community, The Scottish Government is considering how the coordination and training of Caldicotts is best managed across health, local government and elsewhere.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:13.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288580,"EventID":"S4W-17683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:14.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T23:11:58.677","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the ban on health workers who are HIV positive but have negligible plasma viral load carrying out clinical work will be lifted and, if so, when and under what conditions.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government announced in August 2013 that it would be adopting the recommendation that HIV positive health care workers should be permitted to undertake certain, previously restricted, clinical procedures. This policy change will come into effect in 2014.\r\nHIV positive health care workers will be able to undertake previously restricted procedures only if they are on treatment, if their HIV viral load is at a very low or undetectable level, and if they are subject to regular monitoring of their treatment by clinicians. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:14.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288581,"EventID":"S4W-17685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:14.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T10:56:29.223","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16946 by Paul Wheelhouse on 12 September 2013, when the composition of the management group of the Barra Special Area of Conservation will be known and whether a facilitator is to be appointed to the group.\r\n","AnswerText":"The composition of the management group is unlikely to be known before summer 2014. Officials have been continuing positive discussions with community interests regarding possible approaches to the development of a management group structure and its future governance. This may include the appointment of a facilitator but we are seeking community views on the support required and no decision has been made as yet.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:14.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288582,"EventID":"S4W-17686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:15.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T12:19:29.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contracts public sector organisations have for mail services; when the contracts were signed, and what the (a) duration and (b) value is of each.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has awarded two national frameworks covering mail services which are available to all Scottish public sector organisations. The details are as follows: \r\nFramework\r\nContract Signed\r\nDuration\r\nValue (£ per annum)\r\nPostal Services\r\nFebruary 2012\r\n3 years\r\n13,000,000 \r\nCourier Services\r\nMarch 2010\r\n4 years\r\n670,000\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:15.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288583,"EventID":"S4W-17687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:15.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T12:19:29.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the letter to businesses referred to in its news release of 4 September 2013, Blueprint to overhaul business rates, was sent; to how many businesses; under whose signature; which mail service the Scottish Government used, and what the cost was.\r\n","AnswerText":"In early November 2013, I will write to businesses across Scotland who may be eligible for the Small Business Bonus Scheme but are not claiming. The Scottish Government are currently working to finalise the number of recipients, final cost and mail service to use.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:15.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288584,"EventID":"S4W-17688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T14:34:15.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T12:19:29.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) a list of the names and addresses of the businesses to which the letter referred to in its news release of 4 September 2013, Blueprint to overhaul business rates, were sent.\r\n","AnswerText":"SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT\r\nWRITTEN ANSWER\r\n23 October 2013 \r\nIndex Heading: Learning and Justice\r\nWillie Rennie (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) a list of the names and addresses of the businesses to which the letter referred to in its news release of 4 September 2013, Blueprint to overhaul business rates, were sent.\r\n(S4W-17688)\r\nThe Scottish Government has supplied the following corrected answer:\r\n \r\nFergus Ewing: Whether or not a property is in receipt of relief is not a matter of public record. Non-domestic rates may be paid by businesses and individuals alike and the information the Scottish Government holds contains information on both. Under the terms of the Data Protection Act we have a duty to protect the privacy of individuals and sole traders on the list, therefore we will not publish their names and/or addresses as they are considered to be personal data as defined by the Act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T14:34:15.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"The Scottish Government has supplied the following corrected answer:..Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288587,"EventID":"S4W-17689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T15:44:29.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T13:07:04.22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average waiting time has been for a diagnosis of gluten ataxia in each NHS board in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The specific information requested is not available centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T15:44:32.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288588,"EventID":"S4W-17690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T15:44:32.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T13:07:04.22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information the NHS provides to patients on (a) symptoms, (b) treatment and (c) dietary recommendations for people with gluten ataxia.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that everyone with a neurological condition can access the care and support they need.\r\nAtaxia refers to a group of neurological disorders that affect balance, coordination, and speech; there are many different types of ataxia that can affect people in different ways.\r\nGluten ataxia is considered an exceptionally rare disorder and the range of neurological problems caused by gluten sensitivity is still unclear.\r\nNHS Inform provides a wide range of information about the symptoms, causes and diagnosis of ataxia, and including links to organisations such as Ataxia UK at the following link: \r\nhttp://www.nhsinform.co.uk/Health-Library/Articles/A/ataxia/introduction \r\nNeurologists seeing patients with unexplained ataxia would undertake a range of investigations and tests into possible causes; gluten sensitivity is assessed using a blood test.\r\nWe would expect anyone diagnosed with a disorder linked to gluten sensitivity to be provided with appropriate dietary advice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T15:44:32.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288589,"EventID":"S4W-17691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T15:44:32.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T13:07:04.22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it has provided for research into gluten ataxia in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Within the Scottish Government, the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health and healthcare needs in Scotland. CSO has not received any research funding applications on gluten ataxia in the last three years but would welcome applications of a sufficiently high standard from the Scottish research community.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T15:44:32.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288590,"EventID":"S4W-17692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T15:44:32.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T13:07:04.22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve early diagnosis rates for gluten ataxia.","AnswerText":"We want to see everyone with a neurological condition diagnosed as swiftly as possible so that they can access the treatment and support they need. \r\nGluten ataxia is considered a rare disorder and the range of neurological problems caused by gluten sensitivity is still unclear. Neurologists reviewing people with unexplained ataxia would undertake a range of investigations and tests into possible causes; gluten sensitivity is assessed using a blood test.\r\nThe main driver for improvement within neurological services will be implementation of the clinical standards for neurological conditions which state that: \r\npatient with suspected neurological conditions should be assessed by clinicians who specialise in neurological conditions; and \r\npatients should be assessed within timescales dictated by their clinical need.\r\nThe National Neurological Advisory Group, has been established with Scottish Government funding to support implementation of the clinical standards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T15:44:32.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288591,"EventID":"S4W-17693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T15:44:33.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T13:07:04.22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there are clinics in Scotland for patients with gluten-related neurological manifestations that provide the specialised services available at the Sheffield Institute of Gluten-Related Disorders.","AnswerText":"Clinical care of patients with gluten-related neurological disease, including access to the recognised and validated autoantibody assays used to underpin clinical diagnosis, is routinely provided through NHSScotland neurology clinics - through which any further referral for more highly specialised advice and expertise from the NHS across the UK may be accessed\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T15:44:33.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288592,"EventID":"S4W-17694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T15:44:33.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T13:07:04.22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it raises awareness of gluten ataxia (a) in the community and (b) among medical professionals.","AnswerText":"We recognise that raising awareness of rare conditions such as gluten ataxia can be very challenging.\r\nWe are currently supporting the National Neurological Advisory Group (NNAG) in raising the profile of all neurological conditions within the NHS, the third sector and public awareness.\r\nThe NNAGs aim is to drive forward the neurological standards. The standards aim to improve the patient journey from the point of referral into the service and ensure that every patient with a disorder of the nervous system experiences a quality of care that gives confidence to the patient, clinician and carer.\r\nWe have also funded the Neurological Alliance of Scotland’s ‘Voices’ programme which enables people with neurological conditions to influence and shape the re-design of neurological services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T15:44:33.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288593,"EventID":"S4W-17695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T15:44:33.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T13:50:06.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether people with gluten ataxia, other than those diagnosed with coeliac disease, can obtain gluten-free products on an NHS prescription and what the reason is for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances advises prescribers on a UK basis as to which, and in which circumstances, substances such as some foods and toiletries may be regarded as drugs for the treatment of specified conditions, and may thus be prescribed. In this regard it recognises certain staple gluten-free foods as suitable for gluten-sensitive enteropathies. There is no advice in respect of any substances in the context of gluten ataxia.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T15:44:33.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288594,"EventID":"S4W-17696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T15:44:34.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T14:09:38.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the process is for authorising the sale of land relating to the Glasgow Airport Rail Link project.\r\n","AnswerText":"The process for disposing of surplus property, including land, is set out in the Scottish Public Finance Manual.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T15:44:34.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288595,"EventID":"S4W-17697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T15:44:34.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T14:09:38.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17218 by Keith Brown on 30 September 2013, who authorised the decision to sell the land at public auction.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials took this decision in accordance with the guidance and principles set out in the Scottish Public Finance Manual.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T15:44:34.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288596,"EventID":"S4W-17698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T15:44:34.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T14:09:38.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17215 by Keith Brown on 30 September 2013, who authorised the decision to sell (a) Plot 93 to AKV Vehicle Rentals, (b) Plots 94,96 and 96a to Kenyart Ltd, (c) Plot 97 to J&M Taylor (Holdings) Ltd, (d) Plots 101,102,103,107a and 108 to SPG Properties Limited and (e) Plots 114,117,119a and 119c to MTS Properties at the price given.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials took these decisions in accordance with the guidance and principles set out in the Scottish Public Finance Manual.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T15:44:34.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288597,"EventID":"S4W-17703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T15:44:34.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T14:09:38.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plots of land it bought for the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link project; who it bought these from, and how much each cost.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government did not purchase any land for EARL.\r\nTransport Initiative Edinburgh (tie) are the Authorised Undertaker for the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link (EARL) project and it had the compulsory purchase powers to obtain land required for EARL.\r\nTwo properties were purchased by tie for EARL, namely:\r\nWheatlands, Kirkliston, West Lothian, EH29 9EW. Agreement to purchase January 2007 from Mr Peter McGowan for the sum of £550k.\r\nThis property currently has a sitting tenant.\r\nMyreside, Beatlie Road, Winchburgh, Broxburn, EH52 6QS. Agreement to purchase October 2006 from Mr and Mrs William Pollock for the sum of £450k.\r\nThis property was destroyed by fire in 2010.\r\nTie retain the title deeds to both properties and continue to manage the maintenance, insurance and rental issues.\r\nIt is intended, once tie have completed its obligations as Authorised Undertaker and formally terminated all agreements and third party agreements, that the title deeds for both properties would transfer to Transport Scotland.\r\nOn completion of the transfer both properties would be sold fully adhering to the rules and regulations outlined within Critchel Downs regulations and the Scottish Government “Scottish Public Finance Manual” (SPFM) regulations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T15:44:34.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288598,"EventID":"S4W-17705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T15:44:35.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T14:09:38.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what compensation it paid for plots of land bought for the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link project, and to whom.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17703 on 1 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T15:44:35.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288599,"EventID":"S4W-17706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T15:44:35.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T14:09:38.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what land that it holds was purchased for the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link project. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17703 on 1 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T15:44:35.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288600,"EventID":"S4W-17707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T15:44:35.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T14:09:38.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link project.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has provided Transport Initiative Edinburgh (tie) with circa £28 million of funding to support costs that it incurred on the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link (EARL) project which is broken down as follows:\r\nCost Heading\r\nCost\r\nParliamentary and feasibility costs \r\n(from Financial year 03-04 to FY 06-07)\r\n£9.84m\r\nPreparatory and Site Investigation works \r\n(from FY 05-06 to FY 07-08)\r\n£3.92m\r\nDesign works (includes environmental, safety and stakeholder)\r\n(from FY 05-06 to FY 07-08)\r\n£9.63m\r\nTie project management costs (includes legal & land assembly packages)\r\n(from FY 03-04 to FY 07-08)\r\n£4.43m\r\nEARL Authorised Undertaker costs \r\n(after FY 09-10)\r\n£0.14m\r\nSub total\r\n£27.96m\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T15:44:35.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288601,"EventID":"S4W-17708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T15:44:35.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T14:09:38.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the process is for the selling of land purchased for the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link project.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17703 on 1 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T15:44:35.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288602,"EventID":"S4W-17709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-04T15:44:36.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T14:09:38.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what land that it purchased for the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link project has been sold, and who authorised each sale.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not sold any land purchased for the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link (EARL).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-01T15:44:36.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288615,"EventID":"S4W-17710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T14:01:59.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T15:38:11.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many pubs there are; how many are free houses, and how many are run under the tied pub model.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government collects figures on premises licensed to sell alcohol each year from local authorities, and these are published at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/Datasets/DatasetsLiquor\r\nThe most recent set of figures is for 2011-12 shows a total number of premises licensed for on-sales was 11,511. This covers pubs, as well as hotels and restaurants. We do not collate information on whether pubs are tied or free houses, nor do we collate information on pub closures. It is not possible to meaningfully compare totals over a longer period of time due to changes in the way licences are administered.\r\nInformation from the Scottish Beer and Pub Association suggests that approximately 35% of the estimated 5000 pubs in Scotland are leased. Of these, fewer than half, around 630 (or around 13% of all pubs in Scotland), are leased from PubCos owning above 500 premises.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T14:01:59.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288616,"EventID":"S4W-17711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T14:01:59.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T15:38:11.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many pubs have closed in each year since 2005 and how many of these were (a) free houses and (b) run under the tied pub model.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not collate information on whether pubs are tied or free houses, nor do we collate information on pub closures. It is not possible to meaningfully compare totals over a longer period of time due to changes in the way licences are administered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T14:02:00.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288617,"EventID":"S4W-17712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T14:02:00.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T15:38:11.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings it has had with pub (a) tenants and (b) companies regarding the tied pub model since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism has met with a delegation from the Fair Deal for your Local.Com Campaign Group (the group consisted of members of the Scottish Licenced Trade Association (SLTA), UNISON, CAMRA and the Federation of Small Businesses.\r\nScottish Government officials have also met with the Scottish Licenced Trade Association, the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, Punch and Heineken (2 of the 3 Pub Co’s who operate in Scotland), who may be affected by the introduction of a Statutory Code and Ombudsman, asking that they provide us with any empirical evidence to support their position.\r\nAll these meetings have taken place in the last six months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T14:02:00.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288618,"EventID":"S4W-17713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T14:02:00.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T15:38:11.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is regarding the tied pub model.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is currently engaged with the Pub Sector interests to identify all empirical evidence that is available so that Scottish Ministers can come to a view on this issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T14:02:00.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288619,"EventID":"S4W-17714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T14:02:00.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-04T15:38:11.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to consult on the tied model for pubs and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is currently engaged with Pub Sector interests to identify all empirical evidence that is available. At this stage there are no plans to carry out a formal consultation exercise.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T14:02:00.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288620,"EventID":"S4W-17716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T14:02:01.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-07T09:46:00.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many breaches of sexual offences prevention orders there have been in each of the last five years, broken down by the (a) nature of and (b) sentence imposed for the breach.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government holds information on the number of convictions for breach of a sexual offences prevention order and the sentence imposed in each case. The available information is given in the following table. Information on the nature of the breach is not held centrally.\r\nPeople convicted of breaches of sexual offences prevention orders1 by result, 2007-08 to 2011-12\r\nResult\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nCustody\r\n37\r\n28\r\n25\r\n40\r\n41\r\nCommunity sentence\r\n5\r\n8\r\n8\r\n4\r\n4\r\nMonetary\r\n3\r\n6\r\n2\r\n6\r\n3\r\nOther\r\n6\r\n12\r\n3\r\n2\r\n4\r\nTotal\r\n51\r\n54\r\n38\r\n52\r\n52\r\nNotes: 1. Where main offence.\r\nSource: Scottish Government Court Proceedings Database.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T14:02:01.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288621,"EventID":"S4W-17717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T14:02:01.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-07T09:46:00.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in relation to notifications of personal details, how many people on the sex offenders register have failed to (a) make an annual notification to the police, (b) notify police three days after their release from prison and (c) notify police of a change, in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government holds information on the number of convictions for failure to notify by people on the sex offenders register. The available information is given in the following table. Information on the exact circumstances of the failure to notify is not held centrally.\r\nPeople convicted for failure to notify police/provision of false information1 by result, 2007-08 to 2011-12\r\n \r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nCustody\r\n45\r\n52\r\n44\r\n53\r\n44\r\nCommunity sentence\r\n22\r\n14\r\n21\r\n14\r\n14\r\nMonetary\r\n34\r\n37\r\n29\r\n52\r\n46\r\nOther\r\n25\r\n34\r\n32\r\n31\r\n42\r\nAll\r\n126\r\n137\r\n126\r\n150\r\n146\r\nSource: Scottish Government Court Proceedings Database.\r\nNote: 1. Where main offence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T14:02:01.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288622,"EventID":"S4W-17719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T14:02:01.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-07T09:46:00.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times people on the sex offenders register have failed to notify police of being away from their usual home address and what sentence was imposed for such failure in each of last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17717 on 7 November 2013 which gives the available information on failures to notify police.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T14:02:01.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288623,"EventID":"S4W-17720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T14:02:02.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-07T09:46:00.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times people on the sex offenders register have failed to notify police that they intend to leave the UK and what sentence was imposed for such failure in each of last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17717 on 7 November 2013 which gives the available information on failures to notify police.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T14:02:02.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288624,"EventID":"S4W-17721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T14:02:02.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-07T09:46:00.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people on the sex offenders register are listed as missing or whereabouts unknown.\r\n","AnswerText":"Figures obtained from Police Scotland show that, as at September 2013 there were 10 registered sex offenders unaccounted for in Scotland. Of these, 9 were believed to be abroad. This information is only valid as at September 2013 because the information is dynamic and will change as arrests are made, or new cases come to light through intelligence-led policing, or through the routine management of such offenders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T14:02:02.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288625,"EventID":"S4T-00469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T12:44:53.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-06T20:22:30.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with INEOS and Unite the Union regarding the dispute at the Grangemouth plant.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T12:44:53.943","MeetingDate":"2013-10-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288626,"EventID":"S4T-00474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T12:44:55.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-07T10:26:25.667","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it is giving to the future of local government powers and finance.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T12:44:55.13","MeetingDate":"2013-10-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288627,"EventID":"S4F-01612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T12:44:14.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T13:53:44.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T12:44:15.613","MeetingDate":"2013-10-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288628,"EventID":"S4F-01616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T12:44:16.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-07T09:08:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister, in light of the Specialist Crime Division's responsibilities for organised crime, counter terrorism and intelligence, what its role will be in relation to the National Crime Agency, which sets the UK's overall operational agenda for tackling these matters.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T12:44:16.61","MeetingDate":"2013-10-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288629,"EventID":"S4F-01620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T12:44:18.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-07T10:11:44.467","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T12:44:18.06","MeetingDate":"2013-10-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288630,"EventID":"S4F-01622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T12:44:18.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-07T10:39:56.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government plans to implement a wage rise for NHS workers in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T12:44:18.687","MeetingDate":"2013-10-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288631,"EventID":"S4F-01623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T12:44:18.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-07T11:10:14.417","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what discussions the Scottish Government has had with the organisers of the 2014 Commonwealth Games regarding ticket allocations.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T12:44:18.967","MeetingDate":"2013-10-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288632,"EventID":"S4F-01628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T12:44:20.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-07T11:41:16.99","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the findings of the Economic and Social Research Council regarding higher education.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T12:44:20.103","MeetingDate":"2013-10-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288633,"EventID":"S4W-17669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T16:37:43.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T17:11:42.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what evidence the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism has for his statement on 17 September 2013 that (a) the opencast coal industry \"sustains 1,500 direct full-time jobs and 3,000 indirect full-time jobs\" (Official Report, c. 22530) and (b) \"Longannet coal power station is expected to keep generating electricity until 2023\" (Official Report, c. 22531).","AnswerText":"(a) The Scottish Coal Industry Economic Impact Assessment, published November 2012 provides details on the direct and indirect jobs in the coal industry in Scotland sourcing original data from the Coal Authority (June 2011) and Scottish Annual Business Statistics (2010).\r\n (b) In Scottish Power's strategy document “Longannet: Securing A Future Beyond 2020” published 2012, page 7, states that:\r\n“As a general rule, installations such as Longannet have until 2016 to comply with the stricter emission limits or opt-out of the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED). Operators must decide by December 2013 if they wish to opt out of the IED and commit to limited hours of operation, within the emission limits set by the LCPD, and closure by the end of 2023”.\r\nThis strategy paper demonstrates that the company is committed to looking at ways to sustain the plant into the next decade and sets out activities the company is developing to reduce its environmental impact and the strategy adopted and investments made in emissions reduction technology going forward.\r\nIn May 2013 Scottish Power announced a £25 million upgrade at Longannet.\r\nThis follows a £20 million upgrade project in 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T16:37:43.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288634,"EventID":"S4W-17671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T16:37:44.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T17:11:42.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the (a) funds available from restoration bonds in relation to open cast coal mining and (b) cost of restoring both former and current open cast coal sites.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is not now nor ever has been any Scottish Government estimate of specific budgetary provision for restoration of open cast coal sites.\r\nPlanning permissions for opencast coal operations are granted by the relevant planning authority. As part of that process it is the responsibility of the planning authority to ensure sufficient bond coverage is in place to effect restoration of opencast coal operations for every site. Each planning authority is working through the bond provision for specific sites to develop their restoration plans. Scottish Ministers have established the Scottish Mines Restorations Trust to help facilitate this process. \r\nScottish Ministers are to launch an open consultation on how best to improve regulations relating to the open cast coal sector. This consultation will be open to the public and will welcome responses from all interested parties.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T16:37:44.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288635,"EventID":"S4W-17672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T16:37:44.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T17:11:42.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how its consultation on the regulation of the coal industry will link to its revision of Scottish Planning Policy.","AnswerText":"The consultation is well timed to inform the finalised Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) before the SPP June 2014 completion date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T16:37:44.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288636,"EventID":"S4W-17722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-07T16:37:44.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-07T14:17:16.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17088 by Richard Lochhead on 26 September 2013, whether it will provide the locations of the 230 farms that received sewage sludge in 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"In accordance with the Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989, a sludge register is prepared and sent annually to SEPA by all sludge producers who recycle sludge to agricultural land. This information is used by SEPA to ensure regulatory compliance.\r\nThis information is not held centrally by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-04T16:37:44.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288641,"EventID":"S4W-17650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-08T13:46:19.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-03T15:15:39.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people were diagnosed with a form of dementia in the last year for which information is available, broken down by (a) type of dementia, (b) local authority area and (c) NHS board, and what the projected figures are for 2033.","AnswerText":"Information on how many people were diagnosed with a form of dementia as at June 2013 by local authority area and by NHS board is contained in tables (1) and (2).This information is not broken down by type of dementia as this is not held centrally.\r\nProjected figures are approximations based on prevalence modelling only. Using the Eurocode prevalence model, there are approximately 86,000 people with dementia in Scotland and this figure is projected to double by 2033.\r\nTABLE 1: Number of patients on general practice QOF registers for dementia and other QOF-compatible registers for dementia1 , with crude rates per 100 patients by Council\r\nArea2\r\n\r\n\r\nCouncil Area\r\nPatients on Register\r\nList Size3\r\nNumber of Practices\r\nRaw Prevalence rate (per 100 patients)4\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nScotland\r\n41,947\r\n5,544,015\r\n981\r\n0.8\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAberdeen City\r\n1,803\r\n249,884\r\n29\r\n0.7\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n1,792\r\n243,065\r\n36\r\n0.7\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAngus\r\n1,133\r\n116,489\r\n17\r\n1.0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n771\r\n88,021\r\n30\r\n0.9\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n386\r\n56,298\r\n7\r\n0.7\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n1,484\r\n154,632\r\n34\r\n1.0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDundee City\r\n1,388\r\n161,806\r\n24\r\n0.9\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n1,024\r\n132,157\r\n16\r\n0.8\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n626\r\n102,372\r\n17\r\n0.6\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEast Lothian\r\n959\r\n103,629\r\n16\r\n0.9\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n510\r\n101,396\r\n17\r\n0.5\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n3,704\r\n523,451\r\n72\r\n0.7\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEilean Siar\r\n267\r\n27,199\r\n10\r\n1.0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFalkirk\r\n1,214\r\n157,579\r\n27\r\n0.8\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFife\r\n2,692\r\n376,454\r\n58\r\n0.7\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGlasgow City\r\n4,742\r\n678,072\r\n150\r\n0.7\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHighland\r\n1,877\r\n233,506\r\n66\r\n0.8\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nInverclyde\r\n673\r\n83,494\r\n16\r\n0.8\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMidlothian\r\n766\r\n87,739\r\n13\r\n0.9\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMoray\r\n709\r\n90,199\r\n14\r\n0.8\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n1,040\r\n140,737\r\n19\r\n0.7\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n2,253\r\n343,711\r\n59\r\n0.7\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n144\r\n20,803\r\n10\r\n0.7\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPerth & Kinross\r\n1,435\r\n144,154\r\n26\r\n1.0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n1,416\r\n177,241\r\n29\r\n0.8\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nScottish Borders\r\n943\r\n116,139\r\n23\r\n0.8\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nShetland Islands\r\n173\r\n22,780\r\n10\r\n0.8\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n1,156\r\n113,306\r\n20\r\n1.0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n2,536\r\n324,472\r\n53\r\n0.8\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStirling\r\n607\r\n96,415\r\n23\r\n0.6\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n589\r\n96,555\r\n17\r\n0.6\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWest Lothian\r\n1,135\r\n180,260\r\n23\r\n0.6\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNotes\r\n1. Data source: QOF Calculator, as at 28th June 2013, plus notifications of \r\nadjustments from NHS Boards.  Totals may still be subject to further revisions \r\nlocally.\r\n2. Dementia figures used for the HEAT standard include data from sources other \r\nthan QOF for a small number of practices that do not take part in QOF.  They can\r\nalso include data from a small number of practices that do not have signed off QOF data, \r\nas these non-signed off data still contribute towards the target.\r\n3. Register and list size by council area need to be treated with caution.  This is because \r\nlocations of practices and their populations are not related to council area boundaries.  \r\n4. The location of practice premises in one council area does not imply that the population\r\nserved is in the council area.\r\n5. List size is the total number of patients registered to practices physically located within the council area.\r\nThis information is at 1st January in the given financial year.\r\nPrevalence = number of patients on the specified QOF register, divided by list size, multiplied by100.\r\n\r\nTABLE 2: Number of patients on general practice QOF registers for dementia and \r\nother QOF- compatible registers for Dementia, with crude rates per 100 patients by \r\nNHS Board\r\n \r\nNHS Board\r\n \r\nAll practices 1\r\nNumber of \r\npractices\r\n \r\nList Size 2\r\n \r\nPractices with Dementia register data 3\r\nNumber of\r\npractices\r\n \r\nList Size 2\r\n \r\n \r\nPatients on\r\nregister\r\n \r\nRaw prevalence rate 4\r\n(per 100 patients)\r\nNHS Scotland\r\n990\r\n5,550,480\r\n981\r\n5,544,015\r\n41,947\r\n0.8\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNHS Ayrshire an","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-05T13:46:19.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288642,"EventID":"S4W-17723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-08T13:46:20.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T12:20:36.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what studies it has undertaken of the impact on sandeels and sandeel habitats of offshore renewable developments.\r\n","AnswerText":"Marine Scotland Science have been working with developers of renewable energy projects on the east coast of Scotland, providing advice and guidance on suitable methodologies for surveying sandeels within these areas. This is to ensure that information is available to provide robust assessments of potential impacts on sandeels and their habitat when considering applications for consent.\r\nMarine Scotland Science continues to survey sandeels on the east coast, as part of on-going research into this key species. Previous research has mapped habitat that is suitable for sandeels in the wee bankie region, as well as dredge and larval studies. This research was presented in Holland et al. 2005 Mar Ecol Prog Ser, 303, 269-282 and Greenstreet et al. 2010 ICES JMC 67, 971-984. This information is also being used a variety of other marine management purposes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-05T13:46:20.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288658,"EventID":"S4W-17724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-08T16:53:15.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T13:49:14.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many students were studying for postgraduate qualifications in (a) colleges and (b) universities in each year since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"Postgraduate students are more likely to undertake their studies in universities rather than colleges, often straight after completing their undergraduate degrees.\r\nWhile higher education courses are delivered by colleges, unless the student articulates to university the resulting qualification is usually a HNC or HND rather than a degrees.\r\nMost college courses are classed as further education which does not lead directly to postgraduate study.\r\nThe information is contained in the following table: \r\n\r\nResearch\r\nTaught\r\nYear\r\nColleges\r\n2007-08\r\n0\r\n150\r\n2008-09\r\n0\r\n100\r\n2009-10\r\n0\r\n120\r\n2010-11\r\n0\r\n100\r\n2011-12\r\n0\r\n35\r\n\r\n\r\nResearch\r\nTaught\r\nYear\r\nUniversities\r\n2007-08\r\n9615\r\n42115\r\n2008-09\r\n9935\r\n42660\r\n2009-10\r\n10665\r\n44165\r\n2010-11\r\n11325\r\n45155\r\n2011-12\r\n11660\r\n43245\r\nSource : Scottish Funding Council, March 2013\r\n\r\nScottish Ministers announced on 20 October 2013 new support for post-graduate students. Scottish domiciled postgraduates undertaking eligible supported courses will be able to apply for a loan of up to £4,500 a year to help with living costs from 2015-16. This is in addition to the current loan available as a contribution towards the cost of tuition.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-05T16:53:16.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288659,"EventID":"S4W-17725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-08T16:53:16.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T13:49:14.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether all local authorities have put measures in place to ensure that there is adult supervision of all primary school children during breaks.","AnswerText":"Each local authority is responsible for the care, safety and welfare of pupils in school in their area and they are expected to make arrangements to ensure that schools take reasonable care of all children under their charge.\r\nRegulation 3(a) of the Schools (Safety and Supervision of Pupils) (Scotland) Regulations 1990 places a duty upon local authorities to take reasonable care for the safety of pupils when under their charge. In the case of a primary school with 50 or more pupils or a special school, regulation 3(b) of the same Regulations provides that local authorities have a duty to ensure that pupils are supervised by at least one adult during any break taken between classes in the course of a school day, including lunch break.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-05T16:53:16.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288660,"EventID":"S4W-17726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-08T16:53:17.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T14:30:35.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government where fire service training will be delivered for the east of Scotland if the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service closes its facilities at Gullane, Thornton and Maddiston.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). I have asked the SFRS to respond to you directly on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-05T16:53:17.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288661,"EventID":"S4W-17727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-08T16:53:17.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T14:30:35.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board has given to the provision of residential accommodation at fire service training facilities following closure of the Scottish Fire Service College at Gullane and what assessment it has made of the potential cost.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). I have asked the SFRS to respond to you directly on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-05T16:53:17.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288662,"EventID":"S4W-17728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-08T16:53:17.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T14:30:35.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board has given to the provision of residential accommodation and catering facilities at its proposed new national training centre in Cambuslang and what assessment it has made of the potential cost.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). I have asked the SFRS to respond to you directly on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-05T16:53:17.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288663,"EventID":"S4W-17729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-08T16:53:17.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T14:30:35.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will receive the proceeds of the proposed sale of the Scottish Fire Service College at Gullane.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s annual grant allocation is set taking into account expected capital receipts. This is in accordance with guidance contained within the Scottish Public Finance Manual and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service - Governance and Accountability Framework Document, both of which are available on the Scottish Government website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-05T16:53:17.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288664,"EventID":"S4W-17730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-08T16:53:18.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T14:30:35.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board considered the cost of delivering training at each of its training sites before proposing the rationalisation of its training facilities.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). I have asked the SFRS to respond to you directly on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-05T16:53:18.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288665,"EventID":"S4W-17731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-08T16:53:18.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T14:30:35.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has made of the potential financial impact on the local community of the closure of the Scottish Fire Service College at Gullane.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). I have asked the SFRS to respond to you directly on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-05T16:53:18.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288666,"EventID":"S4W-17732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-08T16:53:18.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T14:30:35.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fire service training courses have been cancelled at each training site as a result of inclement weather in the last five years.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). I have asked the SFRS to respond to you directly on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-05T16:53:18.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288686,"EventID":"S4W-17733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-09T13:41:50.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T16:27:07.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14256 by John Swinney on 19 April 2013, what discussions it has since had with COSLA to complete its review of the business rate incentivisation scheme targets for 2012-13; when it will publish the targets, and when it will publish the targets for 2013-14.","AnswerText":"COSLA leaders took the decision, at their meeting at the end of May 2013 that they did not want to consider the review of the 2012-13 business rates incentivisation scheme targets until the final non-domestic rates audited figures for 2012-13 are available.\r\nThe audited returns are not due to be submitted until 31 January 2014 with the final validation not expected until 28 February 2014.\r\nI wrote to COSLA in response to their stance on this issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-06T13:41:50.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288687,"EventID":"S4W-17734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-09T13:41:50.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T19:52:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it expects Police Scotland to provide to community councils concerning crime in their areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"Operational decisions about local engagement are a matter for Police Scotland.\r\nReform is strengthening the connection between the services and the communities they serve. This is supported by the statutory principle that the police service should seek to achieve its main purpose of improving safety and well-being by being accessible to and engaged with local communities. Ministers have also set strategic priorities for the service to be visible, responsive and focused on protecting frontline delivery.\r\nThere are local commanders for each of Police Scotland’s 14 divisions, and they work with the community and other partners to shape and deliver local policing. The 353 local policing plans provide a key way for the service to engage with local communities about progress being made to address their priorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-06T13:41:50.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288688,"EventID":"S4W-17735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-09T13:41:51.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T18:12:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it can do to improve diagnosis rates and access to treatment for people with ankylosing spondylitis.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government have commissioned the production of a minimum standard framework for musculoskeletal (MSK) services which encompasses pathways for diagnosis, investigation, timely management and onward referral of individuals who have, or are suspected to have, an inflammatory disease such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The Framework is currently subject to consultation.\r\nThe framework will ensure the awareness and documentation of the relevant indicators for inflammatory conditions, service access to investigations as clinically indicated and local processes for onward referral to other clinical specialisms, including rheumatology. The framework emphasises that NHS boards should clearly define and disseminate referrals pathways from primary care right through to tertiary services. \r\nIn addition to this work we are considering the recommendations made within the health care needs assessment on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The report published by the Scottish Public Health Network was commissioned at the request of the Scottish Government and while it focusses on the provision of care and treatment of RA many of the recommendations are relevant to AS. In taking this work forward we will seek opportunities to encompass other inflammatory conditions including AS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-06T13:41:51.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288689,"EventID":"S4W-17736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-09T13:41:51.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T18:12:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to introduce a protocol to address the reported variation across the country in access to care and treatment for people with ankylosing spondylitis.\r\n","AnswerText":"Where a potential diagnosis of an inflammatory condition such as Ankylosing Spondylitis is suspected we would expect people to be referred to a Rheumatologist for diagnosis, treatment and on going management, as required. Rheumatologists are specialists in the care and treatment of a number of inflammatory conditions which also include rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.\r\nIn 2012 the Scottish Public Health Network (SPHN) published the Health Care Needs Assessment (HCNA) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, outlines RA service provision across Scotland, taking account of recent advances in understanding, treatment and care of people living with RA.\r\nThe purpose of the HCNA was to identify gaps in service provision, highlight priority areas for change and make recommendations that aim to assist NHS boards to plan and develop services for people living with RA and support them to become more person centred, safe and effective.\r\nAlthough the needs assessment focussed on RA many of the issues are raised are similar for other inflammatory conditions including AS and a number of the recommendations in the report are equally relevant to other inflammatory conditions including AS, for example: raising awareness; early diagnosis/treatment; support to self-manage; management of flare ups; and support to remain in work.\r\nWe are currently considering how we can best support boards in implementing the recommendations contained within the HCNA for RA, which will also be of benefit to people living with AS. We will seek opportunities to ensure that positive outcomes from this work are maximised across the range of inflammatory conditions including AS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-06T13:41:51.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288690,"EventID":"S4W-17737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-09T13:41:52.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T18:12:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it can do to ensure that people with ankylosing spondylitis have access to help during a flare-up in their condition.","AnswerText":"We would expect people with a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis to receive treatment and on-going management under the care of a rheumatologist for diagnosis, as required. Rheumatologists are specialists in the care and treatment of a number of inflammatory conditions which also include rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.\r\nExamples of good practice in the management of flare ups exist across NHSScotland. An example of this is the telephone support service provided by Clinical Nurse Specialists in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde which provides support for people with a range of conditions including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Similar services are available in a number of boards including NHS Ayrshire and Arran, NHS Borders and NHS Fife.\r\nIn 2012 the Scottish Public Health Network (SPHN) published the Health Care Needs Assessment (HCNA) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, outlines RA service provision across Scotland, taking account of recent advances in understanding, treatment and care of people living with RA.\r\nThe purpose of the HCNA was to identify gaps in service provision, highlight priority areas for change and make recommendations that aim to assist NHS Boards to plan and develop services for people living with RA and support them to become more person centred, safe and effective.\r\nAlthough the needs assessment focussed on RA many of the issues are raised are similar for other inflammatory conditions including AS and a number of the recommendations in the report are equally relevant to other inflammatory conditions including AS, for example: raising awareness; early diagnosis/treatment; support to self-manage; management of flare ups; and support to remain in work. \r\nWe are currently considering how we can best support boards in implementing the recommendations contained within the HCNA for RA, which will also be of benefit to people living with AS. We will seek opportunities to ensure that positive outcomes from this work are maximised across the range of inflammatory conditions including AS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-06T13:41:52.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288691,"EventID":"S4W-17738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-09T13:41:52.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T18:12:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is aware of the recommendations in the report, Looking Ahead: Best practice for the care of people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and what it can do to aid the implementation of these recommendations.","AnswerText":"Where a potential diagnosis of an inflammatory condition such as ankylosing spondylitis is suspected we would expect people to be referred to a Rheumatologist for diagnosis, treatment and on-going management, as required. Rheumatologists are specialists in the care and treatment of a number of inflammatory conditions which also include rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.\r\nIn 2012 the Scottish Public Health Network (SPHN) published the Health Care Needs Assessment (HCNA) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, outlines RA service provision across Scotland, taking account of recent advances in understanding, treatment and care of people living with RA.\r\nThe purpose of the HCNA was to identify gaps in service provision, highlight priority areas for change and make recommendations that aim to assist NHS boards to plan and develop services for people living with RA and support them to become more person centred, safe and effective.\r\nAlthough the needs assessment focussed on RA many of the issues are raised are similar for other inflammatory conditions including AS and a number of the recommendations in the report are equally relevant to other inflammatory conditions including AS, for example: raising awareness; early diagnosis/treatment; support to self-manage; management of flare ups; and support to remain in work.\r\nWe are currently considering how we can best support boards in implementing the recommendations contained within the HCNA for RA, which will also be of benefit to people living with AS. We will seek opportunities to ensure that positive outcomes from this work are maximised across the range of inflammatory conditions including AS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-06T13:41:52.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288692,"EventID":"S4W-17739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-09T13:41:52.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T18:12:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it can do to (a) ensure that GPs recognise the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis and (b) reduce the reported average delay of 8.5 years between symptom onset and diagnosis.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ankylosing spondylitis can develop slowly over a long period of time. The symptoms can include: back pain and stiffness; buttock pain; inflammation of the joints; painful inflammation where tendons or ligaments attach to bone (enthesitis); and fatigue and usually start in late teenage years or early adulthood. The symptoms can vary greatly and may come and go, improve or get worse. Damage to the spine may not be visible as the condition progresses, which can make it difficult to diagnose. \r\nNHS Inform is the primary source of information for public and for healthcare professionals in Scotland. The website has a dedicated page for ankylosing spondylitis which provides advice on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.\r\nhttp://www.nhsinform.co.uk/health-library/articles/a/ankylosing-spondylitis/introduction.\r\nGP’s as generalists are expected to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of inflammatory conditions and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) UK curriculum for GP training includes a section on the care of people with Musculoskeletal problems, which encompasses inflammatory conditions such as AS.\r\nUpon completion of training, GPs have a professional obligation to participate in continuous professional development (CPD) activities. A successful GP is considered to be one who masters the skills required to become a self-directed and needs-based learner, which involves learning whatever is required to competently perform the role of a GP. It is Scottish Government policy for GPs to participate in an annual appraisal process, which helps GPs to identify their learning needs to address the healthcare needs of their patients.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-06T13:41:52.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288693,"EventID":"S4W-17740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-09T13:41:52.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T18:12:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it can do to support people with ankylosing spondylitis to stay in work.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives was established in 2005 as a Directorate of NHS Health Scotland to promote good health and wellbeing in Scottish workplaces.\r\nThe Centre operates a website with a wide range of information on workplace health, safety and wellbeing good practice. It has a free and confidential advice line that is currently receiving additional funding from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as part of a pilot to improve access to advice for managers in small and micro-enterprises (<50 employees). The advice line can offer advice to employers on a wide range of conditions around workplace adjustments to support workers with health conditions or disabilities and supporting workers with sickness absence issues.\r\nThe Centre runs the Healthy Working Lives Award programme which recognises and rewards organisations that meet a range of criteria for the promotion of workplace health, safety and wellbeing.  The Centre also has a network of advisers based in the territorial health boards who provide site visits, deliver the award programme and organise events for employers.\r\nAdvice on work is also available through the Musculoskeletal Zone on the NHS Inform website at the following link: http://www.nhsinform.co.uk/msk\r\nIn addition the DWP’s Work Programme and Access to Work service provide additional support for people who have been out of work for some time and provide help for people overcome barriers to starting or keeping a job.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-06T13:41:52.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288694,"EventID":"S4W-17741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-09T13:41:53.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T18:12:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it can do to encourage the development of clinics specialising in ankylosing spondylitis in the rheumatology departments that do not have them.","AnswerText":"We recognise the additional value of specialist clinics for ankylosing spondylitis and are aware that these currently exist in a number of NHS boards across Scotland, however the provision of services is a matter for each local NHS board. We expect boards to develop and deliver services to meet the needs of their resident populations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-06T13:41:53.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288695,"EventID":"S4W-17742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-09T13:41:53.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T18:12:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it can do to encourage the development of a Scotland-wide inflammatory back pain protocol, including assessment, treatment monitoring and follow up.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government have commissioned the production of a minimum standard framework for musculoskeletal (MSK) Services which encompasses pathways for diagnosis, investigation, timely management and onward referral of individuals who have, or are suspected to have, an inflammatory disease such as ankylosing spondylitis. The framework is currently subject to consultation.\r\nThe framework will ensure the awareness and documentation of the relevant indicators for inflammatory conditions, service access to investigations as clinically indicated and local processes for onward referral to other clinical specialisms, including rheumatology. The Framework emphasises that NHS boards should clearly define and disseminate referrals pathways from primary care right through to tertiary services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-06T13:41:53.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288696,"EventID":"S4W-17743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-09T13:41:53.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T18:12:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it can do to encourage more rheumatology departments to adopt the protocol on MRI developed by Dr David Marshall from Inverclyde Royal Hospital and his colleagues.","AnswerText":"There are a number of diagnostic tests which can be used to determine a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Initial tests such as blood tests can provide an indication of inflammation. Where inflammation is indicated a referral to a rheumatologist would be expected for further tests.\r\nThe rheumatologist will carry out imaging tests to examine the appearance of the spine and pelvis which may include x-ray, ultrasound scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is recognised that an MRI scan can highlight changes in the sacroiliac joints (at the base of the spine) that might not show up on an X-ray and can also show any inflammation of ligaments in the spinal region. MRI scans are increasingly being used to detect ankylosing spondylitis early.\r\nIn developing appropriate pathways to improve diagnosis and patient outcomes, NHS boards are encouraged to take into account clinical guidance, research findings and quality standards as well as relevant guidance produced by organisations such as the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Association.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-06T13:41:53.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288697,"EventID":"S4W-17744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-09T13:41:54.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T18:12:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it can do to raise public awareness of the signs and symptoms of inflammatory back pain.","AnswerText":"NHS Inform is the primary source of information for public and healthcare professionals in Scotland. The website has a dedicated page for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) which provides advice on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. The web page is available at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.nhsinform.co.uk/health-library/articles/a/ankylosing-spondylitis/introduction.\r\nIn addition to the dedicated pages for AS, NHS Inform also hosts the Musculoskeletal (MSK) Zone which provides a wide range of information for people with back pain including all evidenced based information on the signs and symptoms of inflammatory back pain. The MSK Zone is can be found at the following link: http://www.nhsinform.co.uk/msk.\r\nThe MSK Zone currently receives over 17,000 hits per month, there are over 700 downloads of the mobile phone app and 700 visits to the digital TV station.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-06T13:41:54.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288698,"EventID":"S4W-17745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-09T13:41:54.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-08T18:12:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it can do to encourage rheumatology departments to consistently record data relating to patients with ankylosing spondylitis.","AnswerText":"The accurate and effective use of clinical data is an essential component of high quality care. NHS boards must ensure that clinicians have appropriate access to systems to enable them to capture the data needed to support patient care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-06T13:41:54.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288699,"EventID":"S4W-17746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-09T13:41:54.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-09T09:59:42.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish Transport Scotland's research on the connection between liability legislation and the level of cycling accidents, as referred to in Cycling Action Plan for Scotland 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The research has been available on request since its completion. A copy has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 55396) and members of the Cross Party Group on Cycling have also been sent  a copy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-06T13:41:54.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288700,"EventID":"S4W-17747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-09T13:41:55.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-09T11:17:40.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how much Infratil owes to HM Revenue and Customs for (a) value added tax, (b) airport passenger duty and (c) national insurance in relation to Glasgow Prestwick Airport and whether this will be written off if the airport is taken into public ownership.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are in the process of undertaking the detailed due diligence and are not in a position to comment on whether Infratil currently has any outstanding liabilities with the HM Revenue and Customs. However, we can confirm that there will be no write-off of any outstanding funds due as part of this transaction.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-06T13:41:55.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288701,"EventID":"S4W-17748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-09T13:41:55.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-09T11:38:33.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17291 by Nicola Sturgeon on 7 October 2013, what information is being collected now and what specific monitoring information is being proposed. ","AnswerText":"Scottish Government monitoring of ECO and of the general progress of projects will be on two levels:\r\n(1) Local authorities will complete monthly reports on activity which will cover work completed in the previous months, works started on site and works committed but not yet started. This will include an analysis of ECO for committed and completed homes. The first return is for the month of October and will include all activity funded by the area based schemes this financial year and is due to be received from local authorities by November the 14th.\r\n (2) Local authorities will on a quarterly basis provide details of the measures completed to homes which will be cross referenced to the data set Ofgem provide. This will provide a better understanding of how ECO is working in Scotland and how to develop future policy. The first quarterly return will be to the end of December 2013 and is due to be received from local authorities by the 24th of January 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-06T13:41:55.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288702,"EventID":"S4W-17751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-09T14:32:50.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-09T14:00:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what developments there have been in relation to the Royal Charter on self-regulation of the press since the Parliament passed a resolution on the matter on 30 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 30 April 2013, the Scottish Parliament unanimously passed a resolution, lodged in my name and supported by the leaders of all the parties within the Parliament, in the following terms:\r\nThat the Parliament notes the publication on 29 November 2012 of Lord Justice Leveson’s report, An inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press; further notes the subsequent production of the draft Royal Charter on self-regulation of the press on 18 March 2013; agrees to Scottish participation in the Royal Charter, subject to its amendment to reflect properly Scotland’s devolved responsibilities, Scots law and Scottish circumstances; further agrees to consider possible incentives for membership of a new regulatory body for the press, and asks the Scottish Government to proceed on this basis, recognising that, in the event of a material change to the text of the Royal Charter, the Parliament will be consulted again.\r\nFollowing that mandate from the Parliament, the Scottish Government has been in discussion with the UK Government to achieve a Royal Charter that reflects properly Scotland’s devolved responsibilities, Scots law and Scottish circumstances. I have also consulted with the leaders of the non-governmental parties as part of the consensual approach we have adopted in Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government sent draft illustrative amendments to the UK Government on 1 April 2013 and to the Education and Culture Committee on 19 and 23 April 2013. We sent the same draft illustrative amendments to the Press Board of Finance on 28 May 2013. These draft illustrative amendments informed the advice that the Education and Culture Committee published on 24 April 2013.\r\nI am content that the amendments proposed to be included in the draft Royal Charter currently being discussed by the Westminster parties reflects Scottish interests appropriately – in particular, that there is appropriate reference to to the Arbitration (Scotland) Act 2010; that experience of the nations and regions within Great Britain will be reflected in the membership of the Boards of the Recognition Panel and of any recognised regulator, and that the Scottish Parliament will have a continuing role before amendment of the Royal Charter, in relation to devolved competences, or its dissolution.\r\nAlthough we are fully aware that any requirement for a vote to be carried by a two thirds majority in any one Parliament could be over-turned by a future Parliament, as part of the cross party support that should be required for any decision on dissolution or amendment we have agreed to the inclusion of that provision for the Scottish Parliament in draft Royal Charter currently being considered.\r\nI have written to the leaders of the non-Governmental parties in the Parliament, and to the Convener of the Education and Culture Committee in these terms and will place a more specific list of Scottish amendments in the Scottish Parliaments Information Centre (Bib. number 55326).\r\nWe understand that a revised draft Royal Charter is to be considered at a meeting of the Privy Council on 30 October 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-06T14:32:50.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288703,"EventID":"S4W-17749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-09T16:58:40.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-09T12:34:23.303","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17292 by Nicola Sturgeon on 7 October 2013, when data will be published regarding the number of households assisted by the Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland.","AnswerText":"Councils have until the end of September 2014 to complete works carried out using HEEPS funding for 2013-14 as part of area-based fuel poverty schemes. They will provide monitoring information to the Scottish Government after that date. Information on the final position regarding the number of households assisted by HEEPS funding will be published as soon as possible after that date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-06T16:58:40.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288704,"EventID":"S4W-17750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-09T16:58:41.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-09T12:34:23.303","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17159 by Shona Robison on 3 October 2013, what specific action is being taken to tackle poverty and deprivation in black and minority ethnic communities.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are committed to tackling the long-term drivers of poverty through early intervention and prevention. In Spring 2014, we will publish a revised Child Poverty Strategy which will focus on maximising household resources and improving children’s wellbeing and life chances.\r\nThe Scottish Government has made a number of commitments which will help maximise incomes for households in Scotland. For example, we have allocated \r\n£40 million in partnership with local government to plug the gap in funding for Council Tax Benefit successor arrangements in 2013-14 and ensure that over 500,000 vulnerable people are protected from UK Government funding cuts. The Equality Statement on the Scottish Draft Budget 2014-15 highlights that because of the demographic differences between ethnic groups, ethnic minorities are particularly likely to benefit from such income-related commitments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-06T16:58:41.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288712,"EventID":"S4W-17752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-10T14:04:49.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-09T19:28:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what civil servants and at what grade are on secondment to other governments, excluding the UK Government, and what the reason is for each secondment.","AnswerText":"Currently we have four secondments at B and C band to other governments. This includes two secondments to the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2013 to provide support on fisheries policy, one to the Welsh Government to assist the Office of the Welsh Legislative Counsel in preparing primary legislation and one to the European Commission to undertake a programme of work and training within the European Commission.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-07T14:04:49.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288713,"EventID":"S4W-17759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-10T14:04:50.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T11:37:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many dawn raids police have carried out in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-07T14:04:50.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288714,"EventID":"S4W-17760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-10T14:04:51.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T11:48:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to implement a system of physician associates and, if so, by what date.","AnswerText":"While polices, frameworks and resources are provided by the Scottish Government, it is for each NHS board to decide how best to plan and deliver high quality, safe and sustainable services to meet the needs of their population.\r\nThe Scottish Government recognises the potential benefits of the physician associate (PA) role and is currently exploring ways in which PAs can be integrated into the NHSScotland workforce.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-07T14:04:51.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288715,"EventID":"S4W-17761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-10T14:04:51.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T11:51:19.81","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Wester Ross Fisheries has complied with pollution regulations over the last 10 years and, if not, what action the Scottish Government will take to minimize any resulting damage.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-07T14:04:51.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288716,"EventID":"S4W-17762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-10T14:04:52.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T11:51:19.81","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it has not revoked Wester Ross Fisheries' licence.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-07T14:04:52.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288717,"EventID":"S4W-17763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-10T14:04:52.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T11:51:19.81","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to ensure that fisheries companies comply with pollution regulations.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-07T14:04:52.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288718,"EventID":"S4W-17764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-10T14:04:52.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T12:03:12.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many applications it has received from INEOS for financial assistance in each year since 2007, and how many were approved, broken down by (a) amount requested, (b) funding stream and (c) purpose for the request. ","AnswerText":"Between 2007 and 2011 the Scottish Government received one application from INEOS for financial assistance under the regional selective assistance (RSA) scheme. However, since 2011 responsibility for the RSA scheme has been administered by Scottish Enterprise (SE) and, as such, applications for support, and information held on pre-2011 applications, are an operational matter for them.\r\nI will ask the Chief Executive of SE to write to you with the information you requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-07T14:04:52.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288719,"EventID":"S4W-17765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-10T14:04:53.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T12:03:12.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government where it has sourced the (a) cabling, (b) steel and (c) other materials for the (i) Borders railway and (ii) Forth replacement crossing project.\r\n","AnswerText":"(i) Borders Railway \r\nNetwork Rail is responsible for constructing the Borders Railway on behalf of Scottish Ministers and to date has not ordered any cabling or any large quantities of steel. If these materials are required they will all be sourced by Network Rail via competitive tender.\r\n(ii) Forth Replacement Crossing\r\nThe main contractor is responsible for sourcing all materials for the Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC) project in accordance with the specifications of the contract. The award of all subcontracts for the supply of services and materials is not covered by EU public procurement law and is a wholly commercial matter for the firms themselves.\r\nThe FRC is the first contract to demand that subcontracts tendered by the main contractor are advertised on Public Contracts Scotland procurement portal. As of 30 June 2013, 9,732 out of 10,758 supply orders (90.5%) worth approximately £61 million out of a total of about £85 million (72%) have been awarded to Scottish firms.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-07T14:04:53.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288730,"EventID":"S4W-17766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-10T16:52:01.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T14:14:57.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many police officers in the (a) Highlands and Islands and (b) Moray Division have taken early retirement at 25 years since 1 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally - it is a matter for Police Scotland.\r\nWe will continue to safeguard officer numbers with more than 1,000 extra police in communities since 2007 helping to keep crime levels at a 39 year low.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-07T16:52:01.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288731,"EventID":"S4W-17768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-10T16:52:01.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T14:14:57.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many police officers in the (a) Highlands and Islands and (b) Moray Division have left Police Scotland other than on retirement since 1 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally - it is a matter for Police Scotland.\r\nWe will continue to safeguard officer numbers with more than 1,000 extra police in communities since 2007 helping to keep crime levels at a 39 year low.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-07T16:52:01.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288732,"EventID":"S4W-17770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-10T16:52:01.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T14:14:57.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many police support staff have taken voluntary redundancy in the (a) Highlands and Islands and (b) Moray Division since 1 April 2013.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally - it is a matter for Police Scotland.\r\nWe are committed to our pledge of no compulsory redundancies, and reductions in support staff are being delivered by not replacing people who leave, retirements and voluntary exit schemes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-07T16:52:01.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288733,"EventID":"S4W-17772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-10T16:52:02.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T14:14:57.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many police officers in the (a) Highlands and Islands and (b) Moray Division carry out a role previously delivered by a member of the support staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally - it is a matter for Police Scotland.\r\nThere is no policy to backfill staff posts with officers. The chief constable has repeatedly said that Police Scotland does not have a strategy or plan to backfill police staff roles with police officers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-07T16:52:02.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288748,"EventID":"S4W-17774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T13:39:09.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T16:22:55.307","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the merger of Langside, Anniesland and Cardonald colleges, whether the Woodburn House site will be put up for sale on the open market and, if so, when, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The disposal of assets is a matter for individual college boards of management and Ministers have no role in these decisions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T13:39:10.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288749,"EventID":"S4W-17775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T13:39:11.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T16:22:55.307","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the merger of Langside, Anniesland and Cardonald colleges, what consideration it has made of the community benefits that might arise from selling the Woodburn House site.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17774 on 8 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T13:39:11.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288750,"EventID":"S4W-17776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T13:39:11.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T16:24:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many local authorities run (a) household and (b) business oil and fat recycling collection services.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2012, 8 local authorities ran a waste vegetable oil collection service for households, collecting 62.2 tonnes of oil. Three local authorities ran a similar service for businesses and collected 23.3 tonnes.\r\nWith regard to waste mineral oils, 29 local authorities provided a collection service to households in 2012, collecting 490.2 tonnes. Seven local authorities ran the same service for businesses and 73.6 tonnes was collected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T13:39:11.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288751,"EventID":"S4W-17778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T13:39:11.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T16:24:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hospital admissions there have been of people who have taken so-called legal highs in each NHS board area in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of hospital admissions caused by so-called legal highs is not held centrally. There is no standard definition or clinical diagnosis code for legal highs which could be used as the basis of a statistical report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T13:39:11.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288752,"EventID":"S4W-17779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T13:39:12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T16:24:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many seizures of so-called legal highs cut with illegal drugs there have been in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This is information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T13:39:12.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288753,"EventID":"S4W-17780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T13:39:12.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T16:24:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether shops or internet sites selling so-called legal highs and drug paraphernalia are subject to any licensing regime.","AnswerText":"The subject matter of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is reserved to the UK Government, as is the regulation of internet services. Section 9A of the UK’s Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 makes it an offence to supply any article (often referred to as paraphernalia) used for administering a controlled drug unlawfully (i.e. without a doctor’s prescription). ‘Legal highs’ or Novel/New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) as they are also known, are substances which produce similar effects to illegal drugs, but they are not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. In response to the availability of NPS, the UK Government’s Home Office introduced a new temporary class drug order (15 November 2011). See UK Government website:\r\nhttps://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/98006/temporary-class-drug-factsheet.pdf.\r\nSome substances sold as NPS have also been found to contain drugs controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act. There is no other specific legislation outwith the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and temporary class drug order that uniquely deals with the supply of NPS. However, Police Scotland together with partners are exploring other options, including Trading Standards powers. The Scottish Government will continue to work with the Home Office and the Police Scotland to understand more about the use and supply of these substances and options to tackle their supply.\r\nThe planning system in Scotland does not generally seek to control the types of goods and services sold from shops, offices and other premises. Where products or services have potentially negative health or social implications, their availability or sale is usually subject to other statutory controls, for example, licensing as in the case of the sale of alcohol or knives. There is no licensing that is specific to the sale of NPS and drug paraphernalia. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T13:39:12.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288754,"EventID":"S4W-17781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T13:39:12.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T16:24:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has carried out an analysis of how many steroid users are using needle exchanges.","AnswerText":"There has been no analysis carried out on the number of Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs (PIEDs) users accessing needle exchange services in Scotland.\r\nThe distribution of needles/syringes and other injecting paraphernalia by needle exchange outlets in Scotland has been monitored by ISD Scotland since 2009. Community and pharmacy outlets are surveyed annually to obtain information on the volume of such items distributed, number of attendances, number and characteristics of individuals attending and drugs injected. However, it is not possible from this centrally held information to analyse how many PIED users are using needle exchanges.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T13:39:12.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288755,"EventID":"S4W-17782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T13:39:12.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T16:37:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to extend the Green Deal initiative to include park home dwellers.","AnswerText":"Green Deal is a UK Government policy. Changes to the Green Deal are a reserved matter for DECC at UK Government. One of the barriers to park home dwellers accessing the Green Deal is the pre-requisite for an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). It is not possible to generate an EPC for park homes using the current software. However, DECC anticipate that changes scheduled for 2014 to the software will remove this barrier. Further information should be requested from UK Minister Greg Barker.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T13:39:12.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288756,"EventID":"S4W-17783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T13:39:12.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T16:37:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to implement a Green Deal initiative for park home dwellers whose home construction does not meet the current Green Deal criteria.\r\n","AnswerText":"Green Deal is a UK Government Policy. Changes to the Green Deal are a reserved matter for DECC at UK Government. Scottish Ministers have no current plans to implement any initiatives for park home dwellers. Park homes may be eligible for stage 4 of the Energy Assistance Package which has now evolved into the Energy Assistance Scheme, which is Scottish Government funded. Householders can contact Home Energy Scotland for advice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T13:39:13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288757,"EventID":"S4W-17784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T13:39:13.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T17:30:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the 28-day hospital readmission rate following discharge from a mental health speciality has been in each of the last four years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The most recent 28-day readmission data, broken down by NHS board can be found in the ISD Publication Adult Mental Health Benchmarking Toolkit – Year ending 31 March 2012 \r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Quality-Indicators/Publications/data-tables.asp?id=1063#1063.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T13:39:13.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288758,"EventID":"S4W-17785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T13:39:13.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-11T12:12:21.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the MV Coruisk will be deployed on the Gourock-Dunoon route; how much this will cost; whether it will sail to the timetable specified in the 2011 tender document; whether the Dunoon-Gourock route will take preference over the Wemyss Bay-Rothesay route, and whether the MV Coruisk will operate at times when the currently operating vessels could have provided the service.","AnswerText":"The MV Coruisk is due to enter service on the Gourock-Dunoon route on 19 December 2013. \r\nThe cost of the MV Coruisk providing additional relief cover as a passenger only vessel, over the course of the winter, is currently unknown as the full operational costs will only become evident after the service concludes in March 2014.\r\nThe MV Coruisk will be providing replacement sailings in the morning and in the evening peak hours. It will also be on standby as a relief vessel for the remainder of the day should either the MV Ali Cat or the MV Argyll Flyer be cancelled due to bad weather. It will be timetabled in accordance with the Public Service Contract between Scottish Ministers and Argyll Ferries Ltd. \r\nThe MV Coruisk will provide refit cover for the Wemyss Bay-Rothesay route before 19 December when the MV Argyle and MV Bute are off for their annual refits.\r\nDuring its normal operating hours, the MV Coruisk will operate instead of the MV Ali Cat.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T13:39:13.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288765,"EventID":"S4W-17786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T15:58:58.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-11T14:13:25.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17356 by Keith Brown on 3 October 2013 and in light of the Scottish Ferry Services: Ferries Plan (2013-2022) not making a commitment toward such spending on the Dunoon-Gourock route, whether it will allocate extra capital funding for the route in 2015-16.\r\n","AnswerText":"The vessel replacement plan, as set out in Appendix 1, of the Scottish Ferry Services: Ferries Plan 2013 -2022 was based on future known requirements at the time of publication. \r\nThe ferries plan makes clear that for the Gourock to Dunoon town centre service, once the feasibility study has concluded, and has been considered by the Gourock Dunoon Ferry Services Steering Group, Scottish Ministers will decide what further actions are needed for this service. The Deputy First Minister has indicated that she intends to reach a conclusion on the way forward by the end of this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T15:58:58.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288766,"EventID":"S4W-17787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T15:58:59.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-11T14:22:06.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on reports that seven out of 10 police control rooms are being considered for closure and how this meets its commitment to local policing.","AnswerText":"Police control rooms are an operational matter for Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority. One of Police Scotland’s top priorities is to protect and enhance services to local communities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T15:58:59.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288767,"EventID":"S4W-17788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T15:58:59.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-11T14:44:40.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on the maintenance of roads in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-16788 on 18 September 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T15:58:59.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288768,"EventID":"S4W-17789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T15:59:00.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-11T14:44:40.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to increase the funding available to Aberdeen City Council to improve the condition of roads, in light of the reported comments by the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism in the Evening Express on 19 September 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is providing local government in Scotland with over £10.3 billion in 2013-14. The vast majority of this funding, including that for roads maintenance, is being provided by means of a block grant.\r\nIt is the responsibility of each local authority to allocate the total financial resources available to it on the basis of local needs and priorities having first fulfilled its statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities including the Scottish Government’s key strategic objectives. Aberdeen City Council’s share of this funding amounts to over £336 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T15:59:00.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288769,"EventID":"S4W-17790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T15:59:00.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-11T14:44:40.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the reported comments by the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism in the Evening Express on 19 September 2013, what action it has taken to support Aberdeen City Council in improving the condition of roads in the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is providing local government in Scotland with over £10.3 billion in 2013-14. The vast majority of this funding, including that for roads maintenance, is being provided by means of a block grant.\r\nIt is the responsibility of each local authority to allocate the total financial resources available to it on the basis of local needs and priorities having first fulfilled its statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities including the Scottish Government’s key strategic objectives. Aberdeen City Council’s share of this funding amounts to over £336 million.\r\nFurthermore, the National Road Maintenance Review has set out how all 33 road authorities across Scotland can work in collaboration to make road maintenance more efficient, ensuring Scotland’s roads remain a key facilitator of economic growth.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T15:59:00.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288770,"EventID":"S4W-17791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T15:59:00.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-11T14:44:40.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many engagements have been undertaken by ministers in Aberdeen in each of the last three years and how this compares with visits to other cities in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ministers have carried out engagements in Aberdeen on 302 occasions in the last three years.\r\nEngagements in other Scottish Cities are as follows:\r\nEdinburgh: 2,760\r\nGlasgow: 1,284\r\nInverness: 210\r\nDundee: 151\r\nPerth: 135\r\nStirling: 116\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T15:59:00.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288771,"EventID":"S4W-17792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T15:59:01.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-11T14:44:40.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many deaths per 1,000 of population were attributable to (a) alcohol and (b) other substance misuse in each of the last five years in NHS Grampian and how this compares to the national average.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data on deaths per 1,000 population attributable to (a) alcohol and (b) other substance misuse are provided in the following tables.\r\nDeaths per 1,000 Population, by Underlying Cause\r\n (a)\r\nAlcohol-related NHS Grampian\r\nScotland\r\n2008\r\n0.18\r\n0.27\r\n2009\r\n0.19\r\n0.25\r\n2010\r\n0.16\r\n0.25\r\n2011\r\n0.13\r\n0.24\r\n2012\r\n0.15\r\n0.20\r\n\r\n(b)\r\nDrug-related NHS Grampian\r\nScotland\r\n2008\r\n0.08\r\n0.11\r\n2009\r\n0.10\r\n0.10\r\n2010\r\n0.08\r\n0.09\r\n2011\r\n0.10\r\n0.11\r\n2012\r\n0.05\r\n0.11\r\n\r\nNational statistics on both alcohol and drug related deaths, broken down by NHS board, are published annually by National Records Scotland (NRS).\r\nIt should be noted that the number of alcohol-related deaths shown only includes deaths from causes which are wholly attributable to alcohol. Deaths from, for example, road accidents, falls, fires, suicide or violence involving people who had been drinking, or deaths from some medical conditions which are considered partly attributable to alcohol, such as certain forms of cancer, are not included.\r\nAlthough there is no standard definition of “other substance misuse” deaths, the figures shown under drug-related deaths should include the majority of the deaths that might be considered attributable to other substance misuse.\r\nFor further information about the definitions used above, please see the NRS website: http://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T15:59:01.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288772,"EventID":"S4W-17793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T15:59:01.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-11T14:44:40.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost will be of transporting prisoners to the new HMP Grampian, compared to the current arrangements.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nEscorts are not paid for individually nor do they vary depending on the location of prisoner therefore there is no change to the cost profile from the current arrangements. Charges for the movement of prisoners are linked to the total number of escorts carried out. Details as to how the costs are structured are outlined in Schedule C of the contract which is published on the SPS website at:\r\nhttp://www.sps.gov.uk/Publications/Publication-3104.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T15:59:01.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288773,"EventID":"S4W-17794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T15:59:01.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-11T14:44:40.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been spent on rebranding the (a) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and (b) Police Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service went live on 1 April this year and will deliver estimated annual savings of £130 million.\r\nRebranding is an operational matter for the services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T15:59:01.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288774,"EventID":"S4W-17795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T15:59:02.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-11T14:44:40.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many police officers have accepted voluntary severance from (a) Grampian Police since 1 April 2012 and (b) Police Scotland since 1 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Police Scotland. There is however no Voluntary Severance/Voluntary Early Retirement scheme for police officers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T15:59:02.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288775,"EventID":"S4W-17796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T15:59:02.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-11T14:44:40.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fire service staff have accepted voluntary severance from the (a) Grampian Fire and Rescue Service since 1 April 2012 and (b) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service since 1 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. I will ask the chairman to write with the information you have requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T15:59:02.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288776,"EventID":"S4W-17797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T15:59:02.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-11T15:24:18.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has undertaken of student support arrangements in other parts of the UK to support the claim that Scotland has the best package of student support in the UK.","AnswerText":"The information is available from each of the administrations who give wide publicity to the offer so that students know what support is available to them.\r\nFor session 2013-14, Scottish students from the lowest income households will receive a total maintenance package of £7250 (rising to £7500 in 2014-15). This compares to £6,052, £6573 and £5338 for students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland respectively who are living at home, and £7,177, £7,736 and £6,428 for students who are living away from home.\r\nOf course in addition to the maintenance support described above, all Scottish students receive a benefit in the form of free tuition.\r\nAccordingly when this is taken into account, the NUS has rightly described the package of support on offer as “the best in the UK”.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T15:59:02.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288777,"EventID":"S4W-17798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T15:59:03.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-11T15:24:18.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it or the Student Awards Agency for Scotland provided to or for full-time students in receipt of a bursary in 2012-13 and expected to continue to receive support in 2013-14, that makes reference to reductions in bursaries available in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government announced the 2013-14 support package for higher education students on 22 August 2012.\r\nIn addition to its usual information work with colleges, universities and student bodies, the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) contacted all continuing students during the week beginning 27 August 2012 with details of the new support package.\r\nA further e-mail reminding continuing students was sent in week beginning 25 February 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T15:59:03.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288778,"EventID":"S4W-17799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-11T15:59:03.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-11T15:24:18.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it made prior to the publication of the 2013-14 draft budget of the impact of changes in student support in 2013-14 on the level of debt that will apply to students from lower-income households.","AnswerText":"Based on the support arrangements that apply in 2013-14, students from Scotland from the lowest income households who are eligible for a total maintenance package of £7250 will accrue a maximum annual debt of £5,500.\r\nThis policy was considered in the context of debt figures published annually by the Student Loan Company, the latest version of which shows that average student loan debt for Scottish students is £6,850 compared to £18,740 in England and £14,910 in Wales.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-08T15:59:03.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288779,"EventID":"S4W-17800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-14T15:00:39.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T10:21:03.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria it has set for when it would start investing in (a) a stability fund and (b) an oil fund in an independent Scotland; for what reasons; in what year it considers that these criteria will be met, and in how many further years.","AnswerText":"The Fiscal Commission Working Group set out a detailed framework for how investments could be made into both a short-term stabilisation fund and a\r\nlonger-term savings fund.\r\nIn the short-term the Working Group recommend that a stabilisation fund could initially involve the Scottish Government basing its spending plans on a cautious forecast of oil and gas revenues, with surplus revenue transferred into the fund.\r\nIn the long-run, the optimal condition for investment in a savings fund is for Scotland to run some form of onshore budget balance. However, the Working Group suggest that modest investments could start to be made into a savings fund once Scotland is running a manageable deficit and public sector debt as a share of GDP was on a downward path.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T15:00:39.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288780,"EventID":"S4W-17801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-14T15:00:40.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T10:21:03.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government at what (a) oil price and (b) production volume it would start investing in (a) a stability fund and (b) an oil fund in an independent Scotland; in what year it considers that this value will be achieved, and in how many further years.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17800 on 5 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T15:00:40.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288781,"EventID":"S4W-17802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-14T15:00:40.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T10:21:03.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government at what level of North Sea oil and gas revenues it would invest in (a) a stability fund and (b) an oil fund in an independent Scotland; in what year it considers that this value will be achieved, and in how many further years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17800 on 5 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T15:00:40.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288782,"EventID":"S4W-17803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-14T15:00:40.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T10:21:03.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of North Sea oil and gas revenues it would invest in (a) a stability fund and (b) an oil fund in an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17800 on 5 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T15:00:40.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288783,"EventID":"S4W-17804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-14T15:00:40.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T11:45:09.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to consolidate housing legislation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The purpose of consolidating legislation is to give effect to recommendations of the Scottish Law Commission, or of the Scottish Law Commission and the Law Commission jointly. We have no plans to introduce such legislation. However, it is our intention to introduce a Housing Bill later this year which will give effect to this government’s policies on the following issues: the right to buy; resolving housing disputes in the private rented sector; social housing tenancies and management of stock; licensing of mobile homes; the regulation of letting agents; and local authority powers over the condition of private housing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T15:00:40.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288784,"EventID":"S4W-17805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-14T15:00:41.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T11:45:09.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance is available to owners of tenement properties when agreement cannot be reached concerning the need for repairs of which the cost would be shared among the building owners.","AnswerText":"Where the title deeds are silent or if they are unclear, the Tenement Management Scheme at schedule 1 to the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 allows majority decisions on maintenance work, including repairs.\r\nSection 8 of the 2004 Act imposes a positive obligation on an owner of any part of a tenement building to maintain that part to ensure it provides support and shelter.\r\nHome owners may also approach their local authority. They have broad powers to assist home owners who need help. Assistance can be provided by way of advice and guidance, practical help or through financial assistance by loans or grants. However, it is for the local authority to determine what kinds of assistance should be provided in different circumstances, subject to local priorities and budgets.\r\nAdvice on tenemental repairs is available in the Scottish Government publication Common Repair, Common Sense, which is on the Government’s website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/law/17975.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T15:00:41.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288785,"EventID":"S4W-17806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-14T15:00:41.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T11:45:09.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what organisations are eligible to bid for funding from the small grants scheme for international development.","AnswerText":"Any organisation with a base in Scotland and that meets the following criteria are eligible to bid for funding from the Small Grants Programme for International Development:\r\nThe Small Grants Scheme is targeted at small international development organisations, and the following eligibility criteria apply:\r\napplicant organisations must satisfy two conditions : 1) they must be established as not for profit and 2) constitute a “legal person”, meaning it is legally constituted and can enter into a contract. Ideally , applicants will be SCIOs or companies that have charitable status. Unincorporated organisations, even with charitable status, are not eligible to apply;\r\napplicants must be able to evidence in their application a presence in Scotland;\r\napplicants must have an annual turnover of £150,000 or less (upper limit over the last 2 years);\r\norganisations applying must have been in existence for a minimum of 12 months at the time of applying and have audited/examined accounts for that year;\r\napplicants may only apply for one of each type of grant (project grant / feasibility / capacity building grant) in each annual funding call;\r\napplicants may only apply for grants that fit within the Scottish Government’s international development policy: specifically this means that applications will only be eligible if they relate to: the Scottish Government’s seven priority countries (Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the three Indian States of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa); and its priority themes/areas described in paragraph 4.4 above (education; health; sustainable economic development; civic governance and society; food security; renewable energy; climate change; and water); and normally applicants may only apply for a project grant where the Scottish Government will be the sole funder of such project; the exception to this is where the application is for joint or match funding, where the funding split may be up to a maximum of 50:50 with another funder, but in that event the other external funder must be identified by the applicant in their application and approved by the Scottish Government as part of the application assessment.\r\nAfter further consideration, I recognised that there are some small un-incorporated organisations who would wish to apply to the programme, but who would not currently meet the criteria of being a “legal person”. In recognition of this, and to assists these organisations, I therefore agreed that un-incorporated organisations could apply for funding from the programme, on condition that they become an incorporated organisation (e.g. either by becoming a company limited by guarantee or a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation) by 1 March 2014. Thereafter, in subsequent years, only incorporated organisations will be eligible to apply to the Small Grants Programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T15:00:41.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288786,"EventID":"S4W-17807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-14T15:00:42.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T11:45:09.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether and, if so, for what reason it has excluded unincorporated organisations from bidding for funding from the small grants scheme for international development.","AnswerText":"In order to be eligible to apply for funding under the Small Grants Programme applicant organisations must constitute a “legal person”, meaning it is legally constituted and can enter into a contract. This status is achieved by becoming an incorporated organisation, such as a Company limited by guarantee or a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation.\r\nAfter further consideration, I recognised that there are some small un-incorporated organisations who would wish to apply to the programme, but who would not currently meet the criteria of being a “legal person”. In recognition of this, and to assists these organisations, I therefore agreed that un-incorporated organisations could apply for funding from the programme, on condition that they become an incorporated organisation (e.g. either by becoming a company limited by guarantee or a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation) by 1 March 2014. Thereafter, in subsequent years, only incorporated organisations will be eligible to apply to the Small Grants Programme.\r\nI discussed this modification of the application process with NIDOS, and they agreed to run training sessions and provide other support to assist un-incorporated organisations to meet the criteria of becoming incorporation before the final awards are made.\r\nI consider that this modification of the application process will assist the small number of organisations who may not currently be in a position to apply to the programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T15:00:42.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288797,"EventID":"S4W-17753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-15T13:42:33.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T09:56:48.207","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will amend the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill to state that the current definition of marriage is a belief worthy of respect in a democratic society.\r\n","AnswerText":"No. We do not consider such an amendment is necessary.\r\nThere is nothing in the Bill which would stop persons from holding that belief. In addition, section 14 of the Bill provides that the introduction of same sex marriage will have no impact on existing rights to freedom of speech.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T13:42:33.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288798,"EventID":"S4W-17754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-15T13:42:33.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T09:56:48.207","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will seek to amend the Equality Act 2010 to (a) include in the protected characteristic of religion or belief, support for the current definition of marriage and (b) ensure that people opposed to same-sex marriage should not experience any detriment because of their views.\r\n","AnswerText":"No.\r\nThe Scottish Government fully respects the belief held by many people and organisations that marriage can only ever be between a man and a woman. However, we would not support an amendment to the protected characteristic of religion or belief in the Equality Act 2010 to make specific provision on beliefs about marriage.\r\nAdding a specific amendment to the protected characteristic which related to beliefs about marriage could cast doubt about whether other strongly held beliefs are covered as well.\r\nWhere necessary, the Government is proposing provision to protect specific persons, such as the provisions in the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill, and related amendments to the 2010 Act, to make it clear that religious and belief bodies opposed to same sex marriage are under no obligation to solemnise such marriages.\r\nThe Government has indicated that persons opposed to same sex marriage should suffer no detriment just because of their reasonably expressed views. The Bill has provision at section 14 making it clear that the introduction of same sex marriage will have no impact on existing rights to freedom of speech. In addition, the Lord Advocate has issued prosecution guidance in relation to same sex marriage:\r\nhttp://www.copfs.gov.uk/images/Documents/Prosecution_Policy_Guidance/Guidelines_and_Policy/PROSECUTION%20GUIDANCE%20IN%20RELATION%20TO%20SAME%20SEX%20MARRIAGE.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T13:42:33.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288799,"EventID":"S4W-17756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-15T13:42:33.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T09:56:48.207","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if same-sex marriage was introduced, what its position is on whether it would be appropriate for public sector employers to take into account the views on this of (a) applicants for posts and (b) staff when considering their suitability for employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Government considers that public sector appointments should be based on merit and not on any views which applicants and staff may have on same sex marriage.\r\nLocal authorities and public bodies are subject to the Equality Act 2010 and, as such, are directly prohibited from discriminating against any person because of their religion or belief.\r\nIn addition, the Human Rights Act 1998 makes it unlawful for public authorities to breach the European Convention on Human Rights. The convention includes provisions on the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion and the right to freedom of expression.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T13:42:33.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288800,"EventID":"S4W-17757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-15T13:42:34.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-10T09:56:48.207","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will amend the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 to specify that organisations opposed to same-sex marriage will not fail to meet the charity test because of this view.\r\n","AnswerText":"No. We do not consider such an amendment is necessary.\r\nSection 7 of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 provides that a body meets the charity test if its purposes consist only of one or more of the charitable purposes and it provides public benefit. One of the charitable purposes laid down in section 7 of the 2005 Act is the advancement of religion.\r\nDecisions on charitable status are a matter for the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). OSCR have advised us that the simple expression of a view on same sex marriage which was to the furtherance of a body’s charitable purposes is not expected to adversely affect the body’s charitable status.\r\nIn addition, the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill has provision at section 14 making it clear that the introduction of same sex marriage will have no impact on existing rights to freedom of speech.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T13:42:34.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288801,"EventID":"S4W-17852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-15T13:42:34.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-15T10:40:52.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what powers Bòrd na Gàidhlig has to ensure that local authorities implement Gaelic language plans and what sanctions are available should the targets in the plans not be met.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 Bòrd na Gàidhlig can notify a Scottish public authority to produce and implement a Gaelic Language Plan.\r\nAll public authorities with an approved Gaelic Language Plan are asked to submit an annual progress report to the Bòrd in relation to the key commitments in their plan. In addition, the Bòrd commissions an independent assessment of progress towards achieving the core commitments in plans which are three years into their cycle. These two actions are the key measures of success which the Bòrd employs.\r\nThere are measures in place should a Scottish public authority not pursue the terms of their Gaelic language plan. The Bòrd may submit a report to Scottish ministers setting out its reason for this conclusion. Thereafter Scottish Ministers may either lay a copy of the report before the Scottish Parliament or they may direct the authority in question to implement any or all of the measures in its Gaelic language plan by the date specified in the direction.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T13:42:34.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288802,"EventID":"S4W-17853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-15T13:42:34.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-15T10:45:40.187","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has provided to Entrepreneurial Spark in the last three years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not provided any funding to Entrepreneurial Spark in the past three years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T13:42:34.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288803,"EventID":"S4W-17854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-15T13:42:34.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-15T10:59:10.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to preserve fishing stocks in the River Dee and what its position is on whether netting at Montrose impacts on the level of these stocks.","AnswerText":"Multiple factors impact on salmon and freshwater fish stocks, including fishing in both international and domestic waters, marine mortality, habitat quality, predation, climate change and approaches to conservation at a local level.\r\nStatutory responsibility for management of salmon fisheries rests with District Salmon Fishery Boards (DSFBs) although Scottish Government, through Marine Scotland Science (MSS), undertakes significant monitoring to provide evidence on stock status across Scotland from which management decisions can be made. This includes collection and publication of annual catch statistics and operation of three detailed salmon monitoring sites (index sites) in Scotland, two of which are located on the upper River Dee (the Girnock and Baddoch traps). In the case of the Baddoch, a broad suite of work is in place to assess long-term changes in the environment and the potential consequences of fish populations as part of the UK Upland Waters Monitoring Network. MSS also works with individual boards and fishery trusts on projects which are thought likely to provide a transferable evidence base and to be of national significance; this includes work with the River Dee Trust to assess the efficacy of climate change mitigation work through riparian planting. \r\nThe Scottish Government and its agencies work in partnership with boards, rivers and fisheries trusts, NGOs and private landowners in support of measures to support healthy fish stocks and habitats. “Pearls in Peril” - a £2.6 million four year EU Life Project led by SNH - will deliver significant habitat improvements on the River Dee including riparian planting, creation of buffer strips to reduce local diffuse pollution and removal of barriers which will also be to the benefit of salmon. Financial support for the project has been provided by SNH and SEPA.\r\nScottish Ministers also consider requests from DSFBs for statutory management measures. An extension to the rod angling season for the River Dee was granted by the Scottish Parliament in 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T13:42:34.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288804,"EventID":"S4W-17855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-15T13:42:35.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-15T11:42:24.667","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) retailers and (b) the farming sector regarding the use of substitute or synthetic egg products and whether it plans to discuss with the Food Standards Agency the labelling of such products.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government together with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) currently has no plans to hold specific discussions with retailers and the farming sector concerning the use of substitute or synthetic egg products or the labelling of such products.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T13:42:35.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288808,"EventID":"S4W-17858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-15T15:40:05.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-15T13:07:39.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that any funding difficulties for partners in the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route project will not result in further delays to the project.","AnswerText":"In February 2013, the Scottish Government consented to both Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils borrowing up to £70 million to directly fund their contribution to the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR).\r\nSubsequently, Scottish Ministers have agreed a contribution cap of £75 million for each Council, bringing clarity and certainty to spending plans ensuring that the project is delivered by Spring 2018.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T15:40:05.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288809,"EventID":"S4W-17859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-15T15:40:05.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-15T13:07:39.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it can provide to local authorities if they have difficulties in securing their share of the funding for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route project.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has consented to both Councils borrowing the funds which they have agreed to provide towards the cost of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie to Tipperty project. Under this arrangement, repayment of the loan can be spread over 30 years and Aberdeenshire Council has been given consent to defer repayment until the completion of the road in Spring 2018.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T15:40:05.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288810,"EventID":"S4W-17860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-15T15:40:06.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-15T13:07:39.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on securing its share of the funding for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route project.\r\n","AnswerText":"Future provision has been made within revenue forecasts to fund the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie to Tipperty project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T15:40:06.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288811,"EventID":"S4W-17868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-16T13:11:46.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-16T10:59:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, further to the answer to question S4W-17337 by Liam McArthur on 2 October 2013, whether it has received legal advice on pension entitlement for the member held on remand should there be an acquittal or not proven verdict and, if so, whether it will publish this.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to question S4W-17337 on 2 October 2013 that confirmed that the SPCB is examining consequential pension and salary issues. Appropriate legal advice will be included in that consideration. The SPCB will report to the Parliament on its conclusions in due course but it is not the SPCB’s policy to publish legal advice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:11:47.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Liam McArthur (on behalf of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body):","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288812,"EventID":"S4W-17869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-16T13:11:48.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-16T11:57:31.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, further to the answer to question S4W-17337 by Liam McArthur on 2 October 2013, whether it has received legal advice on possible civil proceedings being raised by the member held on remand because of the loss of (a) pay or pension and (b) personal reputation should there be an acquittal or not proven verdict and, if so, whether it will publish this.\r\n","AnswerText":"Appropriate legal advice was taken on this matter and consideration was given to all the relevant issues before we reached the decision to bring the motion before Parliament. \r\n \r\nThat advice included oral legal advice on the possibility of civil proceedings for loss of pay in the event of a deduction made under the salary scheme in respect of a member on remand. The SPCB has already published the paper it considered in relation to this matter.\r\n \r\nAs the SPCB stated in moving the motion on this matter on 10 September 2013 it is examining consequential pension and salary issues in order to identify any adjustments that should be made\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:11:48.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Liam McArthur (on behalf of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body):","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288813,"EventID":"S4W-17870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-16T13:21:00.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-16T13:18:03.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Registrar General will publish his annual report for 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"‘Scotland’s Population 2012: the Registrar General’s Annual Review of Demographic Trends’ is published today. The report contains information about births, deaths and marriages during the year, together with other demographic information. A copy of the report is available in the Scottish Parliament Reference Centre (BIB 55269), or from the Registrar General’s website at:\r\nwww.nrscotland.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:21:00.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288814,"EventID":"S4W-17861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-16T13:49:34.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-15T16:00:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on reports that it has not considered over 4,000 responses to the consultation on the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill and whether it will provide an analysis of these responses to the Equal Opportunities Committee prior to it completing its stage 1 report.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have written to the Equal Opportunities Committee about this matter. Our letter is available on the Parliament’s website at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/S4_EqualOpportunitiesCommittee/General%20Documents/13-10-11_SG__MCPBill.pdf \r\n\r\nWe have advised Scotland for Marriage that the problem appears to stem from a technical error in their email system. We have consistently told them that we are prepared to consider any points not already drawn to our attention.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:49:34.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288815,"EventID":"S4W-17862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-16T13:49:35.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-15T16:50:24.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider reopening the Edinburgh South Suburban Railway to passenger traffic as part of Network Rail’s plans to electrify the line.","AnswerText":"Already an important and developing freight route, passenger services on the Edinburgh South Suburban Railway (ESSR) were considered by the 2008 Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR). Studies which informed the STPR had concluded that there was a poor business case for passenger services and the intervention was not taken forward.\r\nThe STPR forms the main basis for the specification of future transport spending until 2032. Consequently, the Scottish Government have no current plans to reopen the ESSR to passenger traffic.\r\nThe Scottish Ministers are willing to consider proposals for new services where there are clear benefits, subject to affordability and taking into account the potential negative effect on other passengers on the network. Promoters should approach the South East Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran) to discuss how best to progress the proposal in line with SEStran’s regional transport strategy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:49:35.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288827,"EventID":"S4W-17863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-17T13:40:32.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-16T08:23:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what organisations the NHS uses to help provide services, broken down by the (a) cost of the service, (b) number of employees and (c) ratio between highest and lowest paid employee.\r\n","AnswerText":"Detailed information on NHSScotland expenditure is available on the NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) Information Services Division (ISD) website. ISD publish the Scottish Health Service Costs (known as the Cost Book) which provides a detailed analysis of where resources are spent in NHSScotland.\r\nNHSScotland uses many thousands of organisations to help provide services. These include for example, suppliers of goods, voluntary sector partners and energy providers. The Scottish Government does not hold the information requested for these organisations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:40:32.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288828,"EventID":"S4W-17864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-17T13:40:33.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-16T08:23:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of each NHS board's budget is taken up by administration costs, and what information it has for organisations that the NHS uses to help provide services.\r\n","AnswerText":"Table 1 shows the percentage of each NHS Board’s total costs taken up by administration costs for financial year 2011-12. The information is based on data from the 2011-12 Scottish Health Service Costs Book publication which includes data on the 14 territorial NHS Boards and two special boards, the State Hospital and the Golden Jubilee National Hospital. The administration costs include hospital and community administration costs (and cover both pay and supplies costs).\r\nTable 1: NHS Board Administration Costs as % of Total Operating Costs for 2011-12\r\nNHS Board\r\nTotal\r\nOperating Costs\r\n£’000\r\nTotal Admin Costs\r\n£000\r\nAdmin Costs\r\n(%)\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n676,345\r\n52,305\r\n7.7%\r\nNHS Borders\r\n187,138\r\n12,622\r\n6.7%\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n279,213\r\n18,843\r\n6.7%\r\nNHS Fife\r\n584,155\r\n39,091\r\n6.7%\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n484,010\r\n34,724\r\n7.2%\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n914,330\r\n58,217\r\n6.4%\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n2,731,997\r\n197,741\r\n7.2%\r\nNHS Highland\r\n569,823\r\n43,241\r\n7.6%\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n939,016\r\n68,115\r\n7.3%\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n1,522,248\r\n91,124\r\n6.0%\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n41,162\r\n6,190\r\n15.0%\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n45,254\r\n4,250\r\n9.4%\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n846,978\r\n65,399\r\n7.7%\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n66,560\r\n6,458\r\n9.7%\r\nGolden Jubilee\r\n105,549\r\n7,277\r\n6.9%\r\nState Hospital\r\n34,604\r\n4,053\r\n11.7%\r\nTOTAL\r\n10,028,382\r\n709,650\r\n7.1%\r\n\r\nNHSScotland uses many thousands of organisations to help provide services. These include for example, suppliers of goods, voluntary sector partners and energy providers. The Scottish Government does not hold the information requested for these organisations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:40:33.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288829,"EventID":"S4W-17865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-17T13:40:33.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-16T08:23:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many public relations posts there are in each NHS board, and what information it has for organisations that the NHS uses to help provide services.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on how many public relation posts there are in each NHS board is not centrally held. However, NHS boards may be in a position to provide information on the number of staff involved in public relations and corporate communications work if approached directly.\r\nIt should be noted that NHSScotland uses many thousands of organisations to help provide services. These include for example, suppliers of goods, voluntary sector partners and energy providers. The Scottish Government does not hold the information requested for these organisations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:40:33.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288830,"EventID":"S4W-17866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-17T13:40:33.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-16T08:23:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much each NHS board paid in commissioning work from non-medical consultants in the latest year for which information is available, and what information it has for organisations that the NHS uses to help provide services.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold centrally information on how much each NHS board paid in commissioning work for non-medical consultants and it also does not hold details of what organisations the NHS uses to provide these services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:40:33.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288831,"EventID":"S4W-17867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-17T13:40:33.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-16T08:23:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many non-medical (a) managerial and (b) administrative posts there are in each NHS board, also expressed as a percentage of the number of employees.\r\n","AnswerText":"SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT\r\nWRITTEN ANSWER\r\n12 November 2013\t\r\nIndex Heading: Health and Social Care\r\n Margo MacDonald (Lothian) (Independent): To ask the Scottish Government how many non-medical (a) managerial and (b) administrative posts there are in each NHS board, also expressed as a percentage of the number of employees.\r\n\r\n(S4W-17867)\r\nAlex Neil:\r\nInformation on how many non-medical (a) managerial and (b) administrative post there are in each NHS Board, expressed as a percentage of the number of employees can be found in the following tables.\r\nTable 1: Non-medical Managerial staff by NHS Health Board as at 30th June 2013:\r\nHealth Board\r\nWhole Time Equivalent\r\nPercentage1\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n36.7\r\n0.4%\r\nNHS Borders\r\n17.0\r\n0.7%\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n12.0\r\n0.3%\r\nNHS Fife\r\n33.5\r\n0.5%\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n27.8\r\n0.6%\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n68.6\r\n0.6%\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n188.4\r\n0.6%\r\nNHS Highland\r\n65.5\r\n0.8%\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n74.4\r\n0.7%\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n129.5\r\n0.7%\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n3.0\r\n0.7%\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n5.0\r\n0.9%\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n86.5\r\n0.7%\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n5.0\r\n0.6%\r\nNational Waiting Times Centre\r\n7.9\r\n0.6%\r\nNHS 24\r\n5.4\r\n0.5%\r\nNHS Health Scotland\r\n14.0\r\n5.4%\r\nNHS Healthcare Improvement Scotland\r\n7.9\r\n2.7%\r\nNHS National Education Scotland\r\n7.0\r\n0.7%\r\nNHS National Services Scotland\r\n64.8\r\n2.2%\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n11.0\r\n0.3%\r\nState Hospital\r\n10.0\r\n1.6%\r\nManagement grades (non AfC) – Note that these are not all the managers in the NHS. This group describes those staff on senior management and executive level pay arrangements.\r\n1. The percentage shown is of the total number of staff within each NHS board.\r\n\r\nTable 1: Non-medical Administrative staff by NHS Health Board as at 30th June 2013:\r\nHealth Board\r\nWhole Time Equivalent\r\nPercentage1\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n1410.5\r\n16.8%\r\nNHS Borders\r\n446.8\r\n17.8%\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n591.6\r\n17.2%\r\nNHS Fife\r\n1193.8\r\n17.0%\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n841.4\r\n17.1%\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n1688.9\r\n14.8%\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n5322.4\r\n15.9%\r\nNHS Highland\r\n1259.2\r\n15.8%\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n1621.7\r\n16.0%\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n2765.8\r\n14.6%\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n107.8\r\n23.4%\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n122.0\r\n22.2%\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n1966.4\r\n16.8%\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n157.2\r\n18.8%\r\nNational Waiting Times Centre\r\n211.0\r\n15.9%\r\nNHS 24\r\n563.3\r\n56.0%\r\nNHS Health Scotland\r\n212.4\r\n81.6%\r\nNHS Healthcare Improvement Scotland\r\n284.5\r\n96.0%\r\nNHS National Education Scotland\r\n498.7\r\n51.4%\r\nNHS National Services Scotland\r\n1883.0\r\n62.6%\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n318.2\r\n7.7%\r\nState Hospital\r\n96.6\r\n15.3%\r\n1. The percentage shown is of the total number of staff within each NHS board.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:40:33.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288832,"EventID":"S4W-17871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-17T13:40:34.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T11:06:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Succession (Scotland) Act 1964 prevents a person from leaving their entire estate to their spouse to the exclusion of any children.","AnswerText":"Scots law provides that a spouse or civil partner and children can claim legal rights to a fixed share of a deceased’s moveable (cash, shares etc.) estate regardless of whether the deceased left a will (and what it said) or died without making a will.\r\nThese “legal rights” predate the Succession (Scotland) 1964 Act and are a protection from disinheritance.\r\nThe 1964 Act did introduce “prior rights” to a deceased’s estate for a spouse or civil partner where the deceased died without a will. As prior rights are paid first out of a deceased’s estate, it can be the case that the prior rights encompass the whole of the deceased’s estate, so that no money is left in the estate to pay any legal rights, including to the deceased’s children. \r\nThe law of succession was reviewed by the Scottish Law Commission, Scotland’s law reform body, who produced a Report in 2009:\r\nhttp://www.scotlawcom.gov.uk/law-reform-projects/completed-projects/succession/. That project included consideration of whether children should continue to be protected from disinheritance. This proved to be the most divisive issue on which the Commission consulted.\r\nThe Scottish Government is considering the report and it is clear, following informal dialogue with stakeholders, that this, and a number of other issues, are controversial. Formal consultation will therefore be required to inform how best to take forward reform of succession law and we will do this when other priorities allow.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:40:34.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288833,"EventID":"S4W-17872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-17T15:07:28.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T14:30:25.503","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what planning assumptions it has made for each year to 2017-18 for the level of (a) GDP growth, (b) revenue budget surplus or deficit using Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (GERS) methodology, (c) fiscal surplus or deficit using GERS methodology and (d) the ratio of debt to GDP using a population share of UK debt.","AnswerText":"Information on Scotland’s future fiscal position will be set out in the Scottish Government’s white paper on Scottish independence. The paper will be published on the 26 November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T15:07:28.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288834,"EventID":"S4W-17873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-17T15:07:29.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T14:30:25.503","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any of its ministers have visited the United Nations in Geneva in the last six months and, if so, (a) how many officials accompanied the minister, (b) what meetings the minister had, (c) for which meetings officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office were present and (d) whether it will publish the text of the remarks made by the minister at each meeting.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Minister for External Affairs and International Development visited Geneva from 23 to 25 September 2013, where he met with a number of UN organisations to discuss areas of mutual interest. The Minister was accompanied by 3 Scottish Government officials, and officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office were present at all meetings. In terms of the specific UN organisations the Minister met with during his visit, these included UNICEF, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees, UN Institute for Training and Research, the International Labour Organisation and the Conference on Disarmament. The Scottish Government does not routinely publish the text of remarks made during meetings, and we have no plans to do so in this instance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T15:07:29.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288835,"EventID":"S4W-17874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-17T15:07:29.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T14:30:25.503","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a list of the countries from which the (a) Deputy First Minister and (b) Minister for External Affairs and International Development has met officials or ministers in the last six months, and the dates of such meetings.","AnswerText":"The following is a list of meetings held by the Deputy First Minister and the Minister for External Affairs and International Development over the last six months:\r\n(a)\tThe Deputy First Minister has met officials or ministers from:\r\nPakistan - 13 August 2013\r\nThe EU Commission - 4 September 2013\r\n\r\n(b) \tThe Minister for External Affairs and International Development has met officials or ministers from:\r\nPhilippines – 25 April 2013\r\nSouth Africa – 2 May 2013\r\nSwitzerland – 10 May 2013\r\nPakistan – 10 May 2013, 23 July 2013, 3 October 2013, 16-18 October 2013\r\nSyria – 16 May 2013, 9 September 2013\r\nSlovenia – 16 May 2013\r\nQatar (Doha Forum): 19 – 22 May 2013\r\nRwanda – 30 May 2013\r\nKurdistan – 12 June 2013\r\nIreland – 18 June 2013, 18 September 2013, 9 October 2013\r\nChina - 25 – 28 June 2013\r\nLatvia - 7-8 July 2013\r\nThailand - 12 July 2013\r\nMongolia – 18 July 2013\r\nKyrgyzstan – 4 September 2013\r\nEgypt – 13 September 2013– check this with Robert Dunn\r\nSingapore – 25 September 2013\r\nIndia – 3 October 2013, 11-15 October 2013\r\nTurkey – 31 October 2013\r\nUK Government representatives: The Minister for External Affairs and International Development meets with UK Government representatives when he visits other countries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T15:07:29.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288836,"EventID":"S4W-17875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-17T15:07:29.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T14:30:25.503","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-13264 by Nicola Sturgeon on 13 March 2013, whether it will reconsider its decision not to release the text of the First Minister’s address to EU ambassadors on 12 February 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"No, this was a private meeting.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T15:07:29.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288842,"EventID":"S4W-17857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:14.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-15T12:50:11.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it gives to people in Stirling with multiple sclerosis.\r\n","AnswerText":"While policies, frameworks and resources are provided by the Scottish Government, individual NHS boards are responsible for planning and funding services in their area and for securing the staff to deliver them. It is for NHS boards to determine their workforce requirements, including training, based on the clinical needs and service developments in their area. This includes MS services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:16.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288843,"EventID":"S4W-17876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:16.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T14:37:08.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the latest cost estimate is for improvements to the Haudagain roundabout.","AnswerText":"The STAG Report prepared by Aberdeen City Council estimated that Option 5 would cost in the region of £14.5 million (May 2007 prices, and excluding VAT).\r\nAn early part of the preparatory work is to ensure that Option 5 continues to work effectively with the current development proposals. This assessment work to confirm the preferred route option is ongoing and due to be finalised in spring 2014. The cost estimate will be updated and reviewed as part of this process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:16.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288844,"EventID":"S4W-17877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:16.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T14:37:08.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a legally binding written guarantee that it will fund the cost of the Haudagain roundabout improvements in the event that a Trunk Road Order is granted and what its reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no requirement for a legally binding guarantee to progress the design work.\r\nThe Scottish Government have been clear on a number of occasions that it will pay for completion of the Haudagain roundabout improvement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:16.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288845,"EventID":"S4W-17878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:17.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T14:37:08.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will apply for a Trunk Road Order for the improvements to the Haudagain roundabout.\r\n","AnswerText":"Subject to confirming the preferred route option in spring 2014, the provisional programme estimates publication of draft road orders in summer 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:17.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288846,"EventID":"S4W-17879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:17.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T14:37:08.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding for bursaries it has allocated to (a) colleges and (b) universities in (i) Aberdeen and (ii) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years, broken down by institution.\r\n","AnswerText":"Bursary funding for higher education students is not allocated to institutions; it is awarded by SAAS to the individual student directly.\r\nBursary funding for further education (FE) students at colleges is allocated to institutions by the Scottish Funding Council. Bursary fund allocations for FE students at colleges in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are shown in the following table.\r\nTotal bursary allocations for FE students at college in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire 1(£)\r\nArea\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\nAberdeen \r\n5,058,667\r\n4,979,399\r\n5,159,760\r\n5,782,166\r\nBanff and Buchan College\r\n1,430,312\r\n1,565,175\r\n1,798,371\r\n1,866,757\r\nAberdeenshire\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nTotal\r\n6,488,979\r\n6,544,574\r\n6,958,131\r\n7,648,923\r\n\r\ncontinued\r\nArea\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\n2013-142\r\nAberdeen \r\n5,685,350\r\n6,138,817\r\n5,968,588\r\nn/a\r\nBanff and Buchan College\r\n1,888,031\r\n2,148,785\r\n1,963,229\r\nn/a\r\nAberdeenshire\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\n8,369,973\r\nTotal\r\n7,573,381\r\n8,287,601\r\n7,931,817\r\n8,369,973\r\nSource: Scottish Funding Council.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Includes extra allocations given throughout the year such as In-year-redistribution, economic downturn, ESF, PACE, rural allocation if applicable.\r\n2. Regional allocation was awarded for 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:17.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288847,"EventID":"S4W-17880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:17.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T14:37:08.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) temporary and (b) agency staff it employed in each of the last three years, broken down by (i) directorate and (ii) cost.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following information relates to the core Scottish Government. \r\nTemporary and agency workers give the Scottish Government the flexibility to bring specific professional skills and experience into the organisation when they are needed. They are used to cover short-term pieces of work where it would not be cost-efficient to recruit and employ permanently.\r\nThe information requested has been made available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre, SPICe (Bib number 55395).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:17.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288848,"EventID":"S4W-17881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:18.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T14:37:08.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people injured as a result of (a) alcohol and (b) other substance abuse were treated in NHS Grampian hospitals in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is not possible from centrally held information to reliably identify how many people were treated in hospital after being injured as a result of alcohol or other substance abuse. From acute hospital discharges, it is possible to provide information on the number of inpatient episodes which had both an injury diagnosis and a diagnosis associated with alcohol or other substance use. However, such an analysis would include only those cases where there was a significant accompanying alcohol or substance abuse issue identified in the patient’s discharge letter. It is not possible to determine the extent to which the injury was attributable to alcohol or other substance abuse, nor whether it occurred as a result of the patient’s own alcohol/substance abuse or another’s. On this basis, such an analysis is not provided as it would potentially be misleading.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:18.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288849,"EventID":"S4W-17882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:18.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T14:37:08.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many police support staff were employed in the Grampian area in each of the last three years, expressed as (a) headcount and (b) whole-time equivalent.\r\n","AnswerText":"Statistics relating to the number police support staff (headcount and full-time equivalent) employed in the Grampian legacy police force area for the last three years, are available in Table 4.7.2 of the Scottish Policing Performance Framework Annual Report 2012-13. These figures include staff on career breaks. This is available via the following web link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PoliceSPPF\r\nSince August 2013 the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) has published the total number of staff employed by both the SPA and Police Scotland in their board papers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:18.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288850,"EventID":"S4W-17883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:19.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T14:37:08.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many offences of wasting police time have been recorded in the former Grampian Police force area in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of offences of public mischief (which includes wasting police time) for the legacy Grampian Police force area between 2010-11 and 2012-13.\r\n\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nPublic mischief \r\n(including wasting police time)\r\n93\r\n82\r\n93\r\nSource: Justice Analytical Services, Scottish Government\r\n\r\nIt is not possible to separate offences of wasting police time out of this aggregated category.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:19.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288851,"EventID":"S4W-17884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:19.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T14:37:08.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many racist incidents have been recorded in the former Grampian Police force area in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The statistical bulletin Racist Incidents Recorded by the Police in Scotland, 2011-12 was published by the Scottish Government on 11 December 2012 and is available via the following web link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PubRacistIncidents\r\nTable 1 of the bulletin details the number of racist incidents recorded, by police force area, from 2004-05 to 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:19.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288852,"EventID":"S4W-17885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:19.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T22:06:50.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it will cost to transfer 10,000 of its computers to the Windows 8 operating system and train staff to use it.\r\n","AnswerText":"The software upgrade is entirely cost-neutral as new versions of operating system software are covered as part of our Microsoft Enterprise Agreement.\r\nAs with the previous upgrade to Windows 7, no formal training programme will be required but online help and assistance will be provided via interactive guides and a purpose built online productivity hub. This will incur no additional cost.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:19.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288853,"EventID":"S4W-17886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:20.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T22:06:50.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to ending the provision of security support for earlier versions of the Windows operating system and moving to an open source operating system.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government commenced a rolling upgrade programme two years ago in anticipation of Windows XP becoming unsupported from April 2014. As of November 2012, 86% of devices have been upgraded and the exercise will be completed in February 2014.\r\nAn open source desktop assessment was conducted in early 2011 and concluded that there was still no suitably mature, scalable and secure alternative to the Microsoft Windows and Outlook products. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:20.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288854,"EventID":"S4W-17887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:20.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T22:08:02.417","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what effect the proposed closure of the Winchburgh rail tunnel will have on passengers travelling to and from (a) stations north of Linlithgow, (b) Dunblane and (c) Alloa.\r\n","AnswerText":"As with any investment of this scale in an operational environment, there will inevitably be some disruption. All rail connections will be maintained during the closure of the Winchburgh Tunnel. Whilst detailed timetable development work is on-going for the period of disruption, I can confirm that some services will be reduced with an extension of journey times. Where possible, capacity will be retained through use of longer trains.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:20.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288855,"EventID":"S4W-17888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:20.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T22:08:02.417","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it gave to providing alternative routes prior to commencing work on the electrification affecting the Winchburgh tunnel.","AnswerText":"All rail connections will be maintained during the closure of the Winchburgh Tunnel. Alternative routes are available for Glasgow to Edinburgh end to end passengers via the Airdrie-Bathgate route with the alternative route for remaining passengers being existing services travelling via Dalmeny.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:20.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288856,"EventID":"S4W-17889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:21.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T22:08:34.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that GP practices that are not training practices are inspected.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our success in safety is well documented and does not necessarily require the inspection of individual practices. Scotland is the first country in the world to implement a national patient safety programme across the whole healthcare system and The Scottish Patient Safety Programme in Primary Care was launched 14 March 2013.\r\nThe Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) rewards contractors for the provision of quality care and helps to standardise improvements on the delivery of primary medical services and contractor must co-operate fully with any reasonable inspection or review (including the health board’s QOF annual review) that the health board or another relevant statutory authority wishes to undertake in respect of the achievement points to which it says it is entitled.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:21.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288857,"EventID":"S4W-17890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:21.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T22:11:34.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15373 by Alex Neil on 25 June 2013, what impact discontinuing the provision of free samples has had on the cost of stoma care supplies to the NHS.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:21.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288858,"EventID":"S4W-17891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:22.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T22:11:34.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15373 by Alex Neil on 25 June 2013, how stoma care clinical nurse specialists are involved in the assessment of stoma care supplies to the NHS.","AnswerText":"Stoma care clinical nurse specialists review developments in the stoma care supplies market through information published by suppliers and through the national tender process undertaken by NHS National Services Scotland’s National Procurement division.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:22.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288859,"EventID":"S4W-17892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:22.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T22:11:34.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15378 by Alex Neil on 10 June 2013, who is responsible for setting standards and monitoring stoma care training for carers of older people in (a) their homes and (b) a care home.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government expects older people’s health or personal care needs to be clearly detailed within their care plans and, for them to be supported by appropriately trained staff, irrespective of whether they are at home, or in a care home.\r\nLocal authorities and their planning partners are responsible for determining the types and levels of services required to meet the needs of vulnerable people in their areas and either providing those services directly or commissioning them from independent sector providers. The onus would be on the service provider to set the standards and to ensure staff were appropriately trained to carry out this area of care.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not hold information centrally regarding incidences of carers refusing to undertake stoma care duties.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:22.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288860,"EventID":"S4W-17893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:22.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T22:11:34.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15378 by Alex Neil on 10 June 2013, whether it is aware of incidences of carers refusing to undertake stoma care duties.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17892 on 13 November 2013. All answers written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:22.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288861,"EventID":"S4W-17894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:23.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T22:11:34.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15363 by Alex Neil on 13 June 2013, who is responsible for setting up a national audit system; when it will be set up, and which groups will be involved.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17896 on 12 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nwww.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:23.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288862,"EventID":"S4W-17895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:23.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T22:11:34.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15363 by Alex Neil on 13 June 2013, for what reason no national audit systems on (a) the provision of stoma care appliances and (b) patient service standards were  set up following the audit of patient opinion in 2010.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17896 on 12 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nwww.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:23.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288863,"EventID":"S4W-17896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:24.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T22:11:34.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15363 by Alex Neil on 13 June 2013, whether the further work to establish a national group is different to the quality and cost effectiveness review group mentioned in the answer to question S4W-15356 by Alex Neil on 13 June 2013 and which group will be responsible for setting up a national audit programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is for each health board to plan, deliver and audit the provision of stoma care in its area.\r\nA quality and cost effectiveness review on stoma care is being led by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for NHS Scotland and will take forwards all service issues with respect to the provision of stoma care. Soundings are currently being taken by the board's officers with interested parties on the terms of their review.\r\nThe result of that review will then be available to all boards to help their future planning of stoma care services to best meet the needs of patients in a cost effective way.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:24.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288864,"EventID":"S4W-17897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:24.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T22:11:34.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15356 by Alex Neil on 13 June 2013, who will decide on the scope of the quality and cost effectiveness review.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17896 on 12 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nwww.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:24.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288865,"EventID":"S4W-17898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:24.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T22:11:34.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15366 by Alex Neil on 12 June 2013, what action it took to encourage the setting up of local forums.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17896 on 12 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nwww.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:24.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288866,"EventID":"S4W-17899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:25.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T22:11:34.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15366 by Alex Neil on 12 June 2013, what role local stoma care forums will have in the proposed quality and cost effectiveness review.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17896 on 12 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nwww.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:25.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288867,"EventID":"S4W-17900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:25.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T16:55:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many applications for wind turbines above 50 MW were granted between 1 October 2011 and 1 October 2013 to developers who were not in possession of an Ofgem generating licence, including those who were exempt from the requirement.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of wind farm applications over 50MW granted consent between 1 October 2011 and 1 October 2013 is 11.\r\nInformation on whether the applicants in question were in possession of an Ofgem generating licence or exempt from the requirement to hold such a licence is not held by the Scottish Government. It is Ofgem who have responsibility for Electricity licensing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:25.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288868,"EventID":"S4W-17902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T13:47:25.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-17T22:11:34.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-15365 by Alex Neil on 7 June 2013, how it would decide that stoma care services were a particular area of strength or challenge for an NHS board.","AnswerText":"NHS boards have an on-going responsibility to ensure that provision of a service is effective, is of a high standard and meets the needs of the patient. There are numerous ways in which the performance of a particular service can be monitored such as liaising with clinical networks and patient groups, applying continuous quality improvement tools and local service audits where necessary.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:47:25.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288869,"EventID":"S4W-17808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:23.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T15:43:37.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contingencies it has put in place in the event that no agreement with the UK Government can be reached on the use of (a) Department of Work and Pensions and (b) Treasury infrastructure in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will enter negotiations with the UK Government following a vote in favour of independence to agree arrangements for the transition to independence, including shared service arrangements where appropriate. The First Minister and Prime Minister signed the Edinburgh Agreement in October 2012, in which the Scottish and UK Governments agree to work constructively together in light of the outcome of the referendum. We expect negotiations on transition to be entered into in the spirit of the Edinburgh Agreement and it will be in the interest of both countries to reach agreement quickly and constructively.\r\nThe Expert Working Group on welfare’s first report confirms the Scottish Government’s view that Scotland is well positioned to deliver benefit payments, including pensions, to people living in Scotland following independence. It also finds that all delivery options are possible in an independent Scotland.\r\nFurther Information can be found in the Scottish Government’s white paper Scotland’s Future: your guide to an Independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:23.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288870,"EventID":"S4W-17810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:24.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T15:43:37.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what procedures underpin the guarantee that pensions will be paid \"on time and in full\" in an independent Scotland if no agreement can be reached with the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland already has the people and infrastructure in place to manage and to pay pensions and pension scheme administrators across the UK will continue to pay pensions on time and in full during any transitional period leading up to a move to independence. Indeed, existing safeguards for scheme members are being further strengthened by the introduction of the governance provisions of the Public Service Pensions Act 2013.\r\nIn addition section 30 of the Edinburgh Agreement committed the UK and Scottish Governments ‘to continue to work together constructively in the light of the outcome, whatever it is, in the best interests of the people of Scotland and of the rest of the United Kingdom.’\r\nDuring the transitional period, pensions will continue to be paid as currently and will continue to benefit from legislative protections under the continuity of law principle. Article 1 of Protocol 1 of the European Convention of Human Rights also means that pension rights are property rights under the Convention which governments must respect.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:24.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288871,"EventID":"S4W-17811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:24.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T15:43:37.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the (a) technological requirements and (b) costs to separate Scottish pensions and benefit records from the existing UK infrastructure.\r\n","AnswerText":"The arrangements for moving from a transitional period of shared delivery to a completely independent Scottish delivery system would be the subject of negotiation between the government of an independent Scotland and the government representing the rest of the UK.\r\nThe Expert Working Group report gives good basis for those negotiations and any further work that the Scottish Government would want to do in advance of those negotiations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:24.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288872,"EventID":"S4W-17813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:24.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T15:43:37.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the (a) capital and (b) running costs of setting up a national insurance system in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers provided on page 386 of the Scottish Government’s White Paper Scotland’s Future: your guide to an Independent Scotland and in particular the answer provided to question 30.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:24.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288873,"EventID":"S4W-17815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:24.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T15:43:37.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the (a) capital and (b) running costs of setting up a tax collection body in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17813 on 9 December 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:24.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288874,"EventID":"S4W-17817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:24.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T15:43:37.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the (a) capital and (b) running costs of setting up a benefits payment body in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17811 on 9 December 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:25.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288875,"EventID":"S4W-17819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:25.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T15:43:37.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the (a) capital and (b) running costs of setting up a pensions regulator in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"At present, the UK Pensions Regulator and the Financial Conduct Authority share responsibility for regulating pensions in Scotland. Our paper on Pensions in an Independent Scotland and the White Paper Scotland’s Future: your guide to an Independent Scotland considered the creation of a Scottish pensions regulator within the context of the wider financial and consumer landscape. There are opportunities for more effective regulation in an independent Scotland and for realising synergies and efficiencies within this landscape.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:25.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288876,"EventID":"S4W-17821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:25.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T15:43:37.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the (a) capital and (b) running costs of setting up a Scottish Ombudsman service in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has published a paper on Consumer Protection and Representation in an Independent Scotland: Options which considers two options for setting up an efficient and effective Scottish Ombudsman ervice in an independent Scotland: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/08/2253. We are continuing to develop our proposals in full consultation with stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:25.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288877,"EventID":"S4W-17823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:25.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T15:43:37.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the (a) capital and (b) running costs of setting up a body to replicate the National Employment Savings Trust in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"As stated in our paper on Pensions in an Independent Scotland, it would be for a future Scottish Government to work with the pensions industry in Scotland, and all other stakeholders on the design of a Scottish equivalent of the National Employment Savings Trust.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:25.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288878,"EventID":"S4W-17825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:25.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:13:16.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the cost in an independent Scotland of a new single tier state pension (a) without the scheduled rise in pension age to 67 and (b) being initially set at a higher rate that the UK state pension.\r\n","AnswerText":"We intend if in government, to appoint an independent commission on the state pension age within the first year of independence. The commission will have a remit to investigate and make recommendations on the appropriate rate of increase of the state pension age, beyond 66, that would suit Scottish circumstances. The commission will take into account life expectancy, fairness and affordability, including implications for increased public sector pension costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:25.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288879,"EventID":"S4W-17827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:26.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:13:16.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contingencies it has made to deliver commitments in relation to the (a) state pension age and (b) level of the basic state pension in an independent Scotland if these cannot be delivered using the UK Government IT systems.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17808 on 9 December 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:26.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288880,"EventID":"S4W-17828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:26.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:13:16.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what technological requirements have been identified as necessary to deliver a different state pension in an independent Scotland using UK Government IT systems.\r\n","AnswerText":" I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17808 on 9 December 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:26.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288881,"EventID":"S4W-17829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:26.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:13:16.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that there would be additional administration costs arising from policy divergences on the payment of pensions and benefits in an independent Scotland using UK Government infrastructure.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are clear that transitional arrangements must not prevent the Scottish Government from having the policy flexibility to make any immediate changes to welfare (including pensions) policy, and we welcome the Expert Group on Welfare’s acknowledgement of this.\r\nIn Chapter 4 of the Scottish Government’s White Paper Scotland’s Future: your guide to an Independent Scotland we set out our priorities for action, including halting the further rollout of Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment in Scotland, allowing the first government of an independent Scotland to take forward reforms to the welfare system that meet Scotland’s needs and reflect our priorities.\r\nThe costs and savings would be subject to negotiations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:26.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288882,"EventID":"S4W-17830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:26.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:13:16.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of any additional administration costs arising from changes to the basic state pension in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17829 on 9 December 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:26.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288883,"EventID":"S4W-17831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:26.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:13:16.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government on how the Financial Assistance Scheme would operate in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has consistently identified the need for detailed discussions on pensions issues with the UK Government. We are keen for these discussions to start as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:26.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288884,"EventID":"S4W-17832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:27.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:13:16.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the cost of retaining the savings credit for all pensioners in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Annex B of the report reads: “The estimated cost is £8.5 million in 2016-17, relative to a baseline where Savings Credit is abolished. Total costs will increase over time.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:27.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288885,"EventID":"S4W-17833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:27.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:13:16.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of how it would meet the estimated additional £6 billion in extra benefit expenditure in an independent Scotland between 2026-27 and 2035-36 as a result of not increasing the state pension age to 67 in 2028.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17825 on 9 December 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:27.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288886,"EventID":"S4W-17834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:27.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:13:16.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with organisations that operate pension funds that would be considered cross-border in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had discussions with a range of organisations on this issue. These discussions have informed our position on cross-border pension schemes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:27.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288887,"EventID":"S4W-17835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:28.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:13:16.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has sought legal advice on the operation of cross-border pension schemes in an independent Scotland and, if so, what advice it has received.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is the long-standing practice, followed by both the Scottish Government and the UK Government that, the fact and content of any legal advice is not released outwith Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:28.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288888,"EventID":"S4W-17837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:28.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:13:16.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the liability that it would inherit arising from the protection of all rights and entitlements to public service pensions in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has set out in its paper ‘Pensions in an independent Scotland’ a clear and unambiguous commitment on the pension responsibilities it will take on under independence. It also recognises that there would be a need for negotiation with the UK Government as part of the associated transfer of assets and liabilities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:28.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288889,"EventID":"S4W-17838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:28.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:13:16.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the Deputy First Minister's statement that it is a “myth that Scotland’s population is somehow uniquely ageing or ageing faster than that of the rest of the UK” (Official Report, c. 22775) is consistent with the statement in the Scottish Government report, Demographic Change in Scotland, that “Scotland’s population is ageing, and ageing somewhat more rapidly than the other UK countries.”\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland and the UK both face ageing populations, as do all developed countries. However, the position facing each country is different.\r\nUpdated population projections (2012 based) were released on 6th November 2013. These suggest that the gap between Scotland and the UK, in terms of the projected increase in the pensioner population, is wider than that cited in Pensions in an Independent Scotland: Scotland faces an increase in pensioners of 27% between 2012 and 2037, compared to the UK’s 31%.\r\nAt the same time, Scotland faces lower projected growth in the working age population than the UK (4% compared with 12%) and this affects the respective dependency ratios.\r\nBoth the UK and Scotland need to address these challenges in ways that best suit the context each faces. The pensions paper sets out why independence offers the optimal route to a successful resolution for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:28.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288890,"EventID":"S4W-17839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:28.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:13:16.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the use of statistics in Pensions in an Independent Scotland was consistent with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes. While the statistics code of practice specifically covers the production of official statistics, Pensions in an Independent Scotland was produced using the principles contained in the code. It was led by Scottish Government analysts who produced the document in an impartial and objective way, ensuring the accuracy of its statistics and their presentation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:28.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288891,"EventID":"S4W-17840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:28.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:13:16.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date it will publish comprehensive costings of the proposals in Pensions in an Independent Scotland in addition to those contained in annex B of the document.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no current plans for a further publication on pensions and independence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:28.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288892,"EventID":"S4W-17841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:29.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:27:33.743","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it anticipates that an independent Scotland would have a larger net fiscal deficit than the rest of the UK and, if so, in what year this would happen.\r\n","AnswerText":"Over the past five years, it is estimated that Scotland has been in a relatively stronger fiscal position than the UK as a whole to the tune of £12.6 billion. This means that over this period, holding everything else constant, Scotland could have had higher spending, for example on infrastructure investment, and/or lower taxation and still had a smaller estimated fiscal deficit than the UK.\r\nAn independent Scotland will therefore stand on a strong financial footing and with the additional economic levers that independence will provide we will be able to grow our economy more sustainably and use the proceeds of such wealth to re-invest in Scotland’s public services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:29.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288893,"EventID":"S4W-17842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:29.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:27:33.743","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of whether there would be differences in the levels of spending on state and public sector pensions between an independent Scotland and the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"Annex B of Pensions in an Independent Scotland explains that the Scottish Government would require access to DWP models to enable production of full costings.\r\nHowever in terms of current spending and affordability of pensions, expenditure on social protection as a share of GDP has been lower in Scotland than in the UK in each of the past five years, in 2011-12 social protection expenditure accounted for 14.4% of GDP in Scotland and 15.9% in the UK.\r\nA smaller percentage of Scotland’s tax revenues are spent on social protection compared to the UK. Figures from 2011-12 (GERS report) show that 38% of Scottish tax revenues were spent on social protection, compared with 42% for the UK. \r\nAs the recent White Paper Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland points out, Scotland’s stewardship of public sector pensions can in some areas already be argued to have delivered more sustainable schemes than their counterparts in England and Wales.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:29.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288894,"EventID":"S4W-17843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:29.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:27:33.743","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has asked the Fiscal Commission to consider the affordability of state pensions in an independent Scotland and, if so, whether it will publish the commission’s findings.\r\n","AnswerText":"Pensions in an Independent Scotland makes clear that expenditure on social protection is currently lower in Scotland as a share of GDP than in the UK as a whole.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:29.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288895,"EventID":"S4W-17844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:29.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:27:33.743","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of whether an independent Scotland would have a structural deficit.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17841 on 5 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:29.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288896,"EventID":"S4W-17845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:29.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:27:33.743","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the Office for National Statistics national population projections used in its paper, Pensions in an Independent Scotland, suggest the difference will be between Scotland and the rest of the UK in relation to the number of dependents of pensionable age per 1,000 people from 2010 to 2035.\r\n","AnswerText":"Updated 2012-based population projections have been produced by the Office of National Statistics and National Records of Scotland since the publication of Pensions in an Independent Scotland.\r\nUK-wide dependency ratios are provided in the following table: \r\nDependency ratios per 100 working age population(2012)\r\nUK\r\nScotland\r\nEngland\r\nN.Ireland\r\nWales\r\nOverall \r\n62\r\n59\r\n62\r\n61\r\n66\r\nPensioner \r\n31\r\n31\r\n31\r\n27\r\n36\r\nChildren \r\n30\r\n27\r\n31\r\n34\r\n30\r\nDependency ratios per 100 working age population (2037)\r\nUK\r\nScotland\r\nEngland\r\nN.Ireland\r\nWales\r\nOverall \r\n66\r\n66\r\n66\r\n68\r\n70\r\nPensioner \r\n36\r\n38\r\n36\r\n37\r\n41\r\nChildren \r\n29\r\n28\r\n30\r\n31\r\n29\r\nFootnotes:\r\n1. Source: ONS/NRS 2012-based population projections. They show what happens under certain assumptions about future fertility, mortality and migration. The assumptions are based largely on past trends and although they will reflect past policy and economic impacts, they do not take account of future changes that may occur as a result of policy initiatives.\r\n2. A useful summary measure of the age structure of a population is the dependency ratio, the ratio of people aged under 16 and those over pensionable age, to those of working age. Dependency ratios can be defined in different ways, but here are defined as the number of children aged under 16 and the number of people of state pension age per 100 people of working age. These ratios should be interpreted with care. For example, a simple interpretation is the number of older people or children who are “dependent” on people aged 15 to 64, the assumption being that most older people and children are not economically active. The reality is of course much more complex, since, to give just a few reasons, many people of typically working age are unemployed or economically inactive (e.g. at school or university), the age at which people retire varies greatly and many retired people are financially independent. However, these “dependency” ratios provide a useful way to examine the relative age structure of the population.\r\n\r\n3. The figures for working age and pensionable age take into account the increases in the state pension age as set out in the 2011 Pensions Act. Between 2012 and 2018, the state pension age will rise from 60 to 65 for women. Then between 2019 and 2020 , it will rise from 65 years to 66 years for both men and women. A further rise in state pension age is legislated to take place in two stages between 2034 and 2046 to bring the state pension age from 66 to 68. The data presented here do not reflect proposed further changes to the state pension age published by the UK government. The UK Government has introduced legislation to bring forward the increase to State Pension age 67, to be phased in between 2026 and 2028, and the 2013 Autumn Statement introduced the principle that people should expect to spend up to one third of their adult life in retirement. This implies further increases to 68 to occur in the mid 2030s and 69 in the late 2040s. These proposed changes are not yet law and still require the approval of the UK Parliament. Further information regarding these changes can be found at: \r\nhttps://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/263942/35062_Autumn_Statement_2013.pdf\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:29.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288897,"EventID":"S4W-17846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:30.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:27:33.743","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Fiscal Commission’s comment that “Scotland’s dependency ratio will increase more rapidly compared to the UK – reflecting the particularly sharp increase in Scotland’s pension age population.”\r\n","AnswerText":"Pensions in an Independent Scotland sets out clearly that under 2010-based Office of National Statistics/National Records of Scotland population projections, and without further action being taken, the total dependency ratio in Scotland will rise slightly above the dependency ratio in the UK in the early 2030s, although this picture has improved slightly following updated 2012-based projections. As the paper also points out, the UK pensioner population is projected to rise more quickly than the Scottish pensioner population over the long term. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:30.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288898,"EventID":"S4W-17847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:30.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:27:33.743","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Institute for Fiscal Studies comment that “funding the benefits system in the decades ahead may prove somewhat more burdensome for an independent Scotland.”\r\n","AnswerText":"Social Protection is currently more affordable in Scotland than the rest of the UK as a proportion of tax revenues and GDP. For example, figures from 2011-12 show that 38% of Scottish tax revenues were spent on social protection, compared with 42% for the UK as a whole.\r\nAll countries face long-term fiscal challenges associated with aging populations Scotland wouldn’t be immune to this. However, Scotland will face any long-term challenges from a starting point of having a relatively stronger fiscal position than the UK as a whole and, with the economic levers available under independence, there will be the opportunity to grow and diversify the Scottish economy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:30.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288899,"EventID":"S4W-17848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:30.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:27:33.743","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the comments in its paper, Pensions in an Independent Scotland, that it would “consider the pension terms of all uniformed services”, what projections it has made of the cost of changes to the terms.\r\n","AnswerText":"Public sector pensions policy has been imposed on Scotland with insufficient engagement and consultation. In March 2012 the Scottish Government entered into partnership negotiations on the terms of reformed pension schemes in good faith, requiring the new schemes to: be implemented from April 2015; be career average by design; fit within the cost constraints applied by the UK Government. However, pensions policy is currently reserved to Westminster and the UK Government imposed additional constraints on the negotiations through its Public Service Pensions Act.\r\nIt would be a matter for future Scottish Governments to set the terms of any such exercise and the financial resources available. The white paper, Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland includes the commitment that under independence, with a full range of powers at its disposal, this Scottish Government would consider the pension terms of uniformed services, including whether they should have access to their occupational pension at a consistent age or whether this should better reflect the role they carry out and the physical impact of their service. This would be informed by the recommendation of its Independent Commission on the appropriate State Pension Age for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:30.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288900,"EventID":"S4W-17849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:30.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:27:33.743","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the comments in its paper, Pensions in an Independent Scotland, that it “would continue with the roll-out of automatic enrolment” in an independent Scotland, (a) whether it will provide details of what body would be set up to administer this and (b) how it would mitigate issues that arise from the need to determine residency.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government would work with the UK Government on appropriate transitional arrangements to ensure the continued roll-out of automatic enrolment in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:30.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288901,"EventID":"S4W-17851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:31.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-14T16:27:33.743","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much each of the recommendations in its paper, Pensions in an Independent Scotland, would cost to implement in each of the first 10 years of an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Annex B notes that the Scottish Government would require access to Department for Work and Pensions models to produce full costings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:31.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288902,"EventID":"S4W-17903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:31.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-18T13:44:04.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how many Glasgow Prestwick Airport employees have (a) full-time, (b) part-time and (c) so-called zero-hours contracts.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Member has also submitted questions S4W-17904, S4W-17907 and S4W-17908 and this response covers those questions. \r\nThe Scottish Government is currently undertaking due diligence with the intention of purchasing Glasgow Prestwick airport and analysis of employment and infrastructure issues are key components of the exercise. Simultaneous to due diligence, we are also developing a business plan for the airport which would guide our ownership in the short, medium and longer-term, our ambition to return the Airport to profit as quickly as possible and deliver a commercial return on the significant investment we will be making at Prestwick. Our aim is for the transaction on ownership to be complete by 20 November. As the Deputy First Minister indicated in her statement on 8 October, we will keep Parliament fully informed on developments, including on those matters referred to in these questions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:31.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288903,"EventID":"S4W-17904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:31.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-18T13:44:04.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if it buys Glasgow Prestwick Airport, whether its employees will be covered by a commitment to (a) the living wage and (b) no compulsory redundancies.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Member has also submitted questions S4W-17903, S4W-17907 and S4W-17908 and this response covers those questions.\r\nThe Scottish Government is currently undertaking due diligence with the intention of purchasing Glasgow Prestwick Airport and analysis of employment and infrastructure issues are key components of the exercise. Simultaneous to due diligence, we are also developing a business plan for the Airport which would guide our ownership in the short, medium and longer-term, our ambition to return the Airport to profit as quickly as possible and deliver a commercial return on the significant investment we will be making at Prestwick. Our aim is for the transaction on ownership to be complete by 20 November. As the Deputy First Minister indicated in her statement on 8 October, we will keep Parliament fully informed on developments, including on those matters referred to in these questions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:31.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288904,"EventID":"S4W-17905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:31.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-18T13:44:04.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent meetings it has had with (a) local authorities, (b) Scottish Enterprise, (c) Transport Scotland and (d) other stakeholders regarding Glasgow Prestwick Airport and their role if it buys it, and when these took place.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government continues to have regular discussions with the three Ayrshire Councils, Scottish Enterprise and other members of the multi agency group (MAG) formed earlier this year to consider the sale of Glasgow Prestwick Airport. Those discussions include consideration of the proposed roles of organisations represented in the MAG in a Scottish Government purchase of the Airport and its subsequent operation and development.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:31.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288905,"EventID":"S4W-17907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:31.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-18T13:44:04.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if it buys Glasgow Prestwick Airport, whether it will produce a long-term plan for its development and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"The member has also submitted questions S4W-17903, S4W-17904 and S4W-17908 and this response covers those questions. \r\nThe Scottish Government is currently undertaking due diligence with the intention of purchasing Glasgow Prestwick airport and analysis of employment and infrastructure issues are key components of the exercise. Simultaneous to due diligence, we are also developing a business plan for the airport which would guide our ownership in the short, medium and longer-term, our ambition to return the airport to profit as quickly as possible and deliver a commercial return on the significant investment we will be making at Prestwick. Our aim is for the transaction on ownership to be complete by 20 November. As the Deputy First Minister indicated in her statement on 8 October, we will keep Parliament fully informed on developments, including on those matters referred to in these questions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:31.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288906,"EventID":"S4W-17908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-18T14:51:32.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-18T13:44:04.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to develop Prestwick International Airport railway station.\r\n","AnswerText":"The member has also submitted questions S4W-17903, S4W-17904 and S4W-17907 and this response covers those questions.\r\nThe Scottish Government is currently undertaking due diligence with the intention of purchasing Glasgow Prestwick airport and analysis of employment and infrastructure issues are key components of the exercise. Simultaneous to due diligence, we are also developing a business plan for the airport which would guide our ownership in the short, medium and longer-term, our ambition to return the airport to profit as quickly as possible and deliver a commercial return on the significant investment we will be making at Prestwick. Our aim is for the transaction on ownership to be complete by 20 November. As the Deputy First Minister indicated in her statement on 8 October, we will keep Parliament fully informed on developments, including on those matters referred to in these questions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:51:32.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288907,"EventID":"S4W-17910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-21T15:10:57.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T13:26:42.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when ministers last met Transform Drug Policy Foundation Scotland, and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have not met with Transform Drug Policy Foundation Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T15:10:58.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288908,"EventID":"S4W-17911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-21T15:10:58.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T13:26:42.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to prescribing diamorphine to heroin users.\r\n","AnswerText":"Diamorphine is a controlled drug and a licence is required to allow doctors to prescribe, supply and administer (or authorise the supply and administration of) diamorphine for the treatment of drug misuse and addiction.\r\nWhere a doctor holds a licence, then it is for that doctor to decide whether or not to prescribe diamorphine to a patient for the treatment of drug misuse and addiction. Such decisions should be based on individual patient need and are a matter for the clinical judgement of the patient’s doctor, in consultation with the patient, informed by advice and guidance about the drug and taking account of the broader package of care, treatment and recovery. Drug Misuse and Dependence, UK Guidelines on Clinical Management provides detailed guidance for clinicians and practitioners in substance misuse on a range of care issues including the essential elements of treatment provision, pharmacological intervention (opiate replacement therapy), the psychosocial components of treatment through to wider health considerations and the prevention and treatment of blood-borne infections.\r\nDrug Misuse and Dependence, UK Guidelines on Clinical Management can be found using the following link\r\nhttp://www.nta.nhs.uk/uploads/clinical_guidelines_2007.pdf\r\nGuidance on applying for a licence can be found using the following link:\r\nhttp://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_35.pdf\r\nTo date, no requests for a licence have been received in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T15:10:58.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288909,"EventID":"S4W-17912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-21T15:10:59.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T13:26:42.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its response to the review, Recovery - Opioid Replacement Therapies in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will provide its formal response to the report of the independent expert group on opiate replacement therapies at a Scottish Parliamentary debate on 28 November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T15:10:59.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288910,"EventID":"S4W-17913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-21T15:10:59.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T13:29:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prosecutions for (a) sexual abuse, (b) domestic abuse or violence and (c) rape in each year since 2007 before a (i) jury and (ii) single judge resulted in a conviction, also expressed as a percentage of such cases.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following tables. Solemn court cases will be tried by a judge and jury, summary court cases will be tried a single judge.\r\nNumber of people proceeded against and convicted for a crime associated with sexual abuse1,2, 2007-08 to 2011-12.\r\nCrime/result/court\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nSexual abuse\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPeople proceeded against\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSolemn court \r\n183\r\n203\r\n224\r\n214\r\n217\r\nSummary court\r\n195\r\n225\r\n206\r\n206\r\n249\r\nPeople convicted\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSolemn court\r\n149\r\n175\r\n189\r\n168\r\n182\r\nSummary court\r\n146\r\n180\r\n165\r\n169\r\n185\r\nPercentage convicted\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSolemn court\r\n81%\r\n86%\r\n84%\r\n79%\r\n84%\r\nSummary court\r\n75%\r\n80%\r\n80%\r\n82%\r\n74%\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Where main offence.\r\n2. Includes sexual assault, and other sexual offences. Excludes crimes associated with prostitution, public indecency and bestiality.\r\n\r\nNumber of people proceeded against and convicted where main charge had domestic abuse aggravator recorded, 2007-08 to 2011-12.\r\nCrime/result/court\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nDomestic abuse\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPeople proceeded against\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSolemn court \r\n117\r\n163\r\n184\r\n188\r\n225\r\nSummary court\r\n6,258\r\n7,788\r\n9,975\r\n9,834\r\n10,267\r\nPeople convicted\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSolemn court \r\n96\r\n131\r\n140\r\n148\r\n178\r\nSummary court\r\n5,554\r\n6,977\r\n8,706\r\n8,416\r\n8,691\r\nPercentage convicted\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSolemn court \r\n82%\r\n80%\r\n76%\r\n79%\r\n79%\r\nSummary court\r\n89%\r\n90%\r\n87%\r\n86%\r\n85%\r\n\r\nNumber of people proceeded against and convicted where main charge was rape1,2, 2007-08 to 2011-12.\r\nCrime/result/court\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nRape\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPeople proceeded against\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSolemn court\r\n88\r\n86\r\n93\r\n58\r\n75\r\nSummary court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPeople convicted\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSolemn court\r\n35\r\n28\r\n42\r\n22\r\n37\r\nSummary court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPercentage convicted\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSolemn court\r\n40%\r\n33%\r\n45%\r\n38%\r\n49%\r\nSummary court\r\nn.a.\r\nn.a.\r\nn.a.\r\nn.a.\r\nn.a.\r\nSource: Scottish Government Court Proceedings Database.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Where main offence.\r\n2. Rape cases would normally be remitted to the High Court for sentencing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T15:10:59.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288911,"EventID":"S4W-17914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-21T15:11:00.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T13:29:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prosecutions for (a) sexual abuse, (b) domestic abuse or violence and (c) rape in each year since 2007 before a (i) jury and (ii) single judge resulted in a (A) not proven and (B) not guilty verdict, also expressed as a percentage of such cases.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table. Solemn court cases will be tried by a judge and jury, summary court cases will be tried a single judge.\r\nNumber of people proceeded against and acquitted where main charge was a crime associated with sexual abuse1,2, 2007-08 to 2011-12.\r\nCrime/result/court\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nSexual abuse\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPeople proceeded against\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSolemn court\r\n183\r\n203\r\n224\r\n214\r\n217\r\nSummary court\r\n195\r\n225\r\n206\r\n206\r\n249\r\nSolemn court\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAcquitted not guilty3\r\n16\r\n15\r\n16\r\n26\r\n22\r\nAcquitted not proven\r\n8\r\n11\r\n15\r\n11\r\n7\r\nSummary court\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAcquitted not guilty3\r\n30\r\n19\r\n25\r\n15\r\n37\r\nAcquitted not proven\r\n6\r\n7\r\n4\r\n5\r\n8\r\nPercentages acquitted / proceeded against\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSolemn court\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAcquitted not guilty3\r\n9%\r\n7%\r\n7%\r\n12%\r\n10%\r\nAcquitted not proven\r\n4%\r\n5%\r\n7%\r\n5%\r\n3%\r\nSummary court\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAcquitted not guilty3\r\n15%\r\n8%\r\n12%\r\n7%\r\n15%\r\nAcquitted not proven\r\n3%\r\n3%\r\n2%\r\n2%\r\n3%\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Where main offence.\r\n2. Includes sexual assault, and other sexual offences. Excludes crimes associated with prostitution, public indecency and bestiality.\r\n3. Excludes cases where a plea of not guilty was accepted.\r\n\r\nNumber of people proceeded against and acquitted where main charge had domestic abuse aggravator recorded, 2007-08 to 2011-12\r\nCrime/result/court\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nDomestic abuse\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPeople proceeded against\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSolemn court\r\n117\r\n163\r\n184\r\n188\r\n225\r\nSummary court\r\n6,258\r\n7,788\r\n9,975\r\n9,834\r\n10,267\r\nSolemn court\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAcquitted not guilty1\r\n8\r\n21\r\n25\r\n30\r\n31\r\nAcquitted not proven\r\n6\r\n9\r\n14\r\n6\r\n14\r\nSummary court\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAcquitted not guilty1\r\n323\r\n350\r\n576\r\n613\r\n667\r\nAcquitted not proven\r\n64\r\n67\r\n104\r\n85\r\n114\r\nPercentages acquitted / proceeded against\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSolemn court\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAcquitted not guilty1\r\n7%\r\n13%\r\n14%\r\n16%\r\n14%\r\nAcquitted not proven\r\n5%\r\n6%\r\n8%\r\n3%\r\n6%\r\nSummary court\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAcquitted not guilty1\r\n5%\r\n4%\r\n6%\r\n6%\r\n6%\r\nAcquitted not proven\r\n1%\r\n1%\r\n1%\r\n1%\r\n1%\r\nNote: 1. Excludes cases where a plea of not guilty was accepted.\r\n\r\nNumber of people proceeded against and acquitted where main charge was rape1,2, 2007-08 to 2011-12.\r\nCrime/result/court\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nRape\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPeople proceeded against\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSolemn court\r\n88\r\n86\r\n93\r\n58\r\n75\r\nSummary court\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSolemn court\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAcquitted not guilty3\r\n26\r\n36\r\n33\r\n27\r\n16\r\nAcquitted not proven\r\n24\r\n18\r\n17\r\n8\r\n15\r\nSummary court\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAcquitted not guilty3\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nAcquitted not proven\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPercentages acquitted / proceeded against\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSolemn court\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAcquitted not guilty3\r\n30%\r\n42%\r\n35%\r\n47%\r\n21%\r\nAcquitted not proven\r\n27%\r\n21%\r\n18%\r\n14%\r\n20%\r\nSummary court\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAcquitted not guilty3\r\nn.a.\r\nn.a.\r\nn.a.\r\nn.a.\r\nn.a.\r\nAcquitted not proven\r\nn.a.\r\nn.a.\r\nn.a.\r\nn.a.\r\nn.a.\r\nSource: Scottish Government Court Proceedings Database.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Where main offence.\r\n2. Rape cases would normally be remitted to the High Court for sentencing.\r\n3. Excludes cases where a plea of not guilty was accepted.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T15:11:00.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288912,"EventID":"S4W-17915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-21T15:11:00.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T13:29:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research it has (a) carried out and (b) commissioned on jury deliberations and subsequent verdicts.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Government commissioned research into jury composition and verdicts in summer 2012. The results of that research were summarised in Appendix B of the Government’s consultation paper entitled “Reforming Scots Criminal Law and Practice: Additional Safeguards Following the Removal of the Requirement for Corroboration”.\r\nThe consultation exercise for this paper ran between 19 December 2012 and 15 March 2013. The consultation paper, the non-confidential responses, and an analysis of the responses received can be obtained at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/legal/criminalprocedure/CarlowayReportConsultation\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T15:11:00.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288913,"EventID":"S4W-17916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-21T15:11:01.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T13:31:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made by Scottish Opera in appointing a new music director.\r\n","AnswerText":"The recruitment of new musical director is an operational and artistic matter for Scottish Opera. I understand that the process of recruiting a new musical director is already underway.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T15:11:01.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288914,"EventID":"S4W-17917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-21T15:11:01.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T14:41:43.773","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to encourage and support women wanting to develop careers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is taking action on a number of fronts to encourage and support women in work and in particular those wanting to develop careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) sector.\r\nWe held a Women’s Employment Summit in September 2012, following which the Scottish Government and STUC produced an action plan outlining a range of actions and recommendations to be taken forward to improve employability for women.\r\nOne of the first recommendations from the summit that the Government has acted on was to re-establish the Cross-Directorate Occupational Segregation Working Group. This group is taking forward the recommendations from the Summit, as well as those made in the Royal Society of Edinburgh's Tapping All Our Talents report. Additionally the group will also consider any additional gaps in activity that need to be filled. The group calls on the expertise of a number of external partners including the STUC, Napier University’s Scottish Resource Centre for Women in Science Engineering and Technology which we are providing funding of £601,998 for 2012-2015, Close the Gap and Men In Childcare, as well as Scottish Government officials.\r\nI have set up and chair a strategic group to oversee this work. The Strategic Group on Women and Work consists of external partners and Scottish Government officials. The group has agreed a number of actions which the government, along with partners and stakeholders, will progress. STEM is a key part of the work of this group which is working to improve employability for women.\r\nAt the summit we also announced that we would be setting up CareerWISE Scotland. This is an initiative to encourage and support women into science and engineering, we have allocated £250,000 for this. This will:\r\nProvide partnerships with employers to offer work experience for female school pupils and students\r\nWork with colleges and universities to support their strategies to increase the recruitment of female students into STEM subjects \r\nCollaborate with careers information and guidance providers including Skills Development Scotland, to raise gender awareness and ensure women are represented. \r\nCollaborate with science engagement bodies and STEM events to raise gender awareness and ensure women are represented.\r\nAdditionally through Skills Development Scotland we are facilitating the development of a number of skills investment plans including engineering, information and communications technology, construction and energy among others. These plans help prioritise actions to be progressed by all partners including Scottish Government, public agencies and industry. One such action for all partners, is to consider if there is a need to address any gender imbalance by focusing on changing the perception/image of the sector and exploring ways to change working practices.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T15:11:01.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288925,"EventID":"S4W-17918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-22T13:44:33.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T16:10:33.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to apprentices in relation to (a) the costs of travel to and from their placement and (b) the purchase of equipment required for the apprenticeship.\r\n","AnswerText":"Apprentices who are normally resident in Argyll and Bute; Western Isles (Eilean Siar); Highland; Moray; Orkney and Shetland who incur travel costs as a result of attending structured and formal off-the-job training, required as part of their modern apprenticeship, are eligible to apply for travel cost support from Skills Development Scotland (SDS). This is in line with the SDS Travel and Subsistence Process and Policy for Participants in specified local authority areas 2013-14, full details of which are available at:\r\nwww.providercentral.org.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.aspx?lID=1502&sID=521.\r\nApprentices aged 16-18 may also be able to benefit from the Scotland-wide Concessionary Travel Scheme for Young People. This initiative provides discounts on bus, rail and ferry travel\r\nGiven the employed status of modern apprentices, it is up to the individual employer to decide whether to support the cost of equipment required for their employees.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T13:44:33.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288926,"EventID":"S4W-17919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-22T13:44:34.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T16:10:33.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the apprentice national minimum wage is a fair level of payment for apprentices.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has been consistent in its commitment to tackle poverty, fair levels of pay are an important part of that commitment. The UK Apprentice Pay Survey (2011) found that the average rate of gross hourly pay received by apprentices in Scotland was £5.91.\r\nWe recognise the expectation of employers that apprentices should earn a lower rate of pay while in training, we believe this is balanced by their ability to progress and earn a higher rate of pay after completion.\r\nThe Scottish Government believes that it is important that the apprentice rate is regularly reviewed and does not fall too low in real terms, particularly in relation to the national minimum wage for 16–17 year olds.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T13:44:34.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288927,"EventID":"S4W-17920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-22T13:44:34.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T16:10:33.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it pays its apprentices per hour.","AnswerText":"Modern Apprentices employed by the Scottish Government are not paid on an hourly basis, but as salaried staff on £16,042 per annum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T13:44:34.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288928,"EventID":"S4W-17928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-22T13:44:34.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T16:31:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been spent on telecare services in homes in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. However as part of the Telecare Development Programme, which ran from 2006–11, £17.6 million was allocated by the Scottish Government directly to health and care partnerships to drive service expansion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T13:44:34.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288929,"EventID":"S4W-17929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-22T13:44:34.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T16:31:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been supported by telecare services in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested has only been collated as part of the annual Community Care Statistical Return, as collected by the Scottish Government’s Health Analytical Services Division, since 2011. The following tables show the information for 2011 and 2012, with the figures for 2013 due to be published at the end of November via:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Health/Data/HomeCare.\r\n2011\r\nLocal Authority\r\nCommunity alarm only\r\nTelecare only\r\nBoth\r\nTotal Clients\r\nAberdeen City\r\n1,704\r\n96\r\n89\r\n1,889\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n2,485\r\n96\r\n26\r\n2,607\r\nAngus\r\n3,384\r\n6\r\n324\r\n3,714\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n1,146\r\n0\r\n339\r\n1,485\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n1,147\r\n76\r\n115\r\n1,338\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n2,220\r\n*\r\n*\r\n2,220\r\nDundee City\r\n4,300\r\n0\r\n0\r\n4,300\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n2,992\r\n96\r\n147\r\n3,235\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n1,703\r\n0\r\n222\r\n1,925\r\nEast Lothian\r\n1,630\r\n12\r\n97\r\n1,739\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n1,487\r\n0\r\n106\r\n1,593\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n5,155\r\n0\r\n2,147\r\n7,302\r\nEilean Siar\r\n677\r\n9\r\n200\r\n886\r\nFalkirk\r\n3,630\r\n360\r\n16\r\n4,006\r\nFife\r\n5,261\r\n180\r\n516\r\n5,957\r\nGlasgow City\r\n15,061\r\n*\r\n*\r\n15,061\r\nHighland\r\n730\r\n2,352\r\n82\r\n3,164\r\nInverclyde\r\n1,773\r\n0\r\n112\r\n1,885\r\nMidlothian\r\n1,217\r\n347\r\n0\r\n1,564\r\nMoray\r\n1,317\r\n49\r\n162\r\n1,528\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n1,421\r\n0\r\n1,266\r\n2,687\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n11,705\r\n202\r\n364\r\n12,271\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n487\r\n*\r\n*\r\n487\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n2,112\r\n*\r\n*\r\n2,112\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n2,525\r\n255\r\n46\r\n2,826\r\nScottish Borders\r\n3,052\r\n54\r\n457\r\n3,563\r\nShetland Islands\r\n588\r\n14\r\n113\r\n715\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n1,940\r\n13\r\n43\r\n1,996\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n7,715\r\n*\r\n*\r\n7,715\r\nStirling\r\n1,393\r\n69\r\n373\r\n1,835\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n1,520\r\n*\r\n*\r\n1,520\r\nWest Lothian\r\n0\r\n0\r\n3,875\r\n3,875\r\nScotland\r\n93,477\r\n5,571\r\n12,130\r\n111,178\r\n\r\n2012\r\nLocal Authority\r\nCommunity alarm only\r\nTelecare only\r\nBoth\r\nTotal Clients\r\nAberdeen City\r\n1,671\r\n112\r\n99\r\n1,882\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n2,323\r\n95\r\n49\r\n2,467\r\nAngus\r\n3,143\r\n*\r\n*\r\n3,504\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n1,098\r\n0\r\n408\r\n1,506\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n1,285\r\n14\r\n134\r\n1,433\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n1,880\r\n0\r\n512\r\n2,392\r\nDundee City\r\n4,963\r\n0\r\n0\r\n4,963\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n2,384\r\n198\r\n259\r\n2,841\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n1,771\r\n0\r\n237\r\n2,008\r\nEast Lothian*\r\n144\r\n0\r\n0\r\n144\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n1,409\r\n*\r\n*\r\n1,696\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n4,995\r\n0\r\n2,090\r\n7,085\r\nEilean Siar\r\n433\r\n33\r\n181\r\n647\r\nFalkirk\r\n3,494\r\n384\r\n19\r\n3,897\r\nFife\r\n5,085\r\n223\r\n650\r\n5,958\r\nGlasgow City\r\n13,715\r\n1,158\r\n0\r\n14,873\r\nHighland\r\n3,730\r\n167\r\n97\r\n3,994\r\nInverclyde\r\n1,955\r\n0\r\n91\r\n2,046\r\nMidlothian\r\n1,138\r\n*\r\n*\r\n1,834\r\nMoray\r\n1,244\r\n26\r\n123\r\n1,393\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n1,767\r\n0\r\n1,131\r\n2,898\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n10,657\r\n239\r\n443\r\n11,339\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n455\r\n0\r\n92\r\n547\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n2,348\r\n12\r\n178\r\n2,538\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n2,177\r\n*\r\n*\r\n2,505\r\nScottish Borders\r\n3,282\r\n49\r\n454\r\n3,785\r\nShetland Islands\r\n621\r\n8\r\n102\r\n731\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n1,809\r\n18\r\n82\r\n1,909\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n6,226\r\n11\r\n2,331\r\n8,568\r\nStirling\r\n1,232\r\n0\r\n590\r\n1,822\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n1,631\r\n*\r\n*\r\n2,169\r\nWest Lothian\r\n0\r\n0\r\n4,714\r\n4,714\r\nScotland\r\n90,065\r\n3,769\r\n16,254\r\n110,088*\r\nSource: SEHD Community Care Statistics, H1 Return & ProcXed Home Care collection.\r\nNotes:\r\n*East Lothian had a major problem recording telecare in 2011-12 due to their IT systems moving from CareFirst to Framework-i. This meant that the telecare services weren’t pulled \tthrough for the 2012 return and they estimates that there should have been about 2,000.\r\nAll figures relate to the last week in March.\r\nCells containing * represent small numbers that are suppressed to maintain confidentiality.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T13:44:34.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288930,"EventID":"S4W-17930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-22T13:44:35.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-22T10:11:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the value of the fees reclaimed from non-salaried dentists working in the NHS has been in each of the last four financial years. \r\n","AnswerText":"The value of the fees reclaimed from non-salaried dentists working in the NHS within the four year period covering (2009-10 to 2012-13) is provided in the following table.\r\nYear\r\nActual Fee Recovery*\r\n£.\r\n2009-10\r\n196,334\r\n2010-11\r\n643,276\r\n2011-12\r\n83,601\r\n2012-13\r\n69,743\r\nNote:*Information provided by Practitioner Services Division.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T13:44:35.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288934,"EventID":"S4W-17931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-22T15:43:58.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-22T14:36:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what treatments are in place to wean children off tube feeding.","AnswerText":"Treatments are person-centred according to the individual needs of the child.\r\nEach child is placed in the care of a dietician and is regularly reviewed in terms of dietary needs. Regular individual assessments take place and tube feeding will be reduced or ended as appropriate to clinical need, dependent on oral motor skills and sensory issues, whilst simultaneously increasing oral intake to ensure nutritional requirements are met at all times.\r\nMulti-disciplinary teams are involved as appropriate, eg: dietetics, speech and language therapy, clinical psychology, paediatric gastroenterology, and the community children’s nurse. Teams encourage focussed food activities and feed time routines from an early age, taking into account the parental and family situation.\r\nPriority is always given to return to oral feeding, where there is potential.\r\nFor those children who are physically able to eat but refuse to do so, a more intensive treatment plan will be developed involving sensory work around different textures of foods, a psychologist reviewing and assessing parent/child interaction at meal times, messy play and general faddy eater strategies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T15:43:58.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288935,"EventID":"S4W-17932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-22T15:43:58.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-22T14:36:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what specialist services are used to wean children off tube feeding.\r\n","AnswerText":"The paediatric dietician links with the lead consultant, general practitioner and speech and language therapist before initiating weaning, and, as appropriate, with an occupational therapist, psychologist, clinical nurse specialist and health visitor. A multidisciplinary decision would be taken to commence weaning, dependent on each child’s clinical need.\r\nSpeech and language therapists rule out functional eating difficulties and actively promote oral motor skills in tube fed children where appropriate.\r\nOccupational Therapists provide assessment and treatment of sensory issues.\r\nDieticians monitor nutritional status and advice on feed reduction.\r\nPsychology provides support.\r\nGastroenterology advises on associated medical issues such as gastro oesophageal reflux and constipation.\r\nThe dietician links with colleagues in the appropriate children’s hospital when necessary.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T15:43:58.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288936,"EventID":"S4W-17933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-22T15:43:58.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-22T14:36:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many children have required treatment to wean them off tube feeding in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T15:43:58.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288937,"EventID":"S4W-17934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-22T15:43:59.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-22T14:36:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how effective it considers current treatments used in Scotland are in weaning children off tube feeding.\r\n","AnswerText":"The multi-disciplinary approach, using the core skills and expertise of paediatric dieticians and speech and language therapists, and with a network of support from the children’s hospitals for more complex cases, is considered, effective, safe and person-centred.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T15:43:59.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288938,"EventID":"S4W-17935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-22T15:43:59.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-22T14:36:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what alternative treatments are used in Scotland to wean children off tube feeding when standard treatments are ineffective.","AnswerText":"Children will be referred to the appropriate children’s hospital.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T15:43:59.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288939,"EventID":"S4W-17937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-22T15:43:59.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-22T14:36:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what treatments to wean children off tube feeding are provided by the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Yorkhill) and whether these treatments differ from those provided by NHS boards.","AnswerText":"The Yorkhill Specialist Multi-Disciplinary Feeding team consists of a paediatric dietician, clinical psychologist and consultant paediatrician, supported by a specialist paediatric registrar, assistant psychologist and an administrator, with speech and language therapy input if required.\r\nThere is one clinic session per week. First clinic appointments, last one hour. All team members co-consult to gather medical, developmental, behavioural and feeding history, parental management of meals and the family structure. Clarifying what the family are seeking and an explanation of the child’s usually complex growth data are essential. A specially designed growth database is used as well as measuring skinfolds to assess body fat levels. Changes the family feel able to make are also explored, such as manipulation of feeds to induce hunger and a videoed meal, which the clinical psychologist reviews with parents to help them identify behavioural changes they can make, eg limiting meal length, offering more praise for food eaten.\r\nFamilies are usually followed up in clinic every one to three months. Between clinic visits one-to-one sessions and phone calls are delivered by individual team members, according to individual family needs.\r\nMulti-disciplinary specialist services are also available, including speech and language therapy and paediatric gastroenterology.\r\nThe approach of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Yorkhill) is similar to that of other NHS boards, although it may be more intensive dependent upon the needs of the child. It is considered that a multi-disciplinary team pathway that is individualised is the best way to wean children off tube feeding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T15:43:59.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288940,"EventID":"S4W-17938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-22T15:43:59.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-22T14:36:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that people are made aware of the services provided at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Yorkhill) for weaning children off tube feeding and, if necessary, to ensure that they are referred there for treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Specialist Feeding Clinic at Yorkhill Hospital is provided for children living in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde or other children under the care of tertiary consultants at Yorkhill Hospital. There is no formal arrangement to accept referrals (of children not under the care of tertiary consultants at Yorkhill) from other NHS Boards in Scotland, though such children have occasionally been seen on an individual basis. Referral to the specialist feeding clinic from out with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is a matter for the clinician leading on the child’s care.\r\nAll tertiary consultants in the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Yorkhill) are aware of the up-to-date referral pathways to service and what care models can be offered.\r\nA portfolio of leaflets and materials has been developed for parents.\r\nLessons learned within the feeding clinic are disseminated via education locally and nationally. It has an active programme of research.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T15:43:59.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288941,"EventID":"S4O-02502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:15.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-23T10:18:54.477","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to review the document retention policies of all public bodies in the criminal justice system.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:16.227","MeetingDate":"2013-10-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288942,"EventID":"S4O-02503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:16.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-23T08:46:39.093","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what benefits HMP Grampian will bring to the north east.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:16.837","MeetingDate":"2013-10-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288943,"EventID":"S4O-02504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:17.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T12:03:37.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent progress it has made in reducing the number of deaths from fires.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:17.43","MeetingDate":"2013-10-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288944,"EventID":"S4O-02506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:17.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T12:03:37.86","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Police Scotland regarding the proposed closure of three public counters and the reduction in hours at five stations across the Highlands and Islands.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:17.867","MeetingDate":"2013-10-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288945,"EventID":"S4O-02507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:18.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T12:03:38.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is  on Police Scotland's reported decision to ask the City of Edinburgh Council to grant licences for saunas only on the condition that items of a sexual nature are not allowed on the premises.  ","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:18.46","MeetingDate":"2013-10-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288946,"EventID":"S4O-02508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:18.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T12:03:38.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for the CashBack for Communities scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:18.71","MeetingDate":"2013-10-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288947,"EventID":"S4O-02509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:19.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-23T11:18:44.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what safeguards are in place to regulate the undercover policing of non-violent political protest and what the extent of such activity is in Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:19.193","MeetingDate":"2013-10-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288948,"EventID":"S4O-02510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:19.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-23T09:06:52.843","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will implement its plans to abolish corroboration in criminal cases.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:19.49","MeetingDate":"2013-10-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288949,"EventID":"S4O-02511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:19.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T12:03:39.7","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it works with Police Scotland to promote enhanced community policing in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Through reform, we have protected frontline services across Scotland, including the 1,000 extra police officers that have helped to cut crime to a 39-year low.\r\nWe’re working very closely with Police Scotland, through our ambitious Building Safer Communities Programme, to make communities across Scotland, including those in Glasgow, safer and stronger.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:19.69","MeetingDate":"2013-10-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288950,"EventID":"S4O-02513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:19.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T12:04:22.867","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on common agricultural policy funding to be made available to Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:19.973","MeetingDate":"2013-10-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288951,"EventID":"S4O-02514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:20.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T12:04:23.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the status of its agri-renewables strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:20.19","MeetingDate":"2013-10-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288952,"EventID":"S4O-02515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:20.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-23T10:44:29.277","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the recent report by the Carbon Disclosure Project on the climate performance of FTSE 350 companies impacts on Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:20.487","MeetingDate":"2013-10-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288953,"EventID":"S4O-02516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:20.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-22T15:26:57.477","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much trade Scotland's farmers have with the rest of the UK and with the rest of the world.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:20.707","MeetingDate":"2013-10-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288954,"EventID":"S4O-02518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:20.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T12:04:24.413","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will conclude its review of the local air quality management system.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:20.94","MeetingDate":"2013-10-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288955,"EventID":"S4O-02519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:21.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T12:04:24.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to promote the reduction of food waste.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:21.143","MeetingDate":"2013-10-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288956,"EventID":"S4O-02520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:21.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T12:04:24.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made with the cross-party approach to securing the full common agricultural policy convergence uplift for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:21.393","MeetingDate":"2013-10-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288957,"EventID":"S4O-02521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:21.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T12:04:25.083","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made regarding payments to new entrants and others who are currently excluded from the single farm payment scheme.\r\n\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:21.657","MeetingDate":"2013-10-30T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288958,"EventID":"S4O-02522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:21.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T12:04:47.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with management at the BASF manufacturing plant in Paisley.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:21.89","MeetingDate":"2013-10-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288959,"EventID":"S4O-02523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:22.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T12:04:47.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what emphasis it places on the delivery of hospital services in rural areas.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:22.093","MeetingDate":"2013-10-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288960,"EventID":"S4O-02524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:22.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-23T10:37:53.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce a scheme for local authorities similar to the City Deal programme in England.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:22.313","MeetingDate":"2013-10-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288961,"EventID":"S4O-02525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:22.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T12:04:48.547","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met East Ayrshire Council and what matters were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:22.687","MeetingDate":"2013-10-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288962,"EventID":"S4O-02526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:22.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T12:04:48.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask to the Scottish Government when it will respond to the Audit Scotland report, NHS financial performance 2012/13.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:22.937","MeetingDate":"2013-10-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288963,"EventID":"S4O-02527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:23.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T12:04:49.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the costs and processes involved in renationalising the Royal Mail in an independent Scotland and with whom it has consulted.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:23.2","MeetingDate":"2013-10-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288964,"EventID":"S4O-02528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:23.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-23T11:37:26.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve safety for cyclists.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:23.45","MeetingDate":"2013-10-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288965,"EventID":"S4O-02529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:23.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T12:04:49.483","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to develop telecare services for people across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:23.683","MeetingDate":"2013-10-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288966,"EventID":"S4O-02530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:23.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T12:04:49.763","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in light of the Labour Force Survey that suggested the number of women unemployed has increased by 4,000 over the last quarter.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the last year, the number of women in employment in Scotland has risen by 49,000. The female employment rate in Scotland has risen by 2.5 percentage points to 69.5% - the highest rate since March to May 2008 - over the same period.\r\nThis is encouraging news but we recognise there is still work to do. Actions across government are underway to help more women into work. This includes work in development to encourage more women to start their own businesses and changes to childcare entitlement and delivery.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:23.98","MeetingDate":"2013-10-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288967,"EventID":"S4O-02531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T13:14:24.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-22T09:09:47.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it supports the draft action plan agreed by the East Kilbride Task Force and how it will assist with its implementation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government welcomes the strong partnership approach to address economic development in East Kilbride. Skills Development Scotland and Scottish Enterprise are members of the Task Force and the draft action plan has been developed in consultation with them.\r\nThese organisations will be key partners in the implementation of the plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:14:24.217","MeetingDate":"2013-10-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288968,"EventID":"S4W-17909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T14:10:25.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T12:35:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) electricity producers and (b) generators of wind power above 50 MW have been prosecuted for failing to have an Ofgem licence in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is Ofgem who have responsibility for Electricity licensing.\r\nThe information requested is not held by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T14:10:25.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288980,"EventID":"S4W-17921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T15:10:42.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T16:30:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its responsibilities for awarding public sector contracts, what discussions it has had with the UK Government in relation to the practice of blacklisting workers in the construction industry.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials have regular discussions with their UK Government counterparts regarding procurement matters including blacklisting.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T15:10:42.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288981,"EventID":"S4W-17922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T15:10:42.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T16:30:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Information Commissioner’s Office in England regarding the outcome of its investigation into the blacklisting of construction workers and whether this has any implications for the awarding of public sector contracts in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Affairs Committee’s inquiry into blacklisting in employment is considering evidence from the Information Commissioner’s Office investigation. We are following the progress of the Committee’s inquiry with interest and we will respond to their final report in due course. The Scottish Government, in liaison with the Unions, is developing guidance on the exclusion from public contracts of companies which engage in the practice of blacklisting and Scottish Ministers will soon be in a position to publish this.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T15:10:42.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288982,"EventID":"S4W-17923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T15:10:42.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T16:30:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how common blacklisting is in the construction industry in Scotland and whether it considers that it is endemic.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Affairs Committee’s Interim Report published in April this year, concluded that the service offered by the Consulting Association was a blacklisting one which affected a great number of people. However, one of the issues they are continuing to investigate is whether blacklisting is still taking place, both within the construction industry and more widely, and especially in Scotland. I welcome the fact that the Committee is continuing to investigate this very serious matter and I look forward to seeing their final recommendations. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T15:10:42.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288983,"EventID":"S4W-17924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T15:10:42.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T16:30:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there are any implications arising for the awarding of public sector contracts in Scotland from the reported blacklists run by Pfizers, Royal Opera House and Jubilee Line.\r\n","AnswerText":"We note that evidence of blacklisting is being considered as part of the Scottish Affairs Committee’s inquiry into blacklisting in employment and we will respond to their final report in due course. Scottish Government, in close liaison with the Trade Unions, is developing guidance on the exclusion from public contacts of companies which engage in the practice of blacklisting and Scottish Ministers will soon be in a position to publish this.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T15:10:42.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288984,"EventID":"S4W-17926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T15:10:42.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T16:30:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14621 by John Swinney on 1 May 2013, and in light of further evidence of blacklisting in the construction industry, whether it will establish an independent inquiry into blacklisting.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is pleased to see that the Scottish Affairs Committee is continuing its rigorous investigation into this issue. It remains appropriate for the Committee to carry out these investigations and to publish their final recommendations, which we will give careful consideration to. It would not be appropriate for the Scottish Government to conduct an inquiry at this time or pre-empt any conclusions or recommendations that the Committee is considering.\r\nHowever, in line with the commitment given by the Deputy First Minister at a debate on 17 April on Public Procurement Reform, secured by the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee, the Scottish Government has now engaged with the unions on developing guidance for purchasers on how to address the issue of blacklisting when awarding public contracts. Government officials have been in close liaison with the unions and have had a number of meetings to discuss guidance on the exclusion from public contacts of companies which engage in the practice of blacklisting. Scottish Ministers will be in a position to publish this guidance shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T15:10:42.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288985,"EventID":"S4W-17927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T15:10:43.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-21T16:30:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether blacklisting is an abuse of a person's rights.\r\n","AnswerText":"Any practice which seeks to suppress or censor the legitimate expression of opinion, or prevents individuals from exercising rights to freedom of association or privacy is unacceptable in a modern democratic society. The Scottish Government condemns any form of blacklisting. Blacklisting is also likely to be unlawful under various provisions of anti-discrimination legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T15:10:43.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288986,"EventID":"S4W-17939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T15:10:43.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-23T09:07:02.653","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the proposed changes to planning policy for extracting onshore unconventional oil and gas will apply (a) to applications that are currently under consideration and (b) retrospectively to applications that have been previously approved. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) published in 2010 sets out the Scottish Government’s current policies for the onshore extraction of oil and gas. SPP is currently under review but the 2010 SPP will continue to apply until the revised SPP is finalised and published. We expect to publish the final SPP in June 2014. Planning policies do not apply retrospectively.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T15:10:43.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288987,"EventID":"S4W-17940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T15:10:43.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-23T12:52:20.083","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and which of the UK's public bodies would have to be replicated if Scotland decided to leave the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"Chapter 10 of Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland (from page 362) sets out the Scottish Government’s approach to public service delivery in an independent Scotland, including in relation to the public bodies currently acting for Scotland at the UK level.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T15:10:43.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288988,"EventID":"S4W-17941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T15:10:43.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-23T13:16:48.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what additional resources it will make available to Glasgow Airport to support its investment programme and whether these will provided in advance of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.\r\n","AnswerText":"As a commercial operator, Glasgow Airport’s investment programme is for the airport owners to take forward. We recognise the key part that Glasgow Airport will play in ensuring that the Commonwealth Games are a success and more generally, the Airport’s vital importance to Scotland’s connectivity and the economy. In recognition, the Scottish Government is providing on going advisory and technical support for a study being led by the airport to investigate short, medium and long-term options to improve surface access to and from the airport.\r\nWe are also working with the airport on live route development proposals in support of its efforts to attract new direct international routes to Glasgow and Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T15:10:43.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288989,"EventID":"S4W-17942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T15:10:44.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-23T13:16:48.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it provides to organisations that support victims of domestic abuse, broken down by (a) organisation and (b) amount.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details of funding available to organisations which support victims of domestic abuse, has been placed in the public domain on the Scottish Government’s Violence Against Women web pages and is available here:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Equality/violence-women\r\nIn addition the Scottish Government provides funding of:\r\n£1.11million to Scottish Womens Aid for 2012-2015;\r\nOver £2million per year for the Caledonian System for 2012-2015; \r\nOver £1million per year for 2012–15 for ASSIST the support and advocacy service for victims going through the Domestic Abuse Helpline and £615,000 for the Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline 2012-2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T15:10:44.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288990,"EventID":"S4W-17943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T15:10:44.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-23T13:16:48.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government to which courses its proposal to increase funding for postgraduate study will apply.\r\n","AnswerText":"From 2015-16, Scottish domiciled students on eligible taught postgraduate courses will be able to apply for a maintenance support loan of up to £4500. The list of eligible courses can be found on the SAAS website:\r\nhttp://www.saas.gov.uk/_forms/pg_course_list.pdf\r\n\r\nThe list is currently under review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T15:10:44.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288991,"EventID":"S4W-17944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T15:10:44.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-23T13:42:27.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the punctuality rates for the (a) west coast rail service between Glasgow and London Euston and (b) east coast rail service between Edinburgh and King's Cross.  \r\n","AnswerText":"Cross Border train operating companies have no requirement to submit information on train punctuality rates to the Scottish Government. They operate under franchises specified and managed by the Department for Transport.\r\nHowever, information on punctuality rates across all train operating companies is collated by the Office of Rail Regulation, and published in regular statistical releases. The most recent is available at:\r\nhttp://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/pass-freight-rail-perf-2013-14-q1.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T15:10:44.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288992,"EventID":"S4W-17945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-23T15:10:44.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-23T13:42:27.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the (a) Transport Scotland, (b) the Office of Rail Regulation, (c) Network Rail and (d) other stakeholders regarding the Office of Rail Regulation’s final determination on national rail output and funding requirements for 2014 to 2019.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Office of Rail Regulation’s Final Determination is a key milestone in the Periodic Review process. The Scottish Government’s input to this process is managed by Transport Scotland. The Scottish Ministers’ High Level Output Specification (HLOS) was submitted to the ORR in June 2012 and set out the requirements from the railway in Scotland over control period 5 (2014-15 to 2018-19) and the resources being made available to support their achievement. The HLOS was informed by an extensive public consultation and a series of detailed engagements with rail industry stakeholders.\r\nThroughout the Periodic Review process Transport Scotland has worked closely with the ORR, Network Rail and stakeholders across the wider industry to ensure that the requirements and expectations of the Scottish Ministers are fully reflected in the ORR’s determination for CP5. A draft determination was published in June 2013 for consultation and Transport Scotland formally responded to this in September, focussing on a number of key strategic issues relating to the Scottish Ministers’ HLOS and broader policy objectives for rail. This was followed by a number of bilateral discussions between Transport Scotland and the ORR over the detail of the final determination. In advance of publication the ORR Chair, Anna Walker, provided a formal briefing to advise the Scottish Ministers on the final decisions taken, including those relevant to a number of key issues and opportunities identified by Transport Scotland for further consideration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T15:10:44.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288993,"EventID":"S4W-17946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-24T13:39:59.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-23T15:46:40.467","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cases of female genital mutilation have been reported by (a) midwives and (b) other health professionals, broken down by (i) country of origin of patient and (ii) NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"There have been three reports of female genital mutilation made to the police by NHS staff since 2005.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not have any information on:\r\nwhich NHS staff made the report, the country of origin of the patient, nor NHS board. \r\nHowever information from Police Scotland advises that the legacy force that dealt with each case were as follows:\r\nYear\r\nCase\r\nCountry of Origin\r\n2011 \r\nCase 1 Fife Constabulary\r\nPakistan\r\n2012\r\nCase 1 Strathclyde Police\r\nPapua New Guinea\r\n2012 \r\nCase 2 Lothian and Borders Police-E Division East Lothian\r\nIndonesia\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T13:39:59.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":288994,"EventID":"S4W-17949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-24T13:40:00.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-24T10:59:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17358 by John Swinney on 3 October 2013, how many of the Government Car Service vehicles listed have been (a) purchased outright and (b) leased.\r\n","AnswerText":"All the vehicles listed were purchased outright.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T13:40:00.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289013,"EventID":"S4W-17954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:14.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T10:03:37.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been referred to talking therapies by (a) GPs and (b) other health workers in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nHowever, the first quarterly publication by Information Services Division (ISD) of Psychological Therapies Waiting Times in Scotland took place on 27 August 2013 and shows Boards' progress towards the Access to Psychological Therapies HEAT Target. Although referral rates are not currently collected, this will allow us to monitor access to psychological therapies to treat mental illness or disorder.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:14.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289014,"EventID":"S4W-17955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:15.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T10:03:37.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have accessed NHS talking therapies in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) NHS board, (b) type of therapy, (c) gender and (d) age.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nHowever, the first quarterly publication by Information Services Division (ISD) of psychological therapies waiting times in Scotland took place on 27 August 2013 and shows boards' progress towards the access to psychological therapies HEAT target during the quarter ending 30 June 2013. This information is broken down by NHS board. It is not currently broken down by type of therapy, gender or age, although there may be scope to collect and publish more detailed information breakdowns by relevant criteria as data collection is developed in future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:15.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289015,"EventID":"S4W-17956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:15.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T10:03:37.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent assessment is has made of the need for talking therapies in the NHS.\r\n","AnswerText":"While the Scottish Government sets the policy direction for the delivery of and access to psychological therapies, it is for Health Boards to determine the level and nature of the demand in their local areas.\r\nIn preparation for meeting the access to psychological therapies HEAT Target, many health boards have undertaken work to quantify demand and capacity within services delivering psychological therapies, and have carried out or are planning service redesign to best meet this demand.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:15.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289016,"EventID":"S4W-17957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:15.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T10:03:37.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its progress in relation to Commitment 6 in the Mental Health Strategy for Scotland: 2012-2015.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is making good progress on taking forward the commitment. We are working with NHS 24 and NHS boards to roll out computerised cognitive behavioural therapy  on a national basis. In addition we are working with NHS 24 and other partners on new ways of engaging with people who are in distress under the Project Ginsberg initiative.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:15.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289017,"EventID":"S4W-17958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:16.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T10:03:37.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the 2013 target in Commitment 11 of the Mental Health Strategy for Scotland: 2012-2015 has been met by each NHS board.","AnswerText":"The CAMHS waiting time target was successfully delivered in March 2013 with 99% of those seen having waited less than 26 weeks from referral to treatment, with an average waiting time of six weeks.\r\nInformation on patients waiting times for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) Services is published quarterly. Publication of the data up to the end of March 2013 can be found at the link.\r\nhttps://isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/Waiting-Times/Publications/2013-05-28/2013-05-28-WT-CAMHS-Report.pdf?98824709654.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:16.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289018,"EventID":"S4W-17959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:16.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T10:03:37.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hours of therapy on average patients who are referred to talking therapies receive.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:16.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289019,"EventID":"S4W-17960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:16.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T10:03:37.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many clinical psychologists were employed by each NHS board in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is in the public domain, in the Information Services Division (ISD) quarterly publication Workforce Planning for Psychology Services in NHSScotland, last published on 27 August 2013.\r\nThe following table summarises information available in that publication, showing the number of full time equivalent clinical psychologists working in each territorial health board area at each of the census dates shown.\r\nNHS Board\r\n30 June 2013\r\n30 June 2012\r\n30 June 2011\r\n30 Sept 2010\r\n30 Sept 2009\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n39.5\r\n33.8\r\n32.1\r\n33.9\r\n35.0\r\nNHS Borders\r\n11.9\r\n12.1\r\n10.7\r\n10.7\r\n11.2\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n19.6\r\n18.7\r\n18.0\r\n18.0\r\n18.2\r\nNHS Fife\r\n50.7\r\n52.9\r\n55.1\r\n50.9\r\n51.8\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n20.6\r\n19.4\r\n19.5\r\n20.2\r\n19.5\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n53.8\r\n50.1\r\n48.0\r\n45.5\r\n45.9\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n184.1\r\n180.5\r\n180.3\r\n178.8\r\n174.4\r\nNHS Highland\r\n25.7\r\n27.8\r\n24.4\r\n27.0\r\n23.7\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n61.4\r\n55.8\r\n47.2\r\n43.3\r\n46.3\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n86.0\r\n82.7\r\n87.0\r\n89.0\r\n86.1\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n51.0\r\n49.4\r\n43.0\r\n43.2\r\n45.9\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:16.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289020,"EventID":"S4W-17961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:16.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T10:03:37.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that the 2014 target in Commitment 11 in the Mental Health Strategy for Scotland: 2012-2015 will be met.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government monitors health board performance against the CAMHS Waiting times HEAT target through monthly management in confidence updates from NHS Scotland Information Services Division (ISD) data which is published quarterly at the link:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Waiting-Times/Publications/.\r\nScottish Government officials also meet with health boards as part of our six monthly mental health implementation review which includes CAMHS as a extant agenda item, and through regular discussion with expert groups such as CAMHS Implementation Monitoring and support Group, and CAMHS Lead Clinicians.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:16.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289021,"EventID":"S4W-17962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:17.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T10:03:37.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken since the publication of the Mental Health Strategy for Scotland: 2012-2015 to deliver faster access to psychological therapies.","AnswerText":"On 27 August we made the first publication reporting on progress towards the target: Psychological Therapies Waiting Times in Scotland, available on the ISD website. Data will now be published quarterly.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s Quality and Efficiency Support Team (QuEST) are carrying out ongoing work to ensure that the right measures are in place to deliver, by providing health boards with a range of support across a number of areas, including quantifying demand and capacity, data analysis and service redesign. They recently held a two day event jointly with NHS Education Scotland (NES) on Improving Efficiency Without Compromising Quality, for staff involved in delivering the target.\r\nThrough NES, we continue to work to assess and develop workforce capacity to ensure that a range of staff are equipped to deliver therapies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:17.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289022,"EventID":"S4W-17963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:17.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T10:03:37.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent improvements NHS boards have made to the monitoring of information about who is accessing services.","AnswerText":"NHS boards are responsible for monitoring information about who is accessing services so they can ensure that local services are meeting the needs of their local communities.\r\nAs part of the Scottish Government’s six month mental health implementation review visits we discuss with the NHS boards their progress in improving data, completeness in recording ethnicity on psychiatric inpatient admissions. (SMR04)\r\nData collected on SMR04 shows that there has been a steady improvement in completeness of ethnicity data from 42%, not provided in 2008-09 to 1% not provided in 2012-13. Whilst the number of not known has varied between 18% in 2008-09 and 22% in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:17.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289023,"EventID":"S4W-17964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:17.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T10:03:37.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent progress it has made on lowering psychiatric readmission rates.\r\n","AnswerText":"Readmissions to psychiatric hospitals was the subject of a HEAT target running from December 2004 to December 2009. The HEAT target was to reduce the number of readmissions (within one year) for those that have had a psychiatric hospital admission of at least seven days by 10 per cent by the end of December 2009.\r\nThe target included patients with an initial discharge occurring up to the end of December 2009. As readmissions up to one year after the initial discharge were counted for the target, information on admissions up to the end of December 2010 was required to allow final performance against this target to be assessed. The last data published in this format showed that readmissions had reduced by 27% between December 2004 and March 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:17.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289024,"EventID":"S4W-17965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:17.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T10:03:37.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent meetings it has had with See Me regarding its strategic direction.\r\n","AnswerText":"In meeting Commitment 4 of the Mental Health Strategy to develop the strategic direction of See Me from 2013 onwards, the Scottish Government in collaboration with Comic Relief and with the support of the See Me management group, commissioned an external strategic review of See Me published in February 2013 which recommended the delivery of a re-founded See Me programme.\r\nThe task of re-founding See Me was awarded to the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and the Mental Health Foundation (MHF).\r\nThe Scottish Government currently provide £1 million per year for this work and Comic Relief will provide additional funds of up to £500,000 per year, making the total budget for a re-founded programme in the region of £1.5 million per year.\r\nIn the course of this work, five meetings were held with the See Me management group from February to August 2013. In addition, there is regular communication between Scottish Government, SAMH, the MHF and Comic Relief on this agenda. The next See Me management meeting is scheduled for 29 November 2013 and quarterly thereafter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:17.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289025,"EventID":"S4W-17966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:18.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T10:03:37.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent steps it has taken to improve the mental health of vulnerable children.\r\n","AnswerText":"While the Scottish Government sets the policy direction for the delivery of and access to psychological therapies, it is for health boards to determine the level and nature of the demand in their local areas.\r\nIn preparation for meeting the access to psychological therapies HEAT target, many health boards have undertaken work to quantify demand and capacity within services delivering psychological therapies, and have carried out or are planning service redesign to best meet this demand.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:18.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289026,"EventID":"S4W-17967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:18.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T10:03:37.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many child psychotherapists the NHS has recruited in 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"This data is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:18.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289027,"EventID":"S4W-17968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:18.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T10:03:37.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many trainee child psychotherapists each NHS board has recruited in 2013, also broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"This data is not held centrally\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:18.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289028,"EventID":"S4W-17969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:18.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T10:03:37.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent steps it has taken to improve the mental health outcomes of looked-after children.","AnswerText":"In 2009, a letter was sent to all NHS board chief executives informing them that by 2015 all looked after children should be offered a mental health assessment. A short life working group is currently developing recommendations on carrying out health assessments for looked after children and this will include guidance on mental health screening.\r\nIn accordance with “Getting it Right for Every Child” principles we continue to encourage high-quality, individually tailored, multi-agency approaches for this vulnerable group. That is why we have made a commitment in the Mental Health Strategy for Scotland: 2012-2015 to work with a range of stakeholders to develop the current specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services balanced scorecard to pick up all specialist mental health consultation and referral activity relating to looked after children.\r\nThere have been increases in direct therapeutic services for looked after children and in the indirect mental health support available. An example of indirect support is the basic mental health training which has been made available to all those working with or caring for looked after children and young people.\r\nWe recently funded a pilot in Rossie Secure Unit to tackle the mental health needs of young people in secure care. The teaching recovery techniques programme provides an effective trauma-specific approach to address young people’s subjective sense of disturbance and enable behavioural change to begin to occur. We have now received a draft report on the programme and are considering its initial findings.\r\nWe have also funded the Centre for Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland to develop and deliver a programme of suicide and self harm training for senior managers in social work, health and education. This 18 month long programme aims to improve the process of developing improved interagency protocols and pathways to ensure that distressed and vulnerable children can have their needs met.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:18.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289029,"EventID":"S4W-17970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:19.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T10:03:37.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to improve the mental health of people aged over 65.","AnswerText":"As part of our work towards delivering the Psychological Therapies HEAT Access target we established a working group to focus on the psychological needs of older people. The group identified the need to make improvements across the system. We are working with NHS boards and partners to take forward their recommendations, and develop outcome measures related to older people’s mental health.\r\nWe have set up a primary care and common mental health problems group to monitor progress against a range of related mental health strategy commitments, and a mental health of older people sub-group has been set up to specifically monitor the work around older people, including the work to take forward the recommendations above.\r\nNHS Education for Scotland is delivering training for NHS staff in psychological interventions for older people, including training a cohort of older people CBT therapists.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:19.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289030,"EventID":"S4W-17971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:19.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T10:03:37.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its work with NHS Tayside to develop an approach to improve the response to distress.","AnswerText":"The Tayside project team presented the progress and outcomes of the work to date at an Improvement panel in early September.\r\nThis included updates on the ‘tests of change’ that had been undertaken; the data gathered and analysed during the project and the views and feedback from a range of stakeholders and members of the public.\r\nThe next stage includes the continuation of certain tests of change: A report to the Dundee Community Planning Partnership on the learning and outcomes with recommendations on future local actions and sharing the outcomes with other Tayside partnership groups and a report to the Scottish Government on the learning and outcomes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:19.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289031,"EventID":"S4W-17972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:19.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T10:03:37.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what financial support it has made available in each of the last five years to voluntary organisations that provide talking therapies.\r\n","AnswerText":"Psychological therapies are delivered and funded mainly through the NHS, and our work to support improving access to psychological therapies is focussed mainly on provision through health boards.\r\nNo ring fenced funding has specifically been provided to support voluntary organisations to provide psychological therapies.\r\nHowever, we provide funding to national third sector mental health organisations, many of whom provide a range of services and support to respond to mental health problems, including in some cases delivery of psychological therapies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:19.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289032,"EventID":"S4W-17973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:19.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T11:18:59.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17686 by Nicola Sturgeon on 22 October 2013, what companies were awarded each framework contract for mail services.\r\n","AnswerText":"The postal services framework is divided into two lots. Lot one is for ad-hoc and hybrid mail and was awarded to TNT Post Scotland Ltd. Lot two, covering planned mail, was awarded to the Royal Mail Group Ltd.\r\nIn relation to the courier services framework, this framework is divided into six geographical lots. DHL Express (UK) Ltd was awarded five lots, covering Glasgow, Strathclyde and south west Scotland; Grampian; Highlands and Islands; Tayside, Central and Fife; and a one stop shop (organisations that have multiple sites across Scotland). The sixth lot was awarded to Eagle Couriers and covers Edinburgh, Lothian and south east Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:19.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289033,"EventID":"S4W-17974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:20.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T11:22:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has carried out or plans to carry out an assessment of public attitudes to its (a) policies and (b) ministers using social media.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not used social media to carry out an assessment of public attitudes to its policies or its ministers.\r\nOptions for using social media as part of the evaluation of the Commonwealth Games legacy are currently being considered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:20.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289034,"EventID":"S4W-17975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:20.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T11:22:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its directorates are instructed to establish Twitter accounts and build followers and, if so, by whom and for what purpose.\r\n","AnswerText":"Directorates decide themselves whether or not to establish Twitter accounts as part of a range of options available for digital communication with stakeholders and the public.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:20.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289035,"EventID":"S4W-17976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:20.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T11:22:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its staff have access to the passwords for ministerial Twitter accounts and, if so, which accounts.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ministers operate their Twitter accounts in a personal capacity.\r\nDetails of who has access to the First Ministers Twitter account are published on Twitter and can be found through the following link: twitter.com/AlexSalmond\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:20.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289036,"EventID":"S4W-17977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:20.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T11:22:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide details of instances in which its directorates have paid to promote government (a) ministers and (b) policies on social media.","AnswerText":"(a) The Scottish Government does not pay to promote Scottish Government ministers.\r\n(b) The Scottish Government uses social media as a part of integrated marketing campaigns to engage and promote government public information and social marketing activity.\r\nDetails of the Advertising spend for the Scottish Government Marketing Unit are available on the Scottish Government website at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/Directorates/Communications/advertising-marketing/spend.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:20.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289037,"EventID":"S4W-17978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:21.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T11:22:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has commissioned (a) polling, (b) research and (c) focus groups to consider public attitudes to the referendum on independence.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not commissioned research, polling or focus groups on public attitudes to the referendum on independence.\r\nThe Scottish Government has commissioned analysis of the responses to the “Your Scotland, Your Referendum” consultation. The findings were published on the Scottish Government website on 23 of October 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:21.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289038,"EventID":"S4W-17979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:21.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T11:22:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many accounts it follows on Twitter; for what purpose, and what its engagement policy is.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government Twitter account @scotgov follows 760 other accounts, consisting of a variety of stakeholders, organisations, and individuals, so that it can be made aware of new information as it emerges into the public domain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:21.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289039,"EventID":"S4W-17983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T13:55:21.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T11:44:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will issue a formal response to the Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Similar Fact Evidence and the Moorov Doctrine.","AnswerText":"I wrote to Lord Drummond Young on 23 May 2012, thanking the Commission for undertaking the work and stating that my intention now was for the Scottish Government to take time and consider the final report, with a view to legislating for change at an appropriate opportunity.\r\nMy letter can be found on the Commission’s website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotlawcom.gov.uk/law-reform-projects/completed-projects/similar-fact-evidence-and-the-moorov-doctrine/.\r\nThe report is being considered with plans for future criminal justice legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T13:55:21.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289040,"EventID":"S4F-01630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T12:52:24.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-25T13:36:26.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T12:52:25.023","MeetingDate":"2013-10-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289041,"EventID":"S4F-01631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T12:52:25.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-25T16:58:15.643","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T12:52:25.663","MeetingDate":"2013-10-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289042,"EventID":"S4F-01632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T12:52:26.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T08:49:32.81","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T12:52:26.177","MeetingDate":"2013-10-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289043,"EventID":"S4F-01637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T12:52:28.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T10:37:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government will take to protect people affected by fuel poverty, in light of recent price rises by energy providers.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T12:52:28.033","MeetingDate":"2013-10-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289044,"EventID":"S4F-01642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T12:52:30.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T10:59:58.947","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government will take to deal with the reported underrepresentation of women on the boards and senior management teams of public bodies.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T12:52:30.453","MeetingDate":"2013-10-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289045,"EventID":"S4F-01649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T12:52:32.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T11:48:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the average financial benefit for households is from the council tax freeze.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T12:52:32.917","MeetingDate":"2013-10-31T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289048,"EventID":"S4W-17980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T16:44:16.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T11:51:04.283","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17688 by Fergus Ewing on 23 October 2013, what assessment it has made of whether an unsolicited letter to businesses and sole traders from a minister breaches the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is supporting businesses by writing to any potential eligible business that isn’t claiming rates relief they may be entitled to under the Small Business Bonus Scheme (SBBS) to highlight they may benefit from zero or reduced business rates.\r\nFollowing the issue of a similar letter in 2010 the number of business properties benefiting from SBBS has seen a year on year increase.\r\nIn using this information, supplied by Councils who administer the rating system on its behalf, the Scottish Government has fully complied with the Data Protection Act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T16:44:16.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289049,"EventID":"S4W-17981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T16:44:17.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T11:51:04.283","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17688 by Fergus Ewing on 23 October 2013, for what purposes under the Data Protection Act 1998 the names and addresses of businesses and sole traders were collected.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17980 on 7 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T16:44:17.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289050,"EventID":"S4W-17982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T16:44:17.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T11:51:04.283","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17688 by Fergus Ewing on 23 October 2013, what organisations collected the names and addresses of businesses and sole traders.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17980 on 7 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T16:44:17.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289051,"EventID":"S4W-17985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T16:44:17.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T14:06:17.607","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what dates since 3 May 2012 the Minister for Local Government and Planning has communicated with SNP councillors on Argyll and Bute Council and what matters were discussed.","AnswerText":"As the local government and planning minister, I regularly engage and communicate with councillors. This can include councillors from any of the political parties represented at local government level, including the SNP, and also independents. \r\nI most recently visited Argyll and Bute on 28 October 2013 to attend the Autumn Convention of the Highlands and Islands which took place in Helensburgh. The convention meeting was attended by councillors from across the Highlands and Islands, including the Independent Leader and the Liberal Democrat Depute Leader of Argyll and Bute Council.\r\nI am committed to treating all Scotland’s councillors with equal regard, regardless of political party. Scottish Government record systems do not, as a rule, distinguish between councillors on a party political basis. However, I am nevertheless pleased to be able to furnish you with a list of the main communications I have had with Argyll and Bute councillors who were also members of the SNP at the time of communication.\r\nI visited Argyll and Bute Council on 15-16 August 2012 and met the then Council Leader Roddy McCuish, a member of the SNP, where a number of issues relating to Argyll and Bute were discussed. \r\nOn 29 July 2013 I wrote to Council Leader Roddy McCuish about the National Planning Framework 3.\r\nOn 1 August 2013 I wrote to Counsellor Roddy McCuish in his capacity as chair of the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership (CPP) to approve the single outcome agreement and associated development plan produced by the CPP.\r\nOn 23 August 2013 I wrote to Council Leader Roddy McCuish regarding the Island Areas Ministerial Working Group.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T16:44:17.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289052,"EventID":"S4W-17986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-28T16:44:17.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T14:43:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will tackle discrimination toward the Gypsy/Traveller community.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the extent of discrimination against the Gypsy/Traveller community and the need to have a co-ordinated approach to improving outcomes and life-chances. We are developing a strategic overview and action plan building on existing work and drawing on the recommendations of the recent enquiries undertaken by the Equal Opportunities Committee. This we expect to be finalised by spring 2015.\r\nIn the meantime we are at the early stages of taking forward an awareness raising campaign as recommended in the report of the Equal Opportunities Committee. We intend to work with Gypsies/Travellers and other relevant stakeholders in its development. We will also be exploring how Gypsies/Travellers can have a voice in the matters that affect them and how best they can participate in a way which suits their living experience.\r\nWe are establishing a Gypsy/Traveller site working group to consider further issues in relation to sites raised in the Equal Opportunities Committee Report Where Gypsy/Travellers Live. There is now a Scottish social housing charter outcome relating to Gypsy/Traveller sites, that “Sites are well maintained and managed”. Site satisfaction data will be collected for the first time by the Scottish Housing Regulator in 2014 along with data on average weekly rent per pitch and total number of pitches.\r\nWe will continue with a range of projects of support such as a three year programme run by MECOPP to increase understanding around informal caring in the Gypsy/Traveller community and support for the Article 12 project about building bridges in young Gypsies/Travellers’ lives. We have commissioned Carers Scotland and MECOPP to produce a carers’ rights charter which clarifies that Gypsies/Travellers should have advice, information and support. We are also mapping the adult literacy work with the Gypsy/Traveller community and will be publishing the review of the patient record of personal health, now commonly referred to as the “hand-held record” (HHR), by the end of the year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-11T16:44:17.733","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289056,"EventID":"S4W-17951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-29T13:37:10.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-24T14:56:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02492 by Alex Neil on 10 October 2013 (Official Report, c. 23561), whether it will provide an update on how many additional (a) accident and emergency consultants and (b) nurses each NHS board has recruited under the unscheduled care action plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following tables provide updated data on the number of additional accident and emergency consultants and nurses that have been recruited under the unscheduled care action plan so far.\r\nConsultants: \r\nNHS Board\r\nA&E Consultants (WTE)\r\nBorders\r\n1\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n0.85\r\nForth Valley\r\n2\r\nGrampian\r\n1.5 \r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n3\r\nHighland\r\n1 \r\nLanarkshire\r\n1 \r\nLothian\r\n5\r\nTayside\r\n3\r\nTOTAL\r\n18.35\r\n\r\nNurses\r\nNHS Board\r\nA&E Nurses (WTE)\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n20\r\nBorders\r\n6.1\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n1\r\nFife\r\n6\r\nGrampian\r\n5.3 \r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n3.2\r\nLanarkshire\r\n5.24\r\nTOTAL\r\n46.84\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T13:37:11.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289057,"EventID":"S4W-17952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-29T13:37:12.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-24T14:56:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02492 by Alex Neil on 10 October 2013 (Official Report, c. 23561), whether its media office subsequently briefed reporters that there were more consultants in addition to the number given in the answer and, if so, (a) for what reason, (b) what the additional number in the briefing was and (c) whether the figure provided in the briefing for consultant doctors incorporated nurse recruitment numbers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government media office subsequently released information in relation to more consultants in addition to the number given in answer to question S4O-02492 by Alex Neil on 10 October. The media release clarified the number of consultants recruited across Scotland at the time of answering the initial question was 13. The three consultants referred to in Alex Neil’s answer related specifically to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and not Scotland wide. This figure did not include nurses. The original answer did not specify the number of consultants or nurses recruited Scotland wide; it did state that recruitment within health boards was fully underway.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T13:37:12.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289058,"EventID":"S4W-17953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-29T13:37:12.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-24T14:56:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-02492 by Alex Neil on 10 October 2013 (Official Report, c. 23561), whether it will provide a breakdown of the (a) date each consultant (i) was appointed and (ii) started employment and (b) hospital at which each consultant is based.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides a breakdown of the date each consultant was appointed, started employment and hospital where each consultant is based.\r\nNHS Board\r\nDate of Appointment\r\nEmployment Start Date\r\nHospital Base\r\nBorders\r\n28 October 2013\r\n1 April 2014\r\nBorders General Hospital \r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n19 August 2013\r\n16 September 2013\r\nDumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary  \r\nForth Valley\r\n30 July 2013\r\n4 November 2013\r\n2 December 2013\r\nForth Valley Royal Hospital\r\nGrampian\r\n5 September 2013\r\n9 September 2013 and\r\nFebruary 2014\r\nBoth will be based at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary \r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\nJuly 2013 (x3)\r\nAugust 2013 (x2)\r\nSeptember 2013 (x1)\r\nRoyal Alexandra Hospital\r\nRHSC\r\nVictoria Infirmary \r\nHighland\r\n22 August 2013\r\n25 November 2013\r\nRaigmore Hospital\r\nLanarkshire\r\ntbc\r\nJanuary 2014\r\nHairmyres\r\nLothian\r\n22 October 2013\r\nBetween January – March 2014\r\nSt John’s Hospital (x3)\r\nEdinburgh Royal Infirmary (x2)  \r\nTayside\r\n31 July 2013 (x2)\r\n24 October 2013 (x1)\r\n1 November 2013 (x2)\r\nTo be confirmed (x1) \r\nNinewells\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T13:37:12.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289059,"EventID":"S4W-17987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-29T13:37:12.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T16:17:25.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17733 by John Swinney on 17 October 2013, whether it has been able to assess whether the business rates incentivisation scheme is proving effective in the absence of agreed targets.\r\n","AnswerText":"The absence of agreed targets for 2012-13 should have little or no impact on the effectiveness of the business rates incentivisation scheme. Clearly it would have been helpful to have agreed targets but as I explained in my response to question S4W-17733 this has not been possible given the decision taken by COSLA leaders to delay any decision until the audited 2012-13 returns are available.\r\nIrrespective of what the final agreed targets are, individual local authorities know that they will get to keep 50% of any additional business rates collected over and above the final agreed targets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T13:37:12.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289061,"EventID":"S4W-17988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-29T13:37:13.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T16:17:25.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17733 by John Swinney on 17 October 2013, when it expects to be able to publish targets for 2013-14 for the business rates incentivisation scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"As explained in my response to question S4W-17733, COSLA Leaders took the decision that they did not want to consider the review of the 2012-13 Business Rates Incentivisation Scheme (BRIS) targets until the final non-domestic rates audited figures for 2012-13 are available, which will not be until the end of February 2014 at the earliest.\r\nIt is our intention that we will publish agreed 2013-14 targets as soon as possible after we have reached agreement with COSLA on the final 2012-13 targets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T13:37:13.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289063,"EventID":"S4W-17989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-29T13:37:13.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T10:30:48.947","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what arrangements have been established at UK level for joint ministerial discussions on the Crown Estate since the publication of the Scottish Affairs Committee report, The Crown Estate in Scotland; whether any meetings have been held, and, if so, what was discussed and what the outcomes were.","AnswerText":"The UK Government’s response to the Scottish Affairs Committee’s report on The Crown Estate in Scotland announced a Scottish Inter-Ministerial Strategic Group to meet annually to consider the activities of the Crown Estate. The strategic group was due to have its initial meeting in June and then November this year, but on both occasions was cancelled by the UK Government.\r\nI have written to the new Secretary of State for Scotland to reinforce the Scottish Government’s desire for the full devolution of the Crown Estate and I intend to raise this with him when we meet shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T13:37:13.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289064,"EventID":"S4W-17990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-29T13:37:13.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T10:49:29.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many grants Scottish Natural Heritage has awarded to woodland schemes in the central belt between 2007 and 2014.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Natural Heritage, and I have asked the organisation’s chief executive to respond directly to you and to copy the response to me also for my portfolio interest.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T13:37:13.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289065,"EventID":"S4W-17994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-29T16:44:07.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T12:50:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the electrification of the Maryhill railway line has not been included in the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme or control period (CP)5 proposals and what consequent issues it foresees for the continued operation of the line.\r\n","AnswerText":"Electrification of the Maryhill line was proposed as part of the initial Edinburgh to Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP). Constraints on access to Queen Street High Level would have meant some trains being removed and Anniesland services moving to the low level with passengers on the Maryhill line changing at Anniesland for forwarding connections.\r\nHowever, we listened to concerns, including those made by Patricia Ferguson, around journey time extensions and adapted our plans, giving a commitment to retain the services in Queen Street High Level.\r\nI can also confirm that Maryhill will be electrified when we roll out the electrification of the network after EGIP, as we’ve always stated.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T16:44:07.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289066,"EventID":"S4W-17996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-29T16:44:08.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T12:50:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Maryhill railway line will be electrified.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17994 on 7 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T16:44:08.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289067,"EventID":"S4W-17997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-29T16:44:08.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T12:50:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what investment is planned to (a) boost passenger numbers on and (b) ensure the continued operation of the Maryhill railway line.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the next franchise, measures will be put in place to boost patronage on lightly-used services. More details will be made available in the specification for the ScotRail franchise which will be published later this month.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T16:44:08.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289068,"EventID":"S4W-17998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-29T16:44:08.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T12:50:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what service enhancements it is planning or considering to (a) boost passenger numbers on and (b) ensure the continued operation of the Maryhill railway line.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17997 on 7 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T16:44:08.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289069,"EventID":"S4W-17999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-29T16:44:09.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T12:50:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it remains committed to (a) the services running on the Maryhill railway line using the direct route from Anniesland to Queen Street and (b) keeping open the stations serving that route.\r\n","AnswerText":"As stated publicly on numerous occasions previously, the Scottish Government remains committed to both the running of Maryhill services through the direct route from Anniesland to Queen Street, and to the lines and stations in the Glasgow area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T16:44:09.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289070,"EventID":"S4W-18000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-29T16:44:09.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T12:50:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) regarding the future of the Maryhill railway line.","AnswerText":"There have been no recent discussions with SPT regarding the future Maryhill line.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T16:44:09.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289071,"EventID":"S4W-18001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-29T16:44:09.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T12:50:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what cost saving resulted from not including the Maryhill railway line in the electrification programme.","AnswerText":"The estimated costs for electrification of Maryhill line was around £25 million inclusive of the necessary route clearance works (structures etc).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T16:44:09.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289072,"EventID":"S4W-18002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-29T16:44:10.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T14:16:27.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in response to the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate's recent report on Aberdeen Maternity Hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are working closely with NHS Grampian to ensure progress against the implementation of its action plan to ensure it delivers real improvements on the standard of care provided across NHS Grampian. We asked Health Protection Scotland (HPS) to visit Aberdeen Maternity Hospital as a matter of priority to assess the situation and co-ordinate any support that the board might need from other national organisations. HPS visited the board on 31 October and 1 November and its assessment will help to understand how NHS Grampian’s systems resulted in the Inspectorate’s findings, and identify any potential systems changes that could reduce the risk of this situation happening again.\r\nThe board has stated publicly that all of the issues raised in the report have been tackled as a matter of urgency and most of the actions in its improvement action plan have already been completed, with the remainder at an advanced stage of implementation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T16:44:10.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289073,"EventID":"S4W-18003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-29T16:44:10.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T14:16:27.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with NHS Grampian regarding building a replacement maternity hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Grampian has no current plans to build a replacement for Aberdeen Maternity Hospital. However, a longer term aim to relocate the hospital, on the same site, was included within a proposal put forward in 2011 for the development of a Grampian-wide single maternity service, operating from a number of locations. NHS Grampian discussed this proposal with the Scottish Government, and the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy approved NHS Grampian to move forward with implementing it in August 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T16:44:10.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289074,"EventID":"S4W-18004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-29T16:44:10.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T14:44:25.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that owners of listed buildings have a duty of care for the buildings that can be enforced prior to the need for urgent repairs.","AnswerText":"All building owners have a general responsibility to maintain their property. Set against the total number of listed buildings, a very small number are at risk.\r\nThere is no specific obligation on the owner of a listed building to maintain their buildings, but there are statutory powers available to planning authorities and Scottish Ministers to take action where listed buildings have deteriorated. These powers allow them to carry out urgent works for the preservation of listed buildings, to serve “repairs notices” and to compulsorily acquire listed buildings in need of repair. The much better alternative is, of course, effective management and maintenance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-12T16:44:10.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289081,"EventID":"S4O-02532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:49.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T12:02:43.137","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it meets the health needs of asylum seekers.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:49.47","MeetingDate":"2013-11-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289082,"EventID":"S4O-02533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:49.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T11:22:56.223","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing has had with the Minister for Housing and Welfare on food bank provision.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:49.8","MeetingDate":"2013-11-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289083,"EventID":"S4O-02534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:50.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T12:02:44.137","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what response there was to the call in the British Medical Journal of 6 June 2013 for expressions of interest from private sector healthcare providers to provide clinical services to the NHS in Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:50.143","MeetingDate":"2013-11-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289084,"EventID":"S4O-02535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:50.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T12:02:44.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what opportunities there are for people with mobility issues to participate in viewing events during the Commonwealth Games at Hampden.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:50.44","MeetingDate":"2013-11-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289085,"EventID":"S4O-02536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:50.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T17:26:07.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what role it considers health visitors have in making Scotland the best place in which to grow up.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:50.687","MeetingDate":"2013-11-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289086,"EventID":"S4O-02537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:50.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T12:02:44.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent measures NHS Fife has put in place to improve the accident and emergency department at Victoria Hospital.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:50.907","MeetingDate":"2013-11-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289087,"EventID":"S4O-02538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:51.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T12:02:45.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the annual cost is of providing NHS services for visitors and temporary migrants to Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:51.157","MeetingDate":"2013-11-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289088,"EventID":"S4O-02539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:51.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T10:11:28.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its review of the regulatory framework that supports the community pharmacy applications process and the power that NHS boards are given in relation to dispensing GP practices.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:51.53","MeetingDate":"2013-11-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289089,"EventID":"S4O-02540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:51.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T16:08:43.663","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the medical profession regarding the casework of GPs.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:51.78","MeetingDate":"2013-11-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289090,"EventID":"S4O-02541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:52.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T12:02:46.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on developing a new stroke care action plan.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:52.047","MeetingDate":"2013-11-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289091,"EventID":"S4O-02542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:52.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T12:02:46.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans are in place to address seasonal pressures on health services in Dumfries and Galloway.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:52.343","MeetingDate":"2013-11-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289092,"EventID":"S4O-02543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:52.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T09:47:04.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the abolition of prescription charges will have over this coming winter.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:52.717","MeetingDate":"2013-11-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289093,"EventID":"S4O-02545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4965,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:52.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T12:02:47.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has received assurances from NHS Grampian that it will act swiftly on the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate's recommendations following its inspection of Aberdeen Maternity Hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:52.997","MeetingDate":"2013-11-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289094,"EventID":"S4O-02546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:53.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T12:02:47.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the potential introduction of NHS charges for overseas visitors will apply in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Before we could agree to bring any proposals to apply the Home Office’s “health levy” before this Parliament, we would need to be convinced that the proposal was necessary, proportionate and cost effective and that it would not affect our ability to attract the bright and highly skilled visitors and students so important to Scotland’s economy and its vibrancy and diversity as a nation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:53.183","MeetingDate":"2013-11-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289095,"EventID":"S4O-02547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:53.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T12:02:47.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to improve social care for vulnerable and older people.","AnswerText":"We are doing many things to improve social care to ensure vulnerable and older people are treated with respect and dignity:\r\nthe integration of health and care to ensure seamless service provision for all adults; \r\nour Reshaping Care for Older People programme, which recognises people want to live in their own communities for as long as possible, with appropriate support;\r\neffective care standards, regulation and inspection of care to ensure that all people receive quality and compassionate care that protects their dignity and independence on every occasion and in any setting;\r\nthe move to strategic commissioning of care;\r\nmore choice and control through self-directed support; \r\nthe commitment to Free Personal and Nursing Care as a universal benefit for over 65s;\r\nour dementia strategy to ensure people are treated with consideration for their condition; and\r\naccess to care information and advice via Care Information Scotland which is being developed to signpost information for all care groups, not just older people in the coming year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:53.403","MeetingDate":"2013-11-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289096,"EventID":"S4O-02549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:53.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T15:16:07.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the outcomes were of the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing’s recent trip to Estonia.","AnswerText":"I had a very productive trip to Estonia last week. It was clear to me that Scotland and Estonia have much to learn from each other.\r\nI met senior ministers, parliamentarians and senior officials, and had fruitful discussions on matters of common interest which included \r\ne-health, telehealth and the public health response to over consumption of alcohol.\r\nI spoke at their Annual Alcohol Conference and there was much interest in how we are tackling alcohol misuse in Scotland, including minimum unit pricing of alcohol. I consider there is a growing recognition of the harm alcohol causes and a growing recognition that action needs to be taken.\r\nI am delighted that the Republic of Ireland is also pursuing minimum unit pricing of alcohol, the momentum is growing and I hope to see other countries join us.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:53.667","MeetingDate":"2013-11-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289097,"EventID":"S4O-02550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:53.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T12:02:48.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding streams are currently supporting the sports that will be featured in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and its partners are committed to leaving a lasting legacy from the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.\r\nOn 30 September 2013 we confirmed that between 2011-15 a record level of investment of over £38 million will be made into the 17 Commonwealth Games sports and disability sports.\r\nThis is in addition to the £10 million Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund, which will help build or upgrade places within communities; and £1.5 million per year up to 2015 to support local authorities develop their plans for the roll out of community sport hubs, where local people can go to get active or take part in sport.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:53.887","MeetingDate":"2013-11-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289098,"EventID":"S4O-02551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:54.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T12:02:48.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what financial commitment sportscotland has made to the regional performance centre in Dundee.","AnswerText":"Sportscotland will continue to support Dundee City Council and other local partners as they work up a proposal that meets the sporting needs of the people of Dundee and the surrounding areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:54.12","MeetingDate":"2013-11-06T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289099,"EventID":"S4O-02552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:54.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T12:03:39.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the European Commission regarding the food and drink sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:54.37","MeetingDate":"2013-11-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289100,"EventID":"S4O-02553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:54.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T11:20:27.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve access to public transport for people with mobility issues.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:54.587","MeetingDate":"2013-11-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289101,"EventID":"S4O-02554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:54.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T12:03:39.843","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what factors it takes into consideration when deciding which stretches of trunk road are appropriate for dualling.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:54.9","MeetingDate":"2013-11-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289102,"EventID":"S4O-02555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:55.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T12:03:40.077","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of South Lanarkshire College and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:55.15","MeetingDate":"2013-11-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289103,"EventID":"S4O-02556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:55.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T14:45:22.727","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the 2014 year of homecoming.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:55.493","MeetingDate":"2013-11-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289104,"EventID":"S4O-02557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:55.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T09:51:33.497","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what representations it has received regarding the roll-out of high-speed broadband services in Orkney.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:55.71","MeetingDate":"2013-11-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289105,"EventID":"S4O-02558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:56.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T12:03:41.187","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the Help to Buy (Scotland) shared equity scheme will stimulate the house-building industry and help people become homeowners.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:56.023","MeetingDate":"2013-11-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289106,"EventID":"S4O-02559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:56.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T11:58:05.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Bill does not refer to the living wage.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:56.243","MeetingDate":"2013-11-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289107,"EventID":"S4O-02560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:56.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T12:03:41.653","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it considers the adverse environmental impacts are of pyrolysis incinerators.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:56.46","MeetingDate":"2013-11-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289108,"EventID":"S4O-02561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:09:56.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T12:03:42.013","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle the effects of larch tree disease in Dumfries and Galloway.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is providing guidance and financial support to those woodland businesses affected by Phytophthora ramorum. This includes the provision of agents’ services and the clearing of uneconomic infected larch woodlands, as set out in the Action Plan for Ramorum on larch in Scotland. In addition we also intend to provide supplementary support for the appropriate replanting of larch sites cleared due to Phytophthora ramorum. The additional £1 million recently announced for Forestry Commission Scotland’s budget in 2014-15 will help meet the costs resulting from tree health issues and will support increased surveillance and support for rapid response measures. This is in addition to resources already been deployed, including a dedicated post to increase the response.\r\nWe should also remember that other plants and trees are affected by Phytophthora. The Scottish Government will therefore continue with mandatory inspections of the horticulture nursery businesses that trade in host plants of Phytophthora ramorum to check for symptoms. We will also continue surveillance of parks and gardens and to work with SNH and SEPA to monitor high risk heathland sites.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:09:56.693","MeetingDate":"2013-11-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289109,"EventID":"S4W-17991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:57:54.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T12:34:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has agreed with the Treasury the 25-year repayment period set out in the 2014-15 draft budget for borrowing £296 million from the National Loans Fund in 2015-16.\r\n","AnswerText":"As set out in the paper Strengthening Scotland’s Future (CM 7973) we plan to inform the UK Government of our spending plans, including the use of borrowing, at least six months before the start of the relevant financial year.\r\nFor spending, including borrowing, in 2015-16, this would be done by October 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:57:54.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289110,"EventID":"S4W-17992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:57:55.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T12:34:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the 2014-15 draft budget sets out borrowing £296 million from the National Loans Fund in 2015-16 over a 25-year period and not the 10-year maximum recommended in the UK Government’s white paper, Strengthening Scotland’s Future.","AnswerText":"It is expected that borrowing powers will be used to invest in long-term assets, which have at least a 25 year life.\r\nThis is consistent with Strengthening Scotland’s Future (CM7973) which indicated that a longer timeframe than 10 years may be negotiated if this better reflects the lifespan of the associated assets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:57:55.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289111,"EventID":"S4W-17993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:57:55.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T12:34:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the repayment cost would be of borrowing the £296 million set out in the 2014-15 draft budget from the National Loans Fund in 2015-16 over (a) 10 and (b) 25 years. \r\n","AnswerText":"The repayment costs for borrowing £296 million from the National Loans Fund will depend on the interest rate charged, the type of loan and the time taken to repay it.\r\nOn the basis of an annuity loan, with equal half-yearly payments (to include principal and interest) and an interest rate of 5%, the cost would be:\r\n£38 million per annum over 10 years; or\r\n£21 million per annum over 25 years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:57:55.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289112,"EventID":"S4W-18005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:57:55.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T17:23:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the introduction of minimum unit pricing of alcohol, what its position is on introducing other price controls in order to protect public health.\r\n","AnswerText":"Pricing controls can play a part in contributing to protect public health, and consideration will be given where there is evidence that a pricing control policy is likely to be effective.\r\nAs regards alcohol, there is strong evidence that pricing controls are effective in reducing alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm. The Scottish Government firmly believes minimum unit pricing is the most effective price control mechanism to tackle alcohol misuse, and we will continue to press for its introduction at the earliest opportunity.\r\nThe Scottish Government introduced the alcohol quantity discount ban in October 2011 which is aimed at protecting public health. The quantity discount ban is designed to not encourage consumers to buy more alcohol than they had originally intended.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:57:55.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289113,"EventID":"S4W-18006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:57:56.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T17:23:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with other governments that have introduced price controls for (a) alcohol and (b) other products in order to protect public health.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government policies are formulated and developed using evidence-based information, and this includes policies relating to public health. Part of the process of understanding evidence-based information involves discussions with all relevant parties and this may well include other governments.\r\nThe Scottish Government is at the forefront of trying to introduce a pricing control such as minimum unit pricing in order to protect public health. Other European countries are becoming increasingly interested in our policy and we have had discussions with various countries.\r\nWe are well aware of the strong empirical evidence coming out of Canada that shows that minimum pricing of alcohol will reduce consumption and alcohol-related harm.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:57:56.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289114,"EventID":"S4W-18007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:57:56.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-29T17:23:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) the food and drink sector, (b) health organisations and (c) other stakeholders regarding price controls in order to protect public health.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has regular dialogue regarding a whole range of public health issues with stakeholders, including health organisations, the food and drink sector, alcohol industry and retailers. As policies are formulated and developed using evidence-based information, part of the process is to consult relevant stakeholders.\r\nIn May 2013, NHS Health Scotland published a report The impact of the Alcohol Act on off-trade alcohol sales in Scotland which provides information on the impact of the quantity discount ban on alcohol, a price control mechanism. This report shows that alcohol sales dropped by 2.6% following the introduction of the ban in October 2011. The report is available at:\r\nhttp://www.healthscotland.com/documents/21101.aspx.\r\nNHS Health Scotland are also leading the evaluation of the Scottish Government’s alcohol strategy through the Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy (MESAS) work programme, and this includes monitoring and evaluating minimum unit pricing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:57:56.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289115,"EventID":"S4W-18008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T13:57:56.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T11:49:14.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the (a) Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing and (b) Minister for Public Health has had with other cabinet secretaries and ministers regarding price controls in order to protect public health.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government policies are formulated and developed using evidence-based information, and this includes policies relating to public health. Where a policy raises major issues or involves primary legislation, which was the case for minimum unit pricing of alcohol, the policy will be discussed by the Scottish Cabinet. Ministers and Cabinet Secretaries regularly discuss current or new policies where there are shared portfolio interests.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T13:57:56.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289138,"EventID":"S4W-17947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T16:56:43.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-23T16:48:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the European Parliament's revised directive on tobacco products would have on its plans to introduce plain packaging for tobacco products.\r\n","AnswerText":"We will of course take account of all relevant European requirements in developing our legislation on plain packaging. As announced in our recent Programme for Government, we will consult on the next steps in the New Year after which we will look to introduce legislation in 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T16:56:43.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289139,"EventID":"S4W-17948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T16:56:43.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-23T16:48:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made, or will make, of the effectiveness of the European Parliament's revised directive on tobacco products, which would increase the size of health warnings on cigarette packs.\r\n","AnswerText":"Reducing the harmful impact of tobacco on Scotland’s health is a key priority for the Scottish Government. We welcome the proposal to increase the size of health warnings on cigarette packs. We will continue to examine any emerging evidence on this subject and will of course take account of the European Tobacco Products Directive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T16:56:43.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289140,"EventID":"S4W-18009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T16:56:43.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T14:04:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what tests mental health professionals are required to apply when determining whether or not a patient has the capacity to consent to or refuse electroconvulsive therapy.","AnswerText":"All patients who receive ECT must either give informed consent or be protected by the legal safeguards within the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.\r\nCapacity to consent to treatment is assessed in line with the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and professional guidance based on case law regarding capacity to consent to treatment.\r\nThere are a number of approaches to capacity but the current position as recommended by the Law Commission is to use a ‘functional approach’ in determining whether a person has the capacity to make a decision. What this approach focuses on is ‘whether an individual is able to make a decision at the time when that decision has to be made’. To demonstrate capacity individuals should be able to understand: broadly what the treatment is; its principle benefits, risks and alternatives and be able to make a choice; and understand in broad terms what the consequences will be of not receiving the treatment. The individual should be able to retain the information provided long enough to use it to come to an informed decision and then be able to communicate that decision.\r\nA person’s ability to consent may change and this should be kept under regular review together with the person’s care plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T16:56:43.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289141,"EventID":"S4W-18010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T16:56:44.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T14:04:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether medical professionals treating patients with electroconvulsive therapy are required to tell them that it can lead to permanent memory loss.","AnswerText":"While there is no evidence of permanent memory loss, electroconvulsive therapy can cause short or long term memory loss.\r\nMedical professionals will discuss all aspects of the treatment with their patients, including the reasons why it is being offered, and all possible risks and side effects.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T16:56:44.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289142,"EventID":"S4W-18011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T16:56:44.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T14:04:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has conducted research on whether patients treated with electroconvulsive therapy have subsequently experienced post-traumatic stress disorder.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government supports high quality research in mental health in Scotland through the Scottish Mental Health Research Network, www.smhrn.org.uk.\r\nThere are no current studies into patients treated with electroconvulsive therapy who have subsequently experienced post-traumatic stress disorder.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T16:56:44.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289143,"EventID":"S4W-18012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T16:56:44.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T14:04:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the use of electroconvulsive therapy in the absence of informed consent constitutes inhuman or degrading treatment.","AnswerText":"Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment for severe mental illness with clinical evidence to support that it produces good outcomes for patients. It is used when the illness is severe and life threatening, when a rapid response is required, or when other treatments have failed.\r\nIndividuals unable to provide informed consent to treatment are protected by legal safeguards included in the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000. This includes authorisation of treatment by independent psychiatric opinion, arranged by the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish ECT Accreditation Network (SEAN) aims to ensure the continuous improvement of services for patients receiving ECT. It shares experiences and helps disseminate examples of good practice, supporting clinicians to be responsive to patient’s preferences, needs and values wherever possible.\r\nThe SEAN annual report for 2012:http://www.sean.org.uk/AuditReport/Main.html reports that overall, 70% of patients who completed an episode of ECT showed a definite improvement. The percentage of patients who showed improvement was higher for patients without capacity (77%), than with capacity (67%).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T16:56:44.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289144,"EventID":"S4W-18013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T16:56:45.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T14:04:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many days on average a course of electroconvulsive therapy lasts and how many times the therapy will be applied during that period.","AnswerText":"The 2012 Scottish ECT Accreditation Network (SEAN) annual report summary table indicates there were, on average, eight treatments within an episode of ECT treatment, with the majority of patients receiving two treatments a week. This figure is similar in previous years’ reports:\r\nhttp://www.sean.org.uk/AuditReport/Main.html.\r\nThe average duration of an episode of ECT treatment cannot be calculated accurately from the SEAN database due to the different modes of treatment plan. Patients may receive acute treatment or may receive treatment on a maintenance/ continuation basis. The inclusion of the latter category artificially increases the average number of days of an episode of ECT treatment as it may be given over a longer period of time in order to keep patients well.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T16:56:45.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289145,"EventID":"S4W-18014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T16:56:45.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T14:04:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of patients treated with electroconvulsive therapy for depression relapses within 12 months.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T16:56:45.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289146,"EventID":"S4W-18015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T16:56:45.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T14:04:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of patients treated with electroconvulsive therapy commits suicide.","AnswerText":"Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s operate a suicide reporting and learning system which assists NHS boards to improve the way suicide reviews are carried out and to help identify and reduce such risks.\r\nInformation on the number of cases where a suicide took place during the period when the person was being treated with ECT is not available due to the very low numbers involved and the need to maintain patient confidentiality.\r\nIn interpreting this information it should be noted that in such circumstances there may be no causal link between ECT and the suicide; and that there is a strong association between major depression and suicide. The vast majority of ECT administered in Scotland is for major depressive disorder.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T16:56:45.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289147,"EventID":"S4W-18016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T16:56:45.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T14:04:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the mortality rate is among patients over 65 who are receiving electroconvulsive therapy.","AnswerText":"During the period 2005-2011 the Scottish ECT Accreditation Network database recorded six deaths for patients aged over 65 years. ECT treatment was not indicated as being related to the cause of death of each patient. Co-morbidity may have been a factor in the deaths of these patients.\r\nThere are approximately 350-450 patients receiving episodes of ECT each year and approximately 3,400-4,200 treatments per year.\r\nMortality rates among patients who received ECT treatment but who are subsequently discharged from hospital are not captured by the SEAN database.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T16:56:45.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289148,"EventID":"S4W-18017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T16:56:45.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T14:04:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times a designated medical practitioner (a) refused and (b) agreed to certify that it was necessary to give electroconvulsive therapy to a patient who resisted or objected to the treatment, in the last year for which information is available.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T16:56:45.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289149,"EventID":"S4W-18018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T16:56:46.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T14:23:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what projects in the South Lanarkshire Council area have received funding from the  CashBack for Communities scheme, broken down by (a) amount granted and (b) location.\r\n","AnswerText":"Financial information showing investment in the CashBack for Communities Programme, including expenditure at local authority level, is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/17141/cashback/CashBack-Finance\r\nAn overview of CashBack investment by organisation delivering activity in South Lanarkshire is detailed in the following table:\r\nInvestment in South Lanarkshire Local Authority through CashBack for Communities Programme\r\nSouth Lanarkshire CashBack Investments\r\n£1,149,971\r\nAmateur Boxing Scotland\r\n£39,066\r\nbasketball scotland\r\n£13,773\r\nCreative Scotland\r\n£96,853\r\nPrinces Trust Development Awards\r\n£12,869\r\nScottish Football Association\r\n£138,481\r\nScottish Rugby\r\n£71,945\r\nScottish Sports Futures\r\n£19,652\r\nsportscotland (sport facilities)\r\n£199,142\r\nWorking on Wheels\r\n£3,812\r\nYouth Scotland\r\n£63,654\r\nYouthLink Scotland\r\n£490,724\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T16:56:46.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289150,"EventID":"S4W-18019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T16:56:46.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T14:42:22.173","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to install next-generation superfast broadband in Highland and eastern Perthshire.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and its partners are investing over £280 million in our Step Change programme which, alongside commercial deployment, will deliver next generation broadband access to 95% of premises in Scotland by 2017-18.\r\nThe programme, which includes an investment from Perth and Kinross Council, will deliver significant improvements to the Perth and Kinross local authority area, with coverage of at least 90% of premises expected. Without this investment, coverage of only 41% would have been achieved commercially.\r\nOn 28 October 2013, we published a map indicating high-level deployment phasing for the programme, available at: \r\nhttp://www.digitalscotland.org/media/16354/ros_171013.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T16:56:46.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289151,"EventID":"S4W-18025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T16:56:47.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T15:08:22.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions have taken place between the Minister for the Environment and Climate Change and the Minister for Local Government and Planning regarding the final Scottish Planning Policy and the National Planning Framework 3.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have regular discussions with the Minister for Environment and Climate Change on policy areas of common interest, including those in Scottish Planning Policy and the National Planning Framework.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T16:56:47.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289152,"EventID":"S4W-18031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-30T16:56:47.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T15:55:35.327","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the findings in the report, What would it take to eradicate health inequalities?: Testing the fundamental causes theory of health inequalities in Scotland, whether it will (a) undertake a cost effectiveness review of all health inequalities programmes and (b) consider moving responsibility for public health from NHS boards to local authorities. \r\n","AnswerText":"In reviewing our programmes we are increasingly examining their effectiveness for the least well off amongst our communities for example the forthcoming Health Scotland report into smoking cessation. However the Government does not have control of the socio-economic levers including taxation and benefits which would enable it to effectively pursue the actions called for in this report.\r\nThis government believes the answer to health inequalities will not be found in simply shifting responsibility between organisations. It requires as the government set out in its response to the Christie Commission for public service organisations to break through bureaucratic barriers and operate across organisational boundaries to produce integrated services that deliver better value for money and improve the social and economic wellbeing of the nation. Together with ensuring people and communities have a much stronger voice in the decisions that affect them and respond to their aspirations and concerns. This is fundamental to the government’s engagement and encouragement of community planning partnerships.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-13T16:56:47.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289153,"EventID":"S4W-18046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T10:56:46.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-31T10:24:19.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether the Parliament campus has electric vehicle charging points.\r\n","AnswerText":"The SPCB has installed two charging points for electric vehicles. One is located in the internal car park and one in the service yard. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T10:56:46.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289154,"EventID":"S4W-18047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T12:24:12.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-31T11:51:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the status is of the ScotRail Franchise Renewal Programme.","AnswerText":"I am delighted to advise that we remain on schedule. The Final Invitation to Tender for the Caledonian Sleeper franchise was published on 28 October and the bidders, Arriva, First Group and Serco, are to set out their proposals in their response to the Final Invitation to Tender by 12 December. In regard to the ScotRail franchise, I am pleased to advise, as a consequence of a successful pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ), that I have invited five experienced rail companies to bid. Those companies are Abellio, Arriva, First Group, MTR and National Express, each of whom demonstrated in its response to the PQQ an understanding of, and a commitment to realise, our ambitions for a transformed rail service. I am convinced that this strong competition will deliver a great public rail service for the people of Scotland. The Draft Invitation to Tender, which sets out our specification for the ScotRail franchise, will be published on 19 November.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T12:24:12.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289155,"EventID":"S4W-18020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T13:55:14.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T14:57:58.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if same-sex marriage was introduced, what its position is on whether it would be appropriate for public sector employees who oppose it to have their employer question them on their commitment to equality and diversity.","AnswerText":"Public sector employees are entitled to have their own personal beliefs on same sex marriage and the Government would consider it inappropriate for public sector employers to question employees on their commitment to equality and diversity based solely on their belief that marriage should be between a man and a woman.\r\nThe Government fully appreciates that some public sector employees will be opposed to same sex marriage but will still approach their work in a professional and non-judgemental manner, respecting the diversity of service users.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:55:14.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289156,"EventID":"S4W-18022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T13:55:15.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T14:57:58.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if same-sex marriage was introduced, what its position is on whether (a) people, (b) churches and (c) other organisations that oppose it should be entitled to (i) hire publicly-owned facilities and (ii) provide services in partnership with public bodies. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Government discussed the point about religious bodies against same sex marriage being denied the use of public premises in the second consultation on same sex marriage, at paragraphs 62 to 65 of Annex A:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/12/9433/272398.\r\nThe Government considers that any local authority (or other public body) which refused to let premises to any organisation or person on the basis of their religious beliefs risks a successful claim of discrimination.\r\nLocal authorities and public bodies are subject to the Equality Act 2010 and, as such, are directly prohibited from discriminating against an organisation or person because of their religious belief. In addition, the Human Rights Act 1998 makes it unlawful for public authorities to breach the European Convention of Human Rights which includes the right to freedom of religion.\r\nThe Public Sector Equality Duty (at section 149 of the Equality Act 2010) requires local authorities and other public bodies to have due regard to various matters including fostering good relations between people who share protected characteristics and those who do not. However, relying on the Public Sector Equality Duty would not allow a local authority or public body to act unlawfully and discriminate against an organisation or person.\r\nThe Government also considers that there should be no discrimination against any organisation or person who is opposed to same sex marriage from providing services in partnership with public bodies, as long as the service is provided to all eligible persons. Any service provided through public money has to be available to all.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:55:15.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289157,"EventID":"S4W-18023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T13:55:15.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T14:57:58.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if same-sex marriage was introduced, what its position is on whether it would be appropriate for (a) prospective and (b) current foster carers who oppose it to have their suitability to provide such care questioned; whether it considers that it would be appropriate to ask them their views on the matter, and under what circumstances it considers that opposition to it would make a person unsuitable to provide foster care.\r\n","AnswerText":"The key issue in relation to fostering is the welfare of the child. It would not be appropriate for prospective and current foster carers who oppose same sex marriage to have their suitability to foster children questioned just because of opposition to same sex marriage. Persons opposed to same sex marriage who are seeking to foster children must, like anybody else, demonstrate their suitability to foster children from a wide variety of backgrounds. It may be appropriate in some cases to ask persons seeking to foster how they would deal with cases such as a young person who is uncertain about his or her sexuality or a young person who is being bullied in school about their sexual orientation. If a person is unable to provide satisfactory answers to these types of questions, they may not be suitable to provide foster care. However, opposition to same sex marriage is not by itself sufficient to make a person unsuitable to provide foster care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:55:15.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289158,"EventID":"S4W-18026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T13:55:15.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T15:44:49.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17283 by Nicola Sturgeon on 7 October 2013, whether it has undertaken a risk analysis of whether it will eradicate fuel poverty by 2016.","AnswerText":"We continue to monitor progress towards the 2016 target through the fuel poverty statistics published in the annual Scottish House Condition Survey. This year’s survey will be published in late 2013.\r\nRisk is monitored in accordance with the criteria set in the Scottish Public Finance Manual.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:55:15.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289159,"EventID":"S4W-18027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T13:55:16.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T15:44:49.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17283 by Nicola Sturgeon on 7 October 2013, what assessment it has made of whether it will eradicate fuel poverty by 2016.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has a statutory duty, ‘to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that people are not living in fuel poverty in Scotland by November 2016’.\r\nWe are committed to helping Scottish families heat their homes affordably and we are doing everything with the limited powers we have to do so. We currently only have control over one of the contributing factors to fuel poverty; the energy efficiency of Scottish dwellings and we are continuing to provide government funding for energy efficiency and fuel poverty programmes.\r\nThere is already a marked difference in approach between the Scottish and UK Governments in tackling fuel poverty. The UK Government has reduced its public funding of energy efficiency and fuel poverty schemes, in preference to private sector led approaches. \r\nWe will continue to monitor progress towards the 2016 target through the fuel poverty statistics published in the annual Scottish House Condition Survey. The next survey will be published later this year.\r\nIf elected, in an independent Scotland, this government will move the costs associated with the Energy Companies Obligation and Warm Home Discount from levies on consumers bills to central resources. This would cut energy bills by roughly 5% or £70 a year and would allow a new means of funding and delivering energy efficiency improvements to Scottish homes that is fairer and better suited to our needs.\r\nThe additional powers offered by independence would provide greater flexibility to create Scottish-specific solutions to be created enabling us to better tackle fuel poverty and the reduction of carbon emissions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:55:16.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289160,"EventID":"S4W-18028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T13:55:16.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T15:44:49.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17159 by Shona Robison on 3 October 2013, what action it is taking to tackle poverty and deprivation in black and minority ethnic communities.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:55:16.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289161,"EventID":"S4W-18029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T13:55:17.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T15:54:18.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what effect it considers welfare reform will have on health inequalities.","AnswerText":"This Government has made clear its concerns of the negative impact on those who will lose out in the face of the Westminster Government’s welfare reform programme. \r\nWe know that those dependent on welfare benefits are at risk of poorer health outcomes associated with poverty and that changes to benefits risk increasing both short and long term inequalities in health outcomes. While it is too early to quantify the outcomes especially as we are still awaiting the finalisation of this reform programme, we are already seeing an increase in demand on primary care from those losing benefits as claimants seek advice and evidence for appeals.\r\nThe government has instigated a proactive response in which we are working with partners in local government, health and the third sector to mitigate the worst impacts of the reforms on people and organisations in Scotland. Our draft budget has allocated an investment of at least £224 million in welfare mitigation over the period 2013-14 to 2015-16. Through the Scottish Public Health Observatory we have established a monitoring programme to measure the impacts on public health of welfare reform and austerity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:55:17.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289162,"EventID":"S4W-18030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T13:55:17.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T15:54:18.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish a detailed response to the report, What would it take to eradicate health inequalities?: Testing the fundamental causes theory of health inequalities in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Government’s active response to Health Inequalities is clearly set out in the three jointly linked social policy frameworks of Equally Well, the Early Years Framework and Achieving Our Potential. The first of which is currently under review through the Ministerial Task Force on Health Inequalities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:55:17.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289163,"EventID":"S4W-18033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T13:55:17.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T15:56:58.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will commission research on the benefits and risks of so-called all single-room hospital design, and what action it will take to ensure that such design does not have an adverse effect on services at the Southern General Hospital, Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government undertook a considerable body of work prior to the adoption of the single room policy in NHSScotland. The Single Room Provision Steering Group was established in order to review available literature and evidence for single rooms, a public attitude survey, a nursing staffing report and a financial impact study. The steering group’s final report may be accessed here:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/12/04160144/0.\r\nIn addition, the Chief Medical Officer took forward an Expert (or Delphi) Consultation, which concluded that the current provision of single room accommodation was insufficient across NHSScotland, and 100 per cent single room provision is clinically appropriate in most clinical settings. The report on the outcome of the consultation may be accessed here:\r\nhttp://www.pcpd.scot.nhs.uk/PDFs/DelphiReport.pdf.\r\nOver the next year the Scottish Government will continue to review research that has been undertaken since the policy was formulated, in order to assess and bring together the evidence base now available with a review to testing the assumptions made within the current policy.\r\nWith respect to the new South Glasgow Hospitals, the design and clinical model are based on 100 per cent single rooms in the adult hospital, which we believe for the reasons set out in the Steering Group report will be to the benefit of patients.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:55:17.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289164,"EventID":"S4W-18034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T13:55:18.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T15:56:58.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce robotic surgery for the treatment of prostate cancer, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"To add to the evidence for clinical and cost-effectiveness of robot-assisted surgery for prostate cancer (and other conditions that may benefit), a research proposal will be drawn up by a sub-group of the National Planning Forum, which is expected to start work early in the new year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:55:18.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289165,"EventID":"S4W-18035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T13:55:18.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T15:56:58.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the comments in the October 2013 report by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman regarding prisoners’ access to the NHS complaints process.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards have been reminded of their responsibility under the Patient Rights Act 2011 and supporting legislation in relation to the handling and learning from complaints. In particular assurances were sought and were received that the procedures set out in the Can I help you? Good Practice Guidance:\r\nhttp://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_08.pdf are in place for the handling of prisoner complaints.\r\nA revised form which allows prisoners to select whether they wish to give feedback, make comments, raise concerns or make a complaint was issued in July 2013 to the relevant NHS boards for immediate use to ensure accessibility for prisoners. Officials continue to monitor the situation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:55:18.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289166,"EventID":"S4W-18036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T13:55:18.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T16:18:44.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has assessed any potential risk of food contamination arising from the use of used carrier bags in the takeaway sector as a consequence of its proposed charge on carrier bags.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials have held discussions with the takeaway food sector as part of the on-going consultation on our draft carrier bag charging regulations. We are also taking advice from the Food Standards Agency on this issue, drawing on experience in areas such as Wales and Northern Ireland where similar measures to promote reuse of carrier bags have already been introduced.\r\nOur draft Regulations already include a number of exemptions from charging for food safety reasons, consistent with Food Standards Agency advice. We will consider all representations made during the on-going consultation period before bringing forward final Regulations next year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:55:19.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289167,"EventID":"S4W-18037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T13:55:19.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-30T16:18:44.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the Food Standards Agency Scotland's position is on the potential impact on the takeaway food sector of the proposal to introduce a charge on carrier bags.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency’s remit in this respect is concerned with providing advice on the potential risk to food safety.\r\nThe Food Standards Agency’s position regarding the potential for the transfer of pathogens between raw foods (such as raw meat and vegetables containing soil) and ready to eat foods is clear. Carrier bags which have previously been used to transport unpackaged or unsealed raw foods could present a cross-contamination risk to unpackaged ready to eat foods.\r\nFoods purchased from takeaways tend to be cooked, ready to eat foods which are usually wrapped or partially wrapped before placing in a carrier bag. These food items should not in themselves present a risk of contamination if they are cooked and handled properly by the caterer in accordance with food hygiene legislation. \r\nWith more and more consumers reusing carrier bags, either for sustainability or as a result of charging the Food Standards Agency’s advice to help prevent bacteria spreading to ready-to-eat food is as follows:\r\n1. Keep raw meat and fish separate from ready-to eat-foods, in separate bags.\r\n2. If your bags are re-useable, keep one or two just for use with raw meat and fish.\r\n3. Do not use them for ready-to-eat foods.\r\n4. Re-useable bags (and single use carrier bags) should be disposed of if there has been any spillage of raw meat juices.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:55:19.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289168,"EventID":"S4W-18038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T13:55:20.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-31T09:47:37.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17593 by Nicola Sturgeon on 29 October 2013, for what reason it has not replicated the functions of the Social Security Commissioners.","AnswerText":"Social Security Commissioners deal with matters that are reserved to the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:55:20.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289169,"EventID":"S4W-18039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T13:55:20.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-31T10:10:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidelines there are under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 for licensing boards  to consider whether applications protect and improve public health and safety.  \r\n","AnswerText":"The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 provides that a licensing board’s policy statement must seek to promote the five licensing objectives, including the objectives to “protect and improve public health” and “securing public safety”, and that the board must have regard to its licensing policy statement in exercising its functions under the Act.\r\nGuidance published by Scottish Ministers in 2007 contains advice to boards and local authorities on the consideration of the licensing objectives. The Act requires licensing boards to have regard to such guidance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:55:20.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289170,"EventID":"S4W-18040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T13:55:21.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-31T10:10:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what requirements there are under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 for licensing boards to consider the views of NHS boards in relation to (a) applications and (b) consideration of overprovision policies, and whether it plans to update these.","AnswerText":"The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 requires licensing boards to consider the views of NHS boards in relation to both (a) applications and (b) consideration of overprovision policies. We have no specific plans to change this requirement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:55:21.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289171,"EventID":"S4W-18042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T13:55:21.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-31T10:24:19.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many households have received support from the scheme to fund the installation of home charging points for electric vehicles.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the Scottish electric home charger installation scheme was launched in autumn 2012, we have 100% funded the installation of 65 home charge points across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:55:21.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289172,"EventID":"S4W-18043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T13:55:22.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-31T10:24:19.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many government car service vehicles are electric.","AnswerText":"The government car service presently has one hybrid (petrol/electric) vehicle.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:55:22.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289173,"EventID":"S4W-18044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T13:55:23.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-31T10:24:19.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of its buildings have electric vehicle charging points.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are presently four Scottish Government buildings with dedicated electric vehicle charging points.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:55:23.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289174,"EventID":"S4W-18045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T13:55:23.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-31T10:36:52.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many reports of attacks on guide dogs have been made to the police in each of the last three years for which information is available, and what estimate it has of how many attacks were not reported.\r\n","AnswerText":"The police recorded crime data collected centrally is based on an aggregate return from each of the eight legacy police forces in Scotland.\r\nAttacks on guide dogs would be recorded under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, Section 19 - Cause a protected animal unnecessary suffering. It is not possible to separate attacks on guide dogs from the aggregated crime code “Cruelty to dogs”. \r\nCrimes of Cruelty to dogs recorded by the police, 2010-11 to 2012-13\r\n2010-11\r\n29\r\n2011-12\r\n56\r\n2012-13\r\n44\r\nSource: Justice Analytical Services, Scottish Government.\r\nMost attacks on dogs by other dogs are now dealt with directly by local authorities following the introduction of Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010, where the authority will consider issuing a dog control notice when a dog has been out of control. I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17160 on 25 September 2013, which related to the number of dog control notices served by local authorities. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T13:55:23.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289193,"EventID":"S4W-18051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T16:39:56.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-31T13:25:06.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what evidence it has to support the comment of the Minister for Transport and Veterans on 2 October 2013 (Official Report, c. 23231) that the construction of the Rosyth international container terminal will deliver \"an estimated 500 jobs\".\r\n","AnswerText":"The estimated number of construction jobs likely to be delivered was based on Babcock’s figures which were noted and not disputed during the public local inquiry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T16:39:56.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289194,"EventID":"S4W-18052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T16:39:57.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-31T13:51:58.277","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the target is and current waiting times are for angioplasty procedures, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"Angioplasty procedures are covered by the 12 weeks legal treatment time guarantee set out in The Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011. Current waiting time for angioplasty is not available centrally.\r\nInformation on the treatment time guarantee is currently being collected from a local statistical return from boards and not through the new ways warehouse, this information does not go down to specialty level. This is to allow boards to make the necessary changes to their IT systems. It is planned that statistics will be reported on the treatment time guarantee through the new ways warehouse early in 2014. This will provide waiting time information at specialty level.\r\nLatest information from the local statistical returns showed that during the quarter ending 30 June 2013, 98.4% of patients were treated within the 12 weeks legal treatment time guarantee.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T16:39:57.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289195,"EventID":"S4W-18053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T16:39:57.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-31T14:19:10.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many salmon farms are licensed to use teflubenzuron (Calicide). \r\n","AnswerText":"A total of 273 salmon farms in Scotland are licensed for the potential use of teflubenzuron (Calicide).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T16:39:57.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289196,"EventID":"S4W-18054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T16:39:58.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-31T14:19:10.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many breaches of the environmental quality standards for the use of teflubenzuron (Calicide) have been recorded in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information from SEPA indicates that the number of sites with analysis results demonstrating a failure to meet the relevant environmental quality standards in each year since 2007 is as follows:\r\n2007: none\r\n2008: none\r\n2009: none\r\n2010: none\r\n2011: one\r\n2012: six\r\n2013: four.\r\nThere are a number of licenced sea lice medicines available to the industry: the usage of teflobenzuron was relatively low between 2007 and 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T16:39:58.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289197,"EventID":"S4W-18055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-10-31T16:39:59.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-31T14:48:24.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will issue guidance to local authorities regarding the implementation of the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is currently working closely with local authorities to prepare guidance on the operation of the Act that meets the needs of those that will deal with high hedges once the legislation comes into effect. The guidance will be finalised and issued as soon as it is complete. An announcement on the implementation date will be made in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-14T16:39:59.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289204,"EventID":"S4W-18048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-01T13:51:01.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-31T13:17:32.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what level of carbon emissions is caused by street lighting in each local authority area and what the cost saving would be of using low-energy LED bulbs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information for each local authority. However, a high level assessment of the potential benefits of a pan-Scotland investment in street lighting LEDs undertaken by Scottish Futures Trust forecasts that the investment results in a two thirds reduction in energy consumption and 1.35million tonnes of carbon saved over the 20 year analysis period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:51:01.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289205,"EventID":"S4W-18050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-01T13:51:01.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-31T13:17:32.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on introducing low-energy LED bulbs in street lights since May 2013.","AnswerText":"Substantial progress is being made across Scotland in the development and delivery of street lighting energy efficiency projects. This programme is being supported by the following:\r\nProduction of a Street Lighting Toolkit to assess potential financial and carbon savings, accessed at the following link\r\n(http://www.scottishfuturestrust.org.uk/publications/low-carbon-and-energy-efficiency/) \r\nProvision of £2 million from the Scottish Governments’ Sustainable Action Fund to support local authorities work on increasing energy efficiency of street lighting; \r\nAvailability of 0% finance from SALIX to fund energy efficiency work with awards made to Dundee, and Perth and Perth and Kinross Councils for LED street lanterns this financial year;\r\nEstablishment of a steering group to identify and co-ordinate the support required by local authorities to take projects forward.\r\nFollowing the recommendation of the joint Scottish Government /COSLA settlement distribution group, the distribution of the £2 million, was approved at the COSLA leaders meeting on 27 September 2013. The council’s share of the £2 million will be paid as General Revenue Grant in the last two weeks of March 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:51:01.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289206,"EventID":"S4W-18056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-01T13:51:02.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-01T09:47:21.433","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17873 by Humza Yousaf on 29 October 2013, what topics were discussed at each meeting; what the outcomes and agreed actions were, and whether follow-up meetings were proposed.","AnswerText":"A variety of topics of mutual interest were discussed. It is expected that similar discussions with representatives of relevant international organisations will be held from time to time. Policies pursued following the next Scottish parliamentary election will be for the Government of the day to determine.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:51:02.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289207,"EventID":"S4W-18057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-01T13:51:02.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-01T09:51:09.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17873 by Humza Yousaf on 29 October 2013, whether discussions were held on policies that are dependent on the outcome of the next Scottish parliamentary election.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18056 on 13 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:51:02.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289208,"EventID":"S4W-18071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-01T13:51:02.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-01T11:25:53.65","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle the theft of fuel, quad bikes and agricultural equipment from farms.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Police Scotland. \r\nEach local authority area in Scotland has a local policing plan. Police Scotland is now engaging with communities across Scotland to ensure their views are reflected in the local policing plans. I would encourage farmers and all people from rural areas to participate in this and make their views known.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:51:02.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289209,"EventID":"S4W-18072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-01T13:51:03.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-01T11:25:53.65","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many thefts of quad bikes and other agricultural equipment from farms there have been and how many prosections for these thefts, in each local authority area in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on thefts at the level of detail requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:51:03.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289210,"EventID":"S4W-18074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-01T13:51:03.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-01T10:17:47.6","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of the population were of pensionable age in each local authority area in the last year for which information is available, and what the projected figures are for 2033.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T13:51:03.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289211,"EventID":"S4W-18075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-01T14:35:35.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-01T13:23:55.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the next reports of the Fiscal Commission Working Group will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"I am pleased to advise that the Fiscal Commission Working Group’s reports on “the principles for a modern and efficient tax system in an independent Scotland” and “fiscal rules and fiscal commissions” will be published today at 10:00. Upon publication, they will be accessible at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Economy/Council-Economic-Advisers/FCWG.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-15T14:35:35.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289217,"EventID":"S4W-18081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-04T10:32:19.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T10:10:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what approach it will take to the UK Government policy to increase employee contributions to public sector pensions from April 2014.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government remains committed to public service pensions that are affordable, sustainable, and fair and has repeatedly set out its opposition to the UK Government’s policy of increasing employee contributions in this way and at this time.\r\nHowever, unless there is a change in UK Government policy, the Scottish Government will move to apply the third increment of employee contribution rate increases across the NHS, Teachers’, Police and Firefighters’ pension schemes in Scotland from April 2014.\r\nThe Scottish Government has taken this decision as a result of the clear financial sanctions that will be imposed if it does not. In a letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth dated 14 October 2013, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury confirmed that, as in previous years, if the Scottish Government does not apply the increases, or applies them later than April 2014, the UK Government will impose matching reductions in the Scottish budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T10:32:19.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289218,"EventID":"S4W-18076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-04T13:54:01.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-01T16:59:58.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many times and (b) for how long on average the (i) A82, (ii) A83 and (iii) A85 have been closed as a result of crime scene investigation of accident sites in the last three years, and for what reasons these roads cannot be reopened for managed traffic flow more quickly in such cases.","AnswerText":"The A82, A83 and A85 have, respectively, been closed for 97, 43 and 46 times over the last three full calendar years. In this period, there were 11 fatal reported personal injury accidents on the A82, 5 fatal accidents on the A83 and 11 fatal accidents on the A85.\r\nThese closures have also resulted for a variety of other reasons, including fallen trees, the recovery of broken down vehicles and the consequences of road traffic accidents. The duration of the closures are dependent on the circumstances of each incident and the closures associated with slight or non-injury accidents are often relatively short in timescale.\r\nThe lengthiest closures are often associated with the clearance and investigation of more serious accidents. Where the recovery and treatment of casualties is taking place, this has an obvious priority. Where accident investigations are taking place, the conduct of these is a matter for Police Scotland.\r\nTransport Scotland and its operating companies work with Police Scotland on the diversionary routes for such closures and the clean-up of the site when the accident investigation is complete. Every effort is made to minimise the duration of closures. Each case is dependant, however, on the balance of operational and other priorities outlined above.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T13:54:01.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289219,"EventID":"S4W-18077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-04T13:54:02.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-01T16:59:58.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the Lord Advocate's role has been in advising on road accidents and consequent investigations causing closure of the (a) A82, (b) A83 and (c) A85 roads and whether accidents on these roads have been reduced following the investigations necessitating closures on these roads, in the last three years.","AnswerText":"Although the Lord Advocate is head of the system of investigation of deaths and prosecution in Scotland, the matter of road closures for the investigation of road traffic accidents is an operational matter for Police Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T13:54:02.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289220,"EventID":"S4W-18078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-04T13:54:02.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-03T21:14:42.093","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on EU plans to phase out bottom trawling and bottom set gill nets in the north east Atlantic deep water fishery.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government strongly supports the overall objectives of this proposal: to ensure the sustainable exploitation of deep sea species and minimise the impact of deep sea fishing on the marine environment.\r\nHowever, the commission’s original proposal would have a disproportionate impact on Scottish vessels which are not targeting deep sea species, would risk increasing by-catch of vulnerable deep sea species such as sharks and rays, and would fail to provide the intended protection to vulnerable marine ecosystems.\r\nThe Scottish Government believes that a risk based spatial approach more closely aligned with the actual distribution of vulnerable deep sea ecosystems will offer better overall protection than the blanket ban proposed. We are working closely with stakeholders around the on-going discussions in the European Parliament on this issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T13:54:02.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289221,"EventID":"S4W-18079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-04T13:54:02.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-03T21:14:42.093","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the quota breakdown arising from the EU mackerel quota agreement is for (a) the EU, (b) Scotland, (c) Norway, (d) Faroe Islands, (e) Iceland, (f) Russia and (g) Greenland.","AnswerText":"The first round of talks to determine 2014 mackerel quota took place in London on 23 and 24 October 2013 but concluded without a deal. Talks will resume in Clonakilty, Ireland, on 18 November 2013.\r\nIt is therefore too early to comment on the shape of any agreement that may emerge from the talks in due course and what it may mean for Scotland and indeed the other countries mentioned.\r\nThe Scottish Government wishes to see a resolution to the current mackerel dispute and any deal will ideally involve all interested parties. However, it must have Scotland’s interests at its heart and not be at any price.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T13:54:02.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289222,"EventID":"S4W-18080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-04T13:54:02.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-03T21:14:42.093","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will examine the long-term consequences for Scotland of the recent mackerel quota agreement.","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer to S4W-18079 on 15 November 2013, the first round of talks to determine 2014 mackerel quota took place in London on 23 and 24 October 2013 but concluded without a deal. Talks will resume in Clonakilty, Ireland, on 18 November 2013.\r\nThe Scottish Government wishes to see a resolution to the current mackerel dispute and any deal will ideally involve all interested parties. However, it must have Scotland’s interests at its heart and not be at any price.\r\nWe will evaluate any proposed deal both in an economic sense and in terms of stock sustainability to consider the longer term effects on the Scottish pelagic sector both ashore and at sea, and on the fishery itself.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T13:54:02.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289237,"EventID":"S4T-00501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-04T12:54:50.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T11:46:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that local authorities are owed more than £3 million in rent as a result of the so-called bedroom tax.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T12:54:50.943","MeetingDate":"2013-11-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289238,"EventID":"S4F-01650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-04T12:54:21.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-31T14:07:11.007","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T12:54:21.317","MeetingDate":"2013-11-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289239,"EventID":"S4F-01651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-04T12:54:21.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T09:15:45.85","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T12:54:21.737","MeetingDate":"2013-11-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289240,"EventID":"S4F-01653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-04T12:54:22.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T09:32:19.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T12:54:22.283","MeetingDate":"2013-11-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289241,"EventID":"S4F-01654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-04T12:54:22.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T09:59:03.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government’s position is on the Student Awards Agency for Scotland's finding that the level of grants paid to university students from the poorest backgrounds has fallen by 3%.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T12:54:22.593","MeetingDate":"2013-11-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289242,"EventID":"S4F-01655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-04T12:54:22.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T10:05:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government’s position is on Shelter Scotland's statement that around 5,000 children will be housed in temporary accommodation over Christmas and that the law must be changed to enable families to challenge inadequate temporary accommodation. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T12:54:22.907","MeetingDate":"2013-11-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289243,"EventID":"S4F-01658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-04T12:54:24.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T10:59:11.307","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister, in light of the recent report by the Educational Institute of Scotland, what action the Scottish Government is taking to address the use of zero-hours contracts in the higher education sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T12:54:24.047","MeetingDate":"2013-11-07T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289244,"EventID":"S4W-18082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-04T16:45:04.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T14:12:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what financial support for childcare is available only to student nurses.","AnswerText":"Nursing and midwifery students who have children and have expenses for registered or formal childcare can receive up to £1,216 for registered or formal childcare costs, depending on the cost of the childcare.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-18T16:45:04.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289277,"EventID":"S4W-18083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-05T13:45:11.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T17:00:37.353","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research it has commissioned on the cost effectiveness of the shingles vaccine, Zostavax.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not commissioned research on the cost effectiveness of the shingles vaccine Zostavax.\r\nThe Scottish Government and all other UK Health Departments take advice on immunisation issues from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Prior to the introduction of the shingles vaccination programme, the JCVI reviewed medical, epidemiological and economic evidence as well as vaccine safety and efficacy data relevant to a shingles vaccination programme. This included the following studies specifically relating to cost effectiveness of the vaccination programme:\r\nGauthier A, Breuer J, Carrington D et al. (2009) Epidemiology and cost of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia in the United Kingdom. Epidemiol Infect 137(1): 38-47. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez/18466661\r\nvan Hoek AJ, Gay N, Melegaro A et al. (2009) Estimating the cost-effectiveness of vaccination against herpes zoster in England and Wales. Vaccine 27( 9): 1454-67. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez/19135492.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T13:45:11.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289278,"EventID":"S4W-18084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-05T13:45:11.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T11:51:29.987","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it has done to share staff and accommodation between Police Scotland and other agencies in order to maintain local public access to police stations.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Police Scotland.\r\nPolice Scotland is committed to working in partnership with other agencies and public sector bodies where appropriate to provide effective and efficient public counter facilities.\r\nThere are a number of existing shared local services where police public counters currently operate and where local authorities provide a “signposting” service for Police Scotland where a police officer will attend if requested.\r\nPolice officers also often conduct community surgeries in libraries, schools and other public buildings, and local commanders are currently discussing with local authorities how to increase the number of shared service facilities in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T13:45:11.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289279,"EventID":"S4W-18085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-05T13:45:12.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T11:51:29.987","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to ensure that the recommendations in Play Strategy for Scotland: Our Action Plan will be incorporated into the appropriate National Care Standards for children and young people.","AnswerText":"The review of the National Care Standards will take account of the recommendations in a wide range of strategies, including the play strategy action plan. The Scottish Government will consult on the content of new standards in 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T13:45:12.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289280,"EventID":"S4W-18087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-05T16:49:55.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T12:57:53.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to announce in the spring budget revision an increase in its planned expenditure for the independence referendum. \r\n","AnswerText":"The total cost is estimated to be around £13.7 million with £800,000 of that being spent this year, and the rest spent in 2014-15. There has been no change to the cost of the referendum.\r\nThe financial memorandum which was published alongside the Scottish Independence Referendum Bill showed that the cost of delivering the referendum would be around £13.3 million. Costs incurred under the Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Act 2013 are likely to be around £440,000.\r\nThe £800,000 estimated to be spent in 2013-14 will fund preparatory costs for the referendum, including costs incurred under the Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Act 2013 to ensure that 16 and 17 year olds will be able to register to vote in the referendum, early expenditure by the chief counting officer that will not be covered by the Fees and Charges Order, and preparatory work by the Electoral Commission on public awareness. The remaining expenditure will fall in 2014-15, and will cover the cost of running and regulating the referendum.\r\nThere are no plans for any further adjustment in the spring budget revision. The adjustment in the autumn budget revision provides all the necessary funding for 2013-14.\r\nThe summary of proposed changes on page 68 of the autumn budget revision supporting document adopts the standard wording for a budget transfer of below £1 million. The Budget Analysis on page 68 details the budget lines within the Parliamentary Business and Government Strategy programme and is transparent in detailing the £800,000 deployment to the Referendum on Scottish Independence budget line.\r\nThe Scottish budget will benefit from additional loan interest payments from Scottish Water over and above interest receipts set out in the 2013-14 Budget Act. The autumn budget revision provides for £800,000 of this additional income to be transferred to fund referendum costs. Investment funding provided to Scottish Water from the Scottish Government is unaffected. Budget transfers of this nature are an integral part of the budget revision process and support robust financial management to enable the Scottish Government to maximise the available budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T16:49:55.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289281,"EventID":"S4W-18088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-05T16:49:55.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T12:57:53.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what items the £800,000 expenditure for the independence referendum, as set out in its 2013-14 autumn budget revision, will be spent.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18087 on 4 December 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T16:49:55.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289282,"EventID":"S4W-18089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-05T16:49:56.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T12:57:53.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £800,000 expenditure for the independence referendum, as set out in its 2013-14 autumn budget revision, (a) has been spent and (b) it is contractually committed to spend.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18087 on 4 December 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T16:49:56.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289283,"EventID":"S4W-18090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-05T16:49:56.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T12:57:53.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the £800,000 expenditure for the independence referendum, as set out in its 2013-14 autumn budget revision, is not shown in the summary of proposed changes at page 68 of the document.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18087 on 4 December 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T16:49:56.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289284,"EventID":"S4W-18091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-05T16:49:56.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T12:57:53.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £800,000 expenditure for the independence referendum, as set out in its 2013-14 autumn budget revision, is being financed through a transfer of funds from Scottish Water.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18087 on 4 December 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T16:49:56.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289285,"EventID":"S4W-18098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-05T16:49:56.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T14:10:24.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made in reviewing the Water Services Charges Exemption Scheme in relation to charities.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is currently consulting on proposals for a new scheme. This consultation closes on 14 February 2014. I would encourage businesses and third sector organisations to respond.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T16:49:56.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289286,"EventID":"S4W-18100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-05T16:49:57.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T15:51:11.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) capital and (b) revenue support Scottish Enterprise has provided to the (i) Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, (ii) Edinburgh International Conference Centre and (iii) Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre in each year since 2007, and what support will be given in the current spending review period. \r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.\r\nI will ask the chief executive of Scottish Enterprise to write to you with this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-19T16:49:57.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289298,"EventID":"S4O-02562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:16.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T12:03:12.547","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding strategy it has to facilitate a high-speed rail link between Scotland and London.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:16.893","MeetingDate":"2013-11-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289299,"EventID":"S4O-02563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:17.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T10:13:50.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of the Scottish Futures Trust.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:17.283","MeetingDate":"2013-11-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289300,"EventID":"S4O-02564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:17.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T12:03:13.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made on the Tay Estuary Rail Service.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:17.613","MeetingDate":"2013-11-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289301,"EventID":"S4O-02565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:17.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T12:03:13.81","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many passengers there have been on the Glasgow to Edinburgh line via Airdrie since it reopened.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:17.91","MeetingDate":"2013-11-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289302,"EventID":"S4O-02566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:18.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T16:20:01.443","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Scottish Water and other bodies about improvements to drainage infrastructure in urban areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:18.19","MeetingDate":"2013-11-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289303,"EventID":"S4O-02567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:18.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T15:48:51.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Community Transport Association and what assistance it can provide to this sector, in light of the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee's report on community transport. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:18.44","MeetingDate":"2013-11-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289304,"EventID":"S4O-02568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:18.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T09:49:47.877","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Highland Council about the infrastructure and capital investment required to meet the needs of communities in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:18.783","MeetingDate":"2013-11-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289305,"EventID":"S4O-02569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:19.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T11:49:10.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps the Scottish Futures Trust has taken to ensure that non-profit distributing model investment achieves forecast levels.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:19.063","MeetingDate":"2013-11-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289306,"EventID":"S4O-02570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:19.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T13:39:49.93","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to make transport accessible, affordable and available for disabled people.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to equality and inclusiveness across Scotland’s entire transport network and regularly brings together a number of key transport stakeholders and representatives of disability organisations to discuss the accessibility, affordability and availability of transport for disabled people.\r\nThe Scottish Government sponsors the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland who continue to promote the travel needs of disabled people directly with transport planners, operators and infrastructure providers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:19.343","MeetingDate":"2013-11-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289307,"EventID":"S4O-02571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4965,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:19.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T12:03:15.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on Transport Scotland’s public exhibitions on plans to dual the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen by 2039 and whether the information provided at these will be available online.\r\n","AnswerText":"I was in Nairn on Monday 11 November 2013 ahead of the launch of the first of nine exhibitions which will allow local communities the opportunity to comment on the early stages of design work on the Scottish Government’s ambitious plans to dual the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen by 2030.\r\nThe exhibitions are being held at nine venues along the A96 corridor between 12th and 29th November 2013. All of the material from the exhibitions, including a feedback form, are available on-line at Transport Scotland’s website for anyone to view and complete.\r\nDualling the A96 will be a significant undertaking and I would ask everyone who has an interest to attend the exhibitions or review the information available on-line and to take the opportunity to help inform the dualling programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:19.61","MeetingDate":"2013-11-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289308,"EventID":"S4O-02572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:19.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T12:03:52.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will promote the culture of Greater Glasgow and West Scotland before and during the 2014 Commonwealth Games.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:19.827","MeetingDate":"2013-11-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289309,"EventID":"S4O-02573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:20.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T12:03:52.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government on the decision to refuse visas for Chinese teachers working in Scotland through the Confucius Hub system.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:20.107","MeetingDate":"2013-11-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289310,"EventID":"S4O-02574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:20.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T16:22:17.79","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it had with the new US Ambassador to the UK on his recent visit to the Parliament.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:20.373","MeetingDate":"2013-11-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289311,"EventID":"S4O-02575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:20.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T09:51:09.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met Creative Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:20.64","MeetingDate":"2013-11-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289312,"EventID":"S4O-02576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:20.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T12:03:53.463","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the Scottish Ten is using the latest laser technology to examine data from the Eastern Qing Tombs in China.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:20.933","MeetingDate":"2013-11-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289313,"EventID":"S4O-02577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:21.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T12:03:53.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support is available to keep rural theatres open as accessible cultural hubs. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:21.34","MeetingDate":"2013-11-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289314,"EventID":"S4O-02578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:21.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T14:43:53.92","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the outcomes were of the President of Turkey's recent visit to Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:21.59","MeetingDate":"2013-11-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289315,"EventID":"S4O-02579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:21.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T11:27:12.69","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will support the development of a major new performance venue in the city as part of a new Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:21.87","MeetingDate":"2013-11-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289316,"EventID":"S4O-02580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:22.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T12:03:54.65","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it can provide from the culture and external affairs budget to the paddle steamer, the Maid of the Loch, so that it can sail again on Loch Lomond.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:22.2","MeetingDate":"2013-11-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289317,"EventID":"S4O-02581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:22.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T12:03:55.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support the creative arts in Dumfries and Galloway.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:22.837","MeetingDate":"2013-11-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289318,"EventID":"S4O-02582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:23.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T11:56:25.967","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact it considers reduced opening times at police stations such as Giffnock will have on residents' feelings of safety and security.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:23.087","MeetingDate":"2013-11-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289319,"EventID":"S4O-02583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:23.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T17:08:49.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the Minister for Environment and Climate Change has had with the Minister for Housing and Welfare regarding the environmental benefits of measures to tackle fuel poverty.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:23.43","MeetingDate":"2013-11-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289320,"EventID":"S4O-02584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:23.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T12:39:40.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what training and advice the Scottish Prison Service gives staff regarding pensions entitlement and contributions.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:23.697","MeetingDate":"2013-11-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289321,"EventID":"S4O-02585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:23.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T12:04:23.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress the Detect Cancer Early Programme has made.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:23.993","MeetingDate":"2013-11-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289322,"EventID":"S4O-02586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:24.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T12:04:23.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the increase in crimes of violence and indecency in Dumfries and Galloway in the period April to September 2013 compared with the same period in 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:24.257","MeetingDate":"2013-11-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289323,"EventID":"S4O-02587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:24.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T12:04:24.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has dropped plans to withdraw recognition from the Orkney Fish Producers Organisation.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:24.617","MeetingDate":"2013-11-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289324,"EventID":"S4O-02588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:24.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T12:04:24.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth has had with the First Minister regarding the economic opportunities arising from his recent visit to China.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:24.913","MeetingDate":"2013-11-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289325,"EventID":"S4O-02589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:25.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T12:04:24.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the report of the Review of Expenses and Funding of Civil Litigation in Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:25.21","MeetingDate":"2013-11-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289326,"EventID":"S4O-02590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:25.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-04T15:09:19.91","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with energy suppliers regarding increases in gas and electricity prices.","AnswerText":"Rising energy prices are a huge concern for all of us in this chamber, and across the country. I won’t be alone in having been contacted by constituents who are angry at these increases and worried about their ability to meet these costs. The Scottish Government has had discussions with Scotland’s energy suppliers, in particular about the need for greater transparency over price increases and a commitment to protect those most in need. The Scottish Government remains determined to help householders stay warm and reduce their energy bills, and will continue our work with councils and energy companies to tackle fuel poverty.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:25.473","MeetingDate":"2013-11-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289327,"EventID":"S4O-02591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:19:25.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T10:56:01.503","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ministers and Scottish Government officials regularly meet with representatives of all health boards, including NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, to discuss matters of importance to local people.\r\nI will also Chair NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Annual Review on Monday 18 November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:19:25.757","MeetingDate":"2013-11-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289328,"EventID":"S4W-18092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:55:56.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T13:57:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to adapt the standards developed in England and Wales regarding grown-up congenital heart disease and to what timescale.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Congenital Cardiac Network, which was launched on 1 April this year, is considering a range of issues relating to the care of people with congenital heart disease in Scotland. As part of this, the network is looking at standards of care for people with congenital heart disease, taking into account the standards developed in England and Wales.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:55:57.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289329,"EventID":"S4W-18093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:55:57.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T13:57:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will look into lowering the ratio of adult congenital heart disease consultants to patients to one consultant per 1,200 patients.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of NHS boards to plan and provide services to meet the needs of the population they serve. The Scottish Adult Congenital Cardiac Service (SACCS) is commissioned by NHS National Specialist and Screening Services Directorate (NSD) on behalf of NHSScotland. NSD is currently working with SACCS to assess the service’s workforce requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:55:57.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289330,"EventID":"S4W-18094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:55:58.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T13:57:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to increase the number of adult congenital heart disease consultants to ensure adequate care for patients in need of full-time access to specialist accident and emergency care.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Congenital Cardiac Network (SCCN) is considering a range of issues in relation to the care of people with congenital heart disease patients, including out-of-hours access to specialist advice from the Scottish Adult Congenital Cardiac Service (SACCS).\r\nSACCS and NHS National Specialist and Screening Services Directorate, as commissioners of SACCS, will take account of recommendations made by the SCCN in their consideration of workforce requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:55:58.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289331,"EventID":"S4W-18095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:55:58.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T13:57:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason there are not more congenital heart disease nurse specialists.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of NHS boards to plan and provide services to meet the needs of the population they serve. The Scottish Adult Congenital Cardiac Service (SACCS) is commissioned by NHS National Specialist and Screening Services Directorate (NSD) on behalf of NHSScotland. NSD is currently working with SACCS to assess the service’s workforce requirements. SACCS and NSD will take account of recommendations made by the Scottish Congenital Cardiac Network in their consideration of workforce requirements.\r\nMore generally, Scotland’s chief nursing officer has written to NHS board nurse directors asking them to consider the implications of recent reports on specialist nursing provision, with a view to sharing practice across boards and identify where additional guidance or support from the Scottish Government may be useful. In addition, the Scottish Government will host a seminar in early 2014 for specialist nurse groups and other stakeholders to discuss issues around the role of specialist nurses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:55:58.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289332,"EventID":"S4W-18096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:55:58.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T13:57:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that adult congenital heart disease patients receive comparable care provision to patients with other long-term conditions.","AnswerText":"In April 2013, the Scottish Congenital Cardiac Network (SCCN) was established as a National Managed Clinical Network to seek to improve services for children and adults with congenital heart disease. The SCCN will wish to consider learning opportunities, good practice spread and consistency in approach, as appropriate, with other National Managed Clinical Networks covering a number of different long-term conditions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:55:58.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289333,"EventID":"S4W-18097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:55:58.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T13:57:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support the development of improved pregnancy care for women with adult congenital heart disease.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Congenital Cardiac Network, which was launched on 1 April 2013, is considering a range of issues relating to the care of people with congenital heart disease in Scotland. As part of this, the network is considering effective transitions among healthcare settings, services and locations for people with congenital heart disease, including other specialties such as obstetrics.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:55:58.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289334,"EventID":"S4W-18099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:55:59.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T14:28:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action is being taken to ensure that the railway infrastructure is prepared for the winter.\r\n","AnswerText":"Network Rail is working closely with First ScotRail and other industry partners to ensure all reasonable steps are being taken to minimise any disruption and ensure the delivery of a safe and robust rail service for passengers throughout the winter months. Drawing from experiences of previous winters, a wide range of equipment, on-track technologies and working methods will be used to ensure the railways are well placed to respond to any challenges that arise. New and improved communications arrangements have been put in place between Network Rail and First ScotRail to ensure that passengers get timely and accurate travel information allowing them to get back on the move as quickly as possible when disruption does occur. The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with industry partners to ensure these measures continue to support strong network performance in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:55:59.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289335,"EventID":"S4W-18114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:55:59.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T09:29:42.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what section 16b grants it has awarded in 2013-14.","AnswerText":"The following Section 16b grants were awarded to organisations for 2013-14.\r\nOrganisation Name\r\nAmount\r\nAction for ME\r\n£5,000\r\nAction on Depression\r\n£40,000\r\nAction on Pre-eclampsia \r\n£9,200\r\nAge Concern \r\n£42,235\r\nAlzheimer Scotland\r\n£9,240\r\nAntenatal Results and Choices (ARC)\r\n£18,000\r\nArt in Healthcare\r\n£30,000\r\nNational Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS)\r\n£15,000\r\nBASICS Scotland \r\n£36,000\r\nBefriending\r\n£10,010\r\nBipolar Fellowship Scotland \r\n£35,000\r\nBliss \r\n£38,125\r\nBobath Scotland\r\n£9,458\r\nBowel Cancer UK Scotland\r\n£10,000\r\nBreast Cancer Care   \r\n£15,000\r\nBreastfeeding Network\r\n£20,004\r\nBritish Deaf Association\r\n£35,000\r\nBritish Fluoridation Society \r\n£5,000\r\nBritish Lung Foundation (BLF) Scotland\r\n£15,000\r\nBritish Red Cross - Skin Camouflage Project /chainging faces\r\n£10,000\r\nBrittle Bone Society\r\n£14,000\r\nBrook\r\n£20,000\r\nCare 4 Carers\r\n£19,277\r\nCare Confidential\r\n£6,500\r\ncarr-gomm scotland\r\n£39,820\r\nChildren’s Hospice Association (Scotland)\r\n£24,664\r\nClydeside Action on Asbestos\r\n£72,000\r\nComas\r\n£27,042\r\nCouncil for Music in Hospitals\r\n£12,000\r\nCrew 2000\r\n£40,113\r\nCruse Bereavement Care \r\n£30,000\r\nDeaf Connections\r\n£26,000\r\nDeafblind Scotland\r\n£32,000\r\nDiabetes UK Scotland\r\n£10,000\r\nDowns Syndrome Scotland\r\n£10,000\r\nDrugs Action\r\n£14,503\r\nEczema Outreach Scotland\r\n£10,000\r\nEpilepsy Scotland \r\n£10,000\r\nERIC\r\n£6,667\r\nFaith in Older People \r\n£20,950\r\nFamily Planning Association (FPA) Scotland \r\n£10,000\r\nFast forward \r\n£34,193\r\nFPA \r\n£21,900\r\nFederation of City Farms and Community Gardens \r\n£10,000\r\nFertility Care Scotland \r\n£20,000\r\nGenetic Alliance UK\r\n£5,012\r\nGenetic Alliance UK\r\n£11,012\r\nHaemolytic Uraemic Syndrome Help (HUSH)\r\n£12,000\r\nHaemophilia Society \r\n£20,000\r\nHearts & Minds\r\n£11,300\r\nIndepen-dance\r\n£12,000\r\nInfertility Network Scotland\r\n£11,700\r\nInsight (RNIB Radio)\r\n£15,675\r\nLeuchie house\r\n£11,020\r\nLGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing \r\n£25,936\r\nLGBT Youth Scotland \r\n£19,000\r\nMaggies Cancer Centres \r\n£10,000\r\nMedical Foundation Scotland \r\n£35,000\r\nMeningitis Trust \r\n£35,100\r\nMindroom\r\n£18,000\r\nMRF - Meningitis Research Foundation \r\n£13,000\r\nNational Aids Trust \r\n£23,364\r\nOpen Secret\r\n£26,000\r\nPain Association Scotland \r\n£15,000\r\nPain Concern \r\n£6,000\r\nPAMIS\r\n£9,969\r\nPaths for All\r\n£16,912\r\nPBC Foundation (UK)  [Primary Biliary Cirrhosis]\r\n£10,000\r\nPeople First Scotland\r\n£35,000\r\nProstate Cancer   \r\n£7,000\r\nREACH Community Health\r\n£30,000\r\nRe-solv - The Society for the Prevention of Volatile Substance Misuse (VSM)\r\n£20,130\r\nRoy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation\r\n£15,000\r\nSaheliya\r\n£15,488\r\nSamaritans\r\n£40,000\r\nSAY Women\r\n£20,000\r\nScottish Cot Death Trust\r\n£40,000\r\nScottish Council on Deafness (SCoD) \r\n£20,000\r\nScottish Drugs Forum\r\n£31,416\r\nScottish Healthy Living Centre Alliance \r\n£20,000\r\nScottish Healthy Living Centre Alliance (SHLCA)\r\n£20,000\r\nScottish Huntingdon's Association \r\n£5,000\r\nScottish Motor Neurone Disease \r\n£10,000\r\nScottish Pre-school Play Association (SPPA)\r\n£30,608\r\nScottish Spina Bifida Association \r\n£10,000\r\nSense Scotland\r\n£10,000\r\nSleep Scotland \r\n£37,961\r\nStreetwork UK\r\n£15,000\r\nThe Memory Box Network \r\n£15,000\r\nThe Mental Health Foundation\r\n£40,000\r\nThe Notre Dame Centre\r\n£26,000\r\nThistle Foundation\r\n£17,257\r\nTommy's\r\n£10,000\r\nTourette Scotland\r\n£6,000\r\nTrellis (Scottish Therapeutic Gardening Network) \r\n£10,000\r\nTrust Rugby International\r\n£12,850\r\nUniversal Comedy\r\n£25,000\r\nVisibility\r\n£10,000\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:55:59.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289336,"EventID":"S4W-18115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:55:59.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T09:29:42.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to organisations that help women who have experienced (a) miscarriages, (b) stillbirths and (c) neonatal losses.","AnswerText":"During 2013, the Scottish Government has provided the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death charity (SANDS), Scottish Care and Information in Miscarriage (SCIM) and the neonatal charity BLISS with total funding of £95,125, to help support parents at this vulnerable time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:55:59.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289337,"EventID":"S4W-18116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:55:59.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T10:53:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many dog attacks have been (a) reported to and (b) investigated by the police in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The police recorded crime data collected centrally is based on an aggregate return from each of the eight legacy police forces in Scotland. As such, it is not possible to identify whether offences recorded by the police involve dog attacks. Depending on the severity of the attack, attacks on persons by dogs could be recorded as an offence under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Section 3 or the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 Section 49, or as an assault.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18117 on 21 November 2013, which relates to the number of offences involving dangerous dogs. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:55:59.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289338,"EventID":"S4W-18117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:56:00.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T10:53:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many suspected dangerous dogs have been (a) reported to and (b) investigated by the police in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"Offences involving dangerous dogs recorded by the police in Scotland, 1998-99 to 2012-13\r\nYear\r\nDangerous Dogs, Failure to Control, Supervise, Destroy1,2\r\nFailure to keep dogs under proper control, contravention of an order3\r\nDogs bred for fighting4\r\nTotal\r\n1998-99\r\n669\r\n187\r\n8\r\n856\r\n1999-00\r\n490\r\n239\r\n16\r\n729\r\n2000-01\r\n397\r\n257\r\n17\r\n654\r\n2001-02\r\n330\r\n284\r\n16\r\n614\r\n2002-03\r\n355\r\n360\r\n8\r\n715\r\n2003-04\r\n403\r\n433\r\n13\r\n836\r\n2004-05\r\n529\r\n618\r\n16\r\n1,147\r\n2005-06\r\n531\r\n517\r\n19\r\n1,048\r\n2006-07\r\n532\r\n623\r\n21\r\n1,155\r\n2007-08\r\n557\r\n587\r\n13\r\n1,144\r\n2008-09\r\n567\r\n604\r\n25\r\n1,171\r\n2009-10\r\n624\r\n653\r\n32\r\n1,277\r\n2010-11\r\n624\r\n668\r\n29\r\n1,292\r\n2011-12\r\n236\r\n941\r\n11\r\n1,177\r\n2012-13\r\n67\r\n945\r\n13\r\n1,012\r\nSource: Justice Analytical Services, Scottish Government.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Dangerous Dogs, Failure to Control, Supervise, Destroy consists of offences under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 Section 49.\r\n2. Most dangerous dogs are now dealt with directly by local authorities following the introduction of the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010, implemented in February 2011. The authority will consider issuing a dog control notice when a dog has been out of control.\r\n3. Failure to keep dogs under proper control, and contravention of destruction or disqualification orders consists of offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sections 3 and 4. \r\n4. Dogs bred for fighting consists of offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sections 1 and 2.\r\nThe information requested regarding police investigations is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:56:00.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289339,"EventID":"S4W-18118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:56:00.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T10:53:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many dogs have been destroyed (a) by the police and (b) following a court order in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:56:00.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289340,"EventID":"S4W-18119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:56:00.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T11:54:49.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what company provides its professional indemnity insurance.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has a policy of self-insurance and does not purchase professional indemnity insurance.\r\nRelevant claims established against an office-holder or board member would be met from funds provided by Scottish Ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:56:00.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289341,"EventID":"S4W-18120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T13:56:01.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T12:00:48.19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that community councils should have access to crime statistics broken down by beat area.","AnswerText":"Operational decisions regarding the sharing of police data are a matter for Police Scotland.\r\nLocal commanders currently share performance information with local authorities as part of local scrutiny and engagement arrangements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T13:56:01.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289356,"EventID":"S4W-18101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:14.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T16:30:42.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reasons an emergency timetable extending journey times for railway services on the Far North and Kyle line was introduced on 28 October 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"A modified timetable has been introduced for services between Inverness and Thurso/Wick and Kyle of Lochalsh to improve the punctuality and reliability of the timetable and ensure connection times are met with other public transport services.\r\nNot all services on these routes have been adversely affected with the introduction of this new timetable. Of those services that have been affected, journey times have been extended by a maximum of two minutes.\r\nNetwork Rail and First ScotRail are working closely together to produce an improved and more resilient timetable for Far North and Kyle services, which is expected to be introduced for the May 2014 timetable change.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:14.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289357,"EventID":"S4W-18102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:14.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T16:30:42.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans there are to reduce journey times on railway services between Inverness and Wick.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18101 on 13 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289358,"EventID":"S4W-18103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:15.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T16:30:42.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been spent on flu vaccinations in 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government cannot provide this information as individual health boards meet the costs of the influenza vaccine, and the cost of the childhood influenza vaccine Fluenz (purchased centrally) cannot be disclosed as it is currently commercially confidential.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:15.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289359,"EventID":"S4W-18104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:15.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T16:30:42.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on whose advice the 2013-14 flu vaccine was chosen.\r\n","AnswerText":"Flu viruses change continuously and the World Health Organization (WHO) monitors the epidemiology of flu viruses throughout the world. Each year it makes recommendations about the strains to be included in vaccines for the forthcoming winter.\r\nWith regard to the choice of influenza Trivalent Inactivated Vaccines, there is a free market, with GPs and others ordering directly from flu vaccine suppliers.\r\nAdvice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) indicated that the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine was more effective than inactivated vaccines for use in children. Following this advice, the Department of Health and Public Health England conducted a procurement exercise on behalf of the UK Health Departments for the new childhood influenza vaccination programme, which resulted in supplies of Fluenz being made available to vaccinate some children across the UK this flu season as part of a phased rollout of that programme. There is currently no licensed alternative available in the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:15.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289360,"EventID":"S4W-18105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:15.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T16:30:42.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the tendering process is for supplying flu vaccine.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no tendering process for the influenza trivalent inactivated vaccines. There is a free market, with GPs and others ordering directly from flu vaccine suppliers.\r\nIn relation to the live attenuated influenza vaccine, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation issued a statement on 25 July 2012 advising that research indicated that live attenuated influenza vaccine (Fluenz) was more effective than inactivated vaccines for use in children.\r\nIt was agreed that the Department of Health and Public Health England would conduct a procurement exercise on behalf of the UK Health Departments for the new childhood influenza vaccination programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:15.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289361,"EventID":"S4W-18106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:16.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T16:30:42.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last acquired stocks of Tamiflu; on whose advice this was purchased; how much it cost to purchase; whether the purchase was subject to a tendering process; what assessment it has made of the benefits of the purchase; what remaining stock of the drug it has, and whether it has an expiry date.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government, along with the other UK administrations, maintains a stockpile of Tamiflu, sufficient for 35% of the population in the event of an influenza pandemic, the highest priority risk on the National Risk Register. This stockpile is maintained on an ongoing basis. The cost of purchasing this level of stockpile at the manufacturer’s full cost price is £22.1 million at current exchange rates. However, in reprocuring new stock to replace that which has expired, the Scottish Government benefits from a significant reduction in that cost price. The level of that reduction is commercially confidential.\r\nThe contract for Tamiflu was competitively tendered by the UK Government Department of Health acting on its own behalf and as agent for the Scottish Government. The competition was carried out in accordance with the EU procurement rules as set out in the Public Contracts Regulations 2006.\r\nIn terms of the benefits of stockpiling Tamiflu, it is a licensed product and evidence reviews continue to support the view that it can reduce the length of time that people are ill and reduce the potential for serious complication. Modelling indicates that the stockpiling of antivirals is expected to be cost beneficial given the range of future challenges which are possible from influenza pandemics.\r\nDecisions on stockpiling Tamiflu taken by the UK administrations are based on reviews of the scientific evidence base, expert analysis and modelling work, all carried out by the UK Government’s scientific advisory groups, which contain representation from internationally renowned independent academics, as well as governmental expertise. Maintaining a stockpile of Tamiflu is also in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:16.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289362,"EventID":"S4W-18112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:16.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T16:30:42.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has with the pharmaceutical sector regarding the cost of drugs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has regular engagement with the pharmaceutical industry on a range of issues. In the context of the on-going work around the Health and Sport Committee’s Inquiry on access to new medicines the Scottish Government has engaged with a wide range of stakeholders, including the pharmaceutical industry, about how the cost effectiveness of new medicines is evaluated in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:16.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289363,"EventID":"S4W-18113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:16.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-05T16:30:42.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has with other organisations that purchase pharmaceutical supplies.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government engages on an on-going basis with NHS National Services Scotland National Procurement, health boards, and Community Pharmacy Scotland.\r\nNHS National Services Scotland National Procurement negotiates purchasing contracts for pharmaceutical supplies on behalf of health boards for pharmaceutical supplies used within NHS Scotland hospitals. Community pharmacy Scotland is the body the Scottish Government recognises as representative of community pharmacies, who purchase pharmaceutical supplies dispensed in the community in Scotland on NHS prescriptions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:16.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289364,"EventID":"S4W-18121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:16.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T14:24:41.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what power it has to sanction a moratorium on community pharmacy applications in rural areas where there are already dispensing GP practices.","AnswerText":"The process for considering applications for new community pharmacies is laid down by Parliament in primary legislation, and supplemented by regulations. It is not a discretionary framework and so it is not open to Scottish ministers or NHS boards to decide to suspend it without Parliament making changes to that legislation.\r\nIn recognition of the concerns expressed by GPs and communities in remote and rural areas, I decided to review immediately the regulatory frameworks for community pharmacy applications and the dispensing of medicines by GP practices with a view to bringing forward amended legislation that best meets the needs of those communities.\r\nThe first stage of that review has now been completed, and I will announce shortly what the next steps will be.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:16.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289365,"EventID":"S4W-18122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:17.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T14:15:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what songs are prohibited under the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my response of 28 May 2013 to her letter asking about a list of unacceptable songs, which confirmed that there is no prescribed list of prohibited songs contained within the Act.\r\nI have placed a copy of this response in the Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre (SPICe) (Reference No: 55458).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:17.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289366,"EventID":"S4W-18123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:17.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T14:15:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people in the modern apprenticeship programme have a learning difficulty.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. I will ask the chief executive of Skills Development Scotland to write to you on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:17.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289367,"EventID":"S4W-18124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:17.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T14:38:29.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to (a) regulate and (b) inspect GP practices.\r\n","AnswerText":"The General Medical Council (GMC) is the regulatory body for doctors in the UK and its purpose is to protect, promote and maintain the health and safety of the public by ensuring proper standards in the practice of medicine. All doctors have to be registered by the GMC to practise and the GMC has powers to take action on serious concerns which call into question a doctor’s fitness to practise.\r\nIndividual GP practices are also responsible for the provision of the premises from which they operate and directly accountable to their contracting health board for the services they provide. This includes ensuring their premises are suitable for the delivery of their services, including cleanliness, and sufficient to meet the needs of their patients. GP contractors must also co-operate fully with any reasonable inspection or review that the health board or another relevant statutory authority wishes to undertake, that may include random visits.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:17.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289368,"EventID":"S4W-18125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:18.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T14:38:29.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to provide (a) guidance and (b) funding for a system that will allow NHS staff to reflect on stresses at work.\r\n","AnswerText":"Managing Health at Work, all NHSScotland boards require to have local policies that deal positively with stress at work\r\nThese policies require measures to be in place to provide both managers and staff with appropriate guidance and training to identify and deal with stress and its causes. \r\nThere are currently no plans to provide funding for a single national system that will allow NHS staff to reflect on stresses at work. It is for each board to develop a policy to meet specific local needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:18.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289369,"EventID":"S4W-18126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:18.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T14:38:29.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) lower and (b) upper age levels are for cervical screening; when they were last amended, and on what date they came into force.\r\n","AnswerText":"The lower age range for women being invited to participate in the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme is 20 years old. The upper age range is 60 years.\r\nThis eligible age range for women to be invited to cervical screening in Scotland has not changed since the cervical screening programme began in 1988.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:18.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289370,"EventID":"S4W-18128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:18.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T14:38:29.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on allowing cervical screening for post-menopausal women who have had three previous consecutive negative smears.\r\n","AnswerText":"All women in Scotland aged 20-60 are invited to cervical screening every three years, regardless of their smear history or menopausal status.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:18.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289371,"EventID":"S4W-18129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:19.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T14:38:29.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on screening for human papillomavirus (a) in addition and (b) as an alternative to cervical screening.","AnswerText":"In January 2011 the Breast and Cervical Screening National Advisory Group (NAG) established the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Reference Group to review the evidence and make recommendations regarding incorporating further HPV testing into the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme.\r\nThe HPV Reference Group submitted their report to the NAG in July 2013, recommending that HPV as a primary test should be introduced in the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme (SCSP).\r\nFollowing the recommendations of the HPV reference group, a short life working group is currently being established to develop a full business case for the introduction of HPV testing as a primary test to the SCSP. This business case will inform the Scottish Government’s decisions on whether to introduce HPV testing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:19.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289372,"EventID":"S4W-18130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:19.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T14:38:29.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it gave to the decision to amend the age levels for cervical screening prior to issuing Scottish Quality and Outcomes Framework 2013-2014, Guidance for NHS Boards and GP Practices.\r\n","AnswerText":"The eligible age range for cervical screening in Scotland has not changed since the national programme was introduced in 1988. All women aged 20-60 years old are invited to cervical screening every three years as part of the Scottish cervical screening programme.\r\nHowever, the age range for cervical screening is due to change from 20-60 to 25-64.  This is planned to take effect by the end of 2015.\r\nConsideration was given to amending the Scottish Quality and Outcomes Framework (SQOF) for 2013-14 with a decision taken to change SQOF in line with the age range implementation date of 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:19.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289373,"EventID":"S4W-18131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:19.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T14:38:29.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it (a) includes or (b) plans to include details of deaths within 30 days of discharge in the data for hospital mortality rates.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information Services Division (ISD) produces quarterly hospital standardised mortality ratios (HSMR) for all Scottish hospitals participating in the Scottish Patient Safety Programme. HSMR are provided to enable these acute hospitals and the Scottish Government to monitor their progress on reducing hospital mortality over time.\r\nHSMR takes account of patients who died within 30 days from hospital admission. This means that the HSMR includes deaths that occurred in the community where this is within the thirty day period. The current HSMR model was developed following testing work undertaken in 2008 by ISD. Various approaches were examined but the current model was found to best explain variations in hospital mortality in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:19.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289374,"EventID":"S4W-18132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:20.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T14:51:44.32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will be able to supply data comparable to other NHS boards in respect of long-acting reversible contraception.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:20.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289375,"EventID":"S4W-18133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:20.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T14:51:44.32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has asked Health Improvement Scotland to take to support NHS boards in areas with significant (a) deprivation or (b) rates of unplanned teenage pregnancies and below average prescribing of long-acting reversible contraception to improve performance, and which boards have received or will receive such support.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:20.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289376,"EventID":"S4W-18134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:20.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T14:51:44.32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the latest Information Services Division (ISD) Scotland report on long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), which found that the presence of a local enhanced primary care contract was associated with a greater uptake, whether it will consider making the provision of LARC a national enhanced  service.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:20.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289377,"EventID":"S4W-18135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:21.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T14:51:44.32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will invite Information Services Division (ISD) Scotland to include people under 15 in future statistics on long-acting reversible contraception.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:21.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289378,"EventID":"S4W-18136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-06T16:59:21.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T15:04:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what projects have been funded through its Tackling Sectarianism Small Grant Scheme, broken down by (a) organisation managing the project, (b) amount awarded and (c) local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government funds three small grants programmes to support work to tackle sectarianism. These are run through Sense over Sectarianism; Youth Scotland and the Voluntary Action Fund and activity between the organisations, is coordinated to ensure maximum coverage of Scotland.\r\nSense over Sectarianism have been operating a small grant scheme to support work to tackle sectarianism in the Glasgow and travel to work area since 2001. In 2012-13 they supported 15 projects and in 2013-14 they are currently supporting 11 projects. Youth Scotland’s tackling sectarianism small grants scheme, which supports work with youth groups, including the uniformed organisations, began in 2012. In 2012-13 they supported 18 projects and in 2013-14 they are currently supporting five projects. Finally, the Voluntary Action Fund are responsible for the tackling sectarianism small grants programme aimed at everyone who falls outwith the scope of the Sense over Sectarianism and Youth Scotland programmes, which was established earlier this year. This programme is currently supporting three projects.\r\nSupport for all three small grant schemes forms part of our commitment to invest £9 million over three years to build our understanding of, and deliver work to tackle, sectarianism. The detailed breakdown requested for currently funded projects is set out in the following table.\r\nProgramme Delivery Body\r\n\r\n\r\nProject\r\n\r\n\r\nLocal Authority area\r\n\r\n\r\nFunding\r\nSense Over Sectarianism\r\nRapture Theatre\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\n£15,725\r\nMelting Pot Arts – Wise Up\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\n£10,000\r\nOak Note Theatre – Sniff and Floot make some new friends \r\nCity of Edinburgh Council cil\r\n£9,510\r\nLisa Nicol Productions – \r\nChill Out Zone\r\nDundee City Council\r\n£9,132\r\nDuende Productions – Rainbow Fish Nurture Project\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\n£8,000\r\nY Rock\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\n£7,614\r\nFusion Studios –Speak Out\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\n£5,000\r\nFull-on Art Productions – \r\nThe Shoe Bros\r\nNorth Ayrshire Council\r\n£3,016\r\nKirkintilloch HS\r\nEast Dunbartonshire Council\r\n£2,890\r\nSt Eunan's PS\r\nWest Dunbartonshire Council\r\n£500\r\nPlaybusters Ltd\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\n£500\r\nYouth Scotland\r\nTollcross YMCA\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\n£1,830\r\nWhitacres Community Academy for Sport\r\nEast Renfrewshire Council\r\n£1,000\r\nCommunities United Promoting Inclusion\r\nSouth Lanarkshire Council\r\n£1,000\r\nConnect Community Trust\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\n£1,000\r\nPeebles Youth Club\r\n\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\n£492\r\nVoluntary Action Fund\r\nBraes Community Young Peoples Project\r\nFalkirk Council\r\n£4,278\r\nPennyburn Regeneration Youth Development Enterprise\r\nNorth Ayrshire Council\r\n£3,856\r\nNorth Ayrshire Table Tennis Club\r\nNorth Ayrshire Council\r\n£2,961\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-20T16:59:21.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289391,"EventID":"S4W-18137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T14:08:19.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T16:29:02.69","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what actions it has taken to help secure new private-sector partners in place of Vattenfall for the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre project in Aberdeen Bay.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International have maintained regular dialogue with Vattenfall in regard to the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre to help highlight investment opportunities to interested parties and to facilitate introductions where possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T14:08:19.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289392,"EventID":"S4W-18138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T14:08:20.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T16:29:02.69","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with (a) Vattenfall, (b) Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group, (c) Technip Offshore Wind and (d) other interested parties regarding finding an operating partner for the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre project in Aberdeen Bay.","AnswerText":"Discussion with both AREG and Vattenfall takes place on a very regular basis. The last contact with both organisations was during week commencing 4 November 2013 to discuss progress in securing investment partners. Technip has no direct investment in the project, but Scottish Enterprise had regular engagement with Technip before they exited the joint venture and assumed the position of development consortium partner.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T14:08:20.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289393,"EventID":"S4W-18139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T14:08:20.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T16:29:02.69","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to discuss with the UK Government the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre project in Aberdeen Bay and its potential contribution to meeting Scottish and UK renewables targets.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise has facilitated discussions including Vattenfall, Scottish Government and UK Government to consider all future potential investment options, recognising the importance of this project as a test and demonstration site for next generation turbine and foundation technologies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T14:08:20.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289394,"EventID":"S4W-18140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T14:08:20.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T17:30:09.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many articulating students there are, broken down by institution.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on articulating students is collected by the Higher Education Statistics Authority from each Higher Education Institution (HEI) as part of their regular statistical return. The following table shows the information relating to Scottish HEIs for year 2011-12.\r\nIn December 2012, The Scottish Government announced an additional £10 million of funding for 2013-14 to pay for additional HEI places including more than 1,000 for young people moving on from college to university.\r\nUK-domiciled first degree students at the Scottish higher education institutions, 2011-12 (1)\r\nInstitution by articulation status\r\n\r\n\r\nType of Articulating Student (2):\r\nNot articulating\r\nNot known\r\n\r\nHN obtained at an FEC\r\nHN obtained at an at an \r\nHEI(including UHI)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nInstitution\r\nHNC obtained\r\nHND obtained\r\nTotal\r\nHNC obtained\r\nHND obtained\r\nTotal\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAberdeen, University of\r\n10  \r\n45  \r\n55  \r\n35  \r\n45  \r\n85  \r\n8,345  \r\n315  \r\n8,805  \r\nAbertay Dundee, University of\r\n260  \r\n310  \r\n570  \r\n55  \r\n10  \r\n65  \r\n3,060  \r\n145  \r\n3,840  \r\nDundee, University of\r\n175  \r\n85  \r\n260  \r\n5  \r\n-  \r\n5  \r\n7,975  \r\n395  \r\n8,640  \r\nEdinburgh Napier University\r\n660  \r\n720  \r\n1,380  \r\n150  \r\n145  \r\n295  \r\n7,090  \r\n450  \r\n9,210  \r\nEdinburgh, University of\r\n20  \r\n-  \r\n20  \r\n-  \r\n-  \r\n-  \r\n13,970  \r\n200  \r\n14,190  \r\nGlasgow Caledonian University\r\n295  \r\n600  \r\n895  \r\n30  \r\n30  \r\n55  \r\n3,290  \r\n7,440  \r\n11,685  \r\nGlasgow School of Art\r\n-  \r\n5  \r\n5  \r\n-  \r\n-  \r\n-  \r\n1,045  \r\n10  \r\n1,060  \r\nGlasgow, University of\r\n-  \r\n-  \r\n-  \r\n-  \r\n20  \r\n20  \r\n10,275  \r\n3,930  \r\n14,225  \r\nHeriot-Watt University\r\n100  \r\n30  \r\n130  \r\n160  \r\n5  \r\n165  \r\n4,200  \r\n45  \r\n4,540  \r\nOpen University in Scotland\r\n375  \r\n195  \r\n570  \r\n5  \r\n25  \r\n35  \r\n7,405  \r\n2,280  \r\n10,285  \r\nQueen Margaret \r\n90  \r\n70  \r\n155  \r\n-  \r\n-  \r\n-  \r\n2,235  \r\n25  \r\n2,415  \r\n\r\nType of Articulating Student (2):\r\nNot articulating\r\nNot known\r\n\r\nHN obtained at an FEC\r\nHN obtained at an at an\r\nHEI(including UHI)\r\n\r\n\r\nInstitution\r\nHNC obtained\r\nHND obtained\r\nTotal\r\nHNC obtained\r\nHND obtained\r\nTotal\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nUniversity, Edinburgh\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRobert Gordon University\r\n190  \r\n590  \r\n780  \r\n35  \r\n25  \r\n65  \r\n6,420  \r\n65  \r\n7,330  \r\nRoyal Conservatoire of Scotland\r\n-  \r\n-  \r\n-  \r\n-  \r\n-  \r\n-  \r\n600  \r\n-  \r\n600  \r\nSt Andrews, University of\r\n5  \r\n-  \r\n10  \r\n-  \r\n-  \r\n-  \r\n4,100  \r\n10  \r\n4,115  \r\nStirling, University of\r\n200  \r\n155  \r\n355  \r\n5  \r\n-  \r\n5  \r\n5,695  \r\n345  \r\n6,400  \r\nStrathclyde, University of\r\n205  \r\n30  \r\n235  \r\n-  \r\n-  \r\n-  \r\n10,610  \r\n100  \r\n10,950  \r\nScottish Agricultural College\r\n-  \r\n5  \r\n5  \r\n35  \r\n105  \r\n140  \r\n410  \r\n25  \r\n580  \r\nHighland & Islands, University of\r\n160  \r\n65  \r\n230  \r\n265  \r\n170  \r\n435  \r\n940  \r\n470  \r\n2,070  \r\nWest of Scotland, University of the\r\n680  \r\n1,280  \r\n1,955  \r\n80  \r\n50  \r\n130  \r\n2,830  \r\n4,750  \r\n9,660  \r\nTotal\r\n3,435  \r\n4,185  \r\n7,620  \r\n865  \r\n630  \r\n1,495  \r\n100,490  \r\n20,995  \r\n130,600  \r\nSource: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Individual Student Record. The Funding Council uses a different standard population to the one used by HESA and the figures in the\r\ntable might differ from any produced by HESA.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. For the purposes of data protection figures have been rounded to the nearest five. Totals have been rounded independently and might not equal the sum of their component parts.\r\n2. The definition of “Articulation” used for the Individual Student returns collected by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) covers any case where the student enters their programme with advanced standing with an HNC or HND. The Funding Council's definition of articulation relates to students entering either the second year of a first degree with an HNC or the third year with an HND, with the HNC/D having been obtained at a college, excluding the UHI partner colleges. Thus, for example, students on non-degree courses, students entering the second year of a first degree with an HND and students who obtained their HNC/D at an HEI would be classified as articulating in ","AnswerDate":"2013-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T14:08:20.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289395,"EventID":"S4W-18141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T14:08:20.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-06T17:30:09.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many articulating students (a) pay and (b) are exempt from council tax.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held by the Scottish Government.\r\nIndividual local authorities are responsible for collecting council tax payments and for applying any exemptions that apply.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T14:08:20.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289396,"EventID":"S4W-18143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T14:08:21.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T09:55:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the (a) terms of reference and (b) timescales for the business regulatory impact assessment related to its proposals to introduce plain packaging of tobacco products.","AnswerText":"We will develop a business and regulatory impact assessment on plain packaging in line with the normal Scottish Government Better Regulation procedures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T14:08:21.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289397,"EventID":"S4W-18144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T14:08:21.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T09:55:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what organisations it plans to consult in connection with the business regulatory impact assessment related to its proposals to introduce plain packaging of tobacco products.","AnswerText":"We have already invited a number of relevant organisations to provide information, and meet with officials, in relation to the development of a business and regulatory impact assessment on plain packaging of tobacco products.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T14:08:21.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289398,"EventID":"S4W-18145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T14:08:21.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T09:55:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17523 by Michael Matheson on 28 October 2013 and in relation to its proposals to introduce plain packaging of tobacco products, what consideration it has given to HM Revenue and Customs’ tobacco tax gap estimates for 2012-13.","AnswerText":"We are considering all relevant information in developing legislation for plain packaging of tobacco products and will continue to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T14:08:21.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289399,"EventID":"S4W-18146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T14:08:21.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T10:06:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what powers it has under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 in relation to community councils.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities have statutory oversight of community councils. The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 sets out the requirement that local authorities introduce community council schemes for their area, outlining various arrangements including elections, meetings, boundaries and finance.\r\nCentral Government has no powers in relation to community councils under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T14:08:21.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289400,"EventID":"S4W-18147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T14:08:22.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T10:28:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will make a decision on the roll-out of NHS board elections across the country.","AnswerText":"I wrote to the Convener of the Health and Sport Committee on 7 November 2013 informing him of my intention to bring an end to the pilot health board elections in NHS Dumfries and Galloway and NHS Fife. A draft order has been submitted to the Scottish Parliament which if approved will bring an end to the pilot exercise on 31 December 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T14:08:22.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289401,"EventID":"S4W-18148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T14:08:22.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T10:28:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many new, elected, non-executive members in the pilot NHS boards have resigned since the elections in 2010.","AnswerText":"A total of three elected non-executive members resigned over the course of the pilot health board elections exercise.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T14:08:22.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289402,"EventID":"S4W-18149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T14:08:22.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T10:28:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what processes were put in place to support the new, elected, non-executive members in the pilot NHS boards and how much it cost each board.","AnswerText":"All non-executive health board members receive comprehensive induction and development on taking up post. For the elected non-executive members, this was augmented by a two day national induction event on the 14 and 15 June 2010. This event, at the Beardmore Hotel and Conference centre was attended by the Deputy First Minister/Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, the Director General for Health and Social Care, Audit Scotland and members of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. In addition, NHS Dumfries and Galloway and NHS Fife delivered local induction and development programmes to support their elected non-executive members.\r\nThe total cost associated with delivering these national and local induction and development events was £50,722. Neither board incurred any costs as these were met centrally by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T14:08:22.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289403,"EventID":"S4W-18150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T14:08:22.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T11:21:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to move health professions on the assured voluntary registration system to a statutory regulatory system, and what discussions it has had with the Department of Health on this issue.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government supports the accredited voluntary register scheme, run by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and (in England only) Social care as a proportionate response to the risks presented by unregulated practitioners. There are no current plans to make any of the accredited voluntary registers subject to statutory regulation.\r\nThe ministers of the four administrations have committed to working together to maintain a consistent regulatory landscape for healthcare professionals working across national boundaries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T14:08:22.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289404,"EventID":"S4W-18151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T14:08:23.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T11:27:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that the conditions it set with regard to the removal of the temporary access tracks associated with the construction of the Beauly-Denny transmission line will be met in full; whether it will write to the local authorities affected by the line to advise them of their of responsibilities, and whether it considers that deviation from the conditions might be considered a breach of trust.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Beauly Denny consents state that the local authorities are responsible for monitoring the conditions relating to temporary access tracks.\r\nThe local authorities are already aware of their responsibilities in this regard and there is no indication that developers are not complying the these conditions.\r\nThe Scottish Government is however aware that planning applications have been received from some landowners/occupiers seeking a separate planning permissions to retain the access tracks on their land.\r\nWhen such applications are made the local authorities will be required to consult with relevant parties and take into account the environmental, landscape and visual and other impacts before making a decision on an application.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T14:08:23.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289414,"EventID":"S4W-18166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T16:54:47.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T14:07:17.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many offences have been committed in Scotland in the last three years under section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of offences involving dangerous dogs recorded under Sections 3 and 4 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. The police recorded crime data collected centrally is based on aggregate returns, and as such, it is not possible to separate out those offences recorded under Section 3.\r\nOffences Involving Dangerous Dogs, 2010-11 to 2012-13\r\n \r\nFailure to keep dogs under proper control, contravention of an order1\r\n2010-11\r\n668\r\n2011-12\r\n941\r\n2012-13\r\n945\r\nSource: Justice Analytical Services, Scottish Government.\r\nNote: 1. Failure to keep dogs under proper control, and contravention of destruction or disqualification orders consists of offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sections 3 and 4.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T16:54:47.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289415,"EventID":"S4W-18167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T16:54:48.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T14:07:17.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that there is a need for an increase in the level of self-monitoring among patients with heart conditions who use Warfarin and, if so, whether it plans to develop strategies to bring about such an increase.","AnswerText":"We expect people to be treated in line with the recommendations in Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) Guideline 129 Antithrombotics: indications and management published in June 2013. Guideline 129 states that self-monitoring can be considered for some patients. For patients who are self-monitoring, appropriate education and training should be provided, clinical advice should be available on request, and provision should be made for quality assurance.\r\nOn the basis of current evidence, which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.sign.ac.uk/guidelines/fulltext/129/index.html and\r\nhttp://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/our_work/technologies_and_medicines/shtg_-_evidence_notes/evidence_note_50.aspx there are no plans to increase the level of self-monitoring among patients with heart conditions who use Warfarin.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T16:54:48.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289416,"EventID":"S4W-18169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T16:54:48.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T14:07:17.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to support NHS boards in implementing a comprehensive service delivery model for (a) patients on oral anticoagulants, (b) alternative therapies, (c) near patient testing and (d) patient self-testing/self-management.","AnswerText":"On the basis of current evidence, which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.sign.ac.uk/guidelines/fulltext/129/index.html and\r\nhttp://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/our_work/technologies_and_medicines/shtg_-_evidence_notes/evidence_note_50.aspx there are no plans to increase the level of self-monitoring among patients with heart conditions who use Warfarin.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T16:54:48.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289417,"EventID":"S4W-18170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T16:54:48.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T14:07:17.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that there is a need to increase the number of patients using anticoagulants who self-monitor and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"On the basis of current evidence, which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.sign.ac.uk/guidelines/fulltext/129/index.html \r\nand http://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/our_work/technologies_and_medicines/shtg_-_evidence_notes/evidence_note_50.aspx \r\nthere are no plans to increase the level of self-monitoring among patients.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T16:54:48.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289418,"EventID":"S4W-18171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T16:54:49.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T14:48:07.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many racially motivated crimes and offences were recorded in the Scottish Borders and what the conviction rate was, in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of crimes and offences recorded by the police as part of racist incidents in the Scottish Borders, from 2007-08 to 2011-12.\r\nCrimes and Offences Recorded by the Police as Part of Racist Incidents, Scottish Borders, 2007-08 to 2011-12\r\n Year\r\nNumber of crimes/ offences\r\n2007-08\r\n49\r\n2008-09\r\n54\r\n2009-10\r\n44\r\n2010-11\r\n44\r\n2011-12\r\n32\r\nSource: Scottish Government Racist Incidents dataset.\r\nThe statistical bulletin Racist Incidents Recorded by the Police in Scotland, 2012-13 is scheduled for publication by the Scottish Government on 10 December 2013.\r\nThe following table shows the number of people proceeded against, convicted and the conviction rate in the Scottish Borders for a crime where a racial aggravator was recorded, 2007-08 to 2011-12.\r\nPersons Proceeded Against, Persons Convicted and Conviction Rate for Crimes Where Racial Aggravator was Recorded, Scottish Borders, 2007-08 to 2011-12\r\nFinancial year\r\nProceedings\r\nConvictions\r\n%\r\n2007-08\r\n17\r\n13\r\n76\r\n2008-09\r\n11\r\n11\r\n100\r\n2009-10\r\n5\r\n5\r\n100\r\n2010-11\r\n10\r\n9\r\n90\r\n2011-12\r\n12\r\n11\r\n92\r\nSource: Scottish Government Court Proceedings Database.\r\nWhere a person is proceeded against for more than one crime or offence in a single set of proceedings, analysis of sentencing outcomes are based on the main charge. The main charge is the one receiving the severest penalty if one or more charges are proved. The data referred to above therefore only includes people convicted of an offence where the racial aggravation has been applied to the main charge. This will therefore be an undercount of the true number of charges proved with a racial aggravator recorded.\r\nData on convictions and crime data are not comparable for a number of reasons. Convictions data is based on numbers of individual people proceeded against in court, while crime data is a count of individual crimes and offences recorded by the police. A single crime or offence recorded by the police may have more than one perpetrator, or alternatively, an individual may be the perpetrator of several cases of the same crime.\r\nAdditionally, there is the possibility that the crime or offence recorded by the police may be altered in the course of judicial proceedings, while a crime or offence may be recorded by the police in one year and court proceedings not concluded until a later year. Crimes and offences alleged to have been committed by children under 16 years old are also generally dealt with through the children’s hearings system rather than through the courts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T16:54:49.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289419,"EventID":"S4W-18172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T16:54:49.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T14:48:07.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many police (a) officers and (b) staff have been based in the Scottish Borders in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"In advance of reform the Scottish Government collected the number of police officers and police staff at legacy force level. The Scottish Government does not hold these data below legacy police force level.\r\nThe Scottish Government reports on its commitment to provide 1,000 extra police officers in the Police Officer Quarterly Strength Statistics Scotland statistical series, providing the total number of police officers employed by the eight legacy police forces, available via the following web link: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PublicationPoliceStrength.\r\nFurther data on the number of police officers and police staff employed by the eight legacy forces can be found in Scottish Policing Performance Framework Annual reports, available via the following web link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PoliceSPPF.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T16:54:49.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289420,"EventID":"S4W-18173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T16:54:49.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T14:48:07.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many registered sex offenders there have been in Scottish Borders communities in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of registered sex offenders in the eight legacy police force areas for the last five years, is available in Table 5.4.1 of the Scottish Policing Performance Framework Annual Report 2012-13. This is available via the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PoliceSPPF.\r\nThe Scottish Borders span the two legacy force areas of Lothian and Borders and Dumfries and Galloway, and statistics for each of those areas will include sex offenders from Scottish Borders communities. Figures for the Scottish Borders alone are not held centrally.\r\nThe management of sex offenders in Scotland is more stringent than ever with significant powers for law enforcement agencies including a disclosure scheme surveillance, electronic tagging, curfews and prohibitions on movement. We are also currently consulting on options for use of the latest satellite GPS technology which would make monitoring these individuals even more effective.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T16:54:49.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289421,"EventID":"S4W-18174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T16:54:49.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T14:48:07.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on what percentage of residents of the Scottish Borders was (a) satisfied and (b) dissatisfied with the way in which police dealt with an incident that they reported, in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold these data below legacy police force level. Section 1.3 of the Scottish Policing Performance Framework Annual Report 2012-13 provides legacy police force level statistics on the public’s satisfaction with the way the police dealt with an incident that they reported.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PoliceSPPF.\r\nPolice performance reporting is now a matter for the Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland. Working with partners, the SPA is now developing a new national framework for monitoring and managing the performance of policing in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T16:54:49.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289422,"EventID":"S4W-18175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T16:54:50.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T14:48:07.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many emergency response incidents were recorded in the Scottish Borders in each of the last three years, and what the average response time was, in seconds.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold these data below legacy police force level. Section 1.6 of the Scottish Policing Performance Framework Annual Report 2012-13 provides legacy police force level statistics on how many emergency response were recorded and the average response time of the legacy forces.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PoliceSPPF.\r\nPolice performance reporting is now a matter for the Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland. Working with partners, the SPA is now developing a new national framework for monitoring and managing the performance of policing in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T16:54:50.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289423,"EventID":"S4W-18176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-07T16:54:50.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T15:32:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd regarding the Air Accident Investigation Branch’s suggestion for an upgrade in sea rescue craft to be stationed at Sumburgh Airport in light of the fatal helicopter accident on 23 August 2013 and what action has been taken.","AnswerText":"This issue was discussed by Transport Scotland officials and Highlands and Islands Airport Litd (HIAL) management on 31 October 2013. This issue was also discussed at the HIAL Board meeting on 8 November 2013 at which Transport Scotland officials were present.\r\nHIAL intend to follow the AAIB’s Safety Recommendation 2013-021 in relation to water rescue capability.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-21T16:54:50.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289434,"EventID":"S4W-18058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:27.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-01T10:01:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to help mitigate the effects of the recently announced increase in energy prices for vulnerable households.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has invested £220 million on fuel poverty and energy efficiency programmes since 2009. That is an estimated total net saving to household incomes over the lifetime of the measures of more than £1 billion.\r\nWe will spend nearly a quarter of a billion pounds over the next three years on fuel poverty and energy efficiency. The Scottish Government has created a £200 million per year initiative, using Scottish Government funding to lever in additional investment from major energy companies to tackle fuel poverty, reduce carbon emissions and support jobs.\r\nWe need the full powers of independence to tackle all the causes of fuel poverty. If elected, in an independent Scotland this government would reduce energy prices by five per cent or around £70 per household and meet the costs of fuel poverty and energy efficiency schemes through government spending.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:28.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289435,"EventID":"S4W-18059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:29.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-01T10:01:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many households will go into fuel poverty as a result of the recently announced increase in energy prices.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will only know the impact of the recently announced increases in fuel prices on fuel poverty once results of the 2013 Scottish House Condition Survey are known. This is because estimates of household incomes and the energy efficiency of the housing stock are required to estimate how many households will go into fuel poverty as a result of higher energy prices.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:29.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289436,"EventID":"S4W-18060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:29.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-01T10:01:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is on track to eradicate fuel poverty by 2016 and how it is monitoring progress.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18027 on 13 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:29.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289437,"EventID":"S4W-18061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:30.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-01T10:01:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many households have received support under the Green Deal Scotland.","AnswerText":"Up to the end of October 8602 households in Scotland had had a Green Deal assessment. Of these, 1224 sought Green Deal finance: \r\n131 of those households have installed measures using Green Deal finance. \r\nAnother 400 have a Green Deal plan with a “pending” pending. This means they have agreed finance but are still in the cooling off period and may still choose not to go ahead with the Green Deal finance.\r\nA further 305 households engaging with Green Deal finance have a Green Deal plan with a “New” status. This means they have indicated they would like to install measures using Green Deal finance but have not yet agreed a finance package.\r\nLastly 388 households who chose to engage with Green Deal finance have since either decided not to proceed, or have not been approved for credit and have cancelled their Green Deal plan.\r\nOf the 8,602 households that have had a Green Deal assessment, 7,378 have yet to seek Green Deal finance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:30.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289438,"EventID":"S4W-18062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:30.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-01T10:01:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact its target of making Scotland 100% reliable on renewable energy sources by 2050 will have on energy prices.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s target is to generate the equivalent of 100% of Scotland’s gross annual electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2020, as part of a wider, balanced, low carbon energy mix. \r\nIn the future, we would see far greater energy price increases if our energy supplies relied more on fossil fuels and did not take advantage of our abundant renewable resources. As such, our continued focus on renewable generation will help protect Scotland’s consumers by keeping energy prices down in the long term.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:30.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289439,"EventID":"S4W-18063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:30.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-01T10:01:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have (a) been admitted to hospital with and (b) died from winter seasonal illnesses since 2007, broken down by (i) NHS board and (ii) age.\r\n","AnswerText":"The specific information requested is not available centrally as there is no commonly agreed definition of winter seasonal illnesses. Some illnesses, such as influenza and norovirus, are relatively more prevalent during the winter period but the illnesses are prevalent all year round. A range of information is published on influenza and norovirus, on winter mortality and on emergency admissions.\r\nGeneral Register Office for Scotland publish an annual report on winter mortality in Scotland. This includes information on the seasonal increase in mortality in winter, by NHS board and age group. The 2012-13 report is available via the following ink.\r\nhttp://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files2/stats/winter-mortality/2012-2013/winter-mortality-2012-13.pdf\r\nHealth Protection Scotland (HPS) publish weekly information on influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses activity, by NHS board. This is available via the following ink.\r\nhttp://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/resp/influenzareports.aspx\r\nHPS publish weekly information on the number of hospital wards affected by norovirus outbreaks and the number of positive laboratory reports, by NHS board. This is available via the following ink.\r\nhttp://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/norovirus/norovirussurveillance.aspx\r\nInformation Services Division (ISD) publish quarterly and annual information on emergency inpatient admissions, by NHS board. This is available in the 'Summary Statistics' section of the following ink.\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Hospital-Care/Inpatient-and-Day-Case-Activity/\r\nISD publish annual information emergency admissions for patients aged 75 years each quarter, by NHS board. This is available in the 'Multiple and All Emergency Admissions' section of the following ink.\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Hospital-Care/Inpatient-and-Day-Case-Activity/\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:30.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289440,"EventID":"S4W-18064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:30.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-01T10:01:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to continue funding the 10% gap in Council Tax Reduction funding in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our draft budget includes a commitment to roll forward the Scottish Government’s contribution of £23 million in 2014-15 to continue to mitigate the estimated £40 million gap in funding from the UK Government for council tax benefit successor arrangements. COSLA Leaders have agreed that local government will again contribute £17 million. This joint commitment will enable us to maintain our support for the most vulnerable households in Scotland through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:30.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289441,"EventID":"S4W-18065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:31.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-01T10:01:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has bought or sold carbon offset credits under the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme and, if so, to or from whom.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not, to date, bought or sold carbon units under the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme. \r\nAs outlined in Low Carbon Scotland – Meeting the Emissions Reduction Targets 2013-2027, while it remains an option for consideration, there are no proposals or policies to purchase carbon units during the lifetime of the plan, which covers the period to 2027.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:31.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289442,"EventID":"S4W-18066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:31.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-01T10:01:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to achieve a \"wholesale adoption of electric cars and vans\" by 2030 as laid out in paragraph 1.5.2 of Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting our Emissions Reduction Targets 2013-2027.","AnswerText":"The measures that will be taken to achieve almost complete decarbonisation of road transport by 2050, with significant progress by 2030 through wholesale adoption of electric cars and vans, are set out in Switched On Scotland: A Roadmap to Widespread Adoption of Plug-In Vehicles:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/strategy-and-research/publications-and-consultations/j272736-00.htm, published on 12 September 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:31.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289443,"EventID":"S4W-18067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:31.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-01T10:01:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what materials will be used in constructing the power source for the electric cars and vans that it plans to be adopted by 2030; where these materials will come from, and how much carbon dioxide will be produced in obtaining them.\r\n","AnswerText":"The materials used in constructing the power source for electric vehicles, the source of those materials and the associated CO2 produced will be a matter for individual manufacturers. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:31.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289444,"EventID":"S4W-18068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:31.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-01T10:01:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its plans to have more electric cars and vans in use by 2030, what action it is taking to install electric vehicle power points across the country; how much this will cost, and what the timescale is.","AnswerText":"Plans to create a high powered interoperable network of charging facilities are well underway, with over 500 charge points already installed through over £6.7 million of investment since 2011-12. As stated in Switched On Scotland: A Roadmap to Widespread Adoption of Plug-In Vehicles, Transport Scotland will continue to provide funding for the safe and convenient installation of domestic, workplace and en-route charge points, with this support continuing into 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:31.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289445,"EventID":"S4W-18069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:32.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-01T10:01:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to shift people from cars to public transport by 2030 and whether it will put forward proposals to help with the cost of using public transport.","AnswerText":"Our low carbon aspirations to see significant progress in the decarbonisation of road transport by 2030 are currently focussed on technology change and voluntary behaviour change, with considerable investment of around £1 billion per annum in public transport and other sustainable transport options. We envisage that innovative improvements to travel information and public transport (such as progress of the smart and integrated ticketing strategy, improved rail passenger experience in the next ScotRail franchise and enhanced bus services, standards and infrastructure delivered through the Bus Investment Fund), as well as continued investment in cycling and walking will encourage more drivers to leave their cars at home, contributing to both emissions abatement and other policy aims.\r\nWe are committed in having affordable public transport:\r\nWe will continue providing around £250 million annually to support a range of schemes including the Bus Service Operators’ Grant, the Scottish Green Bus Fund and the National Concessionary Travel Scheme.\r\nIn rail we swept away almost 1,500 ticketing anomalies benefitting circa 275,000 passenger journeys.\r\nOff peak rail fares in Scotland will now be frozen until 2016 and peak fares capped to RPI in January 2014 and 2015. From 2016, we will be going further by ensuring regulated peak fares cannot rise above inflation and regulated off-peak fares will be restricted to RPI-1%.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:32.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289446,"EventID":"S4W-18070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:32.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-01T10:01:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to (a) meet its target of having at least 70% of all waste being recycled by 2025 and (b) design avoidable waste out of the economy by 2050.","AnswerText":"Through our Zero Waste Plan, we have already taken bold action to ensure we meet our 70% recycling target. The Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012 are transforming the availability of recycling services to households and business. This is accompanied by the introduction of bans on certain materials going to landfill or incineration.\r\nOver the past 18 months, we have invested around £20 million to support the roll out of household food waste collections. This is one of a series of actions and investments being made through Zero Waste Scotland and by Councils across Scotland, in the quality and availability of recycling services and participation in those services.\r\nOur new action plan ‘Safeguarding Scotland’s Resources, Blueprint for a More Resource Efficient and Circular Economy’ sets out a series of measures to reduce waste, use materials more efficiently and ensure that products and materials are cycled through the economy rather than discarded. This work has already been started by Resource Efficient Scotland, which provides support for businesses to achieve resource efficiency not just in material resources but also in water and energy, delivering economic as well as environmental benefits. We are also working with Education Scotland to help ensure Scotland has the right skills to deliver the transition necessary to achieving our ambitions for a waste-free society by 2050.\r\nAs with any long-term plan, we continue to examine the success of our activities and identify where further actions may be needed. That is why I recently commissioned work on the feasibility of a national deposit and return scheme for Scotland. It is also why Scotland has led the way in becoming the first nation to join the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circular Economy 100 programme, which seeks to accelerate progress toward eradicating waste.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:32.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289447,"EventID":"S4W-18155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:32.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T11:51:48.433","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether BAE Systems has indicated whether it will keep the Govan and Scotstoun yards open if Scotland decides to separate from the rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"BAE Systems has stated that Glasgow would remain the most effective location for the manufacture of the future Type 26 ships. We have made clear our view that there is nothing to prevent the Type 26 frigates being built on the Clyde in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:32.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289448,"EventID":"S4W-18156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:32.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T11:51:48.433","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what shipbuilding orders it can guarantee will be placed with the Govan and Scotstoun yards if Scotland decides to separate from the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"Independence will bring new opportunities in shipbuilding, as in other areas. In his speech following the Cabinet meeting in Shetland on 25 July 2013, the First Minister set out that Scotland will require significant naval capabilities to secure its extensive maritime environment and assets. Proposals for the defence capabilities we require will be set out in the White Paper on 26 November, along with the procurement implications of these. Beyond that we must also look at what we can do to boost exports, and to use the capabilities of the Clyde workforce to seek out new opportunities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:32.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289449,"EventID":"S4W-18157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:33.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T11:51:48.433","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will be able to place civilian shipbuilding orders with the Govan and Scotstoun yards without putting them out to tender if Scotland decides to separate from the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is our policy that an independent Scotland would be a member of the European Union. As such, we would be bound by European law in regard to procurement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:33.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289450,"EventID":"S4W-18158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:33.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T11:51:48.433","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what military or naval contracts can be guaranteed to be placed with the Govan and Scotstoun yards if Scotland decides to separate from the rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"As stated in my answer to S4W-18156 on 22 November 2013 an independent Scotland will require significant naval capabilities. Where it is appropriate to protect our essential security requirements we will procure from within Scotland.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:33.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289451,"EventID":"S4W-18159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:33.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T11:51:48.433","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland decides to separate from the rest of the UK and no agreement is reached with the UK Government on the use of sterling, whether it will (a) continue to use sterling, (b) adopt the euro or (c) issue its own currency.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Fiscal Commission Working Group considered four currency options in detail, and concluded that a formal monetary union, where both the rest of the UK and Scotland continue to use Sterling, is in the overwhelming economic interests of both Scotland and the rest of the UK. The Scottish Government agrees with that position which is also supported by the former Chancellor Alasdair Darling who has commented that a currency union would be both “logical” and “desirable”.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:33.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289452,"EventID":"S4W-18160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:34.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T11:51:48.433","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland decides to separate from the rest of the UK and no agreement is reached on the use of sterling, whether the Bank of England will remain as lender of last resort and whether agreement has been reached on this issue.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s proposal, following the recommendation of the Fiscal Commission Working Group is to maintain the Bank of England as our central bank as part of a formal monetary union - the Bank of England is currently Scotland’s central bank, just as much it is the rest of the UK’s.\r\nReforms to the financial system by the UK Government are intended to remove the taxpayer from liability for the financial stability of financial institutions. Day to day lending operations from central banks to financial institutions generate profit for central banks.\r\nGiven the highly integrated nature of the economies and financial systems of Scotland and the rest of the UK, maintaining a currency union between an independent Scotland and the United Kingdom would be in the economic interests of both countries, as would a shared commitment to financial stability across the Sterling area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:34.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289453,"EventID":"S4W-18161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:34.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T11:51:48.433","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland decides to separate from the rest of the UK and no agreement can be reached on the Bank of England being the lender of last resort, whether it will establish its own lender of last resort.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18160 on 19 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, The search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:34.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289454,"EventID":"S4W-18162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:34.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T11:51:48.433","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what organisation will set Scottish interest rates if Scotland decides to separate from rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"Under a formal monetary union, interest rates would be set as they are now by the independent central bank acting for the whole of the Sterling Zone in order to ensure price stability.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:34.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289455,"EventID":"S4W-18163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:34.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T11:51:48.433","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has the (a) technical ability and (b) capacity to raise additional income tax in Scotland and what the reason is for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in a letter on the Scottish Variable Rate, sent to the Convener of the Finance Committee on 21 September 2011. A copy of this letter is available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53229).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:34.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289456,"EventID":"S4W-18164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:35.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T11:51:48.433","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the issue of the number of police officers deployed on the beat is its responsibility or whether it is an operational matter for the chief constable of Police Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to protecting and supporting frontline services. We are maintaining a visible police presence through the manifesto commitment to provide 1,000 extra police officers on the beat.\r\nWhilst the deployment of officers is an operational matter for Police Scotland, the Chief Constable has made it clear on a number of occasions that he supports a visible police presence. Most recently at the Justice Committee on 29 October 2013 the Chief Constable said, “we want police officers out on the streets and responding operationally to the public.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:35.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289457,"EventID":"S4W-18165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:35.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T14:04:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it considers the benefits are of the reclassification of further education colleges by the Office for National Statistics.\r\n","AnswerText":"None. The Scottish Government opposed this unnecessary move imposed upon Scotland. However, through the post 16 Education (Scotland) Act 2013, and previous legislation, we have established a relationship with colleges commensurate with the level and proportion of our public investment and that will continue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:35.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289458,"EventID":"S4W-18177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:36.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T15:58:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether (a) Skills for Scotland: Accelerating the Recovery and Increasing Sustainable Economic Growth, (b) The Government Economic Strategy, (c) Action for Jobs - Supporting Young Scots into Work: Scotland's Youth Employment Strategy or (d) Working for Growth: A refresh of the employability framework for Scotland provides the basis for its approach to youth employment.","AnswerText":"Action for Jobs - Supporting Young Scots into Work: Scotland's Youth Employment Strategy provides an overview of the government's all-Scotland, all-government approach to harnessing and supporting the national effort required to increase youth employment through a strategic approach which builds on the knowledge, experience and commitment of others.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:36.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289459,"EventID":"S4W-18178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:36.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T15:58:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guarantee Opportunities for All: Supporting all young people to participate in post-16 learning, training or work provides for 16 to 19-year-olds.","AnswerText":"Opportunities for All is an explicit commitment to offer a place in learning or training to every 16-19 year old who is not currently in employment, education or training.\r\nYoung people will be guaranteed an offer of appropriate opportunities within the post-16 learning system. This includes, but is not limited to, staying on at school, undertaking a course of higher or further education, being in work or a modern apprenticeship or any pre-employment training or third sector provision. It also takes account of young people undertaking mandated training as part of the DWP work programme as these young people will not be free to undertake another course of training or learning.\r\nThrough Opportunities for All we aim to re-engage those young people who are not already participating in education, training or employment by offering a range of targeted support primarily through Skills Development Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:36.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289460,"EventID":"S4W-18179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:36.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T15:58:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government from what budget lines the Employability Fund is drawn.","AnswerText":"The funding for the Employability Fund is drawn from two budget lines, Skills Development Scotland’s core funding; and the Scottish Funding Council’s Further Education Programme budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:36.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289461,"EventID":"S4W-18180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:37.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T15:58:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when its review of the community pharmacy application process will conclude and whether there will be a public consultation on the outcome.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to the health portfolio question S4O-02539 on 6 November 2013. All answers to oral parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=8604, community pharmacies.\r\nThe next stage of the review will involve consultation on a range of complex and important issues that have been identified, which I aim to get underway in the coming weeks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:37.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289462,"EventID":"S4W-18181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:37.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T15:58:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what involvement it has in the appointment of the chair of the regional college board covering the Highlands and Islands and whether the public appointment process will apply.","AnswerText":"Under the Post-16 Education (Scotland) Act 2013, the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) will be the regional strategic body for the Highlands and Islands region. In its related Working Group report, UHI proposed that it would establish a committee to undertake this function.\r\nMinisters have no powers to make appointments to the University or any of its committees and a public appointment process will not therefore apply in this region.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:37.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289463,"EventID":"S4W-18182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:37.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T15:58:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the Scottish Funding Council will determine the funding allocation for (a) higher and (b) further education in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"The funding of individual colleges and universities is a matter for the Scottish Funding Council, and I have asked its chief executive to write to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:37.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289464,"EventID":"S4W-18183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:38.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T15:58:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the evidence given at the Public Audit Committee on 6 November 2013 that there are 14,700 fewer college places in the Glasgow region this year compared with three years previously and that the biggest reduction is in the 25 and over age group.\r\n","AnswerText":"Colleges are delivering our commitment to maintain FTE student places, exceeding our target by 3% in 11-12.\r\nMoreover, the number of FTE funded places in the Glasgow region in 2011-12 was 25,940, an increase of 1,188 on three years previously (2008-09)\r\nConsistent with the aims of priorities for reform, colleges are focussing on full-time courses for young people that deliver skills for employment and economic growth. That policy is working, only 10 of 28 EU countries have a lower youth unemployment rate than Scotland.\r\nMoreover, college principals made clear in their evidence to the Public Audit Committee on 6 November that regionalisation is delivering benefits, such as improved quality learning.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:38.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289465,"EventID":"S4W-18184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:38.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T15:58:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its plans are in respect of any financial surplus held by a college.","AnswerText":"Work on the reclassification of colleges as Central Government Bodies is overseen by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). The SFC’s primary focus is to allow college reserves and surpluses to continue to be deployed for the benefit of the sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:38.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289466,"EventID":"S4W-18185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:39.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T15:58:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the basis is of its new methodology for funding college places and when it will be (a) finalised and (b) published.","AnswerText":"I have asked the Scottish Funding Council to develop a simplified and needs-based approach to funding. The SFC is working closely with the college sector to agree the model and its implementation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:39.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289467,"EventID":"S4W-18186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:39.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T15:58:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the analysis in paragraphs 73 and 74 of Audit Scotland’s report, NHS financial performance 2012/13.","AnswerText":"Funding for the treatment time guarantee was part of the £230 million made available to NHS boards for the 18 weeks referral to treatment time target. This funding covered the period 2008-09 to 20010-11. This was made clear in the Patient Rights (Scotland) Bill Financial Memorandum placed in the Parliament on 17 March 2010. This funding is now reflected as part of NHS boards allocations.\r\nIn the current year NHS boards plan to make available £67 million to increase capacity. This is being used to recruit around 420 more doctors, nurses and support staff as well increasing theatre capacity. This investment will ensure patients are seen and treated quickly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:39.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289468,"EventID":"S4W-18187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:39.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T15:58:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many NHS patients have exercised their rights under the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"Everyone who is registered, uses NHS services, has a personal interest in a patients’ health care, or is involved in the design and delivery of NHS services is exercising their rights under the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011.\r\nThe Charter of Patient Rights and Responsibilities available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/Policy/Patients-Rights/Patients-Rights-Charter summarises existing rights and responsibilities as well as what can be expected by patients when they use the NHS services and receive NHS care in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:39.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289469,"EventID":"S4W-18188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4984,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:40.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T16:54:29.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, following its appraisal of local authority housing need and demand assessments, how many were rejected and subsequently revised and what the difference was between the original and revised figures.","AnswerText":"The Centre for Housing Market Analysis (CHMA) has, to date, appraised 23 Housing Need and Demand Assessments (HNDAs) which were undertaken by local authorities and strategic planning authorities. The appraisals have resulted in approximately 130 recommendations being made. Two areas had no formal recommendations. All recommendations were considered by LAs/SPAs and subsequent resubmissions resulted in all HNDAs being appraised as robust and credible.\r\nThe appraisals undertaken investigate whether the process and methodology used to produce HNDAs was in line with guidance. The recommendations generally sought further information/analysis, greater clarity, transparency, etc. and none related directly to final figures.\r\nThe CHMA provided pre-appraisal advice, both formally and informally, to most authorities. This advice will, in many cases, have influenced the figures produced.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:40.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289470,"EventID":"S4W-18189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:40.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T17:19:24.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what Gini indices for inequality in the UK and China it used to inform the First Minister’s speech at Tsinghua University in China on 5 November 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18191 on 19 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:40.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289471,"EventID":"S4W-18190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:40.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T17:19:24.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it learned of the visa issue for the Confucius Institute teachers as reported by the BBC on 4 November 2013 and when it first contacted the Home Office on the matter.","AnswerText":"Ministers learned of the visa issue on 1 November 2013 and contacted the Home Office on 1 November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:40.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289472,"EventID":"S4W-18191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:40.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T17:19:24.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date Professor Stiglitz made the comments on inequality in China referred to by the First Minister in his speech at Tsinghua University in China on 5 November 2013 and whether he has been asked to provide an updated analysis of inequality in China.","AnswerText":"The First Minister’s speech at Tsinghua University can be read at http://news.scotland.gov.uk/Speeches-Briefings/Scotland-and-China-Wealth-and-Wellbeing-of-Nations-5dd.aspx. The reference to a statement by Professor Joseph Stiglitz is taken from Globalisation and its Discontents, published in 2002. The Scottish Government has not asked Professor Stiglitz to analyse inequality in China.\r\nInternational comparisons of Gini Coefficients are available from the OECD for 2010, and show the UK as the 28th most equal country of 34.\r\nThe version of the UK Gini coefficient used by the OECD is drawn from the Department of Work and Pensions’ Family Resources Survey (FRS) 2010-11. The FRS is the most appropriate source of net disposable weekly household income given its sample size and its focus on all sources of household income.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:41.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289473,"EventID":"S4W-18194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:41.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T11:33:29.387","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government in what formats the white paper on independence will be published and how much it plans to spend on each, broken down by the nature of the expenditure.  \r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland is a landmark publication, as such we are looking to ensure the public are as well informed as possible about its contents and the opportunities offered by independence. To enable this, the document has been produced in a wide range of formats.\r\nA final figure for the cost of producing and distributing the document itself will not be available until we know the final demand for hard copies. I have already undertaken to update Parliament on that in due course.\r\nAs well as the hard copy document, Scotland’s Future has been published online at www.scotland.gov.uk and www.scotreferendum.com. A full-colour e-book edition is also available from e-stores such as Amazon.\r\nA summary of Scotland’s Future has also been produced and has been translated into 13 languages Gaelic, Arabic, Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, French, Spanish, Polish, Cantonese, Mandarin and Russian, as well as British Sign Language. These are now available online at www.scotland.gov.uk and www.scotreferendum.com.\r\nThe summary document is also available on request in braille and on audio disk and an easy read version is being produced.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:41.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289474,"EventID":"S4W-18195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:41.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T11:33:29.387","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it plans to spend on the launch of the white paper on independence and publicity in connection with this, broken down by the nature of expenditure.\r\n","AnswerText":"The launch of Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland took place at the science centre in Glasgow on 26 November 2013. The cost of this event was £12,432.76, covering venue hire, set-up costs and transport.\r\nThere were no additional costs for publicity in relation to the launch event.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:41.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289475,"EventID":"S4W-18196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:41.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T11:33:29.387","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it plans to spend on advertising the white paper on independence, broken down by the nature of expenditure.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the Official Report of the Meeting of the Parliament on Tuesday 26 November 2013 at column 24856. The official report is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/OfficialReport.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:41.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289476,"EventID":"S4W-18197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T13:50:42.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T11:33:29.387","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) temporary, (b) agency, (c) seconded, (d) consultancy and (e) other staff from outside its organisation it has hired to work on (i) the white paper on and (ii) other work in relation to independence, broken down by (A) job title and description, (B) contract start and end dates and (C) total remuneration.\r\n","AnswerText":"No staff from outwith the Scottish Government have been hired to work on the white paper on independence.\r\nTwo agency members of staff have been recruited to fill short term administrative roles between October 2013 and January 2014.\r\nThree staff have been seconded. Professor Drew Scott, Professor of European Studies from the University of Edinburgh, was appointed to the Scottish Government as expert advisor on Europe on 3 January 2013 on secondment for three days a week. An energy policy analyst was appointed to contribute to the development of a strategy for energy and low carbon economy between November 2011 and February 2013. In addition, an advisor on electricity market reform was seconded from May 2012 until March 2013.\r\nNo other staff from outwith the Scottish Government have been hired to assist with other work in relation to independence.\r\nPlease note that remuneration details have not been included, as the numbers of staff involved are very small and providing this information would effectively disclose personal information in contravention of the data protection principles in Schedule 1 to the Data Protection Act 1998.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T13:50:42.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289482,"EventID":"S4W-18198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T15:52:05.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T12:01:39.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) full-time and (b) ad hoc Advocate Deputes were engaged by the Lord Advocate in each year from 2007-08 to 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is provided in the following table.\r\n \r\nFinancial Year\r\nNumber of Advocate Deputes engaged by the Lord Advocate in each year from 2007-08 to 2012-13\r\n2007-2008\r\n32\r\n2008-2009\r\n35\r\n2009-2010\r\n44\r\n2010-2011\r\n35\r\n2011-2012\r\n38\r\n2012-2013\r\n37\r\n2013-2014\r\n39\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFor Ad Hoc Advocate Deputes, the information was not centrally held prior to 2012.\r\nFinancial Year\r\nIndividual Ad Hoc Advocate Deputes engaged\r\n2012-2013\r\n25\r\n2013-2014\r\n33\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T15:52:06.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289483,"EventID":"S4W-18199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T15:52:06.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T12:01:39.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of (a) full-time and (b) ad hoc Advocate Deputes was (i) employed as members of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, (ii) advocates and (iii) solicitor advocates immediately prior to their appointment, in each year from 2007-08 to 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"The percentages of those appointment to the position in each year who were employed as members of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Advocates and Solicitor Advocates immediately prior to appointment each year were as indicated in the following tables.\r\nTable 1 – (a) Full Time Advocate Deputes\r\nYear\r\n% Employed by COPFS\r\n% Advocates\r\n% Solicitor Advocates\r\n2007-08\r\n0\r\n83\r\n17\r\n2008-09\r\n44\r\n56\r\n0\r\n2009-10\r\n0\r\n89\r\n11\r\n2010-11\r\n17\r\n83\r\n0\r\n2011-12\r\n29\r\n43\r\n29\r\n2012-13\r\n25\r\n50\r\n25\r\n2013-14\r\n17\r\n17\r\n67\r\n \r\nTable 2- (b) Ad Hoc Advocate Deputes*\r\nYear\r\n% Employed by COPFS\r\n% Advocates\r\n% Solicitor Advocates\r\n2007-08\r\n27\r\n73\r\n0\r\n2008-09\r\n22\r\n78\r\n0\r\n2009-10\r\n0\r\n100\r\n0\r\n2010-11\r\n8\r\n92\r\n0\r\n2011-12\r\n100\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2012-13\r\n0\r\n100\r\n0\r\n \r\nNote: *This information has been collated on the basis of recruitment records as it is not held electronically.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T15:52:06.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289484,"EventID":"S4W-18200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T15:52:06.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T12:01:39.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government under what arrangements members of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) appointed as Advocate Deputes can return to their previous duties in COPFS on completion of their service in the Crown Office and whether their return is conditional on an assessment of their performance as an Advocate Depute.\r\n","AnswerText":"Advocate Deputes are appointed by the Lord Advocate and hold his commission. They are holders of an office and are independent of Procurators Fiscal. Members of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) are appointed as Advocate Deputes on a secondment basis. Their employment rights as COPFS employees and the right to return to COPFS when the secondment has been completed are retained. Their return is not conditional on an assessment of their performance as an Advocate Depute.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T15:52:06.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289485,"EventID":"S4W-18201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T15:52:06.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T12:01:39.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fixed penalty notices have been issued by the police under section 129 of the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 in each year since May 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T15:52:06.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289486,"EventID":"S4W-18202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T15:52:07.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T12:01:39.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fixed penalty notices have been challenged by the recipient under section 131(3) of the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 in each year since May 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T15:52:07.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289487,"EventID":"S4W-18203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T15:52:07.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T12:01:39.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of fixed penalty notices has been paid before the 28-day period specified in the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 in each year since May 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T15:52:07.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289488,"EventID":"S4W-18204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T15:52:07.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T12:01:39.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of fixed penalty notices has been registered as fines in terms of section 131(5) of the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 in each year since May 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T15:52:07.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289489,"EventID":"S4W-18205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T15:52:07.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T12:01:39.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fixed penalty notices issued under Part 11 of the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 since May 2007 remain unpaid.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T15:52:07.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289490,"EventID":"S4W-18206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T15:52:07.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T12:01:39.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that fixed penalty notices in terms of Part 11 of the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 are not issued to (a) persistent offenders or (b) people who have not paid previous fixed penalty notices.","AnswerText":"Where a police officer has reason to believe that a person aged 16 or over has committed an offence, they have a range of options and guidance available to help them determine the most appropriate action to take.\r\nWhere the offence is one as described in Part 11 of the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 and the offender is known to be a persistent offender or has a record for defaulting in payment, the officer is guided to not offer a fixed penalty notice and instead submit a police report to the procurator fiscal who can take action up to and including court proceedings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T15:52:07.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289491,"EventID":"S4W-18207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T15:52:08.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T12:01:39.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fixed penalty notices have been issued under section 302 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 in each year since May 2007.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T15:52:08.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289492,"EventID":"S4W-18208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T15:52:08.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T12:01:39.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fixed penalty notices have been challenged by the recipient under section 302(2)(ca) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 in each year since May 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T15:52:08.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289493,"EventID":"S4W-18209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T15:52:08.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T12:01:39.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government in relation to what percentage of fixed penalty notices the recipient has sent a notice to the clerk of court as provided for in section 302(2)(ca) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 in each year since May 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T15:52:08.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289494,"EventID":"S4W-18210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T15:52:08.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T12:01:39.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of fixed penalty notices has been treated as fines in terms of section 303 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 in each year since May 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T15:52:08.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289495,"EventID":"S4W-18211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T15:52:09.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T12:01:39.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fixed penalty notices issued under section 302 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 since May 2007 remain unpaid.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T15:52:09.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289496,"EventID":"S4W-18212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T15:52:09.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T12:01:39.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service ensures that fixed penalty notices in terms of section 302 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 are not issued to (a) persistent offenders or (b) people who have not paid previous fixed penalty notices.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has provided Procurators Fiscal with detailed instructions on when a fixed penalty notice should be issued and at what level under section 302 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995. They include the instruction that a fiscal fine should not be issued to persistent offenders.\r\nThe guidance also requires prosecutors to take into account any previous fixed penalty notice that has been offered. Responsibility for enforcement of fixed penalties rests with the Scottish Courts Service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T15:52:09.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289497,"EventID":"S4W-18213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T15:52:09.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T15:10:28.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any Football Co-ordination Unit Scotland officers travelled to Amsterdam for the recent Ajax v Celtic football match and, if so, whether these officers were (a) uniformed or (b) plain clothed; whether they made any arrests, and what discussions it has had with the Dutch authorities regarding allegations of excessive policing.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had no discussions with the Dutch authorities following the game in Amsterdam.\r\nFor any international football fixture, the standard protocol is for the police force hosting the fixture to make a request via the UK Football Policing Unit for any assistance they may require from another force. In Scotland these requests are administered through the Football Coordination Unit for Scotland (FoCUS).\r\nFor the Ajax v Celtic fixture played on Wednesday 6 November 2013, the request from the Dutch authorities was for six officers to assist with their policing operation. The officers who travelled to Amsterdam were not members of FoCUS but were supplied by Greater Glasgow Division (“G” Division) of Police Scotland, which is responsible for day to day liaison with Celtic FC and the policing of fixtures at Celtic Park.\r\nThere was close liaison between “G” Division and Celtic FC in the build-up to this fixture. This involved information sharing and the provision of guidance to visiting supporters, including providing details of offences in the Netherlands and public safety advice. The information was also shared with Ajax and the police in Amsterdam.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T15:52:09.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289498,"EventID":"S4W-18215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-08T15:52:09.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T15:11:57.96","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it held prior to the recent Ajax v Celtic football match in Amsterdam to ensure the safety of travelling fans. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18213 on 29 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-22T15:52:09.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289500,"EventID":"S4F-01666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T13:03:56.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-07T14:51:00.297","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T13:03:57.317","MeetingDate":"2013-11-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289501,"EventID":"S4F-01667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T13:03:57.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T09:25:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Government and NHS are taking to increase awareness and understanding of HIV.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T13:03:57.613","MeetingDate":"2013-11-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289502,"EventID":"S4F-01670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T13:03:58.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T10:02:34.763","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T13:03:58.877","MeetingDate":"2013-11-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289503,"EventID":"S4F-01673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T13:04:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T10:48:49.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Government is taking to address the amount that the NHS spends on medical overtime.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T13:04:00.047","MeetingDate":"2013-11-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289504,"EventID":"S4F-01674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T13:04:00.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T11:06:01.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether he will provide an update on the Scottish Government's discussions regarding the future of the Clyde shipyards.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T13:04:00.733","MeetingDate":"2013-11-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289505,"EventID":"S4F-01683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T13:04:04.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T11:46:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the consequences are of his trip to China.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T13:04:04.117","MeetingDate":"2013-11-14T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289506,"EventID":"S4T-00507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T13:04:25.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T11:03:39.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the implications are of the common agricultural policy budget settlement in light of the UK Government's decision not to pass on the immediate uplift in Scotland’s budget allocation.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T13:04:25.797","MeetingDate":"2013-11-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289507,"EventID":"S4T-00508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T13:04:26.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T11:12:59.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it is providing to the Philippines through its International Development Fund following Typhoon Haiyan.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T13:04:26.08","MeetingDate":"2013-11-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289508,"EventID":"S4W-17984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T15:16:39.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-10-28T12:57:52.663","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many Scotland-based health researchers or methodologists the Chief Scientist Office has funded under the same or a similar scheme to the funding of 18 research professorships by the National Institute for Health Research.","AnswerText":"Scotland has a Senior Clinical Fellowships scheme open to doctors and dentists. It is funded by the Scottish Funding Council and the Universities of Aberdeen, Dundee, St Andrews, Edinburgh and Glasgow. The level of individuals awarded these fellowships would be broadly equivalent to those funded through the National Institute for Health Research scheme.\r\nIn total 18 fellowships have been awarded since 2009 and the chief scientist office provides a start-up grant to successful Fellows to the value of £75,000 to each fellow.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T15:16:41.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289509,"EventID":"S4W-18219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T15:16:42.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T17:45:08.85","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason its consolidated accounts for the year ended 31 March 2013 record a £5 million underspend in the Enterprise, Energy and Tourism portfolio \"as a result of lower than anticipated advances of grants\".\r\n","AnswerText":"Audit Scotland published a report on 12 September 2013, focusing on public sector action and investment in developing renewable energy. The report found that some renewable energy projects are progressing more slowly than anticipated, for reasons which include the current financial climate and uncertainty over reforms to UK energy policy. This has led to delays in spending some of the money available to initiate and support renewable energy projects.\r\nIn addition, in the case of support for community and locally owned renewable energy projects, the report also highlighted the fact that some successful applicants choose to delay claiming their loans to avoid paying interest over the entire length of the project development phase.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T15:16:42.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289510,"EventID":"S4W-18220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T15:16:42.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T17:45:08.85","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason its consolidated accounts for the year ended 31 March 2013 record a £10 million overspend on concessionary fares.\r\n","AnswerText":"The budget for Concessionary Fares and Bus Services in 2012-13 was £248.6 million. The largest elements of this were £187 million to reimburse bus operators for concessionary travel under the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled Persons and £53.8 million for support for bus services, including Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG). Smart ticketing projects, other concessionary travel schemes, staffing, IT and marketing costs make up the rest of the budget.\r\nClaims for reimbursement under the older and disabled persons concessionary travel scheme were capped at £187 million by the scheme regulations (The National Bus Travel Concession Scheme for Older and Disabled Persons (Scotland) Order 2006, S.S.I. 2006/107, as amended by the National Bus Travel Concession Scheme for Older and Disabled Persons (Scotland) Amendment Order 2010, S.S.I. 2010/140).\r\nDuring negotiations with the industry on reimbursement terms for April 2013 onwards, it was decided to provide an additional £10 million through BSOG in March 2013 as transitional relief to help bus operators adjust to new reimbursement rates.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T15:16:42.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289511,"EventID":"S4W-18221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T15:16:42.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T17:45:08.85","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it spent on the Get Ready for Work scheme in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"Skills Development Scotland (SDS) has operational responsibility for Get Ready for Work, with the programme funded from its core funding. Programme expenditure for 2012-13 is therefore recorded in the SDS Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2013, available at: \r\nhttp://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/media/897165/sds_group_accounts_year_ended_31_march_2013.pdf .\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T15:16:42.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289512,"EventID":"S4W-18222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T15:16:43.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T17:45:08.85","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason its consolidated accounts for the year ended 31 March 2013 record a £10 million underspend for the Get Ready for Work scheme. \r\n","AnswerText":"Whilst all targets were met on demand led employability schemes, timing issues meant that associated expenditure was less than anticipated in 2012-13. The level of investment is however being maintained by re-profiling existing education and lifelong learning resources.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T15:16:43.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289513,"EventID":"S4W-18223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T15:16:43.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T17:45:08.85","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many additional people could have received assistance from its Get Ready for Work scheme in 2012-13 if the scheme had received its full budget allocation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Whilst all targets were met on demand led employability schemes, timing issues meant that associated expenditure was less than anticipated in 2012-13. The level of investment is however being maintained by re-profiling existing education and lifelong learning resources.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T15:16:43.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289514,"EventID":"S4W-18224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T15:16:43.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T17:45:08.85","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it spent on the Climate Challenge Fund in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"A total of £5 million was spent of the Climate Challenge Fund in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T15:16:43.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289515,"EventID":"S4W-18225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T15:16:43.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T17:45:08.85","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason its consolidated accounts for the year ended 31 March 2013 record an £11 million underspend on the Climate Challenge Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The consolidated accounts for the year ending 30 March 2013 do not show an £11 million underspend on the Climate Challenge Fund (CCF).\r\nThe £11 million referred to is the underspend on the Climate Change - Level 2 line. This Climate Change - Level 2 line (£18 million) supports a number of actions to reduce emissions, of which the CCF is one. These are: \r\nThe Sustainable Action Fund, which comprises the Climate Challenge Fund, public bodies duties work and a range of behaviour change activity.\r\nThe Land Managers Renewables Fund, delivered as part of the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) and managed under the energy portfolio and support for climate change policy and implementation.\r\nUnderspend on this line is attributed to a number of factors:\r\nUnderspends have been recorded on the Sustainable Action Fund and Land Managers Renewable Fund (delivered through CARES). Both the CCF component of the Sustainable Action Fund, and CARES, are demand led schemes, and in the case of CCF, 2012-13 was also the first year of operation of a new three year scheme (now extended to four years). On CCF, prompted by slow take up which became evident in-year, comprehensive action has now been taken to refresh [1] the programme to ensure a pipeline of projects and to accelerate spend in future years. As I set out in the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee on 10 October 2013 we are now confident that the CCF budget is on track and will be well utilised in 2013-14.\r\nThe imperative to ensure high quality spend has been a particular challenge in behaviour change, which is an innovative area of work. In particular it proved difficult to stimulate projects of sufficient quality to ensure delivery of the desired policy outcomes within the financial year 2012-13. On behaviour change, it is anticipated that the recent publication of the Low Carbon Scotland Behaviours Framework and the Individual, Social and Material tool will help address this issue and ensure a pipeline of quality projects can be developed.\r\n[1] http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/11/climatechallenge27112012\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T15:16:44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289516,"EventID":"S4W-18227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T15:16:44.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T09:46:53.787","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the role of the civil air patrol service in carrying out extended searches and what discussions it has had with the service regarding its future role.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government values the contributions of volunteers, including Civil Air Patrol members to resilience and emergency response work, and has been in discussion with Civil Air Patrol, Police Scotland and the Civil Aviation Authority on this issue. The Scottish Government and Police Scotland have asked the Civil Aviation Authority to determine what measures can be taken to remove any existing regulatory barriers to Police Scotland tasking Civil Air Patrol to assist them with search operations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T15:16:44.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289517,"EventID":"S4W-18228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T15:16:44.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T09:46:53.787","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on Police Scotland’s decision to no longer use the civil air patrol service and what discussions it has had with Police Scotland regarding this.\r\n","AnswerText":"Tasking decisions on the use of particular assets are operational matters for Police Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government and Police Scotland have asked the Civil Aviation Authority to determine what measures can be taken to remove any existing regulatory barriers to Police Scotland working with the Civil Air Patrol service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T15:16:44.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289518,"EventID":"S4W-18231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T15:16:44.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T09:46:53.787","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the requirements for, and granting of, police air operator certificates, as set out in the Air Navigation Order 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"The requirements for and granting of police air operator certificates are matters for the Civil Aviation Authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T15:16:44.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289519,"EventID":"S4W-18239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T15:16:45.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T12:38:55.137","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will make a statement on recent progress made on the pilot of the ASSIST peer-education programme as part of its tobacco control strategy.","AnswerText":"We are at the early stages of scoping out this work and will be happy to provide updates as this progresses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T15:16:45.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289520,"EventID":"S4W-18240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T15:16:45.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T12:38:55.137","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it has allocated to pilot the ASSIST peer-education programme in schools as part of its tobacco control strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"As stated in our Tobacco Control Strategy, “Creating a Tobacco – Free Generation” we will use any funds recovered from the costs of legal challenges to invest in tobacco prevention programmes for young people, such as ASSIST.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T15:16:45.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289521,"EventID":"S4W-18241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T15:16:45.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T12:38:55.137","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the cost of rolling out the ASSIST peer-education programme to all secondary schools as part of its tobacco control strategy.","AnswerText":"The purpose of the pilot is to consider suitability of ASSIST for Scottish schools. We will of course consider costs as part of that work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T15:16:45.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289544,"EventID":"S4W-18216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T16:44:15.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-08T15:18:47.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which (a) newspapers and periodicals, (b) television stations and (c) journalists the First Minister gave personal interviews to during his recent visit to China; which are owned by or work for the Chinese state, and whether it will place (i) copies of the published interviews and (ii) digital copies and transcripts of the broadcasts in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe).\r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minister's trip to China and Hong Kong was a huge success, with the announcement of seven Sino-Scots partnerships worth £40 million, senior level meetings with major Chinese companies such as CNOOC and Sinopec and the delivery of two keynote speeches, one of which highlighted the forthcoming launch of the first Action Plan for Human Rights in Scotland and the responsibility of the international community to build a community in which all can flourish. His speech received praise from the Scottish Human Rights Commission.\r\nDuring the visit, as well as taking part in an innovation showcase and press conference for Beijing media, the First Minister undertook a series of one-to-one interviews to further promote Scotland as a key destination for investment, trade, education and tourism. Details of these interviews are as follows.\r\nBeijing:\r\nChina Central Television, journalist Martina Fuchs:\r\nhttp://english.cntv.cn/program/bizasia/20131105/104049.shtml\r\nPhoenix TV, journalist unknown: http://v.ifeng.com/news/finance/201311/0191ae04-febd-4618-88c3-25b37c294a17.shtml\r\nThe First Minister also spoke to a documentary crew from China Central Television for a film to be broadcast next year about the work of the China Friendship Association. A transcript of this interview has been placed in Spice with Bib number 55591.\r\nChina Central Television is the predominant broadcaster in mainland China and falls under the auspices of the Chinese State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.\r\nHong Kong:\r\nFinancial Times, journalist Demetri Sevastopulo:\r\nhttp://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/f886f646-46c7-11e3-9c1b-00144feabdc0.html\r\nCNBC Squawk Box, journalist Lisa Oake: http://www.cnbc.com/id/101177655\r\nSouth China Morning Post, journalist Kristine Kwok:\r\nhttp://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1350312/scotlands-leader-alex-salmond-seeks-better-ties-after-independence-vote\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T16:44:15.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289545,"EventID":"S4W-18242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T16:44:16.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T14:17:24.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it had discussions with the human rights charity, Reprieve, regarding its concerns about police torture in Dubai prior to the visit by the Minister for External Affairs and International Development.","AnswerText":"As human rights are an important focus for the Scottish Government, I received a briefing from Amnesty International on the situation in Qatar before I travelled to the region. I did not receive a briefing from, nor was I contacted by, Reprieve before my visit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T16:44:16.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289546,"EventID":"S4W-18243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T16:44:16.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T14:17:24.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to raise the case of the poet, Mohamed al-Ajami, during the Minister for External Affairs and International Development's visit to Qatar.  \r\n","AnswerText":"As stated in the Scottish Government’s International Framework we will raise human rights where and when appropriate. During my recent brief visit to Qatar I was able to raise issues relating to freedom of artistic expression and human rights.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T16:44:16.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289547,"EventID":"S4W-18244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T16:44:16.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T14:17:24.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14981 by Humza Yousaf on 31 May 2013, whether it has since taken steps to raise the issue of the poet, Mohamed al-Ajami, with the Qatari authorities.","AnswerText":"As stated in the Scottish Government’s International Framework we will raise human rights where and when appropriate. I raised issues relating to freedom of artistic expression and human rights during my recent brief visit to Qatar. No specific cases were mentioned on this occasion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T16:44:16.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289548,"EventID":"S4W-18246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T16:44:16.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T14:17:24.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Minister for External Affairs and International Development discussed (a) human rights or (b) participative democracy during his recent visit to the Gulf states.","AnswerText":"Yes, I spoke about human rights and participative democracy whilst on my recent visit to the Gulf, in line with the principles of the Scottish Government’s International Framework. I also took the opportunity to speak about participation relating to young people and women.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T16:44:17.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289549,"EventID":"S4W-18247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T16:44:17.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T14:17:24.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Minister for External Affairs and International Development discussed the postponement of planned elections during his recent visit to Qatar.\r\n","AnswerText":"During my recent visit to the Gulf region I spoke about human rights and participative democracy in line with the principles of the Scottish Government’s International Framework. The planned elections for the Consultative Assembly of Qatar were not discussed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T16:44:17.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289550,"EventID":"S4W-18248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T16:44:17.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T14:48:22.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will place copies of the minutes of all meetings of the educational psychologists' workforce planning group in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe).\r\n","AnswerText":"Should copies be requested then they would be issued.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T16:44:17.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289551,"EventID":"S4W-18249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T16:44:17.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T14:48:22.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there has been a reduction in the number of students training as educational psychologists in the last three years.","AnswerText":"There has been a slight reduction in the number of students training as educational psychologists in the last three years. Numbers are set out in the following table.\r\nYear\r\nDundee\r\nStrathclyde\r\n2011-12\r\n22\r\n22\r\n2012-13\r\n21\r\n22\r\n2013-14\r\n21\r\n17\r\n\r\nThe Scottish Government is working in partnership with the National Scottish Steering Group for Educational Psychologists to look at appropriate workforce planning at a national level.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T16:44:17.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289552,"EventID":"S4W-18250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T16:44:18.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T14:48:22.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to ensure a sustainable approach to the training of educational psychologists.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working in partnership with the National Scottish Steering Group for Educational Psychologists to look at appropriate workforce planning at a national level.\r\nThe group consists of representation from Association of Directors of Education Scotland, Scottish Division of Educational Psychology, Strathclyde University, Dundee University, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, Principal Educational Psychology, Educational Institute of Scotland, Education Scotland and relevant Scottish Government officials.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T16:44:18.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289553,"EventID":"S4W-18251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T16:44:18.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T14:48:22.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of recent changes to postgraduate funding of educational psychology courses on the number of educational psychology students.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working in partnership with the National Scottish Steering Group for Educational Psychologists to look at appropriate workforce planning at a national level. The impact of funding arrangements has been considered by the steering group. Applications for the postgraduate course are lower and there has been a small reduction in those starting the course. However, we do not yet know what impact this will have in future years. This will be monitored by the National Scottish Steering Group for Educational Psychologists.\r\nThe group consists of representation from Association of Directors of Education Scotland, Scottish Division of Educational Psychology, Strathclyde University, Dundee University, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, Principal Educational Psychology, Educational Institute of Scotland, Education Scotland and relevant Scottish Government officials.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T16:44:18.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289554,"EventID":"S4W-18252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T16:44:18.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T14:48:22.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what financial support in (a) loans and (b) bursaries is available for students studying a postgraduate course in educational psychology and how this compares with the support available in September 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government previously paid each student a bursary of £49,000 (£18,350 direct to universities for tuition fees and a bursary direct to students of £30,650) over two years.\r\nThe new agreed funding position with the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) is that students will be eligible to apply for a £3,400 Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan for each of the two years (which they won’t start repaying until they are in employment earning over the current £15,000 threshold).\r\nIn addition to this students may be eligible for a Professional and Career Development Loan (PCDL). A PCDL is a deferred payment bank loan to help pay for vocational training, leading to employment in the UK or the EU. The loan can cover up to two years of learning and can be between £300 - £10,000.\r\nAs part of the recent announcement made by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning to increase bursaries and living costs, Scottish domiciled postgraduate students undertaking eligible supported courses, which are in demand from employers, will be able to apply for a loan of up to £4,500 a year to help with living costs from 2015-16, this currently includes the two year Master of Science Degree in Educational Psychology.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T16:44:18.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289555,"EventID":"S4W-18254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T16:44:19.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T15:06:17.13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17973 by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 November 2013, what the value is of the Lot awarded to (a) TNT Post Scotland Ltd and (b) Royal Mail Group Ltd under the Postal Services Framework.\r\n","AnswerText":"Total spend within each Lot of the Postal Services framework, from 1 March 2012 (the day the framework commenced) to date is as follows:\r\nLot 1: Ad Hoc/Hybrid Mail - TNT Post\r\nFinancial Year\r\nSpend\r\n2011-12\r\n£1,358,064\r\n2012-13\r\n£14,592,891\r\n2013-14 (year to date)\r\n£7,861,649\r\nTotal\r\n£23,812,604\r\n\r\nLot 2: Planned Mail – Royal Mail\r\nFinancial Year\r\nSpend\r\n2011-12\r\n£0\r\n2012-13\r\n£211,974\r\n2013-14 (year to date)\r\n£465,316\r\nTotal\r\n£677,290\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T16:44:19.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289556,"EventID":"S4W-18280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-11T16:44:19.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T14:48:22.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment the educational psychologists' workforce planning group has made of recent changes to postgraduate funding for educational psychology and their impact on the training of educational psychologists.\r\n","AnswerText":"The initial assessment made to date of recent changes to postgraduate funding for educational psychology is the small reduction in numbers of students currently in training based on previous years. However, we do not yet know what impact this will have in future years. This will be monitored by the National Scottish Steering Group for Educational Psychologists (NSSGEP). The group have set four initial priorities to take forward as follows:\r\nIt is recommended that the NSSGEP should explore effective models for psychological service structures including necessary management structures to address the question of appropriate supply and demand of educational psychologists across Scotland.\r\nThe NSSGEP should explore viable funding routes for a national training model to ensure that the most cost-effective mechanism for funding training is in place alongside the fulfilment of all professional accreditation criteria.\r\nThe NSSGEP should gather data regarding job vacancies including national and localised shortages of educational psychologists, destinations of psychologists leaving the profession and maternity demographics annually to inform planning.\r\nThe NSSGEP should gather data regarding salaries and conditions of service in order to support equitable remuneration and conditions with the closest comparators\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-25T16:44:19.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289569,"EventID":"S4W-18257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:36.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T15:21:02.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is considering suspending the use of transvaginal mesh implants and what legal advice it has received in this regard.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is not considering suspending the use of transvaginal mesh implants. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:36.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289570,"EventID":"S4W-18258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:36.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T15:21:02.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the risk classification of transvaginal mesh implants has recently changed. \r\n","AnswerText":"There have been no recent changes to the risk classification of Transvaginal Mesh Implants.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:36.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289571,"EventID":"S4W-18260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:36.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T15:21:02.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what alternative treatments there are to transvaginal mesh implants in the treatment of (a) pelvic organ prolapse and (b) stress urinary incontinence.\r\n","AnswerText":"Alternative treatment options to transvaginal mesh implants for vaginal prolapse include pelvic floor exercises, changes to diet to reduce weight, eating a high-fibre diet with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, wholegrain bread and cereal, the use of vaginal pessaries or a range of surgical techniques.\r\nThere are a number of treatment options available for stress urinary incontinence. These include changes to diet to reduce weight and physiotherapy to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Surgical treatment is recommended only if conservative (non-surgical) management is ineffective. There are a number of surgical procedures for this condition.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:36.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289572,"EventID":"S4W-18261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:37.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T15:21:02.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether current procedures to remove transvaginal mesh implants are resulting in patients having to undergo multiple operations.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information requested is not held centrally. Information on the number of patients that have had to undergo multiple operations following a procedure to remove transvaginal mesh implants is not available as there are no specific clinical codes used to identify the removal of transvaginal implants.\r\nHowever, available data shows that between 2007-08 and 2012-13, 15 of the 101 patients who had a procedure involving the removal of unspecified prosthesis from organ or the removal of other unspecified repair material from organ, were involved in a subsequent procedure during the year following treatment which could be related to the original removal procedure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:37.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289573,"EventID":"S4W-18262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:37.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T15:21:02.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost is of each procedure to remove or partially remove a transvaginal mesh implant.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:37.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289574,"EventID":"S4W-18263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:37.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T15:21:02.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to using ultrasound as a treatment in the removal of transvaginal mesh implants.\r\n","AnswerText":"The consideration of clinical procedures including the use of ultrasound as a treatment in the removal of transvaginal mesh implants will be considered by the transvaginal mesh working group. This working group has been set-up to look in detail at issues surrounding transvaginal mesh implants. The next meeting of the working group will take place 13 December 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:37.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289575,"EventID":"S4W-18264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:37.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T15:21:02.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with manufacturers of transvaginal mesh implants regarding (a) the suspension of their use and (b) concerns about their impact on women's health. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Deputy Chief Medical Officer met with Mark Lloyd Davies, Senior Director, Johnson and Johnson, and a colleague from the Association of British Healthcare Industry on 16 July 2013 to hear views on research and medical device regulations. There was no discussion on the suspension of the use of transvaginal mesh implants. A research paper was provided on biocompatibility for information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:37.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289576,"EventID":"S4W-18265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:38.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T15:21:02.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency in relation to (a) the safety of  using and (b) suspending the use of transvaginal mesh implants in treating pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.","AnswerText":"The Deputy Chief Medical Officer and colleagues have participated in discussion with the Medical and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and other professional bodies on the reporting and use of the implant database. The professional bodies have agreed in principle to work together on reporting complications and outcomes. There have been no discussions on suspending the use of transvaginal mesh implants.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:38.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289577,"EventID":"S4W-18266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:38.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T15:21:02.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) recent discussions it has had with and (b) information it has received from the Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency regarding complications arising from the use of transvaginal mesh implants.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Deputy Chief Medical Officer and colleagues have recently participated in two telephone conferences and three review conversations with the Medical and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. These discussions focussed on medical device regulation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:38.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289578,"EventID":"S4W-18268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:38.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T15:21:02.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many doctors are trained to implant and remove transvaginal mesh products; who provided training; who paid for this; what level of training was provided, and for what duration.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:38.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289579,"EventID":"S4W-18270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:39.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T15:21:02.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many adverse reports it has received of women who received transvaginal mesh implants having been affected by other ailments as a consequence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has received a number of letters raising issues relating to transvaginal mesh implant surgery. Where concerns on potential adverse events have been raised, those raising the concerns have been asked to report these to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and NHS National Services Scotland’s Incident Reporting and Investigation Centre who have responsibility for incidents relating to medical devices.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:39.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289580,"EventID":"S4W-18271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:39.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T15:21:02.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-14623 by Alex Neil on 17 May 2013, whether it will provide an update on when an implant register will be in place.","AnswerText":"Discussion on an implant registry is on-going, and includes the British Society of Urogynaecology (BSUG), The British Association Urological Surgeons, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.\r\nThere is an existing BSUG database, currently being used by 20-30% of urogynaecologists, that may be adapted to record procedures, complications and some outcome data for specific urogynaecological procedures, including the urethral tape and vaginal mesh insertion procedures. A number of Scottish clinicians already contribute their data to the BSUG database and we will work with the Scottish Association of Medical Directors to identify the barriers to using the database amongst Scottish clinicians so that we can find ways of increasing uptake.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:39.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289581,"EventID":"S4W-18272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:39.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T15:21:02.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will compel doctors and consultants to report adverse incidents arising from transvaginal mesh implants.\r\n","AnswerText":"The reporting of adverse events is voluntary, although clinicians are encouraged to report incidents which is also a requirement set out in Good Medical Practice, guidance for Doctors from the General Medical Council. We will work with the Scottish Association of Medical Directors to identify barriers to reporting amongst Scottish clinicians so that we can find ways of increasing notification.\r\nAdverse incidents concerning medical devices in Scotland should be reported to the Incident Reporting and Investigation Centre at Health Facilities Scotland (HFS), which is part of NHS National Services Scotland, as well as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). HFS liaises closely with the MHRA, notifying it of each adverse incident reported in Scotland and the results of any investigation.\r\nIn September 2013, Healthcare Improvement Scotland published its document Learning from adverse events through reporting and review: a national framework for NHSScotland. The work on adverse events, commissioned by the Scottish Government, provides a framework to support NHS boards to standardise the processes of managing adverse events across NHSScotland. The framework aims to help ensure that there is a common approach to the identification, reporting and review of adverse events and the dissemination of best practice across the NHS in Scotland. It has been produced following consultation and engagement with NHS boards, clinicians, patients and a number of national organisations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:39.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289582,"EventID":"S4W-18273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:39.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T15:21:02.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many women have received transvaginal mesh implants in each year since the treatment was introduced.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of women who have received transvaginal mesh implants in NHSScotland hospitals are shown in the following table. Clinical coding for this type of procedure was introduced in 2006 and annual data is only available since \r\n2007-08.\r\nYear\r\nNumber of Procedures\r\n2007-08\r\n246\r\n2008-09\r\n356\r\n2009-10\r\n372\r\n2010-11\r\n403\r\n2011-12\r\n323\r\n2012-13\r\n241\r\nSource: NHS National Services Scotland Information Services Division.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:39.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289583,"EventID":"S4W-18274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:40.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T15:21:02.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many procedures have taken place to remove transvaginal mesh implants.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information requested is not held centrally. Information on the number of procedures undertaken to remove transvaginal mesh implants is not available as there is no specific clinical codes used for this type of procedure. However, the following table provides information on the number of procedures for unspecified removal of prosthesis from organ or the removal of other unspecified repair material from organ that may include removal of transvaginal mesh implants:\r\nYear\r\nNumber of Procedures\r\n2007-08\r\n14\r\n2008-09\r\n14\r\n2009-10\r\n21\r\n2010-11\r\n17\r\n2011-12\r\n22\r\n2012-13\r\n23\r\nSource: NHS National Services Scotland Information Services Division.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:40.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289584,"EventID":"S4W-18276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:40.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T15:21:02.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what treatments are available to remove transvaginal mesh implants.\r\n","AnswerText":"The treatments available to remove transvaginal mesh implants are surgical procedures. These procedures need to be considered on an individual basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:40.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289585,"EventID":"S4W-18277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:40.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T15:21:02.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what alternative treatments there are to removing transvaginal mesh implants for (a) pelvic organ prolapse and (b) stress urinary incontinence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The treatment options for the removal of transvaginal mesh implants should be viewed on an individual basis. The duty of care for offering the appropriate treatment lies with individual NHS boards, offered through their clinicians in consultation with patients.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:40.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289586,"EventID":"S4W-18278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:40.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T15:21:02.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman's ruling in 2009 on a patient given a transvaginal mesh implant without proper consent, what steps it has taken to ensure that people have been given enough information to enable them to give informed consent.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011 aims to improve patients experience of using health services and to support people to become more involved in their health and health care. The Act, which reinforces the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman’s recommendations, made provision for:\r\nHealth care Principles (included in http://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_07.pdf) that must be upheld by everyone involved in the delivery of NHS services in Scotland and this includes communication and patient participation;\r\nThe Charter of Patient Rights and Responsibilities explains the patient’s rights in relation to communication and participation. The supporting patient information leaflet on communication and participation is available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0040/00407729.pdf; \r\nInformation for staff on the Act developed by NHS Education Scotland is available at http://www.knowledge.scot.nhs.uk/making-a-difference/making-a-difference/patient-rights-scotland-act-2011.aspx.\r\nNHS boards provide information services, including directing patients to the leaflets of professional organisations such as The British Society of Urogynaecology and The British Association Urological Surgeons to provide the required information to make an informed consent.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:40.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289587,"EventID":"S4W-18279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:41.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T15:21:02.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what instructions it gave to NHS boards on the use of transvaginal mesh implants following the ruling by the Scottish Public Sector Ombudsman in 2009 relating to consent.\r\n","AnswerText":"No specific instruction was given to NHS boards on the use of transvaginal mesh implants. NHS boards have a duty of care towards their patients which includes providing appropriate information to allow informed consents to be made.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:41.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289588,"EventID":"S4W-18281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:41.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T17:58:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to make non-emergency calls from both landlines and mobiles to 101 numbers free of charge.\r\n","AnswerText":"The operation of the 101 emergency number is a matter for Police Scotland. \r\nHowever the Scottish Government has been made aware that the projected annual cost of running the 101 emergency number are in the region of £54,000.\r\n101 will replace all of the legacy telephone numbers and it is estimated that overall, the introduction of this single emergency number will be cost neutral.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:41.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289589,"EventID":"S4W-18282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:41.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T11:46:00.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what conditions people are routinely offered speech therapy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The purpose of a speech and language therapy service is to provide evidence-based services that anticipate and respond to the needs of individuals who may experience speech, language, communication or swallowing difficulties. The reasons for these difficulties will vary significantly and referral to speech and language therapy services will be when there is a clinical need identified and is not solely based on a specific diagnosis.\r\nConditions for which people are routinely offered speech and language therapy include, but are not restricted to, the following:\r\nAcquired Motor Speech Disorders\r\nAsphasia\r\nAutism Spectrum Disorder\r\nBrain Injury\r\nCerebral Palsy\r\nCleft Palate and Velopharyngeal Disorders\r\nDysfluency\r\nDyslexia\r\nDysphagia\r\nProgressive Neurological Conditions\r\nPrimary Speech/Language Disorder\r\nSpeech/Language Delay.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:41.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289590,"EventID":"S4W-18283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T13:55:41.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T11:46:00.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government to how many sessions of speech therapy stroke patients are entitled in each NHS board area and for how long.\r\n","AnswerText":"Treatment for people with speech and language therapy needs is determined by individual factors which will vary from person to person. The number and duration of interventions offered is therefore not set at a service level but by individual clinical need.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T13:55:41.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289591,"EventID":"S4W-18308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T15:50:04.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T15:40:18.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the study that it commissioned on geothermal energy.\r\n","AnswerText":"I am pleased to confirm that the Study into the potential for Deep Geothermal Energy in Scotland was published on 13 November 2013.\r\nThe results of this desk based study highlight that there may be significant potential for deep geothermal energy in Scotland to provide a renewable source of heat, particularly in utilising the thermal reservoirs in flooded abandoned mineworkings across the Midland Valley. This is very welcome news, showing that Scotland’s renewable energy potential could be even greater than we imagined. \r\nI recognise that further work needs to be done to fully understand the geothermal resource we have in Scotland, as well to clarify the legislative framework designed for purposes other than deep geothermal heat, learning from experience in Europe and further afield. A number of recommendations have been provided in the report that may assist in offering the necessary certainty to exploit our geothermal potential, and the Scottish Government will consider these recommendations carefully.\r\nWe would like to see geothermal energy play a significant role in our energy future. Over the next 18 months we will work with academics, engineers and industry in order to understand more about our geothermal resource in Scotland, and use this learning to help understand the development pathway of a geothermal industry in Scotland. The Scottish Government will work with this industry to ensure it is aligned with our aims on decarbonising heat and electricity supply at an affordable cost to consumers yet achieving the greatest possible economic benefit and competitive advantage for Scotland, including opportunities for community ownership and community benefits. Our vision for geothermal energy will develop as we work with these stakeholders.\r\nCopies of the report, volume 1 and volume 2 are available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. numbers 55379 and 55380).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T15:50:04.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289592,"EventID":"S4W-18285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T17:02:59.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T11:48:23.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how (a) much it costs and (b) long it takes for a fully qualified tradesperson to achieve PAS2030 certification. ","AnswerText":"(a) Costs are determined by the Certification Body. Prices may start at around £400-500. However it is a competitive market and costs may vary between Certification Bodies. Costs are also influenced by the following factors:\r\nThe size of the company;\r\nMeasures they wish to become certified for;\r\nExisting qualifications and competence of the operatives (certification requires operatives to have appropriate qualifications / competence but does not train or qualify people)\r\nWhat are the existing management systems in place, and what additional procedures/proves need to be developed; and\r\nAvailability of the Certification Body, e.g. how soon auditor is available to undertake the audit;\r\nSimilar factors \r\n(b) The timeline for a tradesperson to achieve certification also depends on the above mentioned factors, but in general terms it could take 6-8 weeks.\r\nMore information can be found on Green Deal Oversight and Registration Body (GDORB) website at the following link:\r\nhttp://gdorb.decc.gov.uk/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T17:02:59.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289593,"EventID":"S4W-18287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T17:03:00.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T11:48:23.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many companies are registered (a) green deal assessors, (b) green deal installers and (c) both.","AnswerText":"In the UK there are:\r\n(a) There are 305 Green Deal Assessor organisations.\r\n(b) There are 2,111 Green Deal Installers. \r\n(c) There are 56 organisation which are both Assessors and Installers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T17:03:00.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289594,"EventID":"S4W-18288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T17:03:00.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T11:48:23.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the requirements for PAS2030 certification differ from those for being gas safe approved.","AnswerText":"The Green Deal Oversight and Registration Body (GDORB) has been working very closely with the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), Gas Safe Register and other stakeholders to identify a solution that would recognise the existing qualifications and competencies of Gas Safe registered businesses.\r\nThe technical requirements for installers under the Green Deal are set out in the BSI standard PAS 2030. Following the initial gap analysis, it has been concluded that being Gas Safe registered alone is not sufficient to allow Gas Safe registered business to operate under the Green Deal and certification to PAS 2030 is required in addition to holding current certificates of competence and Gas Safe registration. In addition, the installers are required to sign up to the Green Deal Code of Practice, which sets out the obligations around the conduct of Green Deal participants, such as selling practices and contracting.\r\nAs the assessment by Green Deal Certification Bodies of companies installing gas measures will include an assessment of compliance with gas safety regulations, it has been agreed that Gas Safe registration for relevant types of work will be accepted as a method for demonstrating compliance with the gas safety elements of PAS 2030. However, the installation company will still be required to be approved and certified against PAS 2030 (in particular the quality management systems and installation processes requirements) by a Certification Body accredited by United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).\r\nFurther information can be found at:\r\nThe Green Deal - Gd Orb Announcement Regarding Green Deal Registration For Gas Safe Registered Businesses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T17:03:00.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289595,"EventID":"S4W-18289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T17:03:01.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T11:48:23.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what qualifications a green deal assessor is required to have.","AnswerText":"To become a Green Deal Assessor you must:\r\nBe certified by a Green Deal Certification Body against the Green Deal Assessor Specification\r\nComply with the Green Deal Code of Practice\r\nBe listed on the Green Deal Participant Register\r\nMore information on the qualification requirements for a Green Deal Assessor can be found on the UK Government website at the following link:\r\nhttp://gdorb.decc.gov.uk/assessors/become-a-green-deal-assessor.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T17:03:01.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289596,"EventID":"S4W-18290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T17:03:02.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T11:48:23.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the PAS2030 requirements are for a green deal installer.\r\n","AnswerText":"PAS 2031:2012 requires both the installation service process evaluation (desk based assessment) and installation service delivery evaluation (on-site assessment) to take place in order for an accredited Green Deal certificate to be issued to an applicant installer, in line with the requirements of BS EN 45011 standard.\r\nCertification requirements will vary depending on the applicants existing qualifications, experience and size of their organisation.\r\nFurther information on the PAS 2030 requirements for a Green Deal Installer can be found at the following link:\r\nhttp://gdorb.decc.gov.uk/installers/installer-guidance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T17:03:02.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289597,"EventID":"S4W-18291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T17:03:02.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T11:48:23.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what help is available to small businesses to enable them to achieve PAS2030 certification.","AnswerText":"There is no available funding for accreditation or certification. However, financial support is available to Scottish businesses through the Low Carbon Skills Fund managed by Skills Development Scotland. This fund has been established to enable employers to have access to funding to undertake training to support sustainable development and growth. This includes learning and training to improve resource and energy efficiency; to adopt innovate technologies or new sustainable practices and processes; and to identify new market opportunities.\r\nLCSF allows Scottish Businesses with up to 250 employees to apply for up to £12,500 towards employee training and can provide 50% of training costs (to a maximum of £500 per episode) for up to 25 episodes of training.\r\nLCSF has supported over 2,100 episodes of training since Oct 2010.\r\nhttp://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/our-services/low-carbon-skills-fund/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T17:03:02.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289598,"EventID":"S4W-18292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T17:03:03.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T12:25:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17994 by Keith Brown on 7 November 2013, for what reasons the adapted plans excluded the electrification of the Maryhill railway line.\r\n","AnswerText":"Electrification of the Maryhill railway line is not required to deliver the outputs of the initial phase of Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T17:03:03.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289599,"EventID":"S4W-18293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T17:03:04.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T12:25:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17994 by Keith Brown on 7 November 2013, for what reason the electrification of the Maryhill railway line was not subsequently included in the control period (CP) 5 proposals.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ministers’ High Level Output Specification for control period 5 (CP5) included a requirement for the rail industry to develop and deliver a rolling programme of electrification covering 100 single track kilometers per annum following the completion of the initial phase of Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme. In their strategic planning for CP5 the rail industry did not prioritise the route via Maryhill for delivery within the CP5 rolling programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T17:03:04.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289600,"EventID":"S4W-18294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T17:03:05.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T12:25:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17994 by Keith Brown on 7 November 2013, in what cost period the electrification of the Maryhill railway line will be included.\r\n","AnswerText":"This will be considered as part of the regulatory process for Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T17:03:05.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289601,"EventID":"S4W-18295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T17:03:06.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T12:25:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18000 by Keith Brown on 7 November 2013, when (a) it and (b) Transport Scotland last discussed with Strathclyde Passenger Transport the (i) future of the Maryhill railway line and (ii) Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme and control period (CP) 5 proposals and what the outcome was.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland officials met with SPT 1 November 2013 to discuss the (i) future of the Maryhill railway line and (ii) Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme and control period (CP) 5 proposals, with SPT being updated on current progress.\r\nTo re-iterate, the future of the Maryhill line is safe. We remain committed to Maryhill services using the direct route from Anniesland to Queen Street station.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T17:03:06.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289602,"EventID":"S4W-18297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T17:03:07.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T12:25:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions (a) it and (b) its agencies have had regarding the linking Maryhill and North Clyde railway lines.\r\n","AnswerText":"The issue of linking Maryhill and North Clyde railway lines was discussed at the meeting of 1 November between Transport Scotland and Strathclyde Passenger Transport officials.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T17:03:07.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289603,"EventID":"S4W-18298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T17:03:08.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T12:25:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17994 by Keith Brown on 7 November 2013,  what impact its proposals will have on the (a) frequency of trains, (b) level of service and (c) routes on the Maryhill railway line prior to electrification.\r\n","AnswerText":"There will be no impact on the current level of service provided on the Maryhill line.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T17:03:08.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289604,"EventID":"S4W-18299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T17:03:09.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T13:59:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the variation in funding for homeopathy services across NHS boards.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises that some complementary and alternative treatments may offer relief to some people living with a wide variety of long term conditions. It is for individual NHS boards to decide what alternative therapies they make available based on the needs of their resident populations, in line with national guidance. We expect boards to ensure that people receive the appropriate care that meets the totality of their needs and that this care is person-centred, safe and effective.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T17:03:09.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289605,"EventID":"S4W-18300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T17:03:10.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T13:59:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the NHS should provide funding for homeopathic services.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18299 on 26 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T17:03:10.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289606,"EventID":"S4W-18301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T17:03:11.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T15:05:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the protection of the route of the former railway line between Inverkeithing and Perth.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for this matter lies with the relevant planning authorities, namely Fife Council and Perth and Kinross Council, rather than the Scottish Government.\r\nScottish Planning Policy clearly states that disused railway lines with a reasonable prospect of being reused as rail, tram or active travel routes should be safeguarded in development plans.\r\nFollowing representations, and examination of the Perth and Kinross Council Local Development Plan, the Reporter has concluded that the Council’s development policy in respect of public access should be amended to refuse any development proposals that would have an adverse impact upon the integrity of any disused railway, unless adverse impacts are adequately addressed in the plans and suitable alternative provision is made.\r\nHowever, the Scottish Government has no plans or studies currently considering re-opening the former railway line between Inverkeithing and Perth.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T17:03:11.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289607,"EventID":"S4W-18302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T17:03:11.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T15:05:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the protection of routes of former railway lines across the country.\r\n","AnswerText":"The responsibility for protecting the historic alignment of former railway lines lies with relevant planning authorities.\r\nThe Scottish Planning policy states that disused railway lines with a reasonable prospect of being reused as rail, tram or active travel routes should be safeguarded in development plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T17:03:11.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289608,"EventID":"S4W-18303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T17:03:12.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T15:05:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with local authorities regarding the protection of routes of former railway lines.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is not aware of any discussions that have taken place with local authorities regarding the protection of routes of former railway lines.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T17:03:12.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289609,"EventID":"S4W-18304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T17:03:13.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T15:23:39.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is planning a promotional campaign for credit unions and, if so, what the nature of the campaign will be; what budget has been allocated; what organisations (a) it will consult and (b) will benefit, and which media outlets it will use.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government launched its ’12 days of Debtmas’ campaign on 18 November 2013. The aim of the campaign is to help alleviate debt by raising awareness of credit unions as one alternative to pay day loans in the run up to the festive period.\r\nThe campaign combines radio advertising with social media. A press campaign undertaken by the Daily Record also highlights the risk of pay day loans, including case studies of people affected by high interest lending, and promoting credit unions as ethical, sensible alternatives in the lead up to Christmas.\r\nThis campaign is part of the ‘Financial Health Service’ concept, much of which will be delivered through the Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Bill 2013. Credit unions, in addition to being one affordable alternative to loans which may be undertaken at greater risk, such as pay day loans, can have a wider role in promoting financial capability and encouraging people to save.\r\nDetails of the costs of the campaign will be published at the end of the financial year, alongside results of the campaign. This is primarily because we gain additional value from commercial partnerships and stakeholders, and public relations opportunities throughout the duration of the campaign. The campaign is a new initiative, requiring some investment, and assets will be used over coming years to deliver value for money longer term.\r\nThe Association of British Credit Unions were involved in the development of the campaign and are supportive of its aims. The campaign is not designed to benefit credit unions or any specific credit union and its aim is to promote understanding of what may be more affordable or ethical sources of credit. The people of Scotland will benefit through greater awareness of alternatives to high interest credit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T17:03:13.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289610,"EventID":"S4W-18309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T17:03:14.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T16:06:17.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to recruit GPs in remote and rural areas.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government continues to promote a range of initiatives to support GPs working in remote and rural areas. These include the Remote and Rural Fellowship Scheme for newly qualified GPs and the Remote and Rural Healthcare Educational Alliance.\r\nThe Scottish Government is also supporting NHS Highland to develop and test a range of innovative ways of delivering healthcare in rural areas of Scotland. This will involve exploring approaches to building sustainable health and care services with all key stakeholders including local communities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T17:03:14.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289611,"EventID":"S4W-18310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-12T17:03:15.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T16:06:17.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many GP vacancies there are in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally as this is a matter for individual GP contractors as employers. GP practices are mostly all independent contractors who are free to decide (within the context of the services they must provide under contract with boards) exactly how they set up their operations in terms of employing staff whilst how NHS boards organise the provision of GP services is an operational matter for the board to determine, based on an assessment of local needs.\r\nThe Primary Care Workforce Survey 2013, a survey of Scottish general practices and GP Out of Hours Services was published on 24 September 2013 and provides a “snapshot” of vacancies. The report is available on the Information Services Division (ISD) of National Services Scotland website at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/General-Practice/Publications/2013-09-24/2013-09-24-PCWS-Report.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-26T17:03:15.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289619,"EventID":"S4W-18336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T11:45:37.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T10:43:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, further to the answer to question S4W-17869 by Liam McArthur on 8 November 2013, whether notes or a record were taken of the oral legal advice and, if so, whether they will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"I can confirm to the Member that no notes or a record was taken of the oral legal advice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T11:45:38.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Liam McArthur","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289620,"EventID":"S4O-02592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:09.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T12:02:42.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether colleges offer courses in gamekeeping and countryside management that meet the demand for jobs across the sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:10.103","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289621,"EventID":"S4O-02593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:10.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T12:02:43.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action the education sector is taking to promote good health and help tackle health inequalities.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:10.493","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289622,"EventID":"S4O-02595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:10.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T11:06:34.173","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the reported concerns of teachers regarding their workload in relation to the new national exams.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:10.76","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289623,"EventID":"S4O-02596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:11.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T09:13:52.6","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met the board of Edinburgh College.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:11.15","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289624,"EventID":"S4O-02597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:11.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T10:28:34.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the effectiveness of the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:11.603","MeetingDate":"2013-11-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289625,"EventID":"S4O-02598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:11.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T12:02:45.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the effectiveness of the national 5 and higher mathematics unit assessments.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:11.883","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289626,"EventID":"S4O-02599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:12.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T12:02:45.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will introduce measures to prevent the promotion of creationism in schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:12.43","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289627,"EventID":"S4O-02600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:12.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T12:02:46.317","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is monitoring the regionalisation of colleges.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:12.943","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289628,"EventID":"S4O-02601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:13.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T12:02:46.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason there was a decrease in funding for the disabled students allowance in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:13.367","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289629,"EventID":"S4O-02602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:13.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T12:02:46.923","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it spent in 2012-13 on costs associated with PPP/PFI contracts for schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:13.63","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289630,"EventID":"S4O-02603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:13.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T16:13:51.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Scottish Qualifications Authority regarding the roll-out of the new national exams.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:13.863","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289631,"EventID":"S4O-02604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:14.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T12:02:47.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last discussed student numbers with Colleges Scotland and the Scottish Funding Council.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:14.113","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289632,"EventID":"S4O-02605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:14.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T11:14:56.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to align education and skills provision in the Highlands and Islands with the needs of local employers.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:14.333","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289633,"EventID":"S4O-02606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:14.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T11:06:31.957","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of Sir Ian Wood's recent report on developing Scotland's young workforce, what it is doing to support collaboration between schools and colleges.  \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:14.677","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289634,"EventID":"S4O-02607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:15.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T11:17:04.32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that universities and colleges meet the needs of disabled students.  \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:15.08","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289635,"EventID":"S4O-02608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:15.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T13:40:42.513","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what work it carries out to identify and support people with dyslexia.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:15.393","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289636,"EventID":"S4O-02609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:15.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T10:21:44.22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the interim report of the Commission for Developing Scotland's Young Workforce, what plans it has to pilot new pathfinder projects.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:15.643","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289637,"EventID":"S4O-02610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:15.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T12:02:49.467","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the rights of academics at universities to express their views on the constitutional debate.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:15.94","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289638,"EventID":"S4O-02611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:16.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T12:02:49.857","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how its play strategy supports the development of opportunities for disabled children.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s national Play Strategy sets out the Scottish Government’s vision for Scotland to be the best place to grow up. The vision aims to improve play experiences for all children.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:16.297","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289639,"EventID":"S4O-02612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:16.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T09:45:02.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Aberdeen City Council regarding transport issues.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:16.533","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289640,"EventID":"S4O-02613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:16.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T12:03:25.003","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to meet its obligations under the EU directive relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:16.89","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289641,"EventID":"S4O-02614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:17.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T11:19:18.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the remit is of the Minister for Town Centres.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:17.14","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289642,"EventID":"S4O-02615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:17.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T10:53:00.73","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will announce the next set of locations to receive superfast broadband.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:17.437","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289643,"EventID":"S4O-02616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:17.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T12:03:25.86","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with NHS Grampian regarding the provision of primary medical facilities for expanding communities in the north east.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:17.717","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289644,"EventID":"S4O-02617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:18.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T12:03:26.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on improving children’s dental health.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:18.107","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289645,"EventID":"S4O-02618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:18.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T12:03:26.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what trading and cooperation opportunities there are for Scotland arising from its participation in the recent Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:18.357","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289646,"EventID":"S4O-02619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:18.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T12:03:27.063","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Bill will contain mechanisms to ensure that the uptake of fair and ethically-traded goods and services through public procurement is monitored.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Model of Procurement is not just about cost and quality, but about the best balance of cost, quality and sustainability.\r\nThe Procurement Reform (Scotland) Bill will introduce a sustainable procurement duty, requiring public bodies to consider how they can improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of the area in which that body primarily exercises its functions and act with a view to securing such improvement. This duty can support public bodies in the uptake of fair and ethical traded products if consistent with their policies and relevant to the particular contract in question.\r\nThe Bill also requires public bodies to set out their approach to this duty through their published procurement strategy, which they are required to report against annually. As part of the wider work to embed sustainable procurement into policy strategy and systems, Scottish Government have offered to work with the Scottish Fair Trade Forum to promote fair and ethical trading.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:18.59","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289647,"EventID":"S4O-02620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:18.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T12:03:27.327","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the interim report by Sir Ian Wood on the oil and gas industry.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is fully supportive of the recommendations within Sir Ian Wood’s report. We believe that It is essential that the recommendations are implemented with speed, and that a shadow body be set up rather than await the outcome of primary legislation. This body should be financed solely by Industry, and should be located in Aberdeen\r\nSir Ian’s report estimates that the prize from increased and effective collaboration could be an additional 3-4 billion barrels of oil equivalent over 20 years, worth £200 billion. By addressing the challenges facing the industry and harnessing the opportunities, enormous benefits can be reaped by the industry and in tax revenues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:18.827","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289648,"EventID":"S4O-02621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T14:05:19.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-11T12:03:27.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Justice last met the chief executive of the Scottish Court Service and what was discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Secretary for Justice meets the chief executive of the Scottish Court Service regularly. The last formal meeting was on 2 October, when he was given an update on SCS plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T14:05:19.043","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289649,"EventID":"S4W-18311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:09.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T17:11:37.987","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how long it will take from application by local authorities to the issuing of orders decriminalising parking enforcement.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18312 on 25 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:09.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289650,"EventID":"S4W-18312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:09.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T17:11:37.987","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it can provide to local authorities planning for alternative delivery of the traffic warden provision in light of Police Scotland's decision to cease this function.","AnswerText":"On 22 November 2013 Transport Scotland hosted a workshop with local authorities to discuss the future delivery of parking enforcement. This set out a number of actions which included how best to compress the timescale for local authorities seeking to move towards decriminalised parking enforcement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:09.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289651,"EventID":"S4W-18313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:10.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T17:34:08.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many students from further education colleges have articulated into second or third year university courses in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The latest data on students in higher education institutions in Scotland are Higher Education Statistics Agency data for 2011-12.\r\nTable 1 shows the number of UK-domiciled students who have articulated from college into the second or third year of a first degree course at a Scottish higher education institution in each of the last five academic years for which data are available.\r\nTable 1 - UK-domiciled students entering first degree courses at the Scottish higher education institutions in the second or third year, 2007-08 to 2011-12\r\nArticulating from College\r\n2007-08\r\n1,375\r\n2008-09\r\n1,770\r\n2009-10\r\n2,335\r\n2010-11\r\n2,480\r\n2011-12\r\n2,935\r\nSource: Higher Education Statistics Agency.\r\nNotes: Data rounded to the nearest 5.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:10.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289652,"EventID":"S4W-18314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:10.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T17:35:41.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many disabled people have undertaken a modern apprenticeship in each year since 2005-06.","AnswerText":"The information you have requested is not held centrally. I will ask the chief executive of Skills Development Scotland to write to you on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:10.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289653,"EventID":"S4W-18315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:11.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T17:35:41.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of modern apprenticeships has been undertaken by disabled people in each year since 2005-06.","AnswerText":"The information you have requested is not held centrally. I will ask the chief executive of Skills Development Scotland to write to you on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:11.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289654,"EventID":"S4W-18316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:11.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T17:35:41.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) minimum, (b) maximum and (c) average duration of a level (i) 2 and (ii) 3 modern apprenticeship has been in each year since 2009-10.\r\n","AnswerText":"With the exception of the construction and engineering frameworks, modern apprenticeship frameworks in Scotland have no fixed duration. Rather, apprenticeships are undertaken at the pace of the learner. Employers and industry bodies in the construction and engineering sectors take the view that apprenticeships in these industries should take three and four years respectively to achieve competence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:11.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289655,"EventID":"S4W-18318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:12.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T17:38:36.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many pupils have studied for highers online in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nHeriot-Watt University provides interactive online learning resources for Scottish Qualifications Authority courses to Scottish secondary schools through the SCHOLAR programme. Currently, SCHOLAR offer provision at higher and advanced higher level covering science, technology, engineering and maths subjects, business subjects and languages, with Intermediate 2 resources for maths and mandarin. Each of the 32 local authorities in Scotland have now signed three year contracts with SCHOLAR from August 2013.\r\nAs announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 25 September 2013, the Scottish Government is funding the enhancement of SCHOLAR materials, in line with Curriculum for Excellence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:12.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289656,"EventID":"S4W-18319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:12.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T20:03:58.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many recipients in 2012-13 of (a) young student, (b) independent student, (c) study outside Scotland and (d) health directorate bursaries administered by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland were from households with an income (i) below £17,000 and (ii) between £17,000 and £36,000 in £1,000 increments.\r\n","AnswerText":"These details are attached in the following table:\r\n\r\nNumber of students receiving each bursary\r\nIncome band\r\nYSB\r\nISB\r\nSOSB\r\nSGHD\r\nIncome band\r\nYSB\r\nISB\r\nSOSB\r\nSGHD\r\n<17,000\r\n     17,815 \r\n     14,330 \r\n          860 \r\n                625 \r\n26001-27000\r\n          820 \r\n            75 \r\n            20 \r\n                  25 \r\n17001-18000\r\n       1,185 \r\n          180 \r\n            45 \r\n                  30 \r\n27001-28000\r\n          850 \r\n            55 \r\n            25 \r\n                  30 \r\n18001-19000\r\n       1,135 \r\n          130 \r\n            30 \r\n                  25 \r\n28001-29000\r\n          775 \r\n            40 \r\n            25 \r\n                  35 \r\n19001-20000\r\n       1,025 \r\n          110 \r\n            25 \r\n                  35 \r\n29001-30000\r\n          805 \r\n            45 \r\n            30 \r\n                  25 \r\n20001-21000\r\n       1,070 \r\n          115 \r\n            30 \r\n                  30 \r\n30001-31000\r\n          720 \r\n            35 \r\n            25 \r\n                  25 \r\n21001-22000\r\n       1,020 \r\n            95 \r\n            25 \r\n                  30 \r\n31001-32000\r\n          790 \r\n            30 \r\n            25 \r\n                  25 \r\n\r\n22001-23000\r\n          930 \r\n          100 \r\n            45 \r\n                  25 \r\n32001-33000\r\n          695 \r\n            20 \r\n            20 \r\n                  20 \r\n\r\n23001-24000\r\n          855 \r\n            75 \r\n            40 \r\n                  20 \r\n33001-34000\r\n          575 \r\n            30 \r\n            15 \r\n                  20 \r\n\r\n24001-25000\r\n          860 \r\n            85 \r\n            35 \r\n                  25 \r\n34001-35000\r\n          175 \r\n               5 \r\n               5 \r\n                  25 \r\n\r\n25001-26000\r\n          830 \r\n            70 \r\n            30 \r\n                  15 \r\n35001-36000\r\n            30 \r\n <5 \r\n\r\n      <5 \r\n                  20 \r\n\r\n(Source: The Students Awards Agency for Scotland)\r\nYSB-Young Students’ Bursary\r\nISB-Independent Students’ Bursary\r\nSOSB-Students’ Outside Scotland Bursary\r\nSGHD-Health Directorate Bursaries\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:12.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289657,"EventID":"S4W-18320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:12.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T20:03:58.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many full-time Scotland-domiciled undergraduate students receiving support from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland in 2012-13 were from households with an income (a) between £36,000 and £62,000 in £1,000 increments and (b) over £62,000, which was not declared.\r\n","AnswerText":"The attached table shows the number of full time Scottish domiciled undergraduate students receiving support in 2012-13 by household income. The Student Awards Agency for Scotland do not hold information on students with no income. As students do not have to declare income on their application form there is no information available on undeclared income:\r\nIncome band\r\nNumber of students receiving support\r\nIncome Band\r\nNumber of students receiving support\r\n< 17000\r\n20,965\r\n39001-40000\r\n755\r\n17001-18000\r\n1,560\r\n40001-41000\r\n705\r\n18001-19000\r\n1,445\r\n41001-42000\r\n680\r\n19001-20000\r\n1,3053\r\n42001-43000\r\n660\r\n20001-21000\r\n1,325\r\n43001-44000\r\n670\r\n21001-22000\r\n1,285\r\n44001-45000\r\n565\r\n22001-23000\r\n1,185\r\n45001-46000\r\n595\r\n23001-24000\r\n1,075\r\n46001-47000\r\n620\r\n24001-25000\r\n1,100\r\n47001-48000\r\n530\r\n25001-26000\r\n1,050\r\n48001-49000\r\n545\r\n26001-27000\r\n1,030\r\n49001-50000\r\n535\r\n27001-28000\r\n1,090\r\n50001-51000\r\n535\r\n28001-29000\r\n975\r\n51001-52000\r\n540\r\n29001-30000\r\n1,045\r\n52001-53000\r\n500\r\n30001-31000\r\n910\r\n53001-54000\r\n455\r\n31000-32000\r\n1,030\r\n54001-55000\r\n465\r\n32001-33000\r\n935\r\n55001-56000\r\n430\r\n33001-34000\r\n855\r\n56001-57000\r\n390\r\n34001-35000\r\n935\r\n57001-58000\r\n380\r\n35001-36000\r\n780\r\n58001-59000\r\n330\r\n36001-37000\r\n785\r\n59001-60000\r\n315\r\n37001-38000\r\n695\r\n60001-61000\r\n310\r\n38001-39000\r\n695\r\n61001-62000\r\n310\r\n\r\n\r\n> 62000\r\n4,930\r\nsource: The Students Awards Agency for Scotland\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:12.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289658,"EventID":"S4W-18321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:13.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T20:03:58.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any full-time Scotland-domiciled undergraduate students studying in the UK with a declared household income under £35,000 and receiving support from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland in 2012-13 were not in receipt of any income-assessed bursary and, if so, how many and for what reason they did not receive a bursary.","AnswerText":"In 2012-13 there were 4,376 students not in receipt of a bursary in the household income brackets of £0 - £35,000. The main reason for this is due to previous study rules. Students who may have been repeating a year on academic grounds and those that were undertaking second degrees were not eligible for bursary or tuition fee support. However, they could apply for student loans so provided their household income details to SAAS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:13.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289659,"EventID":"S4W-18322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:13.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T20:03:58.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many full-time Scotland-domiciled undergraduate students studying in Scotland in 2012-13 and supported by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland were classified as independent for the purposes of assessing household income but were eligible for a young student bursary, and which groups of students fell into this category.","AnswerText":"In 2012-13, some categories of independent student were eligible to receive a young student bursary. These were:\r\nstudents under 25 with a child;\r\nstudents permanently estranged from their parents;\r\nstudents who turn 25 during their course;\r\nyoung students who married or moved in with a partner during their course;\r\nyoung orphaned students.\r\nIt is not possible to identify the number of students that fall into all these categories.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:13.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289660,"EventID":"S4W-18323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:13.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T20:13:08.93","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the Student Awards Agency Scotland spent through disabled students allowance in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13 on travel costs and how much of this would previously have been met through the separate grant for travel expenses.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Students Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) spent £573,852 on travel costs through Disabled Students Allowance in 2012-13. This represents 194 students. SAAS do not hold the equivalent information for 2011-12 and it is not possible, from the information held, to identify how much of this would previously have been met through the travel expenses grant.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:13.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289661,"EventID":"S4W-18324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:13.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T20:13:08.93","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people claimed disabled students allowance in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13 for travel costs only.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Students Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) paid Disabled Students Allowance for travel costs only to 16 students in 2012-13. SAAS do not hold this information for 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:13.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289662,"EventID":"S4W-18325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:14.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T20:14:46.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many claims there have been for disabled students allowance in each year since 2000-01 and what its position is on the reasons for changes in the pattern of uptake.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of claims for DSA in each academic year since 2001-02 are as follows:\r\nYear\r\nNumber of Students claiming DSA\r\n2001-02\r\n1,645\r\n2002-03\r\n2,040\r\n2003-04\r\n2,410\r\n2004-05\r\n2,775\r\n2005-06\r\n3,165\r\n2006-07\r\n3,385\r\n2007-08\r\n3,625\r\n2008-09\r\n4,065\r\n2009-10\r\n4,275\r\n2010-11\r\n4,435\r\n2011-12\r\n4,495\r\n2012-13\r\n4,045\r\nSource: Higher Education Student Support in Scotland 2010-11; Higher Education Student Support in Scotland 2012-13, Scottish Government\r\nDisabled Students Allowance is paid out in response to demand so claims are only made by students where there are justified needs, and those needs are not already being met by the student’s own equipment or institutional support. Initial discussions with the Disabled Student Advisers Group have suggested that the reduction in the number of claimants between 2011-12 and 2012-13 may be due to institutions being in a better state of readiness in terms of the reasonable adjustments expected of them by the Equality Act, along with technological improvements which mean that the functionality of equipment being used by students today lends itself much more easily to supporting those students with disabilities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:14.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289663,"EventID":"S4W-18326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:14.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T20:16:18.65","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its plans to reform disabled students allowance.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government launched a consultation on the Review of Disabled Students’ Allowance which closed on 30 September 2013. It is currently considering the responses and will publish its response imminently.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:14.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289664,"EventID":"S4W-18327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:15.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T20:23:20.357","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what basis it entitled its news release of 1 November 2013 on college mergers College mergers will boost employment.","AnswerText":"The release makes clear the new colleges are of considerable scale and ambition, responsible for meeting the needs of learners and employers in their region. We expect regional curricula to align to industry needs and to provide enhanced opportunities for learners to develop the skills employers need.\r\nThat, in turn, will improve productivity, support growth and boost employment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:15.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289665,"EventID":"S4W-18328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:15.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T20:45:08.41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the Student Awards Agency for Scotland per capita tuition fee payment for degree-level study has been in each year from 2002-03 and will be in 2013-14.","AnswerText":"The average tuition fee payment per year can be found at Table 1 of The Statistics Publication Notice Higher Education Student Support in Scotland 2012-13. Table 1 can be accessed at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/10/1120/6.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:15.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289666,"EventID":"S4W-18329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:15.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T20:45:08.41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the Student Awards Agency for Scotland per capita tuition fee payment for degree-level study will be in 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerText":"The tuition fee level for 2014-15 has yet to be agreed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:15.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289667,"EventID":"S4W-18330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:15.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T20:45:08.41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assumptions were made regarding all tuition fee support in (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 in the \"Student support and tuition fee payments\" line in Table 5.07 of the draft Scottish budget 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"The budget assumes that the student population is maintained at current levels.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:15.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289668,"EventID":"S4W-18331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:16.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T20:45:08.41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assumptions were made regarding the total value of full-time undergraduate tuition fee support in (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 in the \"Student support and tuition fee payments\" line in Table 5.07 of the draft Scottish budget 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18330 on 28 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:16.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289669,"EventID":"S4W-18332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:16.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T20:45:08.41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assumptions were made regarding the total value of (a) bursaries and (b) all other non-repayable grants in (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15 in the \"Student support and tuition fee payments\" line in Table 5.07 of the draft Scottish budget 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18330 on 28 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:16.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289670,"EventID":"S4W-18333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:16.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-12T20:45:08.41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assumptions were made regarding the percentage take-up of student loans in (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15 in the \"Net Student Loans Advanced\" line in Table 5.07 of the draft Scottish budget 2013-14 and on what basis.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18330 on 28 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:16.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289671,"EventID":"S4W-18334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:16.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T10:15:16.327","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what safeguards are in place to ensure that the so-called independence packs compiled by Education Scotland will not lead to the politicisation of the classroom.\r\n","AnswerText":"Education Scotland is not producing packs on the referendum to be sent to schools. Education Scotland is producing resources to assist practitioners in the teaching of political literacy. Learning about political literacy is an entitlement for children and young people. Curriculum for Excellence briefing paper 14 explains that successful learners should be able to make reasoned evaluations. Confident individuals need to develop and communicate their own beliefs and views of the world. Responsible citizens should be able to make informed choices and decisions, whilst effective contributors will apply critical thinking in new contexts.\r\nThe briefing paper describes a number of activities which would support the teaching of political literacy, including discussions and debates. Examples of good practice in these and other areas are available on the political literacy section of the Education Scotland website to support practitioners in their delivery.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:16.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289672,"EventID":"S4W-18335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:17.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T10:23:08.44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many pupils have studied Mandarin in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"We do not have data to show how many pupils have studied Mandarin in each of the last few years due to the huge variety in the forms of study of Mandarin from taster and cultural classes to courses aimed at pupils sitting national qualifications. However, data for national qualifications show an increasing trend in popularity. The Scottish Qualifications Authority data for Chinese language entries to qualifications for all Scottish publicly funded schools (where a result or certificate was achieved) shows entries of 14 in 2008-09, 145 in 2009-10, 137 in 2010-11, 200 in 2011-12 and 224 in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:17.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289673,"EventID":"S4W-18337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:17.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T10:54:07.67","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the value of is of the contracts that it has awarded to (a) Atos, (b) G4S, (c) Serco and (d) Capita in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details are as follows:\r\n(a) Atos\r\nThe Scottish Government has awarded the following contracts to Atos since 2007:\r\nOccupational Health Services (awarded in December 2012): Scottish Government spend to date: £35,135.\r\nProvision of an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and Welfare Services (awarded in November 2012): Scottish Government spend to date: £34,033.\r\n(b) G4S\r\nThe Scottish Government has awarded the following contracts to G4S since 2007:\r\nContract for the Electronic Monitoring of Offenders (awarded in April 2013); contract value: £12,124,081.\r\nContract for an Escorting Service for Children and Young People sentenced to detention through the courts (awarded in January 2012); contract value: £398,130.\r\n(c) Serco\r\nThe Scottish Government has awarded the following contracts to Serco since 2007:\r\nContract for the provision of Cleaning Services (awarded in November 2008); contract value: £1.3 million.\r\nContract for the provision of “Know The Score & Drinkline Scotland Helplines” (awarded in November 2012); contract value: £53,976.\r\n(d) Capita\r\nThe Scottish Government has awarded the following contracts to Capita since 2007:\r\nFramework for Assessment Centres and Related Services (awarded in December 2008 and expired November 2013): contract value £1,939,646.\r\nFramework for Assessment Centres and Related Services (awarded in November 2013): This framework is open to core Scottish Government only. Note this is a new framework and there have been no call-off contracts to date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:17.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289674,"EventID":"S4W-18350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T13:53:17.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T12:35:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport will meet Sri Lankan Government ministers or officials during her visit to that country.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport attended a number of meetings and events in Sri Lanka organised as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. During her visit she briefed the Sri Lankan Sports Minister about Scotland and Glasgow’s preparations for hosting the games. Ms Robison also had a short impromptu meeting with the Sri Lankan Minister for Investment in the margins of the Commonwealth Business Forum where they discussed the activities of Scottish higher education institutions in Sri Lanka and opportunities in the renewables sector.\r\nThroughout her visit Ms Robison emphasised that Glasgow 2014 is being delivered in line with Commonwealth Games values. In her speech at a sports breakfast hosted by the Commonwealth Games Federation on 16 November 2013, the minister made clear that the Commonwealth Games values of humanity, equality and destiny are universal, cherished in Scotland, and that the Scottish Government expects all participating nations to reflect on these essential rights and values as they prepare to compete in the Glasgow Games.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T13:53:17.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289686,"EventID":"S4W-18354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T15:06:34.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T15:02:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Registrar General will publish the next part of the second tranche of results from the 2011 Census and what topics will be included.","AnswerText":"National Records of Scotland has today published Scotland’s Census 2011: Release 2B. (Laying number: SG/2013/240). This report presents the second part of the second release of results from the 2011 Census in Scotland, which was held on 27 March 2011. Release 2B consists of the Key and Quick Statistics tables for the following topics: \r\nEducation \r\nLabour Market\r\nStatistics relating to these topics are presented at 16 levels of geography, including Scottish Parliamentary Constituencies, from national level right down to output area.\r\nA copy of the report is available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre, or from the Scotland’s Census website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T15:06:34.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289687,"EventID":"S4W-18351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T16:42:39.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T12:35:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport will raise human rights issues during her visit to Sri Lanka.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18350 on 26 November 2013.\r\nThe Scottish Government condemns human rights abuses wherever they occur. The Scottish Government uses its international engagement activity to help increase respect for, and understanding of human rights, and is committed to raising concern if and where appropriate and in a diplomatic and culturally sensitive manner.\r\nThe minister was briefed by Amnesty International in advance of her visit and will have a follow up meeting in the coming weeks.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T16:42:39.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289688,"EventID":"S4W-18352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T16:42:39.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T13:37:46.107","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much Cycling Walking and Safer Streets funding it allocated to each local authority in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"This information is already in the public domain in Local Government Finance Circular No. 1/2012 Annex O, published on 9 February 2012 and available on the Scottish Government Website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0039/00390674.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T16:42:39.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289689,"EventID":"S4W-18353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-13T16:42:39.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T13:45:39.987","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will engage with (a) farmers, (b) landowners and (c) homeowners regarding proposed routes for the dualled A96.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland are hosting public exhibitions at nine venues along the A96 between 12 and 29 November allowing landowners, householders, farmers and communities the opportunity view and comment on the early stages of the design work on the Scottish Government’s ambitious plans to dual the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen by 2030. The exhibitions also invite the public to comment on the route options under consideration for the section of the A96 between Inverness and Nairn, including a Nairn Bypass.\r\nThe work to dual the A96 will include a rolling programme of regular engagement with stakeholders, starting with these exhibitions. All landowners whose land may be directly affected by the various options under consideration for the Inverness to Nairn, including Nairn Bypass, section were advised in writing of the public exhibitions. Further engagement with landowners on this section of the A96 will be undertaken once a preferred route has been identified.\r\nAll of the materials on display at the exhibitions, including a feedback form, are available online at Transport Scotland’s website:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/a96dualling.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-27T16:42:39.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289700,"EventID":"S4W-18338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-14T14:01:51.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T11:33:55.247","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it gave to children’s rights in drawing up the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill provides the framework for the integration of adult health and social care. The Bill provides for the inclusion of other services such as children’s health and social care services, where health boards and local authorities agree to do so. Should local authorities and health boards decide to delegate children’s health and social care services in their integrated arrangements, then the duties and requirements of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill will apply. The Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill will make an explicit duty on Scottish Ministers to consider and report on children’s rights and proposes introducing a number of measures to strengthen policy and practice in relation to children's rights. It places a duty on both local authorities and health boards, amongst others, to report on what they are doing to further children's rights within their areas of responsibility.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-28T14:01:51.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289701,"EventID":"S4W-18339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-14T14:01:52.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T11:33:55.247","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to how children’s services would interact with the new structures proposed in the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill provides a framework for the integration of health and social care services specifically, whilst the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill requires planning for children’s services across the whole range of public bodies. The Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill will only require the integration of adult health and social care services. Should local authorities and health boards decide to include children’s health and social care services in their integrated arrangements, the planning requirements of the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill will feed into developing the plans required of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-28T14:01:52.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289702,"EventID":"S4W-18340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-14T14:01:52.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T11:33:55.247","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to the implications of any interaction between the children’s services planning processes proposed in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill and the integration planning and functions proposed in the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"The relationship between children’s services planning (as set out in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill) and integrated partnership arrangements (as set out in the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill) would be complementary. The children’s services planning duties will provide a mechanism for different partners in public service delivery to come together to plan effective coordinated provision of services supporting the wellbeing of children. Integrated partnership arrangements, where the health board and local authority agree to include health and social care services for children, would be partners in the process of children’s services planning. The Scottish Government is working to ensure that partnership arrangements will fit with any national expectations on children’s services plans, to be set out in national guidance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-28T14:01:52.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289703,"EventID":"S4W-18341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-14T14:01:53.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T11:33:55.247","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to the implications of any interaction between the children’s services planning processes proposed in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill and the provisions in the (a) Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013 and (b) proposed Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill.","AnswerText":"The delivery of health services to children and young people will be a key element in the development of children’s services plans, which is why health boards will have joint responsibility for children’s services plans. The Scottish Government’s national self-directed support strategy and the accompanying draft statutory guidance – makes clear that health services need to be an integral part of the overall effort to increase self-directed support.\r\nAt the same time, Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs) are expected to develop and deliver shared strategic plans for improving outcomes on priorities that are based on the needs of their communities, including children and young people. Our proposals for the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Bill will put CPPs and their responsibilities on a statutory basis for the first time, and will place new duties on partner bodies, including local authorities and health boards, so that CPPs can fulfil their responsibilities. The proposed children's services plans will set out more detailed arrangements on how CPP priorities can be achieved with respect to the provision of services with a significant impact on the wellbeing of children in each local authority area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-28T14:01:53.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289704,"EventID":"S4W-18343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-14T14:01:53.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T11:35:57.107","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it (a) will provide an update on the implementation of the community nursing workload measurement tool and (b) can provide information on what the average caseload is for health visitors dealing with 0 to 5-year-olds.","AnswerText":"All NHS boards have been mandated to use the nursing and midwifery workload and workforce planning tools to inform nursing and midwifery workforce planning. The community nursing workload assessment tool became available for use by NHS boards in May 2012. It is for NHS boards to decide when to apply the tools according to their local processes and to decide how and when to implement the outputs of the tools. NHS boards will be expected to provide information on how it has applied the tools in its local delivery plan.\r\nData on the average caseload of health visitors is not held centrally. Work is currently being undertaken by the Children, Young People and Families Nursing Advisory Group to review Scotland’s health visiting capacity. This group will develop a weighting tool to provide NHS boards with guidance on numbers of health visitors and optimal caseload size.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-28T14:01:53.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289705,"EventID":"S4W-18355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-14T14:01:53.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T15:13:30.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many (a) primary and (b) secondary schools have achieved a UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Award and what percentage of such schools this represents.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold any information on how many schools achieve a UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Award as this is a UNICEF led programme. The Scottish Government is working with Education Scotland on developing a professional development resource to raise awareness of Children’s Rights entitled ‘Recognising and Realising Children’s Rights’ which will be available to all schools. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-28T14:01:53.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289706,"EventID":"S4W-18357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-14T14:01:53.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T09:03:54.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18076 by Keith Brown on 13 November 2013, whether it has conducted an economic impact assessment of the impact of trunk road closures on tourism and other business in the Highlands and Islands and, if not, whether it will do so.\r\n","AnswerText":"Trunk road closures for serious accidents are a matter for Police Scotland. The trunk road operating companies make every effort to minimise the resulting disruption by implementing diversion routes and Traffic Scotland provides up to date traffic and travel information on the closures across a wide range of media.\r\nWe have not conducted an economic impact assessment of the impact of trunk road closures on tourism and other business in the Highlands and Islands, nor do we have any such plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-28T14:01:53.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289707,"EventID":"S4W-18364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-14T14:01:54.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T13:13:10.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Scottish Qualifications Authority regarding introducing a learning scheme similar to that offered by the Nisai Virtual Academy in England.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not had discussions with the Scottish Qualifications Authority on this issue. Scottish Government officials met with Nisai academy representatives and provided information on the steps Nisai may wish to consider if they were to develop their business in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-28T14:01:54.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289708,"EventID":"S4W-18363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-14T17:10:12.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T12:31:26.13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Inverness will be considered as the location of the proposed Scottish Fire and Rescue Service headquarters.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Board of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-28T17:10:12.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289709,"EventID":"S4W-18365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-14T17:10:13.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T14:19:26.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has produced a maritime strategy similar to that of the Norwegian Government.","AnswerText":"No. Planning for Maritime activities is currently covered in the National Marine Plan and National Planning Framework, both consulted upon earlier this year. Planning for our lifeline ferry services is covered in the Ferries Plan published in 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-28T17:10:13.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289710,"EventID":"S4W-18366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-14T17:10:13.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T14:19:26.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to help Scotland's shipbuilders diversify.","AnswerText":"We must explore an alternative and better future for our shipyards. Naval procurement will continue to be a key part of that, but even within that we must look at what we can do to boost exports, and to use the capabilities of the Clyde workforce to seek out new opportunities: independence will bring such new opportunities.\r\nWe will seek to maximise the economic impact of Scotland’s defence requirements where possible and support our defence industry to compete successfully for contracts in both domestic and export markets. Proposals for the defence capabilities we require were set out in the White Paper on 26 November 2013, along with the procurement implications of these.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-28T17:10:13.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289711,"EventID":"S4W-18367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-14T17:10:13.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T15:33:40.637","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a secure payments service in all prisons.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n‘The Scottish Prison Service is considering the provision of a secure payments service across the SPS as part of a wider prisoner technology project.\r\nThere are a number of options available that require detailed analysis and this is underway.\r\nAny future system procurement approach will be taken forward within the Scottish Government's procurement guidelines. Our expectation is that the review, analysis and any subsequent system adoption may take in the region of 18 months to complete.’\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-11-28T17:10:13.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289723,"EventID":"S4W-18368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T13:54:51.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T16:00:06.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17874 by Fiona Hyslop on 13 November 2013, whether its policy is to keep details of the meetings between the Minister for External Affairs and International Development and the governments of other countries out of the public domain.\r\n","AnswerText":"No. The Scottish Government publishes information on ministerial engagements and meetings periodically at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/14944/Events-Engagements/MinisterialEngagements\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T13:54:52.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289724,"EventID":"S4W-18369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T13:54:53.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T16:00:06.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17874 by Fiona Hyslop on 13 November 2013, whether it issued a statement (a) prior to or (b) following the Minister for External Affairs and International Development's meetings with representatives of the government of (i) Syria, (ii) Egypt and (iii) Turkey and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Minister for External Affairs and International Development met with neither representatives of the Syrian nor Egyptian governments. He did meet with the Turkish Ambassador on 31 October 2013 and Mr Walid Saffour, Ambassador of National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces. I should explain the Syrian National Coalition is recognised as the sole legitimate representative of the Syrian people as it is an inclusive body and as such it provides the best opportunity to secure a peaceful transition of power.\r\nMeetings with representatives of overseas governments are a regular part of ministers work. When appropriate the Scottish Government will issue a statement after a meeting because we may wish to convey our position on a particular issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T13:54:53.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289725,"EventID":"S4W-18370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T13:54:53.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T16:00:06.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17874 by Fiona Hyslop on 13 November 2013, for which meetings it issued a public statement (a) acknowledging that a meeting had taken place and (b) providing details of the topics discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18369 on 3 December 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T13:54:53.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289726,"EventID":"S4W-18371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T13:54:53.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T16:00:06.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17874 by Fiona Hyslop on 13 November 2013, what geographical or political entity it is referring to as \"Kurdistan\".\r\n","AnswerText":"The Minister for External Affairs and International Development met with representatives of the Kurdistan Regional Government within Iraq.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T13:54:53.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289727,"EventID":"S4W-18372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T13:54:54.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T16:00:06.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17874 by Fiona Hyslop on 13 November 2013, whether it has a policy position on Kurdistani statehood and whether it discussed the matter with (a) the government of Turkey at the meeting on 31 October 2013 and (b) representatives of Kurdistan on 12 June 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not have a position on Kurdistani statehood and the issue was not discussed at either meeting.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T13:54:54.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289728,"EventID":"S4W-18373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T13:54:54.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T16:00:06.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17874 by Fiona Hyslop on 13 November 2013, what matters the Minister for External Affairs and International Development discussed with representatives of the government of Syria at the meeting on (a) 16 May 2013 and (b) 9 September 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Minister for External Affairs and International Development has met with Mr Walid Saffour, Ambassador of National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, and members of the Scottish Syrian community respectively on these occasions. The Syrian National Coalition is recognised as the sole legitimate representation of the Syrian people as it is an inclusive body and as such it provides the best opportunity to secure a peaceful transition of power. They discussed the deepening political and humanitarian crisis in Syria, and the effects on the Syrian diaspora and the Scottish Government’s pledge of £200,000 to the DEC appeal for Syria. The meetings also enabled the Minister to outline the Scottish Government’s position regarding these issues.\r\nThe minister raised these issues, as well as the situation in Egypt, in telephone calls with Mr Alistair Burt, former Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T13:54:54.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289729,"EventID":"S4W-18374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T13:54:54.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T16:00:06.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17874 by Fiona Hyslop on 13 November 2013, whether it has commented publicly on all of the meetings listed in the answer and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not commented publicly about any of the meetings listed in the answer. It is our view that private meetings between the Scottish Government and key stakeholders are undertaken on a confidential basis, to allow free and frank exchange of views.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T13:54:54.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289730,"EventID":"S4W-18375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T13:54:55.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T16:00:06.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17874 by Fiona Hyslop on 13 November 2013, whether it considers that the people of Scotland have a right to know what was discussed at the meetings listed in the answer.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is our view that private meetings between the Scottish Government and key stakeholders are undertaken on a confidential basis, to allow the free and frank exchange of views. Where we think it is appropriate to convey our position on a particular issue, we will make a statement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T13:54:55.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289731,"EventID":"S4W-18376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T13:54:55.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T16:00:06.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18056 by Humza Yousaf on 13 November 2013, for what reason its answer did not include a list of agreed actions arising from its meetings at the United Nations in September 2013.","AnswerText":"It is our view that private meetings between the Scottish Government and particular key stakeholders are undertaken on a confidential basis, to allow free and frank exchange of views.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T13:54:55.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289732,"EventID":"S4W-18377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T13:54:55.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T16:00:06.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18056 by Humza Yousaf on 13 November 2013, what topics of mutual interest were discussed at its meetings with the United Nations in September 2013.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18376 on 28 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T13:54:55.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289733,"EventID":"S4W-18378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T13:54:56.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T16:00:06.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18056 by Humza Yousaf on 13 November 2013, what agreed actions arose from its meetings at the United Nations in September 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18376 on 28 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T13:54:56.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289734,"EventID":"S4W-18379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T13:54:56.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T16:00:06.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18056 by Humza Yousaf on 13 November 2013, for what reasons it did not list the topics that were discussed at its meetings at the United Nations in September 2013.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18376 on 28 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T13:54:56.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289735,"EventID":"S4W-18380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T13:54:56.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T16:00:06.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to the second supplementary to question S4F-01683 by the First Minister on 14 November 2013 in relation to the provision of his speeches (Official Report, c. 24472), whether it will reconsider its decision not to publish the First Minister's speech to EU ambassadors on 12 February 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17875 on 18 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThe answer given by the First Minister in response to the second supplementary question to S4F-01683 on 14 November 2013 refers to a speech made by the First Minister at a public event in Hong Kong:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=8626\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T13:54:56.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289736,"EventID":"S4W-18389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T13:54:57.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T10:21:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that the dietary goal of increasing potato consumption by 25%, as set out in Preventing Overweight and Obesity in Scotland: A Route Map Towards Healthy Weight, is met, and whether it is on course to achieve this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Preventing Overweight and Obesity in Scotland: A Route Map towards Healthy Weight recommended that the Scottish dietary goals outlined in the National Food and Drink Policy while not directed towards tackling obesity was an appropriate target at a population level for achieving nutritional balance and protecting health across a broad range of risk factors in the long term.\r\nSubsequent to the route map’s publication the Food Standards Agency in Scotland reviewed the goals and, on its recommendation, the Scottish Government published revised dietary goals. In which the specific target for increased potato consumption has been removed on the basis that there is no evidence base regarding the health benefit of consuming potatoes specifically, in the same way that there is for oily fish and for fruit and vegetables. However, increasing consumption of potatoes without added fat or salt is recommended within the context of supporting the achievement of the dietary goal for increasing starchy carbohydrates.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T13:54:57.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289737,"EventID":"S4W-18390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T13:54:57.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T10:21:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to the potato sector to help with variety development.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government supports potato breeding and variety development activities in Scotland by funding underpinning strategic research into relevant areas such as potato genomics, pests and diseases and agronomy. The total planned investment by the Scottish Government into potato focused research over the next three years is more than £8 million.\r\nSpecifically this research includes the development of genetic markers for marker-assisted breeding. However, Scottish Government support also covers the maintenance of important germplasm collections, including the Commonwealth Potato Collection, as well as potato variety trials.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T13:54:57.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289738,"EventID":"S4W-18391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T13:54:57.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T10:21:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it collects on levels of potato consumption.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency in Scotland publish an annual estimation of food and nutrient intake which includes data on potato consumption.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T13:54:57.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289739,"EventID":"S4W-18392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T13:54:58.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T10:49:39.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of (a) the progress of and (b) due diligence in the pipeline project from Kirriemuir sewage works to the River Dean.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Output Monitoring Group, chaired by the Scottish Government, is monitoring the progress of delivery of all projects including that at Kirriemuir. Its quarterly progress reports are published on the Government's website. The project at Kirriemuir is required to secure environmental improvements to the River Dean water and in particular to protect and enhance aquatic life. The progress of the project was suspended whilst the negotiations with BP, Shell and the National Grid were undertaken. These issues have now been resolved and completion of the project is expected by July 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T13:54:58.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289740,"EventID":"S4W-18394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T13:54:58.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T11:47:59.513","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17874 by Fiona Hyslop on 13 November 2013, whether Mr Dunn has verified the details of the meeting with the government of Egypt on 13 September 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The meeting was attended by members of the Egyptian diaspora in Scotland and not representatives of the Egyptian government. The reason for the meeting was to hear from the Egyptian community in Scotland how the current situation in Egypt is affecting them.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T13:54:58.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289750,"EventID":"S4W-18424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T15:12:21.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T15:08:48.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will set out the economic opportunities of independence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will publish Building security and creating opportunity: economic policy choices in an independent Scotland on the morning of Tuesday 19 November. The report is a detailed analysis of the performance of the Scottish economy as part of the UK and in comparison to similar sized countries. The report shows that Scotland, while performing well within its current limited powers, lags behind other comparable countries on key measures of productivity and participation and that with the tools of independence Scotland would be able to ensure a more prosperous, inclusive, secure and outwards focused economy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T15:12:21.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289751,"EventID":"S4W-18395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T15:52:09.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T13:43:28.647","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many further education colleges offer maritime (a) ratings and (b) officer apprenticeship courses.","AnswerText":"Once approved by SQA Accreditation to deliver the core qualification, Orkney and Shetland Colleges will be the only colleges to deliver the approved Scottish Modern Apprenticeship pathway for Seafarer/Tug Rating (Deck) within the Maritime Occupations Framework. More colleges may seek approval to deliver the qualification and the MA Framework in the future. Indeed, a meeting is being facilitated in December by the Maritime Skills Alliance and SQA attended by all five of the Scottish Maritime colleges, Banff and Buchan, City of Glasgow, Lews Castle, Orkney and Shetland to discuss the existing and planned MA frameworks and qualifications, to try to agree a shared plan to market frameworks and explore collaboration between the colleges.\r\nThere are however other Maritime-related courses available at colleges which are not part of an MA Framework. Nautical education and training is specialised and limited to a small group of experienced providers in Scotland who are also members of the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI). The college providers of Maritime/ Nautical related training in Scotland at present are:\r\nNorth East Scotland College: http://www.banff-buchan.ac.uk/courses/listing/engineering/S26/Nautical\r\nCity of Glasgow College: http://www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk/courses/nautical-studies.\r\nLews Castle College UHI: http://www.lews.uhi.ac.uk/courses/course-a-z-and-filter?search=Search+by+keyword...&area=mari&level=+&mode=+&submit=submit.\r\nMallaig Marine Training Centre (West Highland College UHI):  http://www.whc.uhi.ac.uk/courses/certificate-maritime-skills.\r\nNorth Atlantic Fisheries College (Shetland UHI) : http://www.nafc.ac.uk/ssns.aspx\r\nOrkney College UHI http://www.orkney.uhi.ac.uk/studying-at-oc/departments/maritime-studies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T15:52:09.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289752,"EventID":"S4W-18396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T15:52:10.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T13:43:28.647","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many maritime (a) ratings and (b) officer apprenticeships Caledonian MacBrayne will offer in each of the next three years.","AnswerText":"CalMac Ferries Ltd have the following plans for 2013-14:\r\nOfficer cadets: 15 will complete their training and 16 new cadets to be recruited.\r\nrating to officer cadets: three will be continuing from the previous year. Any new applications for rating to officer training will depend on applications received and appraisal recommendations.\r\nRating Trainees: 10 new ratings currently being trained to meet fleet manning requirements. These all follow the new apprenticeship route and four have transferred from other departments.\r\nCalMac’s expectations for 2014-15 and 2015-16 are as follows:\r\nOfficer cadets: Year 2014-15: 12 will complete their training and expect to recruit 12 new cadets.\r\nOfficer cadets: Year 2015-16: 17 will complete their training and expect to recruit 17 new cadets.\r\nRating to officer cadets: Any new applications for rating to officer training will depend on applications received and appraisal recommendations.\r\nRating Trainees: CalMac are currently expecting to train 10 new ratings to meet fleet manning requirements each year. Again, all will follow the new apprenticeship route and some will upskill and transfer from other departments.\r\nThe officer cadets are employed by Clyde Marine Training Limited and then sponsored by CalMac Ferries Limited. They are not regarded as apprentices. The rating trainees are employed by CalMac Ferries Ltd directly and follow the Merchant Navy Training Board Ratings Apprenticeships scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T15:52:10.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289753,"EventID":"S4W-18397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T15:52:10.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T13:43:28.647","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to promote Skills Development Scotland's maritime ratings apprenticeship framework among (a) employers and (b) colleges.","AnswerText":"Skills Development Scotland administers the public funding contribution for all MA frameworks; it does not however own the framework. It is the responsibility of the Sector Skills Council or equivalent, in this case, the Maritime Skills Alliance, to consult with employers during the development of the framework, and to promote the framework to employers and training providers, including colleges, following approval.\r\nThe next step is for training providers to seek approval from the relevant awarding body to deliver the core qualification. It is a commercial decision for training providers and colleges to decide what qualifications and frameworks they want to deliver.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T15:52:10.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289754,"EventID":"S4W-18399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T15:52:10.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T13:43:28.647","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which sector skills councils (a) are responsible for or (b) have worked on the modern apprenticeship frameworks for the maritime industry.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Maritime Skills Alliance (MSA) developed and has responsibility for the Maritime Occupations framework. The MSA is however not a licensed Sector Skills Council, but it is the standard setting body for the UK’s maritime sector. The MSA works through Skills for Logistics, the licensed Sector Skills Council for the Freight Logistics Sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T15:52:10.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289755,"EventID":"S4W-18400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T15:52:10.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T13:43:28.647","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of the (a) deck and (b) engine ratings trained by Caledonian MacBrayne since 2000-01 were (i) new entrants to the industry and (ii) from other ratings grades.","AnswerText":"Please see the following information.\r\n\r\nDeck Rating Trainee\r\nEngine Rating Trainee\r\n2006-07\r\n4\r\n0\r\n2007-08\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2008-09\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2009-10\r\n3\r\n0\r\n2010-11\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2011-12\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2012-13\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2013-14\r\n6\r\n4\r\nTOTAL\r\n13\r\n4\r\nOf the ten trainees in the current year, two are ex-seasonal senior chief ratings with the company while two were ex-seasonal port assistants with the company.\r\nIt is not possible to break down the figures for previous years as this information is not held centrally.\r\nInformation is only available for the period during which CalMac Ferries Ltd has provided services under the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services under the terms of a public service contract with the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T15:52:11.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289756,"EventID":"S4W-18401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T15:52:11.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T13:43:28.647","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what Caledonian MacBrayne's expenditure on training has been in each year since 2000-01.","AnswerText":"Expenditure on seagoing staff training since 2007-08 is as follows:\r\nYear\r\nExpenditure on Training\r\n2007-08\r\n£1,175,796\r\n2008-09\r\n£1,371,256\r\n2009-10\r\n£1,165,407\r\n2010-11\r\n£1,146,779\r\n2011-12\r\n£771,969\r\n2012-13\r\n£1,378,505\r\nAdditional costs have been incurred in training for the introduction of new vessels.\r\nInformation is only available for the period during which CalMac Ferries Ltd has provided services under the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services under the terms of a public service contract with the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T15:52:11.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289757,"EventID":"S4W-18410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T15:52:11.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T14:30:16.49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the timescale is for the electrification of railway services between Inverness and (a) Dunkeld and (b) Aberdeen.\r\n","AnswerText":"No timescale has yet been identified for the electrification of rail services between Inverness and Dunkeld, and Inverness and Aberdeen. These routes will be considered as part of a wider strategy for future electrification.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T15:52:11.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289758,"EventID":"S4W-18411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T15:52:11.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T14:30:16.49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the timescale is for the completion of Dalcross railway station.\r\n","AnswerText":"The reopening of Dalcross railway station currently forms part of phase one of the Aberdeen to Inverness rail improvements project, which will be delivered between 2014 and 2019.\r\nTo assist in the delivery of the new station, Network Rail will work with station promoters to ensure that the community’s needs are met and that third-party funding for the station has been secured to complete phase one by 2019.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T15:52:11.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289759,"EventID":"S4W-18412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T15:52:12.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T14:30:16.49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what budget has been set aside for the Freight Facilities Grant in each year since 2010, and how much of it was spent.","AnswerText":"The information is given in the follwing table.\r\nYear\r\nFreight Facilities Grant budget (£)\r\nFreight Facilities Grant expenditure (£)\r\n2010-11\r\n8,100,000\r\n3,531,377.70\r\n2011-12\r\n3,000,000\r\n1,067,843.40\r\n2012-13 (1)\r\n750,000\r\n-7,334.71\r\n2013-14\r\n2,000,000\r\n0\r\nNote:1. The figure for 2012-13 is negative because the amount of expenditure accrued to 2011-12, in respect of the spend reported by one of the applicants in that year, was greater than the eventual amount of grant claimed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T15:52:12.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289760,"EventID":"S4W-18413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T15:52:12.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T14:30:16.49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of the Freight Facilities Grant has been spent on (a) rail and (b) sea projects in each year since 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information is provided in the following table.\r\nYear\r\nFreight Facilities Grant – percentage of expenditure on rail projects\r\nFreight Facilities Grant – percentage of expenditure on sea projects\r\n2010-11\r\n3.2%\r\n96.8%\r\n2011-12\r\n2.3%\r\n97.7%\r\n2012-13 (1)\r\n0%\r\n0%\r\n2013-14 (2)\r\n0%\r\n0%\r\nNotes:\r\n1. There was no expenditure on Freight Facilities Grant in 2012-13.\r\n2. There has been no expenditure on Freight Facilities Grant in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T15:52:12.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289761,"EventID":"S4W-18414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T15:52:12.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T14:30:16.49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of the railway line between Inverness and (a) Perth and (b) Aberdeen is (i) single and (ii) double track.","AnswerText":"The route between Perth and Inverness is 118 miles with double track sections between:\r\nPerth and Stanley Junction (7 miles);\r\nBlair Atholl and Dalwhinnie (24 miles); and\r\nCulloden and Inverness (7 miles).\r\nTherefore, 67.8% of the route is single track and 32.2% is double track.\r\nThe route between Aberdeen and Inverness is 108 miles with one double track section between Insch Station and Kennethmont signal box. The double tracked section is 5.3% of the route and the remaining 94.7% is single track.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T15:52:12.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289762,"EventID":"S4W-18415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T15:52:13.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T14:30:16.49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had at (a) ministerial and (b) official level with the Department for Transport regarding the Regional Connectivity Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"There have been no discussions at ministerial level with the Department for Transport (DfT) about the Regional Air Connectivity Fund. At official level, there have been discussions around the use of the fund to support air services from Inverness and Dundee.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T15:52:13.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289763,"EventID":"S4W-18416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T15:52:13.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T14:30:16.49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its policy is regarding the development of catamarans.\r\n","AnswerText":"Work on the vessel replacement programme set out in the Scottish Government’s Ferries Plan (2013-2022) is being taken forward by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) in partnership with CalMac Ferries Ltd. We are open-minded about any vessel design that meets the specifications developed for new vessels. These specifications will require vessels able to operate year-round in some rough seas and in and out of some challenging berths.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T15:52:13.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289764,"EventID":"S4W-18417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T15:52:13.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T14:38:03.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to refresh its food strategy and, if so, when and will it be subject to a public consultation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The aims and vision of Scotland's National Food and Drink Policy, as detailed in Recipe for Success, remain as valid today as they were when the document was published in 2009. Since that date we have achieved much through partnership working across the public and private sectors, engaging with dedicated individuals and groups throughout the country. However, I am aware that more needs to be done to change Scotland's food culture, and the Scottish Government is currently looking at what further action we can now take to move the food and drink policy to the next stage.\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T15:52:13.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289765,"EventID":"S4W-18418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T15:52:13.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T14:47:02.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to (a) councils and (b) NHS boards regarding the provision of health and social care to adults with cerebral palsy. \r\n","AnswerText":"Services for adults with cerebral palsy fall within core local authority social work service functions generally supported by the Scottish Government. Access to services is based on an individual assessment of need.\r\nPersonalised and integrated services for adults with cerebral palsy will be strengthened further with implementation of the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013 and the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill 2013.\r\nWhile policies, frameworks and resources are provided by the Scottish Government, individual NHS boards are responsible for planning and funding services in their area and for securing the staff to deliver them. It is for NHS boards to determine their workforce requirements, including training, based on the clinical needs and service developments in their area. This includes cerebral palsy services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T15:52:13.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289766,"EventID":"S4W-18419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T15:52:14.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T14:47:02.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how information is collated regarding the spending of (a) councils and (b) NHS boards on health and social care for adults with cerebral palsy. \r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T15:52:14.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289767,"EventID":"S4W-18420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T15:52:14.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T14:47:02.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what programmes it funds to assist adults with cerebral palsy to access health and social care. \r\n","AnswerText":"We are currently funding the National Neurological Advisory Group (NNAG) to support their work in raising the profile of all neurological conditions within the NHS, the third sector and public awareness.\r\nThe NNAGs aim is to drive forward the neurological standards. The standards aim to improve the patient journey from the point of referral into the service and ensure that every patient with a disorder of the nervous system experiences a quality of care that gives confidence to the patient, clinician and carer.\r\nWe have also funded the Neurological Alliance of Scotland’s ‘Voices’ programme which enables people with neurological conditions to influence and shape the re-design of neurological services.\r\nThe Scottish Government has supported the Bobath Centre, a cerebral palsy charity through funding in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T15:52:14.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289768,"EventID":"S4W-18421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T15:52:14.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T14:47:02.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what initiatives are in place to assist adults with cerebral palsy. \r\n","AnswerText":"We are currently supporting the National Neurological Advisory Group (NNAG) in raising the profile of all neurological conditions within the NHS, the third sector and public awareness.\r\nThe NNAGs aim is to drive forward the neurological standards. The standards aim to improve the patient journey from the point of referral into the service and ensure that every patient with a disorder of the nervous system experiences a quality of care that gives confidence to the patient, clinician and carer.\r\nIt is for NHS boards to determine their workforce requirements, including training, based on the clinical needs and service developments in their area. This includes cerebral palsy services.\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T15:52:14.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289769,"EventID":"S4W-18422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T15:52:14.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T14:47:02.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to ensure that (a) public authorities and (b) private companies that carry out public functions meet their obligations under the public sector equality duty.","AnswerText":"Public authorities and organisations carrying out public functions are individually responsible for complying with the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) which is contained in reserved legislation.\r\nThe Equality and Human Rights Commission has the statutory remit to promote equality and certain powers in connection with the enforcement of the PSED.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to helping Scottish public authorities improve performance against the PSED. Under The Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012. Scottish Ministers will publish proposals for activity to improve performance by the end of December 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T15:52:14.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289770,"EventID":"S4W-18423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-15T15:52:15.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-15T14:47:02.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that people with a neurological condition do not experience discrimination.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government believes that everyone deserves to be treated fairly, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender identity/reassignment, race, religion or sexual orientation. Human rights and equality are at the heart of Government in Scotland and those principles permeate through all of our work. The Government expects NHS Boards to apply these principles to all the people they serve, including those with a neurological condition.\r\nWe are currently supporting the National Neurological Advisory Group (NNAG) in raising the profile of all neurological conditions within the NHS, the third sector and public awareness. The NNAG’s aim is to drive forward the neurological standards. The standards aim to improve the patient journey from the point of referral into the service and ensure that every patient with a disorder of the nervous system experiences a quality of care that gives confidence to the patient, clinician and carer. We have also funded the Neurological Alliance of Scotland’s ‘Voices’ programme which enables people with neurological conditions to influence and shape the re-design of neurological services.\r\nThe neurological standards can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/his/idoc.ashx?docid=662878bd-0d51-439a-9db3-caae1d206afd&version=-1 \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-02T15:52:15.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289776,"EventID":"S4F-01685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T13:03:52.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T13:46:15.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T13:03:52.197","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289777,"EventID":"S4F-01688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T13:03:53.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T09:00:28.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T13:03:53.307","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289778,"EventID":"S4F-01690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T13:03:53.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T09:30:37.513","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T13:03:53.79","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289779,"EventID":"S4F-01695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T13:03:55.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T10:58:47.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government is doing to ensure that statistics presented by Police Scotland are accurate. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T13:03:55.66","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289780,"EventID":"S4F-01711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T13:04:02.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T11:48:34.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies on the fiscal sustainability of an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T13:04:02.15","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289781,"EventID":"S4F-01705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T13:03:59.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T11:27:59.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when the Scottish Government will bring forward plans to extend legislation to make wilful neglect of patients a criminal offence. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T13:03:59.903","MeetingDate":"2013-11-21T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289782,"EventID":"S4W-18381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T14:30:27.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T16:19:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients had their appointments postponed as a result of the IT failure at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde; how many have now had their appointments, and how many subsequently failed to be treated within the 12-week treatment time guarantee period.","AnswerText":"NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde advised that the number of postponed episodes were: 599 outpatient appointments, 62 planned in-patient procedures and day cases and 48 chemotherapy treatments. Over this period approximately 10,000 procedures and appointments were unaffected and went ahead as planned.\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has assured the Scottish Government that all patients who had in-patient/day case procedures or outpatient appointments affected by the IT issues were re-booked by the end of October; and that no patients failed to be treated within the 12 week treatment time guarantee period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T14:30:28.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289783,"EventID":"S4W-18382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T14:30:28.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T16:19:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients whose appointments were postponed as a result of the IT failure at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde subsequently had their appointments within (a) seven, (b) 14, (c) 21, (d) 28, (e) more than 28 days and how many are yet to be treated.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has confirmed that, as of 22 November 2013, of the 599 outpatient appointments postponed, 48 patients have still to be seen but that all have dates scheduled.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T14:30:28.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289784,"EventID":"S4W-18383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T14:30:28.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T16:19:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many oncology specialists there have been in the NHS and specialising in which cancers in each of the last six years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the total number of consultants in medical and clinical oncology and the number of clinical nurse specialists (CNS) in oncology by NHS board in headcount and whole time equivalent can be found in the following tables.\r\nInformation on the number of consultants by cancer site is not available.\r\nPlease note, the figures shown in the tables below may not reflect the true number of consultants who work in oncology as the recording of consultants specialties does not take into account the duel or multi specialisms which some consultants practice.\r\nInformation on the number of clinical nurse specialists by cancer site is available at:\r\nhttps://isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2013-11-26/Clinical_Nurse_Specialists_S2013.xls?31631977  \r\nA change in the definition of a clinical nurse specialist in 2011 means that the numbers are not strictly comparable across the years, in addition due to the multidisciplinary nature of the CNS role a nurse may work in more than one specific specialty. \r\nTable 1. The number of medical oncologist consultant staff in post in NHS Scotland from Sep 2008 to Sep 2013 (WTE and headcount):\r\n\r\nSep-08\r\nSep-09\r\nSep-10\r\nSep-11\r\nSep-12\r\nSep-13\r\n\r\nWTE\r\nHead count\r\nWTE\r\nHead count\r\nWTE\r\nHead count\r\nWTE\r\nHead count\r\nWTE\r\nHead count\r\nWTE\r\nHead count\r\nNHS Scotland\r\n33.0\r\n38\r\n8.9\r\n12\r\n11.1\r\n13\r\n9.9\r\n13\r\n7.7\r\n9\r\n8.7\r\n9\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n2.0\r\n2\r\n1.0\r\n1\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n1.0\r\n1\r\n1.0\r\n1\r\n1.0\r\n1\r\n1.0\r\n1\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1.0\r\n1\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n6.5\r\n8\r\n5.4\r\n7\r\n1.5\r\n2\r\n2.8\r\n4\r\n2.1\r\n3\r\n3.0\r\n3\r\nNHS Highland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1.0\r\n1\r\n1.0\r\n1\r\n1.0\r\n1\r\n1.0\r\n1\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n24.3\r\n27\r\n1.3\r\n2\r\n4.4\r\n5\r\n2.9\r\n4\r\n2.9\r\n3\r\n3.0\r\n3\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n1.2\r\n2\r\n1.2\r\n2\r\n1.2\r\n2\r\n1.2\r\n2\r\n1.7\r\n2\r\n0.7\r\n1\r\nSource: Scottish Workforce Information Standard System (SWISS), ISD Scotland\r\nRef: IR2013-02040\r\n\r\nTable 2. The number of clinical oncologist consultant staff in post in NHS Scotland from Sep 2008 to Sep 2013 (WTE and headcount)\r\n\r\nSep-08\r\nSep-09\r\nSep-10\r\nSep-11\r\nSep-12\r\nSep-13\r\n\r\nWTE\r\nHead count\r\nWTE\r\nHead count\r\nWTE\r\nHead count\r\nWTE\r\nHead count\r\nWTE\r\nHead count\r\nWTE\r\nHead count\r\nNHS Scotland\r\n65.1\r\n70\r\n46.4\r\n49\r\n78.5\r\n85\r\n81.3\r\n88\r\n82.2\r\n89\r\n79.6\r\n86\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n7.0\r\n7\r\n7.4\r\n8\r\n7.4\r\n8\r\n7.0\r\n7\r\n7.8\r\n8\r\n5.6\r\n6\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n25.8\r\n28\r\n26.4\r\n28\r\n41.8\r\n46\r\n39.8\r\n44\r\n40.2\r\n44\r\n39.8\r\n43\r\nNHS Highland\r\n4.0\r\n4\r\n4.0\r\n4\r\n3.0\r\n3\r\n3.0\r\n3\r\n3.0\r\n3\r\n3.0\r\n3\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n21.7\r\n24\r\n-\r\n-\r\n18.0\r\n19\r\n23.1\r\n25\r\n23.4\r\n25\r\n23.4\r\n25\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n6.6\r\n7\r\n8.6\r\n9\r\n8.4\r\n9\r\n8.4\r\n9\r\n7.8\r\n9\r\n7.8\r\n9\r\nSource: Scottish Workforce Information Standard System (SWISS), ISD Scotland\r\nRef: IR2013-02040\r\n\r\nTable 3. The number of oncology clinical nurse specialists staff in post in NHS Scotland from Sep 2008 to Sep 2013 (WTE and headcount\r\n\r\nSep-08\r\nSep-09\r\nSep-10\r\nSep-11\r\nSep-12\r\nSep-13\r\n\r\nWTE\r\nHead count\r\nWTE\r\nHead count\r\nWTE\r\nHead count\r\nWTE\r\nHead count\r\nWTE\r\nHead count\r\nWTE\r\nHead count\r\nNHS Scotland\r\n165.2\r\n180\r\n170.0\r\n187\r\n182.6\r\n198\r\n245.1\r\n271\r\n242.8\r\n269\r\n237.7\r\n264\r\nNational Waiting Times Centre\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1.0\r\n1\r\n1.0\r\n1\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n14.4\r\n15\r\n12.6\r\n14\r\n13.0\r\n14\r\n13.0\r\n14\r\n13.4\r\n15\r\n13.8\r\n15\r\nNHS Borders\r\n4.4\r\n5\r\n4.4\r\n5\r\n3.4\r\n4\r\n3.4\r\n4\r\n3.4\r\n4\r\n2.4\r\n3\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n7.0\r\n7\r\n7.0\r\n7\r\n7.0\r\n7\r\n8.4\r\n9\r\n7.4\r\n8\r\n7.4\r\n8\r\nNHS Fife\r\n8.8\r\n9\r\n9.5\r\n10\r\n8.0\r\n8\r\n8.0\r\n8\r\n7.8\r\n8\r\n7.7\r\n8\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n11.8\r\n13\r\n10.8\r\n12\r\n10.8\r\n12\r\n10.8\r\n12\r\n9.8\r\n11\r\n9.6\r\n11\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n10.7\r\n13\r\n20.4\r\n24\r\n19.6\r\n22\r\n21.4\r\n24\r\n22.4\r\n25\r\n26.9\r\n30\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n42.6\r\n45\r\n40.7\r\n43\r\n54.6\r\n57\r\n57.9\r\n61\r\n58.3\r\n61\r\n52.4\r\n55\r\nNHS Highland\r\n11.5\r\n13\r\n11.3\r\n13\r\n11.5\r\n13\r\n11.5\r\n13\r\n11.3\r\n13\r\n10.5\r\n12\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n13.0\r\n14\r\n14.5\r\n16\r\n15.1\r\n17\r\n32.8\r\n37\r\n32.3\r\n37\r\n32.1\r\n37\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n13.1\r\n17\r\n12.0\r\n15\r\n12.1\r\n15\r\n52.9\r\n63\r\n51.9\r\n61\r\n51.0\r\n60\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n0.7\r\n1\r\n0.7\r\n1\r\n0.7\r\n1\r\n0.7\r\n1\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n2.8\r\n3\r\n2.8\r\n3\r\n2.8\r\n3\r\n3.0\r\n3\r\n3.7\r\n4\r\n3.0\r\n3\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n20.","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T14:30:28.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289785,"EventID":"S4W-18384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T14:30:29.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T16:19:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to the first supplementary to question S4O-02585 by Alex Neil on 14 November 2013 (Official Report, c. 24457), what action it is taking to address the \"acute shortage of specific oncology specialists\" in (a) particular NHS boards and (b) nationally.","AnswerText":"There is a shortage of clinical oncologists across the UK but there are specific issues in the North of Scotland.\r\nThrough the North of Scotland Planning Group, which comprises NHS Highland, Grampian, Tayside, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland, immediate work is underway to ensure patients who require highly specialised clinical oncology expertise continue to be receive high quality effective treatment, which may see some patients travelling to Edinburgh and Glasgow in the short to medium term.\r\nThe National Planning Forum (a joint body of Scottish Government and NHS boards) has established a working group to look at radiotherapy needs in the short, medium and longer term and to make recommendations on how best to ensure the availability of safe, effective, person centred and sustainable services for patients. That work is being supported by the Radiotherapy Programme Board who are working with cancer centres to agree sustainable care pathways and by the Scottish Cancer Task Force to ensure NHS Scotland has the required capacity and workforce to meet the current and any anticipated increases in demand over the coming years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T14:30:29.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289786,"EventID":"S4W-18385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T14:30:29.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T16:19:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18006 by Alex Neil on 12 November 2013, with which countries it has had discussions; when they took place; who was involved in the discussions, and what items were discussed.","AnswerText":"As mentioned in the answer to question S4W-18006, Scotland is at the forefront of trying to introduce a pricing control such as minimum unit pricing of alcohol in order to protect public health. The Scottish Government has had discussions regarding minimum unit pricing of alcohol with a range of countries in the European Economic Area over the last few years. The discussions have been both informal and formal and have been wide ranging, including consideration of the evidence-based information available.\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T14:30:29.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289787,"EventID":"S4W-18386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T14:30:29.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T16:19:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has had discussions with other countries on their experiences of introducing policies relating to price controls for the protection of public health and, if so, what countries; when the discussions took place; what evidence-based information they shared, and who was involved in the discussions.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18385 on 28 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T14:30:29.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289788,"EventID":"S4W-18387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T14:30:29.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T16:52:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that prisoners receive suitable mental health services.\r\n","AnswerText":"Responsibility for providing primary health care services in prisons, including those mental health services that would normally be delivered by a GP in the community, transferred to the NHS in November 2011. Specialist mental health services have always been provided by the NHS.\r\nNHS chief executives established the National Prisoner Healthcare Network (NPHN) to support delivery of a high quality, safe, effective and consistent service to prisoners, hosted by Healthcare Improvement Scotland. Mental health is a priority for the network. A sub-group focusing on mental health produced a draft report of its recommendations and consulted on it in August 2013. The final report will be considered by the National Prisoner Healthcare Network board.\r\nAs part of our work to support NHS boards to deliver improvements to mental health services, Scottish Government officials meet each NHS board every six months to discuss progress on mental health priorities. In the latest round of meetings criminal justice issues were discussed, including how they are developing mental health services in prisons.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T14:30:29.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289789,"EventID":"S4W-18425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T14:30:30.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-17T15:52:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have sought protection each year under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, broken down by (a) age and (b) gender, and what proportion of cases have led to the court (i) awarding damages, (ii) granting an interdict or interim interdict and (iii) issuing a non-harassment order.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table.\r\nCases initiated and disposed for Non-harassment Orders - Protection from Harassment Act 1997 s8.\r\nFinancial Year\r\nInitiated\r\nDisposed\r\nGranted\r\n2011-12\r\n13\r\n4\r\n2\r\n2010-11\r\n3\r\n1\r\n0\r\n2009-10\r\n4\r\n3\r\n3\r\n2008-09\r\n4\r\n8\r\n3\r\n\r\nThis data relates to non-harassment orders raised in the civil courts under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 s8. This act was amended by the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2011 which came into effect in July 2011. It is possible that this has led to the rise in the number of non-harassment orders initiated in 2011-12.\r\nThese statistics relate to the “principal crave” only. An individual case can involve a number of different case types. The case type which is listed first on the writ/summons is normally known as the “principal crave”. More information about this, and other explanations about the data, can be found in sections 11-13 of the latest publication, which can be accessed at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/12/9263.\r\nThe number of ordinary and summary cause cases disposed of may be an underestimate. In addition, around a fifth of ordinary cause cases are sisted (suspended).\r\nCases may be initiated and disposed in different years, so the statistics for initiated and disposed for a particular year do not necessarily represent the same cases.\r\nData prior to 2008-09 is not available.\r\nThe data in the table above relate to the number cases and may not necessarily equal the number of people seeking an order.\r\nInformation on the age or sex of the people involved is not held centrally. The data held on damages and interdicts does not specifically identify cases relating to protection from harassment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T14:30:30.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289790,"EventID":"S4W-18428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T14:30:30.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-17T15:52:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 is effective and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 provides measures available to people who require protection from other people who are harassing them. The legislation enables any person to apply to a court for a Non-Harassment Order (NHO), which is a civil order which prohibits someone upon whom it was imposed from undertaking particular conduct which constitutes harassment towards another specified person. Breach of the terms of an NHO is a criminal offence.\r\nThe Scottish Government monitors the effectiveness of legislation to address harassment on an on-going basis through contact with stakeholders in the police, COPFS, victims’ groups and others. That is why, for example, we legislated through the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 to make it easier for a court to grant an NHO against a person who has been convicted of an offence involving harassment, by removing the need for the convicted person to have engaged in a “course of conduct” constituting harassment, and enabling the court to take account of any previous convictions.\r\nWe have also reformed the criminal law to improve how it addresses behaviour constituting harassment. The offences of “stalking” and “threatening and abusive behaviour”, contained in the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 provide police and prosecutors with additional tools to deal with criminal behaviour constituting harassment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T14:30:30.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289791,"EventID":"S4W-18429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T14:30:30.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-17T15:52:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it monitors the effectiveness of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 and whether it plans to review the legislation.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18428 on 29 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T14:30:30.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289806,"EventID":"S4W-18431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T17:00:10.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T09:26:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the objectives are of requiring all salaried dentists to complete clinical audits and what the audit requirements are.\r\n","AnswerText":"Clinical audit is an important element of clinical governance which contributes to patient safety in dental primary care most commonly by setting a clinical standard and monitoring if the standard is being met. For this reason salaried general dental practitioners, like their independent counterparts who provide general dental services, are required to undertake 15 hours of clinical audit in each three year period.\r\nThe current clinical audit period started on 1 August 2013 and will end on 31 July 2016.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T17:00:10.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289807,"EventID":"S4W-18432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T17:00:10.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T09:26:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the deadline is for compliance with the audit cycle requirements for salaried dentists.","AnswerText":"Salaried general dental practitioners (SGDPs) on a dental list on 1 August 2010 were required to undertake 15 hours of clinical audit activities by 31 July 2013, or a pro-rata number of hours for those SGDPs who joined a list after 1 August 2010.\r\nIt was expected that NHS boards would require community dental officers and community dental services dentists to undertake a similar level of clinical audit as their salaried GDP peers.\r\nThe deadline for compliance with the current clinical audit period is 31 July 2016. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T17:00:10.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289808,"EventID":"S4W-18433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T17:00:11.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T09:26:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what sanctions NHS Education for Scotland has available to ensure compliance with the clinical audit cycle requirements for salaried dentists.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for compliance with the clinical audit requirements by salaried general dental practitioners lies with NHS boards.\r\nSanctions available could include referral to the board’s internal disciplinary procedures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T17:00:11.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289809,"EventID":"S4W-18434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T17:00:11.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T09:26:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the deadline for compliance with the clinical audit requirements for salaried dentists has been postponed and, if so, for what reason.\r\n","AnswerText":"There has been no general extension to the deadline for compliance with the clinical audit requirements for salaried general dental practitioners.\r\nHowever, for those dentists who have been given approval by NHS Education for Scotland for clinical audits where the data collection will extend beyond the 31 July 2013, it has been agreed that any audits submitted for approval up to the end of July 2013 will be counted in the 1 August 2010 to 31 July 2013 audit cycle, even though these will be undertaken in the next cycle (1 August 2013 to 13 July 2016).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T17:00:11.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289810,"EventID":"S4W-18435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T17:00:12.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T14:50:41.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it cost to install the Firelink communication system, also broken down by fire control room.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s share of the costs of installing the GB-wide Firelink communication system, including shared costs and management costs, totalled £35 million. These costs, which were not broken down by fire control room, were fully funded by the Scottish Government. In addition, the eight individual Fire and Rescue Services in Scotland were required to make staff available to assist with implementation of, and for training on, the system.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T17:00:12.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289811,"EventID":"S4W-18436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T17:00:12.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T14:50:41.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the (a) management and (b) maintenance  costs of the Firelink communication system is met by (i) it and (ii) the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.\r\n","AnswerText":"With the exception of some ancillary and discretionary expenditure by the eight former Fire and Rescue Services and, since April 2013, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the costs for Scotland of the GB-wide Firelink communication system, including management and maintenance costs, have been and continue to be fully funded by the Scottish Government.\r\nIn accordance with an arrangement reached in 2006 with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Welsh Assembly Government, the Scottish Government pays a proportion of overall GB-wide programme costs, including management and maintenance costs. Management costs and maintenance costs are not separately identified. It is estimated that total Scottish Government expenditure on Firelink in 2013-14 will be £4.5 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T17:00:12.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289812,"EventID":"S4W-18437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T17:00:12.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T14:50:41.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will increase the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s budget to cover the extra costs that the service will accrue when it assumes sole responsibility for the management and maintenance of the Firelink communication system.\r\n","AnswerText":"SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT\r\nWRITTEN ANSWER\r\n29 November 2013\t\r\nIndex Heading: Learning and Justice\r\n David Stewart (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government whether it will increase the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s budget to cover the extra costs that the service will accrue when it assumes sole responsibility for the management and maintenance of the Firelink communication system.\r\n(S4W-18437)\r\nRoseanna Cunningham:As and when responsibilities for the management and maintenance of the Firelink communication system are taken up by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, appropriate funding provision will be made available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T17:00:12.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289813,"EventID":"S4W-18438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T17:00:13.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T14:50:41.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that its current position on fire control rooms represents a change to that announced in the Draft Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland 2009 in which it stated that the “Scottish Ministers [had] decided not to take any central action to reduce the number of Fire Control Rooms”, and the statement by the Minister for Community Safety on 10 September 2009 (Official Report, c.19437) with regard to the framework, and, if so, what the reasons for this are.\r\n","AnswerText":"The draft Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland 2009 related to the 8 pre-reform fire and rescue services in Scotland. Following the creation of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) in April 2013, decisions on the allocation of its resources, including the number and location of control rooms, is a matter for the SFRS Board and not the Scottish Ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T17:00:13.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289814,"EventID":"S4W-18439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T17:00:13.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:03:44.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much (a) twitching and (b) bird-watching contributed to the economy in (i) 2009, (ii) 2010, (iii) 2011 and (iv) 2012 and has contributed in 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold the specific information sought. We recognise the contribution twitching and bird-watching can make to the Scottish economy.\r\nAs 2013, the Year of Natural Scotland, comes to an end, we welcome the fact that our rich and varied bird-life continues to be a draw for people in Scotland and our visitors alike; from the renowned Fair Isle Bird Observatory, the famous RSPB osprey reserve at Loch Garten, to the award winning Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T17:00:13.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289815,"EventID":"S4W-18441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T17:00:14.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:03:44.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what help is available to people with additional support needs in their transition from school to work or further education.","AnswerText":"Under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) 2004 (as amended) education authorities are required to take specific action to help prospective school leavers with additional support needs to make the transition from school to post-school life successfully.\r\nThe Act places a duty on the education authority to request and share information from an appropriate agency or agencies, if any, which are likely to be involved with the prospective school leaver on leaving school.\r\nAppropriate agencies, all in Scotland, which may be involved are:\r\nany NHS board, any other local authority, Skills Development Scotland, any further education college, the Scottish Agricultural College and \tany institution of higher education.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T17:00:14.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289816,"EventID":"S4W-18442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T17:00:14.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:03:44.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what national guidance there is for education institutions regarding students who require a full-time carer; what regulations apply to such carers, and how many such students currently attend (a) school, (b) college and (c) university.","AnswerText":"The Education (Additional Support for Learning) Act 2004 (as amended) provides the framework for the provision of support to overcome barriers to learning in schools. The Act is supported by a code of practice which guides education authorities and other agencies on the delivery of their duties to identify, provide and review the additional support needs of their pupils.\r\nPartnership Matters, published by the Scottish Government, provides national guidance on the roles and responsibilities of the various agencies who may be involved in providing the required support for a student with additional support needs to attend college or university. This includes the provision of personal care.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not hold data on the numbers of students requiring full time carers at school, college and university.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T17:00:14.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289817,"EventID":"S4W-18443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T17:00:15.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:03:44.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much ancestral tourism (a) has contributed to the Scottish economy in each of the last five years and (b) is projected to contribute in (i) 2013-14 and (ii) 2014-15.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold information on the economic impact of ancestral tourism in each of the last five years or how much ancestral tourism is projected to contribute to the economy in 2013-14 and 2014-15. VisitScotland conducted research in 2012 which estimated the value of ancestral tourism to Scotland’s economy. A copy of this research is available at:\r\nhttp://www.visitscotland.org/pdf/Ancestral%20Research%2016%20Jan%20vs.org_pptx.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T17:00:15.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289818,"EventID":"S4W-18444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T17:00:15.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:03:44.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cancer clusters were identified in (a) 2004, (b) 2005, (c) 2006, (d) 2007, (e) 2008, (f) 2009, (g) 2010, (h) 2011 and (i) 2012 and have been identified in 2013; what criteria must be met for a group of cancers to be considered to be a cluster; where and how these were identified; what causes have been suggested; what action has been taken; what agencies are involved in identifying and explaining cancer clusters, and how the number of clusters in Scotland compares with other countries.","AnswerText":"Prospectively looking for cancer clusters is not regarded as a useful method of cancer prevention. A study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer demonstrated that clusters found by scanning methods may be caused by localised exposure to environmental or occupational carcinogens, infectious processes or random variation and that it is very difficult to distinguish between these.\r\nInformation Services Division investigate suspected cancer clusters when an organisation such as an NHS board or member of the public believe that cancer incidence or mortality is higher than normal in a particular area. ISD also investigate suspected cancer clusters where there is a concern about a possible source of carcinogens in a particular area.\r\nWhen investigating suspected cancer clusters, ISD works with health boards, the Scottish Government and other groups such as the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment.\r\nThe usual method of investigation is to calculate standardised incidence ratios (or standardised mortality ratios if mortality is being investigated). This compares the actual number of cases in an area with the number that would be expected if the rates from a reference population are applied to that area (the reference population is usually Scotland but other areas can be used).\r\nTable 1 shows the number of initial investigations into suspected cancer clusters that ISD have carried out since 2004 and how many of these investigations found statistically significant increases in cancer incidence in the areas being investigated. It should be noted that a statistically significant difference alone does not indicate that there is a causal relationship and the potential exposure of concern. More in-depth investigation would normally be required for this to be determined.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTable 1: Number of investigations into suspected cancer clusters and the number that returned statistically significant results; 2004-2013\r\n\r\nCompleted information requests on cancer clusters\r\nNumber of statistically significant results\r\n2004\r\n4\r\n0\r\n2005\r\n1\r\n0\r\n2006\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2007\r\n2\r\n1\r\n2008\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2009\r\n2\r\n0\r\n2010\r\n4\r\n0\r\n2011\r\n7\r\n0\r\n2012\r\n2\r\n1\r\n2013\r\n3\r\n2\r\nTotal\r\n26\r\n5\r\nSource: ISD Scotland\r\nRef: IR2013-02039\r\nISD are not aware of any collection of data on cancer clusters that would enable comparison between Scotland and other countries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T17:00:15.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289819,"EventID":"S4W-18445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T17:00:16.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:03:44.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to increase the number of transplants carried out for patients in need of an organ transplant.","AnswerText":"In July 2013, the Scottish Government published A Donation and Transplantation Plan for Scotland 2013-2020. This plan sets out the ways in which we hope to improve donation and transplantation in Scotland. The plan builds on the very good progress made over the last five year period during which Scotland achieved a 74% increase in deceased organ donations as well as a 36% increase in transplants with deceased donor organs. The plan can be viewed in full on the Scottish Government website at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/07/7461 \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T17:00:16.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289820,"EventID":"S4W-18456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T17:00:16.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:48:58.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will carry out a review of policing arrangements in April 2014, following the creation of Police Scotland.","AnswerText":"Police Scotland operates independently of Ministers and the Scottish Government will not be carrying out a review of policing arrangements. The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 clearly sets out how the single service will be kept under review by the Scottish Police Authority. The SPA has a statutory function to deliver continuous improvement of policing and to hold the Chief Constable to account.\r\nAt the end of each financial year the SPA will prepare an annual report an assessment of the Police Service’s performance. In addition, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland will report on the efficiency and effectiveness of the police service in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T17:00:16.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289821,"EventID":"S4W-18458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T17:00:17.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:48:58.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that there is a risk that Police Scotland will not deliver savings to the planned timescale.","AnswerText":"The introduction of Police Scotland has been the most ambitious reform of our police service ever undertaken and the dedication and professionalism of the service has allowed us to deliver first-class policing across Scotland. Crime is at a 39 year low, violent crime is down by almost half since 2006-7 and homicides are at their lowest since records began. Public confidence in the police is high and we have 1,000 extra police officers compared to 2007.\r\nThe Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland are fully committed to delivering the required savings. It is for them to manage the budget and make decisions on the appropriate balance of resources to deliver the benefits and savings of reform.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T17:00:17.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289822,"EventID":"S4W-18459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T17:00:17.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:43:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many attacks on emergency service staff have been reported in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The police recorded crime statistics collected centrally are based on an aggregate return at local authority level, and as such, do not distinguish the circumstances of the crime, such as the occupation of the victim. In addition, as local authority areas do not nest into NHS health board areas, it is not possible to produce a breakdown of recorded crime data by NHS board areas.\r\nFollowing the introduction of the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005, a new crime code (Common Assault of an Emergency Worker) was created. This crime code also includes offences under the Police (Scotland) Act 1967 and the Police Act 1996. Prior to this, a common assault on an emergency worker would have been recorded and classified as a Common assault and as the dataset cannot be interrogated on the basis of occupation of the victim, it is not possible to identify emergency workers prior to 2005-06. Where an emergency worker is the victim of a Serious assault, these will be included within the Serious assault crime code. However it is not possible to identify emergency workers separately.\r\nThe following table shows the number of offences of Common assault of an emergency worker for Scotland since the introduction of the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005.\r\nFinancial Year\r\nCommon assault of an emergency worker1\r\n2005-062\r\n518\r\n2006-07\r\n723\r\n2007-08\r\n753\r\n2008-09\r\n1,150\r\n2009-10\r\n5,320\r\n2010-11\r\n6,456\r\n2011-12\r\n7,107\r\n2012-13\r\n6,514\r\nNotes:\r\n1. In 2010, an inconsistency in the classification of assaults on police officers was identified. Some police forces had continued to classify assaults on police officers as an offence of Common Assault rather than the new offence of Common assault of an emergency worker. As a result, 2009-10 is the first year in which all police forces were consistently classifying common assaults on police officers under this new offence.\r\n2. The Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005 came into force on 9 May 2005.\r\nIn June 2010, Justice Analytical Services in the Scottish Government produced a short paper which reports on the results of a special exercise to investigate these classification issues. This paper is publicly available via the following web link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/JusticeOccasional.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T17:00:17.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289823,"EventID":"S4W-18460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T17:00:18.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:43:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been (a) prosecuted and (b) convicted for attacks on emergency service staff in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following tables.\r\nThe Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Police (Scotland) Act 1967, have provisions for a person who assaults, resists, obstructs, molests or hinders emergency workers. Offences which specifically involve an assault on emergency workers cannot generally be identified separately from other section offences in the data held centrally.\r\nThe Police Act 1996 Section 89(1) provides for any person who assaults a constable in the execution of his duty, or a person assisting a constable in the execution of his duty, shall be guilty of an offence.\r\nOther assaults on emergency workers which may result in other charges such as serious assault or attempted homicide cannot be identified separately in the available statistics and so are not included.\r\nPeople prosecuted in Scottish Courts for offences against emergency workers1, 1998-99 to 2012-13\r\n \r\nEmergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005\r\nPolice (Scotland) Act 1967\r\nPolice Act 1996\r\nAll\r\n1998-99\r\n0\r\n3,351\r\n0\r\n3,351\r\n1999-00\r\n0\r\n2,882\r\n0\r\n2,882\r\n2000-01\r\n0\r\n2,725\r\n0\r\n2,725\r\n2001-02\r\n0\r\n3,033\r\n0\r\n3,033\r\n2002-03\r\n0\r\n3,164\r\n0\r\n3,164\r\n2003-04\r\n0\r\n3,515\r\n0\r\n3,515\r\n2004-05\r\n0\r\n3,603\r\n0\r\n3,603\r\n2005-06\r\n57\r\n3,683\r\n0\r\n3,740\r\n2006-07\r\n212\r\n4,071\r\n0\r\n4,283\r\n2007-08\r\n287\r\n4,127\r\n0\r\n4,414\r\n2008-09\r\n309\r\n3,989\r\n0\r\n4,298\r\n2009-10\r\n290\r\n3,599\r\n0\r\n3,889\r\n2010-11\r\n336\r\n3,329\r\n0\r\n3,665\r\n2011-12\r\n411\r\n4,081\r\n0\r\n4,492\r\n2012-13\r\n391\r\n3,915\r\n3\r\n4,309\r\n\r\nPeople with a charge proved in Scottish Courts for offences against emergency workers1,1998-99 to 2012-13\r\n \r\nEmergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005\r\nPolice (Scotland) Act 1967\r\nPolice Act 1996\r\nAll\r\n1998-99\r\n0\r\n2,715\r\n0\r\n2,715\r\n1999-00\r\n0\r\n2,274\r\n0\r\n2,274\r\n2000-01\r\n0\r\n2,149\r\n0\r\n2,149\r\n2001-02\r\n0\r\n2,452\r\n0\r\n2,452\r\n2002-03\r\n0\r\n2,880\r\n0\r\n2,880\r\n2003-04\r\n0\r\n3,124\r\n0\r\n3,124\r\n2004-05\r\n0\r\n3,200\r\n0\r\n3,200\r\n2005-06\r\n54\r\n3,286\r\n0\r\n3,340\r\n2006-07\r\n200\r\n3,644\r\n0\r\n3,844\r\n2007-08\r\n275\r\n3,703\r\n0\r\n3,978\r\n2008-09\r\n301\r\n3,574\r\n0\r\n3,875\r\n2009-10\r\n281\r\n3,184\r\n0\r\n3,465\r\n2010-11\r\n323\r\n2,989\r\n0\r\n3,312\r\n2011-12\r\n356\r\n3,364\r\n0\r\n3,720\r\n2012-13\r\n330\r\n3,137\r\n2\r\n3,469\r\nSource: Scottish Government Criminal Proceedings data.\r\nNote: 1. Where main charge.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T17:00:18.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289824,"EventID":"S4W-18461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T17:00:18.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:51:14.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many pupils have been learning a musical instrument in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nHowever, as part of the work of the Instrumental Music Group which reported to the Scottish Government on 27 June 2013, the improvement service obtained information on the number of pupils learning a musical instrument across Scotland since 2007-08. This information was published at the time and is repeated in the following table:\r\nAcademic year\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nLocal Authority area\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAberdeen\r\n1737\r\n1912\r\n1969\r\n1924\r\n1809\r\n1738\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n\r\n2644\r\n2589\r\n2711\r\n2471\r\n2175\r\nAngus\r\n1100-1200\r\n1100-1200\r\n1100-1200\r\n1144 (June)\r\n1142 (June)\r\n1454 (March)\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n1385\r\n1344\r\n1352\r\n1226\r\n1256\r\n\r\nEdinburgh\r\n\r\n4712\r\n4652\r\n4798\r\n4758\r\n\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n434\r\n509\r\n419\r\n396\r\n439\r\n\r\nStirling\r\n\r\nc810\r\nc810\r\nc810\r\nc810\r\n810\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n\r\n1896\r\n2132\r\n1799\r\n2071\r\n1210\r\nDundee\r\nApproximately 1800\r\n2200\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n1121\r\n1103\r\n1142\r\n1126\r\n1113\r\n1147\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1185\r\n1301\r\nEast Lothian\r\n1269\r\n1237\r\n1257\r\n1263\r\n1267\r\n\r\nEast Renfrew\r\n\r\n1727\r\n1858\r\n1921\r\n1856\r\n1802\r\nFalkirk\r\n\r\n1113\r\n1211\r\n1148\r\n1141\r\n1142\r\nFife\r\n\r\n5128\r\n4043\r\n3243\r\n3888\r\n3564\r\nGlasgow\r\n\r\n4080\r\n4098\r\n4540\r\n4538\r\n\r\nHighland\r\n\r\n2800\r\n2850\r\n2920\r\n2950\r\n3000\r\nInverclyde\r\n655\r\n725\r\n903\r\n1087\r\n1190\r\n1222\r\nMidlothian\r\n\r\n\r\n1500\r\n1300\r\n1140\r\n1100\r\nMoray\r\n\r\n825-850\r\n825-850\r\n825-850\r\n825-850\r\n850\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n1611\r\n1629\r\n1478\r\n1749\r\n1445\r\n1570\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n\r\n3940\r\n3966\r\n3012\r\n3421\r\n3853\r\nOrkney\r\n480-520\r\n480-520\r\n480-520\r\n480-520\r\n480-520\r\n498\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n1500\r\n1570\r\n1522\r\n1558\r\n1661\r\n\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n\r\n1780\r\n1547\r\n1208\r\n1129\r\n1050\r\nScottish Borders\r\n\r\n2032\r\n1889\r\n1140\r\n981\r\n917\r\nShetland Islands\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n751\r\n678\r\n662\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\nApprox 1000\r\nApprox 1000\r\nApprox 1000\r\nApprox 1000\r\n1100\r\n1222\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n3663\r\n2487\r\n2957\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n1036\r\n972 - 1022 \r\n1140\r\n1024\r\n1105\r\n965\r\nWest Lothian\r\n2089\r\n2128\r\n2273\r\n2182\r\n2265\r\n2379\r\nWestern Isles\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n360\r\nEstimated total number of Instrumental Music Pupils across Scotland: 55,067 (8.3% of total primary and secondary school roll). \r\nThis is based on 2012-13 pupil numbers where available and 2011-12 pupil numbers where 2012-13 numbers were not available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T17:00:18.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289825,"EventID":"S4W-18462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T17:00:19.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:51:14.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many music teachers there have been in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of music teachers in 2011 and 2012 can be found in the teacher census supplementary tables to the Summary Statistics for Schools in Scotland publication. This is available on the Scottish Government website and can be accessed using the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/School-Education/teachcenssuppdata\r\nThe data for 2011 and 2012 have been summarised in the following table\r\nNumber of teachers (FTE) whose main subject taught is recorded as music:\r\n\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nAberdeen City\r\n28\r\n27\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n54\r\n51\r\nAngus\r\n24\r\n22\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n19\r\n20\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n10\r\n11\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n35\r\n40\r\nDundee City\r\n34\r\n27\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n27\r\n26\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n27\r\n25\r\nEast Lothian\r\n23\r\n24\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n23\r\n24\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n52\r\n55\r\nEilean Siar\r\n10\r\n8\r\nFalkirk\r\n35\r\n39\r\nFife\r\n70\r\n71\r\nGlasgow City\r\n78\r\n85\r\nHighland\r\n56\r\n47\r\nInverclyde\r\n17\r\n18\r\nMidlothian\r\n20\r\n20\r\nMoray\r\n21\r\n19\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n26\r\n28\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n70\r\n70\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n9\r\n9\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n31\r\n33\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n34\r\n38\r\nScottish Borders\r\n23\r\n27\r\nShetland Islands\r\n12\r\n12\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n25\r\n28\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n60\r\n64\r\nStirling\r\n23\r\n23\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n20\r\n18\r\nWest Lothian\r\n42\r\n42\r\nAll local authorities\r\n1039\r\n1049\r\nGrant aided\r\n2\r\n2\r\nFor information on the number of music teachers prior to 2011, I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-03916 on 18 November 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T17:00:19.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289826,"EventID":"S4W-18463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-18T17:00:19.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T16:02:08.44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its progress in implementing the recommendations of the Community Council Short-life Working Group.","AnswerText":"In response to the Community Council Short-Life Working Group’s report and recommendations, the Scottish Government, in collaboration with COSLA, has agreed to support the Improvement Service to undertake a project to help enhance the role of community councils. The improvement service will initially work with Scotland’s 32 Community Council Liaison Officers (CCLO’s) based in each local authority, to support the 1,200 community councils active in Scotland.\r\nThis project includes providing training and development opportunities for community councillors, improving communications by establishing a communities of practice website and facilitating a number of networking events to help share good practice. In addition a national register of community councils and councillors will be made available digitally.\r\nThe Improvement Service will also work with CCLO’s to pilot and trial a range of practical solutions to some of the challenges facing community councils such as contested elections as identified by the Short Life Working Group’s report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-03T17:00:19.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289827,"EventID":"S4W-18388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T14:05:55.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-14T17:21:04.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on (a) each advertising campaign, (b) promoting each government initiative and (c) other marketing in each year since 2011-12, also broken down by (i) medium used and (ii) organisation that it paid to carry it out, and how much it plans to spend in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government advertising spend is capped at £6,694,453. Spend for 2011-12 and 2012-13 is available on the Scottish Government website at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/Directorates/Communications/advertising-marketing/spend\r\nExpenditure relating to promoting each government initiative is not held. However, in line with the Public Sector Reform (Scotland) Act, the Scottish Government has published its total Public Relations spend (as defined by the Act) for 2011-12 and this can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Information/expenditure/PSRA2010. \r\nSpend for 2012-13 will be published in due course.\r\nSpend by medium used is not held. Media planning and buying is managed by Carat, which is the single supplier on the media planning and buying framework.\r\nOther organisations used by the Scottish Government for its marketing activities are APS, which is the single supplier for providing design, print and publishing services, and the agencies on the Marketing Services Framework which can be viewed at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/Procurement/directory/marketingservices/marketingservices/multilotsupplierlist \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T14:05:55.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289828,"EventID":"S4W-18446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T14:05:56.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:09:20.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it promotes (a) innovation and (b) invention in the (i) engineering, (ii) science and (iii) business sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 13 November 2013 Scotland CAN DO: Becoming a World-leading Entrepreneurial and Innovative Nation, was published. The framework builds on the Government Economic Strategy and details the Scottish Government’s current approach to, and future plans for, supporting entrepreneurship and innovation.\r\nScotland CAN DO can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/11/7675a, and is also registered with Parliament Information Reference Centre (Bib. number 55456).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T14:05:56.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289829,"EventID":"S4W-18447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T14:05:56.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:09:20.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on raising awareness among the population of the dietary needs of some people because of their religious beliefs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to promoting a multi-faith and multi-cultural society based on mutual trust, respect and understanding.\r\nThe Scottish Government funded the Scottish Working Group on Religion and Belief Relations to write and publish Belief in Dialogue: Religion and Belief Relations in Scotland Good Practice Guide (2011), which provides guidance (including examples of successful activities) in bringing together people of different faiths and beliefs to develop and engage in dialogue and relationship building.\r\nWe have also allocated over £1 million (2012-2015) to support faith-based projects to create, among other things, opportunities for the development of interfaith and cross-cultural awareness and understanding, including raising awareness of the dietary needs of some people because of their religious beliefs.\r\nIn school education, religious and moral education enables children and young people to explore the world’s major religions and to develop their own beliefs and values. Through Curriculum for Excellence, from the early years to level four, the experience and outcomes for religious and moral education include strands that enable children and young people to develop their knowledge and understanding of a variety of practices and traditions associated with world religions, including dietary requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T14:05:56.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289830,"EventID":"S4W-18448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T14:05:56.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:09:20.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much crofting has contributed to the economy in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally by the Scottish Government. \r\nHowever, a number of issues relating to the economics of crofting were covered in the independent Committee of Inquiry on Crofting’s Final Report, published on 12 May 2008. This can be viewed at:\r\nhttp://www.croftinginquiry.org/Resource/Doc/0/0000405.pdf\r\nThe contribution of crofting to Scotland’s economy will also be considered for the next Scottish Government report to the Scottish Parliament on the economic condition of crofting, etc, under section 51 of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\nSection 51 requires the Scottish Ministers to report once every four years. The first such report, a copy of which is available in the Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre (Bib. Number 52273), was laid in Parliament on 23 December 2010 and the next report is due to be laid by 1 January 2015, covering the period 2011 to 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T14:05:56.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289831,"EventID":"S4W-18449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T14:05:56.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:09:20.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve safety on the (a) A819, (b) A822 and (c) A708.","AnswerText":"The A819, A822 and A708 are classed as local roads and are, therefore, the responsibility of those local authorities through whose area the routes run.\r\nThe Scottish Government is providing local government in Scotland with over £10.3 billion in 2013-14. Decisions about local road investment are a matter for individual councils.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T14:05:56.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289832,"EventID":"S4W-18450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T14:05:57.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:09:20.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many teachers have been absent due to stress in each of the last five years; what the average length of absence was; how much it cost, and what action it is taking to tackle the issue.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information requested is not collated centrally. Teacher absences and the causes of these absences are matters for individual local authorities as employers. Each authority will have locally agreed systems in place for managing this.\r\nThe Scottish Government takes the matter of workload and stress seriously and has already taken steps to address the immediate issues surrounding implementation of Curriculum for Excellence. There are a range of support materials in place to aid teachers with the transition and Education Scotland inspectors have a clear remit to tackle any bureaucracy which detracts from pupils’ learning experience.\r\nThe recent publication of the Audit Scotland Compendium on Council Performance for the 2012-13 financial year, shows the number of days lost per employee for teachers as well as other local government employees in each Scottish Council area with a total average for Scotland. \r\nThere has been a slight increase this year in teacher absence however in the past five years teacher absence has been consistently less than that of other local government workers.\r\nDays lost per employee (Scotland average in last 5 financial years)\r\n2012-13\r\n2011-12\r\n2010-11\r\n2009-10\r\n2008-09\r\nTeachers\r\n6.6\r\n6.2\r\n6.6\r\n7.6\r\n7.4\r\nOther Local Government Staff\r\n10.9\r\n10.4\r\n10.8\r\n11.6\r\n12.5\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T14:05:57.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289833,"EventID":"S4W-18451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T14:05:57.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:09:20.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many teachers have been absent due to false accusations being made against them by pupils in each of the last 10 years, broken down by local authority; what the average length of absence was while investigations were carried out, and how much it cost. \r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not collated centrally. Teacher absences and the cause of these absences are matters for individual local authorities as employers. Each authority will have locally agreed systems in place for managing this.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T14:05:57.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289834,"EventID":"S4W-18452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T14:05:57.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:09:20.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prosecutions in 2012-13 were related to fires that started because of (a) refuse and (b) flytipping, and how many led to a conviction.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T14:05:57.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289835,"EventID":"S4W-18453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T14:05:58.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:45:52.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has commissioned work on the income of crofters and, if so, whether it will publish the findings.\r\n","AnswerText":"No specific work on the income of crofters has been commissioned by the Scottish Government at this time.\r\nHowever, this information may be considered for the next Scottish Government report to the Scottish Parliament on the economic condition of crofting, etc, under section 51 of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\nSection 51 requires the Scottish Ministers to report once every four years. The first such report, a copy of which is available in the Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre (Bib. Number 52273), was laid in Parliament on 23 December 2010 and the next report is due to be laid by 1 January 2015, covering the period 2011 to 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T14:05:58.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289836,"EventID":"S4W-18454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T14:05:58.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:45:52.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how much (a) mandatory registrations and (b) regulations have cost crofters in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally by the Scottish Government.\r\nHowever, there has been no cost to crofters in relation to mandatory registration on the Crofting Register in the last five years as the requirement to register croft land as a result of a ‘trigger’ contained in the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 only commenced on 30 November 2013. In order to allow crofters time to prepare for the introduction of the requirement to register croft land in the event certain regulatory applications, the Scottish Government introduced the Crofting Register provisions on a voluntary basis from 30 November 2012, for the first year of the Crofting Register.\r\nIn relation to the costs of regulatory applications, these will vary between applicants, depending on, for example, any legal or other professional advice incurred prior to submitting a regulatory application.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T14:05:58.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289837,"EventID":"S4W-18455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T14:05:58.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T15:45:52.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the other forms of income that crofters have, broken down by age group.\r\n","AnswerText":"The income of individual crofters will vary widely between crofters and may derive from a number of diverse sources. The Scottish Government does not collect details of private income.\r\nHowever, the Scottish Government does hold information in relation to direct payments made under the Common Agricultural Policy. The most recent analysis undertaken in 2011 indicated that 8,100 of businesses operating agricultural holdings wholly located within the crofting counties (both crofts and non-crofts) received £116 million in single farm payments during that year. This averaged around £14,450 per business operating agricultural holdings in that area.\r\nIn addition to single farm payments, figures from 2012 indicate that some £33.4 million of Scottish rural development programme support was provided within the crofting counties. Amongst other things, this was spent on agri-environment measures, forestry, and other business developments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T14:05:58.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289838,"EventID":"S4W-18464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T14:05:59.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T16:24:38.497","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to prevent pupils making false accusations against teachers and what sanctions are available should accusations be found to be false.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government understands that any allegation made against a teacher whether found to be false or not, can be very stressful and upsetting to all those involved. Guidance was issued in 2011 which was designed to provide support for schools and authorities in dealing with allegations made against members of staff for whatever reason.\r\nSchools and authorities must have procedures in place which meet the needs of both staff and children and young people and must ensure that any local procedures for handling allegations dovetail with local disciplinary and child protection procedures in accordance with the National Child Protection Guidance (2010) and inter-agency child protection guidelines.\r\nAuthorities and schools have available to them a range of strategies and approaches, for promoting positive relationships and behaviour. Support and training in these approaches is provided by Education Scotland’s Rights, Support and Wellbeing Team.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T14:05:59.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289839,"EventID":"S4W-18465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T14:05:59.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-19T09:16:02.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18164 by Kenny MacAskill on 18 November 2013, whether it has direct input to the decision on the number of police officers deployed on the beat at any one time.","AnswerText":"As I stated in my previous answer, the deployment of police officers is an operational matter for Police Scotland. The Scottish Government has no direct input into the deployment of police officers on the beat.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T14:05:59.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289840,"EventID":"S4W-18466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T14:05:59.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-19T09:16:02.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether ministers can override the decision of the chief constable about the number of police officers deployed on the beat.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers cannot override the decision of the chief constable about the number of police officers deployed on the beat. The Police in Scotland operate independently of Scottish Ministers. The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 establishes that the chief constable is ‘responsible for the day to day administration of the Police Service, including the allocation and deployment of resources received from the authority.’\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18164 on 18 November 2013 which explains that the deployment of police officers is an operational matter for Police Scotland.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T14:05:59.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289841,"EventID":"S4W-18467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T14:06:00.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-19T09:52:33.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will report on its (a) consultation on the Recyclate Quality Action Plan and (b) discussions with the UK Government about any cross-border issues.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government intends to implement the principal proposal from the Recyclate Quality Action Plan consultation, a statutory testing regime for recyclate contamination levels by April 2014. We will publish a summary of the responses to our consultation before the end of the year.\r\nThe UK Government has consulted on a similar quality action plan, and we understand that the UK Government is considering its position on a statutory testing regime. The Scottish Government is not aware of any direct cross-border issues.\r\nThe Scottish Government continues to consider all representations from industry, and will maintain close dialogue with stakeholders and, where appropriate, with the UK Government during the final phase of this work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T14:06:00.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289842,"EventID":"S4W-18468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T14:06:00.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-19T12:25:47.6","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to ensure that high speed fibre optic broadband is rolled out in rural areas of Falkirk district.","AnswerText":"The two regional projects to deliver superfast broadband infrastructure across Scotland are now well underway.\r\nThese represent two of the largest next generation broadband investments in Europe, totalling over £410 million of public and private sector investment.\r\nThe rural areas of Falkirk where there is no commercial availability of fibre optic broadband are within the scope of our broadband projects. Alongside the commercial deployment, this will deliver next generation broadband access to 85% of premises in Scotland by 2015 and 95% by 2017. We expect the coverage in the Falkirk area to rise to well over 90% during the project and that this will include coverage in rural areas.\r\nWe have published high level roll-out plans on our website www.scotlandsuperfast.com to provide the latest available information on deployment plans across Scotland. The plans will develop throughout the roll-out period as surveys take place and it is therefore not possible to provide specific details at this point. We plan to provide regular updates on our website, including first announcement of deployment in the Rest of Scotland intervention area, with postcode checker facility, in early 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T14:06:00.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289843,"EventID":"S4W-18469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T14:06:01.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-19T13:16:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide local authorities with the records of prison visiting committees that cease to operate. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T14:06:01.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289863,"EventID":"S4W-18470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T17:06:16.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-19T14:03:33.73","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it holds (a) on the health of mountain hare populations and (b) that is relevant to assessing whether mountain hare are in a favourable conservation status.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Gamebag Census data for mountain hare compiled by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust shows no significant trend in the data between 1961 and 2009, despite marked cyclical fluctuations which are known to exist in around half of mountain hare populations.\r\nA questionnaire survey commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) in 2006-07 (SNH Commissioned Report 278) concluded that there was no evidence of an overall change in the distribution of mountain hares when compared to a similar study in mid 1990s. However, there may have been localised declines and possibly extinctions, undetectable at the 10km scale at which the data were collected and analysed.\r\nThe findings of this report provide SNH with an impression of the overall range of the species and some information on the numbers controlled, but SNH need more detailed information on hare abundance before it can be in a position to make a reliable assessment of the impact that culling is having on the population as a whole.  To this end, SNH commissioned a study in 2008 into developing improved monitoring methods (Commissioned Report 444), but unfortunately, due to two severe winters hampering the fieldwork, the results did not provide SNH with the statistical relationship needed to progress this work. SNH therefore propose to develop a further programme of research, with the intention to commencing further fieldwork later in 2014. The exact detail of this work programme is still to be agreed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T17:06:17.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289864,"EventID":"S4W-18471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T17:06:17.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-19T14:03:33.73","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what conservation action is planned to protect mountain hare populations.\r\n","AnswerText":"In order to properly inform licence applications and to have a better understanding of the effects of culling on hare populations, a cost-effective and easily-applied method of reliably estimating hare numbers is required. This is the immediate priority and, once developed, will enable better monitoring schemes to be developed, and provision of information on population status will be improved also. Such data would then be used to inform future management decisions concerning the species, as necessary.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T17:06:17.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289865,"EventID":"S4W-18472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T17:06:17.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-19T14:03:33.73","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it holds on the number of mountain hare that are culled annually and the impact of this on golden eagles (a) dispersing from, (b) likely to be recruited to or (c) nesting in natura sites for which golden eagles are a designated interest.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Commissioned Report 278 indicated that a total of 24,529 mountain hares were harvested in 2006-07 across 90 sporting estates (of these, 11,906 were reported to have been taken by 26 estates). This represents 7% of the 1995 published Scottish population estimate of 350,000 and is subject to a 50% margin of error.\r\nSNH Commissioned Report 278 on the distribution of Mountain Hare in Scotland shows hares present in all or part of the Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated for golden eagles.\r\nThe Report also indicates that the vast majority of hare control occurs in the central and eastern Highlands. In these areas, Report 278 suggests that there is a mixed picture of hare distributional change between 1995-96 and 2006-07 with no clear pattern of decline. The 2006-07 data are the most recent SNH holds.\r\n(a) Golden eagles take several years to reach breeding age and juvenile birds disperse from their parent’s breeding territory and range over the Highlands and islands to varying degrees i.e. the young birds are not tied to the SPAs.\r\nAs breeding adult birds are territorial, these young birds mainly use areas of suitable habitat that does not form part of a territorial range. Some of the areas these birds will be using will be areas where hare control is being carried out. SNH Report 278 indicates that more hares are controlled from September to February, although levels of hares removed for tick control are fairly similar across the year.\r\n(b) Young golden eagles often return and try to settle close to where they were born although some settle elsewhere. The SPAs therefore are reliant on the wider golden eagle population to support recruitment. Only a proportion of the young eagles survive to reach breeding age and it is unknown what, if any, effect the reductions in hare numbers will have on recruitment.\r\n(c) Live prey is of key importance for chick development and successful breeding. As with (a) and (b) there is a potential impact through reducing available prey and/or requiring the birds to prey more on grouse.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T17:06:17.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289866,"EventID":"S4W-18473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T17:06:18.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-19T14:03:33.73","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it holds on a link between the culling of mountain hare and the incidence of (a) louping ill or (b) other diseases transmitted by sheep ticks or other hare parasites to red grouse.\r\n","AnswerText":"The scientific evidence on this subject has been reviewed in a 2009 paper in the Journal of Applied Ecology \"Culling wildlife hosts to control disease: mountain hares, red grouse and louping ill virus\" by A Harrison et al.- see http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2664.2010.01834.x/abstract.\r\nThe authors conclude that there is no compelling evidence base to suggest culling mountain hares might increase red grouse densities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T17:06:18.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289867,"EventID":"S4W-18474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T17:06:18.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-19T14:03:33.73","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it controls the culling of mountain hare.\r\n","AnswerText":"Mountain hare are protected by a close season during which no culling can be carried out by any method except under licence granted by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). Mountain hare are also covered by Regulation 41 of The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 which prohibits the use of certain methods of taking or killing wild animals, including the use of traps which are non-selective according to their principle or their condition of use. The use of such traps can be licensed by SNH. The use of such traps is not permissible under the terms of a general licence but can be licenced by SNH.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T17:06:18.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289868,"EventID":"S4W-18475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-19T17:06:18.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-19T14:03:33.73","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many applications it has (a) received and (b) granted for the culling of mountain hare since 2011, broken down by (i) year, (ii) purpose and (iii) area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Licences are required to control mountain hares at any time using certain otherwise prohibited means, or to kill them by any method during the “closed season”. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is the licensing authority.\r\nSNH received one application for the control of mountain hare by snaring in 2011. SNH granted that licence in 2012 and it has been amended twice. The licence was granted for the purpose of preventing serious damage to woodland.\r\nSNH received five applications for the control of mountain hare in 2012. Two of these applications were refused. All of the remaining three were to shoot hares out-of-season and for preventing serious damage to woodland. One was in Highland, one in Moray and one in Aberdeenshire.\r\nSNH received three applications for the control of mountain hare in 2013. Two of these were applications to renew licences issued in 2012 (one in Moray and one in Aberdeenshire). The remaining application was for another site in Moray, and again was for the purpose of preventing serious damage to woodland. Licences were granted for all three, and all three relating to shooting hares out-of-season.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-04T17:06:18.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289870,"EventID":"S4O-02622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:00.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T10:44:36.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to provide permanent employment opportunities for people who will be on temporary contracts during the Christmas period. ","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:01.003","MeetingDate":"2013-11-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289871,"EventID":"S4O-02623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:01.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T12:01:50.13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the claim by the Institute for Fiscal Studies that an independent Scotland would face a fiscal gap of 1.9% of national income.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:01.75","MeetingDate":"2013-11-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289872,"EventID":"S4O-02624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:03.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-19T12:34:41.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what account the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth takes of sustainable development in his policy framework for sustainable growth.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:03.047","MeetingDate":"2013-11-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289873,"EventID":"S4O-02625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:03.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T12:01:50.8","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of public service reforms on the north east.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:03.39","MeetingDate":"2013-11-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289874,"EventID":"S4O-02626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:03.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T12:01:51.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent action it has taken to encourage economic development in Motherwell and Wishaw.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:03.747","MeetingDate":"2013-11-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289875,"EventID":"S4O-02627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:04.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T12:01:51.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the demographic projections in the recent Institute for Fiscal Studies report on the fiscal sustainability of an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:04.123","MeetingDate":"2013-11-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289876,"EventID":"S4O-02628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:04.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T11:51:02.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what additional support it can give to expand the provision of credit unions across the country.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:04.56","MeetingDate":"2013-11-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289877,"EventID":"S4O-02629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:04.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T10:04:22.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what evidence there is that the Community Councils Short-life Working Group recommendation that \"there is continued drive aimed at the community and Community Councils for contested Community Council elections\" has been achieved in the recent community council elections.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:04.963","MeetingDate":"2013-11-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289878,"EventID":"S4O-02630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:05.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-19T13:58:16.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what representations it has received regarding a weighting allowance for public sector workers in the Aberdeen travel to work area.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:05.37","MeetingDate":"2013-11-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289879,"EventID":"S4O-02631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:05.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T12:01:52.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth last met the chief executive of Scottish Enterprise and what was discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:05.713","MeetingDate":"2013-11-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289880,"EventID":"S4O-02633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:06.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T10:06:35.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact on the economy is of university graduates seeking employment outside Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:06.65","MeetingDate":"2013-11-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289881,"EventID":"S4O-02634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:06.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T12:01:53.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria VisitScotland uses to determine whether a town is a suitable location for a visitor information centre.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:06.977","MeetingDate":"2013-11-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289882,"EventID":"S4O-02635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:07.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T12:01:54.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it considers the use of so-called zero-hours contracts contributes to its strategy for sustainable economic growth.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:07.303","MeetingDate":"2013-11-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289883,"EventID":"S4O-02636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:07.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-19T16:32:48.273","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what role it sees for local banking in the future of the financial services sector.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:07.663","MeetingDate":"2013-11-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289884,"EventID":"S4O-02637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:08.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T12:01:54.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the oil and gas sector about improving employment opportunities for women.","AnswerText":"Supporting women to fulfil their potential in the labour market is a key aim of the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government continues to be in close engagement with both industry and industry bodies on this important matter, and at the most recent Offshore Europe conference I spoke at the Women in Industry event about how we can encourage more women into the oil and gas sector. I also spoke about this at our most recent Oil and Gas Industry Leadership Group, and there is widespread agreement that as oil and gas is an industry which has many decades of opportunity ahead it, women have an crucial role to play in supporting the industry maximise its potential.\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:08.1","MeetingDate":"2013-11-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289885,"EventID":"S4O-02638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:08.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T12:01:55.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to promote the use of social impact investment partnerships.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government welcomes the innovative approach that Perth YMCA has adopted to securing investment from local businesses and individuals for the living Balance Project. Perth YMCA has used this experience to develop a social impact investment partnership framework that can be used by other projects across Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government, along with Big Lottery Fund Scotland, has provided some resources towards the development of guidance and templates which can be used by other partners keen to test social impact investment models.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:08.443","MeetingDate":"2013-11-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289886,"EventID":"S4O-02639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:08.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T11:24:49.18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Department for Work and Pensions about any additional administration costs to local authorities of administering discretionary housing payments.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have repeatedly challenged the Department for Work and Pensions and UK Ministers on housing benefit reform.\r\nI raised this most recently at the Finance Ministers’ Quadrilateral meeting with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury where I stressed the need for adequate funding for local authorities in relation to the administrative and operational costs associated with welfare reform.\r\nThe Scottish Government is taking all reasonable action it can within the limits of the current constitutional arrangements to mitigate the damaging effects of the welfare reforms by investing up to £244 million over the period 2013-14 to 2015-16.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:08.723","MeetingDate":"2013-11-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289887,"EventID":"S4O-02640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:09.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T12:01:55.62","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies on fiscal sustainability in an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) analysis confirms that Scotland is currently in a stronger fiscal position than the UK. In the longer-term the IFS modelling shows what Scotland could look like should it remain part of the UK.\r\nAs with any country we face economic challenges, the need to increase productivity, to improve the level of participation in our economy by securing new and long-term job opportunities and to reduce inequality.\r\nThese challenges exist whether the Scottish people vote for independence or not. What the report highlights is the future for Scotland within the union. Under independence we will have control of the economic levers that can be used to increase productivity, increase our exports and invest in our economy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:09.317","MeetingDate":"2013-11-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289888,"EventID":"S4O-02641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:09.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T12:01:55.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of planning decision appeals from East Lothian it has determined in favour of the developer and how this compares with the national average.","AnswerText":"Since the commencement of the Town and Country Planning (Appeals) (Scotland) Regulations 2008 on 3 August 2009. 32 planning appeals have been decided in East Lothian, of which 17 were allowed (53%). In this same period 1135 planning appeals were decided in Scotland, of which 482 were allowed (42%).\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:09.893","MeetingDate":"2013-11-27T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289889,"EventID":"S4O-02642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:10.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T11:44:13.843","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will provide a substantive response to question S4W-16703 regarding the First Minister's engagements in Aberdeen in June 2013, which received a holding answer from the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs on 10 September. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:10.487","MeetingDate":"2013-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289890,"EventID":"S4O-02643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:10.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T12:02:16.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making in tackling homelessness.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:10.907","MeetingDate":"2013-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289891,"EventID":"S4O-02644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:11.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T12:02:16.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to boost vocational education and training in North Ayrshire.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:11.343","MeetingDate":"2013-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289892,"EventID":"S4O-02645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:11.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T00:11:23.383","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact independence would have on the Department for International Development’s office in East Kilbride.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:11.813","MeetingDate":"2013-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289893,"EventID":"S4O-02646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:12.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T11:09:49.44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to people who have experienced miscarriage.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:12.03","MeetingDate":"2013-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289894,"EventID":"S4O-02647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:12.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T12:02:17.867","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to improve safety on the A937 between Montrose and Laurencekirk.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:12.327","MeetingDate":"2013-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289895,"EventID":"S4O-02648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:12.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T12:02:18.177","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to promote Carers Rights Day.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:12.75","MeetingDate":"2013-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289896,"EventID":"S4O-02649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:13.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T12:02:18.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many stop-and-searches Police Scotland has carried out.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:13.043","MeetingDate":"2013-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289897,"EventID":"S4O-02650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:13.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T11:53:21.44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has carried out an assessment of the impact on communities of Police Scotland’s proposals regarding public counter opening times.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the chief constable in line with the provisions in the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 Act passed by this Parliament. The Act makes it clear that the Chief Constable is responsible for the day to day administration of the police service and the direction and control of officers and staff.\r\nThis Police Scotland review of public counter provision is not about closing police stations. The review will help deliver a more consistent professional service to the public, enabling more officers to be deployed in our communities where and when they are needed most.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:13.387","MeetingDate":"2013-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289898,"EventID":"S4O-02651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T14:00:13.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-18T12:02:19.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve the quality of care for older people.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill provides the framework for the integration of health and social care. The Bill, will put new national health and wellbeing outcomes on a statutory footing in order to improve outcomes for patients, service users, carers and their families and to enable health boards and local authorities to work together effectively to deliver quality, sustainable care services.\r\nThe Scottish Government is developing new inspections to ensure that people get the level of support that they have been assessed as needing, and that the quality is what they should expect and deserve. Healthcare Improvement Scotland and the Care Inspectorate have been tasked to develop the new inspection methodology for adult care and they are now consulting on this. New inspections will include the commissioning processes by which councils determine the volume and length of visits needed to deliver safe, compassionate care services for Scotland’s older people.\r\nOur drive for improvement centres on enabling staff to deliver safe, effective and world class care for the people of Scotland. We have placed particular emphasis on ensuring that older people and individuals and their families affected by dementia receive the highest quality care when they are in hospital and that staff care for them in a dignified, respectful, compassionate way. That is why the Scottish Government asked Healthcare Improvement Scotland to carry out a programme of inspections into care of older people in acute hospitals, in order to drive up standards of care across Scotland. That is also why, to support our continued drive for excellence, we now have 417 staff trained as dementia champions (which includes 110 participants (the 4th cohort) who completed the training in September 2013) and have supported Alzheimer Scotland to appoint a specialist dementia nurse specialist to NHS boards across Scotland. To build on this, the national action plan for improving care for people with dementia is being taken forward to ensure the implementation of the Standards of Care for Dementia in hospitals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T14:00:13.653","MeetingDate":"2013-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289911,"EventID":"S4W-18477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:43.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-19T17:30:56.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average number of patients per GP has been in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The General Medical Services contract came into effect on 1 April 2004 and patients no longer register with a specific GP. Instead they register with the practice as a whole (even though they may wish to see a particular GP most or all of the time). Latest figures and historical figures from 2004 are available from Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics in Scotland and can be accessed via this link: http://www.sns.gov.uk/default.aspx.\r\n\r\nScotland has more GPs per head of population than the rest of the UK\r\nCountry\r\nNo. of GPs in 2012\r\nPopulation\r\n(Mid-year 2012)\r\nGPs: per head  of population\r\nScotland\r\n4,859\r\n5,313,600\r\n1:1094\r\nEngland\r\n40,265\r\n53,493,700\r\n1:1329\r\nWales\r\n2,275\r\n3,074,100\r\n1:1351\r\nNorthern Ireland.\r\n1,170\r\n1,823,634\r\n1:1559\r\nThe average number of patients per GPs are based on headcounts of GP partners and GPs employed on a salaried basis. They do not take account of GP retainees, trainee GPs or GP locums, who between them also provide a significant amount of care to patients.\r\n\r\nThe average number of registered patients per contracted GP\r\nHealth Board\r\n2004\r\n2005\r\n2006\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n1,358\r\n1,342\r\n1,316\r\n1,296\r\n1,290\r\n1,305\r\n1,351\r\n1,384\r\n1,401\r\nBorders\r\n1,189\r\n1,147\r\n1,146\r\n1,195\r\n1,125\r\n1,096\r\n1,108\r\n1,086\r\n1,129\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n1,178\r\n1,122\r\n1,125\r\n1,122\r\n1,135\r\n1,118\r\n1,118\r\n1,160\r\n1,156\r\nFife\r\n1,437\r\n1,446\r\n1,436\r\n1,421\r\n1,397\r\n1,395\r\n1,456\r\n1,483\r\n1,479\r\nForth Valley\r\n1,383\r\n1,384\r\n1,399\r\n1,317\r\n1,342\r\n1,323\r\n1,344\r\n1,332\r\n1,321\r\nGrampian\r\n1,338\r\n1,254\r\n1,232\r\n1,220\r\n1,185\r\n1,173\r\n1,184\r\n1,197\r\n1,171\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n1,491\r\n1,484\r\n1,447\r\n1,442\r\n1,437\r\n1,436\r\n1,449\r\n1,428\r\n1,455\r\nHighland\r\n920\r\n908\r\n899\r\n860\r\n847\r\n839\r\n849\r\n857\r\n871\r\nLanarkshire\r\n1,642\r\n1,647\r\n1,641\r\n1,610\r\n1,607\r\n1,610\r\n1,596\r\n1,600\r\n1,575\r\nLothian\r\n1,387\r\n1,329\r\n1,305\r\n1,306\r\n1,305\r\n1,289\r\n1,306\r\n1,263\r\n1,270\r\nOrkney\r\n507\r\n498\r\n504\r\n471\r\n597\r\n600\r\n644\r\n557\r\n743\r\nShetland\r\n761\r\n924\r\n926\r\n717\r\n719\r\n685\r\n759\r\n736\r\n692\r\nTayside\r\n1,379\r\n1,341\r\n1,327\r\n1,324\r\n1,324\r\n1,324\r\n1,302\r\n1,302\r\n1,295\r\nWestern Isles\r\n687\r\n674\r\n769\r\n749\r\n691\r\n626\r\n705\r\n760\r\n665\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:44.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289912,"EventID":"S4W-18478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:44.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T09:34:35.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18026 by Nicola Sturgeon on 12 November 2013, whether it will set out how the risk management section of the Scottish Public Finance Manual applies to fuel poverty targets.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM) risk management section is directly applicable to the ongoing monitoring of the fuel poverty targets. It states that ‘effective risk management should improve policy and decision making, reduce fire fighting and focus resources more effectively’.\r\nThe Scottish Government's risk framework is designed to provide a straightforward methodology to help manage risk effectively and it follows five distinct phases: clarifying objectives; identifying risks; assessing risks; addressing risks; and reviewing and reporting risks. The Home Energy Efficiency Programmes\r\nfor Scotland have risk registers set up which are based on the SPFM criteria and are used to monitor progress towards the outcomes set out for these programmes, including tackling fuel poverty.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:44.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289913,"EventID":"S4W-18479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:45.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T10:49:13.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17672 by Fergus Ewing on 23 October 2013, when it will publish its consultation on the regulation of the coal industry.\r\n","AnswerText":"The consultation Opencast Coal Restoration - Effective Regulation has been published on-line at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/12/7688 \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:45.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289914,"EventID":"S4W-18480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:45.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T10:49:13.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers the use of \"letters of comfort\" by local planning authorities to be appropriate where they allow the continued operation of an opencast coal mine where it has become apparent that environmental restoration, required as mitigation in the environmental impact assessment at the time of consent, will no longer be delivered, and what the reason is for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government expects planning authorities to ensure that mitigation measures required by a planning permission are implemented.\r\nA planning authority may routinely discuss with operators, licensees, landowners and regulators the recommencement of opencast coal operations to facilitate restoration, requiring written confirmation of the planning authority’s position on certain matters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:45.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289915,"EventID":"S4W-18481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:46.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T10:49:13.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the cost of infraction proceedings would fall to a local planning authority where these were the result of a failure to adequately implement planning controls, and what the reason is for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Government is responsible for responding to infringement proceedings for a breach of EU law by any public authority in the UK and for paying any financial penalties imposed in that respect. Where proceedings relate to a devolved matter, the financial penalties may be passed on to the Scottish Government under the Concordat on Co-ordination of EU Policy.\r\nPart 2 of the Localism Act 2011 enables a Minister of the Crown to make an order to require a public authority to make payments towards a financial penalty imposed by the Court of Justice of the European Union through the making of an order designating the authority as being responsible in respect of that particular breach. No such order has yet been made in respect of a Scottish local authority.\r\nTo date, the Court of Justice of the European Union has not imposed any financial penalty against the United Kingdom under the Treaty of the European Union.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:46.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289916,"EventID":"S4W-18483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:46.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T11:07:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what procedures local authorities follow when ascertaining the capacity of (a) existing schools and (b) new build schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"The procedures for ascertaining the capacity of both existing and new schools is a responsibility of individual local authorities. This means that each local authority has its own policy at present, however, in response to Recommendation 23 of the Commission on the Delivery of Rural Education which was published in April 2013, the Scottish Government is currently working with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland to develop guidance on a consistent approach which can be applied to capacity modelling in Scotland in future. This will be published in spring/summer 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:46.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289917,"EventID":"S4W-18484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:47.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T11:21:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many times and (b) for how long on average the (i) M9/A9 and (ii) A92/A972 have been closed as a result of crime scene investigations of accidents in the last three years, and for what reason these roads cannot be reopened for managed traffic flow more quickly in such cases.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details of trunk road closures on the M9/A9 and A92/A972 in the last 3 full calendar years are contained in the following table. Our records for 2013 are not yet complete: \r\n\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nRoad\r\nNumber of Closures\r\nAverage time (hrs)\r\nNumber of Closures\r\nAverage time (hrs)\r\nNumber of Closures\r\nAverage time (hrs)\r\nM9/A9\r\n13\r\n05:01\r\n30\r\n04:20\r\n43\r\n03:35\r\nA92/\r\nA972\r\n7\r\n06:27\r\n1\r\n05:00\r\n5\r\n05:44\r\nThe decision by Police Scotland to close a road is never taken lightly and only occurs when the collision itself has blocked the road, or where there is a need to protect those who might already have been injured and the emergency service staff who are dealing with the incident.\r\nThe impact on local communities and the wider economy is always at the forefront of investigators' minds, but there is a need to ensure that incidents are investigated thoroughly to ensure that families of those killed or seriously injured receive the support and information that they deserve and also to ensure that any safety issues are identified and addressed.\r\nRoads are closed in such cases to gather evidence regarding an accident and the length of any closure can vary, depending on the nature and complexity of the incident.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:47.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289918,"EventID":"S4W-18485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:47.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T11:22:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many times and (b) for how long on average the (i) A90, (ii) A96 have been closed as a result of crime scene investigations of accidents in the last three years, and for what reason these roads cannot be reopened for managed traffic flow more quickly in such cases.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details of trunk road closures on the A90 and A96 in the last three full calendar years are contained in the following table. Our records for 2013 are not yet complete.\r\n\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nRoad\r\nNumber of Closures\r\nAverage time (hrs)\r\nNumber of Closures\r\nAverage time (hrs)\r\nNumber of Closures\r\nAverage time (hrs)\r\nA90\r\n7\r\n05:56\r\n9\r\n08:34\r\n3\r\n08:48\r\nA96\r\n7\r\n05:55\r\n5\r\n06:01\r\n4\r\n09:14\r\nThe decision by Police Scotland to close a road is never taken lightly and only occurs when the collision itself has blocked the road, or where there is a need to protect those who might already have been injured and the emergency service staff who are dealing with the incident.\r\nThe impact on local communities and the wider economy is always at the forefront of investigators' minds, but there is a need to ensure that incidents are investigated thoroughly to ensure that families of those killed or seriously injured receive the support and information that they deserve and also to ensure that any safety issues are identified and addressed.\r\nRoads are closed in such cases to gather evidence regarding an accident and the length of any closure can vary, depending on the nature and complexity of the incident.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:47.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289919,"EventID":"S4W-18486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:48.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T12:12:37.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10220 by Keith Brown on 26 October 2012, what percentage of contracts for the Queensferry Crossing has been allocated to (a) Scottish and (b) non-Scottish companies and how much these contracts are worth.","AnswerText":"As of 30 June 2013, 216 out of 368 subcontracts (59%) for the Forth Replacement Crossing project have been awarded to Scottish firms and 152 (41%) to non-Scottish companies. The total value of Scottish subcontracts is approximately £82 million out of a total of approximately £284 million.\r\nIn addition, as at 30 June 2013, 9,732 out of 10,758 supply orders (90.5%) on the Principal Contract worth approximately £61 million out of a total of about £85 million have been awarded to Scottish firms.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:48.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289920,"EventID":"S4W-18487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:48.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T12:45:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how much people from other European countries living in Scotland have contributed to the economy in each of the last five years, broken down by country of origin.","AnswerText":"Labour market statistics from the Annual Population Survey provide figures on the number of people from other European countries living in Scotland and their contribution towards the economy in terms of their labour market participation. Data is not available for individual countries of origin due to the underlying sample sizes:\r\n\r\nTotal Number of EU Nationals resident in Scotland (aged 16+)\r\nTotal Number of EU Nationals resident in Scotland in Employment (aged 16+)\r\n2007\r\n96,400\r\n66,800\r\n2008\r\n112,300\r\n80,400\r\n2009\r\n116,500\r\n81,000\r\n2010\r\n126,700\r\n89,700\r\n2011\r\n136,200\r\n96,300\r\n2012\r\n143,700\r\n95,800\r\nSource: Annual Population Survey, Jan-Dec datasets, ONS. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:48.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289921,"EventID":"S4W-18488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:49.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T12:45:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what considerations local authorities have to make regarding the length of journeys to school and how school journey times should be calculated.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have a duty under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 to make such arrangements as they consider necessary for the transport between home and school of pupils residing and attending schools in their area. In considering these arrangements, authorities are required to have regard to the safety of the pupil.\r\nLocal authorities are best placed to decide what constitutes a reasonable travel time based on their knowledge of their area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:49.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289922,"EventID":"S4W-18489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:49.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T12:45:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many college and university students are aged over (a) 70, (b) 80 and (c) 90; what percentage of student enrolments this represents, and which institution has the most students over 70 years old.\r\n","AnswerText":"Statistics on student enrolments are produced by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). The latest available data is for the 2011-12 academic year. Enrolments for students aged 70 years or over are shown in the following table. In total, these enrolments accounted for 0.9% of enrolments at Scotland’s Higher Education Institutions and Colleges in 2011-12.\r\nTable 1: Student enrolments by age at Scotland’s Higher Education Institutions and Colleges in 2011-12\r\nAge group\r\nEnrolments\r\n70 to 79\r\n3,560\r\n80 to 89\r\n715\r\n90 or over\r\n50\r\nSource: SFC and HESA.\r\nNote: figures have been rounded to the nearest five.\r\nThe University of Glasgow had the highest number of enrolments for students aged over 70 years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:49.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289923,"EventID":"S4W-18490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:49.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T12:45:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on how many people under 16 the police have used CS gas in each of the last 10 years and who in Police Scotland is in charge of monitoring usage of CS gas on under-16s.\r\n","AnswerText":"The deployment and use of CS spray, including the issuing of guidance, is an operational matter for Police Scotland. Officers must ensure that the use of CS spray is fair, proportionate and justifiable.\r\nPolice Scotland does not use CS Gas, they use CS Spray. The Scottish Government does not hold this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:49.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289924,"EventID":"S4W-18491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:50.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T12:45:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it monitors levels of digital depopulation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not formally monitor levels of depopulation in relation to specific policy areas. It does, however, fully recognise the importance that digital connectivity has in ensuring the overall sustainability of rural areas.\r\nThat is why the Scottish Government and its partners have committed over £280 million to our Step Change programme, which will deliver next generation broadband access to at least 85% of premises in Scotland by 2015-16 and 95% by 2017-18. This investment is focused on areas where the market will not currently go and will play a key role in reducing the digital divide between rural and urban areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:50.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289925,"EventID":"S4W-18492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:50.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T13:08:36.443","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times there have been closures on the A9 because accident sites have been designated as crime scenes in each of the last three years, and what was the average closure time.","AnswerText":"Details of road closures on the A9 in the last 3 full calendar years are contained in the following table. Our records for 2013 are not yet complete.\r\n\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nRoad\r\nNumber of Closures\r\nAverage time (hrs)\r\nNumber of Closures\r\nAverage time (hrs)\r\nNumber of Closures\r\nAverage time (hrs)\r\nA9\r\n10\r\n06:13\r\n28\r\n04:12\r\n40\r\n03:37\r\nThe decision by Police Scotland to close a road, such as the A9, is never taken lightly and only occurs when the collision itself has blocked the road, or where there is a need to protect those who might already have been injured and the emergency service staff who are dealing with the incident.\r\nThe impact on local communities and the wider economy is always at the forefront of investigators’ minds, but there is a need to ensure that incidents are investigated thoroughly to ensure that families of those killed or seriously injured receive the support and information that they deserve and also to ensure that any safety issues are identified and addressed.\r\nRoads are closed in such cases to gather evidence regarding an accident and the length of any closure can vary, depending on the nature and complexity of the incident.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:50.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289926,"EventID":"S4W-18494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:50.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T14:02:23.823","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the timetable is for the roll-out of 3D-scanners for use in vehicle accident investigations and when they will be available for each trunk road in the Highlands and Islands.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland and Police Scotland have been investigating measures to improve clear up times following accidents on the trunk road network. 3D laser scanners are one proposal currently being considered, although no decision on whether to proceed has yet been taken.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:50.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289927,"EventID":"S4W-18495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:51.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T14:31:46.27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what factors are taken into account by the police when considering whether to reopen roads that have been closed because the sites of accidents have been designated as crime scenes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The decision by Police Scotland to close a road is never taken lightly and only occurs when the collision itself has blocked the road, or where there is a need to protect those who might already have been injured and the emergency service staff who are dealing with the incident.\r\nThe impact on local communities and the wider economy is always at the forefront of investigators' minds, but there is a need to ensure that incidents are investigated thoroughly to ensure that families of those killed or seriously injured receive the support and information that they deserve and also to ensure that any safety issues are identified and addressed.\r\nRoads are closed in such cases to gather evidence regarding an accident and the length of any closure can vary, depending on the nature and complexity of the incident.\r\nA road will be re-opened once the scene examination has been completed, the vehicles and any associated debris or spillage have been cleared from the roadway and the road has been deemed safe for use by the general public.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:51.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289928,"EventID":"S4W-18496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:51.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T14:47:24.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17590 by Margaret Burgess on 14 October 2013, when in November the final report and research findings will be published.","AnswerText":"The fieldwork for the food aid scoping study has been completed. The contractor has only very recently submitted the finalised, proofed report and research findings. While it is not possible to give a precise publication date, it is anticipated that the final report will be published in December 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:51.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289929,"EventID":"S4W-18497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:52.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T15:37:51.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that enriched culture medium testing for group B streptococcus infection in pregnancy is available in each NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Currently there are no clinical indicators for enriched culture medium testing for group B streptococcus infection in pregnancy, however testing can be carried out in certain circumstances using the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidelines.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:52.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289930,"EventID":"S4W-18498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:52.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T15:37:51.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent meetings it has held to discuss group B streptococcus infection.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Minister for Public Health met with Margaret McDougall MSP on 12 September 2013 to discuss screening for group B streptococcus infection in pregnancy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:52.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289931,"EventID":"S4W-18499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:53.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T15:37:51.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it issues regarding testing for group B streptococcus infection in late pregnancy, and when it last reviewed the guidance.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the recently revised guidance called ‘The Prevention of Early-onset Neonatal Group B Streptococcal Disease’ issued by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists for obstetricians, midwives and neonatologists in June 2012. This recommends an approach to antibiotics administration based on maternal risk factors. Prevention of late-onset group B streptococcus (GBS) and treatment of established GBS disease is not considered beyond initial antibiotic therapy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:53.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289932,"EventID":"S4W-18500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:53.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T15:37:51.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to reduce the incidence of the (a) early and (b) late onset of group B streptococcus infection in pregnancy.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards in Scotland are expected to follow professional guidance issued by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).\r\nHealthcare professionals will have undergone extensive training and education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels to specified curricula standards, including being assessed on competencies in diagnosis and treatments. These curricula will have been developed by relevant Royal Colleges, and approved by the respective regulators. Post-qualification, all healthcare professionals are expected to participate in CPD activities to maintain their skills and knowledge, and Health boards do release staff to undertake such activities.\r\nThe RCOG in partnership with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine is currently carrying out a recruitment process to recruit a clinical research fellow to carry out an audit across the UK. It will aim to provide feedback and advice to those participating, including Scottish units, about how they can further improve their adherence to the RCOG guidelines on the prevention of neonatal GBS disease.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:53.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289933,"EventID":"S4W-18501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:53.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T15:37:51.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it collects on the (a) short and (b) long-term impact on babies of group B streptococcus infection.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not collect the above data.\r\nEarly and late onset group B streptococcal infections are not notifiable under the terms of the Public Health (Scotland) Act 2008.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:53.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289934,"EventID":"S4W-18502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-20T17:02:54.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T15:37:51.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that pregnant women whose babies are at higher risk of group B streptococcus infection are identified.\r\n","AnswerText":"The “UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations: Processing Swabs for Group B Streptococcal Carriage” (SMI B58) endorses and supports the recommendations that only those pregnant women assessed as being at high risk should be tested. The document provides a recommended method for such testing. This does not however prevent tests being carried out where a doctor thinks it is necessary, with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidance setting out the criteria for making such judgements.\r\nThe Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has also carefully considered the potential benefits and harms of screening for GBS carriage during pregnancy and has agreed that there is no clear evidence to show that screening all pregnant women in the UK would be beneficial. There are concerns that, given the relatively low risk associated with most cases of GBS carriage, a positive screen may result in unnecessary and potentially harmful treatment. One of the potential harms of screening for GBS during pregnancy is that large numbers of women might be given antibiotics during labour, risking death or serious injury to a few women from an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to the drugs; there is also a real risk that strains of bacteria become resistant to antibiotics.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-05T17:02:54.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289935,"EventID":"S4O-02652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T11:02:17.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-19T16:43:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what progress it has made on promoting sustainable travel and reducing reliance on aviation and the use of private cars.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T11:02:17.217","MeetingDate":"2013-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289936,"EventID":"S4O-02653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T11:02:17.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T13:53:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how many parking spaces for disabled people there are in the car park and whether their use is monitored.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T11:02:17.903","MeetingDate":"2013-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289937,"EventID":"S4O-02654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T11:02:18.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T14:36:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how much it has spent on cyclical and reactive building maintenance in each year since 2010.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T11:02:18.293","MeetingDate":"2013-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289938,"EventID":"S4O-02655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T11:02:18.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T14:55:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how it allocates room resources between MSP events and SPCB events.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T11:02:18.67","MeetingDate":"2013-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289939,"EventID":"S4O-02656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T11:02:19.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T15:39:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it plans to use committee rooms for exhibitions on a regular basis.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T11:02:19.12","MeetingDate":"2013-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289940,"EventID":"S4W-18476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T13:35:34.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-19T16:28:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans for an independent Scotland to recognise the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and, if so, whether it would wish to invoke any of the exemptions under clause 298.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the event of independence, the Scottish Government intends to recognise the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. All aspects of that law will be considered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T13:35:34.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289941,"EventID":"S4W-18509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T13:35:35.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T17:22:15.307","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made in meeting each recommendation set out in the Independent Review of Open Water and Flood Rescue in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Considerable progress has been made on the report’s 15 recommendations, which I shall detail in a letter to the member. A copy of that letter will be placed on SPICe (Bib no. 55477)\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T13:35:35.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289942,"EventID":"S4W-18510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T13:35:35.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-21T10:23:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it plans to provide to local authorities to help them protect vulnerable people from telephone cold calling.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government funds the National Adult Protection Coordinator post at the people protection organisation ‘WithScotland’ and the Scottish Business Resilience Centre. They both have been working with local authorities on pilots on a system for call blocking of cold calls to vulnerable people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T13:35:35.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289957,"EventID":"S4W-18503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T16:39:32.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T16:35:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met stakeholders to discuss group B streptococcus infection rates.\r\n","AnswerText":"There have been no specific discussions about Group B Streptococcus infection rates with stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T16:39:32.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289958,"EventID":"S4W-18504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T16:39:32.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T16:35:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent analysis it has carried out of adverse antibiotic reaction to intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis using narrow-spectrum penicillin to combat group B streptococcus infection in newborn babies.","AnswerText":"The National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit of the University of Oxford is currently carrying out a sub-analysis of the anaphylaxis study, again looking at those women treated with antibiotics in relation to GBS/presumed GBS infection. This will, for the first time, give a population incidence of the maternal and newborn disease due to anaphylaxis associated with antibiotic use in labour. The study has been running since October 2012 and is due to finish in September 2014. Large population based studies are required for conditions such as these which occur less commonly, so this is being undertaken at UK level.\r\nThere is National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance on the use of antibiotics to prevent and manage infection early in pregnancy. This states that:\r\n- antibiotics during labour should be offered to women when GBS has been identified incidentally (e.g. when testing for the cause of a urinary infection) in their vagina, rectum or urine in this pregnancy and to women who have previously had a baby with a neonatal GBS infection.\r\n- antibiotics should be considered for two groups of women in pre-term labour (i.e. before 37 weeks): those whose waters broke before the labour started and those whose waters have been broken for more than 18 hours before birth.\r\n- antibiotics should be prescribed if there is evidence of infection in the women, such as raised temperature.\r\nNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Antibiotics for early-onset neonatal infection: antibiotics for the prevention and treatment of early-onset neonatal infection. London: NICE; 2012. Available from: \r\nhttp://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/13867/60633/60633.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T16:39:32.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289959,"EventID":"S4W-18505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T16:39:33.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T16:35:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to analyse group B streptococcus infection rates.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not analyse Group B Streptococcus infection rates, however Health Protection Scotland does and has produced the following table:\r\nTable 1: Number and incidence of confirmed laboratory reports of invasive Streptococcal Group B infections by year (2009-2013 up to mid-June) in those aged up to 90 days\r\nNumber of Invasive Streptococcal Group B Reports by Year\r\n\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\n2013*\r\nEarly onset (defined as less than 7 days of age when sample taken) number of reports\r\n27\r\n27\r\n27\r\n27\r\n7\r\nEarly onset estimated incidence per 1000 births\r\n0.46\r\n0.46\r\n0.46\r\n0.47\r\n0.26\r\nLate onset (defined as 7-90 days of age when sample taken) number of reports\r\n15\r\n19\r\n21\r\n20\r\n10\r\nLate onset estimated incidence per 1000 births\r\n0.25\r\n0.32\r\n0.36\r\n0.34\r\n0.37\r\nNumber of births per year (National Records Scotland)\r\n59046\r\n58791\r\n58590\r\n58027\r\nNot available as yet * *\r\nNote: These only relate to confirmed cases and there are a number of cases that are treated on clinical grounds and for whom there is no confirmed diagnosis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T16:39:33.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289960,"EventID":"S4W-18506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T16:39:33.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T16:35:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to increase awareness among (a) pregnant women and their families and (b) maternity care health professionals of group B streptococcus infection and how to avoid such infection developing in babies.","AnswerText":"(a) The Scottish Government funds NHS Health Scotland to develop and publish “Ready, Steady, Baby” a guide to pregnancy which is given to all pregnant women at their first booking appointment with a midwife. “Ready, Steady, Baby” advises, that in some areas, routine testing for Strep B in mothers is being considered and women should ask their midwife about local policy.\r\n(b) There are no specific national educational initiatives commissioned by the Scottish Government about the suitability of different tests for group B streptococcal carriage.\r\nHealthcare professionals will have to demonstrate knowledge, skills and competence relevant to their profession during their undergraduate and postgraduate training, including in areas of diagnosis and appropriate treatments. It is also a professional obligation that such staff participate in continuous professional development activities in order to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date.\r\nIn the absence of specific national educational initiatives, healthcare staff are expected to follow professional guidance from their respective Royal Colleges, such as the recently revised guidance “The Prevention of Early-onset Neonatal Group B Streptococcal Disease” from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, issued in June 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T16:39:33.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289961,"EventID":"S4W-18507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T16:39:33.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T16:35:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to increase awareness of the signs of group B streptococcus infection in newborn babies.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the recently revised guidance called The Prevention of Early-onset Neonatal Group B Streptococcal Disease issued by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) for obstetricians, midwives and neonatologists in June 2012. This recommends an approach to testing and the use of antibiotics administration for pregnant women. The Scottish Government would expect healthcare staff to follow professional guidance from their respective Royal Colleges.\r\nA clinical research fellow is currently being recruited by RCOG in partnership with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to audit the implementation of this guidance from the RCOG in maternity units across the UK. It will aim to provide feedback and advice to those participating, including Scottish units.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T16:39:33.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289962,"EventID":"S4W-18508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T16:39:33.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T16:35:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what targets it has set for long-term reduction in the number of cases of group B streptococcus infection in babies in the first (a) six and (b) 90 days of life.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not set any targets in relation to long-term reduction in the number of cases of group B streptococcus infection in babies in the first (a) six and (b) 90 days of life.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T16:39:33.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289963,"EventID":"S4W-18516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T16:39:34.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-21T12:20:12.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many speeding offences have been recorded in 2013 where the speed limit is (a) 20mph, (b) 30mph, (c) 60mph and (d) 70mph.\r\n","AnswerText":"The police recorded crime statistics collected centrally are based on an aggregate return at local authority level, and do not distinguish the circumstances of the crime. As a result, it is not possible to provide a breakdown of the speed limit of the area in which the speeding offences were recorded.\r\nThe statistical bulletin Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2012-13 was published by the Scottish Government on 18 June 2013 and is available via the following web link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/06/9697.\r\nTable 2 of the bulletin provides details of the total number of speeding offences recorded in the last ten years. 2012-13 is the latest year for which data is available.\r\nThe following table provides a breakdown of the number of recorded speeding offences by (i) speeding in restricted areas and (ii) other speeding offences, in Scotland in 2012-13.\r\n \r\n2012-13\r\nSpeeding in Restricted Areas\r\n62,188\r\nOther Speeding Offences\r\n66,748\r\nTotal Speeding offences\r\n128,936\r\nSource: Justice Analytical Services, Scottish Government.\r\nSection 82(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 defines a restricted road in Scotland as a road which is provided with “a system of carriageway lighting furnished by means of lamps placed not more than 185 metres apart and the road is of a classification or type specified” in regulations. The Restricted Roads (Classification or Type) (Scotland) Regulations 1985 specify that Class C or unclassified roads are restricted roads.\r\nOther speeding offences include speeding on motorways, trunk roads, in areas with temporary speed limits, racing on public roads etc.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T16:39:34.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289964,"EventID":"S4W-18517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T16:39:34.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-21T12:20:12.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many road traffic offences have been recorded in 2013 (a) in built-up areas, (b) in 20mph zones and (c) during the evening in built-up areas.","AnswerText":"The police recorded crime statistics collected centrally are based on an aggregate return at local authority level, and do not distinguish the circumstances of the crime. As a result, it is not possible to provide a breakdown of the type of area or the speed limit of the area in which road traffic offences were recorded or the time at which an offence was committed.\r\nThe statistical bulletin Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2012-13 was published by the Scottish Government on 18 June 2013 and is available via the following web link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/06/9697.\r\nTable 2 of the bulletin provides details of the total number of motor vehicle offences recorded by the police in the last ten years. 2012-13 is the latest year for which data is available. These offences exclude the most serious driving related crimes such as causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, causing death by careless driving and illegal driver involved in fatal accident.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T16:39:34.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289965,"EventID":"S4W-18518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T16:39:35.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-21T12:26:37.41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recent changes to FlyBe management and services, what steps it has taken to ensure the security of the network of air services operated from Inverness to, from and within the Highlands and Islands by FlyBe and its franchise partner and whether it will make a statement on the matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"There has been no suggestion that air services to and from Inverness and within the Highlands and Islands will be impacted by Flybe’s current turnaround programme. Services operated by Flybe’s franchise partner, Loganair, are not impacted by the recent changes. We have no plans to make a statement on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T16:39:35.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289966,"EventID":"S4W-18519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T16:39:35.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-21T12:26:37.41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the withdrawal of the FlyBe services from Inverness to London Gatwick, whether it will consider an application for public service obligation protected service from Inverness to London Heathrow or Northolt and whether it will make a statement on the matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"easyJet will be starting new services from Inverness to Gatwick when the current Flybe services cease. Given that there will be three services a day from Inverness to London, it is highly unlikely that the imposition of a Public Service Obligation on the route would be permissible. We have no plans to make a statement on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T16:39:35.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289967,"EventID":"S4W-18520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T16:39:35.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-21T12:26:37.41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will extend the network of public service obligation operations in order to secure the air services operated from Inverness to, from and within the Highlands and Islands by FlyBe and its franchise partner and whether it will make a statement on the matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no current plans to extend the network of Public Service Obligation operations within the Highlands and Islands. We have no plans to make a statement on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T16:39:35.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289968,"EventID":"S4W-18521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T16:39:35.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-21T12:58:01.86","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency plans to (a) collect and (b) publish data on (i) salmon mortalities and (ii) sea lice infestations at salmon farms.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) collects and publishes data on mortalities as part of the agency’s contribution to the Scotland’s Aquaculture Database http://aquaculture.scotland.gov.uk. This web-based resource provides detailed information on fish farms from datasets held by Marine Scotland, the Food Standards Agency (Scotland), The Crown Estate as well as SEPA.\r\nSEPA collects such mortality data to assist in fulfilling duties under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011. SEPA places limits on the maximum biomass of fish that can be held at marine cage fish farms to ensure that polluting potential does not exceed the environmental capacity. Data on fish mortality is useful in gauging compliance with licences issued under the regulations.\r\nSEPA does not collect or publish data on sea louse infestations at salmon farms. This issue relates to fish health and as such is, instead, handled by Marine Scotland’s Fish Health Inspectorate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T16:39:35.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289969,"EventID":"S4W-18522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T16:39:36.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-21T12:58:01.86","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether not (a) collecting and (b) publishing data on (i) salmon mortalities and (ii) sea lice infestations at salmon farms could have an impact on the marine environment, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) collects and publishes data on mortalities as part of the Agency’s contribution to the Scotland’s Aquaculture Database http://aquaculture.scotland.gov.uk. This web-based resource provides detailed information on fish farms from datasets held by Marine Scotland, the Food Standards Agency (Scotland), The Crown Estate as well as SEPA.\r\nScotland’s aquaculture stocks are internationally recognised as having a high health status, maintained by a regular inspection programme that includes the evaluation of mortality and sea lice numbers by Marine Scotland’s Fish Health Inspectorate. The Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation publishes quarterly Fish Health Management Reports which provide data on sea lice from fish farms over 30 recognised wild fish catchments. Marine Scotland Fish Health Inspectors are able to visit farms within each of the 30 catchments to drill down into the causes of infestation at a higher level of granularity and the 2013 Act delivered additional powers to sample fish where this is justified. The Scottish Government supports these voluntary management reports and regards them as balanced, proportionate and helpful as regards public transparency. The Government has committed to keep these voluntary publication arrangements under review and through the 2007 Act retains powers to legislate on data provision in relation to sea lice numbers if the voluntary reporting arrangements do not operate as expected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T16:39:36.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289970,"EventID":"S4W-18523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T16:39:36.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-21T12:58:01.86","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research it has commissioned on whether the reported increase in amoebic gill disease at salmon farms since 2003 is related to an increase in imports of salmon ovum.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not commissioned research into amoebic gill disease that relates to increased imports of salmon ova. However, Marine Scotland Science has developed a programme of research on amoebic gill disease, and further research has been commissioned through the Scottish Aquaculture Research Forum. Earlier this year, an international meeting of Government officials, scientists and industry focussed on amoebic gill disease and gill health at the University of Stirling.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T16:39:36.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289971,"EventID":"S4W-18524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-21T16:39:36.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-21T15:00:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) regulations are in place, (b) plans it has to review the regulations and (c) advice it has given to local authorities regarding the breeding of dogs.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no immediate plans to review the legislation on the breeding of dogs. The welfare standards associated with the breeding of dogs is already covered in Scotland by: the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973; the Breeding of Dogs Act 1991; The Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 2002; and by the wider welfare provisions in the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. In addition, the Licensing of Animal Dealers (Young Cats and Young Dogs) (Scotland) Regulations 2009 provides further protection for the welfare of puppies. No advice has been given to local authorities on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-06T16:39:36.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289972,"EventID":"S4W-18493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-22T13:58:24.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-20T13:35:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10611 by Keith Brown on 6 November 2012, whether it will provide an update regarding how much on average the travel scheme saves people who use it each year.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the National Older and Disabled Persons Concessionary Travel Scheme, the average saving per year is around £232 for each of the 1.27 million people holding a National Entitlement Card. This may be estimated from figures for 2012-13, in which the total number of journeys made was 145 million and the average fare per journey was £2.03.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-09T13:58:25.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289973,"EventID":"S4W-18511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-22T13:58:26.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-21T11:47:55.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding the areas formerly covered by the Grampian Fire and Rescue Service receive from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s budget; what proportion of the budget this represents, and how this compares with 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). I have asked the SFRS to respond to you directly on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-09T13:58:26.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289974,"EventID":"S4W-18512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-22T13:58:26.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-21T11:47:55.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding the areas formerly covered by Grampian Police receive from Police Scotland’s budget; what proportion of the budget this represents, and how this compares with 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the chief constable who is responsible for the day to day operation of the police service, including the allocation and deployment of resources received from the Scottish Police Authority.\r\nThe establishment of a single service will safeguard local policing from Westminster budget cuts. It also ensures all parts of Scotland have access to specialist expertise and equipment whenever and wherever required.\r\nThe Scottish Government is fully committed to maintaining a strong visible police presence with 1,000 extra police officers compared to 2007. At 30 September 2013, there were 17,313 police officers in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-09T13:58:26.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289975,"EventID":"S4W-18513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-22T13:58:27.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-21T11:47:55.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many support staff in the Grampian Police area took (a) voluntary severance and (b) early retirement in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally, it is a matter for Police Scotland.\r\nWe are committed to our pledge of no compulsory redundancies, and reductions in support staff are being delivered by not replacing people who leave, retirements and voluntary exit schemes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-09T13:58:27.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289976,"EventID":"S4W-18514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-22T13:58:27.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-21T11:47:55.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many support staff in the former Grampian Police area have taken (a) voluntary severance and (b) early retirement since April 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally, it is a matter for Police Scotland.\r\nWe are committed to our pledge of no compulsory redundancies, and reductions in support staff are being delivered by not replacing people who leave, retirements and voluntary exit schemes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-09T13:58:27.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289977,"EventID":"S4W-18515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-22T13:58:27.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-21T11:47:55.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average response time is for an ambulance in the NHS Grampian area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17297 on 1 October 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-09T13:58:27.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289978,"EventID":"S4W-18527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-22T13:58:28.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-22T00:09:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it expects local authorities to consult stakeholders when developing local autism strategies; when the strategies will be (a) finalised and (b) implemented; whether they should cover (i) children's, (ii) adult and (iii) older people's services, and whether they will be placed in the public domain.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government expects local authorities to consult fully with stakeholders in the development of local autism strategies and action plans.\r\nLocal authorities have been asked to submit their local action plans to the Scottish Government by the end of November 2013 and implemented thereafter.\r\nThe Scottish Strategy for Autism is aimed at the whole life journey and to improving access to integrated service provision across the whole lifespan to address the multi-dimensional aspects of autism, and local autism strategies should reflect this, taking account of local needs.\r\nThe Scottish Government will publish all local authority strategies and action plans on the Scottish Strategy for Autism website www.autismstrategyscotland.org.uk\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-09T13:58:28.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289979,"EventID":"S4W-18531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-22T13:58:28.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-22T00:09:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what options are available to stakeholders if a local authority fails to develop a local autism strategy that covers (a) children's, (b) adult or (c) older people's services.","AnswerText":"The joint Scottish Government-COSLA Scottish Autism Strategy focuses on the whole life journey and so local authorities will want to consider where there may be gaps in local services across this journey and focus their strategy appropriately.\r\nRecognising that it is often not possible to satisfy all stakeholders, there are systems in place locally to deal with any concerns, both informally through discussion with officers and/or more formally through elected representatives.\r\nIndividuals may challenge their local politicians regarding policy direction. In terms of implementation, services are covered by local authority complaints procedures and issues can be escalated to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman if a satisfactory solution has not been reached.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-09T13:58:28.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289980,"EventID":"S4W-18532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-22T13:58:28.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-22T00:09:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how local authorities are to account for their use of the funding awarded to them to develop local autism strategies.","AnswerText":"Funding of £1.2 million has been allocated to local authorities for the development of local autism strategies and associated action plans which will be published on the Scottish Autism Strategy website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-09T13:58:28.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289981,"EventID":"S4W-18533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-22T13:58:29.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-22T11:16:02.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support is available to parents whose children are sent to other parts of the UK for specialist hospital treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of those NHS boards commissioning specialist services for children in other parts of the UK to determine the appropriate level of support to provide their parents.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-09T13:58:29.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289982,"EventID":"S4W-18536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-22T13:58:29.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-22T13:14:32.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17946 by Shona Robison on 20 November 2013, for what reason information on the (a) staff who made the report, (b) country of origin of the patient and the (c) NHS board is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not gather information on referrals made to the police by midwives or other health professionals for female genital mutilation (FGM) as this is a matter for Police Scotland and NHS Boards. I will ask Police Scotland and NHSScotland to write to the member to provide further information about their recording of reports of FGM.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-09T13:58:29.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289983,"EventID":"S4W-18537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-22T13:58:29.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-22T13:20:50.333","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether (a) 16-25, (b) senior, (c) disabled and (d) family discounted railcards bought in Scotland would remain valid across the UK rail network if Scotland became independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"Government, local authorities and transport operators will continue to work in partnership to deliver services of economic and social importance, including concessions and discounted fares. This Government has shown its commitment to affordable rail services by putting an end to above-inflation fares rises.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-09T13:58:29.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289996,"EventID":"S4W-18534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-22T15:46:22.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-22T11:28:09.32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the reasons were for the closure of the British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting service for NHS 24 on 29 October 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The pilot online British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting service is still in operation.\r\nThe online service is part of the NHS24 led BSL pilot project which was introduced in April 2012 to improve linguistic access to health service for members of the deaf community in Scotland.\r\nThe report of an independent evaluation of the pilot commissioned by NHS 24 is currently being considered.\r\nThe British Sign Language service will continue in the interim and both the Scottish Government and NHS 24 are clear that the outcome of considerations should secure the best possible future service to the deaf community.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-09T15:46:22.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289997,"EventID":"S4W-18535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-22T15:46:23.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-22T11:28:09.32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users have continued access to the NHS 24 service beyond the current three-month funded period.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18534 on 3 December 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-09T15:46:23.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289998,"EventID":"S4W-18538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-22T15:46:23.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-22T15:12:14.86","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the private health sector in relation to using polypropylene mesh implants as part of treatment for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.","AnswerText":"There has been no discussions with the private health sector in relation to using polypropylene mesh implants as part of treatment for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-09T15:46:23.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":289999,"EventID":"S4W-18539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-22T15:46:23.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-22T15:12:14.86","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has estimated the number of women treated in the private sector with polypropylene mesh implants for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence and those who have had a mesh implant partially or completely removed. ","AnswerText":"To date we have not estimated the number of women treated in the private sector with polypropylene mesh implants for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence nor who have had a mesh implant partially or totally removed. The Scottish Government do not routinely collect information about activity in the private health sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-09T15:46:23.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290000,"EventID":"S4T-00521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-25T12:27:05.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T11:39:39.327","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what was discussed at the recent meeting of the Island Areas Ministerial Working Group.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-10T12:27:05.337","MeetingDate":"2013-11-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290001,"EventID":"S4T-00523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-25T12:27:06.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T11:53:12.49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the implementation of the new Higher exams.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-10T12:27:06.07","MeetingDate":"2013-11-26T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290002,"EventID":"S4F-01713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-25T12:26:02.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-21T14:58:48.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-10T12:26:02.287","MeetingDate":"2013-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290003,"EventID":"S4F-01714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-25T12:26:02.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-22T15:31:06.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-10T12:26:02.803","MeetingDate":"2013-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290004,"EventID":"S4F-01715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-25T12:26:03.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T08:31:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government will take to avert the reported pressures on social care budgets undermining care services for older and vulnerable people.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-10T12:26:03.067","MeetingDate":"2013-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290005,"EventID":"S4F-01716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-25T12:26:03.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T09:30:14.85","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-10T12:26:03.427","MeetingDate":"2013-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290006,"EventID":"S4F-01719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-25T12:26:04.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T09:50:20.327","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government considers that there is sufficient capacity in the NHS to deal with demand this winter.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-10T12:26:04.503","MeetingDate":"2013-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290007,"EventID":"S4F-01720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-25T12:26:04.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T10:05:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minster what the Scottish Government's position is on the recent comments by the Secretary of State for Scotland regarding the future of the Barnett formula once the economy has \"stabilised\".\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-10T12:26:04.8","MeetingDate":"2013-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290008,"EventID":"S4W-18542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4984,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-25T14:04:42.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-22T16:31:35.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18188 by Margaret Burgess on 11 November 2013, how many of the housing need and demand assessments appraised were revised upward and by how many units.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18188 on 15 November 2013, the Centre for Housing Market Analysis has appraised 23 Housing Need and Demand Assessments (HNDAs) and recommendations were made to 21 based on the process and methodology. In 17 cases no change was made to the final figures. Of the remainder, two resulted in an upward revision and two in a downward revision by the applicable local authorities. The upward revisions amounted to a total of 157 units per annum and the downward revisions to a total of 200 units per annum, averaged over the planning periods.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-10T14:04:43.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290014,"EventID":"S4W-18555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-25T15:40:29.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T15:12:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to ensure that the people of Scotland have the information they need to make an informed decision in the referendum on independence on 18 September 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce that we are publishing today, our guide to independence, Scotland’s Future – Your Guide to An Independent Scotland. This is a detailed and comprehensive blueprint for independence, and sets out the benefits and opportunities of having decisions made here in Scotland, for Scotland.\r\nMembers will be able to obtain copies in SPICe from 10.00am. They will also be able to access it online from 10.10 am. at: www.scotreferendum.com.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-10T15:40:29.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290015,"EventID":"S4W-18554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-25T16:58:08.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T14:00:48.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the recent decision of the Salmon Net Fishing Association of Scotland to start netting salmon six weeks earlier than has previously been the practice.","AnswerText":"There has been no blanket decision taken to start net fishing when the season opens in February.\r\nThe Salmon Net Fishing Association of Scotland has discontinued its voluntary national postponement of the start of the salmon netting season in favour of local discussions between individual members of the Association and their respective District Salmon Fishery Boards on conservation measures.\r\nI understand that discussions are underway in many areas and I encourage all parties to work together to develop and implement local agreements. In recent years significant support has been shown by both netsmen and anglers to protect vulnerable early stock components. I strongly support these voluntary conservation measures which have delivered high levels of catch and release and voluntary delay of netting activity to protect spring stock.\r\nIt is my intention to ensure the remit of the forthcoming review of management of wild fisheries will cover the suitability of current arrangements for management of salmon netting activity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-10T16:58:08.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290016,"EventID":"S4W-18556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-25T16:58:09.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T16:17:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18185 by Michael Russell on 21 November 2013, what the timetable is for finalising the new procedure for funding college places.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Funding Council is currently discussing the details of the new model with the sector. I have asked its Interim Chief Executive to write to you to confirm the timetable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-10T16:58:09.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290017,"EventID":"S4W-18557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-25T16:58:09.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T16:36:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cases of Clostridium difficile have been reported in patients aged 65 and over in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information requested can be found in the following table: \r\nClostridium difficile infection (CDI) cases in Scotland by NHS board reported under the mandatory surveillance programme (2007 to 2013)\r\nNHS Board\r\n2007*\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\n2013**\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n553\r\n560\r\n439\r\n329\r\n185\r\n153\r\n66\r\nBorders\r\n67\r\n115\r\n73\r\n31\r\n28\r\n46\r\n16\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n154\r\n170\r\n162\r\n92\r\n70\r\n34\r\n15\r\nFife\r\n376\r\n391\r\n128\r\n84\r\n55\r\n81\r\n22\r\nForth Valley\r\n307\r\n458\r\n132\r\n71\r\n32\r\n29\r\n9\r\nGrampian\r\n519\r\n953\r\n597\r\n218\r\n101\r\n96\r\n35\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n1753\r\n1395\r\n666\r\n501\r\n326\r\n293\r\n164\r\nHighland\r\n289\r\n150\r\n117\r\n80\r\n48\r\n57\r\n13\r\nLanarkshire\r\n788\r\n715\r\n281\r\n219\r\n193\r\n170\r\n68\r\nLothian\r\n980\r\n850\r\n611\r\n406\r\n278\r\n257\r\n127\r\nNational Waiting Times Centre\r\n0\r\n3\r\n9\r\n3\r\n3\r\n3\r\n0\r\nOrkney\r\n10\r\n21\r\n21\r\n8\r\n10\r\n8\r\n1\r\nShetland\r\n12\r\n6\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n5\r\nTayside\r\n607\r\n524\r\n389\r\n168\r\n127\r\n148\r\n57\r\nWestern Isles\r\n15\r\n14\r\n8\r\n11\r\n9\r\n6\r\n10\r\nTotal\r\n6430\r\n6325\r\n3634\r\n2221\r\n1465\r\n1382\r\n608\r\n*Mandatory surveillance of C.difficile infection data began in Scotland in October 2006. C.difficile infection data before this period relates to voluntary laboratory reports which have not been validated, are not based on any case definition, and not available by NHS board. Therefore data before 2007 is not included.\r\n**2013 published data only available up to June 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-10T16:58:09.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290021,"EventID":"S4W-18543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-26T13:41:39.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T10:39:05.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18159 by John Swinney on 19 November 2013, if Scotland decides to separate from the rest of the UK and no agreement can be reached with the UK Government on the use of sterling, whether it will (a) continue to use sterling, (b) adopt the euro or (c) issue its own currency.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18159 on 19 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-11T13:41:40.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290022,"EventID":"S4W-18544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-26T13:41:41.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T10:39:05.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what dates it met the (a) UK Government and (b) Bank of England and discussed the continued use of sterling if Scotland decides to separate from the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has proposed discussions with the UK Government to explore a joint approach to issues to be resolved after the referendum, in line with the clear recommendation of the Electoral Commission and with the spirit of the Edinburgh Agreement. The Fiscal Commission Working Group has published a set of proposals to deliver a stable and robust macroeconomic framework post-independence, including a formal monetary union. We look forward to the UK Government agreeing to discuss the proposed set up of a formal monetary union, and indeed other matters of importance for the people of Scotland as they prepare for their decision in the referendum.\r\nTo inform the work of the Fiscal Commission Working Group, technical and factual discussions took place with the Bank of England. The recommendations of the Fiscal Commission Working Group are reflected in the publication of Scotland’s Future. The Governor of the Bank of England recently noted that he welcomes the opportunity to have technical discussions with the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-11T13:41:41.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290023,"EventID":"S4W-18545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-26T13:41:41.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T10:39:05.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18160 by John Swinney on 19 November 2013, if Scotland decides to separate from the rest of the UK and no agreement is reached on the use of sterling, whether the Bank of England will remain as lender of last resort.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18160 on 19 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-11T13:41:41.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290024,"EventID":"S4W-18546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-26T13:41:41.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T10:39:05.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what dates it met the (a) UK Government and (b) Bank of England and discussed the issue of lender of last resort.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18544 on 9 December 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-11T13:41:41.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290025,"EventID":"S4W-18547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-26T13:41:42.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T10:39:05.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18161 by John Swinney on 19 November 2013, what its position is in the event that no agreement on the use of sterling can be reached.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18159 on 19 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-11T13:41:42.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290026,"EventID":"S4W-18548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-26T13:41:42.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T10:39:05.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18162 by John Swinney on 19 November 2013, what discussions it has had with the (a) UK Government and (b) Bank of England on establishing a formal monetary union.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18544 on 9 December 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-11T13:41:42.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290027,"EventID":"S4W-18549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-26T13:41:42.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T10:39:05.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland decides to separate from the rest of the UK, whether a formal monetary union can be established without the agreement of the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18159 on 19 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-11T13:41:42.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290028,"EventID":"S4W-18550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-26T13:41:43.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T10:39:05.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland decides to separate from the rest of the UK, who will establish a formal monetary union.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18159 on 19 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-11T13:41:43.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290029,"EventID":"S4W-18551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-26T13:41:43.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T10:39:05.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland decides to separate from the rest of the UK, who will (a) define and (b) establish a sterling zone.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18159 on 19 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-11T13:41:43.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290030,"EventID":"S4W-18552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-26T13:41:43.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T10:39:05.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18155 by Fergus Ewing on 8 November 2013, whether BAE Systems has indicated what it would do if Scotland decided to separate from the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"BAE Systems have made it clear that its recent announcement on naval restructuring was made on commercial grounds. The company has said the Clyde would be the most effective location for the manufacture of the future Type 26 ships.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-11T13:41:43.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290031,"EventID":"S4W-18553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-26T13:41:43.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T10:39:05.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18157 by Fergus Ewing on 22 November 2013, whether this means that the Scottish Government would not be able to place civilian shipbuilding orders with the Govan and Scotstoun yards but would have to put such orders out to competitive tender.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18157 on 22 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-11T13:41:43.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290032,"EventID":"S4W-18558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-26T13:41:44.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-26T10:57:36.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it defines \"any realistic scenario\" in the context of the white paper on independence. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to pages 348-349 of Scotland’s Future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-11T13:41:44.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290042,"EventID":"S4W-18566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-26T14:15:04.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-26T14:12:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will report on the outcome of the recent summit meeting of the British-Irish Council.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 15 November 2013, the 21st meeting of the British-Irish Council was held in St Brelade’s Bay, Jersey. We had a successful meeting attended by Ministers from all eight Member Administrations. The Scottish Government was represented by John Swinney, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth, Angela Constance, the Minister for Youth Employment and myself.\r\nThe meeting began with a discussion on the creative industries. This is an important industry for Scotland and is one of the seven growth sectors that we have identified in the Scottish Government Economic Strategy 2012. I was therefore very happy to support the Council’s Creative Industries Sectoral work plan for the next two years and welcomed the focus on the role of creative industries in promoting economic growth.\r\n The council then turned to the economy. It was helpful to hear from the other Member Administrations on the wider economic trends across these islands. John Swinney advised the council that while challenges remain and the global economy continues to face a number of headwinds, the summit meeting followed a fairly sustained run of positive economic data for Scotland, suggesting that the recovery is gathering momentum.\r\n Following a commitment from the nineteenth summit held in Cardiff, the economic discussion included an exchange of views on youth employment. Angela Constance gave an overview of the Scottish Government’s policy initiatives and programmes aimed at helping young people into employment, including the targeted early interventions, which are key to preventing our young people moving to long term unemployment. Ms Constance advised the council that the Scottish Government will do all it can to deliver key elements of the European Youth Guarantee but noted, with regret, that without the full power over employability we cannot do more to implement the guarantee in Scotland.\r\n The communique that was issued by the British-Irish Council, after the meeting, can be found on the website at http://www.britishirishcouncil.org/. I am also arranging for a copy of the document to be placed in SPICe (BIB number 55462).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-11T14:15:04.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290043,"EventID":"S4W-18559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-26T17:01:57.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-26T12:39:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the status is of the Caledonian Sleeper Service franchise.","AnswerText":"The new Caledonian Sleeper franchise is currently being procured with an anticipated start date of 1 April 2015. The franchise procurement programme that Transport Scotland is following is publicly available on Transport Scotland’s website and shows bids are due from shortlisted bidders before the end of December 2013. I can advise that this is currently anticipated for the 16 December.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-11T17:01:57.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290044,"EventID":"S4W-18560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-26T17:01:58.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-26T12:39:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what pension scheme the staff of the Caledonian Sleeper Service will have access to.","AnswerText":"Discussions are at an advanced stage regarding the details of the Railway Pension Scheme that staff of the (future) Caledonian Sleeper Franchisee will have access to.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-11T17:01:58.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290045,"EventID":"S4W-18561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-26T17:01:59.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-26T12:39:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking to ensure that the pension arrangements of staff on the Caledonian Sleeper Service are not adversely affected by the separation of the franchise from the ScotRail franchise.","AnswerText":"Discussions are at an advanced stage regarding the details of the Railway Pension Scheme that staff of the (future) Caledonian Sleeper Franchisee will have access to. Scottish Ministers have committed to continue to ensure that Franchisees will maintain pensions within the Railway Pensions Scheme for both Franchises and to ensure that the pension arrangements for staff on the future Caledonian Sleeper Franchisee are not adversely affected by the separation of the Caledonian Sleeper Franchise from the main ScotRail Franchise.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-11T17:01:59.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290046,"EventID":"S4W-18562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-26T17:01:59.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-26T12:39:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what capital investment it will make for (a) rolling stock refurbishment and (b) stations in relation to the Caledonian Sleeper Service.\r\n","AnswerText":"At least £50 million of public money has been made available for rolling stock improvements. However, that is not fixed and we remain open to proposals of up to £60 million from bidders where the additional investment offers a financial return. Up to £6 million has been made available for investment in station facilities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-11T17:01:59.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290047,"EventID":"S4W-18563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-26T17:01:59.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-26T12:39:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the £100 million investment for improved service provision on the Caledonian Sleeper Service will be allocated.\r\n","AnswerText":"The precise mix of investment that delivers a transformative whole-journey experience will be determined by the winning bidder. However, at least £50 million of public money has been made available for rolling stock improvements. However, that is not fixed and we remain open to proposals of up to £60 million from bidders where the additional investment offers a financial return. Up to a further £6 million has been made available for investment in station facilities.\r\nSignificant enhancements to the rail infrastructure, including improvements to the Highland Main Line, have already been committed for delivery from April 2014. Totalling over £100 million alone, this investment in the infrastructure will support improvements to the operation of Caledonian Sleeper services. In line with the ORR’s Determination for CP5 the Scottish Government will also ensure payment of the proportion of track access cost charges allocated to the new, separate Caledonian Sleeper franchise.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-11T17:01:59.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290048,"EventID":"S4W-18564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-26T17:02:00.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-26T12:39:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who, other than the franchisee, will receive Caledonian Sleeper Service investment funding and how much.","AnswerText":"Network Rail will receive Caledonian Sleeper Service investment funding of £6 million to finance the stations enhancements that the future franchisee will apply to for Sleeper station enhancements in Scotland. Network Rail will also receive funding required to support their investment to enhance the rail infrastructure, including improvements specified for the Highland Main Line.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-11T17:02:00.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290049,"EventID":"S4W-18565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-26T17:02:00.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-26T12:39:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the partnering relationship will be between Transport Scotland and the Caledonian Sleeper Service franchisee.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland will manage the future Caledonian Sleeper Franchisee in accordance with the signed Caledonian Sleeper Franchise Agreement which embodies profit sharing mechanisms along with collaborative working obligations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-11T17:02:00.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290055,"EventID":"S4W-18567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T13:40:32.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T11:23:58.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has made a decision on whether to pilot an increase in the speed limit for HGVs on the A9.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has announced plans for a 50 mph HGV pilot to be introduced in 2014 at the same time as average speed cameras on the A9.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T13:40:33.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290056,"EventID":"S4W-18568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T13:40:33.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T11:23:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking ahead of the independence referendum to identify pension schemes that operate both in Scotland and across the rest of the UK; what information it has on how many of the schemes fail to meet the requirement in the EU directive for occupational retirement schemes that they should be fully-funded at all times, and what information it has on (a) the size of the funding shortfall and (b) how many have a recovery plan to deal with this.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the valuations and recovery plans of UK defined benefit and hybrid pension schemes is published by The Pensions Regulator and is available on its website:\r\nhttp://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/docs/scheme-funding-appendix-2013.pdf. Data held by The Pensions Regulator does not identify which of these schemes operates both in Scotland and in the rest of the UK.\r\nOur paper on Pensions in an Independent Scotland clearly sets out the steps we think should be taken to agree pragmatic transitional arrangements to address the impact of the cross-border requirements on existing schemes and set out how schemes which become cross-border at the date of independence would be required to adjust.\r\nThe Scottish Government proposes that discussions with the UK Government and the European Commission on this issue should start immediately, with a view to agreeing appropriate transitional arrangements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T13:40:33.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290057,"EventID":"S4W-18572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T13:40:34.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T11:23:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the analysis of Financial Service Authority product sales by HM Treasury that suggests that 70% of all pension products bought by consumers in Scotland are from firms based in the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"HM Treasury analysis of FSA product sales data reveals a highly integrated market for financial services between Scotland and the rest of the UK, as reflected by the fact that 25% of pension products bought by consumers in the rest of the UK are from firms based in Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s White Paper Scotland’s Future – Your Guide to an Independent Scotland sets out a framework for the continuation of a single market in financial services and products across the Sterling Area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T13:40:34.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290066,"EventID":"S4O-02657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:51.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T12:21:47.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle air pollution in cities.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:51.97","MeetingDate":"2013-12-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290067,"EventID":"S4O-02658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:52.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T12:21:48.67","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what form the scheduled review of the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 will take in relation to deer management.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:52.423","MeetingDate":"2013-12-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290068,"EventID":"S4O-02659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:52.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T12:21:49.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Scottish Water on its flood prevention plan for Hamilton and surrounding areas.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:52.783","MeetingDate":"2013-12-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290069,"EventID":"S4O-02660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:53.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T10:46:46.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Quality Meat Scotland, the National Farmers Union and others about the sufficiency of primary product to meet the growing worldwide demand for Scottish food and drink.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:53.11","MeetingDate":"2013-12-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290070,"EventID":"S4O-02661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:53.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T11:21:03.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the World Forum on Natural Capital that was held in Edinburgh recently.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:53.483","MeetingDate":"2013-12-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290071,"EventID":"S4O-02662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:53.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T12:21:52.007","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research it has conducted on red squirrel resistance to the pox virus.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:53.75","MeetingDate":"2013-12-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290072,"EventID":"S4O-02663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:54.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T12:21:52.647","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment last met the chief executives of Zero Waste Scotland and Keep Scotland Beautiful and what was discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:54.11","MeetingDate":"2013-12-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290073,"EventID":"S4O-02664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:54.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T14:31:06.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the review of wild fisheries management that it announced during the passage of the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:54.42","MeetingDate":"2013-12-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290074,"EventID":"S4O-02666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:54.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T10:37:52.647","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guarantees it can give that the cost of postal services to and from a Scotland separated from the rest of the UK will not have an adverse impact on rural development.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","AnswerText":"Given the threat to postal services is a result of being under Westminster control, as we have set out in the white paper, this Scottish Government plans to bring the Royal Mail back into public ownership in an independent Scotland. With independence, the regulation of mail in Scotland will give the Scottish Parliament powers to address the way the market functions and deliver fair prices for Scotland, including rural communities and businesses. We will also maintain the inherited level of the universal service obligation, which is of vital importance to rural communities. We have already shown that we are committed to delivering a fair service to our rural areas through launching a statement of principles for parcel deliveries last week, which followed on two successful summits about the issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:54.747","MeetingDate":"2013-12-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290075,"EventID":"S4O-02667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:55.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-26T15:09:11.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking to stem the reported increasing availability of so-called legal highs.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:55.153","MeetingDate":"2013-12-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290076,"EventID":"S4O-02668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:55.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T12:23:10.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the CashBack for Communities programme in Fife.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:55.45","MeetingDate":"2013-12-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290077,"EventID":"S4O-02669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:55.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-26T17:29:25.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it has not undertaken a public consultation on, or discussed with relevant organisations, the criminalisation of forced marriage.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:55.73","MeetingDate":"2013-12-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290078,"EventID":"S4O-02670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:56.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T11:04:25.987","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met Police Scotland's Divisional Commander for Dumfries and Galloway and what matters were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:56.027","MeetingDate":"2013-12-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290079,"EventID":"S4O-02671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:56.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T12:23:11.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times Police Scotland has found so-called legal highs cut with illegal substances but not seized them.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:56.543","MeetingDate":"2013-12-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290080,"EventID":"S4O-02672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:56.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T09:50:30.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Justice has had with the Chief Constable regarding the publication of crime statistics.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:56.853","MeetingDate":"2013-12-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290081,"EventID":"S4O-02673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:57.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T12:23:14.673","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the number of convictions for firearm offences in 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:57.243","MeetingDate":"2013-12-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290082,"EventID":"S4O-02674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:57.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T12:23:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the closure of police stations in West Scotland will have on community safety.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:57.523","MeetingDate":"2013-12-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290083,"EventID":"S4O-02675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:57.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T10:10:29.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of the Prison Officers' Association.\r\n","AnswerText":"I last had the pleasure of meeting with the representatives of the Prison Officers’ Association (Scotland) when I addressed their annual conference at the MacDonald Cardrona Hotel, Peebles on 31 October 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:57.807","MeetingDate":"2013-12-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290084,"EventID":"S4O-02676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:58.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-26T17:10:46.443","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it works with Police Scotland to ensure that police officers in Fife are deployed in frontline positions in the community and not elsewhere.\r\n","AnswerText":"The deployment of police officers is an operational matter for Police Scotland, however the Scottish Government is fully committed to maintaining a visible police presence through our manifesto commitment to keep 1,000 extra police officers on the beat.\r\nThe Chief Constable has also publicly stated his commitment to a visible police presence and this was reiterated at the Justice Committee on \r\n29 October where Chief Constable Sir Stephen House stated, “we want police officers out on the streets and responding operationally to the public.\r\nRight now in Scotland we have 17,313 police officers active under the command of the Chief Constable of Scotland.\r\nThe new model of policing in Scotland was commended last week by Lord Stevens in his report on policing in England and Wales. He said that policing in Scotland has become “both more national and more local at the same time”, with local policing responding to local priorities whilst at the same time having access to national specialist resources when required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:58.103","MeetingDate":"2013-12-04T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290085,"EventID":"S4O-02677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:58.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T10:24:39.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how Scottish independence would improve economic circumstances in rural Dumfries and Galloway.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government believes that independence is the key to economic success. Full control over economic and fiscal powers will unlock our potential, boost business growth and create sustainable, fairly-rewarded jobs across rural Scotland, including Dumfries and Galloway.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:58.337","MeetingDate":"2013-12-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290086,"EventID":"S4O-02678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:58.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T11:36:11.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what actions underpin the proposals in the white paper on independence to simplify the tax system.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:58.6","MeetingDate":"2013-12-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290087,"EventID":"S4O-02679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:58.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T12:23:32.69","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with opposition parties about currency options in an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:58.897","MeetingDate":"2013-12-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290088,"EventID":"S4O-02680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:59.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-26T15:50:44.663","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to tackle fuel poverty.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:59.257","MeetingDate":"2013-12-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290089,"EventID":"S4O-02681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:59.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T12:23:33.69","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it considers that, in the event of Scotland becoming independent, charging UK students tuition fees but not students from other EU countries will be compatible with EU law.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:59.507","MeetingDate":"2013-12-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290090,"EventID":"S4O-02682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:20:59.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T12:23:34.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has estimated an independent Scotland's share of the UK national debt.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:20:59.757","MeetingDate":"2013-12-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290091,"EventID":"S4O-02683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:21:00.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-26T15:34:50.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to revitalise Prestwick airport.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:21:00.037","MeetingDate":"2013-12-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290092,"EventID":"S4O-02684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:21:00.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T09:33:09.373","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to deter people from taking out payday loans in the run-up to Christmas.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government launched its ‘12 days of Debtmas’ campaign on 18 November 2013. The aims of this bold campaign are to help prevent people getting into unmanageable high interest debt and, to raise awareness of credit unions as one alternative to pay day loans in the lead up to the festive period.\r\nAlmost 8500 people have responded to the radio advertisement or Daily Record features by visiting the campaign website 12daysofdebtmas.com since 18 November 2013. Almost 1300 of those people have searched for details of their local credit union. The website highlights the risk associated with high-interest lending and promotes credit unions as sensible, ethical alternatives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:21:00.397","MeetingDate":"2013-12-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290093,"EventID":"S4O-02685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:21:00.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-26T11:27:56.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it can offer to universal credit claimants who do not have access to the internet at home.","AnswerText":"Universal credit is part of the UK Government’s package of welfare reforms and it is therefore the responsibility of the UK Government to ensure the right support is in place for people claiming the new benefit.\r\nHowever, the Scottish Government is committed to doing what it can to help mitigate the impact of the welfare reforms and increasing digital participation, for example, we already fund a number of pilot projects including in Aberdeenshire and Glasgow, to help people claim their benefits online.\r\nWe have also raised with the Department for Work and Pensions on a number of occasions the importance of ensuring that there are appropriately resourced alternative methods for claiming and maintaining a universal credit claim.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:21:00.753","MeetingDate":"2013-12-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290094,"EventID":"S4O-02686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T14:21:01.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-25T12:23:36.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made in rolling out the International Development Fund Small Grants Funding Round.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s International Development Small Grants Programme was launched on Wednesday, 7 October 2013. The programme is being managed on behalf of the Scottish Government by the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland. The deadline for applications was 12pm on Friday 29 November 2013, with awards being announced in early March 2014. At the closing date, 27 applications had been received.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T14:21:01.083","MeetingDate":"2013-12-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290095,"EventID":"S4W-18573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T16:54:23.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T15:26:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what powers local authorities have to ensure that community councils regulate their (a) business affairs and (b) conduct.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have no specific powers to ensure that community councils regulate their business affairs and conduct.\r\nHowever, the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 sets out the requirement that local authorities introduce community council schemes for their area and review those schemes from time to time. Such schemes outline various arrangements including boundaries, elections, meetings, finance, accounts and procedures for effective communication on matters of mutual interest between the local authority and community councils in their area. This is to ensure a level of consistency in the operational arrangements and business affairs of community councils across Scotland whilst recognising the need for local circumstances to be reflected.\r\nThe Model Scheme of Establishment provides that “In carrying out their activities community councils must at all times adhere to the law, the terms of the Council’s Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils and the Community Councillors’ Code of Conduct”. The model Code of Conduct for Community Councillors is based on the Code of Conduct for local authority councillors and relevant public bodies as provided for in The Ethical Standards in Public Life etc (Scotland) Act 2000. As elected representatives of their communities, community councillors have a responsibility to make sure that they are familiar with, and if the model or any other code is adopted in relation to their community council, that their actions comply with the principles set out in that code. These principles include service to the community, integrity, objectivity and respect.\r\nIn addition to a Model Scheme of Establishment and Code of Conduct, to help community councils in their work, local authorities also have access to a model constitution, model standing orders and a good practice guidance. All of these documents are available on the Scottish Government website.\r\nIn addition, each local authority has a community council liaison officer (CCLO) working directly with community councils in their area. The model scheme provides that community councils must provide copies of their agendas and draft minutes to the CCLO within 14 days from the date of meetings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T16:54:24.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290096,"EventID":"S4W-18574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T16:54:24.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T15:26:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what mechanisms are open to communities that feel that their community council is failing to represent them properly.","AnswerText":"If communities feel that their community council is failing to represent them properly, their first point of contact is the community council liaison officer in their local authority area.\r\nThe Scottish Government is keen to encourage as many people as possible to actively engage with community councils. This involvement can include expressing their views at community council meetings, becoming a member of one or alternatively, ensuring that they cast their vote when community council elections are held.\r\nThat is why the Scottish Government, in collaboration with COSLA, has agreed to support the improvement service to undertake a project to help enhance the role of community councils, to include a proposal to run pilot projects to increase the number of contested elections.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T16:54:24.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290097,"EventID":"S4W-18575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-27T16:54:25.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T16:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide the dates of all communications between the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth and the University of Edinburgh regarding the use of so-called zero-hours contracts since 2011, broken down by (a) telephone calls, (b) letters, (c) emails and (d) face-to-face meetings.\r\n","AnswerText":"This issue was raised by the University and Colleges Union (UCU) during the STUC bi-annual meeting with the First Minister in June 2013, which the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth attended. Under direction from the Cabinet Secretary, Scottish Government officials raised the matter with the University of Edinburgh on 4 July 2013. As a result, the Principal of the University of Edinburgh, Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea, wrote to the Cabinet Secretary on 5 July 2013 advising that the University was committed to working in partnership with UCU. A response was also received from the University’s Director of Human Resources on 5 July 2013 which confirmed that the University would work with UCU on a comprehensive review of the use of zero-hours contracts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-12T16:54:25.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290107,"EventID":"S4W-18584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-28T12:50:02.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T12:44:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Edinburgh International Culture Summit will be held in 2014.","AnswerText":"The 2012 Edinburgh International Culture Summit celebrated and enhanced Scotland’s reputation for creativity, innovation and imagination. It was a resounding success, with 33 international delegations debating and discussing the role of culture as an international dialogue.\r\nThe 2012 Summit was a collaboration between the Scottish Government, UK Government, British Council, Edinburgh International Festival and Scottish Parliament. Following discussions between these partners, it has been agreed that the Edinburgh International Culture Summit should take place on 11 and 12 August 2014, after the conclusion of the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. The Summit will be held once more in the Scottish Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-13T12:50:02.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290108,"EventID":"S4W-18346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-28T13:41:21.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T12:17:57.01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, as part of its making justice work programme, how many meetings it has had with stakeholders about the siting of a justice centre in the Borders and on what dates.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not met with Stakeholders about the siting of a justice centre in the Borders as part of the Making Justice Work Programme.\r\nResponsibility for Scotland’s courts is a matter for the judicially led and independent Scottish Court Service (SCS) and not the Scottish Government. As part of their long term vision for the court estate, SCS has outlined to the Justice Committee that they intend to consider the possibility of integrated justice centres in four areas. The first of these feasibility studies is underway in the Borders and SCS and Scottish Borders Council are jointly undertaking the study, along with other justice partners.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-13T13:41:21.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290109,"EventID":"S4W-18347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-28T13:41:22.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T12:17:57.01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether, as part of its making justice work programme, it will consider the closure of Selkirk and Jedburgh sheriff courts if a justice centre is located in the Borders.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for Scotland’s courts is a matter for the judicially led and independent Scottish Court Service (SCS) and not the Scottish Government. Neither Selkirk or Jedburgh Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Courts formed part of the court closures recently approved by the Scottish Parliament. If SCS were to present any future plans to close courts, these would need to go through the relevant processes, including Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-13T13:41:22.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290110,"EventID":"S4W-18348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-28T13:41:22.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-13T12:17:57.01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it would close Jedburgh and Selkirk sheriff courts as part of its making justice work programme.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for Scotland’s courts is a matter for the judicially led and independent Scottish Court Service (SCS) and not the Scottish Government. Neither Selkirk or Jedburgh Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Courts formed part of the court closures recently approved by the Scottish Parliament. If SCS were to present any future plans to close courts, these would need to go through the relevant processes, including Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-13T13:41:22.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290111,"EventID":"S4W-18576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-28T13:41:22.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T16:21:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many officials were involved in the development of the white paper on Scottish independence.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials in policy teams across a number of areas in the Scottish Government worked on material included in Scotland’s Future.\r\nDetails of Scottish Government staff supporting constitutional reform have been published on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/constitution/About/constitution-SG-staffing.\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-13T13:41:22.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290112,"EventID":"S4W-18577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-28T13:41:22.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T16:21:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether (a) members of the Yes Scotland campaign and (b) SNP party officials met officials involved in the development of the white paper on Scottish independence during its development.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Future is a Scottish Government publication developed and drafted by civil servants under the direction of ministers. A meeting between special advisers, SNP officials and government officials leading work on the white paper took place on 12 August 2013 to ensure that the respective roles of government and party in publicity relating to the paper were understood by all concerned and that a clear and appropriate division was maintained between governmental and campaigning activity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-13T13:41:22.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290113,"EventID":"S4W-18578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-28T13:41:23.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T16:21:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it took to prevent the politicisation of officials during the development of the white paper on Scottish independence.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials developed Scotland’s Future as part of their normal duties in support of Scottish Ministers in line with the Civil Service Code. This code of conduct, and guidance for civil servants on political activity, is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/Directorates/Services-Groups/HR/HR/policies-guidance/conduct.\r\nSpecific elections guidance and referendum advice for civil servants has also been produced. This is available at\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/Elections/guidance/ElectionsGuidanceCS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-13T13:41:23.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290114,"EventID":"S4W-18579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-28T13:41:23.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T17:31:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many pupils sat Higher German in each of the last 10 years for which information is available.","AnswerText":"The number of pupils who were presented for a Higher in German in Local Authority schools in each of the last 10 years is shown in the following table:\r\nAcademic Year\r\nNumber of Presentations for Higher German in Local Authority schools\r\n2002-03\r\n1,631\r\n2003-04\r\n1,535\r\n2004-05\r\n1,443\r\n2005-06\r\n1,143\r\n2006-07\r\n1,375\r\n2007-08\r\n1,276\r\n2008-09\r\n1,088\r\n2009-10\r\n970\r\n2010-11\r\n898\r\n2011-12\r\n920\r\n2012-13\r\n890\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-13T13:41:23.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290115,"EventID":"S4W-18580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-28T13:41:24.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T17:31:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many pupils have sat a national qualification in German in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The number of pupils who were presented for a national qualification in German in Local Authority schools in each of the last 10 years is shown in the following table:\r\nAcademic Year\r\n\r\nNumber of Presentations for a national qualification in German in Local Authority schools\r\n2002-03\r\n15,681\r\n2003-04\r\n14,466\r\n2004-05\r\n13,445\r\n2005-06\r\n13,117\r\n2006-07\r\n12,345\r\n2007-08\r\n10,991\r\n2008-09\r\n9,352\r\n2009-10\r\n8,463\r\n2010-11\r\n8,076\r\n2011-12\r\n7,300\r\n2012-13\r\n6,470\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-13T13:41:24.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290116,"EventID":"S4W-18581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-28T13:41:24.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T17:31:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many state schools have presented pupils for examination for a national qualification in German in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The number of local authority school centres which presented pupils for examinations for a national qualification in German in each of the last 10 years is shown in the following table:\r\nYear\r\n\r\nNumber of Local Authority school centres presenting pupils for national qualifications in German\r\n2003\r\n276\r\n2004\r\n271\r\n2005\r\n265\r\n2006\r\n251\r\n2007\r\n240\r\n2008\r\n230\r\n2009\r\n214\r\n2010\r\n205\r\n2011\r\n198\r\n2012\r\n197\r\n2013\r\n191\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-13T13:41:24.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290117,"EventID":"S4W-18582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-28T13:41:25.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T17:31:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many German-speaking foreign language assistants there have been in schools in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The number of German-speaking foreign language assistants in Scottish schools in each of the last 10 years is shown in the following table.\r\nScottish Government is encouraged to see that the overall number of Foreign Language Assistants (FLAs) has stabilised and increased (from 59 in 2011-12, to 70 in 2012-13 and 73 in 2013-14).\r\nYear\r\nNumber of German Foreign Language Assistants\r\n in Scottish schools\r\n2003-2004\r\n68\r\n2004-2005\r\n58\r\n2005-2006\r\n55\r\n2006-2007\r\n53\r\n2007-2008\r\n52\r\n2008-2009\r\n45\r\n2009-2010\r\n26\r\n2010-2011\r\n19\r\n2011-2012\r\n11\r\n2012-2013\r\n10\r\n2013-2014\r\n9\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-13T13:41:25.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290118,"EventID":"S4W-18583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-28T13:41:25.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-27T21:41:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how Healthcare Improvement Scotland will ensure that there is widespread geographical representation on the National Chronic Pain Steering Group.","AnswerText":"Membership of the National Chronic Pain Steering Group has recently been reviewed. Additional individual patient membership has been invited from across Scotland. Susan Archibald was invited to join the group in recognition of her work at a national level securing a public petition on chronic pain services. A further three new representatives indicated an interest and have been appointed to join the group. It is recognised that there are no individual patient representatives from the west of Scotland and a further request for a nomination of a volunteer from this area is being sought.\r\nThe National Steering Group also includes patient representation through the third sector. To ensure a wide range of views are considered, Action on Pain have also been invited to join the group, this will complement the membership of the three existing voluntary sector organisations.\r\nMembership will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that new members representing different parts of Scotland have the opportunity to join the group.\r\nIn addition NHS board representation is being considered and members from newly formed chronic pain service improvement groups have been invited to nominate representatives, to ensure pan Scotland representation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-13T13:41:25.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290125,"EventID":"S4W-18585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-28T17:03:29.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T14:57:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the economic impact of the claim in the report by Lawrence Tomlinson that RBS put \"good and viable businesses\" into default to improve its balance sheet.","AnswerText":"The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) provided Sir Andrew Large’s Independent Review team with evidence assembled by Lawrence Tomlinson, Entrepreneur in Residence at BIS, in relation to alleged maltreatment of businesses by RBS’s Global Restructuring Group. This matter was out-with the remit of the Large review, and the validity of the accusations made in the dossier were not investigated by Sir Andrew Large who recommended a separate investigation into the claims of alleged maltreatment.\r\nWherever there is evidence of any irregularities, the Scottish Government expect these to be fully investigated by the competent authorities, including the potential wider economic impact. The report has now been referred to the Financial Conduct Authority to review the allegations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-13T17:03:30.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290126,"EventID":"S4W-18590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-28T17:03:31.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T15:36:38.077","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-16742 by Richard Lochhead on 10 September 2013, how it will (a) monitor and (b) ensure compliance with the moratorium and what advice it is providing regarding the safe disposal of seeds treated with neonicotinoids.\r\n","AnswerText":"In Scotland the main implications of the restrictions will be for oilseed rape growers. Scottish Government staff have made sure that stakeholders were aware of the changes from 1 December 2013. This was done through different channels, including placing articles in relevant publications, information placed on websites and through direct discussion with stakeholders and the trade body, the Agricultural Industries Confederation.\r\nAdditionally, Scottish Government Seed Enforcement Officers (SEOs) carry out routine inspections on farm and in warehouses to ensure seed marketed in Scotland meets EU standards. Any non-compliance of the restrictions found by the SEOs will be reported to the appropriate enforcement body.\r\nOn disposal, farmers have been advised to return any surplus supply of treated seeds to their supplier.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-13T17:03:31.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290127,"EventID":"S4W-18605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-11-28T17:03:31.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:28:42.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18051 by Keith Brown on 6 November 2013, where Babcock’s figures are published.","AnswerText":"The figures can be found in the environmental statement submitted by Babcock (section 6.5, a copy of which is available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre, Bib. number 55487) and in the report of the public local inquiry (page ii and in section 11) published on the Transport Scotland website:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/water/ports-harbours/decision-letters/Report-of-Inquiry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-13T17:03:31.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290154,"EventID":"S4W-18586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:05.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T15:11:37.27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, with reference to the white paper on independence, what stakeholders it consulted regarding air passenger duty and how their input informed the Scottish Government’s position.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government regularly discusses air passenger duty with the aviation industry as part of our normal stakeholder engagement. The aviation industry has made clear for some time that air passenger duty is detrimental to the sector and that its reduction would support enhanced services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:05.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290155,"EventID":"S4W-18591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:06.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:00:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18385 by Alex Neil on 28 November 2013, whether it will provide the information that was requested and confirm with which countries it has had discussions; when they took place; who was involved, and what items were discussed, and whether it will confirm which of the discussions were on a formal basis and the countries that shared evidence-based information.","AnswerText":"Further to the information provided in the answer to S4W-18385, the Scottish Government has had detailed discussions with the UK, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Estonia on minimum unit pricing of alcohol policy. Discussions with the UK, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland have been ongoing over the last few years and taken place at both ministerial and official level.\r\nThe Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing spoke about minimum unit pricing at an alcohol conference in Estonia in October this year, and had discussions with Ministers and officials. The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing also spoke at an alcohol conference in Brussels in April this year which was attended by representatives of several countries within the European Economic Area.\r\nAt this conference, Professor Tim Stockwell presented his empirical findings on minimum pricing in Canada. The most recent results show a 10% increase in minimum prices significantly reduced consumption by 8.43% for all beverages combined; and a 10% increase in the average minimum price for all alcoholic beverages was associated with a 32% reduction in wholly alcohol attributable deaths.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:06.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290156,"EventID":"S4W-18592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:06.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:00:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18444 by Alex Neil on 28 November 2013, in what areas the statistically significant results were located; for what reasons ISD Scotland carried out each initial investigation; how the number of incidences compared with the expected figure; whether further investigations took place and, if so, what the outcome was.\r\n","AnswerText":"Table 1 shows a summary of the statistically significant results that were included in the response to question S4W-18444. All of these statistical analyses were carried out in response to requests from members of the public, as part of ISD’s information request service. The information requests were send to ISD either directly by the member of the public or indirectly through their Health Board or the Scottish Government.\r\nTable 1. Summary of statistically significant results produced by investigations into suspected cancer clusters; 2004-2013.\r\nYear of Request\r\nType of Cancer\r\nGender\r\nObserved Registrations (O)\r\nExpected Registrations (E)\r\nO/E\r\n95% Confidence Intervals\r\nLower\r\nUpper\r\n1) Cowie (Stirling) (1990-2004)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2007\r\nAll cancers\r\nFemale\r\n88\r\n70.2\r\n1.25\r\n1.02\r\n1.54\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2) Moray Council Area (1991-2005)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2008\r\nColorectal cancer\r\nMales\r\n547\r\n471.6\r\n1.16\r\n1.07\r\n1.26\r\n\r\nColorectal cancer\r\nFemales\r\n463\r\n405.8\r\n1.14\r\n1.04\r\n1.25\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n3) Various sites (2002-2011)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\ni) Area around Torness\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2013\r\nProstate cancer\r\nMales\r\n58\r\n35.8\r\n1.62\r\n1.23\r\n2.10\r\nii) Area around Glasgow Royal Infirmary\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAll cancers\r\nMales\r\n95\r\n74.6\r\n1.27\r\n1.03\r\n1.56\r\n\r\nLung cancer\r\nMales\r\n28\r\n13.0\r\n2.15\r\n1.43\r\n3.10\r\niii) Area around Glasgow Western Infirmary\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLung cancer\r\nMales\r\n30\r\n18.2\r\n1.65\r\n1.11\r\n2.35\r\niv) Area around Raigmore Hospital\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nColorectal cancer\r\nFemales\r\n19\r\n9.1\r\n2.08\r\n1.25\r\n3.25\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n4) Grangemouth (2002-2011)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2013\r\nAll cancers\r\nMales\r\n570\r\n520.9\r\n1.09\r\n1.01\r\n1.19\r\n\r\nSource: Scottish Cancer Registry, ISD.\r\nData Extracted: (1) November 2007; (2) June 2008; (3) May 2013; (4) June 2013.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Cancer registration is a dynamic process: the data presented here may differ from other published data relating to the same time period.\r\n2. 95% confidence intervals define a range between which there is a 95% probability that the value of the O/E ratio lies. By convention, if the range between the lower and upper 95% confidence intervals does not include the value 1.00, it is interpreted as a statistically significant difference in risk between the population being studied and the larger reference area.\r\nTable 1 shows how the observed numbers of cancer registrations compare with the expected figures. The expected numbers of cancer registrations are calculated by applying the incidence rates for Scotland to the area in question. The observed/expected (O/E) ratio is the ratio of the actual number of cancer registrations to the number that would be expected if incidence rates were the same as in the whole of Scotland. The observed numbers of cancer registrations are subject to random variation, particularly when numbers are small. The confidence intervals around the O/E ratio give a measure of the extent of this variation.\r\nIn addition to these four analyses, an analysis was also carried out for the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE) in 2012 on the area around Dalgety Bay. This was part of a much larger investigation and is not included in Table 1. The results of that investigation will be published by COMARE in 2014. All of the other results were sent to the customer and to the appropriate health board. No further investigation was carried out by ISD.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:06.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290157,"EventID":"S4W-18593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:06.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:00:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18384 by Alex Neil on 28 November 2013, how many (a) medical and (b) clinical oncology specialists there are in the North of Scotland Planning Group, and how many positions have been vacant for over (i) three and (ii) six months, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The North of Scotland Planning Group comprise NHS Highland, Grampian, Tayside, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland. The Group facilitates collaborative work across the three north of Scotland cancer centres, in NHS Highland, Grampian and Tayside via the North of Scotland Cancer Network. (NOSCAN)\r\nInformation on how many consultants in (a) medical and (b) clinical oncology in the north of Scotland region can be found in the following tables.\r\nThe number of vacancies in the north region, including positions vacant for more than six months are also shown in the tables. Information on the number of positions vacant for over three months is not held centrally.\r\n \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:06.83","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290158,"EventID":"S4W-18597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:07.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:27:49.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a list of the country's (a) current and (b) planned major trauma centres.","AnswerText":"Major trauma centre is not currently a designation used by NHS Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:07.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290159,"EventID":"S4W-18598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:07.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:27:49.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any major trauma centres do not have support staff on duty on the premises 24-hours, seven days a week for (a) heart attacks, (b) strokes and (c) major orthopaedic operations.","AnswerText":"Major trauma centre is not currently a designation used by NHS Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:07.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290160,"EventID":"S4W-18599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:07.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:27:49.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has carried out of avoidable mortality and morbidity arising from the configuration of accident and emergency services.\r\n","AnswerText":"Health boards review morbidity and mortality constantly and various local and national means are used to assure and improve the safety and quality of hospital care. NHS boards are responsible for assuring the quality and safety of specific services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:07.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290161,"EventID":"S4W-18600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:08.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:27:49.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what centres are designated as suitable for the control of major accident hazards under the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999 do not provide for the designation of centres. However, the Regulations, for which Health and Safety Executive and SEPA are the competent authority in Scotland, provide for the preparation of on-site emergency plans by operators and off-site emergency plans by local authorities, and for the review, testing and implementation of these plans. The information to be contained in these plans is set out in Schedule 5 to the Regulations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:08.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290162,"EventID":"S4W-18601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:08.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:29:04.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what undertakings the Scottish Ambulance Service has made regarding its sickness absence rates.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has sought and received assurance from the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) that it continues to address sickness absence levels.\r\nA key action point arising from the 2013 Annual Review was that SAS would make sustained progress towards the national HEAT sickness absence standard of 4%, in partnership with staff and their representatives. \r\nFrom discussions on this matter at its mid-year review in November 2013, we are aware that the board has a number of initiatives underway, such as new occupational health arrangements to support staff and improve performance in this area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:08.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290163,"EventID":"S4W-18602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:08.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:29:04.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will collect data on the family nurse practitioner workforce separately from other nurse categories.","AnswerText":"We already collect data on the family nurse partnership workforce for national purposes, including alignment to the licensing agreement for the programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:08.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290164,"EventID":"S4W-18603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:09.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:29:04.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will carry out a review of how data are collated on nursing and midwifery staff to allow a retrospective review of the workforce following the integration of health and social care.","AnswerText":"This is subject to on-going consideration associated with the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:09.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290165,"EventID":"S4W-18606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:09.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:29:50.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the number of health visitors in work and in training will meet any increased demand and the switch into family nurse partnerships.","AnswerText":"While it remains for individual NHS boards to plan and deliver services according to the needs of their population, the Scottish Government is working closely with NHS boards to monitor and manage the potential impact of expanding the Family Nurse Partnership programme. In doing so, it is taking account of the year on year increase in the number of health visitors since 2009.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:09.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290166,"EventID":"S4W-18607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:09.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:29:50.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that there are sufficient post-registration midwives to meet demand.\r\n","AnswerText":"With NHS Scotland and stakeholders we have been developing a suite of workload measurement and workforce planning tools in recent years to support evidence based decisions about the midwifery establishment in clinical areas. The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) endorses the use of these tools and NHS boards are must apply them in planning their workforce. Midwifery numbers have increased by 242.7 whole term equivalent (wte), or 8.8%, under this Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:09.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290167,"EventID":"S4W-18608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:10.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:29:50.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that a 40% reduction in midwifery student intake and the closure of three out of seven university midwifery undergraduate schools is sustainable.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government works closely with stakeholders, including NHS boards, Higher Education Institutions, Scottish Funding Council and Partnership bodies, to ensure an appropriate supply of registered midwives to meet future workforce requirements and to ensure a sustainable model of pre-registration and post-registration midwifery education provision.\r\nThe recommended intake to pre-registration midwifery programmes in 2013-14 academic year was increased by 40% to 140 places. We are working closely with stakeholders, including higher education institutions and Royal College of Midwives Scotland, to inform recommendations regarding intakes to pre-registration midwifery programmes in 2014-15 academic year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:10.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290168,"EventID":"S4W-18611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:10.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:32:07.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the principles on which it considers GP contracts should be based.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to working with the profession, and stakeholders, to create a contract that focuses on delivering improved patient outcomes, is person centred, providing value for money and seeks to reduce unnecessary workload and bureaucracy, and emphasises patient and staff satisfaction, a contract truly delivering high trust and low bureaucracy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:10.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290169,"EventID":"S4W-18612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:10.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:32:07.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the recommendation in The Future of General Practice in Scotland: a Vision that it should establish a consultative service to support facilitated quality improvement visits.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to the use of continuous quality improvement in the delivery of healthcare in general practice. Scotland is the first country in the world to implement a national patient safety programme across the whole healthcare system and The Scottish Patient Safety Programme in Primary Care (SPSP-PC) was launched 14 March 2013.\r\nTo help deliver a person-centred programme of care for patients the Scottish Government is exploring, and supporting, a range of options to ensure the people of Scotland are provided with NHS services which meet their needs and maintains high standards of care.\r\nPatients are at the heart of our NHS and everyone in Scotland has the right to expect the highest quality of care when they need it. This commitment is embedded in our Quality Strategy for the NHS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:10.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290170,"EventID":"S4W-18613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:11.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:32:07.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that all patients have access to online GP services, and what it considers these services should include.","AnswerText":"Work in this area is being progressed under the eHealth Strategy, one of the aims of which is to support people to communicate with the NHS in Scotland and manage their own health and wellbeing. Both GP IT systems used in Scotland now offer online appointment booking and ordering of repeat prescriptions. In addition, GP practice websites offer a range of services, such as online registration, downloading of key practice documents, feedback and complaints, and an array of health related information. Work in the next year will look to increase the uptake of current online services, and broaden the range of services offered, based on people's needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:11.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290171,"EventID":"S4W-18614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:11.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:32:07.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what protected learning time is made available to GPs who work only, or for the most part, in out-of-hours services.\r\n","AnswerText":"Protected Learning Time is generally co-ordinated by community health partnerships to meet locally identified training and development needs within general practice, and is facilitated by NHS boards. The information requested is not \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:11.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290172,"EventID":"S4W-18615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:11.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:32:07.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its workforce plans are for (a) GPs and (b) health visitors in the next five years. \r\n","AnswerText":"Although GPs are independent contractors, they are still given consideration when planning the NHS Scotland workforce. At present the structure and training of all doctors in the UK, including GPs, is under review. The Scottish Government is actively involved in these discussions to ensure that specific service needs in Scotland are addressed.\r\nWith regard to health visitors, it is for each NHS board to decide how best to plan and deliver services, including to meet the needs of its population.\r\nWe are leading the UK in developing a series of ground breaking Nursing and Midwifery Workload and Workforce Planning Tools that support evidence based decisions in relation to Nursing and Midwifery establishments. These tools are used to determine the number of nurses, including health visitors, or midwives needed for particular clinical areas through measurement of actual workload, as part of a broader approach that incorporates nurses' professional judgment and quality measures. The Workload and Workforce Planning tools have been mandated since April 2013 and we expect all NHS boards to use them to inform local nursing and midwifery workforce planning.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:11.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290173,"EventID":"S4W-18616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:12.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:32:07.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there has been a recent rise in the number of sessional GPs and, if so, what its position is on this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Primary Care Workforce Survey 2013, a survey of Scottish general practices and GP Out of Hours Services was published on 24 September 2013 and provides a “snapshot” of locums. The report is available on the Information Services Division (ISD) of National Services Scotland website at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/General-Practice/Publications/2013-09-24/2013-09-24-PCWS-Report.pdf.\r\nOverall, 89% of responding practices had used GP locums and/or sessional GPs in the year ending 31 January 2013. The estimated whole time equivalent (WTE) amount of time input by locum/sessional GPs to all general practices over this one year period was 290. This estimate is based on an assumption of eight sessions being equal to one full time working week and 44 weeks comprising a working year (allowing for six weeks annual leave and two weeks study leave). The estimated WTE input by locum/sessional GPs over the year appears to be a little higher than the equivalent estimate of 255 WTE from the 2009 Primary Care Workforce Planning Survey (for the year ending 30 January 2009).\r\nHowever, as these two estimates are both based on incomplete data, they are broadly rather than directly comparable.\r\nThe role of the Scottish Government is to provide policies, frameworks and resources to NHS boards in order that they can deliver the healthcare services that meet the needs of their local population. Within this context, the actual provision of services and patient care is the statutory responsibility of health boards and healthcare professionals locally. GP practices are mostly all independent contractors who are free to decide (within the context of the services they must provide under contract with boards) exactly how they set up their operations in terms of employing staff whilst how NHS boards organise the provision of GP services is an operational matter for the board to determine, based on an assessment of local needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:12.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290174,"EventID":"S4W-18617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:12.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:32:07.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to increase trainee GPs' awareness of their public health role.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) which develops and maintains the general practitioner (GP) curriculum, and this has the public health role of the GP as a key element.\r\nAll three elements of public health, health improvement, promoting health and health care services, can be learnt in the practice setting and the GP trainees spend eighteen months of their training in practice. In this environment the GP trainee will be involved in health promotion, prevention and screening activities. They also have the opportunity to work with other health care professionals such as nurses and health visitors.\r\nGP trainees can also use their protected educational half day to spend time with Public Health Specialists if this is an identified educational need.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:12.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290175,"EventID":"S4W-18618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:12.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:32:07.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to increase GPs' public health role.\r\n","AnswerText":"GP practices already have a significant role in health protection, prevention of ill health or deterioration in the condition, health promotion and health improvement issues, delivered through the The National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts) (Scotland) Regulations 2004, or The National Health Service (Primary Medical Services Section 17C Agreements) (Scotland) Regulations 2004.\r\nGP Practices play an important role in public health management of single cases and outbreaks of infectious disease. They are the liaison between Public Health and the patient e.g. they help taking samples for laboratory analysis and communicating results, they may help in recruitment of patients for studies (as happened in Edinburgh for legionella studies), they manage public concern and potential cases in an outbreak, they assess, treat and vaccinate patients in a flu outbreak in nursing homes.\r\nIn particular this year there has been increased involvement of GPs as two entirely new immunisation programmes have been introduced, rotavirus for infants and shingles for 70 year olds and both of these are being given in primary care. Furthermore this year saw the first phase of childhood flu vaccination being rolled out with all two and three year olds being offered flu vaccination in primary care.\r\nThe Scottish Government is also undertaking a review of the Public Health Domain within the GMS Contract, in conjunction with Scottish General Practitioners Committee, to ensure it fits with NHS Scotland’s public health priorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:12.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290176,"EventID":"S4W-18619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:13.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:32:07.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many GP practices (a) have and (b) have not established a patient participation group.\r\n","AnswerText":"As indicated in my answer to S4W-10514 on 7 November 2012, this is an important area for development and for the past 18 months the Scottish Health Council has been promoting and supporting the value of involving people and patients in primary care and in particular general practices. Its March 2013 report, Promoting, Supporting and Developing Public Involvement in Primary Care (available on its website at www.scottishhealthcouncil.org) estimates that at that point in time, 151 of Scotland’s 1,032 General practices had established Patient Participation Groups. Through its local office network, the Scottish Health Council continues to offer support to general practices using tools it has produced to improve or widen their involvement practice.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:13.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290177,"EventID":"S4W-18620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:13.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:32:07.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which of the local health care cooperatives that were in place in 2005 are still operating.\r\n","AnswerText":"Community Health Partnerships were established across Scotland between 2004 and 2006 and replaced local health care cooperatives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:13.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290178,"EventID":"S4W-18621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:13.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:32:07.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to support the development of so-called networked GP practices.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s “Route Map” to the 2020 Vision for Health and Social Care in Scotland sets out a new and accelerated focus on a number of priority areas for action around Primary Care, a key aspect of this is our “Primary Care Modernisation Programme”.\r\nIn November 2013 the Scottish Government announced £1 million towards this programme and an integral part its work will be to trial and test at scale a range of new models of care.\r\nThe learning from this work will inform future planning and spread of well-developed and tested new ways of working and models of care as standard across Scotland before 2020.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:13.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290179,"EventID":"S4W-18622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:14.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:32:07.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it takes to support trainee GPs in (a) deprived, (b) remote and (c) rural areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The training of, and support provided to, General Practitioner (GP) trainees is co-ordinated and shared between NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and individual employers, in the following ways.\r\na. Deprived areas\r\nThere are training practices in the East, South East and West Deaneries that are in areas of deprivation. Health inequalities are also taught in the educational day release programmes for GP trainees.\r\nNES is working with NHS Health Scotland and the Deep End group to develop learning on working in areas of deprivation for GP trainees, trained GPs and other primary care professionals.\r\nb. and c. Remote and Rural areas\r\nThere are remote and rural training practices across the North of Scotland, and also rural training practices in the West of Scotland in Ayrshire and Dumfries and in the South East in the Borders.\r\nIn the North of Scotland NES has a new and innovative Rural Track GP training programme. This programme is offered in addition to existing programmes and is designed to offer an attractive rurally based option around each of the Rural General Hospital systems to achieve not only the competencies required by the RCGP/GMC but also the competencies to live and work in a rural area. In the 2013-14 recruitment six of ten posts have been filled.\r\nNES and the territorial health boards co-fund rural fellowships and in the 2013-14 recruitment all ten posts have been filled.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:14.14","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290180,"EventID":"S4W-18624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:14.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:32:27.613","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which NHS boards use the Multi Disciplinary Information System.","AnswerText":"The NHS boards currently using the multi disciplinary information system are: NHS Dumfries and Galloway, NHS Fife, NHS Forth Valley, NHS Highland, NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Tayside.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:14.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290181,"EventID":"S4W-18626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:14.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:50:18.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been convicted for selling tobacco from an unregistered outlet.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010, The Sale of Tobacco (Register of Tobacco Retailers) Regulations 2010 came into force on 1 April 2011.\r\nThere were no convictions in 2011-12 and one conviction in 2012-13 under Section 20 of the Act, where this was the main offence. 2012-13 is the latest financial year for which data is available data.\r\nSource: Scottish Government Court Proceedings data.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:14.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290182,"EventID":"S4W-18627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:15.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:50:18.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many registered tobacco outlets have been (a) warned and (b) convicted for selling tobacco to people who are underage.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following tables.\r\nPeople given non court disposals selling tobacco to underage persons1, 2009-10 to 2012-13\r\nOffence\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nChildren & Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937 Section 18(1)\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nPolice Formal Adult Warning\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nPolice Restorative Justice Warning\r\n0\r\n3\r\n0\r\n0\r\nVerbal Warning\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n3\r\nWarning Letter\r\n0\r\n3\r\n0\r\n2\r\nFiscal Fine\r\n2\r\n25\r\n3\r\n0\r\n\r\nPeople convicted in Scottish courts of selling tobacco to underage persons1, 2006-07 to 2012-13\r\n Offence\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nChildren & Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937 Section 18(1)\r\n5\r\n9\r\n12\r\n25\r\n12\r\n8\r\n0\r\nTobacco And Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 Section 4(1)\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nTotal\r\n5\r\n9\r\n12\r\n25\r\n12\r\n9\r\n0\r\nSource: Scottish Government Court Proceedings database.\r\nNote: 1. where main offence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:15.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290183,"EventID":"S4W-18628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:15.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:50:18.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many registered tobacco outlets have had their right to sell tobacco removed as a result of selling to people who are underage.\r\n","AnswerText":"To date no registered tobacco outlets have had their right to sell tobacco removed as a result of selling to people who are underage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:15.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290184,"EventID":"S4W-18635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T14:31:15.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-30T16:18:34.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the claim by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas that there is an \"abundance\" of cod in the North Sea and what impact an increase in stocks will have on the prey of the species.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is clear from the latest advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) for North Sea Cod that the stock is recovering. Fishing mortality is at its lowest level since assessments began in 1963, and the biomass of the stock has been building steadily since 2006, and is now above 70,000 tonnes. The Scottish Government’s approach is to accept scientific advice where available and seek to achieve higher stock biomass through the spatial avoidance of Cod, the use of selective fishing gears, and adopting sustainable fishing rates that allow the stock to rebuild while providing quota for our fleet that minimises discards.\r\nThe North Sea is a complex multi-species ecosystem, with many predator-prey interactions between many species. Modelling by ICES suggests that when the abundance of cod and saithe increases, that of haddock and whiting may fall due to a direct predation effect, but the biomass of herring, sandeel, Norway pout and sprat may rise. However, even the best models may be confounded by the real world. For example, when the cod stock was very large (around 250,000t) in the 1960s-1970s, the stock of haddock was also very large (sometimes as much as 500,000t). Observations such as this lead scientists to continually refine their models, and this is an integral part of the scientific process and the advancement of understanding. Predicting what changes in the relative abundance of one species may mean to another species, and the associated economic impacts, is therefore fraught with difficulty and underlines the importance of not drawing hasty conclusions from observations of changes in the abundance of various fish stocks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T14:31:15.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290185,"EventID":"S4F-01734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T13:02:00.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T14:52:55.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T13:02:01.137","MeetingDate":"2013-12-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290186,"EventID":"S4F-01735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T13:02:01.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T09:22:21.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T13:02:01.607","MeetingDate":"2013-12-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290187,"EventID":"S4F-01736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T13:02:02.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T10:41:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister which powers over land ownership could be devolved to the Scottish Parliament to strengthen Scottish land reform.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T13:02:02.23","MeetingDate":"2013-12-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290188,"EventID":"S4F-01739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T13:02:03.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T11:07:42.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation report, Coping with the cuts? Local government and poorer communities.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T13:02:03.353","MeetingDate":"2013-12-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290189,"EventID":"S4F-01746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T13:02:05.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T11:24:37.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what recent conversations the Scottish Government has had with the UK Government regarding the Barnett formula.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T13:02:05.693","MeetingDate":"2013-12-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290190,"EventID":"S4F-01749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T13:02:07.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T11:50:36.547","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish economy would benefit from businesses and consumers having lower energy bills.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T13:02:07.143","MeetingDate":"2013-12-05T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290196,"EventID":"S4W-18636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T16:58:25.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T11:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18183 by Michael Russell on 29 November 2013, whether it will address the issue raised in the question regarding the evidence given at the Public Audit Committee on 6 November 2013. \r\n","AnswerText":"The material to which this question refers relates to college provision in the current academic year. Data for that is not available for some time. For that reason, the previous answer makes clear our commitment to maintain full-time equivalent places, the measure most closely associated with the volume of funded learning, is being delivered.\r\nChanges to the pattern of enrolments across the sector are explained by colleges choosing to focus activity on more intensive learning for young people. As the previous answer also makes clear, that approach is delivering very significant benefits for Scotland and our economy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T16:58:25.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290197,"EventID":"S4W-18638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T16:58:26.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:59:58.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in relation to the IT failure at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, whether (a) domain name system requests had been failing from 26 September 2013 and (b) new web filter software had been brought online on the day of the failure and, if so, for what reason this is not mentioned in the report, Technical Assurance Review: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde: Critical Incident - 1 October 2013.","AnswerText":"(a) Domain Name requests had not been failing previous to the incident.\r\n(b) Web filtering software was not brought online on the day of the incident and is not relevant to the incident of 1 October 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T16:58:26.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290198,"EventID":"S4W-18639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T16:58:26.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:59:58.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what basis the report, Technical Assurance Review: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde: Critical Incident - 1 October 2013, concluded that \"the design and implementation of the XGGC Microsoft Active Directory with associated services is a fit for purpose and resilient implementation\" given that it found that the error was \"associated with the Active Directory software environment\".  \r\n","AnswerText":"A system can be designed and implemented in a manner deemed fit for purpose and resilient, and yet still suffer from an unforeseen incident.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T16:58:26.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290199,"EventID":"S4W-18640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T16:58:27.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:59:58.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in relation to the IT failure at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde on 1 October 2013, whether the built-in Windows back-up service was in use at the time of the incident.","AnswerText":"Native Windows Server Backup was not being used prior to the incident. Symantec Backup Exec was used to backup the domain controllers. It was Symantec Backup Exec which was used to recover Active Directory.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T16:58:27.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290200,"EventID":"S4W-18641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T16:58:27.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:59:58.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in relation to the IT failure at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde on 1 October 2013, whether active directory auditing was switched off and, if so, for what reason.","AnswerText":"Reduced auditing was in place due to the impact that such services have on systems performance. We are however reviewing this in light of the recent incident and will introduce appropriate and proportionate auditing in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T16:58:27.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290201,"EventID":"S4W-18642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T16:58:27.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:59:58.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has a disaster recovery site to switch to in the event of a failure of its main site and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde runs dual active data centres, separated by 14 km and the River Clyde. These are linked by multiple super-high speed data connections, making the concept of a passive disaster recovery site redundant. This design is accepted best practice for modern data centres.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T16:58:27.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290202,"EventID":"S4W-18643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T16:58:28.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:59:58.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether, prior to the IT failure on 1 October 2013, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde had checked whether it could restore its active directory service from backups and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"A full Active Directory recovery was not performed due to not having an environment where this could be done safely. This is now being re-assessed. However, the backups have been used previously to perform granular recovery of Active Directory objects in the live active directory.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T16:58:28.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290203,"EventID":"S4W-18644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T16:58:28.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:59:58.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will publish its information security management system documentation.","AnswerText":"NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde regards its IT Information Systems as critical health infrastructure. Accordingly it would not be appropriate to put detailed systems documentation (especially Information Security) into the public domain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T16:58:28.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290204,"EventID":"S4W-18645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T16:58:28.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:59:58.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) planned and (b) unplanned service outages there have been on NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's IT systems since 1 October 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s statistics for “Outage” include incidents where systems remain fully available to users, but elements are undergoing maintenance or remedial activities. In the period 2 October to 3 December there have been 10 planned outages (all restricted to either individual applications or sites. All occurred either out of hours when no users dependent on the services, or by pre-arrangement such that no risk to services occurred). There have been four periods of unplanned partial/total individual server outages during the period under review. These ranged between five and 60 minutes and on none of these occasions were patient services disrupted. This must be placed within the context of an IT estate with over 400 applications, supporting 11 major hospitals, over 250 GP and Health Centres and 40,000 staff.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T16:58:28.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290205,"EventID":"S4W-18646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T16:58:29.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:59:58.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde patients were attended by medical staff when the clinical notes were unavailable during the IT failure of 1 October 2013.","AnswerText":"More than 10,000 patients were attended by medical staff during the IT failure of 1 October 2013. As there was variable access to both electronic and paper clinical notes throughout the incident it is not possible to quantify for how many patients clinical notes were not available in each case.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T16:58:29.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290206,"EventID":"S4W-18647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T16:58:29.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:59:58.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many rapid alerts were caused by the IT failure at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde of 1 October 2013.","AnswerText":"Maternity and emergency services were maintained throughout the period disrupted by the IT incident.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T16:58:29.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290207,"EventID":"S4W-18648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T16:58:30.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:59:58.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether all the information actualisation/processing caused by the IT failure at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde of 1 October 2013 has been completed.","AnswerText":"Information processing has been completed. All national returns have been provided and all patient transactions processed. No business or patient data was lost.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T16:58:30.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290208,"EventID":"S4W-18649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T16:58:30.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:59:58.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde becoming \"paper-light\" over the next 12 months in light of the IT failure of 1 October 2013 and what guidance the Scottish Government will give to clinicians on treating patients when no patient information is available.","AnswerText":"The position of Scottish Government and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde remains unchanged. The eHealth Strategy makes clear the commitment for all health boards to become ‘paper-light’ in a controlled and incremental fashion because of the considerable benefits that this brings (including better service continuity and information availability compared to paper). Paper workarounds do have their place in certain circumstances, but increasingly health boards are deploying more resilient ICT which means that information can still be available from alternative digital sources. Each board has business continuity plans, and associated guidance in this area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T16:58:30.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290209,"EventID":"S4W-18662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T16:58:30.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T13:41:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the waiting times are for talking therapies in each NHS board.","AnswerText":"The waiting times for psychological therapies in each NHS Board are published quarterly by ISD Scotland in Psychological Therapies Waiting Times in Scotland http://www.isdscotland.org/Publications/index.asp. The latest publication took place on 26 November 2013 and covers the quarter ending 30 September 2013. Data collection systems are still being developed, and the publication contains information on data quality and completeness by NHS board.\r\nAverage adjusted waiting times for each NHS board area can be found in Table 2, and average unadjusted times are in Table 3.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T16:58:30.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290210,"EventID":"S4W-18663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T16:58:31.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T13:41:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people are waiting to access talking therapies and what the (a) average and (b) longest wait is in each NHS board.","AnswerText":"Information on how many people were waiting to access psychological therapies in each NHS board area is published by ISD Scotland in Psychological Therapies Waiting Times in Scotland:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Publications/index.asp. The latest publication took place on 26 November 2013 and covers the quarter ending 30 September 2013. Data collection systems are still being developed, and the publication contains information on data quality and completeness by NHS board.\r\nThe number of people waiting to start treatment at 30 September 2013 by NHS board can be found in Table 5.\r\nAverage adjusted waiting times for each NHS board area can be found in Table 2, and average unadjusted times are in Table 3.\r\nThe publication does not include the longest waits, but the data tables include median and 90th percentile waits for each NHS board.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T16:58:31.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290211,"EventID":"S4W-18664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T16:58:32.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T13:41:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people are accessing talking therapies in each NHS board.","AnswerText":"Information on how many people have accessed psychological therapies in each NHS board area is published by ISD Scotland in Psychological Therapies Waiting Times in Scotland http://www.isdscotland.org/Publications/index.asp. The latest publication took place on 26 November 2013 and covers the quarter ending 30 September 2013. Data collection systems are still being developed, and the publication contains information on data quality and completeness by NHS board.\r\nThe number of people who started treatment in July to September 2013 by NHS board can be found in Table 2.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T16:58:32.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290212,"EventID":"S4W-18665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T16:58:33.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T13:41:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what talking therapy services each NHS board provides.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n\r\nWhile the Scottish Government sets the policy direction for the delivery of and access to psychological therapies, it is for Health Boards to determine the level and nature of the demand in their local areas.\r\nThe Scottish Government, with partners, have ensured that support is in place to help NHS boards plan their psychological therapy service provision, including publication of The Matrix: a Guide to Delivering Evidence Based Psychological Therapies in Scotland:\r\nhttp://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/education-and-training/by-discipline/psychology/matrix.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T16:58:33.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290213,"EventID":"S4W-18669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-02T16:58:33.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T16:05:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to close the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Delivery Headquarters in Hamilton.","AnswerText":"Decisions on the allocation of Scottish Fire and Rescue Service resources, including the future of facilities in Hamilton, are a matter for the SFRS Board.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-16T16:58:33.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290214,"EventID":"S4W-18684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T11:29:32.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T11:18:32.803","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it can provide regarding the Minister for External Affairs and International Development’s recent visit to India and Pakistan.\r\n","AnswerText":"I travelled to Delhi and Mumbai from 11-16 October 2013, where I undertook an intensive programme of meetings and engagements to strengthen business, education, cultural, tourism and government ties with India.\r\nKey engagements included welcoming the Queen’s baton to India on the first leg of its journey round the Commonwealth and hosting a business roundtable with key Indian investors to discuss opportunities for future partnerships between India and Scotland.\r\nSignificant business announcements included: an agreement between Scottish technology company Dryden Aqua and Indian firm SVS Aqua to help improve the supply of clean drinking water in arsenic-affected water-stressed regions in India; the construction of a new £6.5 million whisky distillery in Glenrothes, creating 15 jobs and generating a predicted £3.6 million in new exports to India, Africa and the Far East, in a partnership between Indian beverages group Kyndal and John Fergus and Co Ltd; and a distribution agreement between Perthshire-based company this-tel and Indian-based IT company Crane Global Solutions Ltd for its digital pen and associated e-health technology that will initially be sold into the Indian healthcare sector following a successful trial in a cancer hospital in Hyderabad and is expected to generate £4.6 million in exports.\r\nI also undertook a number of media interviews with the leading business and financial newspapers in India in both cities which led to an extensive coverage of my visit and helped position Scotland as a business destination for both trade as well as investment.\r\nBuilding on solid collaboration between India and Scotland in education, I hosted a reception for Indian alumni of Scottish Universities to encourage them to become advocates for Scotland. I also attended a British Council-UKIERI Showcase of 42 partnerships between Scotland and Indian educational institutes and witnessed the signing of an agreement between Coatbridge College and the Indian Healthcare Sector Skills Council which will introduce formal regulation of dental nursing to India, alongside National Occupational Standards.\r\nBuilding Scotland’s bi-lateral relationship with the India Government, I held meetings with the equivalent of Permanent Secretaries of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Education).\r\nEncouraging Indian tourists to visit Scotland, I attended a graduation ceremony for Indian travel agents who had completed Visit Scotland’s “Scotsagent programme”. \r\nCementing Scotland and India’s burgeoning cultural relationship, I announced the line-up of talented Indian musicians who will perform at next year’s Celtic Connections. I also highlighted Scotland’s influence on the unique restoration of a UNESCO world heritage site during a visit to the Nizamuddin urban renewal initiative in Delhi.\r\nI visited Lahore in Pakistan from 17 to 18 October 2013, the first Scottish Government Ministerial visit to Pakistan. The strategic aim of the visit was to highlight the links between Scotland and Pakistan and to develop a closer bilateral relationship.\r\nI undertook a number of political meetings including with Punjab Chief Minister Sharif, Punjab Governor Sarwar and the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, to discuss how Scotland and Pakistan can work together to increase links especially in the energy and education sectors.\r\nI attended a ceremony marking the arrival of the Queen’s Baton Relay in Pakistan, providing an opportunity to highlight the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the existing links between our two countries. This event was well attended and received wide media coverage.\r\nI met with a delegation from the Christian community to hear first-hand the issues the Christian community is facing in Pakistan and to offer our support to them, in line with work I have been undertaking in Scotland to bring communities together.\r\nIn support of our South Asia development programme, I hos","AnswerDate":"2013-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T11:29:32.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290215,"EventID":"S4W-18587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T13:48:54.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T15:32:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the replacement of MV Hamnavoe with MV Helliar on the Stromness to Scrabster route in January 2014 is compliant with the terms of the contract that it signed with Serco in 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The replacement service that will be provided in January 2014, is compliant with the terms of the public service contract signed between Scottish Ministers and Serco Limited.\r\nThe contract requires the operator to provide a suitable replacement vessel to undertake the service between Scrabster and Stromness during periods of Scheduled Unavailability. On this occasion, the operator has fully demonstrated that, although they have sought to charter a suitable Ro-pax vessel, using international searches through shipbrokers, the scarcity of such charter tonnage means that the operator now intends to utilise the MV Helliar as the replacement vessel to provide all the freight services and some of the passenger services. This is compliant with the contract and contingency arrangements for such periods of scheduled unavailability.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T13:48:54.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290216,"EventID":"S4W-18683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T13:48:54.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T11:14:35.547","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many overseas students are studying at university in Scotland; how many there were in 2010; whether it considers that the changes in the rules governing international student visas since 2010 have impacted on this and, if so, how.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data on the number of overseas (i.e. Non-EU) students at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Scotland is produced by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). The latest data is for academic year 2011-12. The total number of overseas students studying at Scottish HEIs increased by 2% from 27,840 in 2010-11 to 28,470 in 2011-12; with overseas entrants increasing by 2% over the same period. These figures demonstrate the appeal of Scotland’s world-class universities in the face of the UK Government’s tightening of student visa criteria. However, it must be noted that although overall entrant numbers have increased, entrants from some countries have declined considerably during this period.\r\nThe UK Government has closed the post-study work visa to new students. This change came into effect in April 2012; however it was announced in March 2011. This may therefore have influenced the decision of some overseas students to study in Scotland in 2011-12. In 2011-12, the number of new entrants to Scottish HEIs from India decreased from 1,985 in 2010-11 to 1,330 in 2011-12, a reduction of 33%; and the number of new entrants from Pakistan decreased from 400 in 2010-11 to 270 in 2011-12, a reduction of 32%. These were mostly post-graduate students. It is Scottish Government policy that a post-study work visa would be re-introduced in an independent Scotland to encourage more talented people from around the world to further their education in Scotland, providing income for Scotland's educational institutions and contributing to the local economy and community diversity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T13:48:54.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290217,"EventID":"S4W-18588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T13:49:20.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T15:32:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether, as a result of the decision to operate the MV Helliar on the Stromness to Scrabster route in January 2014, Serco will be liable for fines under the terms of the contract for ferry services to the Northern Isles and, if so, how much those fines are expected to be.","AnswerText":"The contract provides an overall regime of performance measures, with deductions to be applied, for failure to meet the performance measures. Performance measures cover reliability, punctuality, compliance and reporting.\r\nDuring a period of scheduled unavailability, the contract permits departure from the contracted timetable, provided arrangements for delivery of the service are made which meet anticipated demand. A revised timetable has been agreed and should Serco NorthLink Ferries fail to deliver this the normal performance deductions as set out in the contract will apply.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T13:49:20.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290218,"EventID":"S4W-18589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T13:49:20.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T15:32:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Pentland Ferries will be entitled to a proportion of the subsidy paid to Serco under the terms of the Northern Isles ferry contract during January 2014 when it fulfils requirements for lifeline passenger ferry services across the Pentland Firth.","AnswerText":"No. Pentland Ferries will gain commercial benefit from the additional traffic carried during this period.\r\nThe MV Helliar is able to carry all expected freight vehicles and up to 12 passengers. Serco NorthLink Ferries held constructive dialogue with Pentland Ferries to ensure that ferry connectivity was maintained during this period of scheduled unavailability. Pentland Ferries has confirmed to Serco NorthLink Ferries that they are able to accommodate the overall travel demand across the Pentland Firth during this period. Serco NorthLink Ferries are providing courtesy buses between Scrabster and Gills Bay and Stromness and St Margaret’s Hope to minimise any inconvenience to passengers. It is anticipated that the effective liaison between both operators will continue to ensure effective connections to and from Orkney.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T13:49:20.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290219,"EventID":"S4W-18670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T13:49:21.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T16:59:25.173","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the costs involved in allowing schools to decide which Higher examinations pupils can take in 2015.","AnswerText":"There are no anticipated additional costs.\r\nThe decision to “dual run” the new Highers with current Highers in 2014-15 was taken several years ago, primarily to enable S6 learners to take the higher qualification which would best fit their earlier learning and teaching experience. Costs for dual provision have therefore always been factored into SQA’s programme budget.\r\nWe have made clear that the new Highers provide smooth progression from the National 5 qualification and we consider it the natural option for young people in Scotland next session. However, school education is the responsibility of local authorities and we recognise that there needs to be some scope for local flexibility based on professional judgment. Where other options are being considered, teachers should work closely with their senior management, local authority and parent body to come to a decision. The decision should be in the interest of learners, and involve all parties, rather than be taken by a single person. As there should be no additional costs involved, cost should not be a factor in decision-making.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T13:49:21.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290220,"EventID":"S4W-18671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T13:49:21.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T16:59:25.173","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government in how many primary (a) 1, (b) 2 and (c) 3 classes team teaching is used, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The following table shows for each local authority the number of primary 1, 2 and 3 classes that had more than one teacher as at September 2012. Composite classes with one or more pupils in primary 1, 2 or 3 and more than one teacher are shown separately:\r\n\r\nPrimary 1\r\nPrimary 2\r\nPrimary 3\r\nComposites with P1-P3 pupils\r\nAberdeen City\r\n5\r\n0\r\n1\r\n2\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nAngus\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\nDundee City\r\n6\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\n2\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nEast Lothian\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n11\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEdinburgh City\r\n23\r\n8\r\n13\r\n1\r\nEilean Siar\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFalkirk\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFife\r\n4\r\n4\r\n6\r\n5\r\nGlasgow City\r\n11\r\n4\r\n13\r\n3\r\nHighland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nInverclyde\r\n0\r\n3\r\n1\r\n0\r\nMidlothian\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nMoray\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\n2\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n2\r\n0\r\n1\r\n2\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n1\r\n2\r\n3\r\n2\r\nScottish Borders\r\n3\r\n0\r\n1\r\n3\r\nShetland Islands\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n22\r\n9\r\n10\r\n16\r\nStirling\r\n3\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nWest Lothian\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n4\r\nAll Local Authorities\r\n100\r\n35\r\n57\r\n50\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T13:49:21.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290221,"EventID":"S4W-18674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T13:49:21.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T16:59:25.173","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many apprenticeships it has offered in each of its directorates in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"As an employer the Scottish Government introduced direct entrant Modern Apprenticeship’s from 1 April 2011. These are in our entry level grade of A3. During the financial years 2011-12 and 2012-13 the Scottish Government’s Directorates delivered the following Modern Apprenticeship employment opportunities:\r\nDirectorate/\r\nAgency\r\nDirectorate\r\nModern Apprenticeship\r\n2011-12\r\nModern Apprenticeship\r\n2012-13\r\nDG Enterprise, Environment & Digital\r\nDirectorate for Agriculture, Food and Rural Communities \r\n1\r\n5\r\nDirectorate for Business \r\n2\r\n1\r\nDirectorate for Chief Economist\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDirectorate for Digital \r\n0\r\n1\r\nDirectorate for Energy and Climate Change \r\n1\r\n0\r\nDirectorate for Environment and Forestry\r\n0\r\n1\r\nDirectorate for Marine Scotland\r\n1\r\n0\r\nEnterprise, Environment & Digital Business Management and Support\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDG Finance\r\nFinance Directorate\r\n0\r\n1\r\nScottish Procurement and Commercial Directorate \r\n0\r\n2\r\nDG Governance & Communities\r\nDirectorate for Housing, Regeneration and Welfare \r\n0\r\n0\r\nThe Commonwealth Games and Sport\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDirectorate for HR and Organisational Development\r\n10\r\n5\r\nDirectorate for Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)\r\n0\r\n2\r\nDirectorate for Local Government and Communities \r\n0\r\n0\r\nInformation Services and Information Systems \r\n0\r\n1\r\nDG Health \r\n& Social Care\r\nDirectorate for Chief Medical Officer and Public Health Directorate\r\n0\r\n0\r\n\r\nDirectorate for Children and Families\r\n0\r\n1\r\n\r\nDirectorate for Health Workforce and Performance\r\n0\r\n0\r\n\r\nIntegration \r\n\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDG Learning & Justice\r\nDirectorate for Employability, Skills and Lifelong Learning\r\n0\r\n1\r\nParole Board \r\n0\r\n0\r\nDirectorate for Justice\r\n0\r\n1\r\nDirectorate for Safer Communities\r\n0\r\n3\r\nLearning & Justice\r\n2\r\n0\r\nPolice: Transition and Strategy Unit\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDG Strategy & External Affairs\r\nDirectorate for Communications \r\n0\r\n1\r\nDirectorate for Culture and Heritage\r\n0\r\n1\r\nDirectorate for External Affairs \r\n0\r\n0\r\nDirectorate for Strategy and Constitution\r\n0\r\n0\r\nMinisterial Private Offices\r\n0\r\n2\r\nAccountant in Bankruptcy\r\nCase Operations \r\n1\r\n1\r\nEducation Scotland\r\nDirectorate D\r\n2\r\n3\r\nNational Records of Scotland\r\nCorporate Services\r\n0\r\n1\r\nDemography\r\n0\r\n0\r\nOffice of the Scottish Charity Regulator\r\nOSCR\r\n0\r\n1\r\nStudent Awards Agency for Scotland\r\nSAAS\r\n6\r\n25\r\nDisclosure Scotland\r\nDisclosure Services\r\n\r\n0\r\n0\r\nScottish Public Pensions Agency\r\nSPPA\r\n0\r\n3\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nTransport Directorate \r\n0\r\n1\r\n Totals\r\n26\r\n64\r\n\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T13:49:21.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290222,"EventID":"S4W-18675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T13:49:21.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T17:33:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many children in Scotland have been adversely impacted by the so-called bedroom tax.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest statistics released by the Department for Work and Pensions show that as at August 2013, 12,090 households with children had their benefits reduced as a result of the removal of the spare room subsidy or so-called bedroom tax.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T13:49:21.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290223,"EventID":"S4W-18676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T13:49:22.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T10:16:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many working hours extensions have been granted for (a) marine and (b) exceptional works since the start of construction on the Forth Replacement Crossing project.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Code of Construction Practice allows for 24 hour working on marine works, which has taken, and continues to take, place other than for planned shut downs at holiday periods and as a result of adverse weather. No working hours extensions have been granted for exceptional works.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T13:49:22.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290224,"EventID":"S4W-18677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T13:49:22.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T10:16:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many applications there have been to the employer’s representative to permit the extension of working hours for (a) marine and (b) exceptional works on the Forth Replacement Crossing project.","AnswerText":"The Code of Construction Practice allows for 24 hour working on marine works, which has and continues to take place other than planned shut downs at holiday periods and as a result of adverse weather. No applications have been made for working hours extensions for exceptional works.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T13:49:22.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290225,"EventID":"S4W-18678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T13:49:23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T10:16:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hours have been worked on construction on the Forth Replacement Crossing project outwith normal working hours as defined in the Forth Replacement Crossing Code of Construction Practice.","AnswerText":"The Code of Construction Practice allows for 24 hour working on marine works, which has and continues to take place other than planned shut downs at holiday periods and as a result of adverse weather. For non-marine works, the total number of approved hours out with normal working hours is 3,495 and relate predominantly to the principal contract concrete batching plant in Rosyth docks, and some overnight works on Fife ITS and M9 Junction 1a for gantry erection and asphalting. The actual number of hours worked of the approved total is not recorded centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T13:49:23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290226,"EventID":"S4W-18679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T13:49:23.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T10:16:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hours have been worked on Sundays since the start of construction on the Forth Replacement Crossing project.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Code of Construction Practice allows for 24 hour working on marine works, which has and continues to take place other than planned shut downs at holiday periods and as a result of adverse weather. For non-marine works, the total number of approved hours on Sundays is 698 and relate predominantly to the principal contract concrete batching plant in Rosyth docks, and some overnight works on Fife ITS and M9 Junction 1a for gantry erection and asphalting. The actual number of hours worked of the approved total is not recorded centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T13:49:23.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290227,"EventID":"S4W-18680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T13:49:23.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T10:16:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hours have been worked on the Forth Replacement Crossing project (a) after 7pm on Monday to Friday and (b) after 6pm on Saturday. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Code of Construction Practice allows for 24 hour working on marine works, which has and continues to take place other than planned shut downs at holiday periods and as a result of adverse weather. For non-marine works, the total number of approved hours after 7pm on Mondays to Fridays and after 6pm on Saturdays is 1,245 and relate predominantly to the principal contract concrete batching plant in Rosyth docks, and some overnight works on Fife ITS and M9 Junction 1a for gantry erection and asphalting. This total does not include main crossing works undertaken on Saturdays between 6pm and 7pm, which are permitted in the Code of Construction Practice. The actual number of hours worked of the approved total is not recorded centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T13:49:23.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290228,"EventID":"S4W-18681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T13:49:23.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T10:16:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a timetable for the completion of each phase of the Forth Replacement Crossing project.","AnswerText":"The Fife ITS scheme was completed in November 2012.\r\nThe M9 Junction 1a scheme was completed six weeks ahead of schedule in February 2013.\r\nThe Contact and Education Centre was completed in December 2012.\r\nThe principal contract for the Queensferry Crossing is programmed for completion by the end of 2016.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T13:49:23.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290229,"EventID":"S4W-18682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T13:49:24.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T10:16:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Forth Replacement Crossing project is on schedule.","AnswerText":"Following the on-schedule completion of the Fife ITS and Contact and Education Centre contracts, and the early completion of the M9 Junction 1a contract, the principal contract remains on schedule to complete by the end of 2016.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T13:49:24.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290245,"EventID":"S4W-18609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T17:31:26.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:29:50.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a list of the hospitals where inspection reports by the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate or reports by Healthcare Improvement Scotland on the care of older people in acute hospitals have included requirements that have been (a) repeated and (b) repeated on more than two inspections, broken down by requirement, in each of the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Hospitals where Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) inspection reports have included requirements that have been (a) repeated and (b) repeated on more than two inspections in inspections carried out since the HEI was established in 2009.\r\nHospital\r\n(a)\r\nRepeated requirement\r\n(b)\r\nRequirement repeated on more than 2 inspections\r\nArran War Memorial Hospital \r\nMattress checking. \r\nEstates reporting system. \r\nNone\r\nUniversity Hospital Ayr\r\nMattress checking. \r\nCompliance with Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs).\r\nNone\r\nUniversity Hospital Crosshouse, Kilmarnock\r\nIsolation procedures. \r\nNone\r\nBorders General Hospital, Melrose\r\nRole of infection control manager (ICM).\r\nCommunication between senior management\r\nInfection control Team (ICT) and ward staff.\r\nManagement of waste.\r\nCleaning frequencies for patient equipment.\r\nDissemination of HAI info to public. \r\nCleaning schedules for patient equipment.\r\nDumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary\r\nCommunication and understanding re audit and surveillance data.\r\nDissemination of HAI information to public. \r\nNone\r\nGalloway Community Hospital\r\nMattress checking. \r\nFridge temperature recording.\r\nNone\r\nQueen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline\r\nDress code compliance.\r\nCleaning of patient equipment.\r\nNone\r\nVictoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy\r\nAccountability and responsibilities of ICT/ICM.\r\nNone\r\nStirling Royal Infirmary\r\nStaff awareness/ understanding of surveillance data.\r\nUp-to-date Infection Control Manual.\r\nCleaning frequencies. \r\nDissemination of HAI info to public.\r\nNone\r\nAberdeen Maternity Hospital1\r\nCleaning of patient equipment.\r\nNone\r\nAberdeen Royal Infirmary\r\nSICPs compliance (sharps disposal).\r\nSICPS compliance (waste disposal). \r\nIsolation procedures. \r\nDissemination of HAI info to public. \r\nPVC compliance. \r\nCleaning of patient equipment.\r\nIsolation procedures.\r\nSICPS compliance (waste management)\r\nRoyal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital\r\nPatient equipment. \r\nCleaning schedules. \r\nUse of PPE.\r\nMattress checking\r\nGartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow\r\nPVCs.\r\nCore HAI information being readily available.\r\nNone\r\nGlasgow Royal Infirmary\r\nInfection control manual. \r\nPVC compliance.\r\nNone\r\nInverclyde Royal Hospital, Greenock\r\nPVC compliance.\r\nNone\r\nSouthern General Hospital, Glasgow\r\nAssurance systems for cleaning.\r\nNone\r\nVictoria Infirmary, Glasgow\r\nPVC compliance. \r\nCleaning of patient equipment. \r\nRelating to PVC compliance and the cleaning of patient equipment. \r\nWestern Infirmary, Glasgow\r\nCommunication between estates. management and ward staff \r\nPatient isolation. \r\nPVC compliance. \r\nNone\r\nCaithness General Hospital, Wick\r\nPatient information.\r\nCleaning duties and frequency.\r\nNone\r\nMacKinnon Memorial Hospital, Broadford\r\nSICPs.\r\nNone\r\nRaigmore Hospital, Inverness\r\nCleaning schedules. \r\nStaff education.\r\nDissemination of HAI information.\r\nNone\r\nHairmyres Hospital, East Kilbride\r\nEnvironmental audits.\r\nSICPs. \r\nStaff training records. \r\nNone\r\nMonklands Hospital, Airdrie\r\nMandatory training for staff.\r\nRisk assessments for isolation rooms. \r\nPVC compliance.\r\nSICPs (sharps). \r\nWishaw General Hospital\r\nCleaning. \r\nDistribution of HAI information. \r\nNone\r\nRoyal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh\r\nSICPs.\r\nNone\r\nRoyal Infirmary of Edinburgh\r\nCommunication to staff.\r\nSICPs.\r\nSICPs\r\nCompliance with national dress code. \r\nMattresses. \r\nSt John’s Hospital, Livingston\r\nEnsuring patients and visitors have access to up-to-date HAI information.\r\nNone\r\nWestern General Hospital, Edinburgh\r\nEffective communication.\r\nRisk assessment of patients.\r\nCleaning of patient equipment.\r\nSICPs and implementation of policy.\r\nNone\r\nBalfour Hospital, Kirkwall\r\nSICPs.\r\nNone\r\nNinewells Hospital, Dundee\r\nReviewing lines of accountability in directorate of infection control. \r\nImplementing sharps and linen management policies.\r\nImplementing the colour coding scheme for cleaning equipment.\r\nFood fridge temperatures.\r\nRisk assessment of patients.\r\nCleaning schedules.\r\nCommunication","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T17:31:26.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290246,"EventID":"S4W-18610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T17:31:27.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-28T16:29:50.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken regarding inspection reports by the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate or reports by Healthcare Improvement Scotland on the care of older people in acute hospitals in which (a) requirements have been repeated or (b) escalation to local managers/senior clinical staff has had to be made since such inspections have taken place.\r\n","AnswerText":"Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI)\r\n(a) A range of actions are taken by the Scottish Government in response to HEI inspection reports. Ministers and senior officials review all HEI reports and NHS Board local action plans.  Where a report highlights areas of particular concern, the Scottish Government will instruct Health Protection Scotland to co-ordinate support for the Board to address the issue(s) identified as per the National Framework for support. This framework sets out the requirements for national support and includes drawing on the support of national organisations such as NHS Education for Scotland, Health Facilities Scotland or with Healthcare Improvement Scotland where required.\r\n(b) Since the inception of the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) in 2009, there have been three escalations to the Scottish Government:\r\nAberdeen Royal Infirmary in October 2009 \r\nNinewells Hospital in November 2010\r\nAberdeen Maternity in October 2013\r\n\r\nThe HEI can escalate matters of concern via both formal and informal routes. The severity of the issue arising will determine how and to whom the concern will be escalated to. In some circumstances, the HEI may pursue formal escalation of a serious issue without first engaging in informal escalation activity with the NHS board.\r\nThe HEI will inform the NHS board on the day of inspection or as soon as possible of its concerns. This is to allow them to take immediate steps to address the issues, and protect the safety and welfare of patients, staff and the wider public.\r\nThe HEI’s escalation procedures and definitions can be found at the following link: http://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/our_work/inspecting_and_regulating_care/hei_policies_and_procedures/escalation_procedure.aspx\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland inspections on the Care of Older People in Acute Hospitals\r\n(a) Follow up inspections noted improvement in the areas identified. Following inspection, an action plan is developed by the NHS board. The Scottish Government expects NHS boards to take urgent action to address the areas identified as requiring improvement.\r\n\r\n(b) There have been no formal escalations to local manager/senior clinical staff however, escalation to senior staff at the time of inspection is undertaken by the inspection team.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T17:31:27.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290247,"EventID":"S4W-18685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T17:31:27.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T14:48:19.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which companies have been found liable under the Environmental Liability (Scotland) Regulations 2009 of causing (a) land damage, (b) water damage and (c) damage to protected (i) habitats and (ii) species, and what penalty was imposed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The competent authorities under the Environmental Liability (Scotland) Regulations 2009 are SEPA, Scottish Natural Heritage and Marine Scotland.\r\nSEPA has not to date received any notifications of “environmental damage” (as defined in the Regulations) from operators. SEPA has received two requests for action and review from interested persons. Both of these cases were found to be not plausible in accordance with regulation 14. SEPA has reported one case of “environmental damage” (land damage) to the European Commission. This involved the spillage of a large volume of fuel to ground following a collision between two road tankers. In respect of this incident, SEPA worked with the operator and the insurers to develop and implement a remedial strategy for the site.\r\nOn a further 15 occasions, SEPA has itself considered whether it had reasonable grounds to believe that environmental damage had occurred. SEPA did not find reasonable grounds to believe that environmental damage had occurred in any of these cases. This was either because the activity that caused the pollution did not fall within the scope of the Regulations or because the pollution did not meet the thresholds for environmental damage. SEPA is currently investigating one further case which involves the release of a large volume of fuel.\r\nSNH issued notices of imminent threat of environmental damage to multiple operators in one case. The operators took action to prevent damage reaching the threshold of actual environmental damage. SEPA also took enforcement action (under other legislation) which led to two operators being prosecuted. Any other cases that have been identified as meeting, or threatening to meet, the threshold of environmental damage have been found to be exempt from the scope of the regulations.\r\nMarine Scotland have not dealt with any cases.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T17:31:27.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290248,"EventID":"S4W-18686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T17:31:27.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T14:48:19.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the Air Discount Scheme has cost to administer in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The cost of resourcing the Air Discount Scheme administration team was as follows:\r\n2008 - £217,644\r\n2009 - £203,819\r\n2010 - £191,295\r\n2011 - £193,325\r\n2012 - £178,511.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T17:31:27.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290249,"EventID":"S4W-18687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T17:31:28.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T14:48:19.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many claims for discounted flights under the Air Discount Scheme have been made in each of the last five years, and how many were approved.\r\n","AnswerText":"The figures are as follows:\r\n2009\r\nClaims made – 144,725\r\n2010\r\nClaims made – 185,633\r\n2011\r\nClaims made – 161,402\r\nFlights not approved – 124\r\n2012\r\nClaims made – 136,607\r\nFlights not approved – 268\r\n2013\r\nClaims made – 124,959\r\nFlights not approved – 174\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T17:31:28.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290250,"EventID":"S4W-18688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T17:31:28.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T14:48:19.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times people have been prevented from accessing the Air Discount Scheme because their journey was for non-personal reasons since the regulations were changed to prevent the scheme being used for business travel.\r\n","AnswerText":"We do not hold a record of this.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T17:31:28.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290251,"EventID":"S4W-18689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T17:31:29.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T14:48:19.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which of the arm’s-length foundations established by the regional boards of colleges have yet to identify their initial trustees.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. I have asked the interim chief executive of the Scottish Funding Council to respond directly to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T17:31:29.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290252,"EventID":"S4W-18690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T17:31:29.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T15:18:45.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the implementation plans produced by NHS boards for Neonatal Care in Scotland: a Quality Framework  will be made public and, if so, in what form.\r\n","AnswerText":"The new Local Delivery Plan format, focusing on the 12 priority areas for action in the Routemap to the 2020 Vision for Health and Social Care, will give NHS boards the opportunity to set out the action they are taking to implement Neonatal Care in Scotland: A Quality Framework.\r\nConsiderable progress has already been made, with the vast majority of statements in Neonatal Care in Scotland: A Quality Framework already being met, and full implementation taking place over the next five to 10 years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T17:31:29.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290253,"EventID":"S4W-18691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T17:31:29.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T15:18:45.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how regularly it will meet (a) NHS boards and (b) managed clinical networks to discuss progress toward implementing Neonatal Care in Scotland: a Quality Framework.","AnswerText":"Discussions with NHS boards and managed clinical networks are underway to determine what the process will be for monitoring the implementation of Neonatal Care in Scotland: A Quality Framework. Once agreed with Ministers, the governance process will form part of this discussion.\r\nConsiderable progress has already been made, with the vast majority of statements in Neonatal Care in Scotland: A Quality Framework already being met, and full implementation taking place over the next five to 10 years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T17:31:29.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290254,"EventID":"S4W-18692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T17:31:30.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T15:23:38.673","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what procedures exist in the NHS for fast-tracking hospital appointments for people with serious ongoing conditions.","AnswerText":"The timing of appointments should always be based on the patient’s clinical need so those patients requiring to be seen urgently get early appointments either a serious ongoing or a new condition. It is important that GPs identify the need for an urgent appointment in their referral letter. To speed the referral process, the vast majority of GPs now email referral letters directly into hospital. This ensures no delay in the hospital receiving the referral letter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T17:31:30.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290255,"EventID":"S4W-18693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T17:31:30.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T15:29:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) consultants specialising in emergency care, (b) emergency services technicians and (c) paramedics the NHS employed in September (i) 2006, (ii) 2007, (iii) 2008, (iv) 2009, (v) 2010, (vi) 2011, (vii) 2012 and (viii) 2013 and what the percentage change was over the period.\r\n","AnswerText":" Information detailing how many(a) consultants specialising in emergency care, (b) emergency services technicians and (c) paramedics in the NHS, employed in September (i) 2006, (ii) 2007, (iii) 2008, (iv) 2009, (v) 2010. (vi) 2011, (vii) 2012 and (viii) 2013, and what percentage change was over the period can be found in the following tables.\r\nTable 1 shows the headcount of (a) consultants specialising in emergency care, (b) emergency services technicians and (c) paramedics the NHS employed over the period 2006 to 2013.\r\nHeadcount\r\nConsultants specialising in emergency care\r\nEmergency service technicians\r\nParamedics\r\nSep-06\r\n76\r\nx \r\nx \r\nSep-07\r\n82\r\n1,010\r\n1,247\r\nSep-08\r\n113\r\n989\r\n1,269\r\nSep-09\r\n101\r\n1,051\r\n1,323\r\nSep-10\r\n136\r\n1,009\r\n1,391\r\nSep-11\r\n141\r\n1,001\r\n1,382\r\nSep-12\r\n151\r\n1,023\r\n1,393\r\nSep-13\r\n162\r\n1,098\r\n1,393\r\nOverall change  \r\n113.16%\r\n8.71% \r\n11.71% \r\n\r\nOverall change for consultants specialising in emergency care is from 2006 to 2013. \r\nOverall change for emergency service technicians and paramedics is from 2007 to 2013.\r\nTable 2 shows the whole time equivalent of (a) consultants specialising in emergency care, (b) emergency services technicians and (c) paramedics the NHS employed over the period 2006 to 2013.\r\nWhole Time Equivalent\r\nConsultants specialising in emergency care\r\nEmergency service technicians\r\nParamedics\r\nSep-06\r\n75.8\r\nx \r\nx \r\nSep-07\r\n81.0\r\n999.7\r\n1,233.9\r\nSep-08\r\n107.2\r\n980.1\r\n1,255.0\r\nSep-09\r\n94.8\r\n1,041.9\r\n1,309.2\r\nSep-10\r\n128.4\r\n997.4\r\n1,376.3\r\nSep-11\r\n133.8\r\n986.4\r\n1,367.4\r\nSep-12\r\n144.4\r\n1,010.4\r\n1,376.7\r\nSep-13\r\n154.5\r\n1,084.5\r\n1,369.9\r\nOverall change \r\n103.83%\r\n8.48% \r\n11.02%\r\nNotes:\r\n(a) (i) Information on headcount and whole time equivalent of consultants specialising in emergency care for 2013 can be found on the workforce statistics web site at:\r\nhttps://isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2013-11-26/Consultant_Staff_In_Post_S2013.xls?17378742. \r\n(ii) Information on headcount and whole time equivalent of consultants specialising in emergency care for 2006 to 2012 can be found on the workforce statistics web site at http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2012-11-27/Consultant_Staff_In_Post_S2012.xls?66090757.\r\n(b) (i) Information on headcount and whole time equivalent of emergency services technicians for 2013 can be found on the workforce statistics web site at  https://isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2013-11-26/All_Other_Staff_S2013.xls?17378742.\r\n(ii) Information on headcount and whole time equivalent of emergency services technicians for 2007 to 2012 can be found on the workforce statistics web site at\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2012-11-27/All_Other_Staff_S2012.xls?66090757.\r\n(c) (i) Information on headcount and whole time equivalent of paramedics for 2013 can be found on the workforce statistics web site at\r\nhttps://isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/Workforce/publications/2013-11-26/AHP_Staff_S2013.xls?17378742.\r\n(ii) Information on headcount and whole time equivalent of paramedics for 2007 to 2012 can be found on the workforce statistics web site at\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2012-11-27/All_Other_Staff_S2012.xls?66090757.\r\nDuring the release of national statistics in 2006, Scottish Ambulance Service and NHS 24 identified a discrepancy with the 2006 data, therefore 2006 figures for paramedics are not included.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T17:31:30.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290256,"EventID":"S4W-18696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T17:31:30.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T15:35:13.053","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many children and families it believes would benefit from the proposals in the (a) Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill and the (b) white paper on independence, and what the economic impact would be.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill contains provisions that will offer a range of benefits to children and families. For example the move to increase the early learning and childcare entitlement from 475 hours to 600 hours for 3 and 4 year olds and our most vulnerable two year olds will benefit around 121,000 children, saving families up to £707 per child per year.\r\nThe Bill will also ensure better permanence planning for looked after children and ensure there is a single planning approach for children who need additional support from services.\r\nIndependence would benefit children and families in a number of ways as set out in Scotland’s Future. For example 240,000 children and 212,000 families will benefit from the expansion to 1,140 hours of childcare a year for all children from age one to starting school. This will save families up to £4,600 per child per year, the equivalent of £770 million each year overall.\r\nAs well as increasing the number women who are able to work, it will create up to 35,000 jobs in the childcare sector - doubling the current workforce. \tAn increase in female labour market participation would significantly boost tax revenues, for example if participation reached Swedish levels - an increase of 6% - tax revenues could increase by £700 million (1.5%).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T17:31:30.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290257,"EventID":"S4W-18697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T17:31:31.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T15:56:14.797","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which of the initial trustees of the arm’s-length foundations established by the regional boards of colleges have still to sign the memoranda and articles of association that have to be submitted to Companies House.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. I have asked the interim chief executive of the Scottish Funding Council to respond directly to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T17:31:31.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290258,"EventID":"S4W-18698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-03T17:31:31.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T15:56:14.797","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which of the arm’s-length foundations established by the regional boards of colleges have yet to submit their (a) application for charitable status, (b) constitution and (c) business plan to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. I have asked the Interim Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council to respond directly to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-17T17:31:31.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290275,"EventID":"S4O-02687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:27:57.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T09:21:42.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it identifies and supports women who have post-natal depression.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:27:57.95","MeetingDate":"2013-12-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290276,"EventID":"S4O-02688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:27:58.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T09:43:52.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met the Royal College of Nursing Scotland and what issues were discussed. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:27:58.667","MeetingDate":"2013-12-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290277,"EventID":"S4O-02689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:27:58.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T16:36:43.093","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the state of cleanliness at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:27:58.98","MeetingDate":"2013-12-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290278,"EventID":"S4O-02690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:00.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:04:14.647","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the written constitution outlined in the white paper on independence would protect and promote equality.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:00.197","MeetingDate":"2013-12-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290279,"EventID":"S4O-02691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:00.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:04:14.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what services will transfer from the Royal Alexandra Hospital to the new Southern General Hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:00.557","MeetingDate":"2013-12-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290280,"EventID":"S4O-02692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:00.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T10:52:30.22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the health and wellbeing impact is of income inequality. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:00.853","MeetingDate":"2013-12-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290281,"EventID":"S4O-02693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:01.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T09:22:56.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with NHS Dumfries and Galloway regarding the decision to end the pilot health board elections.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:01.163","MeetingDate":"2013-12-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290282,"EventID":"S4O-02694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:01.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:04:15.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent assessment it has made of vacancies in NHS Grampian.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:01.477","MeetingDate":"2013-12-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290283,"EventID":"S4O-02695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:02.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:04:16.207","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that women with post-natal depression are treated in an appropriate timescale.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:02.257","MeetingDate":"2013-12-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290284,"EventID":"S4O-02696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:02.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:04:16.49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it would support a national \"dementia-friendly\" accreditation scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:02.537","MeetingDate":"2013-12-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290285,"EventID":"S4O-02697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:02.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T10:34:02.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it advocates dedicated sexual health services for young people.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:02.833","MeetingDate":"2013-12-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290286,"EventID":"S4O-02698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4965,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:03.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:04:17.067","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many community sports hubs are being developed in North East Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:03.193","MeetingDate":"2013-12-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290287,"EventID":"S4O-02699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:03.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:04:17.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the timetable is for the transition from the individual patient treatment request  system to the peer approved clinical system.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:03.457","MeetingDate":"2013-12-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290288,"EventID":"S4O-02700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:03.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T09:55:29.277","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it takes to provide carers with information and advice on accessing practical support and technology.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:03.77","MeetingDate":"2013-12-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290289,"EventID":"S4O-02701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:04.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:04:17.923","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it provides to people with myasthenia gravis.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:04.347","MeetingDate":"2013-12-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290290,"EventID":"S4O-02702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:04.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:29:03.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the NHS Lanarkshire rapid review assessment by Health Improvement Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:04.627","MeetingDate":"2013-12-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290291,"EventID":"S4O-02703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:04.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:04:18.44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made with the redevelopment of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is considering the outline business case for phase one of the project, a 185 bed in-patient mental health facility. It is anticipated that this phase of the development will be complete by December 2016.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:04.907","MeetingDate":"2013-12-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290292,"EventID":"S4O-02704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:05.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:04:18.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask Scottish Government how many advance statements, in which a person who is well sets out whether or not they would prefer to be treated for a condition in the future, have been lodged with NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:05.173","MeetingDate":"2013-12-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290293,"EventID":"S4O-02705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:05.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:04:18.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it encourages members of the public to carry out first aid training.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government works closely with organisations such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, the Child Accident Prevention Trust and Volunteer Development Scotland and provides financial support for work on home safety, injury prevention and community safety initiatives.\r\nThese invaluable initiatives include community first responders, who are volunteer members of the public, trained up to use the equipment, and who come to the aid of those who need emergency attention while an ambulance is on its way. Scotland has public access defibrillators located in a range of places, thanks to the work of the Scottish Ambulance Service and a range of charities. Volunteers are trained to use the equipment.\r\nFirst aid awareness and training is also available in schools and communities and the Curriculum for Excellence, introduced in 2010, has been designed to enable children and young people to become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:05.423","MeetingDate":"2013-12-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290294,"EventID":"S4O-02706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:05.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:04:19.22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Health Improvement Scotland's review of NHS Lanarkshire will be completed and published.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my earlier answer, to Margaret McCulloch. (S4O-02702).\r\nI can confirm that HIS will publish their report by the end of the year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:05.687","MeetingDate":"2013-12-11T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290295,"EventID":"S4O-02707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:05.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:04:41.277","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what actions it has taken in response to the recommendation of the Commission on Women Offenders that an urgent review of the provision and resourcing of services for women in prison with borderline personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder should be carried out.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:06","MeetingDate":"2013-12-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290296,"EventID":"S4O-02708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:06.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:04:41.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its final proposals concerning prison visiting arrangements.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:06.28","MeetingDate":"2013-12-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290297,"EventID":"S4O-02709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:06.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:04:47.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what records are kept of obstruction by landowners to right of access by walkers, wheelchair users, cyclists and horse riders.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:06.593","MeetingDate":"2013-12-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290298,"EventID":"S4O-02710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:06.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T12:04:47.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what value it places on music tuition in schools.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:06.907","MeetingDate":"2013-12-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290299,"EventID":"S4O-02711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:07.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T11:58:13.963","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the scores for science in the 2012 OECD Programme for International Student Assessment results.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:07.233","MeetingDate":"2013-12-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290300,"EventID":"S4O-02712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:07.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T11:46:20.257","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what role local authorities have in determining appropriate housing land supply.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:07.56","MeetingDate":"2013-12-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290301,"EventID":"S4O-02713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:07.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T16:38:13.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support is available for small rural communities to market themselves.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:07.873","MeetingDate":"2013-12-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290302,"EventID":"S4O-02715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4984,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:08.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T10:36:41.777","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers the Improvement Service’s project on enhancing the role of community councils to be sufficient in tackling the issue of participation.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:08.247","MeetingDate":"2013-12-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290303,"EventID":"S4O-02716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:28:08.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T10:00:05.59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it has done to mitigate against the impact of the cancellation of the fixed broadband capital infill programme of the UK Government's Super Connected Cities broadband initiative.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:28:08.543","MeetingDate":"2013-12-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290315,"EventID":"S4W-18699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:54:59.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T16:46:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will uprate the applicable amounts and premiums set out in the Council Tax Reduction (Scotland) Regulations 2012  and, if so, (a) when and (b) by how much.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government laid the Council Tax Reduction (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2013 and the Council Tax Reduction (State Pension Credit) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2013 in February of this year to uprate the applicable amounts and premiums set out in the Council Tax Reduction (Scotland) Regulations 2012 for the period 2013-14. Discussions with our Local Government partners regarding developments beyond this period are on-going, final decisions will be confirmed in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:54:59.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290316,"EventID":"S4W-18700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:54:59.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T16:54:44.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what Forestry Commission Scotland's forecast is of the annual spruce timber production from the crops planted over the last five years on the public forest estate.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Forestry Commission’s 25 year forecast of maximum potential softwood availability was published in 2012 and covers both the national forest estate and the private sector. The reports, which set out availability in five, five year periods to 2036, can be found at the following website:\r\nhttp://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-8rce2q\r\nThe forecast suggests that over the next 25 years there is potentially significantly greater availability of softwood compared to current production levels of 7.8 million cubic metres. This potential increase will be in the private sector, which already provides the majority of the Scottish timber harvest. Forestry Commission Scotland is committed to maintaining annual production on the national forest estate at 3.2 million cubic metres (+/-5% and excluding diseased timber) in the short and medium term.\r\nThe Forestry Commission will publish a 50 year forecast of potential softwood availability for both the private sector and national forest estate in 2014.\r\nForestry Commission Scotland does not separately forecast timber production from crops less than five years old because their very young age would make any forecast inaccurate. Sitka spruce represents 65% of the total softwood standing volume on the national forest estate in Scotland.\r\nThe current 25 year forecast for Scotland predicts that current levels of planting and replanting can sustain timber production at current levels (and above) over 25 years. The 50 year forecast will identify if this is the case beyond 25 years.\r\nThe Forestry Commission has confirmed the reliability of statistics used to inform the softwood forecast. The forecast figures are based on information from the National Forest Inventory for private sector woodlands and the Forestry Commission's database for the national forest estate. These figures are subject to rigorous quality assurance processes and comply with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics, and in due course will be put forward for assessment by the UK Statistics Authority, with the aim that subsequent outputs will be designated as ‘National Statistics’.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:54:59.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290317,"EventID":"S4W-18701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:54:59.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T16:54:44.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what annual production Forestry Commission Scotland considers can be sustained in (a) 25 and (b) 50 years' time.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18700 on 18 December 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:54:59.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290318,"EventID":"S4W-18702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:55:00.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T16:54:44.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the level of conifer planting on the public forest estate over the last five years is capable of maintaining the current level of sawmilling.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18700 on 18 December 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:00.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290319,"EventID":"S4W-18703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:55:01.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T16:54:44.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what annual area of planting or replanting of spruce tree crops Forestry Commission Scotland estimates is required to maintain the timber processing industry.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18700 on 18 December 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:01.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290320,"EventID":"S4W-18704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:55:01.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-03T16:54:44.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Forestry Commission Scotland considers that its timber production forecast is based on reliable statistics.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18700 on 18 December 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:01.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290321,"EventID":"S4W-18705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:55:02.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T10:52:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost was of (a) producing and (b) distributing 20,000 paper copies of Scotland's Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18194 on 18 December 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:02.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290322,"EventID":"S4W-18706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:55:02.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T10:52:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fliers it has distributed to households and businesses promoting Scotland's Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland, and at what cost.","AnswerText":"A postcard was distributed to every residential property in Scotland as part of the public information made available for Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland. The total cost of the public information campaign will be £450,000.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:02.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290323,"EventID":"S4W-18707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:55:03.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T10:52:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the budget is for advertising Scotland's Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland on (a) billboards, (b) radio stations and (c) television.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the Official Report of the Meeting of the Parliament on Tuesday 26 November 2013 at column 24856. The official report is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/OfficialReport.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:03.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290324,"EventID":"S4W-18708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T13:55:03.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T10:52:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for promotional material relating to Scotland's Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland in addition to fliers, billboards and radio and television advertisements, and at what cost.","AnswerText":"There are no current plans for further public information material relating to Scotland's Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:03.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290328,"EventID":"S4W-18732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T16:39:16.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T13:47:28.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what legal costs (a) it and (b) Police Scotland has incurred in applying for and enforcing interdicts to prevent media reporting about the force's staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T16:39:16.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290329,"EventID":"S4W-18733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T16:39:17.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T13:47:28.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on whether there are interdicts in place to prevent media reporting regarding Police Scotland staff and to whom the interdicts apply.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T16:39:17.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290330,"EventID":"S4W-18734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T16:39:17.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T13:47:28.31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what legal costs (a) it and (b) each of the former police constabularies has incurred in applying for and enforcing interdicts to prevent media reporting about police staff in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T16:39:17.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290331,"EventID":"S4W-18735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T16:39:18.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T13:54:46.203","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many requests for assistance the Scottish Investment Bank has received from businesses in (a) Falkirk East and (b) the Falkirk Council area.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. I will ask its chief executive to write to you in this regard.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T16:39:18.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290332,"EventID":"S4W-18736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T16:39:18.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T15:28:38.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports local authorities to provide emergency accommodation for homeless people.","AnswerText":"Local authorities in Scotland have a statutory duty to provide temporary accommodation for all homeless people. The Scottish Government is providing local government in Scotland with over £10.3 billion in 2013-14. It is the responsibility of each local authority to allocate the total financial resources available to it on the basis of local needs and priorities having first fulfilled its statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities including the Scottish Government’s key strategic objectives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T16:39:18.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290333,"EventID":"S4W-18737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T16:39:18.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T15:28:38.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to increase the availability of emergency accommodation for homeless people.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of local authorities to ensure there is adequate provision of temporary accommodation to meet the demands of homelessness applications. The Scottish Government is providing over £10.3 billion to local government in 2013-14, which includes funding for homelessness services.\r\nThe Scottish Government and local authorities are also focused on preventing homelessness. As a result of this approach, the demand for temporary accommodation has been falling.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T16:39:18.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290334,"EventID":"S4W-18738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T16:39:18.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T15:28:38.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people are estimated to sleep rough due to a lack of emergency accommodation in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"During 2012-13, 1,745 applications contained someone who had slept rough on the night immediately preceding the day they made their homelessness application. A further breakdown of the reasons for sleeping rough is not held centrally. \r\n\r\n2012-13\r\nLocal Authority\r\nAll applications containing someone who had slept rough on the night immediately preceding the day they made their homelessness application\r\nAll Applications\r\nAberdeen City\r\n64 \r\n1,369 \r\nAberdeenshire\r\n78 \r\n1,408 \r\nAngus\r\n19 \r\n793 \r\nArgyll & Bute\r\n29 \r\n465 \r\nClackmannanshire\r\n11 \r\n522 \r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n43 \r\n951 \r\nDundee City\r\n96 \r\n1,471 \r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n9 \r\n471 \r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n6 \r\n488 \r\nEast Lothian\r\n18 \r\n674 \r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n16 \r\n307 \r\nEdinburgh\r\n367 \r\n4,316 \r\nEilean Siar\r\n5 \r\n168 \r\nFalkirk\r\n0 \r\n1,087 \r\nFife\r\n156 \r\n2,829 \r\nGlasgow City\r\n475 \r\n8,299 \r\nHighland\r\n45 \r\n1,019 \r\nInverclyde\r\n11 \r\n320 \r\nMidlothian\r\n9 \r\n754 \r\nMoray\r\n31 \r\n552 \r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n10 \r\n661 \r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n15 \r\n2,096 \r\nOrkney\r\n4 \r\n105 \r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n28 \r\n910 \r\nRenfrewshire\r\n58 \r\n1,103 \r\nScottish Borders\r\n18 \r\n638 \r\nShetland\r\n5 \r\n150 \r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n52 \r\n861 \r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n0 \r\n2,112 \r\nStirling\r\n13 \r\n351 \r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n54 \r\n1,364 \r\nWest Lothian\r\n0 \r\n1,863 \r\nScotland\r\n1,745 \r\n40,477 \r\nSource: HL1 Dataset as at 21 October 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T16:39:18.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290335,"EventID":"S4W-18739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T16:39:19.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T15:28:38.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many more social houses it estimates are needed to meet the demand for permanent accommodation.","AnswerText":"The demand for permanent accommodation can be met through different types of housing tenures, of which social housing plays a vital role but it is distinct from housing need. Whilst specific assessments of housing need are made by local authorities, the supply of affordable housing remains a high priority for the Scottish Government, which has made clear its commitment to deliver at least 30,000 affordable homes during the lifetime of this Parliament. We recognise the vital role of social housing in providing people with an affordable home and a platform for getting on in life, which is why at least 20,000 of the 30,000 affordable homes will be for social rent, which will include at least 5,000 council houses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T16:39:19.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290336,"EventID":"S4W-18740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T16:39:19.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T15:57:53.02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the capital infrastructure budget has been for each NHS board in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Allocations to Health Boards over the period 2004-05 to 2013-14 are given in the following table:\r\nHealth Board\r\n2013-14\r\n2012-13\r\n2011-12\r\n2010-11\r\n2009-10\r\n2008-09\r\n2007-08\r\n2006-07\r\n2005-06\r\n2004-05\r\nArgyll and Clyde\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n       15.6 \r\n       14.4 \r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n       11.4 \r\n          12.0 \r\n          21.6 \r\n       18.5 \r\n       21.8 \r\n       21.5 \r\n       21.2 \r\n       17.6 \r\n       14.7 \r\n       13.4 \r\nBorders\r\n         3.4 \r\n            4.3 \r\n            5.5 \r\n         5.2 \r\n         6.1 \r\n         6.0 \r\n         6.0 \r\n         5.0 \r\n         4.2 \r\n         3.7 \r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n         6.5 \r\n            6.0 \r\n            5.0 \r\n         7.8 \r\n         9.2 \r\n         9.0 \r\n         9.1 \r\n         7.6 \r\n         6.3 \r\n         5.7 \r\nFife\r\n       21.1 \r\n          12.5 \r\n          22.2 \r\n       15.7 \r\n       18.5 \r\n       18.2 \r\n       17.4 \r\n       14.5 \r\n       12.1 \r\n       10.9 \r\nForth Valley\r\n         6.4 \r\n            5.0 \r\n          11.4 \r\n       12.5 \r\n       14.8 \r\n       14.5 \r\n       14.4 \r\n       12.0 \r\n       10.0 \r\n         9.0 \r\nGrampian\r\n       34.3 \r\n          49.1 \r\n          64.6 \r\n       25.3 \r\n       29.8 \r\n       29.3 \r\n       27.8 \r\n       23.2 \r\n       19.3 \r\n       17.6 \r\nGreater Glasgow\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n       55.6 \r\n       51.0 \r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n     293.6 \r\n        336.4 \r\n        215.1 \r\n       83.9 \r\n       98.9 \r\n       97.4 \r\n       97.6 \r\n       81.3 \r\n \r\n \r\nHighland\r\n       15.5 \r\n            8.3 \r\n          13.6 \r\n       16.0 \r\n       18.9 \r\n       18.6 \r\n       18.5 \r\n       15.4 \r\n         9.3 \r\n         8.4 \r\nLanarkshire\r\n       14.8 \r\n          19.2 \r\n          18.5 \r\n       25.4 \r\n       30.0 \r\n       29.5 \r\n       28.4 \r\n       23.6 \r\n       19.7 \r\n       17.6 \r\nLothian\r\n       57.6 \r\n          50.9 \r\n          65.3 \r\n       44.3 \r\n       52.3 \r\n       51.5 \r\n       48.6 \r\n       40.5 \r\n       33.8 \r\n       30.7 \r\nOrkney\r\n         1.4 \r\n            1.0 \r\n            0.9 \r\n         0.8 \r\n         0.9 \r\n         0.9 \r\n         0.8 \r\n         0.6 \r\n         0.5 \r\n         0.5 \r\nShetland\r\n         3.1 \r\n            3.1 \r\n            0.2 \r\n         0.9 \r\n         1.0 \r\n         1.0 \r\n         0.9 \r\n         0.7 \r\n         0.6 \r\n         0.5 \r\nTayside\r\n       15.0 \r\n          15.6 \r\n          18.3 \r\n       21.2 \r\n       25.0 \r\n       24.7 \r\n       24.3 \r\n       20.3 \r\n       16.9 \r\n       15.4 \r\nWestern Isles\r\n         1.3 \r\n            1.7 \r\n            0.4 \r\n         1.6 \r\n         1.9 \r\n         1.9 \r\n         2.0 \r\n         1.6 \r\n         1.4 \r\n         1.2 \r\nTotal Territorial Boards\r\n     485.4 \r\n        525.1 \r\n        462.6 \r\n     279.0 \r\n     329.0 \r\n     324.0 \r\n     317.0 \r\n     264.0 \r\n     220.0 \r\n     200.0 \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSpecial Health Boards\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland\r\n         0.2 \r\n            0.2 \r\n            0.2 \r\n         0.3 \r\n         1.7 \r\n         1.8 \r\n          -   \r\n          -   \r\n          -   \r\n          -   \r\nNational Services Scotland\r\n         3.8 \r\n            3.8 \r\n            3.4 \r\n         6.3 \r\n         6.0 \r\n         5.8 \r\n         5.3 \r\n         5.3 \r\n         5.0 \r\n         4.8 \r\nNational Waiting Times Centre\r\n         4.8 \r\n            3.0 \r\n            1.8 \r\n         7.1 \r\n         6.6 \r\n         9.7 \r\n         3.3 \r\n         3.5 \r\n       13.5 \r\n         2.5 \r\nNHS 24\r\n         0.3 \r\n            0.3 \r\n            0.2 \r\n         1.3 \r\n         1.6 \r\n         1.6 \r\n         2.0 \r\n         2.0 \r\n         2.7 \r\n         2.5 \r\nNHS Health Scotland\r\n         0.7 \r\n            0.5 \r\n            0.2 \r\n         0.3 \r\n          -   \r\n          -   \r\n          -   \r\n          -   \r\n          -   \r\n-\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n       13.5 \r\n          14.3 \r\n          10.9 \r\n       19.3 \r\n       13.2 \r\n       15.2 \r\n       11.7 \r\n       11.4 \r\n       10.4 \r\n         3.0 \r\nThe State Hospital\r\n         0.3 \r\n            1.6 \r\n          12.2 \r\n       39.2 \r\n       26.6 \r\n   ","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T16:39:19.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290337,"EventID":"S4W-18741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-04T16:39:19.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T15:57:53.02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the provision of health services for the Elsick development in Aberdeenshire.","AnswerText":"Discussions between NHS Grampian and Aberdeenshire Council regarding resources and funding for the provision of health services at Elsick are on-going. Should resources not be identified to support required health development through planning gain, any development would need to be considered within the context of available resources and priorities within NHS Grampian.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-18T16:39:19.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290338,"EventID":"S4W-18629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-05T14:33:38.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-29T14:53:02.387","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, whether as part of the so-called Edinburgh agreement, the UK Government made a commitment to ensure that Scotland would not have to reapply for EU membership if it decided to separate from the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under clause 30 of the Edinburgh Agreement, the United Kingdom and Scottish Governments are committed to continue to work together constructively in the light of the outcome of the referendum in the best interests of the people of Scotland and of the rest of the United Kingdom. As the answer to question 256 on page 457 of the Scottish Government publication Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland sets out, there is no treaty provision requiring Scotland to leave the EU on independence, and it would be against the self-interest of the EU collectively, and of the Member States individually, to seek to deprive Scotland of EU membership. Scotland’s Future is available at Scotreferendum.com.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-19T14:33:38.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290339,"EventID":"S4W-18630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-05T14:33:39.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-29T14:53:02.387","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland decides to separate from the UK, who would negotiate the terms of the settlement with the rest of the UK on the country’s behalf.\r\n","AnswerText":"See the answer to question 543 on page 552 of the Scottish Government publication Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland (available at scotreferendum.com).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-19T14:33:39.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290340,"EventID":"S4W-18742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-05T14:33:39.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T16:11:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it used the Royal Mail to deliver copies of its leaflet regarding the white paper on independence and, if not, which service it used. \r\n","AnswerText":"Royal Mail was used to distribute the postcard as part of public information activity in support of Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-19T14:33:39.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290341,"EventID":"S4W-18743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-05T14:33:40.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T16:11:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of the cost of producing the white paper on independence and of the paper’s launch and subsequent advertising campaign.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the Official Report of the Meeting of the Parliament on Tuesday 26 November 2013 at column 24856. The official report is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/OfficialReport.aspx \r\nI also refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18194 on 18 December 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-19T14:33:40.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290342,"EventID":"S4W-18744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-05T14:33:41.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T11:03:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many community-led projects have bid for support from Community Broadband Scotland; which bids were successful; how much was awarded, and how many of the projects have been completed, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Community Broadband Scotland (CBS) provides a broad spectrum of support to community-led broadband projects including advice, guidance and funding support. The purpose of the funding support is to assist communities in the planning, development and delivery of their projects.\r\nAs of 11 December 2013, CBS had received 15 formal applications from community-led broadband projects for capital assistance grants from its Start Up fund. Of these, funding totalling £257,487 has been allocated to 11 projects, two of which have completed delivery of broadband connections. CBS is currently concluding the formal approval process for the four projects that have not yet been allocated a capital assistance grant.\r\nAs of the same date, CBS was actively engaged with 57 pre-application “pipeline” projects, all of which it expects to progress to the formal application stage upon completion and submission of a viable business plan. Three of these are in Fife.\r\nThe following table provides details of capital assistance grant applications to the Start Up fund, by local authority.\r\nLocal Authority\r\nCapital assistance grant bids\r\nCompleted Bids\r\nGrant Awarded\r\nCompleted delivery\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n1\r\n1\r\n £ 5,000 \r\n \r\nEast Lothian\r\n1\r\n1\r\n £ 2,000 \r\n \r\nHighland\r\n6\r\n4\r\n195,759 \r\n2\r\nMoray\r\n1\r\n1\r\n11,808 \r\n \r\nScottish Borders\r\n2\r\n2\r\n23,300 \r\n \r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n2\r\n2\r\n19,620 \r\n \r\nStirling\r\n1\r\n0\r\n \r\n \r\nTotal\r\n15\r\n11\r\n257,487 \r\n2\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-19T14:33:41.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290343,"EventID":"S4W-18746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-05T14:33:41.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T11:03:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many applications for support from the start-up fund have been made to Community Broadband Scotland; which applications were successful; how much was awarded, and how many of the projects supported by this funding have been completed, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18744 on 16 December 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-19T14:33:41.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290344,"EventID":"S4W-18753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-05T14:33:41.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T11:17:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of how much has been spent on branding for Police Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Rebranding is an operational matter for the services.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17794 on 6 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-19T14:33:41.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290345,"EventID":"S4W-18754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-05T14:33:42.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T11:17:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many formerly-retired police officers have been recruited as Police Scotland officers.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally by the Scottish Government. This is an operational matter for Police Scotland. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-19T14:33:42.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290346,"EventID":"S4W-18755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-05T14:33:42.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T11:17:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prisoners have (a) committed and (b) attempted suicide in each of the last three years, and what information it has on how many were (i) considered at risk of attempting suicide and (ii) receiving treatment for mental health problems, broken down by (A) institution and (B) gender.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nBefore a death in custody can be formally recorded as suicide a Fatal Accident Inquiry must be held, in accordance with the Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths Inquiry (Scotland) Act 1976 to legally determine the cause of death.\r\nThe information requested regarding how many prisoners have apparently committed suicide in each of the last three years and information available on how many were considered at risk of attempting suicide, broken down by (A) institution and (B) gender is provided in Table 1 below:\r\nTable 1\r\nFiscal Year\r\nNo. of Apparent Suicides\r\nNo. on ACT2Care Strategy\r\nPrison\r\nGender\r\n2010-2011\r\n12 \r\n(9 have been legally determined at FAI)\r\nNil\r\nHMP Barlinnie (7)\r\nHMP Edinburgh (1)\r\nHMP Greenock (2)\r\nHMP Kilmarnock (1)\r\nHM YOI Polmont (1)\r\nAll Male (12)\r\n2011-2012\r\n8 \r\n(1 has been legally determined at FAI)\r\n1 (HMP Perth)\r\nHMP Barlinnie (2)\r\nHMP Greenock (1)\r\nHMP Perth (3)\r\nHM YOI Polmont (1)\r\nHMP Shotts (1)\r\nAll Male (8)\r\n2012-2013\r\n7 \r\n(1 has been legally determined at FAI)\r\n1 (HMP Barlinnie)\r\nHMP Barlinnie (2)\r\nHMP Cornton Vale (1)\r\nHMP Glenochil (1)\r\nHMP Inverness (1)\r\nHMP Perth (1)\r\nHMP Shotts (1)\r\nMale (6)\r\nFemale (1)\r\nThe information requested regarding how many prisoners have attempted suicide in each of the last three years, and information available on how many were considered at risk of attempting suicide, broken down by (A) institution and (B) gender is provided in Table 2:\r\n \r\nTable 2:\r\nFinancial Year\r\nTotal No. of Attempted Suicide Incidents recorded in PR2\r\nTotal No. Placed on ACT2Care Strategy\r\nTotal No. Not Placed on ACT2Care Strategy\r\nGender\r\n2010-2011\r\n21\r\nHMP Aberdeen (1)\r\nHMP Addiewell (1)\r\nHMP Cornton Vale (2)\r\nHMP Dumfries (3)\r\nHMP Edinburgh (4)\r\nHMP Inverness (2)\r\nHMP Kilmarnock (3)\r\nHMP Peterhead (1)\r\nHM YOI Polmont (2)\r\nHMP Shotts (2)\r\n16\r\n5\r\nMale (19)\r\nFemale (2)\r\n2011-2012\r\n22\r\nHMP Barlinnie (2)\r\nHMP Dumfries (3)\r\nHMP Edinburgh (1)\r\nHMP Greenock (1)\r\nHMP Inverness (1)\r\nHMP Kilmarnock (8)\r\nHMP Perth (2)\r\nHM YOI Polmont (2)\r\nHMP Shotts (2)\r\n16\r\n6\r\nAll Male (22)\r\n2012-2013\r\n18\r\nHMP Aberdeen (1)\r\nHMP Barlinnie (3)\r\nHMP Cornton Vale (3)\r\nHMP Dumfries (1)\r\nHMP Edinburgh (2)\r\nHMP Inverness (1)\r\nHMP Perth (2)\r\nHMP Peterhead (1)\r\nHM YOI Polmont (3)\r\nHMP Shotts (1)\r\n15\r\n3\r\nMale (16)\r\nFemale (2)\r\nDue to the transfer of all health care records to NHS in November 2011 the SPS is unable to provide information relating to prisoners receiving treatment for mental health problems. \r\n \r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-19T14:33:42.327","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290356,"EventID":"S4W-18756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-05T15:30:43.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T12:33:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many complaints were received in 2012 and have been received in 2013 regarding overstaging of concessionary fare journeys, in which bus companies inaccurately record the distance travelled by passengers; what it estimates to be the total cost of this, and what action it has taken against any companies involved.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2012, Transport Scotland received 258 complaints relating to overstaging. These complaints identified 621 separate instances where the cardholder claimed the recorded stages were inaccurate. Of these 621 instances, 384 were proven to have an element of overstaging.\r\nSo far in 2013, Transport Scotland has received 155 complaints relating to overstaging. These complaints identified 560 separate instances where the cardholder claimed the recorded stages were inaccurate. Of these 560 instances, 383 were proven to have an element of overstaging.\r\nAs a result of these instances of overstaging £502.17 in 2012 and £167.80 so far in 2013 was over claimed by bus operators.\r\nWhere it is confirmed that overstaging has occurred Transport Scotland has the facility to recover the value of the difference for each proven instance from the operators reimbursement claim.\r\nIf evidence of deliberate wide spread abuse of the scheme emerges Transport Scotland responds in accordance with its fraud strategy and policy, including taking legal action.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-19T15:30:44.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290357,"EventID":"S4W-18757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-05T15:30:44.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T12:33:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much Police Scotland is spending on implementing its new heraldic logo.","AnswerText":"Rebranding is an operational matter for the services.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-17794 on 6 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-19T15:30:44.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290358,"EventID":"S4W-18758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-05T15:30:44.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T12:33:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18197 by Nicola Sturgeon on 3 December 2013, how many people from outwith the Scottish Government (a) worked on the white paper on independence and (b) assisted with other Scottish Government work in relation to independence and what information it has on how many are (i) members of the Yes Scotland campaign, (ii) SNP party officials and (iii) SNP members.\r\n","AnswerText":"As highlighted in the answer to S4W-18197, no temporary workers from outwith the Scottish Government have been hired to work on the white paper on independence. All staff who worked on the content of the white paper are either employed by or contracted by the Scottish Government. All staff employed by the Scottish Government, and temporary workers, are covered by the civil service code. Civil servants are expected to carry out their duties in line with the civil service core values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-19T15:30:44.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290359,"EventID":"S4W-18759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-05T15:30:44.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T12:33:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hours of Scottish Government staff time have been taken up with (a) the development of the white paper on independence and (b) other Scottish Government work in relation to independence.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials from across the Scottish Government have, as part of their normal duties, contributed in some way to the development of the white paper and the Scottish Government’s constitutional reform policy. Officials do not record the number of hours they spend on specific projects as there is no business need for it.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-19T15:30:44.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290360,"EventID":"S4W-18766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-05T15:30:45.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T14:27:30.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to farmers to minimise the risk to insect pollinators from the use of (a) thiacloprid and (b) acetamiprid foliar sprays.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under a crop health activity, which monitors Scottish crops for the presence of pests, weeds and diseases, funded by the Scottish Government, staff at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) have provided advice to farmers on the safe use of pesticide products containing thiacloprid and acetamiprid, in line with label instructions.\r\nSRUC’s advice also included information on alternatives to neonicotinoids and on integrated pest management options which should help to reduce reliance on pesticides.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-19T15:30:45.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290366,"EventID":"S4W-18760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-06T14:03:30.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T14:16:10.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the A82 will be subject to further upgrading following the completion of the Crianlarich bypass and, if so, (a) where and (b) when.\r\n","AnswerText":"The £500,000 package of environmental and engineering surveys between Tarbet and Inverarnan as announced in June 2011 is now complete. A £2 million feasibility study of the 17km section of the A82 from Tarbet to Inverarnan started this summer and is programmed to take around two years to complete. The Crianlarich Bypass itself is programmed to open by late Summer 2014.\r\nFurther measures between Glasgow and Fort William including climbing lanes; overtaking lay-bys and junction improvements are identified in the Strategic Transport Projects Review. The detail of these will be delivered as funding allows.\r\nTransport Scotland will also continue to work closely with The Highland Council on the Inverness West Link Road where it joins the A82 at Tomnahurich Bridge.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-20T14:03:31.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290367,"EventID":"S4W-18761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-06T14:03:32.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T14:16:10.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has carried out of whether the trunk road network in Argyll and the West Highlands inhibits the development of sustainable communities.\r\n","AnswerText":"No such assessment has been carried out.\r\nHowever, Transport Scotland has carried out evaluation work which emphasises that this Government’s investment in Scotland’s transport network is providing economic benefits, including in the Argyll and the West Highlands area.\r\nFurther information on this evaluation work is available at:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/road/projects/project-evaluation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-20T14:03:32.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290368,"EventID":"S4W-18762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-06T14:03:32.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T14:16:10.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to develop infrastructure to help Kishorn become a centre for the renewables industry.\r\n","AnswerText":"Kishorn Port is one of the priority sites noted in the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan as capable of servicing the offshore renewables sector. As a result the Scottish Government and its agencies, are keen to support the efforts of Kishorn Port Ltd to develop the port.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-20T14:03:32.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290369,"EventID":"S4W-18763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-06T14:03:32.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T14:16:10.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it will make of whether each stage of the upgrade of the A9 will result in a modal shift of use of the (a) A82 and (b) Highland mainline.\r\n","AnswerText":"An assessment of the modal shift impacts of the A9 dualling programme and the A82 and Highland Mainline is an integral part of the A9 dualling programme outline business case that Transport Scotland is currently undertaking. This assessment work will continue to be refined as the details of both the A9 dualling programme and the upgrade to the Highland mainline continue to evolve. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-20T14:03:32.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290370,"EventID":"S4W-18764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-06T14:03:33.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T14:16:10.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it will make of whether each stage of the upgrade of the A96 will result in a modal shift of use of the Inverness - Aberdeen railway line.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland will use the multi-modal Transport Model for Scotland to assess the impact of the A96 Inverness to Aberdeen dualling programme on the mode share in this corridor.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-20T14:03:33.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290371,"EventID":"S4W-18765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-06T14:03:33.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T14:16:10.21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which ministers received a copy of the Scottish Enterprise-commissioned report, Scottish Aerospace, Defence & Marine Industry Study 2010, and what its response is to the findings. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Aerospace, Defence & Marine Industry Study 2010 was welcomed by the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, who noted the strong and vital contribution the aerospace, defence and marine industry makes to Scotland’s economy, substantially enhancing Scotland’s excellent reputation for innovation and technology, and supporting thousands of jobs.\r\nThe publication of the industry baseline study was important in helping to illustrate clearly the impact and size of the sector, particularly defence manufacturing, in Scotland and also helped inform the Scottish Government’s response to the UK Strategic Defence and Security Review also published in 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-20T14:03:33.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290372,"EventID":"S4W-18769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-06T14:03:33.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T15:33:47.52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many boilers were replaced in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire under the boiler scrappage scheme in (i) 2011-12 and (ii) 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"The numbers of boilers replaced under the boiler scrappage scheme are as follows:\r\n\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nTotal\r\nAberdeen\r\n581\r\n845\r\n1,426\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n541\r\n789\r\n1,330\r\n\r\nThe year refers to the financial year in which the voucher was issued.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-20T14:03:33.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290373,"EventID":"S4W-18770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-06T14:03:34.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T15:33:47.52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many homes were considered to be in fuel poverty in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Figures for each of the last five years are not available.\r\nFuel poverty estimates for local authorities are only available for three year aggregated periods, as the sample sizes in the Scottish House Conditions Survey are too small to produce reliable annual estimates.\r\nThe most recent available figures from the Scottish House Condition Survey show that there was an average of 23,000 households in fuel poverty in Aberdeen between 2010 and 2012, and 45,000 in Aberdeenshire in the same period.\r\nFigures for the last five reporting periods are as follows:\r\n\r\n2005/6 - 2008\r\n2007 - 2009\r\n2008\r\n- 2010\r\n2009 - 2011\r\n2010 – 2012\r\nAberdeen City\r\n22,000\r\n24,000\r\n26,000\r\n25,000\r\n23,000\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n36,000\r\n33,000\r\n33,000\r\n40,000\r\n45,000\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-20T14:03:34.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290374,"EventID":"S4W-18771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-06T14:03:34.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T15:33:47.52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many applications for support under the Help to Buy (Scotland) Scheme have been (a) made and (b) granted in (i) Aberdeen and (ii) Aberdeenshire.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of applications under the Help to Buy (Scotland) scheme for Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire as at 10 December 2013 are set out in the following table:\r\n\r\nAberdeen City\r\nAberdeenshire\r\nApplications\r\n85\r\n49\r\nApproved applications\r\n79\r\n46\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-20T14:03:34.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290375,"EventID":"S4W-18772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-06T14:03:35.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T15:33:47.52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many officers Police Scotland has recruited in the former Grampian police area.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally by the Scottish Government. This is an operational matter for Police Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-20T14:03:35.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290376,"EventID":"S4W-18773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-06T14:03:35.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T15:33:47.52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many antisocial behaviour orders have been issued in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-20T14:03:35.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290377,"EventID":"S4W-18774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-06T14:03:35.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T16:32:23.763","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18478 by Nicola Sturgeon on 3 December 2013, whether the risk registers for the home energy efficiency programmes will be published and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland risk registers monitor progress towards the outcomes set out for these programmes. The registers are reviewed and updated regularly in accordance with risk management principles. There are no plans to publish the risk registers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-20T14:03:35.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290378,"EventID":"S4W-18780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-06T14:03:36.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-06T11:11:48.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to preserve Gaelic buildings in (a) Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch and (b) the Highlands and Islands.\r\n","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland does not distinguish between buildings associated with Gaelic-speakers and English-speakers in its designation work. In terms of buildings in traditionally Gaelic-speaking areas, we invest in a number of properties in care which are open to the public, such as Urquhart Castle and Arnol Blackhouse. We have also invested over £4 million in grant awards to buildings in Argyll and Bute, Highland and the Western Isles in the last three years, including buildings such as Lews Castle, Stornoway. \r\nHistoric Scotland also designates structures as listed buildings or scheduled monuments to recognise their importance. Many listed buildings and scheduled monuments across Scotland have a Gaelic connection, such as the listed James Stewart Memorial in Killin - Stewart being the first translator of the New Testament into Scottish Gaelic; and the scheduled fort at Dùn Èistean, Western Isles, where Historic Scotland has supported a multi-disciplinary archaeology project, including place-name analysis and the collection of oral Gaelic traditions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-20T14:03:36.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290379,"EventID":"S4W-18781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-06T14:03:36.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-06T11:02:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish all of the (a) official and (b) ministerial correspondence between it and the UK Government concerning the closure of the Renewables Obligation and the associated transitional arrangements.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has published a letter from the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, Mr Ewing, to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Mr Davey, dated 1 November 2013 concerning the closure of the Renewables Obligation. This can be found at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/ElectricityMarketReform/Letter01-Nov-13\r\nWe have no plans to publish any other correspondence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-20T14:03:36.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290380,"EventID":"S4W-18782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-06T14:03:36.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-06T11:37:17.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many properties receive support from the small business bonus scheme as part of its rates relief package, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of properties that receive support from the small business bonus scheme, split by local authority area:\r\n\r\nTotal number of recipients as at:\r\nOctober\r\n2008\r\nOctober 2009\r\nSeptember 2010\r\nSeptember 2011\r\nSeptember 2012\r\nSeptember 2013\r\nAberdeen City\r\n1,800\r\n1,873\r\n1,784\r\n2,010\r\n1,975\r\n2,041\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n4,016\r\n4,501\r\n4,726\r\n5,040\r\n5,170\r\n5,330\r\nAngus\r\n1,854\r\n1,904\r\n2,067\r\n2,125\r\n2,190\r\n2,212\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n3,152\r\n3,507\r\n3,589\r\n3,885\r\n4,220\r\n4,362\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n509\r\n569\r\n637\r\n696\r\n741\r\n787\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n3,224\r\n3,475\r\n3,666\r\n3,979\r\n4,079\r\n4,401\r\nDundee City\r\n1,494\r\n1,747\r\n1,899\r\n2,047\r\n1,952\r\n2,171\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n1,127\r\n1,341\r\n1,430\r\n1,469\r\n1,534\r\n1,551\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n626\r\n833\r\n936\r\n1,014\r\n1,068\r\n1,112\r\nEast Lothian\r\n1,244\r\n1,324\r\n1,467\r\n1,529\r\n1,556\r\n1,587\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n550\r\n613\r\n676\r\n693\r\n737\r\n747\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n4,728\r\n5,601\r\n6,275\r\n6,316\r\n6,691\r\n6,163\r\nEilean Siar\r\n405\r\n561\r\n507\r\n735\r\n821\r\n885\r\nFalkirk\r\n1,365\r\n1,579\r\n1,675\r\n1,719\r\n1,879\r\n1,947\r\nFife\r\n3,912\r\n4,581\r\n5,004\r\n5,365\r\n5,516\r\n5,800\r\nGlasgow City\r\n4,713\r\n6,083\r\n6,870\r\n7,476\r\n7,962\r\n8,440\r\nHighland\r\n5,642\r\n6,487\r\n7,302\r\n7,808\r\n8,383\r\n8,715\r\nInverclyde\r\n604\r\n715\r\n793\r\n872\r\n921\r\n983\r\nMidlothian\r\n779\r\n948\r\n1,081\r\n1,124\r\n1,127\r\n1,107\r\nMoray\r\n1,509\r\n1,722\r\n1,772\r\n1,815\r\n1,863\r\n2,018\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n1,847\r\n2,086\r\n2,271\r\n2,425\r\n2,477\r\n2,604\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n2,340\r\n2,799\r\n3,085\r\n3,352\r\n3,576\r\n3,768\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n835\r\n1,019\r\n1,044\r\n1,036\r\n1,132\r\n1,171\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n2,893\r\n3,203\r\n3,441\r\n3,798\r\n3,991\r\n4,166\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n1,797\r\n2,091\r\n2,242\r\n2,258\r\n2,503\r\n2,432\r\nScottish Borders\r\n2,809\r\n2,981\r\n3,281\r\n3,414\r\n3,489\r\n3,580\r\nShetland Islands\r\n407\r\n551\r\n551\r\n626\r\n671\r\n700\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n1,625\r\n1,848\r\n1,944\r\n2,019\r\n2,063\r\n2,164\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n2,694\r\n3,224\r\n3,376\r\n3,558\r\n3,597\r\n3,965\r\nStirling\r\n1,716\r\n1,859\r\n1,909\r\n2,076\r\n2,155\r\n2,224\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n655\r\n773\r\n977\r\n1,079\r\n1,111\r\n1,194\r\nWest Lothian\r\n1,308\r\n1,541\r\n1,744\r\n1,841\r\n1,937\r\n2,054\r\nScotland\r\n64,179\r\n73,939\r\n80,021\r\n85,199\r\n89,087\r\n92,381\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-20T14:03:36.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290381,"EventID":"S4W-18797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-06T14:03:37.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-06T12:23:38.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it monitors how many welfare guardianship orders are granted to each local authority.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not monitor welfare guardianship orders. Welfare guardianship orders under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 are registered by the Office of the Public Guardian, which is part of the Scottish Court Service, and notified to the Mental Welfare Commission, an independent organisation with a range of functions under mental health and incapacity law.\r\nBoth the Office of the Public Guardian and the Mental Welfare Commission publish statistics on their respective websites. The statistics are available on an annual basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-20T14:03:37.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290382,"EventID":"S4W-18798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-06T14:03:37.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-06T12:23:38.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many welfare guardianship orders have been granted to Falkirk Council since 2007.","AnswerText":"Information on the numbers of welfare guardianships granted to each local authority area is available on the website of the Mental Welfare Commission.\r\nhttp://www.mwcscot.org.uk/publications/statistical-monitoring-reports/ \r\nFrom 2007-13 there were 113 cases where the Chief Social Work Officer of Falkirk Council was appointed as welfare guardian.\r\nhttp://www.mwcscot.org.uk/media/138295/awi_2013_final_report_25_sept_2013.pdf \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-12-20T14:03:37.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290403,"EventID":"S4W-18631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:00.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-29T15:02:33.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland decides to separate from the rest of the UK and assumes EU member status, whether students in the country from other member states would have to pay university tuition fees and, if so, students from which states.\r\n","AnswerText":"As is set out on pages 199-200 of Scotland’s Future, following independence, the Scottish Government proposes to maintain the status quo by continuing our current policy of charging fees to students from the rest of the UK to study at Scottish higher education institutions. We consider that this policy is an appropriate and necessary measure to ensure Scottish domiciled students continue to have access to higher education opportunities. We will also continue to support access to higher education in Scotland for students from elsewhere in the EU in accordance with our support for student mobility across Europe.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:00.373","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290404,"EventID":"S4W-18632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:00.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-29T15:02:33.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland decides to separate from the rest of the UK, whether the people of Scotland will be given the opportunity to vote on whether they want Scotland to be a member of the EU.\r\n","AnswerText":"No. The Scottish Government has always made clear that they do not wish Scotland to leave the EU and therefore do not support the Prime Minister’s plans to hold an in-out referendum on EU membership.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:00.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290405,"EventID":"S4W-18633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:00.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-29T15:02:33.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland decides to separate from the rest of the UK, whether students from EU states would have to pay university tuition fees if the country did not immediately become an EU member.\r\n","AnswerText":"If the people of Scotland vote ‘Yes’ on the 18 September 2014, the Scottish Government has proposed an 18 month period between the referendum and independence, which we believe is realistic for the terms of Scotland's independent membership of the EU to be agreed and all the necessary processes completed. It also provides sufficient time for the Scottish Government to undertake the necessary legal and institutional preparations for independent EU membership.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:00.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290406,"EventID":"S4W-18634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:01.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-11-29T15:02:33.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if Scotland decides to separate from the rest of the UK, whether the people of Scotland will be given a say on whether the terms of any agreement reached with the rest of the UK are acceptable, and if not, who will make that decision.\r\n","AnswerText":"See the answer to question 548 on page 553 of the Scottish Government publication Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland (available at Scotreferendum.com).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:01.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290407,"EventID":"S4W-18709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:01.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T11:14:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its estimate is of the (a) total, (b) capital, (c) revenue and (d) other costs of providing (i) 600 hours of childcare to half of the country’s two-year-olds, (ii) 1,140 hours of childcare to three and four-year-olds and vulnerable two-year-olds and (iii) 1,140 hours of childcare to all children from one to school age.\r\n","AnswerText":"As set out in “Scotland’s Future”, in its first budget after independence, the Scottish Government will commit £100 million to extend 600 hours a year of early learning and childcare to nearly half of Scotland’s two year olds.\r\nBy the end of the first Parliament, vulnerable two year olds and all three and four year olds will be entitled to 1,140 hours per year of early learning and childcare, with a further investment of £600 million per year.\r\nIn the longer term, the aim is to provide 1,140 hours per year of early learning and childcare for all children aged one to starting school.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:01.54","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290408,"EventID":"S4W-18713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:01.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T11:14:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of the estimated 35,000 new jobs to be created by its proposed increase in childcare provision will result from providing (a) 600 hours of childcare to half of the country’s two-year-olds, (b) 1,140 hours of childcare to three and four-year-olds and vulnerable two-year-olds and (c) 1,140 hours of childcare to all children from one to school age.\r\n","AnswerText":"The issue of workforce planning for the phased expansion of early learning and childcare set out within “Scotland’s Future” will be considered by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:01.853","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290409,"EventID":"S4W-18719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:02.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T11:14:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the expected annual increase in tax revenues would be from providing (a) 600 hours of childcare to half of the country's two-year-olds, (b) 1,140 hours of childcare to three and four-year-olds and vulnerable two-year-olds and (c) 1,140 hours of childcare to all children from one to school age.\r\n","AnswerText":"Improving access to high quality early learning and childcare reduces barriers to parents’ participation in the labour market and is considered to be a crucial element of the wider equality and welfare policy package that would improve economic activity, particularly for females.\r\nAs an illustration, the Scottish Government has provided estimates of the potential long-run changes in key economic variables, including tax revenues that could result from increasing female labour market participation in Scotland to match some of the best performing countries in The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on this measure. This analysis showed that, for example, matching the female economic activity rate in Sweden could increase tax revenues by around £700 million per annum in the long-term. Further detail on the results of this analysis is available in the note on childcare and female labour market participation at the link below:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0043/00439259.pdf \r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:02.11","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290410,"EventID":"S4W-18725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:02.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T11:14:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contingency it would put in place to fund its proposed increase in childcare provision in the event of fluctuations in employment levels.\r\n","AnswerText":"As set in “Scotland’s Future”, the Scottish Government has identified £600 million of savings or increases in revenue that would be implemented with independence, including ending the married couples tax allowance, cancelling the Shares for Rights Scheme, streamlining overseas representation, and ending Trident.\r\nThe Scottish Government will also undertake a review of the childcare cost structure, based on international examples, to ensure that our future investment in early learning and childcare achieves the best possible outcomes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:02.33","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290411,"EventID":"S4W-18726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:02.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T11:14:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the proposed 1,140 hours of childcare for all one-year-old to school age children would be paid for without increasing any rates of taxation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Independence offers the opportunity to bring in this long-term proposal as tax revenues generated by more women returning to the labour market will stay in Scotland. The initial investment in early learning and childcare will be funded from the savings and increased revenues set out in “Scotland’s Future”, including reducing defence and security spending to £2.5 billion per year and ending the married couples tax allowance.\r\nFurther detail on the link between increased female labour market participation and increased tax revenues is available in the note on Childcare and Female Labour Market Participation at the link below:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0043/00439259.pdf \r\nThe Scottish Government does not plan to raise any rates of taxation to pay for the expansion of early learning and childcare set out in “Scotland’s Future”.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:02.547","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290412,"EventID":"S4W-18727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:02.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T11:14:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what training costs would arise from its proposed increase in the number of people to deliver early learning and childcare provision.\r\n","AnswerText":"The proposals set out within “Scotland’s Future” to increase early learning and childcare provision are phased over time, to allow for the building of capacity in the sector, including the recruitment and training of additional staff.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:02.763","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290413,"EventID":"S4W-18728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:02.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T11:14:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the term \"childcare\" in its white paper on independence is to be read as \"early learning and childcare\".\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:02.98","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290414,"EventID":"S4W-18729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:03.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T11:14:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what minimum qualification would be required by people employed to deliver early learning and childcare as discussed in its white paper on independence.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18713 on 8 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx \r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:03.197","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290415,"EventID":"S4W-18730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:03.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T11:14:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it would (a) increase, (b) decrease or (c) maintain the current pre-school staff/child ratios in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to make changes to the current staff: child ratios for pre-school.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:03.417","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290416,"EventID":"S4W-18731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:03.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-04T11:14:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government with what organisations it discussed the costs for the proposed increase in childcare provision as outlined in its white paper on independence.\r\n","AnswerText":"\r\nThe Scottish Government regularly discusses childcare, including the issue of costs, with a range of relevant organisations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:03.657","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290417,"EventID":"S4W-18749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:03.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T11:13:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many licences for tattooing, skin piercing and electrolysis each local authority has issued in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for enforcing tattooing and skin piercing legislation lies with local authorities and not the Scottish Government. Accordingly this information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:03.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290418,"EventID":"S4W-18750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:04.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T11:13:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been prosecuted for tattooing without a licence in each local authority area in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table.\r\nPeople prosecuted for tattooing and/or skin piercing without a licence under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 Section 7(1)1\r\nApproximate Local Authority area2\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nFalkirk\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nFife\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nGlasgow City\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nScottish Borders\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTotal\r\n3\r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\n4\r\n1. Where main offence and where the charge description specifically states tattooing/skin piercing.\r\n2. Incorporates an approximate mapping of sheriff courts into local authority areas.  Some sheriff courts will deal with cases from more than one local authority area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:04.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290419,"EventID":"S4W-18751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:04.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T11:13:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been prosecuted for failure to register their premises as a tattooing establishment in each local authority area in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"A person is required to register themselves and their premises with their local council in order to get a certificate of registration (or licence). A person failing to register would be prosecuted under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 Section 7(1).\r\nThe available information on persons prosecuted for tattooing without a licence, under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 Section 7(1), in each local authority area in each of the last five years is given in the answer to question S4W-18750 on 6 January 2014. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:04.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290420,"EventID":"S4W-18752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:04.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T11:13:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has given to local authorities on inspection regimes for premises offering a tattooing service.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Skin Piercing and Tattooing) Order 2006 gave local authorities the power to license individuals who carry out skin piercing or tattooing activities as a business. \r\nThe Scottish Government has not provided any guidance to local authorities, however to support the implementation of this legislation the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland and Health Protection Scotland produced a local authority implementation guide. The guide provides best practice information to assist officers in making licensing decisions. In order to minimise the risk to public health, there are a number of key requirements detailed with regard to the premises, operator, equipment and client information.\r\nThe guide can be viewed at: \r\nhttp://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/enviro/guidelinedetail.aspx?id=36090\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:04.667","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290421,"EventID":"S4W-18799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:04.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T09:26:43.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many general dental service dentists were employed by the NHS in September (a) 2006, (b) 2007, (c) 2008, (d) 2009, (e) 2010, (f) 2011, (g) 2012 and (h) 2013, and what the change was over this period expressed as a percentage.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of salaried general dental service dentists employed by NHS Scotland from September 2006 to 2013. The table shows the actual and percentage change for the whole period.\r\nHeadcount\r\nSalaried GDS Dentists\r\nSeptember 2006\r\n275\r\nSeptember 2007\r\n320\r\nSeptember 2008\r\n356\r\nSeptember 2009\r\n313\r\nSeptember 2010\r\n408\r\nSeptember 2011\r\n407\r\nSeptember 2012\r\n423\r\nSeptember 2013\r\n439\r\nOverall change  \r\n164 (+59.6%)\r\nSource: ISD Scotland.\r\nFurther published information on general dental service dentists can be found on the workforce statistics web site at:\r\nhttps://isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2013-11-26/Dentists_S2013.xls?95831806.\r\nFurther information on the statistics, including information on how the data are collected and notes to aid interpretation, is given in the “Background Information” section of the Workforce Statistics website at www.isdscotland.org/workforce.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:04.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290422,"EventID":"S4W-18800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:05.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T10:33:52.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the arm's-length foundation trusts being set up by further education colleges will ensure that trustees are independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"The development of arm’s-length foundations is a matter being taken forward by the Scottish Funding Council. I have asked its Interim chief executive to respond directly to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:05.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290423,"EventID":"S4W-18801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:05.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T10:33:52.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether former (a) college board members or (b) members of staff would be considered independent in terms of the role as trustee on a proposed arm’s-length foundation trust for a further education college.","AnswerText":"The development of arm’s-length foundations is a matter being taken forward by the Scottish Funding Council. I have asked its Interim chief executive to respond directly to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:05.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290424,"EventID":"S4W-18802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:06.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T10:33:52.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question SW4-18165 by Michael Russell on 20 November 2013, for what reason it decided to go ahead with the Office for National Statistics reclassification of colleges if there are no benefits.\r\n","AnswerText":"The unwelcome decision to reclassify colleges as central government bodies was taken by the Office of National Statistics and opposed by the Scottish Government. In spite of extensive negotiation, HM Treasury offered no flexibility or mitigation on the decision.\r\nMinisters are clear that successful outcomes are founded on partnership with colleges and, as part of that, effective governance and accountability in respect of the very substantial sum of public investment they receive. After careful consideration it became clear that to seek to reverse the reclassification of colleges would have resulted in a removal of controls around the college sector that would compromise that relationship. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:06.097","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T09:38:47.573","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290425,"EventID":"S4W-18803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:06.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T10:33:52.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money is expected to be transferred to arm’s-length foundation trusts being set up by further education colleges on 1 April 2014.","AnswerText":"The development of arm’s-length foundations is a matter being taken forward by the Scottish Funding Council. I have asked its Interim chief executive to respond directly to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:06.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290426,"EventID":"S4W-18804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:07.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T10:33:52.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether surpluses gained from higher education activity will have to be transferred to the arm’s-length foundation trusts being set up by further education colleges.","AnswerText":"The Office for National Statistics reclassification applies to college entities as a whole. All activity within a college is therefore subject to the same budgeting and accounting regime.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:07.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290427,"EventID":"S4W-18805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:07.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T10:33:52.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that regional college boards do not increase their budgets to the detriment of funding for further education colleges.\r\n","AnswerText":"Once relevant powers are available to them, ministers plan to designate by order every college in a single college region that has a board of management under Part 1 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992 as a regional college. While these regional college boards will have powers that could be used to fund through contract the provision of education from others, the primary role of a regional college will be to deliver education themselves.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:07.527","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290428,"EventID":"S4W-18806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:07.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T10:35:47.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people aged (a) 16 to 18 and (b) under 16 were detained at HMYOI Polmont between (i) 1 January 2013 and 31 March 2013, (ii) 1 April 2013 and 30 June 2013 and (iii) 1 July 2013 and 30 September 2013, and have been detained since 1 October 2013.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“The Scottish Prison Service does not record this information in the manner requested. However, in the periods covered by the question, the average number of people falling in to each of these categories is as follows:\r\n\r\n(a)(i)\t64\r\n    (ii)\t73\r\n    (iii)\t69\r\n\r\nSince 1 October – 58\r\n(a)(i)\t0\r\n    (ii)\t0\r\n    (iii)\t0\r\n\r\nSince 1 October – 0”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:07.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290429,"EventID":"S4W-18808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:08.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T10:35:47.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people aged under 16 were detained in a location other than HMYOI Polmont or a secure unit between (a) 1 January 2013 and 31 March 2013, (b) 1 April 2013 and 30 June 2013 and (c) 1 July 2013 and 30 September 2013, and have been detained since 1 October 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"Young people under the age of 16 can be detained in a place other than secure care or a Young Offenders Institution by virtue of section 44 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995. The data requested is not held centrally in the format requested.\r\nYoung people under the age of 16 can be detained in a place other than secure care or a Young Offenders Institution by the police for the purposes of arrest, detention and questioning. The data requested is not held centrally in the format requested.\r\nYoung people under age 16 can be deprived of their liberty in a place other than secure care or a Young Offenders Institution if a Movement Restriction Condition is included in a Compulsory Supervision Order made by a Children's Hearing. There have been 15 Movement Restriction Conditions made since 1 January 2013.\r\n(a) January to March 2013: 3\r\n(b) April to June 2013: 2\r\n(c)July to September 2013: 6\r\n(d) October to 20 December 2013: 4 \r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:08.427","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290430,"EventID":"S4W-18809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:08.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T10:33:52.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) full-time and (b) part-time female students have attended further education college courses in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Data on the number of students who attended colleges in Scotland are produced by the Scottish Funding Council. The latest data are for academic year 2011-12.\r\nTable 1 shows the number of female students who attended college in each of the last five academic years for which data are available, broken down by mode of study.\r\nIn recent years, we have asked colleges to concentrate on delivering courses that focus on employability. The fall in part-time and increase in full-time students shown in Table 1 is the result of this re-focusing, and reflects a move away from funding very short programmes of study (under 10 hours), and leisure programmes. Table 1 also makes clear that full-time equivalents (FTEs), a better measure of the volume of learning, have remained largely unchanged over the period in question.\r\nTable 1 – Female students at Scottish colleges – headcount by mode of study and FTE, 2006-07 to 2011-12\r\n\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nFull-time\r\n37,064\r\n37,167\r\n39,068\r\n41,603\r\n42,494\r\n42,968\r\nPart-time\r\n177,025\r\n181,947\r\n174,834\r\n155,079\r\n127,603\r\n101,609\r\nFTE\r\n68,724\r\n69,486\r\n70,135\r\n70,708\r\n69,609\r\n68,642\r\nSource: Scottish Funding Council.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:08.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290431,"EventID":"S4W-18810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:09.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T10:33:52.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason not more that 10% of Skills Development Scotland apprenticeships are directly contracted to further education colleges.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. I will ask the chief executive of Skills Development Scotland to write to you on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:09.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290432,"EventID":"S4W-18812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T14:13:09.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T13:29:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consultation it had with further education colleges prior to the reclassification of colleges by the Office for National Statistics.\r\n","AnswerText":"The decision to reclassify colleges was announced by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in October 2010. The Scottish Government was not consulted on this decision in advance of the ONS announcement, therefore there was no opportunity for us to consult with the sector prior to reclassification being imposed.\r\nFull engagement with the sector could only be meaningfully undertaken once detailed discussions with UK Treasury over the basis of the decision, the timing of implementation and the scope for mitigating implications had been resolved. Despite lengthy discussions, HM Treasury offered no flexibility or mitigation. We then began engaging with our colleges and on 13 May 2014, along with the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth and representatives of the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), I met college chairs, principals and regional leads to discuss the impact of the decision.\r\nSince then, a project team, led by SFC staff and supported by Scottish Government officials and external experts, including college representatives, has been established and has held a number of constructive meetings with the sector, leading to the development of purposeful measures to mitigate the impact of the ONS decision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T14:13:09.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290433,"EventID":"S4T-00540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T13:05:33.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T11:28:29.303","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to tackle alcohol misuse.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T13:05:33.03","MeetingDate":"2013-12-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290434,"EventID":"S4F-01753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T13:04:56.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-06T09:28:39.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T13:04:56.48","MeetingDate":"2013-12-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290435,"EventID":"S4F-01754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T13:04:56.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T09:08:00.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T13:04:56.963","MeetingDate":"2013-12-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290436,"EventID":"S4F-01756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T13:04:58.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T09:37:39.127","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T13:04:58.133","MeetingDate":"2013-12-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290437,"EventID":"S4F-01757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T13:04:58.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T10:02:41.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government’s position is on whether the number of hours worked by junior doctors is acceptable.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T13:04:58.367","MeetingDate":"2013-12-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290438,"EventID":"S4F-01758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T13:04:58.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T10:11:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government’s position is on recent reports that shoppers in an independent Scotland could face higher food bills.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T13:04:58.633","MeetingDate":"2013-12-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290439,"EventID":"S4F-01767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T13:05:05.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T11:17:15.273","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the implications are of the Autumn Statement for Scotland's budget.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T13:05:05.683","MeetingDate":"2013-12-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290440,"EventID":"S4W-18813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-09T17:06:00.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T15:42:20.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assurances it will provide to the fishing industry that it will pursue as a priority the removal of the west coast prawn fleet from the Cod Recovery Plan in light of reported new evidence that it has a minimal impact on cod stocks.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working now with the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation and the Clyde Fishermen’s Association to secure the exemption of prawn fishing vessels active in the Clyde and Kintyre area from time at sea limits imposed under the EU’s Cod Recovery Plan. The Government is strongly committed to pursuing an exemption. \r\nThe Government has provided funding of £133,000 for at sea observers who are now gathering new evidence about the very low cod catches of Scottish prawn vessels. By 2 December 2013, 133 fishing trips had been observed and catch data is being collated and analysed. Initial results are very positive in terms of the very low levels of cod catches recorded.\r\nThe Government is confident that the data gathered will provide the basis for an application for exemption from effort control under Article 11 of the Cod Recovery Plan. It is planned at present to submit an application to the European Commission before the end of January 2014, in order that it may be considered at a meeting of the European Commission’s scientific advisory committee, scheduled for March 2014.\r\nThe Government is also continuing discussions with representatives of prawn vessels in the remaining parts of the west coast, where over 60 vessels are exempt already.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-06T17:06:00.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290466,"EventID":"S4W-18775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:49.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T17:39:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) what discussions it has had and (b) whether it has reached agreement with the  Department of Health on the implementation of the new Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme for branded medicines used by the NHS in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The parts of the PPRS agreement that relate to Scotland are around pricing which is reserved to the UK Government. A large amount of the document relates to England only as the UK Government negotiate with the ABPI for matters that are reserved (pricing) but also for NHS in England.\r\n\r\nThe key aspect for the Scottish Government is ensuring that the mechanism in the scheme agreed by the UK Government and ABPI provides a fair return for Scotland. Discussions are ongoing between the four nations and have not yet concluded.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:49.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290467,"EventID":"S4W-18777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:50.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T17:39:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there will be savings to the NHS from the implementation of the new Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme.","AnswerText":"The Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS) will come into force on 1 January 2014. The scheme was agreed by the Department of Health in England and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). Devolved Administrations requested inclusion in the negotiations but were refused.\r\nThe PPRS and the statutory scheme will operate differently from the current voluntary and statutory schemes.\r\nCompanies will currently be deciding whether to join the voluntary scheme. We anticipate it will take some time until a judgement can be made about the financial implications of the scheme for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:50.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290468,"EventID":"S4W-18778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:51.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T17:39:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact of the new Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme will be on patients' access to the latest medicines.","AnswerText":"The Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS) will come into force on 1 January 2014. The scheme was agreed by the Department of Health in England and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). Devolved Administrations requested inclusion in the negotiations but were refused.\r\nThe parts of the PPRS agreement that relate to Scotland are around pricing which is reserved to the UK Government. A large amount of the document relates to England only as the UK Government negotiate with the ABPI for matters that are reserved (pricing) but also for the NHS in England.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s approach to access to new medicines is clear from our response to the Scottish Parliaments Health and Sport Committee, we want to see improved access within the NHS in Scotland to newly licensed medicines that represent the best in therapeutic value and are cost effective.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:51.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290469,"EventID":"S4W-18779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:51.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T17:39:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what work in addition to the review of access to medicines is being done to ensure that the new Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme works effectively for patients.","AnswerText":"The Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS) will come into force on 1 January 2014. The scheme was agreed by the Department of Health in England and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). Devolved Administrations requested inclusion in the negotiations but were refused.\r\nThe parts of the PPRS agreement that relate to Scotland are around pricing which is reserved to the UK Government. A large amount of the document relates to England only as the UK Government negotiate with the ABPI for matters that are reserved (pricing) but also for NHS in England.\r\nThe key aspect for the Scottish Government is ensuring that the mechanism in the scheme agreed by the UK Government and ABPI provides a fair return for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:51.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290470,"EventID":"S4W-18783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:51.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-06T12:08:59.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18325 by Michael Russell on 28 November 2013, how many applications were unsuccessful in each year since 2009-10.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and the Student Awards Agency for Scotland do not hold this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:51.763","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290471,"EventID":"S4W-18785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:52.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-06T12:08:59.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18330 by Michael Russell on 28 November 2013, whether the budget for the Scottish Funding Council also assumes that the student population will be maintained at the current level and, if so, whether this means that it does not plan to increase the number of student places in the next academic year.\r\n","AnswerText":"We provided funding for 125,346 full-time equivalent funded places this academic year (2013-14). As a result, Scottish students accepted by our universities rose to a record number this year, with 27,990 students accepted to study so far in 2013-14, an increase of 2% compared with this stage last year (UCAS, 24 September 2013). My recent letter of guidance to the Scottish Funding Council for 2014-15 states that “I expect that the number of funded places, including those additional places in support of widening access, articulation and key sector skills to be maintained at current levels.” (Letter of guidance to the Scottish Funding Council from the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, 21 October 2013).\r\nI will confirm final numbers in the spring of this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:52.123","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290472,"EventID":"S4W-18786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:52.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-06T12:08:59.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many students at further education colleges who were awarded a Young Student Bursary in 2012-13 received (a) the maximum bursary, (b) £1,000 to £2,639 and (c) below £1,000.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2012-13, 5,930 students attending a higher education course at a Scottish college were awarded the maximum Young Students’ Bursary (YSB).\r\n3,160 students were awarded YSB between £1,000 to £2,639.\r\n1,210 students were awarded YSB below £1,000.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:52.467","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290473,"EventID":"S4W-18787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:52.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-06T12:08:59.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many students at further education colleges were awarded the maximum Independent Student Bursary in 2012-13, and how many received less than the maximum.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2012-13, 5,430 students attending a course of higher education at a Scottish college were awarded the maximum Independent Students’ Bursary (ISB) of £1,000.\r\n1,460 students were awarded ISB below £1,000.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:52.793","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290474,"EventID":"S4W-18788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:53.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-06T12:08:59.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18322 by Michael Russell on 25 November 2013, whether a young person leaving care (a) is assessed as independent and (b) can apply for (i) a Young or (ii) an Independent Student Bursary. \r\n","AnswerText":"A young person leaving care is assessed by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland as an independent student.\r\nStudents who have been in care and are under 23 at the start of each academic year are eligible to apply for a Young Students’ Bursary. Those over 23 at the start of each academic year are eligible to apply for the Independent Students’ Bursary.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:53.167","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290475,"EventID":"S4W-18789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:53.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-06T12:08:59.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many students were included in the category, income not declared/required, by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland because their income was low enough for them to receive a full support package in 2012-13 and how much in student loans was authorised for this group in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"The breakdown of information is not held by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:53.557","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290476,"EventID":"S4W-18790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:53.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-06T12:08:59.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of the students in 2012-13 who were classified by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland as being exempt from parental contribution were independent or studying (a) part-time and (b) full-time at a further education college.\r\n","AnswerText":"Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) operates separate support schemes for students in full time higher education and those in part-time education. Different funding arrangements apply.\r\na) SAAS only hold information on the total number of independent full-time students. It is not possible to identify the total number of independent part-time students.\r\nb) In 2012-13, 7410 full-time students at a further education college were funded by SAAS that were classed as ‘independent’.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:53.9","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290477,"EventID":"S4W-18791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:54.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-06T12:08:59.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much in loans was authorised by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland to meet the cost of tuition in other parts of the UK, broken down by residual household income.\r\n","AnswerText":"The details in the following table show the amount of loans paid by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland to meet the cost of tuition fees in other parts of the UK:\r\nAll Scottish domiciled students studying in the rest of the UK receiving tuition fees by household residual income, 2012-13\r\nAmount (£000s)\r\nAll\r\n15,460\r\nLess than £10,000\r\n1,153\r\n£10,000 - £19,999\r\n1,511\r\n£20,000 - £29,999\r\n1,379\r\n£30,000 - £39,999\r\n1,019\r\n£40,000 - £49,999\r\n772\r\n£50,000 - £59,999\r\n548\r\n£60,000 - £69,999\r\n555\r\n£70,000 - £79,999\r\n358\r\n£80,000 - £89,999\r\n182\r\n£90,000 - £99,998\r\n164\r\n£99,999 and above\r\n545\r\nIncome not declared/required\r\n5,719\r\nExempt from Parental Contribution\r\n1,555\r\n(Source: The Student Awards Agency for Scotland)\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:54.26","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290478,"EventID":"S4W-18792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:54.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-06T12:08:59.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average loan authorised by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland was for students with a household income below £30,000 in 2012-13, including students exempt from contributions.\r\n","AnswerText":"The average loan authorised by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland for those with a household income below £30,000 (including those exempt from parental contributions) was £4,126 in the academic year 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:54.603","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290479,"EventID":"S4W-18793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:54.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-06T12:08:59.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average loan authorised by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland was for young students with a household income below £30,000 in 2012-13, including students exempt from contributions.\r\n","AnswerText":"The average loan authorised by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland for young students with a household income below £30,000 was £3,425 in the academic year 2012-13.\r\nIt is not possible to include students ‘exempt from contributions’ as they are considered ‘independent’ and not ‘young’ for the purposes of student support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:54.947","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290480,"EventID":"S4W-18794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:55.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-06T12:08:59.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it no longer provides Scottish students studying in London with additional support for living costs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Post 16 Education Reform Programme has simplified the student support system, making it easier for student to understand and maximise their entitlement. The new student support package introduced in 2013-14 standardised the level of living cost support irrespective of where in the UK a Scottish domiciled student studies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:55.337","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290481,"EventID":"S4W-18795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:55.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-06T12:08:59.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government in what year additional support for Scottish students studying in London was last made available and what the (a) maximum value of additional support and (b) total amount paid was that year.\r\n","AnswerText":"Additional support was last made available to students studying in London in 2012-13.\r\na) The maximum support for students studying a 30 week course in London was £6,690. This was £1120 higher than students studying a 30 week course elsewhere.\r\nCourses longer than 30 weeks in London attracted additional support of £109 per week. This was £24 higher than the additional support for a course elsewhere.\r\nb) It is not possible to identify the total amount of additional support awarded in 2012-13 to students studying in London.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:55.803","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290482,"EventID":"S4W-18796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:56.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-06T12:08:59.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17798 by Michael Russell on 8 November 2013, whether it will publish the text used in the email sent to students by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) already provided this information to Ms Dugdale on 9 September 2013, following a Freedom of Information request.\r\nHere is the original email sent to students in August 2012.\r\n‘The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has announced a new funding package for living costs which will apply to Scottish domiciled undergraduate students, studying a course of higher education within the UK in academic year 2013-2014 onwards. The full statement can be found here (link to press release).\r\nDetails of the new funding package are available at:\r\nhttp://www.saas.gov.uk/student_support/funding_update.htm (web page no longer available)\r\nPlease note that these changes apply to both new and continuing students from academic year 2013-2014 onwards, regardless of when you start your course. Students in attendance this year (autumn 2012) will receive the existing funding package for academic year 2012-2013. If you have already received your SAAS award notice for academic year 2012-2013, there will be no change to the amounts shown on this letter. The new funding package will then apply to all undergraduate students from academic year 2013-2014 (autumn 2013) onwards.\r\nIf you have any queries relating to this announcement, please call our contact centre on 0300 555 0505’.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:56.227","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290483,"EventID":"S4W-18815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:56.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T18:38:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether all of the people appointed as (a) reporters under the Matrimonial Proceedings (Children) Act 1958 and (b) safeguarders under the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 are required to hold Disclosure Scotland certificates.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Court Service are currently carrying out work to ensure that reporters providing advice to the Court of Session or the sheriff court on the welfare of children are members of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme. All safeguarders appointed under the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 carry out regulated work in terms of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 and are required to be members of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:56.583","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290484,"EventID":"S4W-18817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:57.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T18:38:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been appointed to the Safeguarders Panel under the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011, and how many are practising solicitors.\r\n","AnswerText":"182 Safeguarders have been appointed to the Safeguarders Panel under the terms of the 2011 Act. Of those, 76 (42%) are practising solicitors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:57.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290485,"EventID":"S4W-18819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:57.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T18:38:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of the people appointed (a) to the Safeguarders Panel under the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 and (b) as reporters under the Matrimonial Proceedings (Children) Act 1958  have been trained in eliciting the views of children as part of the appointment process.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) All safeguarders are trained in seeking the views of the child as part of the safeguarder pre-appointment training.\r\n (b) Information is not available centrally on how many persons appointed as reporters in cases involving children in the Court of Session and the sheriff court have been trained in eliciting the views of children as part of the appointment process. The Scottish Government has established a working group on reporters in these cases more details are available from the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/law/17867.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:57.507","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290486,"EventID":"S4W-18821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:57.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T18:38:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what improvements it has made to the representation of children’s interests in matrimonial cases in courts since the UK Government ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and how it ensures that these arrangements comply with clause 9.2 of the convention.\r\n","AnswerText":"Section 11 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 makes provision on court orders relating to parental responsibilities etc. Section 11(7) provides that in considering whether or not to make an order the court shall regard the welfare of the child as its paramount consideration. Section 11(7) further provides that the court, taking account of the child’s age and maturity, shall, so far as is practicable, give the child an opportunity to indicate whether he or she wishes to express views; if so, give him or her an opportunity to express them and have regard to such views as he or she may express. There is then further provision in court rules on obtaining the views of the child.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:57.99","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290487,"EventID":"S4W-18823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:58.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T18:38:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to revise arrangements for ensuring that the interests of children affected by matrimonial law cases are identified and are treated as paramount by the court.\r\n","AnswerText":"Section 11 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, on court orders relating to parental responsibilities etc., already provides that in considering whether or not to make an order and what order to make the court shall regard the welfare of the child as its paramount consideration. Section 11 also provides that the court shall not make any order unless it considers it would be better for the child that an order be made than that none should be made at all. We have no plans to change these provisions, which reflect the need to have the welfare of the child at the centre of the decision-making process. The Scottish Government has established a working group on bar reporters, who provide advice to the court in some section 11 cases. More information on this working group can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/law/17867. \r\nWe also intend to introduce a Courts Reform (Scotland) Bill, which will streamline court procedures generally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:58.41","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290488,"EventID":"S4W-18826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T13:53:58.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-10T12:20:14.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Law Officers have given an opinion on the policy in the white paper on independence of charging UK students tuition fees.","AnswerText":"The white paper is consistent with and informed by legal advice the Government has received. It is the long-standing practice of the Scottish and UK Governments, as is recognised in their respective Ministerial Codes, not to disclose the fact or content of advice from the Law Officers other than in the most exceptional circumstances.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T13:53:58.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290489,"EventID":"S4W-18829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T15:30:25.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-10T14:41:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it can provide regarding the First Minister’s recent visit to China and Hong Kong.\r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minister visited China and Hong Kong from 2-7 November 2013, leading a delegation of 30 Scottish companies in the oil and gas and construction sector on a trade mission. During his time in country he announced partnerships worth £40 million over the next ten years between Scotland and China. He also took the opportunity to meet and support members of the Scottish Seafood delegation visiting Beijing on their way to the Seafood Expo in Dalian. The visit helped meet the ambitions set out in the Scottish Government’s China Strategy to increase engagement with China and build on recent business successes that have seen exports from Scotland to China increase by 88% over the past five years (£265 million to £498 million from 2007-2012).\r\n\r\nBusiness announcements made during the First Minister’s visit included a deal struck by the Scottish Professional Football League to see Scottish football being screened live in China for the first time, bringing in £20 million to Scottish clubs as part of a global broadcast deal and seeing matches broadcast to a potential Chinese audience of 60 million.\r\nThe First Minister conducted senior-level meetings with major oil companies Sinopec and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation, both of which have substantial interests in the North Sea, opening the door for Scotland’s vastly experienced supply chain companies at the very highest level and encouraging further investment in North Sea operations. He also held a meeting with Hainan Group senior leadership to promote the benefits of a direct air route between Scotland and China.\r\nThe programme provided significant opportunities for talks at the highest level of Government, emphasising the importance of developing cultural understanding between Scotland and China.\r\nThese opportunities included meetings with State Councillor Yang, the holder of China’s most senior foreign affairs office and the Director General of Hanban, Madam Xu Lin where the First Minister witnessed the signing of a deal between Hanban and Heriot Watt University to establish Scotland’s fifth Confucius Institute.\r\nThe First Minister made two key note speeches during his visit, the first at the prestigious Tsinghua University in Beijing address where the First Minister’s address drew on the twin examples of Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations and Theory of Moral Sentiments to outline why social progress must accompany economic progress. In response Professor Alan Miller, Chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission said:\r\n\r\n“I warmly welcome this speech of the First Minister which speaks to the times in which we are all living. It grounds human rights in Scotland’s relationship with China and in Scotland’s own journey”. (SHRC, News Release 6 November 2013)\r\n\r\nThe First Minister also spoke at a Financial Times Forum in Hong Kong and highlighted Scotland’s strengths in the financial services sector to an audience of 150 senior banking and finance professionals.\r\nWhile in Hong Kong the First Minister had an excellent introductory meeting with Chief Secretary Carrie Lam. After that meeting he witnessed the signing of agreement between the Universities Grants Committee of Hong Kong and the Scottish Funding Council to work together on future research collaborations focusing initially on the global challenges in energy and life sciences. The First Minister then visited Confucius Hall Secondary School: School of Rugby to follow up on the process of developing stronger sporting links through rugby, launched during his visit to Hong Kong in 2011.\r\nScottish food, drink and culture, the Year of Homecoming and the Ryder Cup were promoted during the First Minister’s time in China to over 300 key business contacts, decision makers and influencers at two Scottish business focused receptions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T15:30:25.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290496,"EventID":"S4W-18666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T17:13:14.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T14:32:27.2","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18283 by Alex Neil on 20 November 2013, whether it can confirm that an individual identified as having a speech or language therapy need should be provided with services appropriate to that need.\r\n","AnswerText":"Speech and language therapists work closely with individuals and their parents, families and carers where appropriate to ensure that the support, advice or intervention offered is appropriate to the needs of the individual, this can include supporting the individual to self-manage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T17:13:14.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290497,"EventID":"S4W-18667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T17:13:15.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T14:32:27.2","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its expectations are of the demand for speech and language therapy provision over the next five years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s 20:20 Workforce Vision: Everyone Matters recognises the key role the workforce will play in responding to the challenges that NHS Scotland is facing, however it is for NHS boards to assess and plan to meet the needs of their local population, including planning for the appropriate workforce to be in place.\r\nIn addition, the Chief Health Professions Officer commissioned NHS Education for Scotland (NES) to undertake a workforce review to scope workforce intelligence about a number of allied health professions (AHP). Initial reports covering speech and language therapy and occupational therapy have now been completed and will shortly be presented to the AHP strategic workforce group.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T17:13:15.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290498,"EventID":"S4W-18668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T17:13:15.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-02T14:32:27.2","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what professional advisory structures it employs in relation to (a) speech and language therapy and (b) allied health professions in adult health and social care policy and legislation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government employs a Chief Health Professions Officer (CHPO) who provides policy and professional advice on all allied health professions, including speech and language therapy. The CHPO works closely with a network of national leads (two of whom are speech and language therapists), Allied Health Professions (AHP) Directors in NHS boards and with the Allied Health Professions Federation which represents all AHP professional bodies including the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T17:13:15.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290499,"EventID":"S4W-18830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T17:13:15.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-10T15:30:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many local authorities have autism strategies for (a) children and (b) adults.","AnswerText":"The joint Scottish Government-COSLA Scottish Autism Strategy focuses on the whole life journey and so local authorities will want to consider both children and adults in their local strategies. 12 local action plans have been submitted to date and four local authorities have promised completed action plans early in 2014.\r\nAs part of our work to deliver the Scottish Strategy for Autism, the Scottish Government commissioned some work to map autism services and supports across localities. This work produced individual mapping reports for each council area and completed in October 2013. Some councils chose to wait for these reports to be available before completing their local autism strategy and action plans. But it means that some councils have been reviewing their drafts in light of the findings of the mapping reports, and these should be submitted to the Scottish Government, once ratified through the appropriate council committees, as a matter of urgency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T17:13:15.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290500,"EventID":"S4W-18832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T17:13:16.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-10T15:30:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it gives to local authorities to ensure that they apply the getting it right for every child principles when dealing with autistic children.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Strategy for Autism supports the application of the Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) approach when public bodies and partners are considering a person centred approach to planning and addressing the wellbeing needs of children and young people with autism. To support this, the GIRFEC National Practice Model and other resources for practitioners are on the Scottish Government website and provide guidance on implementing the approach for all children and young people.\r\nThe Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill currently progressing through Parliament proposes to put in statute key components of GIRFEC. There will be statutory and practice guidance issued to local authorities and partners to support the GIRFEC provisions, once commenced. This will include detail on how these new statutory provisions should be interpreted when considering children and young people with different conditions and in different circumstances, including children with autism.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T17:13:16.297","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290501,"EventID":"S4W-18833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-10T17:13:16.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-10T15:30:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether local authorities are independently inspected on the services that they provide for autistic children.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities are inspected on the range of services they provide for children and young people with additional support needs including autism. In terms of education, Education Scotland inspects both mainstream schools and special schools and units that make provision for children and young people with autistic spectrum disorders. Within Education Scotland’s reports, specific reference is made to the quality of provision for such units.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-07T17:13:16.673","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290502,"EventID":"S4W-18842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T10:55:32.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T10:50:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to assist the Church of Scotland and other faith bodies to develop and promote a better use of credit unions.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the valuable role played by credit unions in providing ethical and affordable financial services and products to a wide range of customers. We are committed to doing all that we can to support and promote credit unions, and to encourage more people in Scotland to become members.\r\nAs part of this commitment, we are working in partnership with the Church of Scotland and other faith bodies to help promote credit unions within their local communities. The Scottish Government has seconded a Senior Policy Advisor to the Church of Scotland to provide additional support for financially disadvantaged individuals and families in Scotland by assisting with the further development of credit unions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T10:55:32.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290503,"EventID":"S4W-18827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T13:46:07.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-10T15:03:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it plans to spend in each constituency on (a) billboard and (b) other localised display advertising related to the white paper on independence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The total cost of Scottish Government public information activity related to Scotland’s Future will be £450,000. \r\nI refer the member to the Official Report of the Meeting of the Parliament on Tuesday 26 November 2013 at column 24856. The official report is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/OfficialReport.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T13:46:09.43","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290504,"EventID":"S4W-18828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T13:46:10.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-10T15:03:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it plans to spend in each constituency on (a) bulk-delivered and (b) directly-mailed (i) newsletters, (ii) leaflets and (iii) other publications related to the white paper on independence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The total cost of Scottish Government public information activity related to Scotland’s Future will be £450,000. This is a national figure and a breakdown by constituency is not available. Costs for publications will be announced in due course.\r\nI refer the member to the Official Report of the Meeting of the Parliament on Tuesday 26 November 2013 at column 24856. The official report is available at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/OfficialReport.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T13:46:10.163","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290505,"EventID":"S4W-18834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T13:46:10.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-10T16:33:01.967","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17926 by John Swinney on 14 November 2013, whether the guidance on blacklisting will cover (a) all government departments, (b) local government, (c) local government subcontractors, (d) the Scottish Futures Trust, (e) hub organisations and (f) hub organisation subcontractors.\r\n","AnswerText":"New guidance on the exclusion from public contracts of companies which engage in blacklisting was launched by the First Minister on 20 November 2013. Compliance with public procurement guidance issued by the Scottish Government is mandatory for Scottish Government departments, its Agencies and Non-Departmental Public Bodies, including the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT). Other bodies in the public sector, including local authorities, are encouraged to follow this guidance, but its adoption is not mandatory.\r\nHub companies are working with SFT and their partners to implement the new guidance appropriately within the wider hub partnership arrangements.\r\nWe are considering ways in which the guidance can be placed on a statutory footing, including through amendment of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2012 and through the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Bill, currently before Parliament which contains provisions relating on how a firm’s suitability to bid for contracts is assessed.\r\nWe are committed to continuing a constructive dialogue with Trade Unions on this issue and to explore ways in which the guidelines can be further developed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T13:46:10.43","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":".John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290506,"EventID":"S4W-18835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T13:46:10.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-10T16:35:23.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to encourage the development of rugby league and build on Scotland’s successful performance at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is continuing to invest in Scotland Rugby League through sportscotland to build on the success at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup and the good work of the sport’s governing body in developing the sport and increasing participation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T13:46:10.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290507,"EventID":"S4W-18836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T13:46:10.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-10T17:17:24.277","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to ensure that local authorities have access to expert advice when considering applications for opencast coal developments.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is primarily a matter for planning authorities. However, the Scottish Government’s current consultation Opencast Coal Restoration: Effective Regulation, invites views on capacity building and skills within planning authorities. The consultation is open until 27 February 2014. The Scottish Mines Restoration Trust has also been set up to offer advice and expertise to assist councils in the facilitation of plans for site restoration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T13:46:10.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290508,"EventID":"S4W-18837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T13:46:11.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-10T17:17:24.277","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the reported comment by the Scottish Opencast Communities Alliance that local authorities should be allowed to introduce fees for monitoring and enforcing planning consents.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2010, a consultation on Resourcing a High Quality Planning System sought views on the introduction of fees for monitoring and enforcing planning conditions. Responses on this were mixed, and so the proposal was not included in the changes to the fees regulations in 2012. Planning fees increase in April 2013. Planning authorities customarily secure funding for opencast monitoring and compliance officers from operators through legal agreements.\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T13:46:11.317","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290509,"EventID":"S4W-18838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T13:46:11.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-10T17:17:24.277","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide additional guidance to planning authorities on securing the restoration of opencast mining sites and, if so, whether it has discussed this with (a) planning authorities and (b) the reporters unit.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s current consultation, Opencast Coal Restoration: Effective Regulation invites views on revisions to planning policy and advice including Planning Advice Note 64: Reclamation of Surface Mineral Workings. The consultation is open until 27 February 2014. The matter has been discussed with planning authorities represented on the Scottish Coal Task Force’s Restoration Bonds Working Group. There was no specific requirement to discuss the consultation with the reporters unit. All responses to the consultation will be taken into account.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T13:46:11.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290510,"EventID":"S4W-18839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T13:46:11.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-10T17:17:24.277","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) local government and (b) the UK Government regarding providing support to councils to ensure that restoration projects at opencast coal sites are taken forward.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Government’s Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Coal Authority and local authorities are represented on the cross-party Scottish Coal Industry Taskforce chaired by Mr Ewing, Energy Minister. Restoration is a principle part of the discussions of this group. Scottish Government officials are in regular contact with councils through the taskforce activity.\r\nThe UK Coal Authority collects royalties of £0.17 from each tonne of coal extracted in Scotland which amounts to circa £15 million (since 1995). Mr Ewing has written to the UK Energy Minister Mr Fallon to ask that this money be used to help fund the legacy of unrestored open cast coal sites in Scotland.\r\nMr Ewing, Energy Minister, set up the Restoration Bonds Working Group in October 2012 which includes all relevant council planning departments to develop alternatives to restoration bonds. \r\nMr Ewing launched the Scottish Mines Restorations Trust in April 2013, an independent body which exists solely to help facilitate with councils, communities and other stakeholders the development of their restoration plans.\r\nOn 5 December 2013 the Scottish Government launched its consultation ‘Opencast Coal Restoration: Effective Regulation’ which is open to all for response including local authorities. The consultation period runs until February 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T13:46:11.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290511,"EventID":"S4W-18840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T13:46:12.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-10T17:17:24.277","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance local authorities can seek from the (a) Coal Authority and (b) Department of Energy and Climate Change when taking forward restoration projects at former opencast coal sites.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Government’s Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Coal Authority and local authorities are represented on the Scottish Coal Industry Taskforce chaired by Mr Ewing, Energy Minister and local authorities are of course free to consult either of these bodies in the preparation of their restoration plans.\r\nThe UK Coal Authority collects royalties of £0.17 from each tonne of coal extracted under licence in the UK. In Scotland this has amounted to £15 million (since 1995).\r\nMr Ewing has written to the UK Energy Minister Mr Fallon to ask that this money be used to help fund the legacy of unrestored open cast coal sites in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T13:46:12.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290512,"EventID":"S4W-18841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T13:46:12.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T09:22:02.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will establish a public inquiry into the Edinburgh Trams project; who will chair it, and what its (a) remit and (b) budget will be.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has made it clear that it would welcome a public inquiry but the focus has rightly been on delivering the project, which is now nearing completion. Once completed, we will consider when and how best to establish a public inquiry into the Tram project and what lessons can be learned for the future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T13:46:12.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290513,"EventID":"S4W-18843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T13:46:12.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T12:36:59.4","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it remains its position that Police Scotland should assume responsibility for British Transport Police operations and staff in Scotland and, if so, what measures it is taking to deliver this objective.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government believes that the British Transport Police’s operation in Scotland should form part of Police Scotland.\r\nAll policing in Scotland is under the jurisdiction of a single Chief Constable, Sir Stephen House, and accountable to the Scottish Police Authority. It is therefore an anomaly that the policing of the railways is an exception to this.\r\nI have recently written again to the Secretary of State for Transport on this matter and a meeting is being organised early in 2014 to discuss this further.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T13:46:12.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290526,"EventID":"S4O-02717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:03.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T12:02:58.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will legislate to support fair trade.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government works in partnership with the Scottish Fair Trade Forum (SFTF) to drive forward policy on Fair Trade. A range of research and collaborative work will be undertaken between SFTF and the Scottish Government to develop the uptake of fair and ethically traded goods and services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:03.933","MeetingDate":"2013-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290527,"EventID":"S4O-02718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:04.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-10T13:46:26.997","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is taking forward cultural initiatives relating to the Scottish diaspora.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:04.59","MeetingDate":"2013-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290528,"EventID":"S4O-02719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:05.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T12:02:59.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Creative Scotland regarding the establishment of a film and TV studio for Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:05.043","MeetingDate":"2013-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290529,"EventID":"S4O-02720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:05.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T12:02:59.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met the board of Scottish Opera and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:05.353","MeetingDate":"2013-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290530,"EventID":"S4O-02721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:05.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T12:03:00.22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the purpose was of the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs's recent visit to Denmark and Sweden.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:05.62","MeetingDate":"2013-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290531,"EventID":"S4O-02722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:06.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T12:03:00.547","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the benefits will be of Scotland hosting the International Cultural Summit in 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:06.337","MeetingDate":"2013-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290532,"EventID":"S4O-02723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:06.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T10:49:29.107","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support is available to touring exhibitions.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:06.587","MeetingDate":"2013-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290533,"EventID":"S4O-02724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:06.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T11:48:32.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the outcomes were of the recent visit to Denmark and Sweden by the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:06.85","MeetingDate":"2013-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290534,"EventID":"S4O-02725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:07.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T12:03:01.497","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the benefits will be of the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Cultural Relations.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:07.507","MeetingDate":"2013-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290535,"EventID":"S4O-02726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:08.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T12:03:02.763","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the BBC in relation to its proposals for public service broadcasting as outlined in the white paper on independence.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:08.24","MeetingDate":"2013-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290536,"EventID":"S4O-02727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:09.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T11:17:38.667","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Living Streets campaign, Give us Time to Cross.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:09.067","MeetingDate":"2013-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290537,"EventID":"S4O-02728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:09.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T12:03:36.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the report, The Effectiveness of the Rail Network Across Great Britain: A Comparative Analysis.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:09.317","MeetingDate":"2013-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290538,"EventID":"S4O-02729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:09.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T11:26:03.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action Scotland's ports are taking regarding clean marine fuels and how this fits into a Scottish port strategy.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:09.567","MeetingDate":"2013-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290539,"EventID":"S4O-02730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:09.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-10T11:29:33.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle fuel poverty.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:09.817","MeetingDate":"2013-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290540,"EventID":"S4O-02731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:10.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T13:10:52.547","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information is available concerning the use of discretionary housing payments in Glasgow to mitigate the effects of the so-called bedroom tax.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:10.97","MeetingDate":"2013-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290541,"EventID":"S4O-02732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:11.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T10:24:22.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what stakeholders have contacted the Minister for Housing and Welfare regarding the white paper on independence.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:11.39","MeetingDate":"2013-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290542,"EventID":"S4O-02733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:11.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T11:34:19.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the devolution of air passenger duty would have on the economy and the integration of modes of transport.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:11.627","MeetingDate":"2013-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290543,"EventID":"S4O-02734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:11.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T12:03:38.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the decrease in new social housing completions will have on housing supply.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:11.92","MeetingDate":"2013-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290544,"EventID":"S4O-02735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:12.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T12:03:38.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the work being carried out to improve broadband infrastructure in Aberdeenshire.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:12.967","MeetingDate":"2013-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290545,"EventID":"S4O-02736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:13.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-10T15:17:07.777","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting the building of new affordable housing in Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"In Edinburgh, we have allocated £81 million of grant for the building of affordable housing up to March 2015, and in October this year announced a further £88 million, which is a minimum allocation, for the period to March 2019.\r\nWe also support affordable housing in the city through the National Housing Trust, Open Market Shared Equity, Help to Buy (Scotland) and other initiatives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:13.233","MeetingDate":"2013-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290546,"EventID":"S4O-02737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:14.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T10:15:56.093","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in response to reports that, in the last year, the conviction rate in criminal cases has fallen by 7%.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:14.23","MeetingDate":"2013-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290547,"EventID":"S4O-02738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:14.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T11:14:34.303","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what additional support it will provide to help older people this winter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has been working closely with NHS boards and taken important steps to improve emergency care since last winter.\r\nA three year £50 million unscheduled care action plan aims to improve the way that emergency care operates across Scotland all year round. Over £9 million of this money has been released to health boards to support their planning, which will include provision for older people and is triple the amount given to boards last year.\r\nFor example, NHS Grampian has set up a local helpline with an A&E consultant available 24 hours a day to offer advice to healthcare professionals and NHS Forth Valley are introducing a Frailty Unit which will offer new integrated assessment pathways for frail elderly patients.\r\nWe are committed to eradicating fuel poverty and funding of £79 million allocated over the next two years through our home energy efficiency plans will be used to target households of those particularly vulnerable, including older people.\r\nWe have also provided funding to support The Silver Line Scotland which will combine the befriending services of Esther Rantzen’s Silver Line Charity and Age Scotland’s established information and advice service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:14.917","MeetingDate":"2013-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290548,"EventID":"S4O-02739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:15.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T09:47:13.6","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the costs of promoting the white paper on independence.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:15.167","MeetingDate":"2013-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290549,"EventID":"S4O-02740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:15.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T10:37:49.417","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on how the UK Government's proposed energy market reforms will impact on the Scottish economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:15.43","MeetingDate":"2013-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290550,"EventID":"S4O-02741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:15.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T12:03:52.387","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it encourages public bodies to use social media as a means of communicating with the public.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:15.713","MeetingDate":"2013-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290551,"EventID":"S4O-02742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:15.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T12:03:52.667","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that Scotland's social care system is world leading.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:15.977","MeetingDate":"2013-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290552,"EventID":"S4O-02743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:16.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T12:03:52.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures there are for young disabled adults to access bespoke respite services.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:16.243","MeetingDate":"2013-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290553,"EventID":"S4O-02744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:16.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T12:03:53.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide support for the proposed centre for innovation that is to be based in Edinburgh and named after the Nobel laureate, Professor Peter Higgs.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:16.617","MeetingDate":"2013-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290554,"EventID":"S4O-02745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:17.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-09T12:03:53.387","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013 supports carers.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:17.257","MeetingDate":"2013-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290555,"EventID":"S4O-02746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T14:57:17.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T10:10:11.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what benefits the Commonwealth Games will bring to West Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T14:57:17.523","MeetingDate":"2013-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290556,"EventID":"S4W-18844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-11T16:43:08.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T13:37:21.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18537 by Keith Brown on 3 December 2013, whether it will provide the information that was requested and confirm whether (a) 16-25, (b) senior, (c) disabled and (d) family discounted railcards bought in Scotland would remain valid across the UK rail network if Scotland became independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"Railcards are national products offered by all train operating companies within Great Britain including ScotRail. The terms and conditions of these Railcards are set by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), of which ScotRail is a member, and will continue to be a matter for ATOC.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-08T16:43:08.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290567,"EventID":"S4W-18865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T11:01:32.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T10:23:55.433","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what arrangements are in place for its staff who are not members of trades unions to raise concerns or negotiate on issues such as terms and conditions.\r\n","AnswerText":"We recognise three unions PCS, Prospect and FDA, and actively encourage membership as part of our employment processes. We consult and negotiate with them jointly as the TUS (Trade Union Side) on concerns or issues such as staff terms and conditions. \r\nIn addition we have a Parliamentary Staff Forum where staff members can raise issues on any general aspect of working in the Scottish Parliament; this is open to all staff. The Staff Forum is also used as a consultative forum by management on emerging policies and initiatives but does not have any negotiating role in relation to terms and conditions. All staff can also raise concerns about any issues, including terms and conditions, with the HR Office or their line manager\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T11:01:33.12","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"David Stewart","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290568,"EventID":"S4W-18866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T11:01:33.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T10:23:55.433","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what information it has on what proportion of its staff were members of trades unions at the beginning of each session.\r\n","AnswerText":"We do not seek to monitor the proportion of staff that are members of trade unions. \r\nTrade union membership is considered to be sensitive personal data in terms of the provisions of the Data Protection Act (1998). As such, information on trade union membership must only be processed for the purpose for which processing is necessary. The Trade Unions and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 requires the Scottish Parliament to hold data on employees’ trade union membership for the purpose of making deductions from pay for trade union subscriptions. Data relating to membership of trade unions is held only for this purpose, and not for the purpose of monitoring. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T11:01:33.723","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"David Stewart ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290569,"EventID":"S4W-18868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T11:01:34.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T10:23:55.433","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what information it has on the proportion of its staff who are members of trades unions, also broken down by (a) office and (b) team.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18866. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\n \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T11:01:34.073","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"David Stewart ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290570,"EventID":"S4W-18767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T13:54:17.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T14:49:20.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much NHS Grampian will receive in revenue allocation in (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15 and how much it would receive if the NHSScotland Resource Allocation Committee formula was implemented in full.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Grampian received a revenue allocation of £743.8 million in 2013-14. Full implementation of the NHSScotland Resource Allocation Committee formula would have given an allocation of £776.6m.\r\nThe 2014-15 Budget Bill is in the process of being scrutinised by Parliament. NHS board allocations for 2014-15 will be announced following approval of the Bill.\r\nIt is the approach of the Scottish Government that those boards that are behind parity will receive additional funding each year to bring them closer to parity, whilst not destabilising other boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T13:54:17.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290571,"EventID":"S4W-18768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T13:54:17.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-05T14:49:20.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what changes were made to NHS Grampian's budget to achieve NHSScotland Resource Allocation Committee parity in each year from 2007 to 2015.","AnswerText":"The NHSScotland Resource Allocation Committee (NRAC) formula was introduced in 2009-10. For the years 2009-10 to 2013-14, additional funding was provided to NHS Grampian to support movement towards NRAC parity.\r\n2013-14\r\n£10.6 million\r\n2012-13\r\n£7.4million\r\n2011-12\r\n£4.7million\r\n2010-11\r\n£1.8million\r\n2009-10\r\n£2.1million\r\nIt is the approach of the Scottish Government that those boards that are behind NRAC funding parity will receive additional funding each year to bring them closer to parity, whilst not destabilising other boards.\r\nThe 2014-15 Budget Bill is currently being scrutinised by Parliament and NHS boards will be informed of their 2014-15 allocations following the approval of the Bill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T13:54:17.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290572,"EventID":"S4W-18845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T13:54:18.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T16:10:50.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when management staff at (a) HMP Castle Huntly, (b) Police Scotland and (c) the Scottish Government were made aware that Michael McInnes was missing; when it was decided that information regarding his disappearance would be released to the public; for what reason details of his convictions were not released to the public at the same time; what assessment was carried out, and by whom, regarding his disappearance and the consequent risk to the public, and what guidelines are in place for (i) the Scottish Prison Service and (ii) Police Scotland regarding missing prisoners.","AnswerText":"The management at HMP Castle Huntly were aware of Michael McInnes failure to return when he did not appear for his pick up at lunchtime on Wednesday 4 December 2013.\r\nThe police were notified later that afternoon and the Scottish Government were advised on the same day.\r\nThe decision to issue a press release on this matter was an operational decision taken by Police Scotland.\r\nA Memorandum of Understanding is in place between Police Scotland and the Scottish Prison Service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T13:54:18.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290573,"EventID":"S4W-18846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T13:54:18.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T16:10:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money a GP practice receives to provide a dispensing pharmacy service.","AnswerText":"There is no fixed amount.\r\nPayments are made up of two elements: remuneration, paid for each prescription written plus an on-cost payment, and; reimbursement, in respect of the items dispensed.\r\nFull details are set out in Section 18 of the General Medical Services Statement of Financial Entitlements for GPs in Scotland, which is published annually. The current version, for 2013-2014, is available on the Scotland’s Health on the Web (SHOW) website at: www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/pca/PCA2013(M)09letter.pdf\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T13:54:18.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290574,"EventID":"S4W-18847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T13:54:18.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T16:10:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether GP practices must lose staff when they cease to provide a dispensing pharmacy service and, if so, for what reason.","AnswerText":"The level of staffing of a GP practice is a matter for the practice itself.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T13:54:18.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290575,"EventID":"S4W-18848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T13:54:19.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T16:10:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether GP dispensing pharmacies can offer a minor ailments or chronic medication service and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The minor ailment service and the chronic medication service are additional pharmaceutical services, and by statute may only be offered by community pharmacy contractors on the pharmaceutical list of an NHS board.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T13:54:19.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290576,"EventID":"S4W-18849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T13:54:19.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T16:10:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to assist people with mental health issues to stop smoking.\r\n","AnswerText":"Smoking cessation support for people with mental health issues is available throughout Scotland via local stop smoking services.\r\nIndividual treatment plans for all patients, including patients with mental health conditions, should be developed taking into account current smoking cessation guidance and recommendations. Current guidance identifies people with mental health issues as a priority group.\r\nSmoking cessation services receive £11 million per annum (allocated directly to NHS Health Boards) from the Scottish Government to provide this service. A review of smoking cessation services is currently underway and will include specific recommendations on delivering services that are person centred and supports the needs of the individual no matter their personal circumstances. The review will report in 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T13:54:19.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290577,"EventID":"S4W-18850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T13:54:20.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T16:10:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that people with mental health issues receive the same level of NHS care and treatment as for physical health issues.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government funds NHS boards and their partners to provide high quality health care that meets the needs of their local populations.\r\nThe Scottish Government has prioritised mental health and continues to work to give it parity with other health conditions. The Mental Health Strategy (2012 – 2015) is fully consistent with the NHS 2020 Vision for all health care, including physical health issues, that everyone is able to live longer healthier lives.\r\nIn relation to ensuring we have the same level of NHS care and treatment for people with mental health issues as for physical health issues, the Scottish Government works closely with NHS partners to implement improvement that is based on a shared understanding of the goal that is to be achieved, that uses data to understand what is happening at national and local level, that identifies early gains to create momentum and confidence, and that builds in improvement support to share and develop learning and that puts in place a clear performance and accountability framework.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T13:54:20.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290578,"EventID":"S4W-18851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T13:54:20.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T16:10:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what NHS facilities treat both mental health issues and addictions.","AnswerText":"NHS boards and Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) are responsible for providing mental health and addictions services to meet local needs. Where a person has co-occurring addiction and mental health problems, they should receive evidence-based treatment based on their individual needs. Services are designed and delivered differently across NHS board and ADP areas, and information about individual mental health and addictions services is not held centrally.\r\nIn our work to support health boards to meet the access to psychological therapies HEAT target, we have published The Matrix: a Guide to Delivering Evidence-based Psychological Therapies in Scotland, on what treatments are effective for which conditions. This includes sections on the treatment of mental illness co-occurring with alcohol problems and substance misuse. The matrix also stresses that services must provide adequate supervision for staff delivering psychological interventions, to ensure patient safety and the delivery of evidence-based care. In addition, NHS Education for Scotland has developed a programme of training for staff delivering psychological interventions to people with substance misuse problems, including training in motivational interviewing, relapse prevention and recovery management.\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T13:54:20.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290579,"EventID":"S4W-18852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T13:54:21.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T16:10:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether current clinical pathways are sufficient to support the management of multiple diagnoses including mental health issues.","AnswerText":"More than two million people in Scotland have long term conditions.\r\nMultimorbidity (two or more long term conditions) is the norm in Scottish people aged over 50 years however most people with multimorbidity in Scotland are under 65 years. Multimorbidity occurs 10-15 years earlier in deprived areas compared to affluent areas and in this situation the most common co-morbidity is a mental health problem. \r\nClinical research, guidelines, care pathways and board managed clinical networks have traditionally focused on improving care and outcomes for single conditions. One of the 12 priorities in the 2020 route map is to improve the care and support for people with multiple chronic illnesses, particularly those with concurrent physical and mental health conditions.\r\nWe have developed and will soon publish our action plan for multimorbidity which builds on the actions in CEL 23 (2009) Improving the Health and Wellbeing of People with Long Term Conditions in Scotland: A National Action Plan. The multimorbidity action plan includes an action to work with Healthcare Improvement Scotland and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network to develop prompts for clinicians to consider multimorbidity at key points in guidelines and pathways for all common conditions. We are engaging with NHS Education for Scotland to develop units of learning on multimorbidity for delivery within undergraduate and postgraduate continuing professional development programmes for all professionals.\r\nA copy of this action plan will be made available on SPICe in due course (Bib Number 55589).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T13:54:21.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290580,"EventID":"S4W-18853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T13:54:21.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T16:10:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the difference is between the life expectancy of (a) women and (b) men in deprived areas (i) in general and (ii) for people with mental health issues.","AnswerText":"The general life expectancy for women and men by Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD2009) is published on the National Records of Scotland's website and is available through the following link:\r\nhttp://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/life-expectancy/scottish-areas/2008-2010/index.html\r\nThe National Records of Scotland does not publish specific life expectancy statistics for people with mental health issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T13:54:21.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290581,"EventID":"S4W-18854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T13:54:22.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T16:10:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what is being done to assist patients in psychiatric hospitals to stop smoking.","AnswerText":"All patients in psychiatric hospitals will have access to support from dedicated NHS smoking cessation services.\r\nWhile existing smoke-free legislation includes an exemption for designated rooms in psychiatric hospitals and psychiatric units, national guidance was issued in 2011 to help service providers move towards a smoke free mental health service. This guidance stresses the importance of effective smoking cessation support and lays out detailed recommendations on service delivery.\r\nOur latest strategy builds upon the aspiration for smoke free mental health facilities by setting a target that mental health services should ensure that indoor facilities are smoke-free by 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T13:54:22.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290582,"EventID":"S4W-18855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T13:54:22.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T16:52:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to ensure that people with mental health problems have equal access to diagnosis and treatment across the NHS.\r\n","AnswerText":"Some people can experience more difficulty than others in accessing mental health services to meet their needs. This can be because some groups are less likely to try to access services, for example due to stigma, or because there are gaps or lack of capacity in some services. We are committed to combatting the stigma and discrimination that can be associated with mental health problems. The Scottish Government is committed to work with NHS boards and partners to improve monitoring information about who is accessing services, such as ethnicity, is consistently available to inform decisions about service design and to remove barriers to services. (Commitment 14)\r\nWe introduced the HEAT targets for access to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and psychological therapies. Across Scotland we delivered the 2008-11 targets to improve diagnosis of dementia, which has been replaced by a HEAT standard. To build on this, the first national target on post-diagnostic support began in 2013. This is underpinned by a commitment that everyone diagnosed with dementia from 1 April 2013 should receive a minimum of a year's worth of post-diagnostic support, coordinated by a named link worker.\r\nWe have worked with the management group of see me, with the Scottish Association for Mental Health and the Mental Health Foundation who host see me and with other partners to develop the strategic direction for see me for the period from 2013 onwards.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s approach to supporting service improvement includes having a focus on information to tell us how well our system works and where the opportunities are for improvement. We continue to develop the Mental Health Benchmarking Toolkit and the CAMHS Balanced Scorecard as tools to support service improvement, by using a range of comparative information to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement and to monitor progress. We also introduced the HEAT targets for access to CAMHS and psychological therapies.\r\nNHS boards are also responsible for monitoring information about who is accessing services so they can ensure that local services are meeting the needs of their local communities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T13:54:22.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290583,"EventID":"S4W-18856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T13:54:23.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T17:10:30.91","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what actions (a) it is and (b) the organisers of the 2014 Commonwealth Games are taking to address the predicted shortfall in security provision for the games.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government, working with the Organising Committee and Police Scotland have agreed that a mixed workforce solution involving police, military and private industry resources would be the most robust structure to ensure a safe and secure games. \r\nThis decision has incorporated lessons learned from the Olympics and this mixed workforce solution will ensure that there is no shortfall of resources to implement safety and security planning.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T13:54:23.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290584,"EventID":"S4W-18857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T13:54:23.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T17:53:20.467","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18312 by Keith Brown on 25 November 2013, what the workshop suggested the compressed timescale for local authorities seeking to move toward decriminalised parking enforcement should be, and how this compares with the average timescale for local authorities.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the outputs of the parking workshop held on 22 November 2013, are available on the Transport Scotland website at:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/road/policy/legal-requirements/road-and-traffic-orders/decriminalised-parking-enforcements\r\nThese will be discussed with local authority partners in early 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T13:54:23.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290585,"EventID":"S4W-18858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T13:54:24.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T17:57:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many meeting requests the Minister for Transport and Veterans has received from MSPs who wished to discuss rail services in the year to date, broken down by members of the (a) SNP and (b) opposition parties.","AnswerText":"I received seven requests from SNP members and two from members of opposition parties.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T13:54:24.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290586,"EventID":"S4W-18859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T13:54:24.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-11T17:57:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many meetings regarding rail services the Minster for Transport and Veterans has agreed to with MSPs in the year to date, broken down by members of the (a) SNP and (b) opposition parties.\r\n","AnswerText":"I held four meetings with members of the SNP arising from the seven requests received, with a further meeting scheduled to take place this month.\r\nOf the two meetings requested by opposition members, one of the requests has been agreed to, pending the outcome of a meeting with my officials in the first instance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T13:54:24.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290587,"EventID":"S4W-18871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T13:54:24.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T11:42:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with (a) National Museums Scotland, (b) National Museums Scotland Enterprises Ltd and (c) the National Galleries of Scotland regarding pay policy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government routinely discusses with both the National Museums of Scotland and the National Galleries of Scotland pay policy and current pay remit proposals in accordance with government pay remit approval processes.\r\nThe Scottish Government has not held direct discussions with National Museums Scotland Enterprises Ltd.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T13:54:24.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290588,"EventID":"S4W-18872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T13:54:25.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T11:42:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the staff of National Museums Scotland Enterprises Ltd are not covered by the Scottish Government public sector pay policy.","AnswerText":"National Museums Scotland Enterprises Ltd. (NMSE) was established as a commercial company to generate income in support of the public services provided and funded by National Museums Scotland. NMSE receives no public subsidy, being run as a wholly commercial enterprise operating in a competitive commercial marketplace. Since its establishment in 1998, NMSE staff have historically, not been subject to public sector pay policy. The Scottish Government will review this position with the National Museums.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T13:54:25.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290589,"EventID":"S4W-18873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T13:54:25.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T11:42:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on staff of the National Galleries of Scotland being asked to give up weekend working allowances.","AnswerText":"Negotiations with the three recognised Trade Unions over the 2012-13 pay offer have not yet concluded. I understand that the National Galleries of Scotland has advised staff that it expects to make a final offer in early January and no longer intends to include any changes to staff terms and conditions of employment, including the weekend working allowance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T13:54:25.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290590,"EventID":"S4W-18874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T13:54:25.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T11:42:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether pay negotiations for 2012-13 in respect of the staff of (a) the National Galleries of Scotland, (b) National Museums Scotland and (c) National Museums Scotland Enterprises Ltd have been concluded.","AnswerText":"Negotiations with the recognised trade unions over the National Museums of Scotland’s (NGS) 2012-13 pay offer were concluded in January 2013.\r\nPay for National Museums Scotland Enterprises Ltd was established in 1998 and has not been subject to government pay policy or approval during the period since then. I understand that the 2012-13 pay award has been settled.\r\nNegotiations with the recognised trade unions over the National Galleries of Scotland’s 2012-13 pay offer have not yet concluded. NGS expects to make a final offer in early January 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T13:54:25.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290604,"EventID":"S4W-18860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T16:38:31.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T10:11:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what actions (a) it is and (b) NHS boards are taking to ensure that junior doctors' hours comply with the European working time directive.","AnswerText":"Our dedicated medical workforce adviser works with NHS boards to ensure that rotas comply with the required legal and contractual guidelines. No junior doctor rotas in NHS Scotland can be implemented without the approval of this adviser.\r\nNHS boards undertake twice yearly monitoring of Junior Doctors rotas to ensure they continue to comply with the working time directive. In this exercise, junior doctors self-monitor by recording the hours they work over a minimum period of two weeks. This information is then analysed by NHS boards and the results reported to the Scottish Government’s medical workforce adviser, as well as to junior doctors.\r\nWe also fund software (Doctors rostering system) which ensures NHS boards have the relevant tools to design legal compliant rotas.\r\nWe continue to work with NHS boards and professional bodies to review best practice and how this can be used to improve the working lives of junior doctors, and we meet on a regular basis with the British Medical Association to provide reports on compliance with contracts and the working time regulations.\r\nWe have been investing in medical staff and since September 2006 there has been an increase in the number of doctors working in hospitals in NHS Scotland. Junior doctor numbers have risen from 5,336.1 to 5,796.7, an 8.6% increase, Consultant numbers have risen from 3,636.5 to 4,665.8, a 28.3% increase and specialty doctor numbers have risen from 810.3 to 1,042.9, a 28.7% increase.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T16:38:32.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290605,"EventID":"S4W-18861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T16:38:32.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T10:11:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the NHS (a) monitors and (b) records the hours worked by junior doctors.","AnswerText":"Under the New Deal Contract, NHS boards are required to monitor the hours of work for junior doctors twice per year.\r\nIn this exercise, junior doctors self-monitor by recording the hours they work over a minimum period of two weeks. This information is then analysed by NHS boards and the results reported to the Scottish Government’s medical workforce adviser, as well as to junior doctors involved. \r\nJunior doctors can, at any time, request to be monitored and NHS boards must comply with this request. They can also request that the monitoring itself is independently verified by the medical workforce adviser.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T16:38:32.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290606,"EventID":"S4W-18862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T16:38:32.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T10:11:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what average hours have been worked by junior doctors in each NHS board area in each of the last six years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 1 August 2009 all junior doctor rotas in NHS Scotland have been designed to meet the requirements of the working time regulations, which limits working hours to 48 hours per week on average over a 26 week reference period. \r\nBefore this, the new deal contract, limited hours to up to 56 per week which was averaged over the course of the agreed rota.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T16:38:32.807","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290607,"EventID":"S4W-18863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T16:38:33.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T10:11:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken in response to the issues highlighted in the General Medical Council's 2013 National Training Survey.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government welcomes the publication of this important national survey as understanding the views of trainees and trainers is essential to monitoring and improving the quality of postgraduate medical education and training.\r\nNHS Education for Scotland (NES) is tasked with quality management of postgraduate medical education and training in Scotland.\r\nFeedback from the National Training Survey (NTS) is triangulated against the NES Scottish Trainee Survey and other data sources and then compared with previous years’ responses. This analysis generates an action plan that is based on either the strength of available evidence about an issue, or the need for further evidence. The action plan comprises either a) visits by training leads from NES that typically focus on specific cohorts of trainees, in particular specialties and in particular locations or b) specific requests for clarification directed typically to the Directors of Medical Education employed in NHSS health boards.\r\nWhen the issues that have been flagged via the NTS are verified, a specific action plan detailing areas for improvement is shared with the health board (or GP practice) with a timeline for implementation and instructions for evidencing improvement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T16:38:33.103","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290608,"EventID":"S4W-18864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T16:38:33.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T10:11:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action (a) it is and (b) NHS boards are taking to stop the practice of junior doctors working seven consecutive night shifts.","AnswerText":"Since 2009 the Scottish Government has been advising NHS boards to eliminate the practice of junior doctors working seven nights in a row. Over 97% of rotas in Scotland have now eliminated this practice, with the remainder under review to identify alternative patterns.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T16:38:33.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290609,"EventID":"S4W-18867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T16:38:33.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T10:11:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action (a) it is and (b) NHS boards are taking to improve the wellbeing of junior doctors.","AnswerText":"The working hours of junior doctors are set and controlled by the new deal contract and the working time regulations, both of which set  limits of the number of hours a doctor can work, and ensure that minimum periods of rest and time off are adhered too.\r\nThe Scottish Government has a dedicated medical workforce adviser who works with NHS boards, the British Medical Association (BMA) and junior doctors to ensure working hours limits are enforced and regularly monitored.\r\nWe also meet regularly with the BMA to discuss junior doctor working conditions and address any concerns they have.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T16:38:33.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290610,"EventID":"S4W-18869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T16:38:33.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T10:11:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action (a) it is and (b) NHS boards are taking to recruit more junior doctors.","AnswerText":"NHS boards and NHS Education for Scotland are responsible for recruiting to junior doctor posts, most through national recruitment programmes.\r\nIn response to concerns about Scotland's attractiveness as a place to train and work in medicine, the Strategy for Attracting and Retaining Trainees (START) was launched in April 2013 by NHS Education for Scotland. The overall aim of START is to increase fill rates for junior doctor posts and reduce gaps in training programmes.\r\nThe initiative has a number of recruitment goals including increasing fill rates by 5% by 2016 in hard to fill programmes in emergency medicine, general practice and psychiatry.\r\nWe have been investing in medical staff and since September 2006 there has been an increase in the number of doctors working in hospitals in NHS Scotland. Junior doctors numbers have risen from 5,336.1 to 5,796.7, an 8.6% increase, Consultant numbers have risen from 3,636.5 to 4,665.8, a 28.3% increase and specialty doctor numbers have risen from 810.3 to 1,042.9, a 28.7% increase.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T16:38:33.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290611,"EventID":"S4W-18870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T16:38:34.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T10:11:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many NHS facilities provide onsite rest facilities for on-call staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are 50 facilities with onsite rest facilities for on-call staff.\r\nIn some facilities, if required, additional or adhoc rest rooms are also available for residential on-call staff.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T16:38:34.18","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290612,"EventID":"S4W-18875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T16:38:34.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T12:25:40.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) breakfast and (b) after-school clubs have been organised by schools in each year since 2007, also broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of schools providing breakfast clubs was collected as part of the annual school meals survey until 2010. This information is published on the Scottish Government website in table 23 of the annual School Meals in Scotland publication. Please see following links to the relevant tables:\r\n2007 data on breakfast clubs: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/06/04134749/26\r\n2008 data on breakfast clubs:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/06/11134850/30\r\n2009 data on breakfast clubs:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/06/22104701/30\r\n2010 data on breakfast clubs:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/07/06095048/30\r\nAs a result of a consultation in September 2010, on school education statistics collections and publications, information on breakfast clubs is no longer collected. Information on after-school clubs is not available centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T16:38:34.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290613,"EventID":"S4W-18877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T16:38:34.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T12:25:40.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) classroom assistants and (b) additional support for learning staff there have been in schools in each year since 2007, also broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number employed by each local authority is a decision for that authority alone. The information you requested on classroom assistants and additional support for learning staff is, however, provided in the following tables:\r\n\r\nNumber of classroom assistants (Full time equivalent) by local authority, 2007-2013\r\n\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\n2013\r\nAberdeen City\r\n176\r\n189\r\n207\r\n224\r\n186\r\n199\r\n219\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n190\r\n174\r\n178\r\n177\r\n178\r\n190\r\n73\r\nAngus\r\n133\r\n136\r\n121\r\n128\r\n115\r\n122\r\n126\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n115\r\n95\r\n93\r\n94\r\n81\r\n99\r\n75\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n63\r\n62\r\n55\r\n55\r\n54\r\n78\r\n85\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n143\r\n128\r\n133\r\n95\r\n76\r\n77\r\n75\r\nDundee City\r\n102\r\n99\r\n71\r\n89\r\n66\r\n57\r\n68\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n288\r\n219\r\n190\r\n215\r\n208\r\n224\r\n209\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n209\r\n155\r\n148\r\n131\r\n104\r\n103\r\n100\r\nEast Lothian\r\n50\r\n47\r\n45\r\n47\r\n49\r\n48\r\n50\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n70\r\n86\r\n79\r\n86\r\n141\r\n106\r\n103\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n434\r\n436\r\n396\r\n440\r\n475\r\n495\r\n552\r\nEilean Siar\r\n32\r\n31\r\n30\r\n23\r\n24\r\n22\r\n19\r\nFalkirk\r\n334\r\n392\r\n371\r\n309\r\n340\r\n338\r\n339\r\nFife\r\n215\r\n222\r\n181\r\n200\r\n196\r\n179\r\n156\r\nGlasgow City\r\n718\r\n735\r\n694\r\n648\r\n828\r\n1086\r\n1077\r\nHighland\r\n136\r\n159\r\n143\r\n175\r\n131\r\n0\r\n0\r\nInverclyde\r\n106\r\n95\r\n77\r\n88\r\n89\r\n89\r\n85\r\nMidlothian\r\n180\r\n103\r\n116\r\n121\r\n111\r\n109\r\n120\r\nMoray\r\n138\r\n112\r\n109\r\n103\r\n69\r\n118\r\n70\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n300\r\n329\r\n338\r\n313\r\n291\r\n299\r\n300\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n400\r\n393\r\n388\r\n367\r\n379\r\n373\r\n371\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n32\r\n32\r\n37\r\n19\r\n18\r\n18\r\n19\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n69\r\n65\r\n83\r\n81\r\n79\r\n80\r\n81\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n258\r\n228\r\n244\r\n191\r\n115\r\n140\r\n109\r\nScottish Borders\r\n44\r\n45\r\n49\r\n49\r\n76\r\n50\r\n54\r\nShetland Islands\r\n18\r\n17\r\n19\r\n18\r\n18\r\n17\r\n18\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n136\r\n130\r\n110\r\n122\r\n110\r\n112\r\n202\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n176\r\n232\r\n212\r\n227\r\n325\r\n165\r\n230\r\nStirling\r\n80\r\n83\r\n107\r\n123\r\n173\r\n256\r\n119\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n234\r\n216\r\n227\r\n184\r\n219\r\n154\r\n120\r\nWest Lothian\r\n164\r\n242\r\n281\r\n288\r\n299\r\n263\r\n281\r\nAll local authorities\r\n5743\r\n5687\r\n5532\r\n5430\r\n5623\r\n5666\r\n5505\r\n\r\nNumber of additional support needs auxiliary or care assistants (Full time equivalent) by local authority, 2007-2013\r\n\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\n2013\r\nAberdeen City\r\n331\r\n361\r\n278\r\n273\r\n215\r\n211\r\n207\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n528\r\n572\r\n540\r\n565\r\n524\r\n513\r\n673\r\nAngus\r\n87\r\n91\r\n107\r\n108\r\n104\r\n110\r\n111\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n80\r\n81\r\n136\r\n140\r\n173\r\n218\r\n162\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n124\r\n89\r\n74\r\n84\r\n83\r\n49\r\n62\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n174\r\n202\r\n155\r\n178\r\n205\r\n216\r\n229\r\nDundee City\r\n93\r\n122\r\n161\r\n139\r\n229\r\n162\r\n355\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n6\r\n8\r\n59\r\n28\r\n38\r\n13\r\n37\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n225\r\n202\r\n195\r\n195\r\n191\r\n207\r\n202\r\nEast Lothian\r\n76\r\n70\r\n82\r\n94\r\n119\r\n134\r\n133\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n157\r\n112\r\n128\r\n114\r\n60\r\n153\r\n112\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n262\r\n156\r\n195\r\n194\r\n161\r\n116\r\n122\r\nEilean Siar\r\n73\r\n75\r\n77\r\n64\r\n70\r\n66\r\n75\r\nFalkirk\r\n116\r\n102\r\n104\r\n147\r\n103\r\n111\r\n95\r\nFife\r\n505\r\n522\r\n491\r\n565\r\n595\r\n585\r\n627\r\nGlasgow City\r\n612\r\n655\r\n578\r\n488\r\n291\r\n599\r\n120\r\nHighland\r\n378\r\n370\r\n460\r\n541\r\n509\r\n638\r\n669\r\nInverclyde\r\n164\r\n155\r\n154\r\n135\r\n140\r\n141\r\n136\r\nMidlothian\r\n20\r\n63\r\n65\r\n65\r\n86\r\n96\r\n63\r\nMoray\r\n199\r\n210\r\n196\r\n171\r\n223\r\n305\r\n461\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n26\r\n21\r\n5\r\n10\r\n1\r\n3\r\n0\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n543\r\n514\r\n525\r\n498\r\n495\r\n468\r\n485\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n11\r\n5\r\n2\r\n42\r\n42\r\n46\r\n56\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n185\r\n178\r\n243\r\n198\r\n218\r\n219\r\n257\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n159\r\n164\r\n113\r\n144\r\n178\r\n139\r\n197\r\nScottish Borders\r\n149\r\n150\r\n167\r\n157\r\n146\r\n162\r\n152\r\nShetland Islands\r\n86\r\n87\r\n82\r\n92\r\n96\r\n100\r\n84\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n120\r\n125\r\n114\r\n120\r\n130\r\n121\r\n66\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n267\r\n242\r\n246\r\n241\r\n212\r\n340\r\n298\r\nStirling\r\n64\r\n113\r\n89\r\n75\r\n157\r\n59\r\n68\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n44\r\n59\r\n39\r\n71\r\n42\r\n122\r\n121\r\nWest Lothian\r\n163\r\n171\r\n128\r\n80\r\n27\r\n72\r\n88\r\nAll local authorities\r\n6024\r\n6047\r\n5991\r\n6016\r\n5863\r\n6494\r\n6522\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T16:38:34.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290614,"EventID":"S4W-18879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T16:38:35.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T12:25:40.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) librarians and (b) science technicians there have been in schools in each year since 2007, also broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number employed by each local authority is a decision for that authority alone. The information you requested on librarians and science technicians is, however provided in the following tables:\r\nNumber of library staff (Full time equivalent) by local authority, 2007-2013:\r\n\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\n2013\r\nAberdeen City\r\n14\r\n14\r\n14\r\n14\r\n13\r\n11\r\n13\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n18\r\n19\r\n24\r\n22\r\n23\r\n24\r\n24\r\nAngus\r\n12\r\n13\r\n12\r\n12\r\n12\r\n12\r\n11\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n8\r\n9\r\n10\r\n9\r\n9\r\n10\r\n10\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n3\r\n4\r\n3\r\n3\r\n2\r\n3\r\n2\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n11\r\n8\r\n11\r\n11\r\n11\r\n9\r\n10\r\nDundee City\r\n11\r\n10\r\n11\r\n9\r\n45\r\n9\r\n9\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n8\r\n6\r\n8\r\n7\r\n6\r\n8\r\n9\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n8\r\n8\r\n8\r\n8\r\n8\r\n8\r\n8\r\nEast Lothian\r\n6\r\n6\r\n6\r\n6\r\n7\r\n6\r\n5\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n6\r\n7\r\n5\r\n7\r\n6\r\n7\r\n6\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n24\r\n19\r\n23\r\n22\r\n23\r\n20\r\n22\r\nEilean Siar\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n3\r\n1\r\n1\r\nFalkirk\r\n9\r\n9\r\n9\r\n10\r\n9\r\n9\r\n8\r\nFife\r\n22\r\n20\r\n20\r\n22\r\n20\r\n17\r\n17\r\nGlasgow City\r\n28\r\n28\r\n26\r\n16\r\n4\r\n5\r\n1\r\nHighland\r\n17\r\n19\r\n21\r\n22\r\n20\r\n12\r\n0\r\nInverclyde\r\n8\r\n6\r\n7\r\n6\r\n5\r\n5\r\n5\r\nMidlothian\r\n6\r\n5\r\n5\r\n6\r\n5\r\n6\r\n4\r\nMoray\r\n9\r\n9\r\n8\r\n9\r\n9\r\n8\r\n8\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n9\r\n10\r\n9\r\n9\r\n9\r\n8\r\n9\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n25\r\n21\r\n22\r\n23\r\n19\r\n19\r\n17\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n18\r\n19\r\n18\r\n13\r\n11\r\n12\r\n11\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n11\r\n10\r\n10\r\n10\r\n8\r\n8\r\n6\r\nScottish Borders\r\n7\r\n8\r\n8\r\n8\r\n7\r\n7\r\n8\r\nShetland Islands\r\n9\r\n8\r\n7\r\n8\r\n8\r\n6\r\n6\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n7\r\n7\r\n7\r\n8\r\n7\r\n7\r\n8\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n16\r\n16\r\n8\r\n16\r\n9\r\n8\r\n7\r\nStirling\r\n5\r\n6\r\n5\r\n6\r\n5\r\n5\r\n5\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n6\r\n6\r\n6\r\n5\r\n5\r\n5\r\n5\r\nWest Lothian\r\n12\r\n13\r\n13\r\n12\r\n11\r\n11\r\n11\r\nAll local authorities\r\n355\r\n346\r\n347\r\n342\r\n341\r\n288\r\n268\r\n\r\n\r\nNumber of Technicians (Full time equivalent) by local authority, 2007-2013:\r\n\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\n2013\r\nAberdeen City\r\n63\r\n79\r\n78\r\n68\r\n63\r\n63\r\n59\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n116\r\n115\r\n86\r\n93\r\n93\r\n89\r\n75\r\nAngus\r\n27\r\n25\r\n23\r\n22\r\n23\r\n22\r\n21\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n23\r\n21\r\n29\r\n30\r\n27\r\n29\r\n29\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n9\r\n11\r\n9\r\n8\r\n10\r\n10\r\n8\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n50\r\n51\r\n47\r\n46\r\n47\r\n46\r\n45\r\nDundee City\r\n22\r\n24\r\n23\r\n22\r\n57\r\n20\r\n18\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n32\r\n30\r\n34\r\n27\r\n27\r\n27\r\n26\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n39\r\n46\r\n40\r\n39\r\n38\r\n37\r\n38\r\nEast Lothian\r\n17\r\n17\r\n17\r\n15\r\n16\r\n14\r\n14\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n27\r\n28\r\n33\r\n32\r\n28\r\n29\r\n31\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n48\r\n42\r\n58\r\n52\r\n55\r\n49\r\n56\r\nEilean Siar\r\n8\r\n10\r\n10\r\n10\r\n8\r\n8\r\n8\r\nFalkirk\r\n31\r\n31\r\n30\r\n30\r\n33\r\n30\r\n30\r\nFife\r\n89\r\n89\r\n87\r\n81\r\n64\r\n68\r\n66\r\nGlasgow City\r\n111\r\n118\r\n117\r\n100\r\n79\r\n93\r\n101\r\nHighland\r\n39\r\n45\r\n54\r\n48\r\n36\r\n40\r\n39\r\nInverclyde\r\n25\r\n24\r\n20\r\n23\r\n17\r\n16\r\n13\r\nMidlothian\r\n12\r\n11\r\n9\r\n13\r\n12\r\n12\r\n13\r\nMoray\r\n37\r\n38\r\n29\r\n32\r\n36\r\n35\r\n35\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n38\r\n38\r\n39\r\n39\r\n37\r\n33\r\n35\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n101\r\n98\r\n98\r\n101\r\n98\r\n100\r\n84\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n6\r\n7\r\n8\r\n7\r\n7\r\n7\r\n7\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n26\r\n26\r\n27\r\n30\r\n29\r\n31\r\n28\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n31\r\n26\r\n32\r\n26\r\n25\r\n25\r\n28\r\nScottish Borders\r\n26\r\n24\r\n25\r\n24\r\n22\r\n22\r\n22\r\nShetland Islands\r\n3\r\n3\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n31\r\n29\r\n28\r\n35\r\n34\r\n34\r\n31\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n92\r\n74\r\n66\r\n76\r\n65\r\n70\r\n64\r\nStirling\r\n18\r\n20\r\n23\r\n23\r\n22\r\n21\r\n21\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n32\r\n30\r\n27\r\n25\r\n12\r\n3\r\n0\r\nWest Lothian\r\n37\r\n41\r\n34\r\n37\r\n35\r\n38\r\n44\r\nAll local authorities\r\n1265\r\n1271\r\n1241\r\n1215\r\n1156\r\n1122\r\n1089\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T16:38:35.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290615,"EventID":"S4W-18881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T16:38:35.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T13:41:41.203","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Counsellors and Psychotherapists (Regulation) Bill introduced in the UK Parliament will apply to Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Counsellors and Psychotherapists (Regulation) Bill is a Private Members Bill proposed by Geraint Davies MP. Though the regulation of new groups is devolved, ministers of all four countries have committed to maintaining a consistent approach for healthcare professionals working across national boundaries. This Bill was introduced without the support of the UK Government and no Legislative Consent Motion has been passed by the Scottish Parliament. This legislation would therefore not apply to Scotland in the event it is passed into law by the Westminster Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T16:38:35.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290616,"EventID":"S4W-18886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-12T16:38:35.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T13:41:41.203","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it supports the objectives of the Counsellors and Psychotherapists (Regulation) Bill introduced in the UK Parliament.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government works closely with the Department of Health, other devolved administrations and the regulators in the interests of patient safety. We believe that full statutory regulation should not be the default approach and support the Accredited Voluntary Registration scheme of the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care as a proportionate, risk-based, alternative for new groups.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-09T16:38:35.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290621,"EventID":"S4W-18882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-13T13:49:07.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T13:47:22.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports the use of the Makaton communication system by (a) teachers, (b) early years practitioners and (c) health professionals.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Additional Support for Learning Act provides the framework for the provision of support to children and young people with additional support needs, including those arising from communication difficulties. \r\nMakaton is one of a range of communication tools used to help children and young people with communication difficulties. The choice of communication system by speech and language therapists will be dependent upon clinical reasoning and professional judgement. When it is appropriate to use Makaton speech and language therapists who are Makaton trainers will train parents, education, social care and health professionals in the use of Makaton and update on a regular basis.\r\nThe Scottish Government also provides financial support to CALL Scotland to provide an expert, national, information and advice service to all those involved in meeting the assistive technology support needs of pupils with additional support needs, including those arising from communication difficulties.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-10T13:49:07.807","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290622,"EventID":"S4W-18883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-13T13:49:08.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T13:47:22.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has issued to local authorities regarding the use of the Makaton communication system by (a) teachers and (b) early years practitioners\r\n","AnswerText":"Education authorities and other agencies have duties under the Additional Support for Learning Act to identify and provide for the additional support needs of their pupils. This includes meeting needs arising from communication difficulties. The Scottish Government has published the code of practice to support practitioners in the fulfilment of these duties.\r\nThe use of Makaton is a matter for those working with children and young people and is informed by the individual needs of the child or young person, therefore no guidance has been issued to local authorities on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-10T13:49:08.29","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290623,"EventID":"S4W-18885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-13T13:49:08.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T13:47:22.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has issued to NHS boards regarding the use of the Makaton communication system by health professionals.\r\n","AnswerText":"Makaton is one of a range of communication tools used to help children with communication difficulties. No formal guidance on the use of the Makaton communication system has been issued by Scottish Government to NHS boards, however in 2012 we published ‘A Right to Speak: Supporting Individuals who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication’. This document set out our vision for a Scotland where people who use augmentative and alternative communication are fully included in our society.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-10T13:49:08.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290624,"EventID":"S4W-18909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-13T13:49:08.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T18:59:04.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which local authorities in the Forth Valley region participate in the Seafood in Schools initiative.\r\n","AnswerText":"The highly successful Seafood in Schools initiative is teaching young people across Scotland about Scottish Seafood, where it comes from, how it reaches our plates, and why eating seafood is good for us.\r\nThe project aims to cover all education authorities across Scotland by the end of the current funded period in March 2015.\r\nThe project is yet to engage with schools in the Forth Valley region, however, schools from that area are welcome to apply. Schools can sign up at:\r\nwww.seafoodinschools.org/contact-us. Seafood in Schools coordinators will also be making direct approaches over the coming months to encourage schools to participate in areas where there is yet to be engagement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-10T13:49:08.853","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290625,"EventID":"S4W-18910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-13T13:49:09.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-13T09:54:13.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it is having with (a) Creative Scotland and (b) film producers regarding the (i) appointment process for and (ii) job description of the agency’s new Director of Film and Media.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an internal operational matter for Creative Scotland and thus there have been no discussions.\r\nThe Scottish Government remains in regular contact with Creative Scotland and a range of stakeholders on wider film policy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-10T13:49:09.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290626,"EventID":"S4W-18912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-13T13:49:09.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-13T10:31:53.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how (a) it and (b) the Scottish Prison Service monitors the performance of the organisations that operate prisoner escort services in the Highlands and Islands.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“The Scottish Prison Service (SPS), on behalf of the Scottish Ministers, is responsible for the management of the contract in place for the provision of Court Custody and Prisoner Escort Services in Scotland (CCPES), including in the Highlands and Islands. These services are provided by G4S Care and Justice Services.\r\nThe SPS has a contract management unit and an escort monitor team to oversee and monitor the performance of the services specified in the CCPES contract, which is published on the SPS website at:\r\nhttp://www.sps.gov.uk/Publications/Publication-3104.aspx.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-10T13:49:09.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290630,"EventID":"S4W-18913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-13T15:37:03.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-13T13:04:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many consultants specialise in treating adults who have epispadius, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information requested on how many consultants specialising in treating adults who have epispadias by each NHS board is not held centrally.\r\nTable (a) shows the headcount of consultant urologists from at September 2013. The available data does not indicate whether consultants specialise in treating adults with epispadias. \r\nTable (a)\r\nConsultant urologists (headcount\r\n2013\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n3\r\nNHS Borders\r\n-\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n1\r\nNHS Fife\r\n5\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n5\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n6\r\nNHS Greater Glasgowand & Clyde\r\n20\r\nNHS Highland\r\n3\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n8\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n9\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n-\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n-\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n5\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n-\r\nNHS Scotland\r\n65\r\nSource ISD\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-10T15:37:03.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290631,"EventID":"S4W-18914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-13T15:37:03.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-13T13:04:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many adults have epispadius, and what (a) specialist and (b) support services are available to them, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is not possible to determine the total number of adults with epispadias in Scotland from centrally held statistics.\r\nThere were 11 adults admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of epispadias in NHS Scotland in the five years from 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2013. Figures cannot be provided by NHS board due to the small number of patients involved.\r\nThe condition is managed as part of the UK Bladder Exstrophy service. Locally identified cases are sent to a designated receiving centre in England, for surgery: these are in Manchester or Great Ormond Street London. This is a shared care model, with on-going support services for people with this condition a local issue in each case.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-10T15:37:03.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290632,"EventID":"S4W-18917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-13T15:37:04.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-13T13:04:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average waiting time for treatment is for adults with epispadius, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally. Adult patient with epispadius are likely to require inpatient and day case treatment would be covered by the 12 weeks legal treatment time guarantee set out in The Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011.\r\nLatest information from the local statistical returns showed that during the quarter end 30 September 2012, 98.3% of patients were treated within the 12 weeks legal treatment time guarantee.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-10T15:37:04.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290633,"EventID":"S4W-18918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-13T15:37:04.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-13T13:29:02.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many incidents of pyrotechnics being illegally used in football grounds were reported in (a) 2003, (b) 2004, (c) 2005, (d) 2006, (e) 2007, (f) 2008, (g) 2009, (h) 2010, (i) 2011 and (j) 2012 and have been reported in 2013.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information centrally.\r\nWe are aware however of the increasing concerns over the illegal use of pyrotechnic devices at football grounds. The Scottish Government are continuing to work with Police Scotland, the Crown Office and other stakeholders on the best way to highlight the potential dangers of the misuse of such devices.\r\nI have asked Police Scotland to contact the member directly to ascertain whether they hold the information requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-10T15:37:04.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290634,"EventID":"S4W-18919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-13T15:37:04.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-13T13:29:02.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) the Scottish Football Association and (b) Police Scotland regarding recent reports of vandalism at football grounds.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials have regular discussions with the football authorities and the police about a range of issues relating to football and will attend the next meetings of the SFA’s Unacceptable Behaviour Group and Police Scotland’s Football Working Group in January 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-10T15:37:04.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290635,"EventID":"S4W-18920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-13T15:37:04.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-13T13:29:02.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), (b) Transport Scotland and (c) other agencies regarding the (i) roll-out and (ii) further usage of the SPT smartcard.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) smart card is part of SPT's overall project to modernise the Glasgow Subway, for which the Scottish Government is providing up to £246 million in capital funding. Transport Scotland has had discussions with SPT over a number of years on the scope and progress of the project, including the new smart card based ticketing system. The SPT Subway smart card, or ‘bramble card’, is also one of the projects within Transport Scotland's overall Smart and Integrated Ticketing Programme. SPT is represented on the programme board which receives periodic updates on progress. The details of implementation, and any further use of the bramble card beyond subway, are matters for SPT, subject to any essential inter-operability requirements, for example with the National Entitlement Card.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-10T15:37:04.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290640,"EventID":"S4W-18887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T14:02:04.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T15:48:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has encouraged NHS boards to make ex-gratia payments for lesser injuries to resolve disputes at an early stage, as recommended in the Report of the Expert Group on Financial and Other Support.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18890 on 8 January 2014. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T14:02:04.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290641,"EventID":"S4W-18888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T14:02:05.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T15:48:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to encourage the exchange of factual evidence prior to legal proceedings in the pursuit of claims, as recommended in the Report of the Expert Group on Financial and Other Support.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18890 on 8 January 2014. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T14:02:05.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290642,"EventID":"S4W-18889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T14:02:05.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T15:48:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many structured settlements the Central Legal Office has made in each year since 2002.","AnswerText":"The number of clinical negligence cases that have settled by either a Structured Settlement or Periodical Payment Order since 2002 is as follows:\r\nYear\r\nStructured Settlement\r\nPeriodical Payment Order\r\n2002\r\n-\r\n-\r\n2003\r\n1\r\n\r\n2004\r\n-\r\n-\r\n2005\r\n-\r\n-\r\n2006\r\n-\r\n-\r\n2007\r\n-\r\n-\r\n2008\r\n-\r\n-\r\n2009\r\n-\r\n-\r\n2010\r\n-\r\n-\r\n2011\r\n-\r\n3\r\n2012\r\n-\r\n2\r\n2013\r\n-\r\n-\r\nSource: NHS National Services Scotland Central Legal Office\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T14:02:05.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290643,"EventID":"S4W-18890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T14:02:05.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T15:48:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will follow up A Study of Medical Negligence Claiming in Scotland with regard to deliberations on the introduction of no-fault compensation.","AnswerText":"The No-fault Compensation Review Group, chaired by Professor Sheila McLean, Glasgow University, was established in 2009 to consider the potential benefits for patients in Scotland of a no-fault compensation scheme. The group’s report:\r\n(http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/Policy/No-Fault-Compensation/ReviewGroupVol1), which published in February 2011, set out its views on the essential criteria for a compensation scheme and recommended that consideration should be given to the establishment in Scotland of a no-fault scheme for clinical injury, along the lines of the system in operation in Sweden. The group’s recommendations go much wider than covering NHSScotland healthcare treatment alone, suggesting that were such a scheme developed, it should cover all clinical treatment injuries that occur in Scotland. The report also explored how a no-fault system might contribute to wider issues and this included how it might link with the complaints process. The report also suggested improvements to the current legal system for handling clinical negligence claims and where appropriate, these are being considered and taken forward as part of the Scottish Government’s Courts Reform Bill.\r\nA Study of Medical Negligence Claiming in Scotland was published in June 2012 (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/06/234). This was undertaken by the researchers from Manchester University who supported the No-fault Compensation Review Group.\r\nA public consultation on the No-fault Compensation Review Group’s recommendations: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/08/4456\r\nwas undertaken by the Scottish Government between August and December 2012 in order to seek wider views, help in our understanding of the practical implications and assist in consideration of the scope and possible options for taking this forward. The responses to the consultation are available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/02/4882.\r\nI hope it will be possible to make an announcement shortly on the government’s proposed way forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T14:02:06.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290644,"EventID":"S4W-18891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T14:02:06.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T15:48:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to reduce the complexity of the complaints system in the NHS, in light of the findings in A Study of Medical Negligence Claiming in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The NHS Complaints procedure was reviewed as part of the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011, which introduced a right to give feedback, comments, raise concerns and make complaints. A revised good practice guidance for handling and learning from feedback, comments, concerns and complaints about NHS health care services was provided in March 2012 and is available at:\r\nhttp://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_08.pdf.\r\nI also refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18890 on 8 January 2014. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T14:02:06.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290645,"EventID":"S4W-18892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T14:02:06.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T15:48:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many ex-gratia payments NHS trusts and boards have made in each year since 2002-03 in relation to lesser injuries experienced by victims of medical accidents.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T14:02:06.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290646,"EventID":"S4W-18893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T14:02:06.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T15:48:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish its legal advice regarding its powers to (a) award compensation and (b) make ex-gratia or other payments to the recipients of infected blood, as recommended in the Report of the Expert Group on Financial and Other Support.","AnswerText":"It is the long-standing practice, followed by both the Scottish Government and the UK Government that the fact and content of any legal advice is not released outwith Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T14:02:06.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290647,"EventID":"S4W-18894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T14:02:07.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T15:48:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to (a) develop counselling services, (b) develop advice and assistance in securing appropriate assurance and insurance, (d) set up a proactive publicity campaign to find recipients and (d) develop improved access to palliative care and symptom management services for people who acquired hepatitis C as a result of NHS treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"These recommendations stem from the Ross Report of the Expert Group on Financial and Other Support which was published in 2003. The hepatitis C (HCV) landscape in Scotland has evolved significantly since 2003, most notably via the Scottish Government’s Hepatitis C Action Plan, which has been recognised globally as a model of best practice. As a result of the action plan we have significantly increased clinical services for people affected by hepatitis C. We have more than doubled the number of people being treated for the virus every year and we have witnessed a 33% increase in the annual number of new diagnoses between 2006-07 and 2009-10.\r\nThe availability and effectiveness of antiviral therapies for hepatitis C has also evolved, and continues to do so. Most cases of hepatitis C can be effectively treated with current therapies, and the number of people who can clear infection through treatment is likely to continue to increase as new therapies become available over the next few years.\r\nThe Hepatitis C Action Plan recognised the importance of social support. Action 1 in the plan was for NHS boards to established multi-disciplinary Managed Care Networks (MCNs). These MCNs include representatives from social work, the voluntary sector, mental health as well as people living with and affected by hepatitis C. The Scottish Government also continues to provide direct funding to third sector organisations such as Hepatitis Scotland, Waverley Care, the Hepatitis C Trust, Haemophilia Scotland and the Scottish Infected Blood Forum. These organisations provide advice and support to those infected with HCV and raise awareness of the disease.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not recommend particular insurers but can provide lists of insurance companies and brokers that have been found helpful in relation to HCV. Since the publication of the Ross Report, both the Skipton Fund (2004) and Caxton Foundation (2011) have been established to make ex-gratia payments to certain people who were infected with HCV through treatment with NHS blood or blood products. The payments from the Skipton Fund and Caxton Foundation help individuals pay for premiums if they wish. The Scottish Government fully funds all Skipton Fund and Caxton Foundation costs for qualifying persons within Scotland.\r\nIn relation to proactive awareness raising campaigns the Scottish Government funded a national awareness raising campaign in 2008-09. The campaign sought to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of HCV amongst the public and professionals, and to encourage testing.\r\nIn 2009 the Penrose Inquiry team called for patients who contracted HCV through receiving blood products and their family members to contact the Inquiry to provide statements. This call for evidence was widely advertised across Scotland, including within pharmacies and GP surgeries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T14:02:07.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290648,"EventID":"S4W-18895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T14:02:07.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T15:48:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it provided to the Association for the Victims of Medical Accidents in 2012-13 to contribute to the cost of providing a service in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has provided no direct financial assistance to the Association for the Victims of Medical Accidents in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T14:02:07.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290649,"EventID":"S4W-18929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T14:02:07.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-15T10:57:48.083","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the Pensions Infrastructure Platform.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has held a number of discussions with the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF), which is leading on the creation of the Pensions Infrastructure Platform. Most recently the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Economic Growth attended an NAPF conference in November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T14:02:07.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290650,"EventID":"S4W-18930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T14:02:08.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-15T10:57:48.083","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to attract infrastructure investment through the Pensions Infrastructure Platform.","AnswerText":"Once up and running, the Pensions Infrastructure Platform may provide a useful source of finance for infrastructure projects, if the returns being sought by the pension fund investors meet the needs of the project and provide value for money to the taxpayer.\r\nThe Scottish Government is already working closely with institutional investors including insurance companies to bring competitive financing to the £2.58 billion Non-Profit Distributing (NPD) and hub pipeline of infrastructure investments in Scotland. Institutional investors have been the main investor in five of the six projects that have reached financial close, including the two revenue funded projects transacted in December 2013 for City of Edinburgh Council’s James Gillespies High School and NHS Lanarkshire’s three health facilities.\r\nLooking to next financial year, the Scottish Government expects institutional investors to be an important part of its financing plans for NPD and hub when in excess of £1.25 billion of investment will be required. In addition to insurance funds, significant finance for the larger stand-alone NPD projects has been secured from the European Investment Bank and the M8 M73 M74 project will shortly reach financial close with finance from other institutional investors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T14:02:08.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290651,"EventID":"S4W-18931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T14:02:08.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-15T11:08:42.65","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on transferring administration of the (a) Police Scotland and (b) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service pensions from the Local Government Pension Scheme authorities to the Scottish Public Pensions Agency.\r\n","AnswerText":"Good progress is being made; a project team has been established with the Scottish Public Pensions Agency to take this forward and we are confident the appropriate arrangements will be in place in good time for 1 April 2015. Representatives of Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are included in the project board. The project manager is currently conducting a number of local visits to local government pension administrators to ensure their knowledge and experience is also included in the project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T14:02:08.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290652,"EventID":"S4W-18934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T14:02:09.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T13:10:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18318 by Michael Russell on 4 December 2013, whether all secondary pupils who wish to study for a higher that is not available at their school will be given the opportunity to study the course online.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are responsible for the provision of school education within their areas.\r\nAs indicated in the answer to question S4W-18318, SCHOLAR, a programme of Heriot-Watt university, provides interactive online learning resources for SQA courses to Scottish secondary schools. Each of the 32 local authorities have now signed three year contracts with SCHOLAR from August 2013 ensuring that all learners in Scotland’s secondary schools studying towards Scottish higher and advanced qualifications in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects (STEM), business Subjects and languages have access to these study support materials.\r\nThe SCHOLAR materials supplement and complement teaching in the class. They are not a replacement for teaching. The Scottish Government will continue to encourage schools and local authorities to work together, and with colleges, to deliver as wide a range of courses to learners as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T14:02:09.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290653,"EventID":"S4T-00550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T13:01:53.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T11:52:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Judicial Complaints Reviewer’s 2012-13 annual report.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T13:01:53.59","MeetingDate":"2013-12-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290654,"EventID":"S4T-00547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T13:01:52.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T11:10:56.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Police Scotland regarding housebreakers during the festive period.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T13:01:52.123","MeetingDate":"2013-12-17T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290655,"EventID":"S4F-01777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T13:01:18.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T15:09:02.223","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T13:01:18.507","MeetingDate":"2013-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290656,"EventID":"S4F-01778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T13:01:18.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T16:28:11.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T13:01:19.003","MeetingDate":"2013-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290657,"EventID":"S4F-01780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T13:01:19.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T08:48:50.733","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the impact will be on the Scottish Government's energy policy of Scottish Power's decision not to go ahead with its proposed wind turbine development off Tiree.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T13:01:19.287","MeetingDate":"2013-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290658,"EventID":"S4F-01781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T13:01:19.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T09:48:46.49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T13:01:19.583","MeetingDate":"2013-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290659,"EventID":"S4F-01785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T13:01:21.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T10:34:57.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when the Scottish Government will publish the next set of statistics for the Scottish Welfare Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T13:01:21.843","MeetingDate":"2013-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290660,"EventID":"S4F-01794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T13:01:26.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T11:20:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government will commemorate the passing of 25 years since the Lockerbie disaster.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T13:01:26.213","MeetingDate":"2013-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290667,"EventID":"S4W-18896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:03.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T18:24:38.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to develop a shared understanding of the town-centre-first principle across the public sector.","AnswerText":"With COSLA, we are establishing a working group to consider the town centre first principle and how it may be applied in practice. This group will be brought together in early 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:03.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290668,"EventID":"S4W-18897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:04.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T18:24:38.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with COSLA regarding a shared understanding of the town-centre-first principle.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18896 on 9 January 2014. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:04.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290669,"EventID":"S4W-18898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:04.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T18:24:38.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to renew the Town Centre Housing Fund in future budget bills.","AnswerText":"The Town Centre Housing Fund is intended to test the opportunities and barriers to bringing empty town centre properties back into residential use. It is a complement to our Town Centre Action Plan commitments to facilitate and support affordable housing development in town centres by informing Local Housing Strategy guidance and via our Affordable Housing Supply Programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:04.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290670,"EventID":"S4W-18899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:04.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T18:24:38.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what local data on town centres it has supported the (a) collection and (b) collation of, and where this will be published.","AnswerText":"The Town Centre Action Plan includes a commitment to support the collection and collation of town centre data at a local level. Officials have held discussions with stakeholders who are involved in the development of benchmarking systems and methods of data collection, to consider what local information would be useful to capture in support of town centres.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:04.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290671,"EventID":"S4W-18900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:05.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T18:24:38.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making toward piloting town centre investment zones and when the first of these zones are likely to be identified.","AnswerText":"We will introduce powers necessary to enable local authorities to affect localised rates relief schemes under the forthcoming Community Empowerment (Scotland) Bill. In tandem with that process, we will be investigating further opportunities to establish a pilot scheme to test early thinking.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:05.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290672,"EventID":"S4W-18901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:05.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T18:24:38.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent steps it has taken in conjunction with COSLA and its enterprise agencies to ensure that town centre businesses understand the support available through (a) Business Gateway, (b) local authorities and (c) enterprise agencies.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Town Centre Action Plan has been discussed with the Local Economic Development Senior Officers Group, which includes representatives of COSLA, Business Gateway and the enterprise agencies. Support for town centre businesses is on their future agenda.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:05.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290673,"EventID":"S4W-18902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:05.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T18:24:38.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which towns have been identified for demonstration projects through the Town Centre Action Plan.","AnswerText":"We will publish details on our website as projects are confirmed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:05.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290674,"EventID":"S4W-18903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:05.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T18:24:38.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what new guidance it has made available to commercial premises to ensure compliance with energy performance certificate ratings from January 2014.","AnswerText":"The need to provide an energy performance certificate is driven primarily by European legislation. Since its introduction, the energy performance of buildings directive requires building owners to provide energy performance certificates on construction (from May 2007) and on sale or rental of a building (from January 2009).\r\nFrom 9 January 2013, the recast directive introduced the need to include the energy rating of the building within advertisement in commercial media. Scottish Government guidance was updated to reflect these changes, published on the website and notification of the changes issued to stakeholder organisations at that time. There are no proposed changes to energy performance certificates scheduled for January 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:05.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290675,"EventID":"S4W-18904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:06.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T18:24:38.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has included the town-centre-first principle in the NHSScotland Property Transactions Handbook.","AnswerText":"The Property Transactions Handbook was last reviewed and published in 2011. A review of the Handbook has recently been commissioned with a view to updating it in the course of 2014. The handbook deals with the processes and procedures for the acquisition or disposal of property rather than covering the context of broader government policy. It would not therefore be appropriate to include specific reference to the town centre principle within the handbook. Business cases prepared by NHSScotland bodies for new or replacement facilities are however required to demonstrate their strategic fit with Scottish Government policy and therefore, where appropriate, the assessment of business cases will consider the town centre first principle.\r\nThe handbook can be accessed at: http://www.pcpd.scot.nhs.uk/PropTrans/PTHome.htm.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:06.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290676,"EventID":"S4W-18905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:06.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T18:24:38.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contribution East Kilbride makes to the economy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the contribution East Kilbride makes to Scotland’s economy and is committed to working with all partners to help support the development of its economy including through the work of the multi-agency, South Lanarkshire Council led, East Kilbride Task Force. The task force has a clear action plan to encourage economic activity, promote growth and protect and create employment opportunities in the area, thereby ensuring East Kilbride’s continued contribution to the Scottish economy. The Scottish Government is represented on the Task Force through Scottish Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:06.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290677,"EventID":"S4W-18906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:06.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T18:24:38.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions (a) it has and (b) its enterprise agencies have had with Rolls-Royce and South Lanarkshire Council regarding the preparation of a masterplan for the redevelopment of the Rolls-Royce site in East Kilbride.","AnswerText":"Ministers and officials regularly meet local authorities across Scotland to discuss a range of issues, including local economic development, as do our enterprise agencies. While discussions held between the enterprise agencies and stakeholders are operational matters for the agencies involved, Scottish Enterprise, together with South Lanarkshire Council, is engaged in on-going discussions with Rolls Royce and the company’s agents on the future use of the Rolls Royce site in East Kilbride.\r\nRolls Royce is in the process of producing a masterplan for the site and is in discussion with the council about potential future uses. The site is being actively promoted by Scottish Enterprise and South Lanarkshire Council to businesses within East Kilbride seeking to expand, as well as businesses seeking to locate to East Kilbride.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:06.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290678,"EventID":"S4W-18907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:06.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T18:24:38.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions (a) it has and (b) its enterprise agencies have had regarding the development of strategic sites in East Kilbride to attract business investment to the town.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ministers and officials regularly meet local authorities across Scotland to discuss a range of issues, including local economic development, as do our enterprise agencies.\r\nWhile discussions held between the enterprise agencies and stakeholders are operational matters for the agencies involved, Scottish Enterprise is working with South Lanarkshire Council to promote the key strategic industrial sites within East Kilbride. This has included recent discussions with the individual owners of each site, property agents and potential developers, seeking to review and update the marketing, promotion and potential development of the sites to ensure that East Kilbride is being actively promoted as a location for existing Scottish businesses and potential new inward investors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:06.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290679,"EventID":"S4W-18908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:07.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-12T18:24:38.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what scope there is to incorporate (a) labour market intelligence and (b) entrepreneurship into the (i) activities of careers advisers and (ii) development of the curriculum for excellence.","AnswerText":"Skills Development Scotland has the responsibly for providing a high quality careers service to all ages. I have asked their chief executive to forward on to you information about the scope for labour market intelligence and entrepreneurship to be incorporated into the work of their careers advisers.\r\nCurriculum for Excellence provides local authorities and schools with the flexibility to tailor their curricula to suit learners’ needs, aspirations and circumstances. We would expect them to use a variety of sources of information in providing a relevant curriculum, including local and national labour market intelligence, university/college entry requirements and other advice (including options for starting a business and entrepreneurship) provided through the careers service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:07.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290680,"EventID":"S4W-18921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:07.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-13T14:23:34.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the financial crisis referred to by the First Minister on 12 December 2013 (Official Report, c. 25667) was the reason for not fulfilling its 2007 pledge on class sizes in P1 to P3.\r\n","AnswerText":"The financial crisis, and the consequent reduction of more than £3 billion in the Scottish revenue budget have, inevitably, impacted on local authorities’ progress in reducing class sizes, as did unsustainable decisions on teacher numbers by the Scottish Executive between 1999 and 2007.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:07.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290681,"EventID":"S4W-18922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:07.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-13T14:23:34.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it decided that it would not fulfil its 2007 pledge on class sizes in P1 to P3.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government remains committed to making progressive reductions in class sizes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:07.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290682,"EventID":"S4W-18923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:07.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-13T14:23:34.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it was first advised that it would not be able to fulfil by 2011 its 2007 pledge to reduce class sizes in P1 to P3.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government remains committed to making progressive reductions in class sizes, especially in the early years. Steady progress was made between 2007 and 2011 in reducing P1-P3 class sizes. The average P1 to P3 class size fell from 23.6 to 22.4 during the 2007-11 parliamentary session.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:07.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290683,"EventID":"S4W-18924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:08.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-13T14:23:34.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the equivalent figures for 2007 were to those for 2006 provided by the First Minister on 12 December 2013 (Official Report, c. 25668) and what the accounting period was.\r\n","AnswerText":"The relevant information can be viewed at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0043/00439969.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:08.053","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290684,"EventID":"S4W-18925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:08.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-13T14:23:34.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the accounting period was for the 2006 figures provided by the First Minister on 12 December 2013 (Official Report, c. 25668).\r\n","AnswerText":"The annual census of pupils and teachers in publicly funded schools is conducted in September each year. The 2006 figures represent the situation in schools on the day of the census in September 2006. This was the last census before the 2007 Scottish Parliamentary election.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:08.333","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290685,"EventID":"S4W-18926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:08.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-13T14:23:34.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what policy decisions it made in or after May 2007 that influenced (a) the number of teachers and (b) class sizes in 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities will have made decisions about staffing levels in their schools for school session 2007-08 before and immediately after the summer holidays. Those decisions will have been made taking account of relevant local and national policies including both the Government’s clearly stated P1-P3 class size reduction policy and the forthcoming concordat which included a commitment by the Scottish Government and local government to ‘each do what is required to, as quickly as possible, reduce class sizes in P1-P3 to a maximum of 18’.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:08.6","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290686,"EventID":"S4W-18927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:08.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-13T14:23:34.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the First Minister's assertion on 12 December 2013 that teacher training numbers were increased by 300 (Official Report, c.25668), whether there were subsequent reductions in teacher training numbers and, if so, what the reductions were; on what dates the decisions were taken; for which academic years, and which minister made the decision.\r\n","AnswerText":"Target intakes to initial teacher education courses are set each year, on the basis of guidance from the Scottish Government, by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). That guidance, which is based on advice from the Teacher Workforce Planning Advisory Group, is agreed by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning.\r\nThe increase of 300 in 2007 was set out in circular SFC/44/2007, and subsequent target intakes are set out in circulars SFC/08/2008, SFC/08/2009, SFC/18/2009, SFC/05/2010, SFC/01/2011, SFC/03/2012 and SFC/02/2013 all of which can be viewed at: http://www.sfc.ac.uk/newsinformation/Circulars/circulars_page.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:08.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290687,"EventID":"S4W-18928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:09.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-13T14:23:34.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, following the meeting with Deans of Faculties of Education on 2 July 2013, which ministers were notified that the scale of the commitment to reduce P1 to P3 class sizes to 18 and provide pre-school children with access to a teacher “does not allow it to be delivered in the lifetime of a parliament”.\r\n","AnswerText":"There was no meeting between the Scottish Government and the Deans of Faculties of Education on 2 July 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:09.177","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290688,"EventID":"S4W-18935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:09.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T13:33:17.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will conduct a review of e-book provision and lending across the country.","AnswerText":"Public libraries and the lending of books and e-books are the responsibility of local authorities in Scotland. The Scottish Government supports the work of public libraries through the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) which, working with local authorities, can advise on the need for any review of e-books and lending in Scotland. SLIC has advised that 28 local authorities in Scotland provide some e-book lending at present. SLIC, in partnership with local authorities, intends to set up an E-book Consortium, similar to that set up in Wales, which will allow local authorities in Scotland to develop best practice in e-lending in Scotland.\r\nThe Public Library Improvement Fund, provided by the Scottish Government, has been used to support e-book projects and could be used to support e-book activity in the future. Findings from a recent Independent Review of E-Lending in Public Lending in Public Libraries in England, are also relevant to e-lending in libraries in Scotland; some, such as the extension of the Public Lending Right, are reserved matters to the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:09.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290689,"EventID":"S4W-18936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:09.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T13:47:24.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Education Scotland's remit includes adult learning and, if so, what work is underway to enhance learning opportunities for adult learners across the country.","AnswerText":"Education Scotland has policy responsibility for adult learning. This includes the Adult Literacies in Scotland 2020 Strategic Guidance and the strategy for English for Speakers of Other Languages. The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has recently established and chairs a national strategic forum for adult learning. The forum is currently working with partners to develop a statement of ambition for adult learning in Scotland. Education Scotland’s Community Learning and Development team supports the forum and leads a range of initiatives to help improve life chances for people of all ages, through learning, personal development and active citizenship. The team links with national partners through nine strategic funding partnerships and administers small grants to a range of adult learning providers to directly enhance learning opportunities across the country.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:09.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290690,"EventID":"S4W-18937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:10.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T13:47:24.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the school inspection system assesses a school's ability to cater for the needs of looked-after children.\r\n","AnswerText":"The school inspection system assesses a school’s ability to cater for the needs of looked-after children and young people in all inspections. HM Inspectors are provided with data about looked-after children prior to the inspection of all schools. Inspectors look at pupils’ personal records, how the school monitors young people’s achievements, attainment and attendance and meet key staff during the inspection. Where appropriate, inspectors will look at coordinated support plans for looked-after children and young people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:10.033","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290691,"EventID":"S4W-18938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:10.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T13:47:24.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) headcount and (b) percentage turnover of full-time equivalent staff was in each of its (i) directorates and (ii) agencies in the last period for which information is available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following tables show the headcount and full time equivalent staffing numbers of permanent and fixed-term staff who were directly employed in each Directorate and Agency at 30 September 2013. The quarterly turnover figure provided is the percentage of full-time equivalent staff who left the Scottish Government (by resignation, retirement or for any other reason but excluding transfer to another unit) in the quarter from 1 July 2013 to 30 September 2013:\r\n\r\nHead count\r\nFTE Turnover rate\r\nDG ENTERPRISE, ENVIRONMENT & DIGITAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT\r\n8\r\n0.0%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND RURAL COMMUNITIES\r\n887\r\n3.1%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR BUSINESS\r\n155\r\n0.7%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR CHIEF ECONOMIST\r\n47\r\n12.6%*\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR DIGITAL\r\n44\r\n0.0%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE\r\n89\r\n3.5%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTRY\r\n116\r\n0.0%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR MARINE SCOTLAND\r\n658\r\n5.2%\r\nDG FINANCE AND BUSINESS SUPPORT\r\n5\r\n0.0%\r\nFINANCE DIRECTORATE\r\n155\r\n2.3%\r\nSCOTTISH PROCUREMENT AND COMMERCIAL DIRECTORATE\r\n120\r\n1.7%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR HOUSING, REGENERATION AND WELFARE\r\n272\r\n1.5%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR HR AND ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT\r\n326\r\n2.2%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR LEGAL SERVICES (SOLICITOR TO THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT)\r\n188\r\n1.5%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITIES\r\n181\r\n1.9%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR THE INSPECTORATE OF PROSECUTION IN SCOTLAND\r\n4\r\n30.8%\r\nDG GOVERNANCE AND COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESS SUPPORT\r\n5\r\n0.0%\r\nISIS INFORMATION SERVICES & INFORMATION SYSTEMS\r\n188\r\n1.6%\r\nOFFICE OF THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENTARY COUNSEL\r\n14\r\n0.0%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER AND PUBLIC HEALTH\r\n67\r\n1.6%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR CHIEF NURSING OFFICER, PATIENTS, PUBLIC AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS\r\n40\r\n2.6%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES\r\n93\r\n1.8%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR COMMONWEALTH GAMES AND SPORT\r\n70\r\n0.0%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR FINANCE, EHEALTH AND PHARMACEUTICALS\r\n49\r\n0.0%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE INTEGRATION\r\n99\r\n2.7%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR HEALTH WORKFORCE AND PERFORMANCE\r\n60\r\n1.7%\r\nDG HSC AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE NHS SCOTLAND AND BUSINESS SUPPORT\r\n15\r\n7.3%\r\nTHE QUALITY UNIT\r\n55\r\n3.8%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR EDUCATION ANALYTICAL SERVICES\r\n55\r\n3.7%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR EMPLOYABILITY, SKILLS AND LIFELONG LEARNING\r\n100\r\n2.1%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR JUSTICE\r\n225\r\n1.3%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR LEARNING\r\n94\r\n1.1%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR SAFER COMMUNITIES\r\n191\r\n2.4%\r\nDG LEARNING & JUSTICE AND BUSINESS SUPPORT\r\n9\r\n0.0%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS\r\n87\r\n1.2%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR CULTURE AND HERITAGE\r\n40\r\n3.7%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS\r\n83\r\n0.0%\r\nDIRECTORATE FOR STRATEGY AND CONSTITUTION\r\n99\r\n4.6%\r\nMINISTERIAL PRIVATE OFFICES\r\n102\r\n0.9%\r\nSCOTTISH DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL\r\n33\r\n0.0%\r\nDG STRATEGY AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND BUSINESS SUPPORT\r\n7\r\n0.0%\r\nPERMANENT SECRETARY AND BUSINESS SUPPORT\r\n5\r\n0.0%\r\nAll Directorates in Core Scottish Government\r\n5140\r\n\t\t2.5%\r\n\r\n \r\nHead count\r\nFTE Turnover rate\r\nAIB\r\n141\r\n0.8%\r\nDISCLOSURE SCOTLAND\r\n220\r\n1.5%\r\nEDUCATION SCOTLAND\r\n258\r\n3.9%\r\nSTUDENT AWARDS AGENCY FOR SCOTLAND\r\n189\r\n6.2%\r\nSCOTTISH PUBLIC PENSIONS AGENCY\r\n252\r\n0.7%\r\nSCOTTISH HOUSING REGULATOR\r\n50\r\n2.2%\r\nTRANSPORT SCOTLAND\r\n391\r\n1.6%\r\n* Directorate of Chief Economist FTE Turnover rate composed of five full time-equivalent leavers in the period including two paid student placements and two fixed-term appointments coming to an end.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:10.347","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290692,"EventID":"S4W-18939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:10.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T13:47:24.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to encourage the uptake of massive open online courses in schools. ","AnswerText":"Education Scotland, through the Senior Education Officer (SEO) team, has opened up a dialogue with the Open University (OU) in relation to massive open online courses (MOOCS).\r\nThey are exploring how we can promote the Young Applicants in Schools scheme, which involves young people in schools following OU courses which are largely online.\r\nSEOs are meeting with Open University representatives in January 2014 to further explore the development and use of MOOCs in Science.\r\nDiscussions are also taking place with the OU around how best to ensure uptake of future learn courses by practitioners and pupils and how to make use of OpenLearn materials.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:10.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290693,"EventID":"S4W-18940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:10.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T13:47:24.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that young people should be able to access sexual health services in a non-clinical environment and, if so, how it is making such services available.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government policy states that it is essential that young people have access to sexual health services, advice and information when they require it. It does not prescribe the format that these services should take or whether these services should be provided in a clinical or non-clinical setting.\r\nThe decision on how sexual health services are provided and the most appropriate setting for young people to access these services is a decision for NHS boards and local authorities based on local requirements and following scoping of local needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:10.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290694,"EventID":"S4W-18941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:11.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T13:47:24.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people are studying for Scottish Qualification Authority awards in cooperative studies, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The certificate in co-operative studies is a customised award that SQA certificates and quality assures, but that is privately owned and developed.\r\nThe award is available at SCQF Levels 4, 5 and 6 although only levels 4 and 5 are currently being delivered. There are 18 candidates currently entered for the award across these levels. The candidates are all in a single centre in Dundee City.\r\nAs these awards are privately owned and developed, SQA does not actively promote them. It is up to the owner of the qualification to promote them if they wish to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:11.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290695,"EventID":"S4W-18942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:11.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T13:47:24.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it seeks to encourage the uptake of Scottish Qualification Authority awards in cooperative studies.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18941 on 8 January 2014. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:11.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290696,"EventID":"S4W-18943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:11.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T13:47:24.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its Council of Economic Advisers' work on childcare.\r\n","AnswerText":"The minutes of the meeting of the Council of Economic Advisers on 30 August 2013, where the issue of the economic and social impacts of improving childcare provision in Scotland was discussed, are available on the Scottish Government’s website at the following address:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Economy/Council-Economic-Advisers/Meetings\r\nThe analysis informing the Council of Economic Advisers’ deliberations will be reflected in the annual chair’s report of the Council of Economic Advisers. It is anticipated that the chair’s report will be published in Spring 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:11.72","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290697,"EventID":"S4W-18944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:11.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T13:47:24.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it would support a ban on payday loan advertising at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.","AnswerText":"The Glasgow Commonwealth Games (Trading and Advertising) (Scotland) Regulations 2013 restrict advertising activity in the vicinity of Games venues during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. To be able to advertise legally within the event zones during the prohibited times, advertising activity must be either exempt under the regulations or authorised by the Organising Committee, Glasgow 2014 Ltd. To be authorised by the Organising Committee, the advertising activity should either be by an official Games sponsor or fall within a list of permitted categories. Payday loan companies do not fall within the list of permitted categories and no payday loan companies are official sponsors of the Games. As things stand, payday loan companies would not be granted authorisation to carry out any advertising activity within any of the event zones.\r\nThe Organising Committee will also be monitoring advertising more widely to ensure that no company or organisation is making unauthorised reference to, or suggesting any illegal association with, the Games.\r\nRegulation of consumer credit advertisements is currently the responsibility of the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), and is therefore a reserved matter. The Scottish Government has made several representations to both the UK Government and the OFT, urging tighter regulation of the industry particularly around advertising.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290698,"EventID":"S4W-18945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:12.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T14:14:16.467","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service regarding the proposed reduction in the number of control rooms and the siting of the remaining rooms.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has regular meetings with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). Decisions on the allocation of its resources, including the number and location of control rooms, is a matter for the SFRS board.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:12.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290699,"EventID":"S4W-18946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:12.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T14:14:16.467","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it can call in for ministerial comment or veto any plan from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service regarding the siting of control rooms.\r\n","AnswerText":"Decisions on the allocation of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) resources, including the number and location of control rooms, are matters for the SFRS board.\r\nScottish Ministers set out priorities and objectives for SFRS to have regard to in the carrying out of its functions, in the Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland, as detailed in Section 40 of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 (as amended). In addition, Scottish Ministers have powers to direct SFRS, as detailed in section 42a of the Act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:12.513","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290700,"EventID":"S4W-18947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:12.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T14:14:16.467","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to ensure that, through its structures and practices, it engages fully with communities across the Highlands and Islands. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 (as amended) confers a duty to participate in community planning on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), and sets out at Section 41J(2)(c) that this duty must be delegated to the designated Local Senior Officer for each local authority area.\r\nSection 41E of the Act sets out the content and process for preparing local fire and rescue plans. Local plans for each of Scotland’s 32 local authorities are currently open for public consultation and can be accessed through the SFRS website www.firescotland.gov.uk.\r\nIn addition, the Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland 2013 sets out priorities and objectives for SFRS to have regard to in the carrying out of its functions, as detailed in Section 40 of the Act. The Fire Framework has a strong focus on the strengthened connection between SFRS and local communities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:12.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290701,"EventID":"S4W-18948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:13.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T14:14:16.467","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what basis it would refer part or all of the report, Property Estate - Strategic Intent, back to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.\r\n","AnswerText":"Property Estate - Strategic Intent is a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) paper which was considered at its board meeting on 26 September 2013. Decisions in relation to the SFRS’s property estate requirements for specified support functions are for the SFRS board. The minutes of the board meeting recording the decisions made can be found on the SFRS website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:13.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290702,"EventID":"S4W-18949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:13.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T14:43:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the figures published in the Summary Statistics for Schools in Scotland, No 4: 2013 that suggest that the number of pupils with additional support needs is equivalent to 19% of the school population, and whether it considers that the decline in the number of teachers since 2010 leaves sufficient capacity for schools to deal with this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is clear that the statistics indicate that there continues to be improved recording of children and young people with additional support needs in Scotland. The statistics also indicate that the pupil teacher ratio in local authority schools remains at the 2011 level of 13.5. This is the second year this has been maintained.\r\nThe report to Parliament on the implementation of additional support for learning will be published in February 2014 and will provide information on how well children and young people’s learning needs are met.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:13.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290703,"EventID":"S4W-18950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:13.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T14:43:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the destinations of school leavers with additional support needs in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11, (c) 2011-12 and (d) 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the destinations of school leavers with additional support needs from the school years 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 is already published. Information on the destinations of school leavers from the 2012-13 school year will be published in June 2014.\r\nInformation on secondary and special school leavers from publicly funded schools in Scotland by reason for support and initial destination category in 2011-12 is published in table L4.1 of the supplementary dataset to the Summary statistics for attainment, leaver destinations and healthy living, No. 3: 2013 Edition publication. This is available from the Scottish Government website using the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/School-Education/Datasets/attainmentandleavers\r\nInformation on secondary school leavers from publicly funded schools in Scotland by reason for support and initial destination category in 2010-11 is published in table 3.3 of the supplementary dataset on the Scottish Government website at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/School-Education/schleavdest2011\r\nInformation on secondary school leavers from publicly funded schools in Scotland by reason for support and initial destination category in 2009-10 is published in table 3.5 of the supplementary dataset on the Scottish Government website at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/School-Education/supdata2010\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:13.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290704,"EventID":"S4W-18951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:13.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T15:37:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that patients are able to see their GP timeously.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government knows how important it is for patients to have prompt access to services when needed and that is why there is in place a national standard of 48 hour access, or advance booking, to an appropriate member of the GP practice team during core hours. That access can be either a face-to-face, or telephone consultation with a GP or nurse in the practice team.\r\nGP contractual arrangements are generally practice based with an emphasis on patient care being provided by the whole clinical team and not just by GPs and we have also incentivised GP practices to improve access through an enhanced service arrangement to extend opening hours beyond core hours. Scottish Government has invested over £13 million annually towards this service. The most recent uptake figures show that 80% of all practices now participate in the scheme.\r\nThe Scottish Government has an on-going commitment to primary medical services and we have successfully reached a negotiated settlement with the Scottish General Practitioners Committee (SGPC) for the General Medical Services Contract in Scotland for 2014-15 that, along with delivering a commitment to continuous quality improvement in each GP practice, will have real benefits for patients including improved access.\r\nGP time will now be freed up allowing more time to be spent with their patients and we have a commitment that all GP practices in Scotland will now undertake an annual assessment of current patient demand, assessing both met and unmet need. The results of which will be shared with patients and NHS boards, and be used as the basis for discussion to make any necessary changes/improvements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:13.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290705,"EventID":"S4W-18952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-16T17:13:14.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T15:54:49.107","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is regarding the announcement of possible tougher sentencing for housebreaking over the festive period; whether it considers that the proposals will have a meaningful impact on crime levels; what performance indicators will be used to determine if the changes have been successful; when it will be decided whether the changes have been successful; when the public will be informed of the decision, and how the pilot areas were identified.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 16 December 2013 I announced the commencement of a robust prosecution policy across Scotland for the period between 16 December 2013 and 6 January 2014 to deal with housebreakers. There was a presumption that those who break into people’s houses would be placed on petition. Those convicted of this crime could face a potential maximum sentence of up to 5 years imprisonment. The sentence in any individual case remains the decision of the Court. You will also be aware that COPFS had an initiative targeting people charged with house breaking between 3 June 2013 and 30 August 2013 in Edinburgh.\r\nPolice Scotland, in consultation with COPFS, also implemented an ongoing police detection initiative at this time to tackle housebreaking in areas which had shown an increase not only in break–ins to homes but also sheds and garages. That initiative stemmed from the police review of crime trends and their commitment to ensure local policing reflects local issues.\r\nThere was national publicity around the fact that the prosecution policy was to be in place over the festive period and that an evaluation of the cases arising would then be carried out. The evaluation of the prosecution policy over the festive period is ongoing. There has been some evaluation already carried out of the summer initiative and I have had an opportunity to consider that. As a result on 7 January 2014 prosecutors were advised that the presumption of placing housebreakers on petition should remain in force meantime.\r\nI will consider the position further once the evaluation results of both initiatives are finally assessed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-13T17:13:14.357","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290709,"EventID":"S4W-18964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-17T12:32:38.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T12:19:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what Scottish Resilience's role was in the tragic Police Scotland helicopter incident in Glasgow on 29 November 2013.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government resilience arrangements were activated shortly after the incident occurred on the evening of Friday 29 November 2013 to offer support and assistance to emergency responders and Glasgow City Council who worked tirelessly in support of the victims and their families and to ensure Scottish Ministers were fully briefed on the response and recovery arrangements following the incident. This included the activation of the Scottish Government Resilience Room and the multi-agency response arrangements through the West Regional Resilience Partnership.\r\nScottish Government Resilience officials met at 01:00 hours on Saturday 30 November. A further series of official and Ministerial meetings took place over the course of the weekend and the following week with the Cabinet Sub Committee for Resilience meeting twice a day from Saturday 30 November until Monday 2 December with further meetings on Tuesday 3, Wednesday 4, Tuesday 11 and Thursday 12 December.\r\nThe First Minister, Deputy First Minister and other ministers have met with the various responders to the incident to offer their thanks and appreciation for their professionalism and sensitivity in dealing with a very challenging incident. The First Minister has also announced that the Scottish Government will match the £20,000 donation from Glasgow City Council to the Clutha welfare appeal fund.\r\nThe First Minister has written to the Prime Minister welcoming close relationships between the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Air Accident Investigation Branch which will assist in a thorough and timely conclusion to the investigations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-14T12:32:38.477","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290710,"EventID":"S4W-18965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-17T13:31:59.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T13:20:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Registrar General will publish the 2011 Census results relating to living arrangements.","AnswerText":"National Records of Scotland has today published Scotland’s Census 2011: Release 2C. (Laying number: SG/2013/258). This report presents the third part of the second release of results from the 2011 Census in Scotland, which was held on 27 March 2011. Release 2C consists of the key and quick statistics tables for the living arrangements and travel to work/study topics at all levels of census geography.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-14T13:32:00.157","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290711,"EventID":"S4W-18932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-17T13:48:37.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-13T16:51:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the non-completion rate has been for Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (primary) courses at university in each of the last five years for which information is available.","AnswerText":"Performance Indicators (PIs) for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on behalf of the four UK higher education (HE) funding bodies. These PIs include non-continuation rates and projected outcomes and are available at institution level. A non-completion rate for the specific course requested is not currently published as part of the PIs. PIs are available from the HESA website:\r\nhttp://www.hesa.ac.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2072&Itemid=141\r\nThe development of the UKPIs is governed by the UK Performance Indicators Steering Group. This collaborative governance arrangement brings together representatives of the four UK funding bodies for HE, HESA, government departments, HE institutions and other interested bodies to steer the development of such measures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-14T13:48:37.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290712,"EventID":"S4W-18933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-17T13:48:38.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-13T16:51:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider asking an organisation such as the Higher Education Statistics Agency to collect and publish statistics on completion rates at universities.\r\n","AnswerText":"Although the Higher Education Statistics Agency does not publish completion rates, it does publish non-continuation rates and projected outcomes, measures which the Scottish Government has felt sufficient for its interests to date. The Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council feed into the development of the UKPIs through the UK Performance Indicators Steering Group (UKPISG). Following a fundamental review of the UK Performance Indicators, UKPISG will implement a series of recommendations in relation to the UKPIs, including the recommendation that “The current set of UKPIs should undergo a more detailed review to ensure they use the most appropriate data and have the appropriate focus to measure the specified topics, including the scope of the population covered”. The Scottish Government will take this opportunity to consider the most appropriate measures for Scottish institutions going forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-14T13:48:38.723","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290713,"EventID":"S4W-18953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-17T13:48:39.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T16:32:28.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) start and (b) completion dates are for the electrification of the East Kilbride railway line.","AnswerText":"No dates have been determined yet for the electrification of the East Kilbride railway line.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-14T13:48:39.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290714,"EventID":"S4W-18954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-17T13:48:39.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T16:32:28.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what associated works will be carried out at the same time as the electrification of the East Kilbride railway line.","AnswerText":"Any associated works to be carried out at the same time as electrification of the line, will be determined once electrification plans for East Kilbride are progressed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-14T13:48:39.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290715,"EventID":"S4W-18955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-17T13:48:39.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T16:32:28.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government to what extent electrification will increase capacity on the East Kilbride railway line.\r\n","AnswerText":"Electrification can potentially increase capacity on the East Kilbride line through better and more efficient use of rolling stock.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-14T13:48:39.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290716,"EventID":"S4W-18956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-17T13:48:39.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T16:32:28.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether park and ride facilities will be expanded to support increased capacity following electrification of the East Kilbride railway line.","AnswerText":"Consideration of wider issues such as park and ride facilities may follow once plans for electrification for East Kilbride are progressed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-14T13:48:39.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290717,"EventID":"S4W-18958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-17T13:48:40.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T10:28:18.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many large energy generation and transmission applications Scottish and Southern Energy or its subsidiaries have submitted under sections 36 and 37 of the Electricity Act 1989 since 2007 and how many have been (a) approved and (b) rejected.","AnswerText":"Since 2007 Scottish and Southern Energy or its subsidiaries have submitted a total of 41 applications for large energy generation and transmission applications under sections 36 and 37 of the Electricity Act (Scotland) 1989.\r\n 22 of these applications were for consent under section 37\r\n13 applications have been approved\r\n2 were withdrawn\r\n7 still under consideration\r\n 19 of these applications were for consent under section 36\r\n9 have been approved\r\n1 withdrawn\r\n1 refused\r\n8 still under consideration \r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-14T13:48:40.16","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290718,"EventID":"S4W-18959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-17T13:48:41.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T11:33:29.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the interim findings are of the feasibility study being carried out into the future of Selkirk and Jedburgh sheriff courts. \r\n","AnswerText":"Responsibility for Scotland’s courts rests with the Scottish Court Service (SCS) and not the Scottish Government.\r\nThe feasibility study underway in the Borders has been commissioned by SCS and Scottish Borders Council. The member may wish to write to the chief executive of SCS on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-14T13:48:41.063","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290719,"EventID":"S4W-18960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-17T13:48:41.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T11:33:29.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will carry out a full public consultation on the final options presented by the feasibility study into the future of Selkirk and Jedburgh sheriff courts. \r\n","AnswerText":"Responsibility for Scotland’s courts rests with the Scottish Court Service (SCS) and not the Scottish Government.\r\nThe feasibility study underway in the Borders has been commissioned by SCS and Scottish Borders Council and it is a matter for them to determine how they wish to share the findings of their work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-14T13:48:41.487","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290720,"EventID":"S4W-18963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-17T13:48:41.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T12:16:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10376 by Fergus Ewing on 08  November 2012, how much it (a) has spent and (b) plans to spend on marketing and communications activity relating to Homecoming 2014 in (i) Scotland, (ii) the rest of the UK and (iii) the rest of the world, and what proportion of all of its marketing and communications spending this represents.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland has been provided with a core budget of £5.5 million by Scottish Government to deliver Homecoming 2014, of which £1.75 million has been allocated for dedicated marketing campaign activity. The detail of how this funding will be spent is held by VisitScotland and I have asked the chief executive of VisitScotland to provide you with the detail asked for in your question.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-14T13:48:41.783","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290738,"EventID":"S4W-18966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-17T16:56:20","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T14:16:53.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what representations it has made regarding the introduction of accredited voluntary registration for healthcare professionals; on what dates, and what the outcome was.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is in regular contact with the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA) regarding all aspects of its statutory functions as they apply to Scotland. Prior to the introduction of the Accredited Voluntary Registers scheme, the PSA held two stakeholder engagement workshops in Glasgow, on 9 February and 2 November 2012 respectively. Following the introduction of the scheme another event was held in Edinburgh on 1 November 2013. The scheme has significantly exceeded the PSA’s initial estimates for the number of registers to be accredited in the first year of operation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-14T16:56:20.27","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290739,"EventID":"S4W-18967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-17T16:56:20.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T14:16:53.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that accredited voluntary registration for healthcare professionals could lead to it being unable to bar professionals who fail to meet acceptable patient safety standards and, if so, what action it will take.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government supports the Accredited Voluntary Register scheme, run by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care, as a proportionate alternative to full statutory regulation. Registration with an accredited voluntary register does not restrict existing sanctions available to the relevant public bodies in cases of serious malpractice or endangerment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-14T16:56:20.607","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290740,"EventID":"S4W-18968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-17T16:56:21.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T14:16:53.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to ensure that the healthcare delivered by voluntary regulated health professionals meets acceptable patient safety standards.\r\n","AnswerText":"Health professionals who are on voluntary registers are subject to standards of education, practice and professional development as set out by those registers. Voluntary registers which achieve accreditation through the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care’s Accredited Voluntary Registers scheme give the public the choice to select practitioners on a register that has been independently vetted and approved. All healthcare professionals working within NHSScotland are subject to conduct and performance standards regardless of their regulatory status.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-14T16:56:21.07","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290741,"EventID":"S4W-18969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-17T16:56:21.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T14:41:15.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17526 by Kenny MacAskill on 28 October 2013, how many prosecutions there were in 2012-13 under section 6(1) of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"There were four prosecutions where the main offence was under section 6(1) of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 in the financial year 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-14T16:56:21.38","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290757,"EventID":"S4W-18970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:16.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T15:07:13.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what stakeholders it consulted about establishing a separate media regulator in an independent Scotland prior to publication of the white paper on independence.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland was informed by a range of research and discussions. The Scottish Government engaged with a number of stakeholders about the media in an independent Scotland and continues to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T13:55:16.743","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290758,"EventID":"S4W-18971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:17.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T15:07:13.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with representatives of Channel (a) 4 and (b) 5 regarding the continuation of commercial broadcast licences in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland was informed by a range of research and discussions. The Scottish Government engaged with a number of stakeholders about the media in an independent Scotland and continues to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T13:55:17.4","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290759,"EventID":"S4W-18972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:17.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T15:07:13.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what stakeholders it consulted prior to publication of the white paper on independence about establishing a separate regulator for (a) advertising and (b) gambling in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland was informed by a range of research and discussions.Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland makes no proposals in relation to a separate regulator for advertising in an independent Scotland. Advertising is self regulated by the industry through the Advertising Standards Authority. Independence need make no difference to this. Gambling in England, Wales and Scotland is currently regulated by the Gambling Commission. It is in the interests of both Scotland and England and Wales to ensure stability of the regulation of gambling during the transitional period. We will consult widely with all stakeholders before deciding whether to establish an independent gambling regulator.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T13:55:17.773","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290760,"EventID":"S4W-18973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:18.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T15:07:13.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what representatives from the BBC it consulted and on what prior to publication of the white paper on independence.","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland was informed by a range of research and discussions. The Scottish Government engaged with a number of stakeholders about the media in an independent Scotland and continues to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T13:55:18.117","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290761,"EventID":"S4W-18974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:18.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T15:07:13.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what industry stakeholders it consulted about coverage obligations for internet providers prior to publication of the white paper on independence.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has regular engagement with industry stakeholders, at both ministerial and official level, which informed the approach to telecommunications in an independent Scotland that was set out in Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland. This engagement included general discussions on coverage obligations. \r\nSpecific coverage obligations would be a matter for the government of an independent Scotland and industry stakeholders would be consulted on the development of such proposals at the appropriate time. Independence would allow us to deliver a more coherent approach to extending mobile and broadband coverage across Scotland than is currently possible by aligning policy, taxation, funding and regulation. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T13:55:18.43","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290762,"EventID":"S4W-18975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:18.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T15:07:13.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the (a) legal implications and (b) cost for consumers of maintaining the UK International Telecommunication Union code in an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"Scotland’s international dialling code will be set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) when Scotland is formally recognised as an independent country by the United Nations. As set out in Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland, we will seek to ensure that Scotland continues to use the 0044 international dialling code, through the ITU. This would be similar to the current shared use of the 001 international dialling code by a number of North American countries including Canada and the USA.\r\nOn the basis that telecoms markets currently operate on a Great Britain-wide basis and will continue to do so following independence, and given the existing practice of countries sharing international dialling codes, the Scottish Government has assessed that the continued use of the 0044 code is achievable and that there will therefore be no legal and cost implications of maintaining this code in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T13:55:18.757","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290763,"EventID":"S4W-18976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:19.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T15:07:13.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with internet service providers about the cyber security implications of establishing Scottish networks and IP addresses in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has regular engagement with industry stakeholders, at both ministerial and official level. These discussions have informed the approach to telecommunications in an independent Scotland as set out in Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T13:55:19.32","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290764,"EventID":"S4W-18977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:19.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T15:07:13.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which cyber security experts it consulted prior to publication of the white paper on independence.","AnswerText":"The plans set out in Scotland's Future are based on a process of policy development by the Scottish Government that has drawn appropriately on expert advice at a number of stages.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T13:55:19.863","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290765,"EventID":"S4W-18978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:20.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T15:52:48.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on developing a rural recruitment strategy for the NHS, as referred to by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing in paragraph 4 of his letter of 10 September 2013 to the chair of NHS Highland.","AnswerText":"My letter to the chair of NHS Highland of 10 September 2013 recorded my agreement with a view expressed at the NHS Highland Area Clinical Forum that there was a need for a rural recruitment strategy. As the letter also recorded, this followed discussions with the Forum about sustaining services in NHS Highland and with associated recruitment and retention challenges.\r\nThe Scottish Government is working closely with NHS boards to ensure that this vision becomes a reality for all communities, including remote and rural communities, so that everyone in Scotland receives safe, consistent, reliable and sustainable health care services, delivered to the highest standards.\r\nIn addition, we have given NHS Highland extra funding to develop and test a range of innovative ways of delivering healthcare in rural areas. On 28 January 2013 I announced that a pilot scheme by NHS Highland to develop models of healthcare delivery suitable for remote and rural areas was to be set up. The scheme, subsequently launched on 28 August 2013 in Campbeltown by the Minister for Public Health, is providing £1.5 million covering the three years 2013-14 – 2015-16 to test new ways of working and explore approaches to building sustainable health and care services. The scheme aims to develop and test new models of healthcare which contribute to a sustainable rural health care system, and to find ways to attract more GPs to rural areas.\r\nWith regard to recruitment and retention challenges across NHS Scotland, Everyone Matters, the 2020 Workforce Vision for NHS Scotland, identifies a number of areas for developing a more sustainable workforce, including supporting new and emerging service delivery models; ensuring high quality regional and local workforce data; and developing a Scottish investment plan to set the strategic direction for investing in the healthcare workforce now and in the future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T13:55:20.223","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290766,"EventID":"S4W-18979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:20.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T16:30:40.763","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that any money raised as a result of the proposed Single Use Carrier Bag Charge (Regulations) Scotland will remain in the Scottish economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"We intend to negotiate an agreement with retailers for the proceeds of the charge to be donated to good causes in Scotland, including for litter and waste prevention. We have always been clear that the primary aim of the charge is to drive behaviour change and reduce litter, rather than raise funds. Our approach strikes a balance between retailers continuing to support their own local good causes and directing a proportion of funds raised to environmental causes. We will keep the arrangements under review after implementation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T13:55:20.74","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290767,"EventID":"S4W-18980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:21.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T16:30:40.763","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it is giving to ringfencing a proportion of any money raised as a result of the proposed Single Use Carrier Bag Charge (Regulations) Scotland for organisations based in Scotland that deal with litter reduction.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18979 on 10 January 2014. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at the following address: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T13:55:21.067","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290768,"EventID":"S4W-18981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:21.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T16:30:40.763","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that organisations based in Scotland that campaign against litter will be properly resourced.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government funds Zero Waste Scotland to deliver a co-ordinated programme of action on waste and litter. As part of this programme, Zero Waste Scotland is contributing £250,000 this financial year towards the local clean up activity of Keep Scotland Beautiful’s ‘Clean Up Scotland’ campaign. This is more than double Zero Waste Scotland’s funding in 2012 towards Keep Scotland Beautiful’s previous ‘National Spring Clean’ initiative. Over the past three years, Zero Waste Scotland has also funded a number of organisations to carry out smaller scale, innovative, local activities to tackle litter and flytipping.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to tackling litter, and we have consulted on proposals for Scotland’s first national litter strategy for Scotland, which we will publish this year. As an early action, we will run a nationwide campaign this summer to help tackle the problem. We want to influence behaviour, and the culture in Scotland, to encourage everyone to dispose of waste responsibly. This will complement the Clean Up Scotland initiative.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T13:55:21.377","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290769,"EventID":"S4W-18982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:21.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T17:19:39.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18165 by Michael Russell on 20 November 2013, how much it has paid each college to help mitigate the costs of the reclassification.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Funding Council is leading work to support the sector in mitigating the impacts of reclassification, and the funding of individual colleges is a matter for that body. I have therefore asked its interim chief executive to respond directly to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T13:55:21.69","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290770,"EventID":"S4W-18983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:22.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T11:29:46.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what rail services pass through, or stop at, Dalmeny railway station and how many services do so per hour at peak period.","AnswerText":"The following services pass through Dalmeny Station:\r\n\r\nEdinburgh to Perth\r\nEdinburgh to Dundee\r\nEdinburgh to Aberdeen\r\nEdinburgh to Inverness\r\nFife Circle\r\nAberdeen to King’s Cross (operated by East Coast)\r\nAberdeen to Penzance (operated by Cross Country)\r\n\r\nThe following services call at Dalmeny during the morning and evening peaks: \r\nService\r\nNo. of Trains per hour\r\nAM Peak (0700-0900)\r\nPM Peak (1600-1800)\r\nFife Circle\r\n3\r\n3\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T13:55:22.47","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290771,"EventID":"S4W-18984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:22.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T11:29:46.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17626 by Keith Brown on 25 October 2013, how many trains run through the Winchburgh tunnel per hour at peak period, broken down by rail service.","AnswerText":"The following services run through Winchburgh Tunnel, per hour, during both the morning and evening peak periods:\r\n\r\nService\r\nNo. of Trains per hour\r\nAM Peak (0700-0900)\r\nPM Peak (1600-1800)\r\nEdinburgh to Glasgow\r\n4\r\n4\r\nGlasgow to Edinburgh\r\n4\r\n4\r\nEdinburgh to Dunblane\r\n2\r\n2\r\nDunblane to Edinburgh\r\n2\r\n2\r\nInverness to King’s Cross\r\n0\r\n1\r\nKing’s Cross to Edinburgh\r\n1\r\n0\r\nFreight\r\n1\r\n0\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T13:55:22.75","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290772,"EventID":"S4W-18985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:22.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T11:37:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what mechanisms are available to (a) it and (b) local authorities to help maintain listed buildings.\r\n","AnswerText":"The majority of listed buildings in Scotland are in private ownership and their maintenance is therefore the responsibility of the owner, as is the case with any building. However, the Scottish Government, through Historic Scotland, makes grant funding of some £13.6 million available annually, to assist owners with the cost involved in the sympathetic repair of the nation’s most significant listed buildings. This grant funding can also be utilised by local authorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T13:55:22.983","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290773,"EventID":"S4W-18986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T13:55:23.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T12:06:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the revised business case for the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"The final business case for the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme will be published in the next few weeks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T13:55:23.25","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290774,"EventID":"S4O-02747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:29.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T13:45:01.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its plans to amend the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010.  \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:29.303","MeetingDate":"2014-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290775,"EventID":"S4O-02748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:30.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T17:07:00.323","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to increase the provision and uptake of Cantonese and Mandarin in schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:30.037","MeetingDate":"2014-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290776,"EventID":"S4O-02749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:30.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T12:05:22.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to prevent unnecessary or inappropriate closures of rural schools. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:30.69","MeetingDate":"2014-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290777,"EventID":"S4O-02750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:31.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T12:05:23.067","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many classroom assistants have been employed in schools in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:31.02","MeetingDate":"2014-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290778,"EventID":"S4O-02751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:31.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T12:05:23.347","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent contact the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has had with EU officials in relation to tuition fees.\r\n","AnswerText":"As I outlined to your colleague Drew Smith, earlier, ministers and officials have raised the question of student mobility with the EU Commission and other European leaders on a range of occasions since 2010. These have been useful discussions that will continue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:31.363","MeetingDate":"2014-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290779,"EventID":"S4O-02752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:31.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T10:53:58.067","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to promote the teaching of Mandarin in schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:31.66","MeetingDate":"2014-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290780,"EventID":"S4O-02753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:31.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T12:05:23.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to ensure that children with additional support needs who are educated in mainstream schools receive appropriate support.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:31.907","MeetingDate":"2014-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290781,"EventID":"S4O-02754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:32.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T12:05:24.19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with independent theological colleges regarding tuition fees for students from Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:32.267","MeetingDate":"2014-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290782,"EventID":"S4O-02755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:32.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T12:05:24.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve childcare provision in the Glasgow Provan constituency.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:32.593","MeetingDate":"2014-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290783,"EventID":"S4O-02756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:32.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T10:48:41.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the EU regarding objective justification for charging UK students tuition fees but not students from other EU countries in the event of Scotland becoming independent.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:32.97","MeetingDate":"2014-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290784,"EventID":"S4O-02757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:33.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T12:05:25.063","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning last met local authorities and what education issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:33.267","MeetingDate":"2014-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290785,"EventID":"S4O-02758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:33.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T12:05:25.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that children in hospitals outwith their home local authority area are provided with education.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:33.64","MeetingDate":"2014-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290786,"EventID":"S4O-02759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:33.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T12:05:25.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the next steps are following the moratorium on rural school closures.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:34.013","MeetingDate":"2014-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290787,"EventID":"S4O-02760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:34.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T09:54:21.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how its education policy supports children with additional support needs.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:34.28","MeetingDate":"2014-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290788,"EventID":"S4O-02761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:34.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T12:05:26.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that schools provide opportunities to learn the skills that will be required in the oil and gas and renewables sectors.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:34.53","MeetingDate":"2014-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290789,"EventID":"S4O-02762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:34.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T11:17:39.797","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what evidence it has that team teaching brings the same benefits to children as smaller class sizes.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:34.903","MeetingDate":"2014-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290790,"EventID":"S4O-02763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4965,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:35.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T12:05:26.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for providing educational infrastructure in North East Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:35.263","MeetingDate":"2014-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290791,"EventID":"S4O-02764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:35.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T11:47:45.4","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce guaranteed access to wraparound childcare for parents of primary school children.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government appreciates that the need for childcare does not stop when children start school.\r\nThat is why I have asked the Early Years Task Force to look at what sort of care could be offered for school aged children.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:35.497","MeetingDate":"2014-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290792,"EventID":"S4O-02765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:36.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T15:49:21.01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when its officials last met representatives of Central Scotland region education authorities.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials regularly meet representatives of local authorities including those from central Scotland education authorities to discuss a wide variety of education issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:36.353","MeetingDate":"2014-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290793,"EventID":"S4O-02766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:36.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T12:05:28.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its education priorities will be in 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"The education priorities for 2014 are set out in ‘The Government’s Programme for Scotland 2013-2014’.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:36.697","MeetingDate":"2014-01-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290794,"EventID":"S4O-02767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:37.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-17T09:50:50.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will allocate the Barnett consequentials arising from the Autumn Statement.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:37.493","MeetingDate":"2014-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290795,"EventID":"S4O-02768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:37.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T11:51:36.273","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the House of Lords amendment to the Energy Bill that removes the Scottish Parliament’s powers in respect of the renewables obligation.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:37.79","MeetingDate":"2014-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290796,"EventID":"S4O-02769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:38.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T11:27:47.91","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to provide next generation broadband in the west of Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:38.46","MeetingDate":"2014-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290797,"EventID":"S4O-02770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:38.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T12:06:20.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of Police Scotland and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:38.833","MeetingDate":"2014-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290798,"EventID":"S4O-02771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:39.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T09:25:21.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of the Commonwealth Games organising committee.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:39.177","MeetingDate":"2014-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290799,"EventID":"S4O-02772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:39.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T12:06:21.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the agreed common agricultural policy budget 2014 to 2020 will have on South Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:39.507","MeetingDate":"2014-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290800,"EventID":"S4O-02773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:39.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T12:06:21.333","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it holds information on how many foodbanks there are and what assistance it can provide to reduce reliance on them.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:39.77","MeetingDate":"2014-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290801,"EventID":"S4O-02774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:40.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T12:06:21.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to repair the Cromarty Bridge.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:40.13","MeetingDate":"2014-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290802,"EventID":"S4O-02775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:40.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T10:07:17.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it plans to spend the consequentials arising from the Autumn Statement on.\r\n","AnswerText":"As previously announced to Parliament and re-stated in my earlier answer to Kezia Dugdale, the Scottish Government will prioritise the consequentials from the Autumn Statement on improving outcomes for our businesses and people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:40.863","MeetingDate":"2014-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290803,"EventID":"S4O-02776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T14:01:41.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-16T12:06:22.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in light of representations to NHS Grampian by consultants regarding what they describe as a \"critical\" situation in relation to services provided to patients.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T14:01:41.643","MeetingDate":"2014-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290809,"EventID":"S4W-18987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T16:46:40.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T13:09:31.4","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the definition is of a pupil with additional support needs and whether this has changed since the 2010 edition of the Summary Statistics for Schools in Scotland was published.","AnswerText":"Additional support needs is defined by the Additional Support for Learning Act 2004 (as amended). The definition and guidance on the definition is available from the code of practice on additional support for learning available from http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/04/04090720/5. The definition has been in place since the commencement of the legislation in 2005.\r\nHowever, the way in which statistics about additional support for learning are collected was changed in 2010. Prior to 2010, only pupils with co-ordinated support plans, individual educational programmes or who were attending a special school were recorded as having additional support needs. However, in 2010 this was extended to include anyone receiving additional support, regardless of whether it was under a formal plan. This led to a large increase in the number of pupils recorded with additional support needs since 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T16:46:40.693","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290810,"EventID":"S4W-18988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T16:46:41.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T13:09:31.4","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the definition is of \"Other\" under the heading, Additional Support Needs, in Table 3.5 in the Summary Statistics for Schools in Scotland, No.4: 2013 Edition.\r\n","AnswerText":"The definition of 'Other' which is provided in the ScotXed guidance to local authorities for the completion of the pupil census is:\r\nOther Need Type:\r\nThis need type is there to record any other type of additional support that does not fit into any of the other categories. This could include: Stage 1 or 2 intervention (interventions at class or school level), other formal or informal support, temporary or short term support (possibly as an interim measure pending a formal plan). This should not include support that falls into co-ordinated support plans, individual educational programme or child plan need types, should cover information already recorded on their MIS system and should not necessitate the collection of any additional data.\r\nPlease note that in 2010, 'Child Plans' were included within 'Other' as a separate category for 'Child Plan' was not added until 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T16:46:41.257","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290811,"EventID":"S4W-18989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T16:46:41.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T13:37:26.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will work with local authorities to implement self-directed support for people with substance use problems and, if so, within what timescale.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013 (“the SDS Act”) the local authority will be required to offer four options to those who are eligible for care and support. The provision of self-directed support may be relevant to people with substance misuse issues, however this will only be the case where the person has an eligible social care need and that need can be met from the relevant SDS option.\r\nThe Scottish Government provides SDS transformation funding to all local authorities in order to assist with their implementation of the 10-year strategy on self-directed support. The total allocation to authorities in 2013-14 was £11 million. The total allocation for 2014-15 is £6 million.\r\nSelf-directed support is provided as an alternative to services that would otherwise be arranged by the authority. It is not an additional form of service. This means that the cost of self-directed support packages should be met from within the authority’s overall budget for social care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T16:46:41.507","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290812,"EventID":"S4W-18990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5038,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T16:46:41.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T13:37:26.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact will be on access to services of an additional tier of assessment as a result of self-directed support for people with substance use issues.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013 (“the SDS Act”) the local authority will be required to offer four options to those who are eligible for care and support. The provision of self-directed support may be relevant to people with substance misuse issues, however this will only be the case where the person has an eligible social care need and that need can be met from the relevant SDS option.\r\nCommunity care assessments are a long-standing duty on local authorities. Self-directed support does not add an additional tier of assessment beyond the core assessment of needs which is conducted under Section 12A of the 1968 Act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T16:46:41.74","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290813,"EventID":"S4W-18991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T16:46:41.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T14:08:11.967","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cases are waiting to go to trial at the (a) Glasgow and (b) Edinburgh domestic abuse court.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T16:46:41.957","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290814,"EventID":"S4W-18992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T16:46:42.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T14:08:11.967","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the current maximum wait is for a case to go to trial at the (a) Glasgow and (b) Edinburgh domestic abuse court.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T16:46:42.473","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290815,"EventID":"S4W-18993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T16:46:42.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T14:08:11.967","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many additional trial diets have been set aside at the (a) Glasgow and (b) Edinburgh domestic abuse court; how many sheriffs have been allocated to these, and how many of them have experience in dealing with domestic abuse cases.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T16:46:43.003","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290816,"EventID":"S4W-18995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T16:46:43.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T15:06:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17160 by Kenny MacAskill on 12 September 2013, whether it will also provide a breakdown of the number of (a) investigations carried out and (b) dog control notices served by each local authority during the period 26 February 2011 to 26 February 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information is contained in the following table:\r\n\r\nDOG CONTROL NOTICES ISSUED\r\nINVESTIGATIONS CARRIED OUT\r\nLOCAL AUTHORITY\r\n27 FEB 2011 TO 26 FEB 2012\r\n27 FEB 2012 TO 26 FEB 2013\r\n27 FEB 2011 TO 26 FEB 2012\r\n27 FEB 2012 TO 26 FEB 2013\r\nAberdeen City Council\r\n4\r\n4\r\n207\r\n317\r\nAberdeenshire Council\r\n3\r\n14\r\n89\r\n198\r\nAngus Council\r\n0\r\n0\r\n27\r\n80\r\nArgyll and Bute Council\r\n7\r\n5\r\n28\r\n43\r\nClackmannanshire Council\r\n0\r\n0\r\n30\r\n51\r\nDumfries and Galloway Council\r\n2\r\n4\r\n24\r\n17\r\nDundee City Council\r\n0\r\n0\r\n5\r\n136\r\nEast Ayrshire Council\r\n8\r\n9\r\n24\r\n17\r\nEast Dunbartonshire Council\r\n10\r\n0\r\n24\r\n20\r\nEast Lothian Council\r\n12\r\n4\r\n14\r\n5\r\nEast Renfrewshire Council\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nEdinburgh City Council\r\n0\r\n4\r\n32\r\n164\r\nFalkirk Council\r\n0\r\n4\r\n33\r\n82\r\nFife Council\r\n10\r\n37\r\n55\r\n159\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\n1\r\n1\r\n12\r\n5\r\nHighland Council\r\n2\r\n8\r\n16\r\n38\r\nInverclyde Council\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n3\r\nMidlothian Council\r\n1\r\n1\r\n24\r\n39\r\nMoray Council\r\n0\r\n0\r\n36\r\n99\r\nNorth Ayrshire Council\r\n1\r\n1\r\n29\r\n24\r\nNorth Lanarkshire Council\r\n0\r\n0\r\n6\r\n13\r\nOrkney Council\r\n0\r\n0\r\n3\r\n1\r\nPerth and Kinross Council\r\n0\r\n1\r\n40\r\n36\r\nRenfrewshire Council\r\n0\r\n9\r\n36\r\n89\r\nScottish Borders Council\r\n4\r\n8\r\n16\r\n35\r\nShetland Islands Council\r\n4\r\n2\r\n32\r\n9\r\nSouth Ayrshire Council\r\n0\r\n0\r\n3\r\n21\r\nSouth Lanarkshire Council\r\n0\r\n4\r\n43\r\n48\r\nStirling Council\r\n1\r\n1\r\n19\r\n8\r\nWest Dunbartonshire Council\r\n0\r\n7\r\n41\r\n55\r\nWest Lothian Council\r\n22\r\n18\r\n164\r\n214\r\nWestern Isles Council\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n53\r\nTOTAL\r\n92\r\n147\r\n1114\r\n2080\r\n\r\nOVERALL FIGURES FEB 2011 TO FEB 2013\r\n239\r\n3194\r\nThe figures have been provided by local authorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T16:46:43.563","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290817,"EventID":"S4W-18996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T16:46:43.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T15:16:46.057","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it is proposing to (a) put the National List trialling of grass and clover at the Craibstone estate in Aberdeen out to tender and (b) transfer the trialling at the Bush Estate in Edinburgh to Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture.","AnswerText":"With the current contract due to end on 31 March 2014, the Scottish Government undertook an extensive review of the options for the future of National List crop trialling in Scotland. This included commissioning reports and advice from a number of independent specialists.\r\nThe review took over 12 months and has resulted in the Scottish Government opting to utilise a mixture of trial operators in future.\r\nIn line with a request from the seed industry, the contract was broken down into two parts, with the cereals section being successfully tendered last summer and the work being split between the two applications received.\r\nFor grass and clover trials, the best option for the future was a mixture of in-house provisions by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA), part of the Scottish Government’s Agricultural and Rural Payment’s Division and contracting out. Using SASA will provide assurances for the maintenance of expertise and knowledge in this specialised area of crop trialling, as well as reduce costs while maintaining the quality of data produced.\r\nIn line with Scottish Government procurement guidelines, the remaining grass and clover trial for the North East of Scotland is currently out for tender.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T16:46:43.877","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290818,"EventID":"S4W-18997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T16:46:44.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T15:16:46.057","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment there has been of the financial savings of transferring the National List trialling of grass and clover in Edinburgh to Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government expect significant cost savings in the overall crop trialling budget. However, the actual size of savings will not be known until the completion of the tender exercise for the North East of Scotland’s herbage site, due to close on the 27 January 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T16:46:44.173","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290819,"EventID":"S4W-18998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T16:46:44.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T15:16:46.057","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who will inspect and report on the National List trials conducted by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture in Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"European rules for official supervision of crop trialling, apply only to external individuals or organisations authorised by a member state to undertake this work. \r\nThe requirement for supervision, therefore, does not affect the work to be undertaken by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T16:46:44.483","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290820,"EventID":"S4W-18999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T16:46:44.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T15:16:46.057","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the implications of the proposed changes to National List trialling in Aberdeen and Edinburgh for the management and coordination of data for the Scottish Recommended Lists of Grass and Clover Varieties.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government currently provides the Scottish Grass Levy Board (SGLB) with crop data from all of their grass / clover trial sites. This information is used by SGLB to select candidates for their own Recommended List trials. The Scottish Government does not propose any change to this process, and the quality of the Recommended List will not be affected by the change in trialling arrangements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T16:46:44.733","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290821,"EventID":"S4W-19000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T16:46:44.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T15:16:46.057","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact that the change of trial site and altitude will have on the effectiveness of the National List if trialling in Edinburgh is transferred to Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government commissioned an independent scientific review of the proposed site at the Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture, which concluded that there will be no significant effect on the quality of the data produced.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T16:46:45","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290822,"EventID":"S4W-19001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-18T16:46:45.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T15:49:32.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the Air Discount Scheme has cost in each year since 2007-08.","AnswerText":"The figures are as follows:\r\n2007-08\r\n£5.622 million\r\n2008-09\r\n£6.054 million\r\n2009-10\r\n£6.251 million\r\n2010-11\r\n£6.018 million\r\n2011-12\r\n£4.905 million\r\n2012-13\r\n£5.073 million\r\nThese figures include reimbursing member’s discounts to airlines and the cost of administering the scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-15T16:46:45.25","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290823,"EventID":"S4W-19007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-19T11:49:14.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T11:41:36.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it can provide regarding the Minister for External Affairs and International Development’s visit to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar in November 2013.","AnswerText":"I visited Abu Dhabi (10-11 November) and Dubai (11-13 November) in the United Arab Emirates and Doha in Qatar (13-14 November) where I undertook an intensive programme of meetings and engagements to strengthen business, education, cultural and government ties with the region.\r\nDuring the visit I led Scotland’s largest ever delegation to the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), with over 40 Scottish companies and Higher Education Institutions represented at one of the largest oil and gas events in the world.\r\nMy attendance at ADIPEC also provided a significant platform for me to raise the profile of Scotland's wide-ranging strengths across the oil and gas sector to the broader Middle East audience, notably via my participation in a conference panel discussion and Q&A on the importance of skills and training in the industry and my meetings with both the UAE Energy Minister, H.E Suhail Mohammed Al Mazrouei, and with the President of the Abu Dhabi Petroleum Institute. These discussions reiterated the significant opportunities which exist for partnership and collaboration between Scottish and Middle Eastern companies and resulted in an agreement to hold a joint Scotland Abu Dhabi workshop in Abu Dhabi in 2014. I also met with the CEOs of major energy companies including Bob Dudley of BP and Carl Sheldon of TAQA.\r\nTo date, five companies, Scotmas, Doosan Babcock, FoundOcean, Peak Consultancy and SafeHouse Habitats (Scotland) Ltd have confirmed new partnerships with local Emirate partner organisations, cementing the companies’ foothold in a key global oil and gas market and establishing the basis for continued growth of their Scottish operations. Further detail on these partnerships:\r\nKelso-based water and air specialists, Scotmas Ltd, finalised a £300,000 contract for the delivery of a water disinfection system for the Qatar Electricity and Water Company(QEWC) expected to treat up to a quarter of Qatar’s drinking water. The company also formed an Egyptian Joint Venture company focused on delivering the company’s unique chlorine dioxide water disinfection technology into the rapidly developing Oil and Gas Sector in North Africa.\r\nDoosan Babcock and Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Link Technology Group formed a Joint Venture Company to provide maintenance and shut down solutions to the oil and gas industry in the region. This partnership will bring significant growth opportunities to the company’s Renfrew facility.\r\nFoundOcean, whose expanded offshore service base in Livingston was officially opened by Minister Fergus Ewing last year, announced the opening of their newest office in the Middle East in partnership with Emdad LLC.\r\n\r\nAberdeen based Peak Consultancy Ltd signed an MoU with Abu Dhabi’s Almansoori Specialised Engineering to provide services to the regions oil and gas sector.\r\n\r\nDundee-based Safehouse Habitats (Scotland) Ltd signed a strategic agreement with Al Yaseah Group on 13th December at ADIPEC to provide Safehouse’s Positive Pressure Habitat Solutions to the Oil and Gas sector in Abu Dhabi.\r\n\r\nIn addition, Glasgow based MJB International also announced during ADIPEC that the company has secured a multi-million Euro, six year contract to provide support services for gas turbines in the Netherlands\r\n\r\nI visited the fit up for the Abu Dhabi Science Festival, which is being managed by the Edinburgh Science Festival and met with His Excellency Ahmed Al Calily, Director General, Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee who fund the Abu Dhabi Science Festival.\r\n\r\nIn Dubai, I took part in an Open Conversation organised by the Emirates Festival of Literature, attended by 16-18 year old students from local schools, discussing the role of young people in democracy.\r\n\r\nI met with more young people when touring the new extension to the Dubai Heriot-Watt campus. I announced Heriot-Watt’s new PHD progammes in the following schools in Dubai: Management and Languages, Engineering and Physical Science and Bui","AnswerDate":"2013-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-16T11:49:14.59","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290824,"EventID":"S4W-19002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-19T14:00:47.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T16:46:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18742 by Nicola Sturgeon on 18 December 2013, whether any delivery company was used in addition to Royal Mail to distribute the postcard in support of the white paper on independence.","AnswerText":"No.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-16T14:00:47.777","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290825,"EventID":"S4W-19003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-19T14:00:48.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-18T19:08:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to change the repayment threshold for student loans during the current parliamentary session.","AnswerText":"The repayment threshold will change in April 2014. Details of the change will be published on the Student Loans Company website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-16T14:00:48.633","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290826,"EventID":"S4W-19004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-19T14:00:49.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T08:58:54.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the passage of the Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Bill will result in an increase or decrease in the number of undischarged bankrupts.","AnswerText":"The number of debtors who do not receive their discharge from bankruptcy after one year is currently low, less than 0.1 per cent of all bankruptcies recorded by AiB. There are a number of reasons why a debtor's bankruptcy may not be discharged after one year. Many of these relate, in some way, to the existing requirement on the debtor to cooperate with their trustee. The Scottish Government’s position, therefore, is that the main driver for deferred discharge is debtor non-cooperation and that the requirement on the debtor to cooperate is unaffected by the Bill. Section 64 of the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 already requires the debtor to take every practicable step to enable the trustee to perform their functions and the Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Bill does not amend this requirement. However, the Scottish Government is introducing additional measures, to promote good advice and ensure that the debtor is fully aware of their responsibilities. As announced by the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism on 18 December 2013, the Scottish Government is also considering government amendments to, ‘make this part of the process more straightforward’.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-16T14:00:49.057","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290827,"EventID":"S4W-19005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-19T14:00:49.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T08:58:54.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what targets are in place to reduce the number of undischarged bankrupts by (a) 2015 and (b) 2020.","AnswerText":"The number of debtors who do not receive their discharge from bankruptcy after one year is currently low, less than 0.1 per cent of all bankruptcies recorded by AiB. There are a number of reasons why a debtor's bankruptcy may not be discharged after one year. Many of these relate, in some way, to the existing requirement on the debtor to cooperate with their trustee. The Scottish Government’s position, therefore, is that the main driver for deferred discharge is debtor non-cooperation and that the requirement on the debtor to cooperate is unaffected by the Bill. There are currently no targets in place to reduce the number of debtors who do not cooperate. However, the Scottish Government is introducing additional measures, to promote good advice and ensure that the debtor is fully aware of their responsibilities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-16T14:00:49.4","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290828,"EventID":"S4W-19006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-19T14:00:49.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T10:05:03.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18760 by Keith Brown on 18 December 2013, what the timetable is to carry out the further measures referred to.\r\n","AnswerText":"The timetable for undertaking the further measures as referenced in S4W-18760 between Glasgow and Fort William/Oban will be set in the context of overall affordability and our commitments to other proposals in the strategic transport projects review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-16T14:00:49.697","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290829,"EventID":"S4W-19008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-19T14:00:49.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T11:42:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason (a) the treatment time guarantee is not being met and (b) performance against the standard that outpatients should be seen within 12 weeks has been deteriorating, as stated in the Audit Scotland report, Management of patients on NHS waiting lists.\r\n","AnswerText":"There will be various reasons why the treatment time guarantee and first outpatient waiting time standard are not being met and the reasons will vary across boards in Scotland. Some will be down to increased demand, specific issues locally including staffing etc. For example, Grampian has a pressure in theatre capacity, which is why they are in the process of completing the building of six new theatres.\r\nI have made clear to all board chairmen the need for them to ensure that their board deliver all waiting time standards and the legal guarantee.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-16T14:00:50.007","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290830,"EventID":"S4W-19009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-19T14:00:50.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T11:42:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action patients can take if their legal right to treatment within 12 weeks has not been met.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government expects health boards to take all appropriate action to comply with their legal obligation to ensure patients are treated in accordance with the treatment time guarantee. If a patient has not received their treatment within the 12 week maximum waiting time period they should immediately contact their health board so that an appointment can be made to treat them without delay.\r\nSection 10 of the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011 sets out the actions a health board must take where it has not complied with the treatment time guarantee. These are; make such arrangements as are necessary to ensure that the agreed treatment starts at the next available opportunity, provide an explanation as to why the treatment did not start within the maximum waiting time; provide the patient with details of the patient advice and support available and on how to give feedback or raise a concern or complaint.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-16T14:00:50.49","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290831,"EventID":"S4W-19010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-19T14:00:50.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T11:42:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients in each NHS board stated that they wished to be treated (a) by a named doctor and (b) at a specific hospital in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The specific information requested is not available centrally. Under New Ways, patients wishing to be treated by a named consultant or wishing to be treated at a specific location would have been recorded under social unavailability. However, the reasons for social unavailability being applied was not collected through the New Ways warehouse.\r\nBoards are now required since the introduction of the legal treatment time guarantee on 1 October 2012, to provide information centrally on the specific reasons for patient advised unavailability being applied.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-16T14:00:50.96","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290832,"EventID":"S4W-19011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-19T14:00:51.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T11:42:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to increase capacity and resources in the NHS in order to deliver the treatment time guarantee.","AnswerText":"Health’s budget in 2013-14 is £11.6 billion of which Territorial and Special Boards have received a core allocation of £8.8 billion. Health’s resource funding has increased by £249 million, delivering on the Scottish Government’s commitment to pass on the resource budget Barnett consequentials in full to the Health Service in Scotland.\r\nThis has enabled the NHS workforce to grow by more than 2,300 or 1.8 per cent, in the last year. A total of over £27 million in the current year specifically to support delivery of waiting times standards has also been allocated in the current year. This funding has allocated across all territorial boards including the Golden Jubilee National Hospital.\r\nWe are aware that most boards are experiencing difficulties in delivering the legal treatment time guarantee in the specialties of orthopaedic and ophthalmology that is why we have funded the Golden Jubilee to increase capacity in orthopaedics by 10 per cent and to double their ophthalmology service. This capacity will support boards across Scotland to deliver the legal treatment time guarantee.\r\nHealth boards also have plans in place to invest over £67 million to increase capacity including the recruitment of around 420 more staff - consultants, nurses and other clinical support staff in the current year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-16T14:00:51.443","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290833,"EventID":"S4W-19017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-19T14:00:51.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T11:55:28.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government  how many people have been (a) cautioned and (b) convicted for purchasing tobacco on behalf of someone who is underage.\r\n","AnswerText":"Formal police cautions do not apply in Scotland.\r\nIn the financial year 2011-12 one person received a police formal warning, six received a fiscal fine and one person was convicted in court where the main offence was under section 6(1) of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\nIn 2012-13 three people received a fiscal fine and four people were convicted in court for the same main offence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-16T14:00:51.91","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290834,"EventID":"S4W-19020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-19T14:00:52.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T11:57:00.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the reduction in the delayed discharge target time to four weeks, how it is monitoring hospital readmission rates.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government reviews hospital readmission rates every three months, on both a national and a hospital basis. The measures reviewed are rates of surgical readmissions within seven days, rates of surgical readmissions with 28 days, rates of medical readmissions within seven days and rates of medical readmissions within 28 days. Where a specific hospital has a significantly higher than expected rate of readmission (compared to other hospitals) the corresponding NHS board is asked to investigate so as to gain assurance about the quality of care being delivered and to learn any lessons for improvement. For the same reasons the Scottish Government also invites all NHS boards to continuously review their latest information on readmissions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-16T14:00:52.91","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290835,"EventID":"S4W-19021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-19T14:00:53.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T11:57:00.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what additional funds it has provided to each local authority in order to meet the four week hospital delayed discharge target.\r\n","AnswerText":"£29 million, previously allocated to NHS boards for delayed discharge, was transferred to the overall local government settlement in 2008-09. We expect NHS boards and local authorities to work within their combined resources to deliver the expected delayed discharge standards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-16T14:00:53.347","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290836,"EventID":"S4W-19022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-19T14:00:53.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T11:57:00.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what additional funds it will provide to each local authority in order to meet the two week hospital delayed discharge target.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-19021 on 14 January 2014. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nIn addition, we anticipate that, following the enactment of the Public Bodies (Joint Working)(Scotland) Bill, new integrated health and social care partnerships will be able to make better use of joint resources in order to make further reductions to the level of delayed discharges. The Bill sets out a duty on health boards, local authorities and the new integrated partnerships to focus strategic planning for the use of integrated budgets on preventative and anticipatory care, which can help to reduce the likelihood of delayed discharge.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-16T14:00:53.767","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290837,"EventID":"S4W-19023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-19T14:00:54.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T13:39:33.297","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) permanent and (b) temporary legal staff have been employed by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in each month since April 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The figures provided relate to the actual number of legal staff employed i.e. the headcount figure (Table 1) \r\nTable 1: Legal Staffing Figures (Headcount)\r\nFigures include all full time and part time staff currently at work and those on paid leave.\r\n \r\nThe full time equivalent figure previously quoted in answers by Law Officers will be lower as it amalgamates the number of both full and part time legal staff employed into full time equivalent posts.\r\nDate\r\nPermanent\r\nFixed Term\r\nTrainee Solicitors\r\nTotal\r\n01 April 2007\r\n421\r\n1\r\n41\r\n463\r\n01 May 2007\r\n420\r\n0\r\n41\r\n461\r\n01 June 2007\r\n419\r\n1\r\n41\r\n461\r\n01 July 2007\r\n419\r\n1\r\n41\r\n461\r\n01 August 2007\r\n418\r\n1\r\n41\r\n460\r\n01 September 2007\r\n431\r\n2\r\n50\r\n483\r\n01 October 2007\r\n432\r\n2\r\n50\r\n484\r\n01 November 2007\r\n427\r\n2\r\n50\r\n479\r\n01 December 2007\r\n421\r\n2\r\n50\r\n473\r\n01 January 2008\r\n424\r\n1\r\n50\r\n475\r\n01 February 2008\r\n421\r\n1\r\n50\r\n472\r\n01 March 2008\r\n426\r\n2\r\n50\r\n478\r\n01 April 2008\r\n423\r\n2\r\n50\r\n475\r\n01 May 2008\r\n423\r\n3\r\n50\r\n476\r\n01 June 2008\r\n421\r\n3\r\n50\r\n474\r\n31 July 2008\r\n422\r\n2\r\n50\r\n474\r\n31 August 2008\r\n452\r\n5\r\n51\r\n508\r\n30 September 2008\r\n456\r\n6\r\n51\r\n513\r\n31 October 2008\r\n454\r\n8\r\n51\r\n513\r\n30 November 2008\r\n453\r\n9\r\n51\r\n513\r\n31 December 2008\r\n459\r\n7\r\n51\r\n517\r\n31 January 2009\r\n468\r\n4\r\n51\r\n523\r\n28 February 2009\r\n469\r\n4\r\n51\r\n524\r\n31 March 2009\r\n467\r\n6\r\n51\r\n524\r\n30 April 2009\r\n466\r\n6\r\n53\r\n525\r\n31 May 2009\r\n468\r\n6\r\n54\r\n528\r\n30 June 2009\r\n464\r\n10\r\n54\r\n528\r\n31 July 2009\r\n463\r\n9\r\n54\r\n526\r\n31 August 2009\r\n486\r\n11\r\n52\r\n549\r\n30 September 2009\r\n492\r\n27\r\n54\r\n573\r\n31 October 2009\r\n494\r\n30\r\n53\r\n577\r\n30 November 2009\r\n504\r\n32\r\n54\r\n590\r\n31 December 2009\r\n496\r\n32\r\n54\r\n582\r\n31 January 2010\r\n494\r\n33\r\n54\r\n581\r\n28 February 2010\r\n493\r\n33\r\n54\r\n580\r\n31 March 2010\r\n488\r\n31\r\n54\r\n573\r\n30 April 2010\r\n488\r\n26\r\n53\r\n567\r\n31 May 2010\r\n488\r\n23\r\n52\r\n563\r\n30 June 2010\r\n487\r\n23\r\n50\r\n560\r\n31 July 2010\r\n489\r\n16\r\n51\r\n556\r\n31 August 2010\r\n490\r\n34\r\n53\r\n577\r\n30 September 2010\r\n491\r\n32\r\n52\r\n575\r\n31 October 2010\r\n492\r\n31\r\n51\r\n574\r\n30 November 2010\r\n492\r\n31\r\n51\r\n574\r\n31 December 2010\r\n491\r\n30\r\n50\r\n571\r\n31 January 2011\r\n482\r\n30\r\n49\r\n561\r\n28 February 2011\r\n482\r\n32\r\n50\r\n564\r\n31 March 2011\r\n479\r\n31\r\n50\r\n560\r\n30 April 2011\r\n477\r\n20\r\n50\r\n547\r\n31 May 2011\r\n476\r\n24\r\n50\r\n550\r\n30 June 2011\r\n471\r\n24\r\n50\r\n545\r\n31 July 2011\r\n474\r\n26\r\n48\r\n548\r\n31 August 2011\r\n472\r\n26\r\n45\r\n543\r\n30 September 2011\r\n469\r\n24\r\n45\r\n538\r\n31 October 2011\r\n469\r\n17\r\n44\r\n530\r\n30 November 2011\r\n469\r\n15\r\n45\r\n529\r\n31 December 2011\r\n468\r\n15\r\n46\r\n529\r\n31 January 2012\r\n464\r\n14\r\n45\r\n523\r\n29 February 2012\r\n465\r\n14\r\n45\r\n524\r\n31 March 2012\r\n454\r\n14\r\n45\r\n513\r\n30 April 2012\r\n458\r\n17\r\n45\r\n520\r\n31 May 2012\r\n454\r\n24\r\n45\r\n523\r\n30 June 2012\r\n457\r\n25\r\n45\r\n527\r\n31 July 2012\r\n452\r\n26\r\n45\r\n523\r\n31 August 2012\r\n457\r\n24\r\n39\r\n520\r\n30 September 2012\r\n455\r\n23\r\n39\r\n517\r\n31 October 2012\r\n453\r\n22\r\n39\r\n514\r\n30 November 2012\r\n455\r\n21\r\n39\r\n515\r\n31 December 2012\r\n456\r\n25\r\n39\r\n520\r\n31 January 2013\r\n463\r\n27\r\n39\r\n529\r\n28 February 2013\r\n464\r\n25\r\n38\r\n527\r\n31 March 2013\r\n465\r\n24\r\n39\r\n528\r\n30 April 2013\r\n465\r\n23\r\n39\r\n527\r\n31 May 2013\r\n456\r\n23\r\n39\r\n518\r\n30 June 2013\r\n456\r\n23\r\n39\r\n518\r\n31 July 2013\r\n456\r\n23\r\n39\r\n518\r\n31 August 2013\r\n455\r\n23\r\n39\r\n517\r\n30 September 2013\r\n455\r\n26\r\n39\r\n520\r\n31 October 2013\r\n449\r\n30\r\n39\r\n518\r\n30 November 2013\r\n458\r\n27\r\n38\r\n523\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-16T14:00:54.187","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290847,"EventID":"S4W-19024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-19T16:54:54.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T14:59:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether (a) it or (b) the NHS is aware of residents of Scotland seeking private organ transplants abroad and, if so, in which countries and on what scale.","AnswerText":"NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is the organisation responsible for the collection and publication of organ donation and transplantation statistical information for Scotland. There is no requirement for clinicians to provide NHSBT with data on patients who have had transplants outside of the UK and therefore no national statistics are available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-16T16:54:54.31","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290857,"EventID":"S4W-19012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T14:10:31.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T11:46:01.05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish a business plan for Glasgow Prestwick Airport.\r\n","AnswerText":"We will set out our plans and aspirations for Glasgow Prestwick Airport shortly. The work being carried out to prepare such plans was set out in the Deputy First Minister’s letter to the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee on 4 February 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T14:10:32.173","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290858,"EventID":"S4W-19013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T14:10:32.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T11:46:01.05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it expects Glasgow Prestwick Airport to return to profit.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information will be published in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T14:10:32.707","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290859,"EventID":"S4W-19014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T14:10:32.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T11:46:01.05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what monetary or other investment has been made into Glasgow Prestwick Airport since its purchase and what return on investment is expected.\r\n","AnswerText":"In addition to the purchase price of £1, the Scottish Government has provided Glasgow Prestwick Airport with £3 million in working capital for 2013-14. We expect all investment to generate a reasonable rate of return for the taxpayer over the long term.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T14:10:32.953","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290860,"EventID":"S4W-19015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T14:10:33.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T11:46:01.05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17905 by Keith Brown on 1 November 2013, what discussions it has had with (a) the three Ayrshire councils, (b) Scottish Enterprise and (c) other members of the multi-agency group formed following its purchase of Glasgow Prestwick Airport.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Multi-Agency Group (MAG) was formed in early 2013 and has comprised Transport Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, the three Ayrshire Councils and others with an interest in the future ownership of Glasgow Prestwick Airport. Since the Scottish Government’s acquisition of the airport the MAG has met twice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T14:10:33.19","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290861,"EventID":"S4W-19016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T14:10:33.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T11:46:01.05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Deputy First Minister will provide further information to the Parliament on the purchase of Glasgow Prestwick Airport.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Deputy First Minister wrote to the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee on 4 February 2014 providing an update on the purchase of Prestwick Airport.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T14:10:33.44","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290862,"EventID":"S4W-19025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T14:10:33.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T14:58:22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has information on planning applications for housing being split into groups of fewer than 50 dwellings to avoid them being classified as major developments under the Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009 and, if so, how often this has happened in each local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. The Scottish Government collects statistical information on local and major housing development however the categories are not broken down further into smaller groupings. These statistics are available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Planning/Publications.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T14:10:33.673","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290863,"EventID":"S4W-19026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T14:10:33.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T16:34:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what review it has carried out of trafficking legislation in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government keeps human trafficking legislation under regular review in dialogue with key stakeholders, in particular police and prosecutors. Trafficking is an international and cross border crime and a partnership approach is the most effective way to tackle it. In December 2013, the UK Government published a Draft Modern Slavery Bill and we are working with them to explore the potential for that Bill to cover Scottish interests. We have encouraged relevant Scottish organisations to consider and comment on the Bill. In addition, we have brought forward provisions for a human trafficking statutory aggravation, which are contained in the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill currently being considered by the Scottish Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T14:10:33.953","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290864,"EventID":"S4W-19027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T14:10:34.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T16:58:45.187","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the financial security of companies involved in the opencast mining sector.","AnswerText":"Under the existing legal framework the Scottish Government does not have any role or duty to make assessment of the financial security of companies involved in the open cast mining sector.\r\nFinancial clearance and financial appraisal is one of the aspects taken into account by the UK Coal Authority in the awarding of coaling leases and licences to coal operators. The issuing of coaling licences is a reserved matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T14:10:34.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290865,"EventID":"S4W-19028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T14:10:34.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T16:58:45.187","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with companies involved in opencast mining about their financial status.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not, under the existing legal framework, applicable to open cast mining, have any legal duty to carry out any analysis of the financial status of companies.\r\nFinancial clearance and financial appraisal is, however, one of the aspects taken into account by the UK Coal Authority in the awarding of coaling leases and licences to coal operators. The issuing of coaling licences is a reserved matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T14:10:34.513","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290866,"EventID":"S4W-19029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T14:10:34.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T16:58:45.187","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it had with Scottish Coal in the year before it went into liquidation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Coal (also known as Scottish Resources Group SRG) went into liquidation in April 2013. In the year prior to that Scottish Government officials met with SRG and other coal operators on a regular basis to discuss general issues relevant to the coal industry such as the carbon reduction commitment policy and the increases to rail freight charges proposed by the Office of Rail Regulation which were the most pressing issues of concern for the sector at that time.\r\nThe Scottish Government also held a coal summit in September 2012 which was chaired by myself and the Environment Minister Mr Wheelhouse. The summit was attended by SRG along with other coal operators, land owners, local authorities, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and Scottish Government officials and discussions centred on the issues affecting the sector. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T14:10:34.75","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290867,"EventID":"S4W-19030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T14:10:34.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-19T17:00:36.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to prevent planning applications for housing being split into groups of fewer than 50 dwellings to avoid them being classified as major developments under the Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"None. It is for the applicant to decide what size of development they wish to apply for.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T14:10:35","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290868,"EventID":"S4W-19035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T14:10:35.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T09:40:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the highest recorded number of whole time equivalent staff employed by NHS Lanarkshire was and how many it employed in September 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of whole time equivalent (WTE) staff employed by NHS Lanarkshire (excluding General Practitioners and General Dental services) is 10,131.2 WTE as at 30 September 2013.\r\nThis is the highest number of staff in NHS Lanarkshire on record.\r\nThe number of staff employed by NHS Lanarkshire from 2002 to 2013 can be found at: \r\nhttps://isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2013-11-26/Overall_Trend_S2013.xls?35312397.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T14:10:35.263","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290869,"EventID":"S4W-19036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T14:10:35.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T10:00:03.243","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the highest recorded number of whole-time equivalent staff employed by NHS Highland was, and how many it employed in September 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The highest recorded number of whole time equivalent (WTE) staff employed by NHS Highland (excluding General Practitioners and General Dental services) is 8,012.9 WTE as at 30 September 2013.\r\nThis is the highest number of staff in NHS Highland on record.\r\nThe number of staff employed by NHS Highland from 2002 to 2013 can be found at: https://isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2013-11-26/Overall_Trend_S2013.xls?35312397.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T14:10:35.513","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290870,"EventID":"S4W-19037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T14:10:35.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T10:00:03.243","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the highest recorded number of whole-time equivalent staff employed by NHS Western Isles was, and how many it employed in September 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of whole time equivalent staff (WTE) employed by NHS Western Isles (excluding General Practitioners and General Dental services) is 845.6 WTE as at 30 September 2013.\r\nThis is the highest number of staff in NHS Western Isles on record.\r\nThe number of staff employed by NHS Western Isles from 2002 to 2013 can be found at: https://isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2013-11-26/Overall_Trend_S2013.xls?35312397.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T14:10:35.78","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290871,"EventID":"S4W-19038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T14:10:36.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T10:38:25.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what ministerial engagements the First Minister carried out in Aberdeen on 2 December 2013 and, as specified in section 9.20 of the Scottish Ministerial Code, on what date the constituency and regional members for the area were informed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minister undertook one ministerial engagement in Aberdeen on 2 December 2013, opening the £15 million Aberdeen Community Health and Care Village, which provides state-of-the-art healthcare facilities for local people. The First Minister wrote to you on 5 December 2013 regarding this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T14:10:36.027","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290872,"EventID":"S4W-19039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T14:10:36.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T10:38:25.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what ministerial engagements the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs carried out in Aberdeen on 7 December 2013 and, as specified in section 9.20 of the Scottish Ministerial Code, on what date the constituency and regional members for the area were informed. \r\n","AnswerText":"I undertook one ministerial engagement in Aberdeen on 7 December 2013; I attended the Alba Trad Music Awards Ceremony where I presented the Gaelic Singer of the Year Award.\r\nIt is routine for the Scottish Government to inform constituency and regional MSPs, in line with section 9.20 of the Ministerial Code, prior to ministerial engagements. In this case no record of a ministerial notification is held by the Scottish Government which may be down to an administrative error.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T14:10:36.34","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290873,"EventID":"S4W-19040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T14:10:36.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T10:38:25.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what ministerial engagements the First Minister carried out in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"a:\r\n29.01.2013: Scottish Offshore Wind and Supply Chain Conference\r\n10.05.2013: Visit to ASET Oil and Gas Training Academy \r\n11.06.2013: Cashback announcement Banks O Dee Sports Club \r\n17.06.2013: Photo.opp at Piper Alpha memorial garden, Hazlehead Park \r\n06.07.2013: Rededication and Remembrance Service Piper Alpha Memorial Garden, Hazlehead Park \r\n02.12.2013: Official opening of Aberdeen Community Healthcare Village \r\n27.09.2013: Opening of Aberdeen University Confucius Institute University\r\n27.09.2013: Street Soccer and Glasgow 2014 Legacy announcement \r\nb:\r\n14.01.2013: Photo.Opp, World War One Memorial Fund at Fyvie War Memorial \r\n20.05.2013: Photo.Opp, WWI battlefield visits fund in Turriff \r\n28.05.2013: Opening of new Bibby Offshore Headquarters Atmosphere, Westhill \r\n31.05.2013: Attending Taste of Grampian dinner Thainstone Centre, Inverurie \r\n02.09.2013: Cabinet meeting, Fraserburgh \r\n04.08.2013: Attending Turriff Show\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T14:10:36.637","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290874,"EventID":"S4W-19041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T14:10:36.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T11:22:42.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether whaling in the Faroe Islands has an impact on pilot whale populations in Scottish waters.","AnswerText":"There is no evidence for impacts from Faroese whaling on overall pilot whale populations in the North Atlantic.\r\nThe Scottish Government works closely with the UK Government, including through the International Whaling Commission, to seek to secure a permanent end to the hunting of whales worldwide.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T14:10:36.95","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290892,"EventID":"S4W-19031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T15:52:43.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T09:13:31.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the financial position of the company, Charteris, will have an impact on NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's IT systems.","AnswerText":"The financial position of Charteris is not relevant to the overall effectiveness of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s IT Systems. The reason for this is that this company is just one of a number of IT service providers that are engaged to support a range of systems (alongside permanent internal ICT professionals in Greater Glasgow and Clyde). In light of recommendations from the review of the recent incident, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has put in place additional arrangements (including commercial contracts) that reduces its dependency on Charteris.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T15:52:43.92","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290893,"EventID":"S4W-19033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T15:52:44.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T09:13:31.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the independent investigation into the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde IT failure not establishing \"the exact root cause\", whether it has established the cause of the failure and what its position is on the effectiveness of the proposals for future prevention.\r\n","AnswerText":"The source of the information, communications and technology incident at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde was Active Directory, but the specific root cause of the original corruption of data has yet to be determined. The supplier of Active Directory is monitoring for a similar incident worldwide which could lead to a specific remedy and closure. Recommendations from the review of the incident are being implemented. This will mean that, even if a rare incident like this should reoccur, the time taken to deal with it and the impact on services will be much reduced.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T15:52:44.327","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290894,"EventID":"S4W-19042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T15:52:44.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T12:27:23.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17799 by Michael Russell on 8 November 2013, whether the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning was aware on 22 August 2012 that a young student with a residual household income of £15,000 would receive almost £900 less in bursary each year as a result of the changes announced on that date.\r\n","AnswerText":"A key aim of the Post 16 Education Reform Programme was to simplify the main student support system. Analysis of the impact of changes announced on 22 August 2012 was geared to ensuring maximum benefit for all undergraduate students.\r\nIntroduction of the new support package in 2013, means that undergraduate students benefit from access to increased financial support. An annual minimum income of £7,250 is now guaranteed for students with a family income of less than £17,000. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T15:52:44.64","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290895,"EventID":"S4W-19043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T15:52:44.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T12:27:23.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17799 by Michael Russell on 8 November 2013, whether the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning was aware on 22 August 2012 that a young student with a residual household income of £18,000 would receive over £1,600 less in bursary each year as a result of the changes announced on that date.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-19042 on 17 January 2014. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T15:52:44.92","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290896,"EventID":"S4W-19044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T15:52:45.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T12:27:23.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17799 by Michael Russell on 8 November 2013, whether the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning was aware on 22 August 2012 that a young student with a household income of £24,000 would receive over £1,300 less in bursary each year as a result of the changes announced on that date.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-19042 on 17 January 2014. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T15:52:45.2","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290897,"EventID":"S4W-19045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T15:52:45.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T12:27:23.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17799 by Michael Russell on 8 November 2013, whether the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning was aware on 22 August 2012 that an independent student with a household income of £18,000 would receive £1,000 less in bursary each year as a result of the changes announced on that date.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-19042 on 17 January 2014. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T15:52:45.48","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290898,"EventID":"S4W-19046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T15:52:45.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T12:27:23.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17799 by Michael Russell on 8 November 2013, whether the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning was aware that the figures published by the Student Loans Company quoted in the answer were for the average final debt of students who had completed their higher education in different parts of the UK in the year prior to April 2013.","AnswerText":"The figures included in the answer to S4W-17799 were published by the Student Loans Company in June 2013. They show the average debt of those borrowers who became eligible to repay in April 2013 (the 2013 cohort). Borrowers become eligible to repay their loans in the April after they graduate or otherwise leave their course.\r\nThese are the most up to date comparative figures currently available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T15:52:45.777","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290899,"EventID":"S4W-19047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T15:52:46.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T12:27:23.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17799 by Michael Russell on 8 November 2013, for what reason it used figures for end-of-course debt for previous years in England and Wales to inform its assessment of the impact on low-income students of changes coming into effect in Scotland in 2013-14.","AnswerText":"In framing the new student support package from 2013-14, a range of evidence was examined by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T15:52:46.073","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290900,"EventID":"S4W-19048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T15:52:46.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T12:27:23.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17799 by Michael Russell on 8 November 2013, over what period of years the debt figures quoted had been accrued in each case.","AnswerText":"The figures quoted in the answer to S4W-17799 show the average debt of those borrowers who became eligible to repay in April 2013 (the 2013 cohort). Borrowers become eligible to repay their loans in the April after they graduate or otherwise leave their course.\r\nThe figures represent the average debt accrued by Scottish, English and Welsh students who became eligible to repay their loans in 2013. This is the most up to date comparison available of debt levels for recent graduates. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T15:52:46.37","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290901,"EventID":"S4W-19049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T15:52:46.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T12:27:23.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17799 by Michael Russell on 8 November 2013, what the (a) lowest and (b) highest amount of student loan available was in 2012-13 for a young student living (i) away from home and (ii) in the family home with a household income below £30,000.\r\n","AnswerText":"The new simplified student support package replaced a more complex system in operation prior to 2013. Under the previous system, a number of factors determined loan entitlement, these included: Household Income, the length of the course, where the student lived while studying, the year of the course (the final year loan was at a lower level) and if other members of the family were in higher or further education. \r\nAs a result, there was no typical amount of loan that young students from a household with an income of under £30,000 would be entitled to. For illustrative purposes, assuming a household income of £25,000 the amount of loan available to a young student for a standard 30 week course in 2012-13 would have been:\r\nLiving away from home: £940 the lowest loan and £3813 the highest loan.\r\nAt home: £620 lowest loan and £2828 highest loan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T15:52:46.65","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290902,"EventID":"S4W-19050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T15:52:46.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T12:27:23.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17799 by Michael Russell on 8 November 2013, what the (a) lowest and (b) highest amount of student loan available was in 2012-13 for an independent student living (a) away from home and (b) in the family home with a household income below £30,000.\r\n","AnswerText":"The new simplified student support package replaced a more complex system in operation prior to 2013. Under the previous system, a number of factors determined loan entitlement.\r\nThese included: Household Income, the length of the course, where the student lived while studying, the year of the course (the final year loan was at a lower level) and if other members of the family where in higher or further education. \r\nAs a result, there was no typical amount of loan that independent students from a household with an income of under £30,000 would be entitled to. For illustrative purposes, assuming a household income of £25,000 the amount of loan available to an independent student for a standard 30 week course in 2012-13 would have been:\r\nLiving away from home: £940 the lowest loan and £4952 the highest loan.\r\nAt home:£620 lowest loan and £3967 highest loan.  \r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T15:52:46.933","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290903,"EventID":"S4W-19051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T15:52:47.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T12:27:23.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-18332 by Michael Russell on 28 November 2013, what estimates for the value of non-repayable forms of higher education student support, including bursaries, were used to inform the figures for (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15 in the “Student Support and Tuition Fee Payments” line in Table 5.07 in the draft Scottish budget 2014-15.","AnswerText":"The student support and tuition fee payments line is made up of tuition fees and bursaries. This line assumes that the student population is maintained at the current levels. The budget line in 2013-14 allows for £220 million in tuition fees and £82.4 million in bursaries whilst the 2014-15 line allows for £223 million in tuition fees and £83 million in bursaries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T15:52:47.213","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290904,"EventID":"S4W-19052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T15:52:47.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T12:27:23.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17797 by Michael Russell on 8 November 2013, whether it will provide figures for the value of the total maintenance package provided in 2013-14 for students living away from home (but not in London) from (a) Scotland, (b) England and (c) Wales at residual incomes of (i) £17,000, (ii) £20,000 and (iii) incomes in increments of £5,000 thereafter up to and including £50,000.","AnswerText":"The following tables provide the maintenance package available to dependent and independent students in Scotland in 2013-14, who are living away from home.\r\nDependent students:\r\nHousehold income\r\nBursary\r\nLoan\r\nTotal\r\n£0 to £16,999\r\n£1,750\r\n£5,500\r\n£7,250\r\n£17,000 to £23,999\r\n£1,000\r\n£5,500\r\n£6,500\r\n£24,000 to £33,999\r\n£500\r\n£5,500\r\n£6,000\r\n£34,000 and above\r\n£0\r\n£4,500\r\n£4,500\r\n\r\nIndependent students\r\nHousehold income\r\nBursary\r\nLoan\r\nTotal\r\n£0 to £16,999\r\n£750\r\n£6,500\r\n£7,250\r\n£17,000 to £23,999\r\n£0\r\n£6,500\r\n£6,500\r\n£24,000 to £33,999\r\n£0\r\n£6,000\r\n£6,000\r\n£34,000 and above\r\n£0\r\n£4,500\r\n£4,500\r\nWe do not hold information on support available to students from elsewhere in the UK. From academic year 2013-14, support is assessed using household income bandings in the tables above. It is no longer assessed on income increments\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T15:52:47.57","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290905,"EventID":"S4W-19053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T15:52:47.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T12:27:23.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17797 by Michael Russell on 8 November 2013, whether it remains its position, as noted in Supporting a Smarter Scotland: A consultation on supporting learners in higher education, that students who stay away from home while at university “are likely to face greater financial pressures from a number of areas including rent and rising food and fuel costs” compared with those who live at home.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the impact of increases in the cost of living for students. A key aim of the Post 16 Education Reform Programme is to simplify the main student support system whilst ensuring maximum benefit for all students.\r\nOn top of important benefits such as free tuition, the new package includes an annual minimum income of £7,250, through a combination of bursaries and loans, for students with a family income of less than £17,000. All students, irrespective of circumstances, are eligible for a student loan of £4,500 a year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T15:52:47.853","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290906,"EventID":"S4W-19054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T15:52:48.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T12:27:23.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-17797 by Michael Russell on 8 November 2013, whether it remains its position, as noted in Supporting a Smarter Scotland: A consultation on supporting learners in higher education, that “younger students staying in the parental home tended to have the lowest incomes and expenditure” compared with those who live away from home.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the diversity in the circumstances of students. A key aim of the Post 16 Education Reform Programme is to simplify the main student support system whilst ensuring maximum benefit for all students.\r\nOn top of important benefits such as free tuition, the new package includes an annual minimum income of £7,250, through a combination of bursaries and loans, for students with a family income of less than £17,000. All students, irrespective of circumstances, are eligible for a student loan of £4,500 a year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T15:52:48.133","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290907,"EventID":"S4W-19055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-20T15:52:48.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T12:27:23.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of Scotland-domiciled full-time undergraduate students supported by the Students Awards Agency for Scotland lived away from home in the most recent year for which information is available, also broken down by (a) young and (b) independent students.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2012-13, 56% of Scottish-domiciled full-time undergraduate students supported by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland lived away from the parental home.\r\nHalf (50%) of young Scottish-domiciled full-time undergraduate students lived away from the parental home.\r\nOver four-fifths (83%) of independent Scottish-domiciled full-time undergraduate students lived away from the parental home.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T15:52:48.413","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290909,"EventID":"S4W-19058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-23T13:53:48.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-21T07:29:34.507","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to commercial users of pesticides regarding reducing their use.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under a crop health activity, funded by the Scottish Government, which monitors Scottish crops for the presence of pests, weeds and diseases, staff at Scotland’s Rural College provide advice to farmers on integrated crop protection measures and on alternatives to pesticides, which should help to reduce reliance on their use.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-20T13:53:48.61","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290910,"EventID":"S4W-19059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-23T13:53:49.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-21T07:29:34.507","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides for research into integrated pest management.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government funds long-term research into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in agriculture and horticulture via its Strategic Research Programmes for Rural Affairs and the Environment 2011-2016. Current strategic research includes work on disease management programmes for raspberry and barley crops.\r\nIn addition to this direct financial support for research and knowledge exchange activities related to IPM, the research institutes involved, mainly The James Hutton Institute and Scotland's Rural College, are provided with funding to maintain and develop the necessary skills, expertise and facilities. \r\nThe Scottish Government also currently funds some shorter term research projects related to IPM via its Contract Research Fund in cooperation with other public funders and industry. Current projects include research on integrated control strategies in blackcurrant and potato crops.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-20T13:53:49.063","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290911,"EventID":"S4W-19060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-23T13:53:49.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-21T07:29:34.507","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will update the Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products in Scotland to reflect the European directive on the sustainable use of pesticides (2009/128/EC).\r\n","AnswerText":"An updated version of the Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products in Scotland should be available by 2015, after the required consultations have been carried out.\r\nIn the meantime, although some of the underlying legislative framework has changed as a result of the European Directive on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides, the general content of the code remains appropriate.\r\nHowever, the code should be read in conjunction with updated guidance on the use of pesticides found on the Scottish Government’s website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/Environment/Pesticides.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-20T13:53:49.297","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290912,"EventID":"S4W-19061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-23T15:10:13.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-23T14:57:18.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many recommendations by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner, following reviews of complaints about the Police by members of the public, have (a) been enacted and (b) rejected by (i) Police Scotland and (ii) its predecessor Central Scotland Police since May 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"Between May 2011 and April 2013, the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner made 14 recommendations to Central Scotland Police, 13 of which were implemented. Following further submissions by Central Scotland Police in respect of the remaining recommendation, the commissioner did not consider it necessary that the recommendation be implemented.\r\nFrom April 2013, the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner have issued 129 recommendations to Police Scotland, 69 of which have been implemented. So far, Police Scotland has decided not to implement 2 of the commissioner’s recommendations. The remaining 58 recommendations are still under consideration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-20T15:10:13.123","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290913,"EventID":"S4W-19062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-23T15:10:13.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-23T14:57:18.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost has been of operating the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner service, including staff and premises costs, broken down by year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 1 April 2013 the Police Complaints Commissioner for Scotland took on an expanded remit to reflect its role in providing independent investigations of serious incidents involving the police. The organisation became the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner. The following costs refer to the former Police Complaints Commissioner for Scotland and include staffing and accommodation costs:\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nStaff Costs\r\n443,000\r\n580,000\r\n702,000\r\n697,000\r\n618,000\r\n795,000\r\nOperating Costs including accommodation\r\n333,000\r\n327,000\r\n427,000\r\n344,000\r\n283,000\r\n303,000\r\nDepreciation\r\n29,000\r\n33,000\r\n32,000\r\n34,,000\r\n35,000\r\n50,000\r\nLoss on Disposal\r\n-\r\n-\r\n2,000\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNotional Costs\r\n1,000\r\n4,000\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nTotal Expenditure\r\n806,000\r\n944,000\r\n1,163,000\r\n1,075,000\r\n936,000\r\n1,148,000\r\nThe initial Grant In Aid allocation for the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner for 2013-14 was £2,631,000.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-20T15:10:13.42","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290914,"EventID":"S4W-19063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2013-12-23T15:10:13.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-23T14:57:18.09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average cost has been of investigating each case reviewed by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner in each year since 2007. \r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-20T15:10:13.653","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290915,"EventID":"S4W-19064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2014-01-03T15:12:00.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-29T09:39:42.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Dow Chemical company following the announced closure in June 2014 of its plant in Grangemouth and what assistance it is providing to the workforce to seek alternative employment.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government was disappointed to learn that Dow Chemicals had announced the closure of their Grangemouth facility with the loss of 76 full-time jobs. Scottish Enterprise is meeting the company in mid-January 2014 to get an understanding for the rationale behind the company’s decision. We are also working closely with Skills Development Scotland to deliver PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) support to staff affected, including advice to help secure appropriate alternative employment and re-training opportunities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T15:12:00.93","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":290916,"EventID":"S4W-19065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2014-01-03T15:12:01.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-29T09:45:21.643","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the (a) management and (b) administrators of Ballantine Bo'ness Iron Company Ltd and Ballantine Engineering Ltd and what assistance it has provided to the workforce to seek alternative employment.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise has been working with the company since it went into administration in September 2013. The Scottish Government has been kept fully informed of developments by Scottish Enterprise who in conjunction with Falkirk Council and the local business gateway, were in weekly contact with both the management at Ballantine’s and the administrators, BDO. Scottish Enterprise has also met all organisations showing interest in buying the company to discuss potential support.\r\nWe have provided support for employees through the Scottish Government’s initiative for responding to redundancy situations, Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE). All employees affected have been provided with a PACE Facing Redundancy Guide and invited to attend a Futures Fair and Jobs Skills workshop on Tuesday 7 January 2014 at Falkirk Football Stadium.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-17T15:12:01.63","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":291019,"EventID":"S4W-19066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2014-01-08T13:47:09.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-30T13:40:07.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will request that the Department of Health include Scotland in the proposed registration scheme for breast implant surgery or plans to implement its own scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland has already set up the Scottish Cosmetic Interventions Expert Group which is chaired by Andy Malyon, Chief Medical Officer Specialty Advisor. The group will also consider the feasibility study on a new breast implant register.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-22T13:47:09.627","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":291076,"EventID":"S4W-19057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2014-01-10T13:40:27.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2013-12-20T14:39:35.84","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will implement all of the recommendations in the report, Future arrangements to secure food standards and safety in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"On Tuesday 3 September 2013, Scotland’s First Minister unveiled the Scottish Government’s forthcoming legislative programme for 2013-2014, which included the Food Standards (Scotland) Bill. The Bill will implement the recommendations from the Scudamore report (Future arrangements to secure food standards and safety in Scotland) which was commissioned by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2014-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-01-24T13:40:27.827","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false}]